Webster meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Webster boards weigh housing censure, water rates, and school donations in August roundup

Webster's boards and commissions held several meetings in early August, but minutes have not yet been published, so no formal decisions are confirmed. The most consequential items on the agendas included a potential censure of a Housing Authority member, a possible water and sewer rate increase, and a school building committee review of construction change orders.

Housing Authority considers censure motion

The Webster Housing Authority Board of Commissioners held a special meeting on August 13 to vote on a motion demanding that Board Member Smichinski stop making comments about the pregnancy status of housing employees. The motion states such conduct is outside her duties and could expose the authority to liability. The board also planned to set a regular meeting date for August 31, 2026, at 5:30 PM. No vote results are available because minutes have not been published.

Water and sewer rate increase on table

The Water Sewer Commission met August 13 to discuss a sludge residual issue at the wastewater treatment plant and a potential rate increase. The commission also reviewed PFAS results from the Dudley Fire Station, an update on construction at Bigelow Road/Memorial Beach, and a proposed subdivision at 70 Gore Rd-Spaulding Way under peer review with Tighe & Bond. Old business included the meter replacement project, and new business covered ADU permit fees and water/sewer abatements.

School building committee reviews change orders

The School Building Committee met August 4 to discuss financial and schedule updates from the OPM. The agenda included a vote on New Construction Change Order OCO #30, a project change evaluation of the Southwest Parking Lot, an OPM financial update, FFE update, and the project warrant. No decisions are confirmed.

Other recent meetings

The Conservation Commission held public hearings on August 3 for structural repairs and fuel tank replacement at 114 Point Breeze Road and a retaining wall and grading at 25 Bates Grove Road. It also reviewed requests for Determination of Applicability for three residential projects, certificates of compliance for five properties, and ratification of enforcement orders for three properties.

The Council on Aging met August 3 to review July reports from the Senior Center Director and Friends of Senior Center, and to discuss Elder Bus transportation outreach, including scheduling a presentation and advertising schedules.

The South Central Mass Partnership for Public Health met virtually August 5 to approve June 24 minutes and discuss hiring decisions for a Public Health Specialist, Epidemiologist, and Part-Time Health Inspector, plus strategic planning.

The Board of Library Trustees met August 13 to handle routine business, including a building update, grants status, a no-trespass order, and an early closure on September 23.

Coming up

The Conservation Commission will hold a regular session on August 17 with public hearings on several wetland buffer projects, including deck replacement and retaining wall repairs at 200 Killdeer Road, structural repairs at 114 Point Breeze Road, a new retaining wall at 25 Bates Grove Road, house removal at 106 Lakeside Ave, and a new house at 22 Lakeside Ave Lot 2.

The School Committee will meet August 18 to vote on the 2027 graduation date (proposed June 4, 2027), accept a $10,000 donation from the Fels Foundation for Bartlett High School Theater Program, accept headsets valued at $2,550 from the Bartlett Gridiron Club, approve fundraising organizations, and take first readings on several policies. The committee will also tour three schools.

Webster boards review subdivision, school construction, and public health items; no decisions yet

Webster town boards met over the past two weeks to consider a range of items, from a proposed subdivision and used car lot to school construction change orders and public health staffing. All meetings were agenda-only, with minutes not yet published, so no formal decisions have been recorded.

Planning Board

The Planning Board met July 27 to hold public hearings on a definitive subdivision application for 70 Gore Road (Spaulding Way) and a site plan refile for a used car sales lot at 56 Main Street. The board also considered a special permit application for impervious lot coverage at 15 Lakeview Road, an Approval Not Required (ANR) for 0 Pinewood Acres at 23 Kingsbury Road, and a stormwater management completion determination for 310 Thompson Road.

Conservation Commission

On August 3, the Conservation Commission held public hearings on structural repairs and a fuel tank replacement at 114 Point Breeze Road, and a retaining wall and grading at 25 Bates Grove Road. The commission also reviewed Requests for Determination of Applicability for 6 Ridgewood Drive, 25 South Shore Road, and 35 Nancy Drive; Certificates of Compliance for 180 Killdeer Road, 310 Thompson Road, 77 South Shore Road, 26 Laurelwood Drive, and 128 Sutton Road; and ratification of enforcement orders for 25 South Shore Road, 12 Cooper Road, and 49 Birch Island Road.

