Town Manager's Newsletter

Town of Chelmsford

October 2026

• Oct. 2 Tod Pronto and Shanna in a Dress Concert
• Oct. 2-4 Book Sale
• Oct. 3 Lyle Hutchins Concert
• Oct. 5-9 Yard Waste Pickup
• Oct. 6 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Workshop
• Oct. 7 Parker School Forum
• Oct. 7 Movie at MacKay
• Oct. 8 Age Friendly Job Fair, Police vs. Fire Softball Game
• Oct. 10 Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration
• Oct. 12 Columbus Day (Trash Delay, Town Offices Closed)
• Oct. 15 Story of Martha Barrett Sparks

• Oct. 16-18 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
• Oct. 17-30 Early In Person Voting
• Oct. 19 Fall Annual Town Meeting
• Oct. 23 Ellsworth & Hicks Concert
• Oct. 24 Zero Waste Day
• Oct. 29 Janelle Draper Comedy
• Oct. 31 Fall Festival, Trick-or-Treat
• Nov. 3 State General Election
• Nov. 7 Pumpkin Smash
• Nov. 11 Purple Heart Memorial Dedication, Veterans Day Ceremony

As I continue settling into my role as Chelmsford's Town Manager, I remain grateful for the warm welcome I have received from residents, staff, elected officials, and community members. Over the past several weeks, I have enjoyed learning more about the people, programs, and traditions that make Chelmsford such a special community. Each day brings new opportunities to listen, learn, and work collaboratively to advance the Town's priorities.

The arrival of October is a reminder that the seasons are changing and that we are entering one of the busiest times of our municipal calendar. Town departments are hard at work preparing for the months ahead while continuing to deliver the high-quality services residents know and expect. At the same time, we are beginning important conversations about both our near-term and long-term future.

One of the most significant events this fall is our Annual Fall Town Meeting. Town Meeting remains one of the most important traditions of our local government and provides residents with a direct voice in shaping the future of our community. I encourage all registered voters to review the warrant, stay informed about the issues before Town Meeting, and participate in the process. Engage with your elected Town Meeting Members who represent your precinct. Thoughtful civic engagement helps ensure that decisions reflect the values and priorities of our residents.

Beyond Fall Town Meeting, we have also begun developing the Town's FY28-FY32 Capital Improvement Program. Capital planning allows us to evaluate and prioritize investments in municipal buildings, infrastructure, parks, public safety equipment, transportation assets, and other long-term community needs. As we evaluate future projects, we remain mindful of enhancing safety, accessibility, and quality of life for residents of all ages and abilities. Careful long-range planning helps ensure that Chelmsford continues to invest strategically while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

As we enjoy everything autumn has to offer, from colorful foliage to community gatherings and school activities, I encourage residents to stay engaged with Town government and take advantage of opportunities to participate in shaping Chelmsford's future. I look forward to continuing to work with you as we plan for the years ahead.

Alex Magee

Town Manager

Parker Middle School Community Forum

Chelmsford Public Schools invites community members to an upcoming Parker Middle School Community Forum on Wednesday, October 7, at 7:00 PM at the Chelmsford Elks Lodge, 300 Littleton Road.

The in-person forum will provide an opportunity to learn more about the project to reinvent Parker Middle School.

For additional information and project updates, visit the Parker Middle School Project webpage.

Twenty-six Articles are on the Warrant for the Fall Annual Town Meeting that begins on Monday, October 19 at 7:30 PM at the Senior Center. This includes eight zoning amendments, investments in Town infrastructure, affordable housing initiatives, and other financial and policy matters.

Although voting at Town Meeting is limited to the Town Meeting Representatives, all residents may participate in the consideration of Warrant Articles. View the Fall Annual Town Meeting Warrant. 

Trick-or-Treat

Get your costumes ready! Trick-or-treating will take place on Halloween night, Saturday, October 31, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, rain or shine.

We hope everyone has a safe, fun, and festive Halloween!

