The meeting opened with a moment of silence for prayers and remembrance for:

Select Board members Kaitbenski, Dowling, and Volpe wished all a happy holiday season, while Chair Goodwin reminded residents to stay safe and not drink and drive during the holidays.

✅ Liquor License Approved for Mangia Bene
— Board voted 4-0 to grant an All Alcohol Beverages license to Mangia Bene at 139 Main Street. Owner James Hunter met with the Board to discuss opening the restaurant. While the Town department application process is still underway, the Board proceeded with the ABCC licensing portion due to the lengthy state process.

✅ Housing Production Plan Contract Signed
— Authorized $20,000 agreement with Karen Sunnarborg Consulting for the Sturbridge Housing Production Plan, funded through CPA funds in compliance with MA housing laws for the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust.

✅ Manager Changes Approved
— Pizzeria Uno Chicago Bar & Grille (100 Charlton Road): Christopher Brown replaces Dorothy Wegiel.

✅ Common Victualler License Issued
— The Little Rest Stop received approval to open, with the $40 license fee waived for 2025. The Board of Health must still confirm compliance before opening. A 2026 renewal application will be required at normal fees. The Board discussed improving and streamlining the permitting process to make it more accessible and user-friendly for applicants.

✅ Holland Fiber Optic Partnership Approved
— Board voted 4-0 to partner with Holland Select Board on a joint Community Compact IT Grant application for FY2026 (see details below).

✅ DPW Surplus Equipment Declared
— Six pieces of equipment declared surplus including: 2004 International 7400, 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD, 2012 JD6430 with side boom mower, and three lawn mowers.

✅ Committee Appointments
— William Barnsley reappointed to Historic Commission through November 17, 2028.
— Michael Harrington (Publick House) appointed to Betterment Committee through December 1, 2026.
— Clerk Mary Dowling appointed to Town Betterment Committee for one year.
— Selectperson MaryLou Volpe appointed to Personnel Classification & Policy Committee.

✅ 2026 Business License Renewals Approved
— Board approved renewals for 38 businesses including American Legion, Annie's Country Kitchen, Burger King, Cracker Barrel, Deep Roots Distillery, Old Sturbridge Village, Publick House, Rapscallion, and others.

✅ Dispatcher Resignation Accepted
— Keri Leonard's resignation as Full Time Dispatcher accepted, effective November 13, 2025.

Mangia Bene is preparing to open at 139 Main Street, bringing a new dining option to downtown Sturbridge. The Board granted the restaurant's all-alcohol liquor license following a public hearing.

Owner James Hunter met with the Board to discuss the restaurant's opening timeline. Town Administrator Robin Grimm explained that while the application process through various Town departments is still underway, the Board moved forward with the ABCC licensing portion because the state's liquor licensing process is lengthy and getting started early will help the business open sooner.

This proactive approach demonstrates the Town's commitment to supporting new businesses while ensuring all regulatory requirements are met.

🍽️ Streamlining Business Permitting
During discussion of The Little Rest Stop's last-minute license application, the Board emphasized the Town's responsibility to improve and streamline the permitting process, making it more accessible and user-friendly for applicants. This commitment to reducing bureaucratic hurdles should help future businesses open more smoothly.

🎄 Holiday Events
Town Administrator Grimm reminded residents to check with the Recreation Department for upcoming holiday community events.

🤝 Teamsters Union Representation
The Teamsters will now be representing DPW workers, marking a change in union representation for the department.

💧 Old Sturbridge Village Water Tower Easement
Old Sturbridge Village will be working with the Town on an easement for a water tower, advancing important infrastructure coordination.

The Board approved partnering with Holland on a Community Compact IT Grant for fiber-optic infrastructure in a cost-effective regional collaboration.

Tantasqua Assistant Director of Technology and Facilities Steve Rich explained that Holland seeks to run fiber from Holland to Tantasqua Junior High School. While some fiber may already be in place, only 2 strands are available, so the Towns need to determine allocation without impacting Sturbridge.

Key Details:

Chair Goodwin noted that the intent is for Holland to connect to Sturbridge's existing network, creating efficiencies for both communities.

The Board concluded the Bernard Fosu water billing case (26 Audubon Way), which was continued from the November 3 meeting.

DPW water meter testing showed no malfunction for the period May 3–November 30, 2025 covering three billing periods. DPW Director Blakeley explained the water usage during the time period.

Clerk Dowling made a motion to abate half the cost, but Vice Chair Kaitbenski stated the evidence does not show the Town was at fault. The motion failed for lack of a second. No abatement was granted for 26 Audubon Way.

Water Tower Access Issue:
Clerk Dowling inquired about access to the water tower at St. Anne's Parish. TA Grimm reported meeting with Father Luc and Mr. Mimeault regarding the issue. T-Mobile has not renewed its lease for the water tower. Discussions are ongoing concerning property boundaries and easements, with the Town remaining responsible for maintaining the right-of-way leading to the water tower.

✅ Mangia Bene liquor license approved for 139 Main Street restaurant.
✅ Holland fiber-optic partnership approved with no cost to Sturbridge.
✅ $20,000 housing production plan contract authorized.
✅ Committee appointments made: Dowling (Betterment), Volpe (Personnel).
✅ 38 business license renewals approved for 2026.
✅ Water billing dispute at 26 Audubon Way denied abatement.
✅ Personnel matter addressed in executive session.

📄 Official Meeting Minutes (PDF)
🎥 Watch Full Meeting Video

✍️ Written by The Town Minute — making town government easier to follow, one meeting at a time.

The Town Minute is an independent publication not affiliated with the Town of Sturbridge or any municipal office. While we strive for accuracy, errors or omissions may occur. For official and complete records, please refer to the Town's approved meeting minutes or watch the official meeting recordings on the Town's website.