Spencer meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Spencer boards take up fair licenses, abatements, and school tour

Over the past two weeks, Spencer's boards and committees met on a range of items, from entertainment licenses for the Spencer Fair to tax abatements and a tour of the renovated high school. All recent meetings are listed as agenda-only, with minutes not yet published, so no decisions or votes have been reported.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen met Aug. 11 with an agenda that included entertainment licenses for the Spencer Fair (Sept. 3–7, 2026, at 48 Smithville Road), a Sunday entertainment license for Sept. 6, and a one-way traffic pattern on Smithville Road and Smithville Cross Road for the fair dates. The board also had contracts for a zoning bylaw update with CommunityScale and an amendment with Howard, Stein, Hudson for the Main and Ash Street Sidewalk project, plus a vote to sign the State Primary Election Warrant.

At an Aug. 19 meeting, the board discussed next steps for the interim Treasurer/Collector position, with no other action items listed. On Aug. 20, the board held a site visit and tour of the newly renovated David Prouty High School at 302 Main Street; no official business was conducted.

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors met Aug. 10 with an agenda that included votes on 28 or more motor vehicle abatement applications, June 2026 monthly motor vehicle abatements totaling $9,167.30, and a 2026-04 commitment and warrant for $91,254.57. Also on the agenda were a real estate abatement for U13/1 in the amount of $400.00 and a Penalty Tax Certificate for Chapter 61A for R08/50 Kim Gould for $257.15. The board also planned to address a valuation appeal from Vista Lane Apartments and reorganize board positions.

Other boards

The Board of Health held a special meeting Aug. 10 to discuss sewer issues on Church Street, with no other items listed.

The Zoning Board of Appeals met Aug. 11 to consider two variance requests: one for Serrato Signs to install a 33.25 sq ft ground-mounted sign at 177 Main Street (zoning allows 12 sq ft in the VR district) and one for Paul and Denise Parker to place a shed 37 feet from the front property line at 22 Sunberg Road (zoning requires 55 ft in the RR district). The board also planned to approve minutes from July 14 and hear a town planner report.

The Board of Sewer Commissioners met Aug. 12 and Aug. 19, both with agendas covering approval of minutes, monthly operations reports, budget and capital items, sewer system upgrades, and resident concerns. The Aug. 19 meeting also included a grease trap discussion.

The Conservation Commission met Aug. 12 to continue public hearings on Notices of Intent for two properties on William Casey Road (Taniel Bedrosian, Lots 1 and 2) and one at 10 Ethier Drive (William Dulmaine), and to open a hearing for Jeffrey and Laura Donahue at 53 Jolicoeur Avenue. The commission also discussed violations at six addresses and an RDA plan update.

The Planning Board met Aug. 18 to continue hearings on stormwater and scenic road permits for two new homes on William Casey Road, and to open a hearing for a scenic road permit to remove 24 feet of stone wall at 23 William Casey Road. The board also discussed boundary line adjustments for 103, 105, and 109 Clark Road, rights of first refusal for 17 Sunberg Road and Lots 15 & 30 Hastings Road, and administrative items.

The Stiles Lake Water District met Aug. 18 at the Leicester Police Department Community Meeting Room, with a treasurer's report, bill payments, and an open discussion on dam and lake status.

Coming up

• **Finance Committee** – Aug. 25: reorganization for FY2027, election of officers, appointment of representatives, and review of the 2018 Financial Policies.
• **Conservation Commission** – Aug. 26: five public hearings on Notices of Intent, including continued hearings for Taniel Bedrosian on William Casey Road.
• **WRTA Advisory Board** – Aug. 27: hybrid meeting at 8:00 a.m., with public comment and an administrator's report.

Spencer boards weigh marijuana delivery ban, road project contract, and tax abatements

Spencer's Board of Selectmen and Water Commissioners met over the past two weeks to consider a proposed ban on marijuana deliveries, a contract amendment for the Valley and Mill Streets improvement project, and a water connection request. Minutes from those meetings have not yet been published, so no official decisions are confirmed. The Board of Assessors and Zoning Board of Appeals have meetings scheduled this week.