Indigenous Peoples' Day Celebration

Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day with the Chelmsford Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and the Greater Lowell Indian Cultural Association. The third annual community celebration will take place Saturday, October 10, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

The celebration will be held at the Chelmsford Town Common, 1 North Road, in conjunction with the Chelmsford Market on the Common. The afternoon will feature dancing, crafts, games, trivia, and a question-and-answer session.

11:00 -11:30 AM - Introduction and Dancing

11:30- 2:30 PM - Crafts and Games

12:30-1:00 PM - Trivia

1:00-2:00 PM - Dancing and Q&A

Please complete the registration form by October 7 to RSVP or sign up for a year-round scavenger hunt, which begins November 1.

For questions, please contact Sophy Theam at sophy.theam@gmail.com. 

Upcoming Meetings of Planning Board, ZBA, and Conservation Commission

The Planning Board will next meet on October 7 and October 28 in Room 204 of Town Offices at 6:30 PM.

On October 7 the Board will hear a continued public hearing for a 2-lot private way definitive subdivision, to be constructed on a paper street known as Chestnut Hill Lane. New public hearings will open for 271-279 Chelmsford Street for the demolition of the existing house and construction of a new 8,500 sq. ft multi-tenanted commercial building, 24 Maple Street for the demolition of the existing structure and construction of a new 12,500 sq. ft. two-story building with associated site improvements, 345 North Road for the conversion of the existing second floor into 12 residential units, and a scenic road hearing for tree removals.

The Zoning Board of Appeals will be meeting on October 1.

The Conservation Commission will next meet on October 13 and October 27.

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

Chelmsford Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Public Workshop

Help prepare Chelmsford for future hazards!

The Town of Chelmsford, in partnership with the Northern Middlesex Council of Governments, invites the community to the first public workshop for the Town’s Hazard Mitigation Plan update.

Tuesday, October 6 from 6:00 to 7:30 PM

Chelmsford Town Offices, 50 Billerica Road, Room 204.

Share your experiences with flooding, severe storms, extreme heat, power outages, and other hazards. Your local knowledge will help identify vulnerable locations and guide actions to protect residents, infrastructure, natural resources, and essential services.

All community members are welcome. Learn more.

The joint oil spill response exercise conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), and local public safety partners on the Merrimack River has successfully concluded following operations on September 28-29. Over the two-day deployment, participating agencies tested containment and recovery strategies and gained valuable lessons that will further strengthen regional preparedness and emergency response capabilities.

Exercises of this scale require significant planning, coordination, and preparation among federal, state, local, and private-sector partners. The event provided an excellent opportunity to evaluate response tactics, enhance interagency collaboration, and identify improvements that can be incorporated into future response plans.

We are proud to have once again hosted this important regional training exercise and appreciate the dedication of all personnel involved. Protecting the Merrimack River and the communities it serves remains a shared priority. The knowledge gained through this deployment will help improve future response efforts, and we look forward to participating in additional exercises and training opportunities in the years ahead.

It’s Sounding Better at the Senior Center - Acoustical Improvements to the Great Hall 

Pictured: Great Hall at Senior Center with new acoustical panels on the walls and ceilings.

As anyone who has attended previous Town Meetings or other public meetings or events in the Great Hall at the Senior Center knows, the room’s poor acoustics made it difficult to hear presenters or, in some cases, even someone sitting right next to you.

Fall 2025 Town Meeting appropriated $45,000 from Free Cash funds to be allocated towards improving the acoustics within the room. Approximately 130 acoustical panels were installed on the ceiling and walls by the Department of Public Works (DPW). These panels absorb the sound waves throughout the room, improving overall sound clarity. This effort was initiated by the Friends of the Senior Center Board Members and procured and installed by the DPW ahead of Fall 2026 Town Meeting, which will be held on Monday, October 19.

With the installation complete, residents have already reported noticeable acoustical improvements. Painting of the entire hall was also part of the improvements within the Great Hall and flooring remains to be replaced this winter.   

Thank You for the Community’s Patience During This Paving Season

As we head into fall, the Town’s 2026 paving season is nearing completion. We thank residents for their patience and cooperation as this important work has taken place throughout the community.

