✅ CPA Administration Funds Approved
— Increase from $25,000 to $30,000 for Community Preservation Committee operations passed 7-0

✅ Gravestone Restoration Projects Funded
— Annual $9,500 allocation for historic grave restoration approved 7-0, plus special $3,000 Revolutionary War veterans' stones cleaning and North Cemetery restoration funds

✅ Trail Enhancements Approved
— $53,000 for existing trail improvements passed 7-0 (down from $66,000 last year)

✅ Bridge Project Rejected
— $2.245 million Quinebaug River bridge connecting Riverlands trails to Route 20 shopping corridor voted down 6-1 (Morrison opposed), with concerns about debt burden and lack of demonstrated economic return

✅ Grand Trunk Trail Extension Funded
— $40,000 for wetland permitting and engineering to complete trail section approved 7-0

✅ Historic Survey Continues
— $15,000 to add 200 more properties to town's historical inventory passed 6-1 (Talentino opposed)

✅ Affordable Housing Trust Funded
— CPA housing funds allocation approved 6-0-1 (Neal abstained as Housing Trust Chair)

✅ General Government Budget Set
— $21,311,288 total general government expense approved 7-0 (excludes education, which remains on hold)

✅ DPW Truck Purchases Approved
— Two dump trucks (10-wheel and 6-wheel) to be purchased from Free Cash passed 7-0

✅ Zoning Cleanup Articles Advanced
— 11 zoning bylaw amendments (Articles 36-46) for technical corrections and ADU compliance approved 7-0 in single motion

The Committee's most contentious vote centered on a proposed pedestrian bridge over the Quinebaug River that would link the popular Riverlands trail system to Route 20's commercial corridor.

Trails Committee Chairman Brandon Goodwin pitched an ambitious plan to create a signature connection between Sturbridge's two faces: bustling Route 20 shopping on one side, peaceful woodland trails on the other. The bridge would be accessed via a new trail starting at the parking lot at 501 Main Street, leading to the bridge near the National Grid substation.

The project carries a $2.245 million price tag:

Goodwin emphasized that one $500,000 grant has already been secured, with another $500,000 application pending.

Goodwin explained that reaching 50 miles of trails—up from the current 33 miles—would qualify Sturbridge as a designated destination for serious outdoor enthusiasts. The town already attracts 60,000-70,000 trail users annually, with many out-of-state license plates visible in parking lots.

The Riverlands' "flow" trails designed for mountain biking have been drawing riders from across New England and beyond. The trail system offers diversity: paved and unpaved paths, flat and steep terrain, cross-country skiing routes, and handicapped-accessible options.

Town Administrator Robin Grimm highlighted that grants require towns to already have approved funding in place, and noted that two other CPC debts will be paid off in July.

Finance Committee member Mike Hager led the opposition, raising several concerns:

Chair Kevin Smith questioned whether the town has reached capacity with 33 miles of existing trails, pointing to the Fiske Hill property that has sat largely idle since a parking lot was installed.

Hager proposed an alternative: a $1 million appropriation contingent on obtaining grants for the remaining costs. This would demonstrate town support to grantors while limiting financial exposure.

The Committee ultimately voted 6-1 to recommend "no action" on the bridge article, with Larry Morrison casting the lone vote in favor.

Despite rejecting the bridge, the Committee approved:

💀 Volunteer Gravestone Restoration Program ExpandsWally Hersee formed the volunteer "Sturbridge Gravestone Keepers" 18 months ago to take over professional restoration work. The group has already cleaned over 400 stones using specialized spray-on treatments. Within two years, trained volunteers are expected to eliminate the need for consultant Fannin-Lehner, saving future CPA funds. A public Historical Society meeting on this work is scheduled for March 27 at 7 p.m. at the Public House.

🏘️ Affordable Housing Trust Making ProgressFinance Committee member Kathy Neal, who chairs the Affordable Housing Trust, reported major strides including hiring a housing coordinator and part-time administrator. Sturbridge remains below the state-required 10% affordable housing threshold, making it vulnerable to 40B developments that can bypass local zoning. An active Housing Trust positions the town to partner with "Friendly 40B" projects that better align with town standards.

📚 Historic Hyde Family Bible Preservation
The Historical Commission will restore and digitize the deteriorating Hyde family bible stored at Joshua Hyde Library, including genealogical records written in the dedicated family history section.

💼 Compensation System Overhaul Needed
Multiple Committee members and Town Administrator Robin Grimm acknowledged the town's compensation structure is "abominable" and needs complete revision. Grimm will consult with other small-town administrators before potentially bringing in an outside consultant. Current concerns include unclear merit pay processes for top positions and inconsistencies with how maxed-out employees are compensated compared to other municipalities.

👷 IT and Facilities Director Combined
The town has merged the IT Director and Facilities Director positions into one role, with the entire salary currently budgeted under IT. Hager suggested splitting it between departments for flexibility, but the Committee left it as-is for now, with the understanding a Special Town Meeting could separate the roles if needed.

✅ 11 CPA projects totaling over $1 million approved, including trails, housing, historic preservation, and cemetery restoration

✅ $2.2M Quinebaug River bridge project rejected 6-1 over debt and economic benefit concerns

✅ $21.3M general government budget approved; education budget held pending School Committee presentation

✅ Two DPW dump trucks approved for purchase from Free Cash

✅ 11 zoning bylaw cleanup articles advanced

✅ Volunteer Gravestone Keepers have cleaned 400+ historic stones, may eliminate consultant costs within 2 years

✅ Trail system serves 60,000-70,000 users annually with out-of-state visitors

✅ Town compensation system flagged for complete overhaul

📅 Finance Committee Meeting — March 20, 2025 at 7:00 PM | Veteran's Hall, Sturbridge Town Hall
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📅 Finance Committee Meeting — March 27, 2025 at 7:00 PM | Veteran's Hall, Sturbridge Town Hall
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📅 Historical Society: Gravestone Restoration Presentation — March 27, 2025 at 7:00 PM | The Public House
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📅 School Superintendent Budget Presentation — To be scheduled | Veteran's Hall, Sturbridge Town Hall
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📄 Official Meeting Minutes

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✍️ 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.