Charlton meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Old Home Day Committee Makes Decisions; Select Board to Consider Paving Contract

The Charlton Old Home Day Committee made several organizational decisions at its Aug. 11 meeting, including confirming four bouncy houses and a $500 donation to the Soap Box Derby. Meanwhile, the Select Board is set to vote on an asphalt paving contract and other items at its Aug. 25 meeting.

Old Home Day Committee

The committee approved the August minutes (all in favor) and confirmed four bouncy houses from Simon Says for operation from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It set the vendor map assignment for Sept. 4 at 5:30 p.m. at the Senior Center, and agreed to donate a booth for the Ron Tarantino Motorcycle Raffle pending a vendor application. The committee also confirmed a $500 donation from Wess to the Soap Box Derby. The next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 18 at 5:30 p.m.

Select Board

The Select Board will meet Aug. 25 to vote on appointments to the Master Plan Steering Committee and Zoning Board of Appeals, accept a resignation from the Highway Department, and vote on fees. The board will also discuss the Dudley-Charlton Regional School District's capital items and MSBA project, and receive a report from the Community Center Feasibility Committee regarding a Senior Center.

Other Recent Meetings

Several boards met over the past two weeks with agendas but no final decisions recorded:

• **Recreation Commission** (Aug. 10) discussed Old Home Day, the FY2027 budget, and grant follow-ups.
• **Keep Charlton Beautiful Committee** (Aug. 10) discussed a nip bottle campaign, an October repair event, and a workshop.
• **Select Board** (Aug. 11) had on its agenda a bid award for 10% asphalt rubber surface treatment, a tax title property, pole hearings, and appointments.
• **Fire Substation Committee** (Aug. 12) was to vote on budget transfers and change orders.
• **Planning Board** (Aug. 12) held public hearings on a restaurant at 61 North Main Street and a commercial building at 123 Worcester Road, and reviewed the Housing Production Plan.
• **Cultural Council** (Aug. 13) planned an art show and reviewed FY27 guidelines.
• **DCRSD Budget & Finance Subcommittee** (Aug. 13) reviewed FY27 budget projections.
• **Activities Council** (Aug. 16) reviewed the Blueberry Festival and planned Trunk or Treat.
• **Community Center Feasibility Committee** (Aug. 17) discussed timeline and fundraiser updates.
• **Master Plan Steering Committee** (Aug. 17) reviewed community tour and outreach.
• **Zoning Board of Appeals** (Aug. 18) held hearings on two home expansion requests.
• **Board of Health** (Aug. 18) discussed the Flint Road Landfill and held an executive session.
• **Housing Authority** (Aug. 19) reviewed year-end finances and parking lot change orders.
• **Conservation Commission** (Aug. 19) held hearings on multiple wetland buffer projects, including a gas station and an Amazon substation.
• **School subcommittees** (Aug. 19) covered capital budget, policy reviews, and safety.
• **Finance Committee** (Aug. 19) reviewed the capital plan and heard a senior center feasibility presentation.
• **Bylaw Review Committee** (Aug. 19) began discussion of Chapter 100.
• **Library Trustees** (Aug. 20) reviewed the ARIS report and a new state law.

Coming Up

• **Select Board** – Aug. 25, regular meeting with appointments, fees, and school capital discussion.
• **Board of Assessors** – Aug. 26, including executive session on abatements.
• **WRTA Advisory Board** – Aug. 27, hybrid meeting at 60 Foster Street, Worcester.
• **Planning Board Public Hearing** – Sept. 2, to consider Amazon's request to add last-mile delivery at 53 Sturbridge Rd.

Charlton boards set agendas for paving, restaurant, and housing decisions

This week's Charlton town meetings were largely agenda-setting, with no final votes recorded in published minutes. The most consequential items scheduled include a Select Board vote on a road paving contract, Planning Board hearings on a new restaurant and a commercial building, and a Zoning Board of Appeals session on two home expansions. Several committees also met to review budgets and policies.

Select Board to weigh paving contract and tax title property

The Select Board's August 11 agenda includes a vote on awarding a bid for 10% asphalt rubber surface treatment of various streets. The board will also take action on a tax title property at 22B-A-1 Hammond Hill Road, consider opening a Special Town Meeting warrant, and hold pole hearings on Bond Road and Oxbow Road. Chapter 61 applications on Gould Road and A Young Road are also listed, along with appointments for Highway Laborer Anthony DiBonaventura and Traffic Constables Paul Russell, Natalie Stevens, and Kayla Dighton.