School Building Committee

The School Building Committee met August 4 to discuss financial and schedule updates from the owner's project manager. The agenda included a new construction change order (OCO #30), a project change evaluation of the southwest parking lot, an OPM financial update, a furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FFE) update, and the project warrant. The committee may vote on these items at a future meeting.

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging met August 3 to review minutes from its July 6 session and receive reports from the Senior Center Director and the Friends of Senior Center. Members discussed scheduling a presentation on Elder Bus transportation options and advertising Elder Bus schedules to the public. No formal decisions were listed on the agenda.

Strategic Master Plan Committee

The Strategic Master Plan Update Committee met July 30 via Zoom for a strategic planning activity. The session featured a Strengths, Aspirations, Opportunities, and Results (SOAR) exercise facilitated by Barbara Alevras of Sage Consulting Services.

Public Health Partnership

The South Central Mass Partnership for Public Health met virtually August 5 to approve minutes from June 24 and receive updates on hiring decisions for a Public Health Specialist, Epidemiologist, and Part-Time Health Inspector. The agenda also included a strategic planning session and community health coordinator updates.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings have been published for the next 14 days. Residents should check the town's official meeting calendar for future notices.

Webster Boards Eye Retirement Warrants, School Trip Funding, and Subdivision Plans

Webster's town boards and committees convened a busy stretch of meetings over the past two weeks, with agendas covering retirement system warrants, school funding transfers, land-use hearings, and long-range planning. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of these sessions, only the items scheduled for discussion or votes can be reported — not the outcomes.

Retirement Board: $438,190.10 in Warrants on the Table

The Webster Contributory Retirement System met July 23 with a packed agenda. The board was scheduled to vote on July 2026 warrants totaling $438,190.10, split between $415,783.80 for payroll and $22,406.30 for payables. Members were also set to vote on rescinding a June 25, 2026 vote regarding military service purchase for David Brooks, and on allowing the purchase of four years of military service for Jonathan Brooks. Additional agenda items included review of a PRIT Report, an Economic Outlook Report, and a Draft Audit Report.

School Committee: $21,720.57 Transfer for Senior Class Trip

The Webster School Committee met July 21 and was scheduled to vote on a $21,720.57 transfer request to fund a senior class out-of-state field trip to Brownstone Adventure Park in Portland, CT. The agenda also included approvals of the Employee Handbook, Substitute Handbook, and a Float Nurse Assistant job description, plus an update on the Bartlett High School Building Project.

Planning Board: Public Hearings on Subdivision and Car Sales Lot

The Planning Board met July 27 to hold public hearings on a definitive subdivision application for 70 Gore Road (Spaulding Way) and a site plan refile for a used car sales lot at 56 Main Street. The board was also set to consider a special permit for impervious lot coverage at 15 Lakeview Road, an Approval Not Required filing for 0 Pinewood Acres at 23 Kingsbury Road, and a stormwater management completion determination for 310 Thompson Road.

Historical Commission: Demolition Delay at 53 Colonial Road

The Historical Commission met July 21 with a demolition delay determination on the agenda for 53 Colonial Road. The commission was also scheduled to approve June 16, 2026 minutes, receive updates on the Community Preservation Act and historical signs at the Kelly Public Library, and discuss the Yatco Gulf historic property.

Cultural Council: Payment Method Under Review

The Cultural Council met July 20 to review minutes from December 11, 2025, and to discuss and potentially vote on returning to a reimbursement-only payment system instead of direct pay.

Strategic Master Plan Committee: SOAR Planning Exercise

The Strategic Master Plan Update Committee met via Zoom on July 30 to conduct a Strengths, Aspirations, Opportunities, and Results (SOAR) exercise, facilitated by Barbara Alevras of Sage Consulting Services.

