Town Manager's Newsletter

Town of Chelmsford

April 2026

• Apr. 1 Battery and Bulb Shed Open
• Apr. 6 Last Day to Vote Absentee in Person, Clerk's Office Closes at noon
• Apr. 6 Youth Academy Registration Opens
• Apr. 7 Annual Town Election, Last Day to Return Mail-In Ballot
• Apr. 11 Janelle’s Dirty Basement Comedy Show
• Apr. 11 Fix It Clinic
• Apr. 11-12 The Old Maid and the Thief
• Apr. 12-13 Auditions for Ten Minute Play Festival

• Apr. 16 One Book Author Talk
• Apr. 18 Annual Town Wide Cleanup Week Begins
• Apr. 20 Patriots’ Day (Trash Delay, Town Offices Closed)
• Apr. 21 TM Screening Committee Applications Due
• Apr. 21 S.P.R.I.N.G. Reset
• Apr. 25 Household Hazardous Waste Day
• Apr. 27 Spring Annual Town Meeting
• Apr. 30 Tip-A-Cop
• May 1 Property Tax Bills Due
• May 2 Textile Recycling and Paper Shredding

Over the next several months, our community will bid farewell to three dedicated town officials whose service has significantly shaped Chelmsford.

Town Manager Paul Cohen, who has tirelessly served the community for 19 ½ years, will retire on Memorial Day. Police Chief Colin Spence, who has guided the Police Department for the past three years and devoted decades to the town as a uniformed officer, will retire on June 1. Town Accountant Darlene Lussier, whose 26 years of service have contributed greatly to the town’s financial stewardship, will conclude her distinguished career on Labor Day.

The Town extends heartfelt appreciation to each of these leaders for their commitment and contributions to our community. 

Select Board Seeks Residents to Serve on Town Manager Screening Committee

The Select Board has announced that it is seeking Chelmsford residents interested in serving on the Town Manager Screening Committee.

The committee will be charged with assisting the Select Board by holding public input sessions, reviewing applications, participating in interviews, and providing input throughout the recruitment process.

The Screening Committee will consist of up to two Select Board members, at least one representative Town employee, and Town residents. The Select Board will appoint the committee.

Residents who are selected to serve can expect to participate in:

• Identifying desired qualifications and leadership traits for the position
• Gathering community input to help inform the search
• Reviewing applications and interviewing candidates
• Recommending finalists to the Select Board for consideration

Interested Chelmsford residents are encouraged to apply by April 21.

Applications may be submitted in one of the following ways:

• By completing the Online Committee Application, or
• By submitting a letter of interest via email to tmoffice@chelmsfordma.gov

Spring Annual Town Meeting

The Spring Annual Town Meeting will convene on Monday, April 27 at 7:30 PM at the senior center. Although only the elected 165 Town Meeting Representatives may vote at Town Meeting, any resident of the town may participate in proceedings.

The Warrant contains 36 Articles. This includes the operating and capital budgets for the upcoming fiscal year that begins on July 1, an outdoor lighting bylaw, and several changes to the zoning bylaw.

Town Meeting will reconvene on the successive Thursday and Monday evenings until consideration of all Warrant Articles has been completed. Chelmsford Telemedia will televise the Town Meeting sessions live for viewing on cable television, its streaming service, and YouTube. 

Click the button below to view a copy of the Spring Annual Town Meeting Warrant.

The Planning Board will next meet on April 8 in Room 204 of Town Offices at 7:00 PM. The Board will conduct re-organization of officers and continue its discussion related to potential zoning articles for Fall Town Meeting.

The Conservation Commission will next meet on April 14 and April 28.

The posted agendas for these meetings will be available on the agenda center of the Town’s website.

No-Mow May? Let’s Level it Up!

The idea of not mowing your lawn in May to allow wild native plants that feed early bees and pollinators sounds great. Tall grass = deeper roots = healthier soil = less runoff = happy microbes!

But can one month of not mowing really allow native flowering plants to get big enough to actually provide the nectar and pollen necessary for the early bees and pollinators? In June, when regular mowing commences, there isn't time for those beneficials to gain the height they need to bloom. There are also concerns that taller grasses encourage more ticks and mosquitoes, and their unkempt look may affect neighbors or violate HOA rules, all while allowing weeds and allergens to proliferate.

Alternative approaches such as developing pollinator corridors, leaving part(s) of your lawn long and adding in some flowering native plants might be more effective.

To create a pollinator corridor from one area in your yard to another, and from yard to yard, try some or all of the following: 

• Reducing or eliminating pesticides
• Delaying spring cleanup till the end of May to provide them shelter and places to nest
• Use vertical space. Climbers offer shelter, cover, and fruit for wildlife
• Use native plants in pots or window boxes; every plant helps
• Consider planting ground covers in place of some or all grass
• For an even bigger impact, even in a small yard, consider planting a small bee lawn

Let’s move beyond ‘No Mow May’ and focus on practices that support pollinators all season long!