Planning Board to hear restaurant and commercial building proposals

On August 12, the Planning Board held public hearings on two site plans. One is a proposal from Great Grace, LLC to renovate a 2,312-square-foot building at 61 North Main Street into a restaurant. The other is a 7,454-square-foot commercial building at 123 Worcester Road, owned by Robert Lemansky, in a Community Business zone. The board also reviewed the town's Housing Production Plan and field change requests for solar projects at 4 Griffin Road and 261 N. Sturbridge Road, plus a continued site plan for an electrical substation at 29 Snake Hill Road.

Zoning Board to consider two home expansions

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on August 18 for two requests on agricultural-zoned properties. David Holmes, 24 Willis Drive, seeks to add a second floor, entry room, bathroom, and garage. Arielle Lask, 83 Jennings Road, requests a 24x24-foot detached garage. The board will also discuss Chapter 40A updates and reorganize its members.

School committee reviews budgets and policies

The Dudley-Charlton Regional School District's Budget & Finance Subcommittee met August 13 to discuss the FY27 budget, including proposed Chapter 70 and regional transportation funding, healthcare and utility cost projections, and snow removal costs. No votes were scheduled. Upcoming subcommittee meetings on August 19 include a Capital Outlay and Safety session to elect officers and review the FY27 capital request, and a Policy Review session covering security cameras, student discipline, bullying prevention, and social media policies.

Other meetings

Several other boards met with routine or discussion-only agendas. The Community Center Feasibility Committee reviewed LiRo assessment options and 501c3 status. The Old Home Day Committee continued planning for the 2026 event, including a parade with an M5 Stuart Tank display and fireworks. The Water & Sewer Commission discussed a sewer operations RFP and the Griffen Rd water main extension. The Economic Development Commission reviewed the Final Route 20 Corridor Study. The Cemetery Commission discussed capital items for the October warrant. The Recreation Commission, Keep Charlton Beautiful, Cultural Council, and Activities Council also met, mostly for updates and planning.

Coming up

• **Zoning Board of Appeals** – Aug 18, public hearings on home expansions at 24 Willis Drive and 83 Jennings Road.
• **Finance Committee** – Aug 19, review of capital plan and informational presentation from the Senior Center Feasibility Study Committee.
• **DCRSD Capital Outlay and Safety Subcommittee** – Aug 19, FY27 capital budget and MSBA application update.
• **DCRSD Policy Review Subcommittee** – Aug 19, review of security camera, discipline, and social media policies.
• **Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board** – Aug 27, 8:00 a.m., hybrid meeting at WRTA Hub, 60 Foster Street, Worcester.

Charlton Cultural Council sets October art show; boards review capital projects, school debt

The Charlton Cultural Council voted to hold its annual community art show in October at the Charlton Library, with an open call for submissions and no required theme. The exhibition will run through Oct. 31. Other town boards met this week to discuss capital projects, school debt, and economic development, though most items remain under review.

Cultural Council

At its July 30 meeting, the council scheduled the art exhibition for October at the Charlton Library. Artwork installation and artist drop-off are set for Saturday, Oct. 3, with an opening reception planned for Tuesday, Oct. 6 in Dexter Hall and the community room. The council approved an open call for artists without a required theme and determined the exhibition may remain on display through Oct. 31. This decision is from official minutes.

School Committee

The Dudley-Charlton Regional School Committee met July 29 to consider a proposal from the Director of Finance & Operations to issue debt as part of the district's capital plan, which would require a district-wide election. The committee also reviewed new policies on security cameras in schools and buses, use of artificial intelligence tools, and updated policies on student discipline, bullying prevention, restraint of students, and technology responsible use. No votes were recorded in the agenda; minutes have not yet been published.

Lakes & Ponds Committee

On July 28, the committee discussed FY2026/27 budget updates, water quality testing, weed treatment updates, Municipal Waterways Fund catch basin locations on public roads, the Marcia Drive MS4 Project, and a proposed wakesurfing bylaw. No decisions were listed.

Cemetery Commission

At its Aug. 3 meeting, the commission reviewed monthly burial counts and expenses, an update on the paving project at Westridge Cemetery, a lot transfer request for the Dowgiert lot in Northside Cemetery, painting work at George Camp Memorial Chapel, and capital items for the October special town meeting warrant. Election of officers was also on the agenda. Minutes are not yet published.

