Southbridge meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Southbridge boards weigh data center moratorium, land deals; no votes yet published

Southbridge town boards met over the past two weeks to consider a temporary moratorium on data centers, a $79,300 land acquisition, and several contracts and donations. However, minutes from these meetings have not yet been published, so no final decisions are confirmed.

Town Council

The Town Council met Aug. 10 to vote on a proposed amendment to zoning bylaws that would pause data center permitting for up to 12 months, with possible extensions, while studying impacts. The council also considered a $500 donation from the Improved Order of Redmen to the Fire Department, a $500 donation from Albert Latini to the Fire Department, a $7,000 transfer from the Sewer Reserve to the Natural Gas account, and a towing and storage contract with Sids Auto Body effective through June 30, 2029.

Planning and Development

The Planning & Development Subcommittee met jointly with the Town Council on Aug. 13 to review a $31,584 change order to the Quinebaug Valley Rail Trail construction contract with BSC Group, funded by remaining grant funds. The subcommittee also discussed using Senior Tenant Program funds with terms similar to CDBG FY22-23 but allowing a greater income-to-debt ratio, and authorization to acquire land or easements for public way purposes, with $79,300 to fund acquisitions and related costs.

Other Boards and Committees

The Planning Board met Aug. 19 to discuss a draft data center moratorium and continue its zoning bylaw review. The board also approved a layout submission for the Mill St Bridges TIP project.

The School Committee met Aug. 11 to discuss progress toward meeting DESE plan expectations and vote on subcommittee chairs for Policy, Finance/Budget, Negotiations, and Local Governance.

The Board of Health met Aug. 20 to hear a tobacco appeal hearing for Z-Mart, a non-payment of fine by M&S Smoke Shop, and a follow-up conversation on kratom.

The Conservation Commission met Aug. 20 to continue a public hearing on a wetlands violation remediation at 107 & 111 Highfield Drive and 376 Pleasant Street, and to discuss proposed rules and regulations.

The Fire Station Building Committee met Aug. 10 to review project updates, architect reports, schedule, budget, and invoices.

The Historical Commission met Aug. 11 to review the Local Historic District Study Committee update, neighborhood signs, and a digital historical walk proposal.

The Board of Assessors met Aug. 13 to review July abatement reports and Chapter Land applications.

The DPW Subcommittee met Aug. 17 to recommend Matthew West as a citizen member for a one-year term through June 30, 2027, and to begin a review of trenching regulations.

The Ad Hoc Town Council Rules and Regulations Review Committee met Aug. 17 to review the Town Council Rules & Regulations and set a target date for presenting recommendations.

Coming up

• **Town Council** – Aug. 24, 6 p.m., Town Council Chambers, 41 Elm Street. Public hearing on a dangerous dog complaint against Alexander Woifel, and a vote on $79,300 for Mill Street easement acquisition, a $41,719.78 change order for Crystal Street road work, and Senior Tenant Program funds.
• **Jacob Edwards Library Board of Trustees** – Aug. 25, via Zoom. Approve updated hotspot agreement and rescind bicycle and snowshoe lending policies.
• **Liquor Licensing Board** – Aug. 27, 1 p.m., Seaver Rice Meeting Room, Town Hall. Public hearings for a new liquor license at Airport Seafood and Grill, 220 Access Rd., and a change of manager for Fraternal Order of Eagles, 59 Mill St.
• **Conservation Commission** – Sep. 3. Hearings on a wetlands violation remediation, a riverfront redevelopment at 476 Worcester Street, and a utility pole at 503 East Main Street.
• **Public meeting on Reservoir No. 3** – Sep. 2. Presentation on proposed water quality improvements for Southbridge Reservoir No. 3, part of the MEPA process.

Southbridge weighs data center moratorium; no decisions published from recent meetings

Southbridge officials this month considered a temporary moratorium on data center development, but no decisions have been published because minutes from recent meetings have not yet been released. The Town Council met Aug. 10 with the moratorium on its agenda, along with several appointments and contracts. All recent meetings listed below are agenda-only; outcomes are pending until minutes are posted.

Data center moratorium

The most consequential item on recent agendas was a proposed amendment to the zoning bylaws that would pause data center permitting, construction, and expansion for up to 12 months, with the possibility of two 180-day extensions. The Planning & Development Subcommittee discussed the proposal Aug. 6 and considered referring it to the Planning Board for review and a public hearing. The Town Council had a vote on the amendment on its Aug. 10 agenda. The Planning Board is scheduled to discuss a draft of the moratorium at its Aug. 19 meeting.