Youth Academy 2026

The Chelmsford Police Department is pleased to announce the return of the Youth Academy for Summer 2026. This program offers students a unique, hands-on opportunity to learn about law enforcement through interactive training and team-based activities alongside Chelmsford Police officers.

Registration will open on April 6 at 5:00 PM and can be completed online at ChelmsfordPAL.com. The academy will offer two sessions: one for incoming 5th and 6th grade students from July 27 through July 31, and one for incoming 7th and 8th grade students from August 17 through August 21.

Participants will gain exposure to various areas of policing, engage in practical demonstrations, and build teamwork and leadership skills.

Please note that space is limited, the program is open to Chelmsford residents only, and participation is not determined on a first-come, first-served basis. For additional information, please contact SRO Sullivan at dsullivan@chelmsfordma.gov, SRO Rokas at arokas@chelmsfordma.gov, or SRO Linstad at dlinstad@chelmsfordma.gov.

Tip-A-Cop Event for Special Olympics

The Establishment, 75 Princeton Street, is partnering with the Law Enforcement Torch Run to host a Tip-A-Cop event on Thursday April 30 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Members of the Chelmsford Police Department will serve as your celebrity waiters, serving your tables and earning "tips" (donations) for Special Olympics Massachusetts. Come on down and support a great night! 

Massachusetts Drought Alert

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA), in coordination with the Massachusetts Drought Management Task Force, has declared critical drought conditions in Central and Northeastern Massachusetts, with significant drought conditions identified across much of the remainder of the state.

These designations reflect prolonged precipitation deficits and stressed water resources statewide. As we move into the spring season, these conditions are especially concerning, as increased outdoor activity coincides with drier fuels and an elevated risk of brush and wildland fires.

It is also important to note that this winter’s snowfall has not resulted in a meaningful improvement in overall drought conditions. Much of the precipitation received over the winter remains effectively “locked up” in snowpack due to sustained low temperatures throughout February and frozen ground conditions. Even as temperatures rise and snow begins to melt, the hydrologic benefit will be limited. As a general rule, approximately three feet of snow yields only about two to three inches of liquid water, which is insufficient to fully recharge rivers, lakes, ponds, and groundwater systems following months of below‑average rainfall. As a result, drought impacts are expected to persist into the spring, continuing to contribute to heightened fire risk and water supply concerns.

Visit the EOEEA website for more information.

Annual Town Wide Cleanup

Please join Chelmsford’s Annual Town Wide Cleanup by helping to pick up litter along Chelmsford’s roads, neighborhoods, parks, and recreation areas. 

Plan your cleanup for the week of Saturday, April 18 to Sunday, April 26. Volunteers are urged to wear bright-colored clothing and avoid stepping into the street while working. Whenever possible, please bring your yellow bags to your home curbside. They will be picked up with your regular trash until Friday, May 1, or call for other arrangements. 

Register online or sign up at the DPW at 9 Alpha Road and pick up yellow bags between April 13 and April 24 during regular hours (M, W, Th: 7:00 AM-4:00 PM, Tu: 7:00 AM-6:00 PM, F: 7:00 AM-noon). 

If you have any questions, please contact Sustainability Manager Chris Haley at 978-250-5203 or chaley@chelmsfordma.gov.

Battery and Bulb Shed Reopens April 1

Chelmsford’s Battery and Bulb Shed, located behind the Town Offices at 50 Billerica Road, will be open for the season beginning Wednesday, April 1. The shed will be open on the first Wednesday of the month from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM, April through November.

Residents may drop off the following items during open hours:

• Rechargeable batteries (including lithium‑ion, NiCd, and NiMH)
• Mercury-containing products such as fluorescent, CFL, and neon bulbs
• Button batteries
• Mercury thermometers and thermostats
• Blood pressure cuffs
• Electrical switches
• Printer cartridges

The Bulb Shed provides a safe and convenient way to properly dispose of items that should not be placed in regular trash.

Household Hazardous Waste Day April 25

Household Hazardous Waste Day will be held on Saturday, April 25, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Department of Public Works, 9 Alpha Road.

This event allows residents to safely dispose of common household products that contain hazardous chemicals, including:

• Antifreeze and brake fluid
• Motor oil, gasoline, and transmission fluid
• Oil-based paints, solvents, stains, and varnishes
• Pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and pool chemicals
• Drain openers, degreasers, oven cleaners
• Driveway sealers, epoxies, and adhesives
• Automotive polishes and waxes

Please note: Sharps and latex paint will not be accepted.

Proper disposal helps protect public health, water quality, and the environment.

Patriots' Day Trash Delay

There will be no solid waste or recycling collection on Monday, April 20 due to the Patriots’ Day holiday. Collection for the rest of the week will be delayed by one day. Please note that no bulk items are collected during holiday weeks.

4th Quarter Property Tax Bills

Fourth quarter FY2026 Real Estate and Personal Property tax bills were mailed to all taxpayers by March 30 and are due May 1. Since May 1 falls on a Friday this year, please note that the Town Offices hours are 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM on Fridays. If you have questions after receiving your bill, please contact the Tax Collector’s Office at 978-250-5210.