This year’s paving program included 9.9 miles of pavement rehabilitation, representing approximately $3.0 million in construction. The program was funded through state Chapter 90 funds, along with previously approved capital and free cash funding. Work included several types of pavement rehabilitation, including microsealing, mill and overlay, and pavement reclamation. A full list of streets included in the annual paving program is available on the Town website.

Some work remains and is expected to be completed during October.

For the Mill and Overlay Project, final paving on Gelding Road is anticipated in October. Spot milling is also scheduled for early October on Acton Road near the intersection of Park Road and Barton Hill Road, and on Billerica Road near the intersection with Scientia Drive.

For the pavement reclamation work, Clarissa Road, Colonial Drive, Colonial Terrace, Proctor Road, Chestnut Hill Road, and Galloway Road are currently under construction and at various stages of completion. Most of the work on these streets is expected to be completed within the first two weeks of October, with final completion anticipated by the end of the month.

Tadmuck Road and Twiss Road are the final two streets scheduled for work this season. Both will undergo full pavement reclamation. Work is anticipated to begin in October and be completed by the end of the month, weather permitting.

Pictured: Roadway reclamation underway on Colonial Drive.

DPW Seeking Plow Contractors for 2026-2027 Winter Season

The Department of Public Works is seeking plow contractors for the 2026/2027 winter season.

Rates from $115/hr. to $200/hr. Due to recent fuel cost increases, there will be an additional $10 added to the hourly rate.

Incentive sign-up bonus of $1,500 (per vehicle/equipment registered).

Guaranteed minimum payment in addition to incentives: $4,000 for pick-ups and $5,500 for 6-wheelers and larger.

Contractors must submit all required paperwork and supporting documentation by November 6 to be eligible for incentive payments.

View contract details. 

DPW’s Sewer Division Plays Ball at Southwell – Inspecting the Town’s Sewer Force Main Infrastructure 

The Town’s sewer infrastructure is approximately 20 to 40 years old and includes approximately 12 miles of sewer force mains that distribute wastewater between pump stations and to the Lowell Wastewater Treatment Plant. Sewer force mains are pressurized pipes that use pumps to move wastewater flow across flat areas or uphill. While Chelmsford’s sewer system is relatively new compared to other sewer infrastructure in the New England region, it is important to regularly inspect force mains as they age to detect any deterioration and plan for repairs ahead of a failure. 

The DPW recently utilized a new technology to inspect a portion of the Town’s sewer force mains. In September, the Town hired an engineering consultant, Wright- Pierce, and their sub-specialist, Pure Technologies, to place a device in the force mains that traveled internally within the pipe, collecting data on any leak detection, gas pocket detection, and GPS mapping of the pipeline alignment. The force mains remained functioning and pressurized while collecting this data. The scope of work included a 16” sewer force main tributary to the Southwell Pump Station and a 6” sewer force main tributary to the Richardson Road Pump Station.

The device, owned by Xylem, is called a SmartBall that utilizes acoustic technology to identify any leaks or gas/air pockets within the force mains and GPS technology to map the actual location of the installed pipeline. The data was quickly collected over two mornings and is currently being reviewed by the Town’s consultants. Recommendations and assessment information are anticipated to be received in October.

This new technology is extremely helpful in inspecting ductile iron force mains since this is a non-invasive technology that allows force mains to remain operational during inspections. Alternatives originally considered included conducting test pits at various locations around the force mains and to test the exterior of the pipeline with ultrasonic sensors, which provided various logistical challenges and risks to the existing critical infrastructure. DPW looks forward to utilizing this technology on some of the other 10 miles of force mains throughout the Town in 2027 and in future years. 

Pictured: Sewer Superintendent Dan Belkas (right) and Assistant Sewer Superintendent Shane Gendron (left) at Southwell Station using a SmartBall to inspect the Town’s force mains.