Community Center Feasibility Committee

The committee met Aug. 3 to review LiRo assessment options, discuss 501c3 nonprofit bank status, review online survey status, and discuss timeline updates and a potential ballot question. No decisions were listed.

Old Home Day Committee

On Aug. 4, the committee discussed event finances and donations, a public hearing for a time capsule, parade planning with an armored vehicle (M5 Stuart Tank) display, fireworks donation collections, vendor maps, trash removal, and antique car contests. Minutes are not yet published.

Council on Aging

The council met Aug. 5 to approve minutes, review financial invoices and deposits, receive an update from the LiRo Hill and Senior Community Center Feasibility Committee, and hear the director's report. No formal decisions were listed.

Economic Development Commission

The commission met Aug. 5 to review the Final Route 20 Corridor Study conducted with WestMass Development Corp, introduce new Town Planner Dillion Maxfield, and receive an update on Charlton Business Alliance activities. No votes were recorded.

Water/Sewer Commission

On Aug. 5, the commission discussed a sewer operations Request for Proposals, the Griffen Rd water main extension, a privilege fee discussion, the Veolia monthly operating report, and McClure Engineering water system status updates. Minutes are not yet published.

Coming up

• **Aug. 12, 6:30 p.m.** – Planning Board public hearing for a site plan application from Great Grace, LLC to renovate a 2,312 sq ft building into a restaurant at 61 North Main Street.
• **Aug. 12, 6:30 p.m.** – Planning Board public hearing for a 7,454 sq ft commercial building at 123 Worcester Road, zoned Community Business, owned by Robert Lemansky.
• **Aug. 13** – Cultural Council remote meeting to plan the art show and review FY27 Local Guidelines & Priorities.

Charlton roundup: Old Home Day spending approved; school debt vote and landfill review on agenda

The Old Home Day Committee approved more than $3,100 in event spending and authorized military vehicles for its parade, making it the only body with confirmed decisions in the past two weeks. Most other Charlton boards met or will meet on agenda items only, with minutes not yet published.

Old Home Day Committee — July 21

The committee, meeting on July 21, 2026, approved several expenditures and event decisions, according to official minutes:

• $800.00 for bouncy house rentals
• $1,000.00 for expenses
• $719.43 reimbursement to Gerald Doble for a time capsule and shipping
• $600.00 insurance payment to Garrett McFee for Highland Games

The committee also approved the inclusion of military vehicles in the parade — a Vietnam 5 Ton Carrier, a WW2 Grey Greyhound, and an M5 Stuart Tank — and approved award winners: Jim, Robert Grattaroti, Beverly Boudet, Venessa Noyes, and Dad's Restaurant. The committee noted that 60 vendors have been secured and approved the July 7 minutes.

Dudley-Charlton Regional School Committee — July 29

The Dudley-Charlton Regional School Committee scheduled discussion of a proposal from the Director of Finance & Operations to issue debt as part of the district's capital plan, which would require a district-wide election. The agenda also listed votes on new policies ECAF (Security Cameras in Schools), ECAFB (Security Cameras in School Buses), and IJNDBB (Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools), plus updates to policies on student discipline (JIC), bullying prevention (DCRSD BPIP), restraint of students (JKA), and technology use (IJNDBA, IJNDB). A request for participation in an international exchange program at Shepherd Hill Regional High School was also listed. Minutes have not been published; outcomes are not yet confirmed.

A separate Policy Review Subcommittee meeting on July 20 covered the same AI, restraint, and security camera policies for discussion, along with job descriptions for the Assistant Director of Pupil Services, Superintendent, and other administrative roles. No votes were scheduled.

Board of Health — July 21

The Board of Health listed department head reports on the Flint Road Landfill and a vote on the June 23, 2026 minutes. Minutes from this meeting have not been published.

Other meetings (agendas only, minutes pending)

• **Recreation Commission (July 20):** FY2027 budget review, FY2026 recap, pickleball court sealcoating request, Healthy Cities Wellness Grant, and wish lists for Charlton Little League, Softball, and Football.
• **Historical Commission (July 20):** Video transcript approval, Fay Mountain Farm updates, signage from Vinyl Underground, BayPath signage next steps, and attic storage planning.
• **Lakes & Ponds Committee (July 28):** FY2026/27 budget, water quality testing, weed treatment, Municipal Waterways Fund catch basin locations, Marcia Drive MS4 Project, and a proposed wakesurfing bylaw.
• **Cultural Council (July 30):** The agenda text was not legible; no actionable items were identifiable.

