Chair Jamie Goodwin opened the meeting with a tribute to two respected community members recently lost: Constable Ronald Komar and Richard Volpe. Volpe served Sturbridge through numerous committees including the Board of Health, Design Review, Historical Commission, Monuments, Memorials and Markers, and the 250th Anniversary Committee.

"I had known both men my entire life," Goodwin shared, reflecting on the care and dedication they showed to their families and to Sturbridge. The Board observed a moment of silence in recognition of their service to the country and community.

Town Administrator Robin A. Grimm, Ph.D. noted that Volpe's contributions will be especially visible through commemorative banners he helped design for the 250th Anniversary celebrations that will be displayed throughout town.

✅ Police Dispatcher Hired
— Megan Saucier appointed as Full Time Dispatcher at $24.24/hour, effective February 3, 2026 (vote: 3-0)

✅ Hamilton Rod & Gun Club Manager Change Approved
— Manager transition from Lawrence Boucher to Lola Silverberg (vote: 3-0)

✅ Apple New England LLC Manager Change Approved
— Manager transition from Aimee Madison to Terrence Joseph Beusee (vote: 3-0)

✅ Grand Trunk Trail Extension Contract
— Accepted bid from Green Hill Engineering for $9,500.00 to prepare and deliver a base plan for trail extension (vote: 3-0)

✅ Common Victualler License for Mangia Bene
— Approved restaurant and deli license for 139 Main Street; opening planned for late February or early March (vote: 3-0)

✅ Board of Health Vacancy Added to Town Election Ballot
— One two-year seat added to April 27, 2026 ballot; nomination papers due February 23 (vote: 3-0)

✅ Annual Town Meeting Warrants Opened
— Warrants for both Annual and Special Town Meetings on April 27, 2026 (vote: 3-0 each)

✅ Douty Road Property Tax Abatements
— Abated real estate taxes for 15 properties (parcels 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 27, 28, 31, 32, and 50 Douty Road) recently acquired by the Town (vote: 3-0)

✅ Police Youth Fund Donation Accepted
— $250 donation from the Federated Church of Sturbridge (vote: 3-0)

✅ 250th Anniversary Committee Appointment
— Amanda Galonek Hellyar appointed to committee (vote: 3-0)

The Board approved two Riverlands Special Use Permits, including an expansion of the popular Annual Ice Carving Event.

Homeschool Nature Program

Emma Comeau requested a permit for approximately 30 area homeschoolers to explore the Riverlands trail on Monday, February 23, 2026 from 10:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Board unanimously approved the educational use.

Ice Carving Event Expands to Valentine's Day

The Annual Ice Carving Event received approval for two days of programming:

Town Administrator Grimm explained that the popular event will expand into Valentine's Day festivities, offering evening hours for viewing the ice sculptures.

🎭 Live Entertainment License — Alice's Fitness and Dance received a Live Entertainment License effective January 13, 2026

🍺 Special Event License — Oakholm Brewing Company approved for one-day liquor license for "Paddles & Pints" event at PickleBall University (178 C Main Street) on February 13, 2026 from 5:30-9:30 p.m.

🎖️ Hometown Heroes Program — Now available to participants through the Town Administrator's Office

🏛️ Police Department Re-Accreditation — Department received notice of re-accreditation

✅ Board honored Constable Ronald Komar and Richard Volpe with moment of silence

✅ Megan Saucier hired as full-time police dispatcher at $24.24/hour

✅ Green Hill Engineering contracted for $9,500 to design Grand Trunk Trail extension

✅ Annual Ice Carving Event expanded to two days, including Valentine's Day evening hours

✅ Mangia Bene restaurant and deli approved for 139 Main Street with late February/early March opening

✅ April 27, 2026 Town Election will include Board of Health vacancy (two-year term)

✅ Town abated real estate taxes on 15 recently-acquired Douty Road properties

✅ Federated Church of Sturbridge donated $250 to Police Youth Fund

✅ Warrants opened for April 27, 2026 Annual and Special Town Meetings

📅 Board of Health Nomination Papers Deadline — February 23, 2026, TBD | Town Clerk's Office
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📅 Last Day to Take Out Nomination Papers — February 20, 2026, TBD | Town Clerk's Office
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📅 Annual Town Meeting — April 27, 2026, TBD | TBD
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📅 Town Election — April 27, 2026, TBD | TBD
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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.