Shrub Giveaway Hosted by Tree Committee and DPW

The Tree Committee and DPW hosted a free shrub giveaway on Tuesday, September 29 at the DPW, located at 9 Alpha Road. One potted shrub per resident was available for free as part of this event, along with plant species and care information. The fall planting season is typically between mid-September and mid-October.

A variety of native shrubs were available as part of this free giveaway, including common elderberry, sweet pepperbush, red-osier dogwood, American hazelnut, wild raisin/witherod, and serviceberry/shadblow. The shrubs were provided in pots and were already matured to varying heights between 18 inches and 3 feet.

While the Tree Committee and DPW have advocated for planting of native trees, they have also been promoting the importance of planting native shrubs. Invasive species, such as Bittersweet, Tree of Heaven, Knotweed, and other common varieties are unfortunately prevalent throughout the region. Planting native shrubs such as these are part of the effort to re-establish native shrubs in our community.

The Town is developing an invasive species management plan and public education materials, which will be available to residents this winter.

This free shrub event was well received and the Tree Committee and DPW hope to continue this program in 2027.

Pictured: Shrub Giveaway at DPW on September 29. One hundred shrubs were provided to residents. 

Bringing Energy Savings to Chelmsford

Chelmsford has been selected to participate in the Mass Save Community First Partnership, sponsored locally with National Grid, to help homeowners, renters, and landlords save energy year-round.

Residents are invited to learn how your home uses and loses energy with a no-cost Home Energy Assessment. Learn how you can improve your family’s comfort, lower monthly energy bills, and get recommended upgrades for a clean, safe and efficient home.

Income-eligible property owners and renters could also receive increased incentives, including no-cost insulation and air sealing, efficient heating and cooling systems, and more. Visit the MassSave Chelmsford-Billerica webpage and scroll to the box labeled "Income-Based Assistance" to explore available opportunities.

Get started with a Home Energy Assessment at the MassSave Chelmsford-Billerica webpage. Your local Energy Advocate, Matt Wilkins, is available to help you navigate income-based offers and answer questions. You can reach him at MWilkins@chelmsfordma.gov or by calling 978-732-4167.

Columbus Day Trash Delay

There will be no solid waste or recycling collection on Monday, October 12 due to the Columbus 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.

Curbside Yard Waste Collection Returns October 5-9

Yard waste collection will take place during the week of October 5-9 on your regular trash and recycling collection day. To ensure pickup, please place all yard waste at the curb by 6:30 AM on your scheduled collection day.

Preparing Yard Waste for Collection:

• Leaves and grass clippings must be placed in paper yard waste bags or rigid barrels.
• Brush and branches should be cut into manageable lengths and tied securely with rope or twine.
• A maximum of three manageable brush piles will be collected per household.
• Branches must be 3 inches in diameter or smaller.
• Plastic bags, rocks, and mulch are not accepted and will not be collected.

This collection follows the Town’s updated yard waste program. Rather than a town-wide Saturday pick-up event, yard waste is now collected curbside on your regular trash collection day during designated collection weeks throughout the year.

For additional seasonal collection dates, please refer to the Solid Waste and Recycling Guide.

Zero Waste Day and Shred Event

The Recycling Committee will hold its annual Zero Waste Day (Rain or Shine) on Saturday, October 24 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at McCarthy Middle School, 250 North Road.

This event is an opportunity to keep usable goods out of the waste stream, saving tax dollars on trash incineration fees and reducing greenhouse gases that result from burning household items. This is a “one-stop drop”, free event that allows homeowners to donate items to multiple nonprofits at the same time and same place.

We have partnered with the following local organizations to collect donated items: CMRK (clothing, dishware, sports equipment), Household Goods Inc. (furniture), Shred-it (paper shredding), Gate City Bikes (bicycles and parts), Recycling Committee (batteries and fluorescent bulbs), UTEC (mattresses and box springs), and the Chelmsford Food Pantry (non-perishable food and cash donations). Find more details on accepted items.

Shred-it, Tires, and Mattresses/Box Springs will be limited to Chelmsford residents with proof of residency. All other stations will be open to non-residents.

Contact Chris Haley, Sustainability Manager at chaley@chelmsfordma.gov or 978-250-5203 with any questions.