Other notable agenda items

Several subcommittees and boards met in early August with items that would later go to the Town Council for final approval:

• **DPW Subcommittee (Aug. 6):** Reviewed a five-year extension of the water system management contract with Whitewater, Inc., a $7,000 transfer from the Sewer Reserve to the Natural Gas account, and ratification of fuel and road salt contracts, including treated salt at $91.00 per ton.
• **Protection of Persons & Property Subcommittee (Aug. 6):** Considered the appointment of Patrick Normandin as a full-time firefighter, acceptance of $500 donations from the Southbridge Improved Order of Redmen and Albert Latini, and a $1,200 payment to the Town of Sturbridge for Paramedic Intercept.
• **Planning & Development Subcommittee (Aug. 13):** Reviewed a $31,584 change order for the Quinebaug Valley Rail Trail construction contract with BSC Group, and authorization to acquire land/easements for public way purposes with $79,300 in funding.
• **General Government Subcommittee (Aug. 5):** Discussed the appointment of Gene Tretheway to the Liquor Licensing Board and a $10,000 recruitment services agreement with UMass Boston for a Treasurer/Collectors position.
• **School Committee (Aug. 11):** Discussed progress toward meeting DESE plan expectations and voted on subcommittee chairs for Policy, Finance/Budget, Negotiations, and Local Governance.

Other meetings included the Conservation Commission (continued hearing on a wetlands violation at 107 & 111 Highfield Drive and 376 Pleasant Street), the Historical Commission (local historic district study), and the Board of Assessors (July abatements).

Coming up

Residents may want to attend these upcoming meetings:

• **Aug. 17 – DPW Subcommittee:** Vote on recommending Matthew West as a citizen member; review roadwork and Pavement Management Plan; begin trenching regulations review.
• **Aug. 19 – Planning Board:** Discuss draft data center moratorium; approve Mill St Bridges TIP layout submission.
• **Aug. 20 – Conservation Commission:** Continue public hearing on Highfield Drive wetlands violation.
• **Aug. 24 – Town Council:** Public hearing on a dangerous dog complaint against Alexander Woifel, 6:00 p.m. at 41 Elm Street.
• **Aug. 27 – Liquor Licensing Board:** Public hearings for a new liquor license for Airport Seafood and Grill and a manager change for Fraternal Order of Eagles.

All meeting agendas and minutes are available through the town's official channels.

Southbridge Town Council to weigh data center moratorium; grants, contracts on tap

Southbridge's Town Council is scheduled to vote Monday on a proposed 12-month moratorium on new data center permits, a measure that would pause approvals while the town studies infrastructure, environmental, and public safety impacts. The vote is among several items on the council's agenda, which also includes donations, a budget transfer, and a towing contract. No minutes have been published from recent meetings, so outcomes of those sessions are not yet known.

Data center moratorium heads to council

The council will consider amending zoning bylaws to impose a temporary moratorium on data center permitting, construction, and expansion for up to 12 months, with possible extensions of up to two 180-day periods. The proposal, discussed by the Planning & Development Subcommittee on Aug. 6, would be referred to the Planning Board for review and a public hearing under M.G.L. c. 40A, § 5. The subcommittee also discussed a study of infrastructure, land-use, and public safety impacts.

Grants and contracts

Several grant and contract items are on the council's agenda or were discussed by subcommittees in the past two weeks. The Planning & Development Subcommittee reviewed a request to apply for a New England Heat Pump Accelerator Grant of up to $500,000, with no town financial contribution, and a no-cost agreement with HomeWorks Energy to promote Mass Save benefits for 1-4-unit housing. The Town Council's July 27 agenda included acceptance of a $4,950 FFY2025 Emergency Management Performance Grant, a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant of up to $133,262.25 for the Town Hall Generator project, and a $25,000 Massachusetts Preservation Project Fund grant match for a Town Hall Tower investigation. The council also considered a contract with MuniFin, Inc. for treasurer/collector services from July 1, 2026 through Jan. 31, 2027.

