Chair Goodwin opened with a moment of silence, referencing events in Venezuela and asking that service members in the line of duty remain safe.

✅ Curboy Auto License Denied — Board voted 3-0 to deny the Class II and Class III Used Vehicle license application from Curboy Auto Inc. at 71 Mashapaug Road (see details below).

✅ ABCC Forms Signed — Signed the ABCC Seasonal Population Increase Estimation Form and the ABCC Renewal Certification 2026 Form. Vote: 3-0.

✅ ABCC Non-Renewal Certification Signed — Signed certification for G&L Group (License #08614-RS-1248) which failed to renew for 2026. Vote: 3-0.

✅ One Day Liquor License Approved — Approved Alice's Fitness and Dance for multiple one-day liquor licenses throughout 2026 (January through December), 7–11 p.m., subject to any additional event licensing requirements. Vote: 3-0.

✅ Committee Appointments — Maura O'Connor reappointed to the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust (term expires January 5, 2028). Vote: 3-0. — Keith DeVarenne appointed to the Sturbridge Tourist Association (term expires June 30, 2027). Vote: 3-0.

✅ Donations Accepted — $250 from the Federated Church for the Sturbridge Fire Department. Vote: 3-0. — $200 from My Guys Heating & Cooling (North Oxford) for the Home of the Brave 5K. Vote: 3-0. — $626 from Deep Roots Distillery for the Police Canine Account. Vote: 3-0.

✅ Teamsters Union MOU Signed — Signed the One-Year Memorandum of Understanding with Teamsters Union Local 170 and the Sturbridge DPW, effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Vote: 3-0.

✅ Minutes Approved — December 15, 2025 minutes approved as written. Vote: 3-0. — December 22, 2025 minutes approved as written. Vote: 2-0 (Chair Goodwin abstained).

❌ Sam's Food Store Show Cause Hearing Withdrawn — Town Administrator Grimm stated the action item was withdrawn.

The Board held a public hearing at 6:45 p.m. on an application for Class II and Class III Used Vehicle licenses from Curboy Auto Inc. at 71 Mashapaug Road. The application was ultimately denied 3-0.

Key issues raised during the hearing:

Operating Without a License: Chair Goodwin noted the submitted letter was framed as a reapplication, but Curboy Auto Inc. does not currently hold a Class II or Class III operating license. The applicant, Sergey Privedenyuk, failed to appear at a prior hearing.

Extensive Vehicle Storage: Approximately 500 vehicles are stored across three areas of the property, including areas of conservation concern near a stream. A middle storage area contains vehicles that have not been moved in several years. Some remediation has occurred, but significant portions of the property remain unchanged.

Unpermitted Construction: Building improvements were made to a garage — including raising it for a lift, replacing siding, insulation, and repairing leaks — without permits or inspections from the Building or Electrical Inspectors.

Outstanding Violations: Mr. Privedenyuk stated he was unaware until the hearing that daily fines had been issued. He acknowledged an upcoming court proceeding related to the property.

No RMV Consultation: The applicant confirmed he had not consulted with the Registry of Motor Vehicles regarding the license application.

Additional Business: Mr. Privedenyuk also operates a similar business in West Springfield with approximately 250 vehicles, where parts are removed and sold.

Clerk Dowling stated she was not prepared to approve the application given the pending court proceeding. Selectperson Volpe agreed. No public comments were made.

Economic Development and Tourism Coordinator Terry Masterson presented a comprehensive report covering:

Chief Grasso presented the November 2025 report. Technical difficulties prevented the presentation of the December 2025 report.

Key highlights:

Mutual Aid Provided: The Fire Department provided mutual aid to house fires in Charlton and Amherst.

ConvenientMD Impact: Chief Grasso discussed the opening of ConvenientMD and the resulting increase in ambulance service calls. Transporting patients from ConvenientMD to local hospitals could reduce ambulance availability within Sturbridge when units are out of town.

Town Administrator Grimm addressed the potential impact on ambulance billing, noting an increased need to transport non-residents to local hospitals for follow-up care.

Lt. Bateman presented the October and November 2025 reports to the Select Board.

🗳️ Nomination Papers Available: Town Clerk nomination papers become available January 7, 2026 for residents interested in running for public office, boards, or committees.

🏅 Youth Lacrosse Recognition: Vice Chair Chase Kaitbenski was awarded the Inaugural Massachusetts Youth Boys Lacrosse Coach honor.

🥶 Polar Plunge: Clerk Dowling congratulated Town Administrator Grimm for participating in a polar plunge to support the Special Olympics.

💧 Water Service Line Update: DPW Director Blakeley reminded residents to review their Water Service Line Letters related to the Drinking Water Notice. The review process has been ongoing for the past year, and no lead has been found in the water service lines to date. Residents are encouraged to read the letter carefully and contact the DPW with questions.

❄️ Snow Removal: DPW Director thanked staff for their work during the holiday season with snow removal.

❌ Curboy Auto Class II/III vehicle license denied 3-0 after public hearing.
✅ Alice's Fitness and Dance approved for one-day liquor licenses throughout 2026.
✅ Teamsters Union Local 170 MOU signed for DPW through June 2026.
✅ $1,076 in total donations accepted from three local organizations.
✅ Economic Development coordinator presented comprehensive year-end report.
🚒 Fire Chief raised concerns about ConvenientMD's impact on ambulance availability.
💧 No lead found in water service lines after year-long review.
🗳️ Nomination papers available January 7 for residents interested in public office.

📄 Official Meeting Minutes
📄 Official 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.