The meeting opened with a moment of silence for those affected by food insecurity due to the unavailability of SNAP benefits during the government shutdown.

Chair Jamie Goodwin announced that the Police Association has joined with the Senior Center to sponsor a food drive. Donation information is available on their social media pages, with gift cards available at the Finance Office or Senior Center.

Clerk Mary Dowling announced the Home of the Brave road race for November 8, 2025, with proceeds supporting local veterans. 150 runners are signed up to participate with a choice of walking or running the 5K.

Selectperson MaryLou Volpe thanked the Sturbridge Fire and Police Departments for their support of the Horrible Parade, which had lower turnout but went well. Clerk Dowling praised police presence in different neighborhoods during Trick or Treat.

✅ Fire Lieutenant Promotion Approved
— Matthew Bonneau promoted to Fire Lieutenant effective January 1, 2026 at $46.82/hour.

✅ Manager Change Applications Approved
— Cracker Barrel Old Country Store: Marco Rosario replaces CoriRose Scully.
— Gido's Brick Oven Pizza: Ted Gidopoulos replaces Jenna Gidopoulos.

✅ Road Salt Contracts Signed
— Eastern Minerals Inc (Lowell, MA): $63.90/ton delivered or picked up.
— Morton Salt (Chicago, IL): $68.17/ton delivered or $68.00/ton picked up.
Both contracts effective November 3, 2025 through June 30, 2026.

✅ Infrastructure Contracts Awarded
— M.L. Partlow: FY26 Pavement Patching Contract for up to $50,000 (MassDOT Fair Share Funds).
— K & F Contractors: Complete Street Cedar Street Sidewalk Project for $299,867.00.
— Murray Excavating LLC: Sturbridge Landfill Earthworks Project for $84,773.25.

✅ Licenses Issued
— Transient Vendor License: Country Folk Art Shows at Sturbridge Host Hotel, November 28-29, 2025.
— One Day Liquor License: Tutti Quanti at Pickleball University (178C Main Street), November 14, 2025.

✅ Donation Accepted
— $500 donation from Tractor Supply Company for the Police Canine Program.

✅ Equipment Transfer Approved
— Surplus taser accessories transferred from Sturbridge Police Department to Brimfield Police Department.

The Board approved three significant infrastructure contracts totaling over $434,000 to improve public safety, pedestrian accessibility, and municipal facilities:

Cedar Street Sidewalk Project ($299,867): The Complete Street project will enhance pedestrian safety along Cedar Street, funded through the state's Complete Streets program.

Landfill Earthworks Project ($84,773.25): Murray Excavating will perform necessary grading and earthwork improvements at the Sturbridge Landfill.

FY26 Pavement Patching ($50,000): M.L. Partlow will handle ongoing road maintenance using MassDOT Fair Share Funds, ensuring local roads remain in good condition.

These investments demonstrate the Town's commitment to maintaining and improving critical infrastructure while leveraging state funding opportunities.

💧 Water Billing Concern Addressed
Bernard Fosu of 26 Audubon Way addressed the Board regarding spiking water usage at his residence beginning in May. Despite a recent water service repair, no major issues were found that could explain the elevated usage. The Board tabled the decision pending results of a water meter test to be conducted by the DPW Department, with the testing fee waived. Mr. Fosu was advised to establish a payment plan with the Finance Department for the remaining balance.

🗳️ Voter Registration Deadline
Friday, November 14 is the last day to register to vote for the Special Town Meeting on Monday, November 17th at 7:00 PM at Tantasqua Regional High School. Applications are available at the Town Clerk's Office, the Library, and the Safety Complex. All applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on Friday.

🌱 Keep Sturbridge Beautiful Initiative
Volunteers are encouraged to contact Economic Development Director Terry Masterson to join the grassroots Keep Sturbridge Beautiful committee.

Fire Chief Grasso reported major news: a FEMA grant totaling $178,800 has been awarded for critical equipment purchases:

The grant will save the Town approximately $15,000 by eliminating these items as capital costs in the upcoming FY27 budget.

Call Volume Update: Fire Department call volume is trending 7% higher than the previous year.

Safety Reminder: With the home heating season underway, homeowners are reminded to properly dispose of wood ash to prevent fires.

Selectperson Volpe provided a comprehensive update on Sturbridge's 250th Anniversary celebration:

✅ $434,640+ in infrastructure contracts approved for roads, sidewalks, and landfill.
✅ Matthew Bonneau promoted to Fire Lieutenant effective January 1, 2026.
✅ $178,800 FEMA grant awarded for cardiac monitors and turnout gear.
✅ Road salt contracts secured with two vendors through June 2026.
✅ 250th Anniversary celebration planning underway with February kickoff.
✅ Special Town Meeting voter registration deadline is November 14.

📄 Official Meeting Minutes
🎥 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.