Board of Selectmen: July 27 agenda

The Board of Selectmen reviewed a request for a waiver from the Cannabis Control Commission to prohibit marijuana deliveries in Spencer. The board also held a hearing on National Grid pole installations at 10 locations, including Valley, Spring, and School Streets. Entertainment and liquor license requests for the Spencer Fair and Oktoberfest were on the agenda, along with contracts for ambulance debt collections, recycling services, and dumpster services. The board also reviewed an agreement with BETA Engineering for the McCormick Road Pedestrian Crossing Study & Design.

Board of Selectmen: August 4 agenda

The board reviewed Contract Amendment #2 with Haley Ward Inc. for the Valley and Mill Streets Improvement Project, covering phase two engineering design. The board also considered entering executive session to discuss litigation strategy involving Stantec.

Board of Water Commissioners: August 5 agenda

The Water Commissioners discussed a water connection for 369 East Main St, an update on the water department roof, and department project updates.

Coming up

Board of Assessors — Monday, August 10

The board will vote on 28 or more motor vehicle abatement applications, including June 2026 monthly abatements totaling $9,167.30. It will also vote on the 2026-04 commitment and warrant for $91,254.57, a real estate abatement for U13/1 in the amount of $400.00, and a Penalty Tax Certificate for Chapter 61A for R08/50 Kim Gould for $257.15. The board will address a valuation appeal from Vista Lane Apartments and reorganize board positions.

Zoning Board of Appeals — Tuesday, August 11

The board will hold a special meeting to consider two variance requests. Serrato Signs seeks a variance to install a 33.25 square-foot ground-mounted sign at 177 Main Street, where zoning allows 12 square feet in the village residential district. Paul and Denise Parker request a variance to place a shed 37 feet from the front property line at 22 Sunberg Road, where zoning requires 55 feet in the rural residential district. The board will also approve minutes from the July 14, 2026 meeting and hear a town planner report.

Spencer boards weigh marijuana delivery ban, road permits, and tax abatements in busy stretch

Recent meetings: agendas set, outcomes not yet public

Spencer's boards met three times in the past two weeks, but minutes have not yet been published for any of those sessions, so the record shows only what was scheduled for discussion — not what was decided. Residents looking for votes, approvals, or dollar figures from these meetings will need to wait for the official minutes.

Planning Board — July 21

The Planning Board agenda listed continued public hearings on stormwater and scenic road permits for two parcels on William Casey Road, each tied to a proposed single-family home with septic, well, and driveway. The board was also scheduled to take up an ANR (Approval Not Required) request from the Bruso Family Trust to create lots on Hastings Road, review an as-built certificate of completion for 4 & 6 Eagleton, and discuss proposed updates to the Zoning Bylaw and Subdivision Regulations. Procedural items included board officer elections and approval of a Stonebridge Press invoice.

Economic Development Committee — July 22

A short procedural agenda: approval of the June 3, 2026 meeting minutes and a review of action items from that same session. No substantive policy items were listed.

Board of Selectmen — July 27

The Selectmen's agenda included a request for a waiver from the Cannabis Control Commission to prohibit marijuana deliveries in Spencer. The board was also scheduled to hold a National Grid pole hearing covering installations at 10 locations, including Valley, Spring, and School Streets. Entertainment and liquor license requests were listed for the Spencer Fair and Oktoberfest. Contract reviews on the agenda covered ambulance debt collections, recycling services, and dumpster services, plus an agreement with BETA Engineering for the McCormick Road Pedestrian Crossing Study & Design.

Because minutes are not yet available for any of the three recent meetings, this roundup cannot report whether any of these items were approved, continued, or voted down.

Coming up

Board of Selectmen — Monday, Aug. 4: Review of Contract Amendment #2 with Haley Ward Inc. for the Valley and Mill Streets Improvement Project, Phase Two Engineering Design. The board may also enter executive session to discuss litigation strategy involving Stantec.

Board of Water Commissioners — Tuesday, Aug. 5: Discussion of a water connection for 369 East Main St, plus updates on the Water Department roof and ongoing department projects.

Board of Assessors — Monday, Aug. 10: Scheduled votes include 28-plus motor vehicle abatement applications, June 2026 monthly motor vehicle abatements totaling $9,167.30, a 2026-04 commitment and warrant for $91,254.57, a real estate abatement for U13/1 of $400.00, and a Penalty Tax Certificate for Chapter 61A for R08/50 Kim Gould totaling $257.15. The board will also address a valuation appeal from Vista Lane Apartments and reorganize its positions.

