Fitchburg
Upcoming
License Commission
The License Commission will hold a continued public hearing on a new all-alcoholic-beverages liquor license for Aurelove Multi Services LLC at 1-5 Lunenburg St. They will also hear a continued summons case against Power Surge at 347-351 Main Street. New applications include entertainment permits for Monty Tech Summer Carnival, a basketball tournament, and several special one-day alcohol permits. The agenda also covers a taxi driver application, an alteration of premises, a change of manager, and old business including a liquor license status review and a noise complaint.
- Public hearing on new general on-premises liquor license for Aurelove Multi Services LLC, 1-5 Lunenburg St
- Summons hearing (continued) for Power Surge at 347, 349, 351 Main Street
- Entertainment permits: Monty Tech Summer Carnival (July 15-18), Ronny's Voice Memorial Classic Basketball Tournament (Aug 8)
- Special one-day alcohol permits: Chartwells beer garden (4 dates), Dogfather Vending Food Truck Festival (Sept 19)
- Noise complaint against Life Church at 839 Ashby State Road
Appointments Committee
The Appointments Committee will decide on new appointments to the Fitchburg Human Rights Commission and a reappointment to the Board of Assessors, as well as appointing poll workers for the upcoming year.
- New appointment of Heather De Jesus to Human Rights Commission (term through June 2029)
- New appointment of Adrian Major to Human Rights Commission (term through June 2029)
- Reappointment of Ryan Beauvais to Board of Assessors (term through January 2029)
- Appointment of poll workers for September 2026 through August 2027
Board of Park Commissioners
The Board of Park Commissioners will review updates regarding the Water Street Bridge project at Heritage Park. Members will also discuss the installation of security boxes in parks in coordination with the Board of Health.
- Water Street Bridge Project/Heritage Park (MassDOT/MIG)
- Installation of security boxes in parks
- World Cup event recap
- Riverfront Parks and Trails report
City Council
This meeting includes votes on several financial orders, including $564,800 for airport apron reconstruction and $300,000 for the public health network. A public hearing is scheduled for a new fuel storage license at 49 John Fitch Highway. Council will also consider appointments, an ordinance amendment for grade steps, and a resolution supporting a new state flag and seal. A veto override on city clerk salary is on the agenda.
- Approve $564,800 for reconstructing airport Main Apron
- Accept $300,000 health grant for Montachusett Public Health Network
- Public hearing for underground fuel storage license (40,000 gallons) at 49 John Fitch Highway
- Amend Chapter 44 grade steps for Fiscal Year 2027 (final reading)
- Veto override on City Clerk salary grade/step amendment
City Council
The City Council and School Committee are holding a joint convention to fill a vacancy on the School Committee. A candidate will be selected via ballot to serve until the next municipal election.
- Appointment of one member to the Fitchburg School Committee
- Candidate presentations and ballot vote
City Council
The City Council and School Committee are holding a joint convention to fill a vacancy on the School Committee. A new member will be elected to serve until the next municipal election to fill a term ending in January 2030.
- Appointment of one member to the Fitchburg School Committee
Fitchburg Housing Authority
The Fitchburg Housing Authority board will vote on multiple financial actions, including approving emergency structural repairs at Canton Valley for $313,700 and change orders for Wallace Tower totaling $76,629.65. They will also consider pre-approving bids for creative placemaking and Overland St renovation, and approving revised maintenance tenant charges. The meeting will then enter executive session for negotiations and real property matters.
- Motion to approve emergency structural repairs at Canton Valley for $313,700
- Motion to approve change orders (PCO 100-106) for Wallace Tower at $76,629.65
- Motion to pre-approve bid for Overland St renovation (FISH 097205)
- Motion to pre-approve bid for Creative Placemaking (FISH 097156)
- Motion to approve revised maintenance tenant charges (tabled from June)
Legislative Affairs Committee
The Legislative Affairs Committee will discuss updates to personal property tax thresholds and the management of abandoned funds. The body will also consider requests to change council voting rules and end remote work arrangements.