The DPW Subcommittee reviewed a $7,000 transfer from the Sewer Reserve to the Natural Gas account, a five-year extension of the water system management agreement with Whitewater, Inc., and ratification of fuel and salt contracts, including treated salt at $91.00 per ton. The Southbridge Housing Authority's agenda included contracts for electrical work ($56,200), a financial assistance amendment ($374,201.11), a change order for School Street renovations ($36,567.82), and paving improvements ($229,398). The Retirement Board considered a $556,522.96 warrant and a funding schedule from actuary John Boorack.

Personnel and appointments

The Town Council is set to vote on a $500 donation from the Improved Order of Redmen and a $500 donation from Albert Latini to the Fire Department. The Protection of Persons & Property Subcommittee reviewed the appointment of Patrick Normandin as a full-time firefighter and a $1,200 payment to the Town of Sturbridge for Paramedic Intercept. The General Government Subcommittee discussed the appointment of Gene Tretheway to the Liquor Licensing Board and a $10,000 recruitment agreement with UMass Boston for a treasurer/collectors position. The Education & Human Services Subcommittee reviewed the appointment of Angela Garvin as a citizen member and a senior exercise program proposal.

Other board activity

Other recent meetings included the Jacob Edwards Library Board of Trustees discussing the Local History Room project and Chess Park; the Board of Assessors reviewing a $95,203.25 motor vehicle commitment; the Bylaw Review Committee considering changes to employee titles and a new Traffic Commission section; and the Conservation Commission continuing a public hearing on a wetlands violation at 107 & 111 Highfield Drive and 376 Pleasant Street. The Planning Board held a hybrid meeting with roll-call votes on a zoning bylaw review.

Coming up

• **Town Council** – Aug. 10, 6:00 p.m. (data center moratorium, donations, towing contract)
• **School Committee** – Aug. 11 (subcommittee chairs, DESE plan discussion)
• **Historical Commission** – Aug. 11 (historic district study, digital walk proposal)
• **Conservation Commission** – Aug. 20 (continued wetlands hearing)
• **Town Council** – Aug. 24, 6:00 p.m. (dangerous dog hearing for Alexander Woifel, 41 Elm Street)

Southbridge boards weigh grants, contracts, and zoning reviews in late July meetings

Southbridge's boards and committees held a packed schedule of meetings in the final two weeks of July, with agendas covering municipal grants, housing authority contracts, retirement board warrants, and zoning bylaw reviews. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of these sessions, the items below reflect what each body was scheduled to consider; outcomes are not yet confirmed in the public record.

Town Council: grants, treasurer contract, and rail trail change order

The Town Council had two agendas on July 27. In a closed executive session, the Council was scheduled to vote to enter executive session under M.G.L. Chapter 30A §21 to discuss negotiation strategy for nonunion personnel (Police Chief and Fire Department Chief/Deputy Chief), collective bargaining strategy with Firefighter IAFF AFL-CIO Local 2194, and the status of open litigation. The Council was also set to review executive session minutes from May 11 and May 18, 2026.

A separate open-session agenda listed several votes, including a contract with MuniFin, Inc. for Town Treasurer/Collector Services from July 1, 2026 through January 31, 2027; acceptance of a $4,950.00 FFY2025 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG); acceptance of a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant up to $133,262.25 for a Town Hall Generator project; acceptance of a $25,000 Massachusetts Preservation Project Fund (MPPF) Grant Match for Town Hall Tower investigation; and a change order for Quinebaug Valley Rail Trail construction by David G. Roach & Sons for paving, a crosswalk, and parking.

Housing Authority: FY2027 plans and construction contracts

The Southbridge Housing Authority was scheduled to vote on its FY2027 Annual Plan and Capital Improvement Plan on July 30. The agenda included a public comment period and several contracts: Ostrow Electric Company, Inc. for Main Electrical Switch Replacement at $56,200.00; Amendment #15 to Contract for Financial Assistance (CFA) 5001 at $374,201.11; Change Order #2 for School Street Renovations at $36,567.82; and M.L. Partlow and Son Paving Inc. for Parking Improvements at $229,398.00.

Retirement Board: $556,522.96 warrant and funding schedule

The Retirement Board was set to vote on a funding schedule presented by PERAC Actuary John Boorack and to approve the July W072026 warrant for $556,522.96. The agenda also included refunds of accumulated deductions for Matthew Kelley, Ana Mazzarella, and Shawn Tyler; a rollover of accumulated deductions for Montana Travassos; and discussion of a travel expense policy and PERAC Memo 22/2026.