Coming Up

• **Conservation Commission (Aug. 3):** Public hearings on structural repairs and fuel tank replacement at 114 Point Breeze Road and a retaining wall at 25 Bates Grove Road, plus enforcement order ratifications for three properties.
• **Council on Aging (Aug. 3):** Review of July reports and discussion of Elder Bus transportation outreach and public advertising.
• **School Building Committee (Aug. 4):** Possible votes on Construction Change Order OCO #30, a Southwest Parking Lot evaluation, and the project warrant, with financial updates from the OPM.
• **South Central Mass Partnership for Public Health (Aug. 5):** Virtual meeting to approve June 24 minutes and discuss hiring decisions for a Public Health Specialist, Epidemiologist, and Part-Time Health Inspector.

Note: All recent meeting agendas listed above were published without corresponding minutes, so outcomes — including whether votes passed — are not yet confirmed in the public record.

Webster boards met July 6–17; no minutes published yet, so vote outcomes unconfirmed

Several Webster boards and commissions met between July 6 and July 17, 2026, but minutes have not yet been published for any of the sessions. Because only agendas are available, the outcomes of scheduled votes — including a $39,250 fire alarm contract and multiple construction change orders — cannot be confirmed. What follows is a summary of what each body was scheduled to consider.

Housing Authority

The Housing Authority met July 17 and was scheduled to vote on retroactively ratifying a five-year fire alarm monitoring and testing contract with Cintas in the amount of $39,250. Members were also set to vote on a change order for Zander Corporation and to set the next regular meeting for August 24, 2026, at 5:30 PM.

School Building Committee

On July 7, the School Building Committee was scheduled to vote on construction change order OCO #29 and Flansburgh Amendment #17 for the Bartlett High School project. Additional potential votes included a financial update and working group recommendations, an FFE (furniture, fixtures, and equipment) update, and a warrant.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen met July 13 to consider several license applications: a Class I and a Class II used car dealer license for Ted's Auto Sales at 25 Thompson Road; a common victuallers license for Peg's Variety Shack LLC at 152 Gore Road; one-day special alcohol licenses for Killdeer Island Club at 190 Killdeer Road on August 15, 2026, and for Sts. Constantine and Helen Church at 37 Lake Parkway on July 25, 2026; and outdoor weekday and Sunday entertainment licenses for Island Road, LLC dba Dockside LLC at 103 Birch Island Road. The board was also scheduled to vote on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts warrant for the 2026 State Primary, authorize a Water Service Line Inventory Update project filing, appoint a representative to the Bartlett High School Building Committee, and appoint Michael Snow as an associate member of the Planning Board for a three-year term.

Water Sewer Commission

On July 9, the Water Sewer Commission was scheduled to discuss a potential sewer rate increase tied to a sludge residual issue at the wastewater treatment plant, and to review PFAS-related change order updates from Tighe & Bond. Other items included a Water Management Act grant and rate study, a meter replacement project update, and construction updates for Bigelow Road, Memorial Beach, and the Mass DOT project at the Route 16–Route 395 interchange.

Board of Health

The Board of Health met July 13 at the Webster Police Department community room. The agenda included a review and recommendation on the "Spaulding Way" subdivision plan at 70 Gore Road, board re-organization, appointment of PHEP representative(s), approval of May 18, 2026 minutes, and approval of Tiny Bubbles Aquatic Academy. The Health Director's report covered a summer intern, a beach closure due to bacterial exceedance, Golden Greek Plumbing, inspectional updates, communicable disease reports, and a grant staffing update.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission met July 6 to continue a wetlands restoration update for 71R Minebrook (Matthew Weatherbee) and to act on Certificates of Compliance at 180 Killdeer Road (Bruce Beach, DEP#323-1202), 124 Gore Road (Richard and Erica Weil, DEP#323-1213), 42 Bates Point Road (Ron Anger), and 310 Thompson Road (Eli Simon Realty). Staff were also set to report on tree removals at 23 South Shore Road and at 54 and 82 Lakeside Avenue, plus wall repair at 82 Lakeside Avenue.

