Board & Committee Descriptions

Agricultural Commission

Serve as facilitators for encouraging the pursuit of agriculture in Chelmsford, promote agriculturally based economic opportunities in Town, act as mediators, advocates, educators, and/or negotiators on farming issues, work for preservation of prime agricultural lands and pursue all initiatives appropriate to creating a sustainable agricultural community.

Meeting Frequency: once monthly

Term Limit: 3-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Appointed Positions: 5

Arts & Technology Education Fund Committee

The Arts and Technology Education Fund consists of nine members appointed by the Town Manager including: the superintendent of schools or his/her designee thereof, eight residents of the Town of Chelmsford that will include at least three parents who presently have children in the Chelmsford public schools, a member of the business community, a senior citizen, and a member-at-large. The purpose of the fund is to provide supplemental funding to support educational initiatives and projects that enhance the curriculum of the Chelmsford public schools. Applicants for funds must be a school counsel or member of the professional teaching staff employed by the Chelmsford public schools. The school committee, as a body, may apply through the superintendent of schools who is a member of the ATEF Committee.

Meeting Frequency: once per month January – June

Term Limit: 3-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Appointed Positions: 9

Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee

BPAC works to improve bicycling and pedestrian conditions, coordinates maintenance, policing and enhancements to any bicycle/pedestrian paths. They facilitate coordination of activities that involve or affect non-motorized transportation.

Meeting Frequency: third Thursday of each month

Term Limit: 3-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Appointed Positions: 9

Board of Appeals

To interpret and apply the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Zoning Bylaws of the Town of Chelmsford to all matters which appear before it. In so doing, the Board follows its rules and regulations fairly and gives due deference to the reports of the Planning Board and the Building Commissioner, who is the Zoning Enforcement Officer for the Town of Chelmsford, as well as the decisional laws of the Commonwealth.

Meeting Frequency: first Thursday of each month

Term Limit: 3-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Appointed Positions: 9

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors is responsible for the full and fair market valuation of real and personal property for the purposes of levying the property tax as of January 1st every year. It is the responsibility of the assessor’s office to maintain valuations at full and fair cash value and to meet the Commissioner of Revenue's re-certification requirements of property valuation every three years. The assessor’s office collects and maintains a database on each parcel of property in town.

Meeting Frequency: every other week as needed.

Term Limit: 3-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Appointed Positions: 3

Board of Health

The Board works to protect the public health of the residents. It also has administrative, planning, and policy responsibility for health functions of the Board of Health Office.

Meeting Frequency: once monthly

Term Limit: 3-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Elected Positions: 3

Board of Registrars

Registrars assist the Town Clerk's office in promoting voter registration, maintaining voter registration, certifying signatures on nomination papers and petitions, issuing party enrollment certificates, certifying absentee voter applications, investigating challenges to local nomination papers, conducting recounts, assisting in the preparation of the street list, and being present at all elections as part of the reporting process.

Affecting Legislation: M.G.L. ch. 51 §15

Term Limit: 3-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Appointed Positions: 3

Capital Planning Committee

The committee studies proposed capital outlays having a useful life of at least five years. The committee promulgates rules and regulations, makes investigations, and holds public hearings as it deems appropriate. In conjuncture with the town manager, the committee develops an annual capital budget.

Meeting Frequency: once weekly as needed November - December

Term Limit: 1 year term, unlimited number of terms.

Appointed Positions: 2 citizen reps, School Committee, Library, Select Board, Treasurer and Accountant

Cemetery Commission

The three-member elected Board of Cemetery Commissioners is responsible for the governance of all town cemeteries. The Cemetery Commission appoints a superintendent to manage daily department operations.

Meeting Frequency: approximately 6 per year

Term Limit: 3-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Elected Positions: 3

(CCA) Town Hall Advisory Committee

Meeting Frequency: once monthly

Term Limit: 1-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Appointed Positions: 9

Center Village Master Plan Implementation Committee

Ad Hoc Committee to carry out the action items in the 2013 Center Village Master Plan.