How to Dispose of Holiday String Lights

It’s important to discard your non-working holiday lights in an environmentally friendly way. They might be repairable by replacing a blown fuse. If the lights are not working, then they should not be thrown in the trash or recycling bin. 

There will be four collection boxes around town by October 9: Senior Center, Adams Library, Town Offices, and DPW for residents to drop-off their unusable string lights until January 31. 

If the lights are working, please donate them. Simple Recycling will take functional string lights as will other household donation sites. 

If you have any questions, please contact Sustainability Manager Chris Haley at 978-250-5023 or chaley@chelmsfordma.gov.

Save the Date: Pumpkin Smash November 7

Join the Recycling Committee for the Pumpkin Smash on November 7 from 1:00 to 2:00 PM behind the Town Offices!

Keep your old pumpkins and gourds out of the waste stream and compost them instead.

Acceptable pumpkins: no paint or glitter and make sure to remove candles.

The State Election is November 3. Polls will be open on election day from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM at your polling location. Or vote early in person from October 17-30 at the Town Offices Gymnasium (Weekend Hours 1:00-5:00 PM, M-F Regular Business Hours). Or vote by mail! The application deadline to request a ballot by mail is 5:00 PM, Tuesday, October 27. Before you apply to vote by mail, check to see if we’ve already received an application from you; Status “Pending” means we have received your application. 

More info can be found on the Town Clerk’s elections webpage or the State elections webpage. If you are not already registered to vote, register online, or mail in a voter registration form, or come register in person at the Town Clerk’s Office. The deadline to register to vote, or update an existing voter registration, is 10 days before the election; You only need to register to vote once, unless you change your name, address, or party. Check your voter status and more online.

Do you care for a senior loved one but need a little time for yourself to do your own errands or hobbies? Or are you a senior living alone but would like some company once or twice a week?

The Chelmsford Senior Center’s Companion Respite Program allows family caregivers the freedom to do errands, grocery shop, visit with a friend, get a haircut, etc. while your loved one receives the one-on-one attention of a caring companion. Our companions provide social interaction in the form of conversation, games and puzzles, trivia, news-of-the-day, light exercise, hobbies, neighborhood walking, and more, all while providing a safe environment.

• Covering Chelmsford, Westford, Dracut, Carlisle, Tewksbury & Tyngsboro
• Work reference & CORI background checks are done on all companions
• Visits are scheduled for the same day and time each week
• Cost: $19.00/hr. for Chelmsford residents with a 2-hour minimum visit; $20.00/hr. for residents in towns abutting Chelmsford with a 2-hour minimum visit
• In-home visits only - companions do not drive clients

Contact April Hunt for more information at 978-788-6174 or by email at ahunt@chelmsfordma.gov.

Martha Barrett Sparks: Accused Before Salem

Before the Salem Witch-Hunt of 1692: The Witchcraft Accusation of Chelmsford Resident Martha Barrett Sparks

Thursday, October 15, 1:00 PM, Senior Center Room B07

Mary Louise Bingham presents the fascinating story of Martha Barrett Sparks, a Chelmsford resident accused of witchcraft in October 1691, months before the infamous Salem trials. Learn about her imprisonment, the hardships she endured, and how she survived this turbulent chapter in Massachusetts history. Discover the remarkable legacy of a local woman whose story sheds new light on the events surrounding Salem in 1692.

Call 978-251-0533 or email ndussault@chelmsfordma.gov to register.

There's More at MacKay!

Reel Night Out: Gravity, Wednesday, October 7 at 6:30 PM

Come see the sci-fi thriller on the big screen as Sandra Bullock and George Clooney struggle to survive an accident in space! (Rated PG-13, 1 hour and 31 minutes)

Also, come check out the latest collection of new books, movies, and audiobooks at MacKay!

Pitching Hope: Police vs. Fire Softball Game

As we recognize World Mental Health Day this October, we are reminded that mental health is an essential part of overall well-being. Building strong social connections, supporting one another, and fostering a sense of community can make a meaningful difference in promoting hope, resilience, and recovery.