Other meetings

The Community Preservation Act Committee met July 6 to elect a chair, vice-chair, and clerk, review the CPA statute and its four funding pillars (open space, historic preservation, community housing, and outdoor recreation), discuss the Community Preservation Plan, and propose future meeting dates. The Council on Aging met the same day to confirm Jeanne Makara's term renewal for the Board of Selectmen's agenda, schedule a presentation from Elder Bus on transportation options, and receive June 2026 reports from the Senior Center Director and Friends of Senior Center. The Board of Library Trustees met July 9 to discuss statistics and budget, a Senator Moore Community Room dedication, a minimum staff policy, grants status, and building updates.

Coming up

• **July 20 — Cultural Council:** Possible vote on returning to a reimbursement-only payment system instead of direct pay, and review of December 11, 2025 minutes.
• **July 21 — Historical Commission:** Determination of a demolition delay for 53 Colonial Road, plus updates on the Community Preservation Act, historical signs at Kelly Public Library, and the Yatco Gulf historic property.
• **July 21 — School Committee:** Vote on a $21,720.57 transfer to fund a senior class field trip to Brownstone Adventure Park in Portland, CT, plus approvals of the employee handbook, substitute handbook, and a float nurse assistant job description, and a Bartlett High School Building Project update.

Webster weekly roundup: SWCCC board terminates trainee, approves $2,644 in budget transfers; most other boards still awaiting minutes

The only Webster board meeting in the past two weeks with published minutes produced a set of concrete decisions: the SWCCC Board of Directors unanimously terminated trainee Jocelyn Lopez, approved three budget transfers totaling $2,644.00, and agreed to consider using reserve funds for a $15,000 kiosk at the Dudley Police Lobby at its next meeting.

SWCCC Board of Directors — June 29

All votes at this meeting were unanimous, according to the official minutes. The board approved the March 18, 2026 meeting minutes, three budget transfers totaling $2,644.00, and the director's request to carry over 56 vacation hours. It voted to terminate trainee Jocelyn Lopez effective May 23, 2026. The board decided to consider using reserve funds for a $15,000 kiosk at the Dudley Police Lobby at its next meeting. The meeting adjourned at 9:32 a.m.

Meetings held but minutes not yet published

Most other boards met between June 29 and July 9, but only agendas are available — no minutes have been published, so outcomes are not yet known.

Planning Board (June 29): Agenda listed a special permit for signage at 4 Town Forest Road (Webster Cannabis Company), a site plan for a landscaped courtyard at 11A Gore Road (The Commerce Insurance Company), a public hearing on impervious lot coverage for a new house at 15 Lakeview Road, a site plan review for office expansion at 224 Main Street, and a site plan refile for a used car sales lot at 56 Main Street.

Board of Selectmen (July 1): Agenda included a vote to approve the Regional Health Insurance Group Agreement, ratification of the Police Union Collective Bargaining Agreement with Local 473 Massachusetts Coalition of Police, and an update on Dockside LLC at 103 Birch Island Road.

Housing Authority (July 2): Agenda called for a vote to approve lowest bidder Mike's Construction, a vote on a Design Fee Proposal, and setting the next regular meeting for August 24, 2026 at 5:30 PM.

CPA Committee (July 6): Organizational meeting to elect a chair, vice-chair, and clerk; review of CPA statutory duties and the four funding pillars (open space, historic preservation, community housing, outdoor recreation); discussion of the Community Preservation Plan.

Conservation Commission (July 6): Agenda included a wetlands restoration update at 71R Minebrook (Matthew Weatherbee), Certificate of Compliance requests at 180 Killdeer Road (DEP#323-1202), 124 Gore Road (DEP#323-1213), 42 Bates Point Road, and 310 Thompson Road, plus tree removals at 23 South Shore Road and 54 and 82 Lakeside Avenue.

Council on Aging (July 6): Agenda included confirming Jeanne Makara's term renewal for the Board of Selectmen's agenda, scheduling an Elder Bus transportation presentation, and the Senior Center Director's June 2026 report.

School Building Committee (July 7): Agenda listed potential votes on Construction Change Order OCO #29, Flansburgh Amendment #17, a financial update, an FFE update, and a warrant — all related to the Bartlett High School project.