Zoning Board of Appeals — Tuesday, Aug. 11: A special meeting with two variance requests — Serrato Signs seeks approval for a 33.25 sq ft ground-mounted sign at 177 Main Street, where zoning allows 12 sq ft in the VR district; and Paul and Denise Parker seek approval to place a shed 37 feet from the front property line at 22 Sunberg Road, where zoning requires 55 ft in the RR district. The agenda also includes approval of July 14, 2026 minutes and a town planner report.

Spencer boards weighed budget transfers, pipe bids, and variances; outcomes not yet published

Spencer's boards and commissions met throughout the second week of July 2026, with agendas covering budget transfers, water infrastructure bids, septic variances, and zoning requests. However, minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings, so no final outcomes, vote tallies, or approved dollar amounts can be confirmed from the available record. What follows is a summary of what each body scheduled for discussion or action.

Budget transfers before Selectmen and Finance Committee

The Board of Selectmen met July 14 and listed FY 2026 Budget Transfers for possible approval. The same evening, the Finance Committee met remotely to consider Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Transfers, which the agenda states require approval from both the Finance Committee and the Board of Selectmen. The Selectmen were scheduled to vote on the transfers before the Finance Committee meeting. The Finance Committee agenda also included introduction of new members Dennis O'Leary, Justine Caggiano, and Kristopher Lauzon, and roll call voting under Regulation 940, CMR 29.10.

The Board of Selectmen also had one-day special beverage license requests on its agenda: a wines-only license from John Samek of Hardwick Vineyard & Winery for July 18 and September 4–7 at the Spencer Fairgrounds, and a malt-only beverages license from Matthew Zarif of Timberyard Brewing Company for July 18 at the Spencer Fairgrounds.

Water Commissioners: pipe bids, ERP proposal, treatment plant update

The Board of Water Commissioners met July 7 and July 15. The July 7 agenda included a Tata & Howard proposal to update the ERP system, bids for ductile iron and polyethylene pipe for FY27, an update on Cranberry Meadow Well and Landfill Monitoring Wells, and approval of minutes from June 3, 2026. The July 15 meeting was scheduled as a presentation from Tata & Howard on the Water Treatment Plant Filter Project at 3 Old Meadow Road, with no votes or binding decisions listed.

The Board of Sewer Commissioners met July 8 to discuss sewer system upgrades, budget and capital items, and monthly operations reports. A July 15 session was scheduled as a joint meeting with the Water Commissioners at 3 Old Meadow Rd.

Board of Health: septic setback violations at 5 Ledge Avenue

The Board of Health met July 7 to review two Local Upgrade Approval requests and a well permit. At 5 Ledge Avenue, the agenda lists multiple non-compliant setbacks: a septic tank 6 feet from a dwelling where 10 feet is required, a soil absorption system 7 feet from a dwelling where 20 feet is required, and a reduction in the SAS to 660 square feet. A separate LUA for 10 Ethier Drive involves an SAS 25 feet from a resource area where 50 feet is required. A well permit for John Norton at 3 Taylor Drive lists a well 35 feet from an abutter's SAS where 100 feet is required.

Conservation Commission and Zoning Board

The Conservation Commission met July 8 to continue public hearings on 20 Whittemore Cove (DEP#293-1087, amended Order of Conditions), 10 Ethier Drive (Notice of Intent), and 44 Meadow Road (Request for Determination of Applicability). The agenda also included a Certificate of Compliance request for a retaining wall at 41 Oakland Drive and discussion of bobcat use at 78 Donnelly Road.

The Zoning Board of Appeals held a special meeting July 14 on two variance requests: Kenneth MacDonald's proposal to demolish seasonal camps and build a year-round single-family home at 11 & 15 Wilson Ave, and a request from Paula Miller, Albert & Donna Starr to allow an accessory dwelling unit in the front setback at 1 Washburn Drive.