Planning & Development Subcommittee: $500,000 heat pump grant

The joint Planning & Development Subcommittee was scheduled to vote on recommending two items to the Town Council: applying for the New England Heat Pump Accelerator Grant up to $500,000 with no town financial contribution, and entering a no-cost Memorandum of Understanding with HomeWorks Energy to promote Mass Save benefits for 1-4-unit housing.

Conservation Commission: wetlands hearing and site walks

The Conservation Commission had two July 23 agendas. One was a site walk with the Conservation Agent at 352 Durfee Street (parcel #069-054—-00001) and East Main Street (parcel #044-027–00001), with no formal decisions scheduled. The other included a continued public hearing on CAAR Development, LLC wetlands violation remediation and subdivision plan at 107 & 111 Highfield Drive and 376 Pleasant Street, plus updates on 87 Golf Street, 18-30 Mill Street, and Dudley River Road regarding DEP action.

Traffic Commission: East Main Street crosswalk proposed

The Traffic Commission was scheduled to review a proposed crosswalk on East Main Street before the Big Y Plaza, requested by Economic Development for rail-trail patrons. The agenda also included a handicap parking designation in front of a proposed business at 276 South Street and a "No Parking" restriction from the 262 South Street driveway to the Water Street intersection.

Other meetings

The Insurance Advisory Committee was set to discuss a Retiree Vision Rider, a Dental Plan Benefit Increase, and the School 21/22 Employee Deduction Schedule. The Planning Board was scheduled to receive a staff update on Zoning Bylaw Review. The General Government Subcommittee was to discuss appointing Mike Marketti as a Citizen Member through June 30, 2027, and the job description for Administrative Assistant I/Town Council Recording Clerk (S-5). The School Committee Policy Subcommittee was to review school policies. The Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Board was to discuss ROW tree marking, the municipal tree inventory, tree ordinance examples, Tree Warden responsibilities, and outreach at Eastford Road School and Trinity Academy. The Jacob Edwards Library Board of Trustees was to discuss the Local History Room project, the Chess Park, a Pollinator Garden dedication plaque, an ARIS report for State Aid, and the trustee voucher process. The Board of Assessors was to review a Motor Vehicle 2026 Commitment #4 of $95,203.25 and airport real estate tax abatements. The Bylaw Review Committee was to discuss changes to employee titles in Chapter 3, revising section 3-306 (Building Inspector) to Director of Inspectional Services, proposing a new section 3-224 (Traffic Commission), and reviewing Chapter 5 Finance bylaws.

Coming up

• **August 4 — Public Pole Hearings:** The Town Manager will hold hearings on National Grid petitions to install and relocate poles on Ellis Road and West Street.
• **August 5 — Planning Board:** Hybrid meeting at Town Hall Lower Level at 6:30 PM; roll-call votes required for all decisions; zoning bylaw review scheduled.
• **August 6 — Conservation Commission:** Continued public hearing on the CAAR Development wetlands violation and subdivision plan at 107 & 111 Highfield Drive and 376 Pleasant Street, plus updates on 87 Golf Street, 18-30 Mill Street, and a Certificate of Compliance request for Massachusetts Avenue.

Southbridge boards weigh budget transfers, grants, and appointments in busy July stretch

Southbridge's boards and subcommittees covered a packed agenda over the past two weeks, with items ranging from a $357,342.20 transfer to the town's Stabilization Fund to a $133,262.25 FEMA grant for a Town Hall generator. All meetings listed below are agenda-only — minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes cannot be confirmed. What follows is what each body was scheduled to consider.

Town Council: Budget transfers and appointments

The Town Council's July 6 agenda included several FY26 budget transfers and appointments. The largest single item was a $357,342.20 transfer from the Town Manager to the Stabilization Fund. Other transfers on the agenda included $75,500 for the Police Department for data processing and a $9,000 Summer ASOST Grant for a July–August program.

The council was also scheduled to confirm Madeline Bonadies as municipal hearing officer and vote on a contract extension for the River Crane Street Phase 1 construction project. A separate reorganizational meeting the same day included swearing in councilors-elect, electing a chairperson and vice-chairperson, adopting a seating arrangement, and confirming the reappointment of Sharon Morrissette as Recording Clerk.