Board of Library Trustees (July 9): Agenda included statistics and budget discussion, a Senator Moore Community Room dedication, a minimum staff policy review, grants status, and building updates.

Water Sewer Commission (July 9): Agenda included a potential sewer rate increase tied to a sludge residual issue at the wastewater treatment plant, PFAS change order updates from Tighe & Bond, a Water Management Act grant and rate study, and updates on the meter replacement project and construction on Bigelow Road and Memorial Beach.

Coming up

• **Board of Health — July 13:** Review and recommendation on the "Spaulding Way" subdivision at 70 Gore Road, plus reorganization, a PHEP representative appointment, and the Health Director's report covering a beach closure from bacterial exceedance and approval of Tiny Bubbles Aquatic Academy. Held at the Webster Police Department community room.
• **Board of Selectmen — July 13:** Public hearings on used car dealer licenses for Ted's Auto Sales at 25 Thompson Road, a Common Victuallers license for Peg's Variety Shack LLC at 152 Gore Road, one-day alcohol licenses for Killdeer Island Club (August 15) and Sts. Constantine and Helen Church (July 25), a vote on the 2026 State Primary warrant, and appointment of Michael Snow as an associate Planning Board member for a 3-year term.
• **Cultural Council — July 20:** Possible vote on returning to a reimbursement-only payment system instead of direct pay, and review of December 11, 2025 minutes.

Webster boards weigh police contract, disability retirement, and construction bids in busy two-week stretch

Webster's boards and committees covered ground from union contracts to wetlands permits over the past two weeks, though most meetings have not yet published minutes confirming final outcomes. The only meeting with confirmed minutes — the Strategic Master Plan Committee's first session on June 24 — was procedural, with no substantive decisions.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen had two meetings on its calendar. On June 22, the board was scheduled to hold a public hearing and vote on a weekday and Sunday entertainment license for Island Road Dockside LLC (Dockside) at 103 Birch Island Road, covering DJ, karaoke, bands, solo artists, and performance events during normal business hours.

On July 1, the board was set to vote on approving the Regional Health Insurance Group Agreement and ratifying the Police Union Collective Bargaining Agreement with Local 473 Massachusetts Coalition of Police. An update on Dockside LLC at 103 Birch Island Road was also on the agenda. Minutes for both meetings have not been published.

Contributory Retirement System

The Webster Contributory Retirement System board was scheduled June 25 to vote on accepting an accidental disability retirement application for Michael Southwell, a former Highway Department employee, and to schedule an evidentiary hearing. The board was also set to approve warrants totaling $470,332.09 — payroll of $401,436.93 and payables of $68,895.16.

Additional agenda items included refunds of accumulated deductions for Jocelyn Lopez (Dispatch), Lauren Tremblay (School), and Robert Trueman (School); roll-overs and transfers for Joseph Fitzpatrick (Police) and Eleni Barakilis (School); and purchases of service prior to membership for Heather Dennis (School, 3yr9mo), Joseph Reed (Police, 4yr1mo), David Brooks (Military, 4yr), and Bryan Blomgren (seasonal, 1yr). The board also planned to review the PRIT report and economic outlook.

Housing Authority

The Webster Housing Authority met twice. On June 24, the agenda included approving an Executive Director's contract with EOHLC and setting a regular meeting date for August 24, 2026. On July 2, a special meeting was scheduled to vote on approving Mike's Construction as the lowest bidder for a project, approve a design fee proposal, and confirm the August 24 meeting at 5:30 PM.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission's June 22 agenda included public hearings on a new single-family home with deck and dock at 88 Union Point Road (DEP# 323-1312), a retaining wall extension and tree removal at 38 Bates Point Road, and removal of 15 trees with replanting at 40 Bates Point Road. Staff updates were planned for 114 Worcester Road, Cooper Road, and Webster Lake weed control.

Planning Board

The Planning Board's June 29 agenda featured a special permit for signage at 4 Town Forest Road (Webster Cannabis Company), a site plan for a landscaped courtyard at 11A Gore Road (The Commerce Insurance Company), a public hearing on lot coverage at 15 Lakeview Road, and site plan reviews for office expansion at 224 Main Street and a used car sales lot at 56 Main Street.

