Marlborough council accepts $350,000 library foundation gift, approves Forest Street utility pole

MARLBOROUGH — February 26, 2024 — Marlborough council accepts $350,000 library foundation gift, pushing total giving to $1 million. The City Council voted 11-0 Monday to accept the Marlborough Public Library Foundation's latest contribution to the library renovation, with Council President Michael Ossing noting the foundation has raised about $1.9 million overall. Councilors also approved a Massachusetts Electric and Verizon petition for a 45-foot joint pole on Forest Street 10-0, with Councilor Samantha Perlman Vidal recused, and accepted a $24,723.06 state fire equipment grant. Finance Committee Chair Laura Irish reported the panel approved $1,202,100 in mid-year transfers after a $5,000 cut, established an Opioid Settlement Special Revenue Fund seeded with $162,202.95 from free cash subject to six reporting conditions, and postponed a new Communications and Special Project Director position 3-1, with Councilor Mark Brown opposed. The council also raised the Public Safety Revolving Fund cap from $120,000 to $143,520.