Coming up

• **Aug. 3 — Cemetery Commission:** Review of capital items for the October Special Town Meeting warrant, a lot transfer request for the Dowgiert lot in Northside Cemetery, and painting at George Camp Memorial Chapel.
• **Aug. 3 — Community Center Feasibility Committee:** Decision on 501c3 nonprofit bank status and selection among LiRo assessment report options, plus discussion of a potential ballot question.
• **Aug. 4 — Old Home Day Committee:** Event finances, parade planning with M5 Stuart Tank display, fireworks donation collections, and a public hearing for the time capsule.
• **Aug. 5 — Economic Development Commission:** Review of the Final Route 20 Corridor Study with WestMass Development Corp and introduction of new Town Planner Dillion Maxfield.
• **Aug. 5 — Water/Sewer Commission:** Sewer operations RFP, Griffen Rd water main extension, and Veolia monthly operating report.
• **Aug. 12 — Planning Board public hearings:** Site plan for a restaurant renovation at 61 North Main Street (Great Grace, LLC) and a 7,454 sq ft commercial building at 123 Worcester Road, owned by Robert Lemansky, zoned Community Business. Hearing at 6:30 p.m. in the Planning Board Office.

Charlton boards weigh Amazon substation, pavement bids, and fire station change orders in busy two-week stretch

Charlton's boards and committees covered a packed agenda over the past two weeks, with the Planning Board holding public hearings on an electrical substation meant to power the Amazon warehouse, the Select Board scheduled to award a pavement surfacing contract, and the Fire Substation Building Committee set to vote on Change Order #16 and a contractor payment. All meetings listed below are agenda-only — minutes have not yet been published, so no outcomes are confirmed.

Planning Board: substation, gas station, and wireless tower hearings

The Planning Board held multiple public hearings on July 15. The most notable was a site plan review for New England Power Company to install an electrical substation at 29 Snake Hill Road (Assessor's Map 44, Block B, Lot 9) in the Agricultural/R-60 zone. The substation is intended to provide power to the Amazon Warehouse facility at 53 Sturbridge Road.

Other hearings included a gasoline station and convenience store proposed by Hatem Enterprises, LLC on Worcester Road (Route 20); a 7,200-square-foot metal building at 360 Worcester Road from Jesse & Jesse Properties, LLC; and a 120-foot wireless telecommunications facility at 103 Bond Road from Blue Sky Towers IV, LLC. The board was also scheduled to discuss amending the Maynard Farm Site Plan for outdoor lighting.

A separate hearing addressed Elliot Burlingame & Sons' application for a reduced-frontage special permit to build a single-family home on a 5-acre parcel off A.F. Putnam Road (Assessor's Map 70, Block A, Lots 8.5, 8.6 & 15) in the Agricultural district.

Conservation Commission: 11 wetlands hearings

The Conservation Commission met the same evening to hold public hearings for 11 projects involving work within 100 feet of wetlands, including the gas station on Worcester Road, the Snake Hill substation, and the Bond Road telecommunications facility. A hearing on a commercial building and parking lot on Worcester Road was listed as continued to August 19. The commission also had a discussion item on a Wake Surfing Bylaw.

Select Board: pavement bid, licenses, and appointments

The Select Board's July 7 agenda included a vote on awarding a pavement surfacing contract for various streets, two special alcoholic beverage license applications (one for Monarch Orchards' Touch a Truck event, one for a Brunelle/Cashman wedding), and an appointment of a Water/Sewer Commission member through the May 2027 town election. Pole hearings on Baker Pond Rd. and Sampson Rd. were also scheduled, along with an update from Superintendent Kyle Brenner on Bay Path for FY27.

Fire Substation Building Committee: change orders and payments

The committee met via Zoom on July 8 to vote on budget transfers, Change Order #16 and pending conditional change orders, and Pay Requisition #15 for contractor payment. A project schedule review was also on the agenda.

Water/Sewer Commission: Griffen Road main extension

On July 8, the commission discussed a water main extension on Griffen Road and a water privilege fee for 6 City Depot Rd. Other items included FY27 senior abatements, a faulty meter at 199 Sunset Dr., and a water and sewer office renovation proposal. Veolia was scheduled to present a monthly operating report, and McClure Engineering to provide water system status updates. The commission's next regular meeting is set for August 5, 2026.