School Committee and School Building Committee

The School Committee's June 22 agenda included approval of student handbooks and school improvement plans for Bartlett High School, Webster Middle School, and Park Ave Elementary, plus updates to the Bartlett High School Program of Studies for 2026-2027, a coaching handbook, and surplus BHS furniture. The Bartlett High School building project was also listed for discussion.

SWCCC Board of Directors

The South Worcester County Communications Center Board was scheduled June 29 to vote on three budget transfers totaling $2,644, confirm the termination of full-time dispatch trainee Jocelyn Lopez effective May 23, 2026, and approve vacation carryover of up to 56 hours for the director. State 911 grant updates for FY27 and a FY2026 budget review through March 31, 2026 were also on the agenda.

Coming Up

• **July 6 — CPA Committee:** Organizational meeting to elect officers and discuss the Community Preservation Plan.
• **July 6 — Conservation Commission:** Wetlands restoration update at 71R Minebrook and certificates of compliance for multiple properties.
• **July 6 — Council on Aging:** Confirm Jeanne Makara's term renewal for the Board of Selectmen agenda and schedule an Elder Bus presentation.
• **July 7 — School Building Committee:** Potential votes on construction change order OCO #29, Flansburgh Amendment #17, and financial updates for the Bartlett High School project.

Most recent meetings listed above have agendas available but minutes not yet published, so final outcomes could not be confirmed as of this report.

Webster boards prepare for construction contract, school project votes this week

Local boards set the stage last week for significant financial decisions, as the Housing Authority scheduled a vote on a construction contract and the School Building Committee prepares to consider change orders and an architect amendment for the Bartlett High School project. Meanwhile, a new strategic planning committee held its first meeting without taking substantive action.

Recent meeting highlights

Housing Authority eyes construction award

The Housing Authority was scheduled to vote July 2 on awarding a contract to Mike’s Construction, the lowest bidder for a project, and on a design fee proposal. Minutes were not yet available. The authority also planned to approve its executive director’s contract with the state and set a regular meeting date for Aug. 24.

Police union contract on selectmen’s agenda

The Board of Selectmen was set July 1 to ratify a collective bargaining agreement with the police union, Local 473, and approve a regional health insurance agreement. The board earlier in June held a public hearing on an entertainment license for Dockside at 103 Birch Island Road, which would allow DJs, bands and other performances. That item remained on the agenda for an update.

Retirement board weighs disability claim

The Contributory Retirement System board was scheduled to vote on an accidental disability retirement application from former Highway Department employee Michael Southwell. The board also planned to approve June payroll and expense warrants totaling $470,332.09, refunds for three former workers, and service purchases for current employees.

School Committee discusses handbooks, building project

The School Committee was expected to approve student handbooks and school improvement plans for the district’s three schools, update the high school program of studies, and discuss the Bartlett High School building project. Minutes were not posted.

Procedural first step for master plan

The Strategic Master Plan Committee convened its first meeting on June 24. According to official minutes, the session was limited to introductions and background — no decisions or plans were made.

Coming up

School Building Committee

Tuesday, July 7 — The committee is slated to vote on construction change order OCO #29 and Flansburgh Amendment #17, along with financial updates, furniture and equipment items, and a warrant. The meeting could move forward key spending for the ongoing Bartlett High School project.

Conservation Commission

Monday, July 6 — Members will revisit a long-running wetlands restoration at 71R Minebrook and act on certificate-of-compliance requests for properties on Killdeer Road, Gore Road, Bates Point Road, and Thompson Road. Staff will also report on several tree-removal proposals.

CPA Committee

Monday, July 6 — The Community Preservation Act Committee holds its organizational meeting to elect a chair, vice chair and clerk, review the statute’s funding pillars, and begin work on the community preservation plan.

Council on Aging

Monday, July 6 — The council expects to confirm that Jeanne Makara’s term renewal is placed on a selectmen’s agenda, schedule an Elder Bus transportation presentation, and hear reports from the senior center director and Friends group.