Table of Contents
🗳️ Key Decisions & Votes
✅ National Grid Petition Approved
— The Board unanimously approved National Grid’s plan to upgrade 600 feet of underground primary cables and add two new manholes near Brookfield and Trail Roads.
✅ Rain Barrel Program & Pumpkin Walk Announced
— Town Administrator (TA) Grimm shared updates on the fall “Rain Barrel Purchase Program” and an October pumpkin walk at Riverland Trails.
✅ Keep Massachusetts Beautiful Partnership
— The Board voted 5–0 to support establishing a local volunteer group under the Keep Massachusetts Beautiful organization to coordinate litter pickup.
✅ Appointments & Promotions
— Isabella Valadas appointed as a full-time dispatcher ($24.72/hr).
— Nicholas Stagias appointed as a full-time Police Officer ($39.16/hr).
✅ Business Licenses
— Ocean State Job Lot approved for a change of manager (to Richard Mott).
— One-day liquor licenses granted to Oakholm Brewing Company and Deep Roots Distillery for local events (4–1 votes, Dowling abstained).
✅ Contract Approved
— Leeds Group Inc. awarded treated road salt contract at $79.47 per ton through June 2026.
✅ Board Reappointments
— Several reappointments were approved, including members for the Sturbridge Lake Associations, Cable Advisory Committee, and Zoning Board of Appeals.
✅ Resignations Accepted
— Multiple committee resignations were accepted, including from the Cultural Council, Special Events Committee, and several lake associations.
💬 Major Discussion: Regional Dispatch (CMRECC)
The Board engaged in extensive debate over joining the CMRECC regional dispatch system.
Dispatcher Testimony:
Veteran dispatchers Barbara Boiteau and Toniah Maloney spoke about the high workload, outdated equipment, and job security concerns. They emphasized that Sturbridge’s current dispatchers are already highly trained and handle 30,000+ calls annually.
Infrastructure Issues:
The main radio console is over 20 years old and no longer supported. A microwave tower has been out of service since 2019, reducing call reliability. Replacement would cost several million dollars if Sturbridge stays independent.
Board Perspectives:
Chair Jamie Goodwin: Wants employment guarantees written into any regional agreement. Cautious about losing local control, since Sturbridge would hold only 1/11th of representation on the CMRECC board.
Clerk Mary Dowling: Concerned about autonomy, employee retention, and potential union changes. Requested more information before voting.
Selectperson Mary Blanchard: Requested a consolidated report of all documents and cost breakdowns before moving forward.
Vice Chair Chase Kaitbenski and Selectperson MaryLou Volpe: More supportive of regionalization, citing strong endorsements from police and fire chiefs and significant cost savings versus upgrading Sturbridge’s current system.
Public Safety Leadership Input:
Fire Chief Grasso and Police Chief Dessert noted regionalization could reduce response times and improve coordination. However, long-term costs, staffing structures, and governance details still need clarification.
Outcome:
➡️ The Board tabled the regional dispatch vote to the next meeting (September 15, 2025) to review additional data and legal counsel input.
🏗️ Community Impact
Residents may see gradual improvements to underground utility reliability due to the National Grid upgrades.
The potential move to CMRECC could impact how local emergency calls are handled — if approved, Sturbridge would join a regional network by 2027.
The town’s partnership with Keep Massachusetts Beautiful will launch community cleanups and beautification projects.
🔍 Quick Recap
✅ Major vote on regional dispatch tabled until September 15.
✅ National Grid’s infrastructure upgrade approved unanimously.
✅ Multiple appointments, reappointments, and resignations processed.
✅ Public encouraged to watch for upcoming cleanup and community events.
🗓️ Upcoming Meetings & Follow-Ups
• September 15, 2025 — Next Select Board meeting, scheduled vote on joining CMRECC regional dispatch center.
• October 19, 2025 — Pumpkin Walk at Riverland Trails.
• Finance Committee Review — Ongoing review of Special Town Meeting warrant items for the proposed November 17 meeting.
Subject | Date & Time | Location | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|
Select Board – Dispatch Regionalization Vote | Sept 15 2025 · 6:30 PM | Veterans Memorial Hall |
Resources
✍️ Written by The Town Minute — making town government easier to follow, one meeting at a time.
⚠️ Disclaimer
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.