Board of Health: FY27 budget vote

The Charlton Coalition for Public Health — representing Charlton, East Brookfield, Sturbridge, Sutton, Spencer, and Wales — met remotely on July 9 to vote on the FY27 budget and workplan. The agenda also included an annual report presentation and an epidemiologist contract extension.

Other committees

The Community Center Feasibility Committee reviewed LiRo feasibility assessments, senior survey results, and a timeline for a potential ballot question. The School Committee's Policy Review Subcommittee discussed policies on artificial intelligence (IJNDBB), student restraint (JKA), security cameras (ECAF), and bus recording devices (ECAFB). The Master Plan Steering Committee held its organizational meeting to elect officers. The Fay Mountain Farm Committee received an APR update. The Activities Council reviewed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Pasture Prime Players and discussed 2026 Blueberry Festival planning.

Coming up

• **July 20 — School Committee Policy Review Subcommittee:** Discussion of AI, student restraint, security camera, and bullying prevention policies. No votes scheduled.
• **July 20 — Recreation Commission:** FY2027 budget review and pickleball court sealcoating discussion.
• **July 21 — Board of Health:** Department head reports on Flint Road Landfill.
• **July 21 — Old Home Day Committee:** Vendor coordination, parade, fireworks donations, and Beer Garden logistics.

Charlton meeting roundup: Boards eye budgets, pavement bids, and lake bylaw; minutes pending

Most Charlton boards and committees met over the past two weeks, but minutes have not yet been published for any of the sessions listed below. What follows is drawn from agendas only — residents should treat the items as planned for discussion or votes, not as confirmed outcomes.

Select Board: pavement bid, liquor licenses on agenda

The Select Board's July 7 agenda included a vote to award a pavement surfacing contract for various streets, two special alcoholic beverage license applications (Monarch Orchards' Touch a Truck event and a Brunelle/Cashman wedding), and an appointment to fill a Water/Sewer Commission seat through the May 2027 town election. Pole hearings on Baker Pond Rd. and Sampson Rd. were also listed. No minutes are available yet to confirm whether votes occurred.

Fire Substation Committee: change orders and payment requisition

The Fire Substation Building Committee met July 8 via Zoom with votes scheduled on budget transfers, Change Order #16 and pending conditional change orders, and contractor Pay Requisition #15. A project schedule review was also on the agenda. Outcomes are not yet recorded.

Water/Sewer Commission: Griffen Road extension, office renovations

The commission met July 1 and July 8, with agendas covering a Griffen Road water main extension update, a water and sewer office renovation proposal, water privilege fees for 6 City Depot Rd and 9 City Depot Rd, FY27 senior abatements, and a faulty meter review at 199 Sunset Dr. A joint meeting with the Select Board on July 7 was set to appoint a commission member through May 2027. The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 5, 2026.

Board of Health: FY27 budget and workplan votes planned

The Charlton Coalition for Public Health — representing Charlton, East Brookfield, Sturbridge, Sutton, Spencer, and Wales — met July 1 to review its FY27 budget and workplan, then again July 9 with votes scheduled on both. An epidemiologist contract extension and annual report presentation were also listed. Minutes are not yet published.

Lakes & Ponds Committee: wakesurfing bylaw, FY2026 budget

The July 30 agenda included discussion of a proposed wakesurfing bylaw, FY2026 budget updates, a bathymetric survey, water quality testing, weed treatments, the Municipal Waterways Fund, and the Marcia Drive MS4 project. Lake treatment invoices and prior minutes were also listed.

Zoning Board of Appeals: two residential hearings

Public hearings were scheduled for a deck extension variance at 5 Robert Blvd and construction of a 24x24' one-story garage on Glen Echo Shore Drive.

Council on Aging and Community Center Feasibility Committee

The Council on Aging's July 1 agenda included an update from the Senior/Community Center Feasibility Committee, a policy change requested by Finance Director Ashley Obrzut, and an invoice and deposit summary. The Feasibility Committee met July 6 to review LiRo feasibility assessments, discuss 501c3 nonprofit status, and talk through timelines for SOS signs and a potential ballot question.