Regional transportation and routine business

The CMMPO held a virtual meeting July 7 on Amendment #9 to the 2026–2030 Transportation Improvement Program. The agenda listed a cost increase of $1,645,731 for Chandler Street and May Street intersection improvements in Worcester, bringing the total to $10,121,005, and a schedule shift moving the Leicester Road bridge replacement in Oxford (O-06-030) from 2027 to 2026, with a total of $4,594,106. The public comment period was set to end July 8, 2026.

The Stiles Lake Water District commissioners met July 14 to approve June 23 minutes, review a treasurer's financial report, and discuss dam and lake conditions. The WRTA Advisory Board met July 16 for minutes approval, public comment, and an administrator's report, with no major decisions listed.

Coming up

• **Planning Board, July 21:** Continued public hearings on stormwater and scenic road permits for two parcels on William Casey Road, each proposing a single-family home. Also on the agenda: an ANR request for lot creation on Hastings Road, an as-built certificate for 4 & 6 Eagleton, and discussion of updates to the Zoning Bylaw and Subdivision Regulations.
• **Economic Development Committee, July 22:** Approval of June 3 minutes and review of action items from that meeting.

Spencer boards weigh infrastructure, contracts, and health violations in busy week

Spencer's boards and commissions covered a wide range of business in the first week of July, from regional transportation funding to local septic violations. All recent meetings listed below were agenda-only — minutes have not yet been published, so items reflect what boards planned to discuss or vote on, not confirmed outcomes.

Regional transportation funding on the table

The Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization (CMMPO) met virtually July 7 to review Amendment #9 to the 2026–2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The agenda included a cost increase of $1,645,731 for Chandler Street and May Street intersection improvements in Worcester, bringing the total to $10,121,005. The body also planned to discuss moving the Leicester Road bridge replacement in Oxford (project O-06-030) from 2027 to 2026, with a total of $4,594,106. A public comment period for TIP Amendment #9 was set to end July 8, 2026.

Selectmen review public works and personnel contracts

The Board of Selectmen's June 29 agenda included discussion of the Ash and Main Street Sidewalk Project and the Route 9 Roundabout Project. The board also planned to consider adopting Ambulance Standard Operating Policies and a write-off policy, a contract with LIRO for Sudgen Public Library Phase II renovations, an agreement with First Due for fire department software, an employment agreement for Fire Chief Robert Parsons, and a collective bargaining agreement amendment for Police Coalition #175.

Water Commissioners weigh ERP proposal and pipe bids

The Board of Water Commissioners met July 1 and again July 7. Both agendas included a proposal from Tata & Howard to update the ERP system and bids for ductile iron and polyethylene pipe for FY27. The board also planned to discuss the Cranberry Meadow Well and landfill monitoring wells, approve minutes from June 3, 2026, and review invoices and vouchers.

Board of Health reviews septic setbacks at two properties

The Board of Health's July 7 agenda included two Local Upgrade Approval requests. At 10 Ethier Drive, the soil absorption system (SAS) is 25 feet from a resource area where 50 feet is required. At 5 Ledge Avenue, multiple violations were listed: a septic tank 6 feet from a dwelling (10 feet required), an SAS 7 feet from a dwelling (20 feet required), and a reduction in SAS to 660 square feet. The board also planned to review a well permit for John Norton at 3 Taylor Drive, where the well is 35 feet from an abutter's SAS (100 feet required), and to have the chairman sign a representative letter for Region 2.

Conservation Commission continues three property hearings

The Conservation Commission's July 8 agenda included continued public hearings for 20 Whittemore Cove (Jimmy Georges, DEP#293-1087, amended Order of Conditions), 10 Ethier Drive (William Dulmaine, Notice of Intent), and 44 Meadow Road (Gregory Coffin, Request for Determination of Applicability). The agenda also listed a Certificate of Compliance request for a retaining wall at 41 Oakland Drive and discussion of bobcat use at 78 Donnelly Road.

Sewer Commissioners discuss system upgrades

The Board of Sewer Commissioners met July 8 to review monthly operations reports, discuss budget and capital items, and cover planned sewer system upgrades. A public comment period for resident concerns was also on the agenda.