Subcommittees: Reappointments, grants, and land acquisition

The General Government Subcommittee's July 14 agenda included reappointing Kristine Russell as Town Accountant and Tracy Pollone to the Board of Registrars, both through June 30, 2029. The subcommittee was also scheduled to discuss a contract with MuniFin, Inc. for Treasurer/Collector Services from July 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027, and appoint Ariel Ortiz and Denise Clemence as citizen members.

The Protection of Persons & Property Subcommittee's July 14 agenda included accepting up to $133,262.25 in FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant funds for a Town Hall generator and $4,950.00 in EMPG Program funds. The subcommittee was also set to discuss the town joining the Central Massachusetts Regional Emergency Communication Center, and to review the appointment of Zachary Martins as Constable through June 30, 2029.

The Planning & Development Subcommittee's July 15 agenda included a recommendation to appropriate $61,900 for acquiring land or easements for public way purposes, acceptance of a $25,000 Massachusetts Preservation Project Fund grant for Town Hall Tower investigation and construction documents, and a change order for the Quinebaug Valley Rail Trail adding paving, a crosswalk with a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon, and parking.

Planning Board and Zoning Board

The Planning Board's July 8 agenda included a public hearing on a special permit application from Greg Cumings for a restaurant at 276 South Street (Map 49, Lot 127), an Approval Not Required plan for 70 Foster Street, and continued review of the Zoning Bylaw.

The Zoning Board of Appeals had a variance hearing scheduled July 9 — and rescheduled for July 16 — on Andrew McCullough's request to reduce a side setback for a residential building at 2 Meadowbrook Road (Map 54, Lot 91). The property is owned by the June A. Ford Irrevocable Trust.

Conservation Commission: Wetlands and subdivisions

The Conservation Commission's July 9 agenda included a continued public hearing on a wetlands violation and subdivision plan by CAAR Development, LLC at 107 and 111 Highfield Drive and 376 Pleasant Street. Updates were also scheduled on 87 Golf Street, 18–30 Mill Street, and Dudley River Road regarding a DEP action.

School Committee reorganizes

The School Committee held a reorganizational meeting July 14 to swear in members — administered by Town Clerk Maddie Bonadies — and elect a chairperson and vice-chairperson. A second meeting the same day included votes on ELPAC and SEPAC representatives and discussion of 2026–2027 agenda items, conference attendance, and progress toward DESE Plan expectations.

Regional transportation: TIP Amendment #9

The Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization held a virtual public hearing July 7 on Proposed TIP Amendment #9, covering a $10,121,005 intersection improvement at Chandler Street and May Street in Worcester and a $4,594,106 bridge replacement on Leicester Road over the French River in Oxford. A July 15 CMMPO agenda included maintaining the Oxford bridge project changes and a staff recommendation to remove the Worcester project from the FFY 2026 list.

Coming up

• **July 22 — Planning Board:** Staff update on Zoning Bylaw Review.
• **July 22 — Insurance Advisory Committee:** Discussion of a Retiree Vision Rider, a proposed Dental Plan benefit increase, and the School 21/22 Employee Deduction Schedule.
• **July 23 — Conservation Commission:** Continued public hearing on the CAAR Development wetlands violation and subdivision plan, plus a site walk at 352 Durfee Street and East Main Street.
• **July 23 — School Committee Policy Subcommittee:** Review of school policies.
• **July 23 — Traffic Commission:** Proposed crosswalk on East Main Street near Big Y Plaza, handicap parking at 276 South Street, and a "No Parking" restriction from 262 South Street to Water Street.

Southbridge roundup: Town Council weighs $357K stabilization transfer, River Crane Street contracts; boards take up restaurant permit, wetlands hearing

Southbridge's Town Council was scheduled to act on more than $640,000 in budget transfers and contract extensions across two meetings in late June and early July, including a $357,342.20 transfer to the Stabilization Fund and a $189,500 appropriation for prior sewer invoices. Minutes have not yet been published for any of the meetings covered in this roundup, so outcomes listed below reflect what was on each agenda, not confirmed results.

Town Council

The Council's June 29 agenda included a transfer of $357,342.20 to the Stabilization Fund from various accounts, an appropriation of $189,500 from Sewer Retained Earnings for prior Jacobs invoices, and contract extensions for the River Crane Street Phase I construction to July 31, 2026. Also on the agenda: establishment of a Community Gardens Fund, pool programming and pest control agreements, and appointments to boards and commissions.