Meeting Frequency: once monthly

Term Limit: 1-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Positions: 7

Chelmsford Housing Authority

The Chelmsford Housing Authority is dedicated to meeting the needs of the elderly, disabled and families in need of affordable housing. Supportive services tailored to the needs of each group are considered of the utmost importance. Families will be offered support to continuously improve themselves, achieve self-sufficiency and eventually towards homeownership. The disabled will be directed to the appropriate local services to meet their individual needs. The elderly will be offered supportive services to maintain their highest level of independence in a community environment and age in place. Everyone that meets the Chelmsford Housing Authority will be treated with respect, dignity and understanding. The Chelmsford Housing Authority recognizes the importance of a compassionate and dedicated staff to meeting the needs of diverse populations. Together with the support of the Board of Commissioners, employees, residents and community members, the Chelmsford Housing Authority will strive to assist everyone in securing affordable housing and an environment in which they can continue to be valuable members of the community.

Meeting Frequency: once monthly

Term Limit: 5-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Elected Positions: 3

Appointed Positions: 1 Governor appointee, 1 annual resident appointee.

Chelmsford Library Board of Trustees

Trustees ensure that the library supports the needs of our community and reflects the community’s values. The Trustees are authorized to set policies for the library.

Meeting Frequency: second Wednesday of each month

Term Limit: 3-year Terms, unlimited number of Terms.

Elected Positions: 5

Clean Energy and Sustainability Committee

The Committee is charged with studying and making recommendations for specific strategies and actions for Chelmsford to achieve a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and to recommend intermediate targets that are consistent with the overall final objective. The Committee will provide a report of findings and recommendations to the Select Board annually and will provide an overall assessment of Chelmsford's progress toward net-zero emissions to the Select Board every five years.

Meeting Frequency: once monthly

Term Limit: 3-year Terms, unlimited number of Terms.

Select Board Appointed Positions: 9

Commission on Disabilities

The Commission works to deal with all disability issues and provide information, referral, guidance, coordination, and technical assistance to other public agencies and private persons, organizations, and institutions engaged in activities and programs intended to eliminate prejudice and discrimination against persons with disabilities.

Meeting Frequency: once monthly

Term Limit: 3-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Appointed Positions: 9

Community Action Program Committee

The Community Action Program Committee is appointed by the Town Manager annually. The Community Action Program provides a unique source of matching funds for projects that benefit the community. The Community Action Program was established for the purpose of encouraging community involvement by awarding cash grants to individuals and organizations that wish to develop civic projects for the benefit and enjoyment of the citizens of Chelmsford.

Meeting Frequency: once per quarter

Term Limit: 1-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Appointed Positions: 7

Community Preservation Fund Committee

The Community Preservation Act is administered by the Community Preservation Committee (CPC), a nine-member committee. The CPC holds an annual public hearing to receive comment on the proposed plan. The CPC then finalizes the plan for use of the funds and annually presents its plan in town meeting for approval. Town meeting then votes on the proposed recommendations.

Meeting Frequency: third Wednesday of each month

Affecting Legislation: M.G.L. ch. 44B §5 Town of Chelmsford Code ch. 19 §§ 1-6

Term Limit: 3-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Appointed Positions: 7

Conservation Commission

The Chelmsford Conservation Commission promotes the protection and management of the town's diverse natural resources. The Commission is the permitting authority specifically charged with the conservation and protection of wetland resource areas. The Commission also provides educational resources for residents to be actively involved in the use and enjoyment of Chelmsford's open spaces. The Commission manages more than 900 acres of town-owned open space, including nine reservations with public trail systems.

Meeting Frequency: First and third Tuesday of each month

Term Limit: 3-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Appointed Positions: 7

Council on Aging Board

Members serve in an advisory capacity and work with the Director of the Senior Center to develop policy, programs and services.

Meeting Frequency: once monthly

Term Limit: 3 year Terms, unlimited number of Terms.