School Committee Policy Review Subcommittee

The July 6 agenda covered feedback on policies for artificial intelligence (IJNDBB), student restraint (JKA), and responsible use, plus new proposed policies on security cameras in schools (ECAF) and video/audio recording on school buses (ECAFB). Job descriptions for several district leadership roles were also listed.

Other meetings

The Board of Assessors met June 30 in executive session to review abatement applications and motor vehicle excise data. The Activities Council met July 12 to discuss 2026 Blueberry Festival updates and Pasture Prime Players facilities matters.

Coming up

• **July 15 — Planning Board public hearings:** Site plan for a New England Power Company electrical substation at 29 Snake Hill Road to serve the Amazon Warehouse at 53 Sturbridge Road; a proposed gasoline station/convenience store by Hatem Enterprises, LLC on Worcester Road (Route 20); a 7,200-square-foot metal building at 360 Worcester Road; a 120-foot wireless telecommunications facility at 103 Bond Road by Blue Sky Towers IV, LLC; and a reduced-frontage special permit for a single-family home off A.F. Putnam Road.
• **July 15 — Master Plan Steering Committee:** Organizational meeting to elect officers and review the master plan process.
• **July 15 — Charlton Housing Authority:** Annual Plan Hearing.
• **July 16 — WRTA Advisory Board:** Zoom meeting with administrator's report and public comment period.
• **July 21 — Old Home Day Committee:** Event planning including parade, fireworks donations, and Beer Garden logistics.

Charlton meeting roundup: Pavement bid, fire substation votes, and Amazon substation hearing on tap

Most Charlton boards and committees met in late June under agendas that have not yet produced published minutes, so outcomes from those sessions are not yet part of the public record. The most consequential action items scheduled for the coming week include a Select Board vote on a pavement surfacing contract, Fire Substation Committee votes on change orders and contractor payments, and a Planning Board public hearing on an electrical substation tied to the Amazon warehouse at 53 Sturbridge Road.

Recent meetings: agendas only, minutes pending

Several committees met between June 22 and July 1, but minutes have not been published for any of them. What follows reflects agenda items only, not confirmed decisions.

The Bandshell Development Committee (June 22) was scheduled to review a Statement of Work proposal submitted by Liro Hill for the Bandshell project.

The Board of Health (June 23) was set to discuss health concerns related to blasting by Rawson Materials and receive a department head report on the Flint Road Landfill. The agenda also included accepting May 5, 2026 minutes and setting the next meeting date.

The Finance Committee (June 23) planned a largely procedural meeting covering officer elections and an update from the Finance Director and Town Administrator. No financial decisions or public hearings were listed.

The Old Home Day Committee (June 23) was scheduled to discuss event costs including a bouncy house and the Scottish Athletic Championship, plus parade planning, publicity, a vendor map, trash removal, and a beer garden.

The Cultural Council (June 26) posted an agenda containing no readable content, so items discussed or decided could not be determined.

The Board of Assessors (June 30) agenda included Chapter land removal, personal property uncollectibles, and executive sessions to review abatement applications and motor vehicle excise data.

The Lakes & Ponds Committee (June 30) was set to discuss a proposed wakesurfing bylaw, the Marcia Drive MS4 project, FY2026 budget updates, a bathymetric survey, and weed treatment updates.

The Zoning Board of Appeals (June 30) scheduled public hearings on a deck extension variance at 5 Robert Blvd and construction of a 24x24' one-story garage on Glen Echo Shore Drive.

The Charlton Coalition for Public Health (July 1) planned to review its FY27 budget and workplan.

The Council on Aging (July 1) was set to receive an update from the Senior/Community Center Feasibility Committee and consider a policy change requested by Finance Director Ashley Obrzut.

The Water/Sewer Commission (July 1) agenda included a Griffen Road water main extension update, a water and sewer office renovation proposal, water privilege fees for 6 City Depot Rd and 9 City Depot Rd, FY27 senior abatements, and a meter/flat rate review for 199 Sunset Dr.

Coming up

July 6 — Community Center Feasibility Committee: Will review LiRo feasibility assessments, discuss a timeline for SOS signs and a potential ballot question, and tabulate senior survey results.

July 6 — DCRSD School Committee Policy Review Subcommittee: Will review feedback on policies regarding artificial intelligence (IJNDBB), student restraint (JKA), and new policies on security cameras in schools (ECAF) and video/audio recording on school buses (ECAFB).