A July 6 reorganizational meeting was set to swear in councilors-elect, elect a permanent chairperson and vice-chairperson, adopt a seating arrangement, and confirm the reappointment of Sharon Morrissette as Recording Clerk.

A second July 6 Council agenda listed confirmation of Madeline Bonadies as municipal hearing officer, a $9,000 Summer ASOST Grant for a July–August program, a $75,500 Police Department transfer for data processing, the same $357,342.20 Stabilization Fund transfer, and the River Crane Street Phase 1 contract extension.

Planning Board

The Planning Board's July 8 agenda included a public hearing on a special permit application from Greg Cumings to allow a restaurant at 276 South Street (Map 49, Lot 127). The board was also scheduled to consider an Approval Not Required plan for 70 Foster Street and continue its review of the Zoning Bylaw.

Conservation Commission

The Commission's July 9 agenda featured a continued public hearing on a wetlands violation and proposed subdivision by CAAR Development, LLC, at 107 and 111 Highfield Drive and 376 Pleasant Street. Updates were also listed for 87 Golf Street, 18–30 Mill Street, and Dudley River Road regarding a DEP action.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The ZBA was scheduled to hold a public hearing July 9 on a variance application by Andrew McCullough to reduce a side setback for a residential building at 2 Meadowbrook Road (Map 54, Lot 91). The property is owned by the June A. Ford Irrevocable Trust. The agenda also included approval of minutes from May 7, 2026.

Regional transportation

The Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization held a virtual public hearing July 7 on Proposed TIP Amendment #9, covering a $10,121,005 intersection improvement at Chandler Street and May Street in Worcester and a $4,594,106 bridge replacement on Leicester Road over the French River in Oxford. Funding shifts included $4.17 million in Carbon Reduction Program grants and a $3.28 million reduction in STBG funds. The comment deadline was July 8, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.

Other boards

The Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Board (June 30) reviewed right-of-way tree marking, the municipal tree inventory, tree ordinance examples, and Arbor Day planning for Eastford Road School and Trinity Academy. The Insurance Advisory Committee (July 1) was set to discuss a retire vision rider, a dental plan benefit increase, and a school employee deduction schedule for 2021/2022. The Bylaw Review Committee (July 2) took up revisions to sections 3-107 and 3-306 and Chapter 5 Finance. The Trails Committee (July 9) discussed trail maintenance, the 53a Gift account, and Cole Forest/Heritage trails.

Coming up

• **July 13, 6 p.m. — Fire Station Building Committee:** Project updates, architect report, change orders, budget, and invoices.
• **July 13 — Airport Commission:** Hangar status, security system replacement, diner update, and land lease review.
• **July 14 — Historical Commission:** Nomination of the Albanian Church to the National Register of Historic Places and review of a demolition delay by-law.
• **July 14 — School Committee:** Reorganizational meeting to swear in members and elect a chair and vice-chair; votes on ELPAC and SEPAC representatives.
• **July 15 — CMMPO:** Consideration of TIP Amendment #9, including Oxford bridge changes and possible removal of a Worcester project.
• **July 15 — Education & Human Services Subcommittee:** Review of appointments — Zachary LaVergne (EHS), George Chenier (Board of Health), and Ted Bartlett (Council on Aging), all through June 30, 2029.
• **July 16 — Board of Health:** Appeal hearing for Karen Choinski, a presentation on Kratom by William Powers, and a communicable disease update.
• **July 16 — Zoning Board of Appeals:** Rescheduled public hearing on the side setback variance at 2 Meadowbrook Road.
• **July 23 — Conservation Commission:** Continued hearing on the CAAR Development wetlands violation and subdivision at 107 and 111 Highfield Drive and 376 Pleasant Street.

Assessors sign 2027 tax warrants; Southbridge boards weigh $440,000 in transfers, wetlands remediation, and later bar hours

The only action confirmed in official minutes over the past two weeks came June 24, when the Board of Assessors signed the 2027 Preliminary Real Estate Warrant, the 2027 Preliminary Personal Property Warrant, and the 2027 Notice of Commitment. The board also accepted previous minutes and held a taxpayer forum and an open forum; no substantive policy decisions were recorded. All other meetings listed below are agenda-only, meaning minutes have not yet been published and outcomes are not confirmed.