Appointed Positions:.11, plus up to 5 associate positions

Cultural Council

The council provides public funding for the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences by granting funds to individuals and organizations in the community. Its duties also include soliciting community input and assessing local cultural needs. Membership consists of 9 - 21 members.

Meeting Frequency: once monthly

Affecting Legislation: M.G.L. c10 §58

Term Limit: 3-year terms, limited to 2 Consecutive Terms, then 1 year break.

Appointed Positions: 21

Dog Park Advisory Committee 

Meeting Frequency:

Term Limit: 1-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Appointed Positions: 5

Finance Committee

The Committee meets with each Town Department head, considers the merits of the individual budget in terms of the Town’s total needs and the limits of the total monies available, and prepares the final budget recommendations for the Annual Town Meeting.

Meeting Frequency: once weekly September – May

Term Limit: 3-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Moderator Appointed Positions: 7

Fire Station Study Committee

This ad hoc committee will study the future capital and operational needs of the Chelmsford Fire Department related to buildings and apparatus and offer its recommendations to the Select Board by June 30, 2022.

The Committee shall consist of seven members as follows:

Fire Chief, Town Manager, (1) Select Board Member, (2) Firefighters’ Union Members, (1) Chelmsford Resident appointed by the Select Board, (1) Chelmsford Resident appointed by the firefighters’ union. Each member shall be appointed for a partial-year term expiring on June 30, 2022.

Historic District Commission

The Commission works to preserve and protect the buildings and places within the Chelmsford Center Historic District.

Meeting Frequency: once monthly

Term Limit: 3-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Appointed Positions: 7

Historical Commission

The Commission works to promote the preservation, promotion, and development of the historical assets of the Town. It conducts research to identify places of historical value and actively urges other alternatives before destroying a historically important building or site.

Meeting Frequency: once per month

Term Limit: 3-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Appointed Positions: 7.

Holiday Decorating Committee

The Holiday Decorating Committee arrange and implement the Holiday Lighting and Prelude Ceremony in Chelmsford Center on the first Sunday in December. The Committee, with the help of several interested individuals and groups, physically put up and take down all the lights on the shrubs and trees on Chelmsford Common and the Chelmsford Center Village.

Meeting Frequency: seasonally as needed.

Term Limit: 1-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Appointed Positions: 9

Housing Advisory Board

This is a permanent standing committee, whose mission is: To conduct pre-application meetings, as requested by potential applicants, to ensure housing proposals are consistent with the housing goals stated in the adopted master plan and affordable housing master plan documents. To provide advisory opinions, as requested by Town Boards during the permitting process, to ensure the proposals are consistent with the housing goals stated in the adopted master plan and affordable housing master plan documents. To work with the Community Development Department, Housing Authority, and applicants, to implement the actionable components of the Affordable Housing Plan in order to meet the desired levels of affordable housing units established in Chelmsford. Perform research as requested on new initiatives pertaining to housing.

Meeting Frequency: once monthly

Term Limit: 2 year Terms, unlimited number of Terms.

Positions: 4 in total. 2 occupied. 2 vacant.

Middlesex Canal Commission

The Commission works to maintain the Middlesex Canal Heritage Park and to inform, inspire, and draw the public to this nationally significant landmark.

Meeting Frequency: annual meeting

Term Limit: 2-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Appointed Positions: 1

Military Community Covenant Task Force

The Task force has formalized a partnership between the Town and local military community, represented by Hanscom AFB. The Task Force represents the Town of Chelmsford in advocating for military families. Activities primarily consist of coordinating volunteers who wish to support military families in Chelmsford and approaching the business community in town to provide discounts or other gestures of appreciation to military families.

Meeting Frequency: once monthly

Term Limit: 3-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Appointed Positions: 7

 Nashoba Valley Technical High School District School Committee

Nashoba Valley Technical High School serves our eight District towns of Ayer, Chelmsford, Groton, Littleton, Pepperell, Shirley, Townsend, and Westford. We are governed by the school committee members appointed by their individual towns: Nashoba Valley Technical High School District School Committee

Meeting Frequency: monthly

Term Limit: 3-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Select Board Appointed Positions: 3, plus 1 alternate member.