July 7 — Select Board: Scheduled to vote on awarding a pavement surfacing contract for various streets, decide on two special alcoholic beverage license applications (Monarch Orchards' Touch a Truck event and a Brunelle/Cashman wedding), appoint a Water/Sewer Commission member through May 2027, and hold pole hearings on Baker Pond Rd. and Sampson Rd.

July 7 — Water/Sewer Commission (joint with Select Board): Will appoint a commission member through the May 2027 town election and set its next regular meeting for August 5, 2026.

July 8 — Fire Substation Building Committee (Zoom): Will vote on budget transfers, Change Order #16 and pending conditional change orders, and Pay Requisition #15 for contractor payment.

July 8 — Water/Sewer Commission: Will discuss the Griffen Road water main extension, water privilege fees, FY27 senior abatements, a faulty meter at 199 Sunset Dr., and office renovation. Veolia will present a monthly operating report.

July 15 — Planning Board public hearings: Will consider a reduced frontage special permit for a 5-acre lot off A.F. Putnam Road (Assessor's Map 70, Block A, Lots 8.5, 8.6 & 15) to build one single-family home, and a site plan for New England Power Company to install an electrical substation at 29 Snake Hill Road to serve the Amazon warehouse at 53 Sturbridge Road.

July 15 — Master Plan Steering Committee: Will hold an organizational meeting to elect officers and review the master plan process, scope, and schedule.

July 16 — WRTA Advisory Board (Zoom): Will approve May 21, 2026 minutes and hear an administrator's report, with a period for public business.

Charlton boards prepare key votes on road paving, fire station, and Amazon substation

Awarding a contract to repave town streets, voting on fire substation change orders, and a public hearing for a substation to power the Amazon warehouse are among consequential decisions Charlton boards will face in the coming week. No meeting minutes from the past two weeks were available, leaving outcomes of recent discussions unconfirmed.

Pavement bid, alcohol licenses on Select Board agenda

The Select Board on July 7 will vote to award a pavement surfacing contract for various streets. The board will also decide on two special alcoholic beverage license applications: one for Monarch Orchards' "Touch a Truck" event and another for a wedding at Brunelle/Cashman. Additionally, the board will appoint a Water/Sewer Commission member until the May 2027 town election and hold pole hearings on Baker Pond Road and Sampson Road. Bay Path Superintendent Kyle Brenner is scheduled to present an update for fiscal year 2027.

Fire substation project faces budget transfers and change orders

Meeting via Zoom on July 8, the Fire Substation Building Committee will deliberate and vote on budget transfers, project schedule updates, Change Order #16 and pending conditional change orders, and contractor pay requisition #15. These votes will determine the financial path forward for the station construction.

Amazon-related substation hearing set

On July 15, the Planning Board will conduct a public hearing on New England Power Company's site plan to install an electrical substation at 29 Snake Hill Road. The substation would provide power to the Amazon Warehouse facility at 53 Sturbridge Road. The property is zoned Agricultural, R-60. The same evening, the board will hear Elliot Burlingame & Sons' request for a reduced frontage special permit to build a single-family home on a 5-acre parcel off A.F. Putnam Road.

Water, sewer, and community center decisions pending

The Water/Sewer Commission meets twice: on July 7 jointly with the Select Board to appoint a commission member, and on July 8 to discuss the Griffen Road water main extension, water privilege fees, senior abatements, and a faulty meter at 199 Sunset Drive. The Community Center Feasibility Committee on July 6 will review LiRo assessments and timelines for ballot-question signage and a potential vote.

Recent discussions without confirmed outcomes

With minutes not yet published for any meetings held since June 21, only agenda items are known. The Board of Health took up blasting health concerns related to Rawson Materials and the Flint Road landfill. The Zoning Board of Appeals considered deck and garage variances. The Lakes & Ponds Committee discussed a proposed wakesurfing bylaw, a bathymetric survey, and water-quality testing. The Council on Aging received an update from the Senior/Community Center Feasibility Committee and discussed a policy change.

Coming up

• **July 7, Select Board** – vote on street repaving contract and alcohol licenses, pole hearings, and Water/Sewer Commission appointment.
• **July 8, Fire Substation Committee** – votes on change orders and budget transfers.
• **July 15, Planning Board** – public hearings on Amazon substation and reduced frontage lot.
• **July 15, Master Plan Steering Committee** – organizational session and community tour for the master plan process.