Assessors sign 2027 tax warrants

On June 24, the Board of Assessors signed the 2027 Preliminary Real Estate Warrant, the 2027 Preliminary Personal Property Warrant, and the 2027 Notice of Commitment. These documents are part of the town's annual property tax commitment process. The meeting also included a taxpayer forum and an open forum.

Subcommittee agendas target over $440,000 in transfers

Several subcommittees met June 25 on agendas that, if approved by the full Town Council, would move significant funds:

• **General Government Subcommittee:** Reviewed a $357,342.20 transfer from salary accounts to the Stabilization Fund, $79,500 for Police Department data processing and equipment maintenance, and $47,100 from Council Reserve for solid waste, gas, and heating fuel. The agenda also included appointing Madeline Bonadies as Municipal Hearing Officer and reappointing Layne D. Wandelear to the Liquor Licensing Board.
• **DPW Subcommittee:** Reviewed a $189,500 appropriation from Sewer Retained Earnings for prior invoices to Jacobs, a $187,000 sewer transfer to the compost account, a $49,000 transfer from salary to overtime for snow and ice, and a $10,000 transfer from water capital reserve to equipment maintenance. Contract extensions for the River Crane Street Phase 1 construction project to July 31, 2026, were also on the agenda.
• **Education & Human Services Subcommittee:** Considered establishing a Community Gardens Fund, accepting a $9,000 Summer 2026 ASOST grant, a YMCA pool usage agreement, and yoga proposals of $2,500 for weekly chair yoga and $1,250 for bi-weekly Chair Yoga Bingo in Spanish.
• **Planning & Development Subcommittee:** Reviewed a $4,800 agreement with ZenCity for planning software, a scope increase for North Street construction to add ADA ramps and a crosswalk, and CDBG grant extensions.
• **Retirement Board:** Agenda included a vote on a warrant totaling $855,118.55, retirements of Suzanne Putis (10.17 years service) and Joseph Losavio (11.58 years service) from Bay Path Vocational High School, and a transfer of deductions for Michelle Hill (23.5 total years) to Hampden County Regional.
• **Southbridge Housing Authority:** Scheduled to vote on a $46,996.00 bid from AALANCO Service Corp. for an AHU replacement.

Town Council agenda lists large transfers and contracts

The June 29 Town Council agenda included confirming appointments, approving the $357,342.20 transfer to the Stabilization Fund, the $189,500 appropriation for prior Jacobs sewer invoices, River Crane Street Phase I contract extensions, and establishing the Community Gardens Fund. Minutes are not yet published.

Other boards and commissions

• **Historical Commission (June 23):** Reviewed a request to nominate 126 Morris Street to the National Register of Historic Places and discussed a working demolition delay by-law.
• **Jacob Edwards Library Trustees (June 23):** Discussed a Municipal ADA Improvement Grant elevator update, a Local History Room special project, an MOU with the Friends of the Library, and meeting room policy research.
• **Conservation Commission (June 25):** Held a public hearing on CAAR Development, LLC wetlands remediation and a subdivision plan for 107 & 111 Highfield Drive and 376 Pleasant Street, with enforcement discussion for 87 Golf Street and updates on 18-30 Mill Street and Dudley River Road.
• **Liquor Licensing Board (June 25):** Discussed a temporary state pilot program that would extend bar closing hours to 3:00 a.m.
• **Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Board (June 30):** Reviewed right-of-way tree marking, the municipal tree inventory, and tree ordinance examples.
• **Insurance Advisory Committee (July 1):** Discussed a retire vision rider, a dental plan benefit increase, and a school employee deduction schedule.
• **Bylaw Review Committee (July 2):** Reviewed revisions to sections 3-107 and 3-306 and Chapter 5 Finance.