Coming up

• **July 14 — Zoning Board of Appeals:** Special meeting to decide variances for a year-round home at 11 & 15 Wilson Ave (Kenneth MacDonald) and an accessory dwelling unit at 1 Washburn Drive (Paula Miller/Albert & Donna Starr). Board officer elections also scheduled.
• **July 14 — Board of Selectmen:** One-day special beverage license requests from John Samek (Hardwick Vineyard & Winery) for July 18 and September 4–7 at the Spencer Fairgrounds, and from Matthew Zarif (Timberyard Brewing Company) for July 18 at the Fairgrounds. FY 2026 budget transfers also on the agenda.
• **July 14 — Finance Committee:** Remote meeting to consider FY 2025 budget transfers and introduce new members Dennis O'Leary, Justine Caggiano, and Kristopher Lauzon.
• **July 15 — Board of Water Commissioners:** Presentation from Tata & Howard on the Water Treatment Plant Filter Project at 3 Old Meadow Road. No votes scheduled.
• **July 15 — Joint Sewer/Water Commissioners meeting:** Open meeting at 3 Old Meadow Rd.
• **July 16 — WRTA Advisory Board:** Routine Zoom meeting; minutes, public comment, and administrator's report.

Spencer boards weigh $186,800 in transfers, infrastructure projects, and water system bids

Spencer's town boards were scheduled this past week to act on $186,800 in fund transfers, review sidewalk and roundabout projects, and take up water-system software and pipe bids. All meetings listed below were agenda-only as of publication; minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes are not yet confirmed.

Finance Committee: $186,800 in proposed transfers

The Finance Committee was scheduled June 23 to vote on five transfers totaling $186,800. The largest were $95,000 to Town Counsel and $75,000 to Fire Department General Expenses. The Town Counsel transfer would draw from accounts including Highway, Employee Benefits, and General Insurance; the Fire Department transfer would come from Highway, Town Hall Maintenance, and Employee Benefits. Additional proposed transfers included $16,000 for Gas and Diesel from Town Administrator, ODIS, and Highway accounts; $10,200 from the Finance Committee Reserve Fund to Town Counsel; and $800 from Tax Title Other Expenses to Long Term Debt Interest. The agenda also listed review of FY2027 financial policies, a new member handbook, and a report from the DPHS School Building Committee.

Board of Selectmen: infrastructure and personnel agreements

The Board of Selectmen was set June 29 to discuss the Ash and Main Street Sidewalk Project and the Route 9 Roundabout Project. Personnel items on the agenda included an employment agreement for Fire Chief Robert Parsons and a Collective Bargaining Agreement amendment for Police Coalition #175. The board was also scheduled to consider adopting Ambulance Standard Operating Policies and a write-off policy, a contract with LIRO for Sudgen Public Library Phase II renovations, and an agreement with First Due for fire department software.

Water Commissioners: ERP proposal and FY27 pipe bids

The Board of Water Commissioners met July 1 and is scheduled to meet again July 7. Both agendas list a proposal from Tata & Howard to update the ERP system and bids for ductile iron and polyethylene pipes for FY27. The board was also set to review Cranberry Meadow Well and landfill monitoring wells, approve minutes from June 3, 2026, and sign vouchers.

Conservation Commission: hearings on four properties

The Conservation Commission was scheduled June 24 to hold a public hearing on an amended Order of Conditions for 20 Whittemore Cove, review Determination of Applicability requests for 44 Meadow Road and 8 I Capen Road, hold a Notice of Intent public hearing for 10 Ethier Drive, discuss tree removals at 25 Lake Ave, and sign a Certificate of Compliance for 12 Stiles Ave.

Other meetings

• **Parks and Recreation Commission** (June 23): Agenda listed staffing and revised hours at Luther Hill Park, Small Town Pride Day on June 27 at O'Gara Park, a grandstand update, and signage for the Rail Trail reading "No Motorized Vehicles."
• **Stiles Lake Water District** (June 23): Commissioners were set to review an invasive species treatment action plan scheduled for June 24, discuss dam and lake status, and authorize pending district bills.

