Rochester Select Board — July 20, 2026

The Rochester Select Board met on July 20, 2026, to address a variety of municipal matters, including utility petitions, policy discussions regarding voting equipment, community recognitions, and public safety appointments. The Town Administrator reported on a letter sent to Senator Rodrigues regarding zoning alterations in economic bond bill Senate Bill 3178, the Planning Board's approval of a municipal parking lot expansion, and the upcoming August start date for the town fiber infrastructure project. The board also held a public hearing and approved an Eversource petition to install a joint-owned utility pole on Braley Hill Road.

Town Moderator David Arancio addressed the board concerning 400 electronic voting devices anonymously donated to the town in April 2026. Arancio expressed concerns about a June 1 Select Board vote to draft a bylaw requiring electronic voting devices, explaining that he felt left out of discussions and clarifying that the May 2026 Annual Town Meeting was efficiently conducted without them. Board members and the Town Administrator clarified that Town Counsel indicated a town bylaw is legally required to authorize electronic voting, and they offered two draft versions for the Moderator to review without intending to mandate clickers or circumvent voice votes.

In other business, the Select Board presented proclamations honoring six Troop 31 Boy Scouts who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout: Brian Correa, Eddie Brown, Josh Van Inwegen, Casey Cash, Ian McManus, and Cole Breton. The board also formally appointed experienced law enforcement veterans Matthew Resendez and James Costa as reserve police officers to serve detail assignments. Correspondence noted the June 2026 SEMASS PILOT payment totaling $417,953.

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