Coming up

• **July 6, Town Council (reorganization):** Swearing-in of councilors-elect, election of a permanent chairperson and vice-chairperson, and a vote to confirm reappointment of Sharon Morrissette as Recording Clerk.
• **July 6, Town Council (regular):** Confirm appointments including Madeline Bonadies as municipal hearing officer; votes on the $9,000 Summer ASOST Grant, a $75,500 Police Department transfer, the $357,342.20 transfer to the Stabilization Fund, and the River Crane Street Phase 1 contract extension.
• **July 7, CMMPO (virtual):** Public hearing on Proposed 2026-2030 TIP Amendment #9, covering a $10,121,005 Worcester intersection project and a $4,594,106 Oxford bridge replacement. Comment deadline July 8 at 4:30 p.m.
• **July 8, Planning Board:** Public hearing on a special permit application from Greg Cumings for a restaurant at 276 South Street (Map 49, Lot 127); also an Approval Not Required plan for 70 Foster Street and continued Zoning Bylaw review.
• **July 9, Conservation Commission:** Continued public hearing on CAAR Development, LLC wetlands violation and subdivision.
• **July 9, Zoning Board of Appeals:** Public hearing on a variance application by Andrew McCullough to reduce a side setback at 2 Meadowbrook Road (Map 54, Lot 91), owned by the June A. Ford Irrevocable Trust.
• **July 16, WRTA Advisory Board:** Routine procedural meeting with minutes approval, public comment, and an administrator's report.

Assessors sign FY27 preliminary tax warrants; subcommittees weigh sewer payment, budget transfers

The Board of Assessors on June 24 signed the preliminary real estate and personal property warrants and the notice of commitment for fiscal year 2027, according to official minutes released this week. The action was the only formal vote captured in published minutes over the past two weeks, while multiple subcommittees and boards held meetings to advance spending requests, land-use hearings, and appointments that will eventually reach the Town Council.

Finance and budget transfers

The DPW Subcommittee met June 25 and was scheduled to recommend a $189,500 appropriation from sewer retained earnings to pay prior-year invoices to Jacobs, along with a $187,000 sewer transfer to the compost account. The subcommittee also reviewed contract extensions for the River Crane Street Phase I construction project, with work expected to be completed by July 31, 2026.

The General Government Subcommittee that same evening considered several budget transfers for recommendation to the full council: $357,342.20 from salary accounts to the Stabilization Fund, $79,500 for police department data processing and equipment maintenance, and $47,100 from the council reserve for solid waste, gas and heating fuel. The subcommittee also reviewed the appointment of Madeline Bonadies as municipal hearing officer and the reappointment of Layne D. Wandelear to the Liquor Licensing Board.

The Retirement Board’s June 25 agenda included a vote on a warrant totaling $855,118.55 for retiree payroll, end-of-service checks and accounts payable, as well as the superannuation retirements of two Bay Path Vocational High School employees.

Land use and public hearings

The Conservation Commission held a public hearing June 25 on a wetlands violation remediation and subdivision plan for CAAR Development, LLC, involving parcels at 107 and 111 Highfield Drive and 376 Pleasant Street. The commission also discussed enforcement steps for 87 Golf Street and received updates on Mill Street and Dudley River Road. A continuation of that hearing is scheduled for July 9.

The Planning & Development Subcommittee on June 25 reviewed a scope increase for the North Street construction project to add ADA ramps and a crosswalk, and a $4,800 agreement with ZenCity for planning software. It also handled extensions of federal CDBG grant contracts.

Programs and appointments

The Education & Human Services Subcommittee considered the establishment of a Community Gardens Fund to accept donations, the acceptance of a $9,000 Summer 2026 ASOST grant for after-school programs, and proposals for yoga classes at the Senior Center. The subcommittee also reviewed several appointments to the Council on Aging and Board of Health.

The Liquor Licensing Board discussed a state pilot program that could extend bar closing hours to 3 a.m. and considered one-day liquor licenses. No votes were recorded in minutes.

Coming up

The Town Council holds a reorganizational meeting on July 6 to swear in councilors-elect and elect a chair and vice-chair, then will immediately convene a business session to confirm appointments and vote on budget transfers, including the $357,342 stabilization fund transfer and the River Crane Street contract extension.

The Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization will hold a virtual public hearing July 7 on Proposed TIP Amendment #9, which includes $10.1 million for intersection improvements in Worcester and $4.6 million for a bridge replacement in Oxford. Public comments are due by July 8 at 4:30 p.m.

On July 8, the Planning Board will open a public hearing on a special permit for a restaurant at 276 South Street. The same evening the board will consider an Approval Not Required plan for 70 Foster Street and continue its zoning bylaw review.

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hear a variance request July 9 to reduce a side setback for a residential building at 2 Meadowbrook Road. The Conservation Commission will continue its CAAR Development hearing later that day.