North Town Hall Advisory Committee

Term Limit: 1-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Positions: 7

Parade Committee

The Parade Committee plans and executes the annual Fourth of July Parade in Chelmsford

Meeting Frequency: once monthly

Term Limit: 1-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Appointed Positions: unlimited.

Permanent Building Committee

The Permanent Building Committee assists the Town Manager with the development of financial estimates, project design and supervision of construction of municipal building projects.

Meeting Frequency: once monthly.

Term Limit: 3-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Appointed Positions: 7 in total. 5 occupied. 2 vacant.

Personnel Board

The Personnel Board works in conjunction with the Town Manager in developing Personnel Rules and Regulations and the classification and compensation system of the town.

Meeting Frequency: as needed.

Term Limit: 2-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Appointed Positions: 4, plus one elected employee representative.

Planning Board

(a) Composition, Term of Office. There shall be a planning board composed of seven members elected for terms of three years each, so arranged that the terms of as nearly an equal number of members as is possible expire each year. There may be one associate member of the planning board when the board is designated a special permit granting authority under the town's zoning by-law. The associate member of the planning board shall be elected at the annual town election. If the position becomes vacant or is unfilled the position shall be jointly appointed by members of the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board. The associate member of the Planning Board shall be elected for a term of two years. (b) Powers and Duties. The planning board shall have the responsibility to make studies of the resources, possibilities and needs of the town and to make plans for the development of the town. The board shall have the power to regulate the subdivision of land within the town by the adoption of rules and regulations governing such development. The planning board shall have all the powers and duties given to planning boards by the laws of the commonwealth, the charter, bylaw or other town meeting vote.

Meeting Frequency: Second and fourth Wednesday of each month

Term Limit: 3 year Terms, unlimited number of Terms.

Elected Positions: 7, plus 2 Associate Members

Public Records Advisory Committee

Responsibilities of the Public Records Advisory Committee would include but would not be limited to: • Help to establish a Records Management Program based on the MA Public Records Retention Schedule for Town Departments to follow. • Providing advice, guidance, and support to the records program and Records Management Administrator (Town Clerk). • Work with local government officials and their professional associations promoting an understanding of the program’s goals and the value of the program. • Promote public awareness of the program. • Advise the Records Management Administrator on records management problems or issues that might arise. • Provide advice or appraisal on archival records. • Review disposition of records where there are questions or the historical value needs review. • This committee would be represented by the Town Clerk as chairman, either the Town Finance

Director or Town Accountant, a member of the Historical Commission, a Library Representative, and one citizen representative. • This committee would assist the Town Clerk in prioritizing and resolving upcoming record management issues and to realize the goals of the records management program.

Meeting Frequency: Monthly

Term Limit: 3-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Appointed Positions: 5

Recycling Committee

The Committee works to reduce solid waste disposal costs by decreasing the quantity of solid waste disposed and increasing the quantity of recyclables collected. The committee also works to increase the number of recycling participants.

Meeting Frequency: once monthly

Term Limit: 1-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Appointed Positions: 9

Roberts Field Advisory Committee

Reporting to the Town Manager, the Roberts Field Advisory Committee shall provide citizen input towards the implementation of the Roberts Field Master Plan. The Department of Public Works (DPW) shall consult with the advisory board regarding the maintenance and capital improvements to Roberts Field, the planting and protection of trees, and the establishment of park rules and regulations. In cooperation with the DPW, the advisory board may explore grants, sponsorships, donations, and other revenue sources, as well as volunteer contributions for the enhancement of Roberts Field.

Meeting Frequency: monthly

Term Limit: 1-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Appointed Positions: 7

School Committee

The Chelmsford School Committee is a legislative body comprised of five members elected for three-year terms at the Town Election in April, whose primary responsibility is to: ~ oversee the annual school budget ~ develop school system policies ~ hire and review the performance of the Superintendent ~ advocate for the school system with citizens, town government, and state government The School Committee is responsible for setting priorities (through the budget) and for establishing local policy to ensure that the schools are properly run in accordance with state law and regulations.

