Since the most recent Select Board minutes haven’t been approved yet, today’s issue focuses on:

👉 What’s happening at tonight’s meeting
👉 Key developments residents should know
👉 Highlights from the last available meeting

National Grid is requesting permission to install approximately 300 feet of underground electric conduit on Podunk Road, starting about 378 feet northeast of the Wells State Park Road intersection and running north. The hearing is set for 6:35 p.m.

The Board will vote on posting a Dual Warrant for two major dates:

The town decided to opt out of offering Vote by Mail and Early Voting for the April 2026 local election. This means Sturbridge voters will need to vote in person or request an absentee ballot for the April 13 Town Election.

The Board will consider a Memorandum of Understanding with the Town of Holland related to a Massachusetts Community Compact Municipal Fiber Grant. This could be a significant step toward expanded broadband access in the area. 

Veolia North America has donated $650 toward the Sturbridge 250th Anniversary Celebration. The Board will vote to accept the donation. Sturbridge's celebrations are building momentum this year. Old Sturbridge Village has already kicked off its 250th programming, including the recent Knox Train of Artillery reenactment in January.

The approved minutes from the February 17 meeting haven't been posted yet — they'll be voted on at tonight's meeting. Here's what was on the agenda. Full recap coming once minutes are available.

The Board was set to act on the resignation of Town Planner Jean Bubon, effective August 11, 2026. This is a significant departure as the Town Planner plays a central role in development, zoning, and long-term planning for Sturbridge. 

The Board considered authorizing the Town Administrator to enter into an agreement with NV5 Design Services for construction oversight of the Joshua Hyde Public Library Elevator Modernization Project. As covered in our budget report, $500,000 in Free Cash was earmarked for this project — the elevator dates back to 1989.

Tighe & Bond was scheduled to present on the Water & Sewer Asset Management Plan. This is directly tied to the aging water infrastructure we covered in our FY2026 Budget Report — Sturbridge's water treatment plant equipment dates back to 1982 and is approaching the end of its useful life.

Chair Goodwin opened the meeting by honoring two community members who recently passed away: Constable Ronald Komar and Richard Volpe. Both served Sturbridge through multiple boards and committees, including the Board of Health, Design Review, Historical Commission, Monuments, Memorials and Markers, and the 250th Anniversary Committee.

The Hometown Heroes program will be available through the Town Administrator's Office.

👮 New Police Dispatcher Megan Saucier was appointed as a Full-Time Police Department Dispatcher at a starting pay rate of $24.24/hour, effective February 3, 2026.

🍝 New Restaurant Coming: Mangia Bene A Common Victualler License was approved for Mangia Bene at 139 Main Street — a restaurant with a deli selling cheeses and olives. Takeout will be available. The Board of Health will inspect the establishment, with an opening planned for late February or early March.

🗳️ Board of Health Seat Added to April Ballot The Board approved placing one additional Board of Health seat on the 2026 Town Election ballot for a two-year term to fill a vacancy. An additional Recreation Committee seat is also open for a three-year term.

🏞️ Grand Trunk Trail Extension Moves Forward The Board accepted a bid from Green Hill Engineering for $9,500 to prepare and deliver a base plan for extending the Grand Trunk Trail.

💰 Tax Abatements: Douty Road Properties The Board abated taxes on properties at 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 27, 28, 31, 32, and 50 Douty Road. TA Grimm explained the Town recently acquired this property, but real estate tax was still on the books. The abatement is for auditing purposes.

🎁 Donations Accepted $250 from the Federated Church of Sturbridge for the Police Youth Fund

If you want to go deeper on the town's finances, check out our FY2026 Budget & Annual Town Meeting Preview — a full breakdown of the proposed $44.2 million municipal budget, key warrant articles, and what it all means for Sturbridge residents and taxpayers.

👉 Read the Full Budget Report

Wondering what the town decided about a road, a budget line, or a zoning change? Our AI-powered chatbot is trained on Sturbridge meeting minutes and public records. Ask it anything in plain English.

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The Town Minute is independent, nonpartisan, and free. We are not affiliated with the town of Sturbridge. AI is used to summarize the official town documents - please verify info using the official records.

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