Coming up

• **Board of Health** — July 7: Reviews septic violations at 5 Ledge Avenue, a Local Upgrade Approval for 10 Ethier Drive, and a well permit for John Norton at 3 Taylor Drive.
• **CMMPO** — July 7 (virtual): Discusses Amendment #9 to the 2026–2030 Transportation Improvement Program, including a $1,645,731 cost increase for Chandler Street and May Street intersection work in Worcester and a schedule shift for the Leicester Road bridge replacement in Oxford from 2027 to 2026. Public comment ends July 8.
• **Board of Sewer Commissioners** — July 8: Covers sewer system upgrades, budget and capital items, and monthly operations reports.
• **Conservation Commission** — July 8: Continues hearings on 20 Whittemore Cove, 10 Ethier Drive, and 44 Meadow Road; also considers a Certificate of Compliance for a retaining wall at 41 Oakland Drive and bobcat use at 78 Donnelly Road.
• **Zoning Board of Appeals** — July 14: Special meeting on variances for 11 & 15 Wilson Ave and 1 Washburn Drive, plus board officer elections.
• **Stiles Lake Water District** — July 14: Approves June minutes, treasurer's report, and discusses dam and lake conditions.
• **WRTA Advisory Board** — July 16 (Zoom): Routine meeting with minutes, public comment, and administrator's report. No major decisions listed.

Finance Committee considers $186,800 in transfers; upcoming boards tackle septic violations, zoning variances

Spencer town boards addressed a range of budgetary, land-use, and infrastructure items over the past two weeks, with the Finance Committee reviewing fund transfers totaling $186,800. Upcoming meetings will weigh septic system violations, zoning variances for new construction, and regional highway funding adjustments.

Finance Committee weighs transfers

On June 23, the Finance Committee reviewed proposals to move money between accounts. The largest items under consideration were $95,000 to Town Counsel and $75,000 to Fire Department general expenses, drawn from accounts including Highway, Employee Benefits, and General Insurance. The committee also discussed a $16,000 transfer for gas and diesel, $10,200 from the reserve fund to Town Counsel, and $800 for long-term debt interest. Minutes from the meeting were not available at press time.

Land use and conservation hearings continue

The Conservation Commission held hearings on June 24 for several residential projects. Requests included an amended Order of Conditions at 20 Whittemore Cove, Determinations of Applicability for 44 Meadow Road and 8 I Capen Road, and a Notice of Intent for 10 Ethier Drive. The board also discussed tree removals at 25 Lake Ave and signed a Certificate of Compliance for 12 Stiles Ave. These matters will continue at the commission’s July 8 meeting.

Personnel, contracts, and infrastructure

The Board of Selectmen on June 29 discussed employment agreements for Fire Chief Robert Parsons and a collective bargaining amendment for Police Coalition #175. Infrastructure projects on the agenda included the Ash and Main Street Sidewalk Project and the Route 9 Roundabout Project, along with ambulance standard operating policies and a contract for Phase II renovations at Sugden Public Library.

Water and sewer projects advance

The Board of Water Commissioners on July 1 was set to discuss a proposal from Tata & Howard to update the ERP system, bids for ductile iron and polyethylene pipe for FY27, and Cranberry Meadow Well and landfill monitoring wells. The same board will continue those discussions on July 7. The Board of Sewer Commissioners meets July 8 to consider system upgrades and budget items.

Coming up

Board of Health (July 7)

Two Local Upgrade Approval requests are on the agenda. The property at 5 Ledge Avenue has multiple violations: a septic tank 6 feet from a dwelling (10 feet required), a soil absorption system 7 feet from a dwelling (20 feet required), and a reduction in absorption area to 660 square feet. A well permit at 3 Taylor Drive, where the well is 35 feet from an abutter’s system (100 feet required), will also be reviewed.

Conservation Commission (July 8)

Continued hearings for 20 Whittemore Cove, 10 Ethier Drive, and 44 Meadow Road, plus a Certificate of Compliance request for a retaining wall at 41 Oakland Drive.

Zoning Board of Appeals (July 14)

Variances sought to demolish seasonal camps and build a year-round home at 11 & 15 Wilson Ave, and to allow an accessory dwelling unit in the front setback at 1 Washburn Drive. The board will also elect a chairperson and vice-chair.

CMMPO (July 7, virtual)

A public meeting will review a $1,645,731 cost increase for intersection improvements in Worcester and a schedule change that moves the Leicester Road bridge replacement in Oxford to 2026.

The WRTA Advisory Board meets July 16 via Zoom with routine items only.