Meeting Frequency: every other Tuesday

Term Limit: 3-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Elected Positions: 5

Select Board

(a) Composition, Term of Office. There shall be a select board composed of five members elected for terms of three years each, so arranged that the terms of as nearly an equal number of members as is possible shall expire each year.

(b) Powers and Duties. The executive authority of the town shall be vested in the select board which shall be deemed to be the chief executive office in the town. The select board shall be the chief policy making agency of the town and shall have all the powers and duties given to boards of selectmen or select boards as may be authorized by the laws of the commonwealth, the charter, bylaw or other town meeting vote, except those powers granted to the town manager under this charter. The select board shall prepare reports of town business and distribute such reports to all town meeting members. The select board shall act by the issuance of policy guidelines and directives. It is the intention of this provision that the select board shall act only through the adoption of policy directives and guidelines which are to be implemented by the officers and employees appointed by or under its authority. The town manager shall be the primary officer responsible for the implementation of policy directives and guidelines adopted by the select board. The daily administration of the affairs of the town shall be the exclusive responsibility of the town manager. (c) Appointment Powers. The select board shall appoint Town Manager, a Town Counsel, Town Accountant, Personnel Board, Public Celebrations Committee and a Board of Registrars of voters (but not including the Town Clerk). The select board shall also appoint all multiple member policy advisory committees and may appoint ad hoc committees not specifically provided by bylaw. (d) Licensing Authority. The select board shall be the licensing authority of the town and shall have all the power to issue licenses as otherwise authorized by law, to make all necessary rules and regulations regarding the issuance of such licenses and to attach conditions and restrictions on any such license it may issue as it deems to be in the public interest, and to enforce all laws relating to all such businesses for which it issues any licenses.

Meeting Frequency: bimonthly

Term Limit: 3-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Elected Positions: 5.

Tree Committee

Facilitates and encourages the long-term health of Chelmsford's public trees. Charged with developing and administering a comprehensive tree management program.

Meeting Frequency: once monthly

Term Limit: 3-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Appointed Positions: 5

Vinal Square Strategic Action Plan Committee

Create an implementation strategy based on town policy documents, including: 2010 Master Plan 2011 Affordable Housing Plan 2012

NMCOG Vinal Square Traffic and Circulation Report 2013 Historic and Cultural Preservation Plan The plan will address economic development, land use/zoning, traffic/circulation, open space, recreation, historic preservation, and housing. This plan will build on existing investments in Vinal Square, such as the renovation of the North Town Hall and Varney Park/Playground improvements.

Meeting Frequency: once monthly

Term Limit: 1-year terms, unlimited number of terms.

Appointed Positions: 7

Town Meeting Representative – All Precincts

The legislative body of the Town of Chelmsford is a Representative Town Meeting, consisting of 165 elected Town Meeting Representatives, 15 from each of 11 precincts. The April Town Meeting is expected to be primarily concerned with the determination of matters involving the expenditure and commitment of Town funds, including but not limited to the adoption of an annual operating budget for all Town agencies. All warrant articles shall be in the hands of the Board of Selectmen no later than the first Monday in January for the Town Meeting to be held in April and the first Monday in August for the Town Meeting to be held in October. The Board of Selectmen may waive this requirement if deemed in the best interest of the Town or as required by statute. The warrant article shall be included in the Finance Committee report which shall be made available to Town Meeting members and the public not less than one week before either Town Meeting. The warrant articles for any Special Town Meeting shall be made available to the Town Meeting Representatives not less than 14 days before the Special Town Meeting.

Meeting Frequency: Annual Town Meetings begin on the last Monday in April and the third Monday in October each year. Adjourned sessions of any Town Meeting shall be scheduled for only a Monday or Thursday, unless an alternate date is approved by a two-thirds vote of the Town Meeting representatives present and voting.
Affecting Legislation: Town Charter, Municipal Codes & Bylaws
Term Limit: 3-year terms, unlimited number of terms.