The Chelmsford Suicide Prevention Coalition continues its mission of raising awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging open conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.

One exciting opportunity to come together is the annual Police vs. Fire Softball Game on October 8 at 6:00 PM at Crane Field at Southwell on Wotton Street.

This free, family-friendly event invites residents to cheer on Chelmsford's first responders as they compete for the championship trophy. Attendees can enjoy free popcorn, and Heavenly Dogs will be on site with delicious food available for purchase.

More than just a game, this event celebrates community connection and supports the important message that help is available and hope matters.

Join your neighbors for an evening of fun, connection, and support as we work together to promote mental wellness and help prevent suicide. Everyone is welcome!

Support Group for Grandparents Raising Grandkids

Raising grandchildren can be both rewarding and challenging. The Grandparents Raising Grandkids Support Group provides a welcoming, judgment-free space for caregivers to connect, share experiences, and find support from others who understand their unique journey.

Participants can build positive social connections, access helpful information and community resources, and learn from guest speakers and local organizations. The group offers an opportunity to discuss challenges, celebrate successes, and gain practical advice from peers facing similar situations.

The support group meets on the first Tuesday of each month from 5:00 to 6:00 PM at the Town Offices, Room 206. To make participation easier, dinner and childcare are provided at no cost.

No one should have to navigate caregiving alone. Whether you are new to raising grandchildren or have been doing so for years, this group offers connection, encouragement, and valuable resources to help you and your family thrive.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Supporting Safety, Hope, and Healing

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about domestic violence, support survivors, and strengthen community efforts to promote healthy, safe relationships. Domestic violence can affect people of any age, gender, race, or background, and no one should have to face abuse alone.

• SafeLink: Massachusetts offers several confidential resources for individuals and families seeking help. SafeLink, the state's 24/7 domestic violence hotline, provides crisis intervention, safety planning, and connections to shelters and local support services at 877-785-2020 or on the SafeLink website.

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: The National Domestic Violence Hotline is also available 24/7 at 800-799-SAFE (7233).

• Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA): Additionally, the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) can connect residents with local domestic violence programs and victim support services throughout the Commonwealth. For more information visit the MOVA website.

Residents can also access local assistance through area domestic violence agencies, counseling programs, legal advocacy services, and community health organizations serving the Greater Lowell region. More information, educational materials, and referrals to local resources are available through the Chelmsford Health Department, 978-250-5241.

By raising awareness, supporting survivors, and sharing resources, we can help build a safer, healthier community for everyone. If you or someone you know needs support, help is available, and reaching out is the first step toward safety and healing.

Age Friendly Job Fair

A job fair for everyone, highlighting age friendly employers for job seekers aged 50+, the Age Friendly Job Fair will be held on Thursday, October 8 at the Town Offices Gymnasium at 50 Billerica Road from 11:00 AM to 1:00PM. 

Registration is required. To find the listing of 25 participating local business and to register, visit the event webpage.  Free parking is available from Wilson Street and Chelmsford Street in the lot behind the Town Offices.

This event is offered in partnership between MassHire/Lowell and the Chelmsford Age Friendly Committee. For more information contact MassHire, laura.marshall@masshirelowellcc.com or (978) 458-2503.

Available Town Jobs

The Town of Chelmsford is hiring for the following positions. Please view the full job postings online. Applicants must submit a job application, resume, and cover letter by email to people@chelmsfordma.gov.

Facilities Construction Project Manager (Full Time) - DPW Facilities Division

Under the direction of the Facilities Manager, assist with project planning, design and scoping, budgeting, procurement, and implementation of the Town and School building infrastructure projects. Assist the Operations Manager, under the direction of the Facilities Manager, with the procurement of maintenance and operations related facility projects. 

Custodial Assistant Substitute (Part Time) – Public Library

The Chelmsford Public Library is looking to hire a Custodial Assistant Substitute. This is a non-benefitted per diem position. The Custodial Assistant Substitute duties include routine cleaning, general building security and more.