Billerica boards and committees meet to improve communication

On June 4, chairs from many of Billerica’s boards and committees came together for the first time for a meeting at town hall ready to answer the question: “What recent progress have we made that you are most proud of?”

The question, posed by Billerica Board of Selectmen Chair John Piscatelli in advance, was intended to serve as an icebreaker and set a positive tone for discussion at the inaugural meeting.

Piscatelli said he got the idea of getting the town’s boards and committees together from attending a session at the MMA’s Annual Meeting in January, where a town discussed a similar meeting to improve communication and promote collaboration.

Another driver for setting up the meeting was the importance of bringing everyone in one room so that they all receive the same information, he said.

The meeting spurred a lively conversation, Piscatelli said, and the groups brought up recent accomplishments and plans for the next year.

Boards and committees that attended include the Board of Health, Council on Aging, Conservation Commission, and the Finance Committee. The town manager and superintendent of schools were also in attendance, he said.

Feedback was positive, Piscatelli said, and it was decided that the group should meet on a quarterly basis.

The next meeting is expected to be held after a special town meeting in October.