Chair Jamie Goodwin opened the meeting with a moment of silence reflecting on high-profile incidents of violence over the weekend, including mass shootings at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island and Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, as well as the alleged homicide of actor/director Rob and Michele Reiner at their home in Los Angeles.

Chair Goodwin said: "These events can make you cynical and frustrate all of us. Take heart, as you go into the Christmas season. Look around at the people in this room, this Town, and our community. Take pride in each other, hold your family close. Things are fleeting, we're all only here for a moment, focus on the season of love and joy as best you can."

The Select Board wished all residents a safe and Happy Holiday season.

✅ Police Promotions Approved
— Patrol Officer Thomas Giordano promoted to Sergeant at $40.81/hour effective December 16.
— Patrol Officer Richard Tracy promoted to Sergeant at $40.81/hour effective December 16.
— Elissa Santos appointed Full Time Dispatcher at $24.24/hour effective December 16.

✅ Dispatcher Retirement Accepted
— Toniah Maloney's retirement accepted effective December 1, 2025. Police Chief Dessert presented accolades on behalf of Ms. Maloney's 26-year career as a Dispatcher with the Town of Sturbridge.

✅ Major Recreation Donation Accepted
— $5,000 donation from ConvenientMD accepted for Summer Recreation Scholarships and Town Events. ConvenientMD recently opened in Sturbridge and plans to be an active community partner.

✅ Battery Storage Moratorium Moves Forward
— Board voted 4-0 to allow the Planning Board to begin the public hearing process for a temporary moratorium on battery storage facilities (see details below).

✅ Committee Appointment
— Beverly Pattee appointed to Council on Aging through December 15, 2028.

✅ Library Elevator Designer Selection
— Town Administrator authorized to conduct designer selection process and form review committee for the $500,000 library elevator project.

✅ Douty Road Land Donation Accepted
— Deed accepted donating land on Douty Road (Lot 50 and Lot 14, Plan Book 929, Page 53).

✅ Licenses Issued
— Transient Vendor License: Brimfield Antique Shows LLC at Sturbridge Host Hotel, January 2-3, 2026.
— 2025 Business License Renewals: Approved for 19 businesses including 413 on Main, Altruist Brewing, Applebee's, BT's Smokehouse, and others.
— Conditional 2025 Renewals: Approved for 25 businesses pending resolution of administrative items, including new Sturbridge Luxury Cinema.

✅ Cinema License Fee Waived
— $1,000 renewal fee waived for Sturbridge Luxury Cinema for 2026 due to Commonwealth's delay in issuing ABCC liquor license until December 12, 2025.

The Board received extensive updates on the Town's water infrastructure, revealing both aging equipment challenges and a comprehensive modernization plan that could cost approximately $2 million over multiple years.

DPW Director Blakeley discussed the ongoing transition from analog to digital Badger water meters:

Current Status:

Future Cellular System:

Implementation Plan:

Clerk Dowling asked how it's determined who receives new meters first. Director Blakeley explained that malfunctioning meters are high priority, along with the approximately 60 houses per year that call DPW reporting possible water leaks.

Water & Sewer Manager Shane Moody reported that while the Town's water wells remain at high standards and provide adequate water despite the ongoing drought, critical infrastructure is aging:

❄️ Winter Storm Response
Director Blakeley reported on the Sunday snowstorm cleanup, during which several pieces of equipment experienced operational failures. Three temporary drivers were called in to assist with Town road cleanup. A one-ton truck continues experiencing intermittent operating issues, potentially due to cold weather impacting the hydraulic system.

👷 DPW Staffing Challenges

🎅 Community Appreciation
Town Administrator Grimm thanked the Fire Department staff for the Santa Tour and extended best wishes for Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year.

The Board voted 4-0 to authorize the Planning Board to begin the public hearing process for a temporary moratorium on battery storage facilities.

Town Administrator Grimm explained the rationale:

Chair Goodwin commented that while there's no clear guidance on applicant entitlements at this time, the Town can provide process but is not obligated to provide substantive consideration or approval. As Goodwin stated: "We have to give process, but we don't have to give them a voice."

Grimm characterized Monday's action as largely procedural, with the vote allowing the Planning Board to move forward with public hearings being effectively a procedural step to advance the moratorium language.

The Board approved two significant promotions within the Sturbridge Police Department:

Sergeant Promotions:

New Dispatcher:

These promotions come as the department transitions following the retirement of Dispatcher Toniah Maloney, who served the Town for 26 years. Police Chief Dessert presented accolades recognizing her long service to Sturbridge.

✅ Two patrol officers promoted to sergeant effective December 16.
✅ $5,000 ConvenientMD donation accepted for recreation scholarships and events.
✅ Battery storage moratorium advances to Planning Board public hearing.
✅ Water meter upgrade program detailed: $2M project over multiple years.
✅ Aging water treatment plant assessment scheduled for future presentation.
✅ Dispatcher Toniah Maloney's 26-year career recognized upon retirement.
✅ 44 business license renewals approved for 2025.

📄 Official Meeting Minutes
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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.