2026 Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Reminder

2026 Motor Vehicle Excise tax bill reminder: The first batch of Motor Vehicle Excise tax bills were mailed in February and were due by March 23. If you did not receive a bill or possibly misplaced it, please contact the Tax Collector’s Office to pay the bill by April 10 to avoid receiving a demand bill and $30 demand fee. If you received a Motor Vehicle Excise bill back in February for a car that you sold, traded-in, or no longer own, please contact the Assessors’ Office at 978-250-5220 to file an application for abatement.

Upcoming Elections

The 2026 Annual Town Election will be held on Tuesday, April 7.

Polls will be open from 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Polling Locations:

• Senior Center - Precincts 1 & 2
• McCarthy Middle School - Precincts 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8
• Town Offices Gymnasium - Precincts 9, 10 & 11
• Find your polling location

Deadlines

• April 6, noon: Last day and hour to vote absentee in person. Per MGL c.54 §89, a person qualifies for absentee voting if they are prevented from voting at the polls on election day due to: Absence from Town on Election Day, Disability, or Religious reasons.
• April 6, noon: Town Clerk’s Office will close at noon to prepare for the election.
• April 7, 8:00 PM: Last day and hour to return mail-in ballot to the Town Clerk’s Office (Ballot Drop Boxes at Town Offices available)

Visit VoteinMA.com to check your voter status, find your polling location, track your mail-in ballot, and more!

Spring Clean with Purpose: Free Textile Recycling and Paper Shredding Event

Spring offers the perfect moment to refresh your home while supporting a meaningful community effort. On Saturday, May 2 residents are invited to a free drive through Textile Recycling and Paper Shredding Event from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Chelmsford Senior Center, 75 Groton Road. Hosted by the Middlesex Hoarding Disorder Resource Network, the event welcomes participants from Chelmsford and surrounding towns.

As you sort through closets and old paperwork, set aside items you no longer need. Clean and dry textiles of any kind, including clothing, shoes, linens, and stuffed animals, will be reused or recycled. Personal documents such as bank statements, medical records, and tax papers can be securely shredded on site. The Shredding is first come, first served until the truck is full.

Textile donations also support the Network’s mission through a fundraiser with Helpsy. One simple visit helps you declutter, recycle responsibly, protect your identity, and strengthen an important community resource. For questions, call 978-250-5241.

S.P.R.I.N.G. Reset for Youth

This April, local high school students are invited to take a meaningful pause and build skills that support lifelong wellness. The Chelmsford Health Department, together with the Merrimack Valley Health Education Center, will host a free SPRING Reset for Youth, a hands-on health and wellness retreat for students in grades 9 through 12. The program will be held on Tuesday, April 21 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Chelmsford Public Library.

SPRING represents Strength, Presence, Relaxation, Insight, Nourishment, and Growth. Throughout the afternoon, participants will explore mindfulness practices that encourage stress relief, better sleep, and improved mood. They will also learn simple movement routines that can be done at home, along with easy and nutritious snack ideas that support energy and focus.

The retreat is designed to be welcoming and interactive, with healthy snacks and free giveaways provided. Families with questions can contact the Health Department at 978-250-5241.

Registration is required. Please click the button below to sign up!

Celebrating National Public Health Week in Chelmsford

Each April, communities across the country observe National Public Health Week, a time to recognize the importance of prevention, wellness, and the systems that help people live healthier lives. In Chelmsford, public health means supporting residents at every stage of life and in every setting where they live, learn, work, and play.

Public health is more than responding to illness. It includes promoting mental well-being, encouraging healthy eating and regular activity, preventing substance misuse, supporting youth and older adults, protecting the environment, and preparing for emergencies. Through education, resource connections, and programs that promote healthy choices, public health efforts strengthen the entire community.

National Public Health Week reminds us that small daily actions matter. Staying current on vaccines, managing stress, choosing nutritious foods, moving more, and checking in on neighbors all contribute to a healthier Chelmsford. Partnerships with schools, libraries, senior services, and local organizations help make these efforts accessible.

The Health Department is proud to support wellness, prevention, and equity throughout the year. Together, we can continue building a healthier and more connected community.

Seeking Vendors for Annual Fall Festival

The Health Department is excited to announce its 5th Annual Fall Festival, taking place on Saturday, September 26, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on the Chelmsford Town Common. This family‑friendly event is expected to draw more than 3,000 attendees and will feature live entertainment, including a princess performance, a petting zoo, bounce house, touch‑a‑truck, and more. Local food trucks and restaurants will be on site selling food and drinks, along with over 30 community vendors offering fun, education, and activities for all ages.

The Health Department is currently seeking vendors and sponsors, making this a great opportunity for local businesses and organizations to connect with the community while supporting a beloved Chelmsford tradition. If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor or vendor, please call the Health Department at 978-250-5241.