Vice Chair Chase Kaitbenski celebrated the success of the Great Sturbridge Pumpkin Walk & Carving Contest held October 18 at Riverlands Trail, hosted by the Conservation Department.

Chair Jamie Goodwin and Clerk Mary Dowling encouraged residents to visit Town Hall to enjoy Halloween festivities created by Town employees.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for peace extended to the people in Ukraine and conflicts abroad.

✅ Personnel Appointments Approved
— Shelly Harris appointed Full Time Dispatcher at $31.29/hour effective October 21.
— Leah Corriveau transitioning from full-time to part-time Dispatcher at $27.46/hour effective December 1.
— Reed Hillman reappointed to Personnel Classification & Policy Committee through July 4, 2028.

✅ Assistant DPW Director Title Restored
— Board voted 3-0 to restore the position name from "Permit and Engineering Technician" to Assistant DPW Director following Personnel Committee approval for recruitment purposes.

✅ Liquor Licenses Issued
— Rapscallion Brewery for Pickleball University on October 24.
— Oakholm Brewery for Pickleball University on November 14.

✅ Conservation Projects Advance
— Authorized $34,250 agreement with Morse Engineering for engineering, design, and permitting to extend Grand Trunk Trail 700 feet on Riverlands Property.
— Approved $19,600 contract with Conservation Works to develop Plimpton Property Master Plan using 2023 CPC funds.
— Accepted book donation valued over $100 from David Mitchell.

✅ Policy Updates Adopted
— ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan of 2025 adopted to establish the commission.
— Amended Temporary Dock Policy accepted, removing specific permitting requirements; enforcement will be complaint-based with SLAC approval.

✅ Special Town Meeting Warrant Closed
— Board voted to place and support seven articles for the Special Town Meeting:

In a significant action, the Board voted 3-0 to authorize the Select Board Chair to work with MIIA (Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association) to appoint an investigator regarding allegations of wrongdoing by Town officials raised by the Veteran's Agent on October 6, 2025.

The Board took this step to ensure an independent, thorough review of the allegations.

🏗️ Building Improvements Moving Forward
IT/Facilities Director Jeremy Jalbert reported that improvement projects for the Library and Public Safety Complex are currently out for bid.

🌳 Trail Expansion Continues
The authorization for Grand Trunk Trail extension will add another 700 feet of accessible trail on the Riverlands Property, continuing the community's commitment to outdoor recreation.

💧 Utility Billing Resolution
Blueberry Hill Estates reached an agreement with DPW Director regarding billing for their 1" bypass meter. The Estates will briefly open the meter monthly to meet minimum usage requirements, then resume normal operations through the 6" compound meter, maintaining the $87.50 monthly minimum charge.

Shane Moody provided updates on several ongoing water department initiatives:

Hydrogen Sulfide Study: Ongoing, with sensors installed on Hall Road.

Hydrant Flushing: Annual fall hydrant flush is underway, but may be limited due to the current Level 2: Significant Drought in central Massachusetts.

PFAS Sampling: Testing is in progress at the water plant; the contamination source is currently unknown. Drought-related sediment exposure may be a contributing factor.

Main Street Hydrants: Two hydrants on Main Street remain non-operational. Repairs are delayed due to MassDOT-related bureaucracy.

Staffing: A high school intern has joined the department, working 15 hours per week and performing well.

DPW Director Blakeley reported that several improvement project bids are in progress, including FY26 Pavement Patching, Cedar Street Pedestrian Improvements, and Landfill Grading. Quarterly water and sewer bills have been prepared and are ready for distribution.

✅ Pumpkin Walk & Carving Contest celebrated as a success.
✅ Three personnel appointments approved for dispatcher positions.
✅ $53,850 in conservation projects authorized for trails and master planning.
✅ Investigation authorized into allegations raised by Veteran's Agent.
✅ Special Town Meeting warrant closed with seven articles.
✅ ADA Plan and Temporary Dock Policy updates adopted.

📄 Official Meeting Minutes
🎥 Watch Full Meeting Video

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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.