- Proposed $2,000 exemption threshold for taxable personal property
- Request to adopt MGL Chapter 200A Section 9A for managing abandoned funds
- Proposal to establish a fee schedule for Municipal Lien Certificates
- Petition to require in-person voting on official matters
- Petition to end work-from-home arrangements
Planning Board
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing to consider a site plan review for a proposed gasoline service station with a 4,050-square-foot convenience store at 310 Summer Street. The project involves demolishing three buildings and redeveloping six parcels. The hearing is a continuation from June 23, 2026.
- Site Plan Review for gas station and convenience store at 310 Summer St (Map 111 Parcels 11,10,9,8 & Map 98-5-0)
- Demolition of three existing buildings
- Re-development of six assembled parcels in Commercial (C) Zoning District
- Hearing continued from 6-23-26
Disability Commission
The Fitchburg Disability Commission will meet to review administrative updates and coordinate community outreach efforts. Members will discuss progress on their self-evaluation transition plan and organize upcoming sensory-friendly events. The session also covers membership updates, resident concerns, and open forum comments.
- Approval of June 2026 meeting minutes
- Status update on self-evaluation and transition plan
- Planning for sensory-friendly movie and community events
- Review of commission membership updates
- Open forum and resident complaint session
Historical Commission
The Fitchburg Historical Commission will hold a public hearing on a Certificate of Appropriateness for Waverly & Sons LLC. The applicant seeks approval for exterior architectural modifications at 533 Main St. within the Monument Park Local Historic District. Residents can attend the meeting on July 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. to provide comments.
- Public hearing for Certificate of Appropriateness at 533 Main St.
- Exterior architectural review in Monument Park Local Historic District
- Applicant: Waverly & Sons LLC
Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on four cases. The most consequential is a special permit for the Fitchburg Housing Authority to build a 13,000 sq ft multi-purpose office and assembly facility at 1 Normandy Road. Other items include a continuance for a garage addition, a variance for window signage, and a special permit for a car detailing business.
- ZBA-26-14: Fitchburg Housing Authority special permit for 13,000 sq ft facility at 1 Normandy Rd
- ZBA-26-11: Christiaan Mercier continuance for garage addition encroaching setbacks at 326 Blossom St
- ZBA-26-12: Mark Bergstresser variance for 100% window vinyl signage at 72-80 Franklin Rd
- ZBA-26-13: Joel Gutierrez special permit to continue car detailing business at 1151-1157 Main St
Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School
The Policy Subcommittee will review proposed policy JKAA on time-out, seclusion, and physical restraint of students. They will also review meeting minutes and a working spreadsheet of pending policies.
- Review of Policy JKAA - Time-Out, Seclusion, and Physical Restraint of Students
Last 30 days
Board of Health
The Board will hold a hearing on a petition to declare a dog named Mia a nuisance/dangerous animal. They will also review and approve previous meeting minutes, and discuss potential new regulations on kratom sales, private wells, septic tanks, and animal keeping.
- Public hearing: dangerous dog petition for Mia (Pomeranian) at 106 Charlton Street
- Approve minutes from June 11, 2026
- Discuss kratom sales restrictions
- Discuss private well regulation amendments
- Opioid settlement fund mini-grant update
Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority
The Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority will meet to hold an executive session. The board will discuss the potential lease or sale of the property located at 166 Boulder Drive.
- Executive session regarding lease or sale of 166 Boulder Drive
Public Works Committee
The Public Works Committee will receive a DPW update and review two resident petitions. The body will discuss infrastructure changes to address safety and property protection at specific residential locations.
- Petition 062-26: Install a berm at 77 Congress St and toward Lunenburg St
- Petition 058-26: Convert Hassett Street to a one-way street up from Albee Street
License Commission
The Board of License Commissioners will meet to consider new applications for special one-day wine and malt beverage licenses. Both requests are for small-scale events taking place in early July.
- One-day permit for The Break Bike Shop (872 Main Street) on July 3
- One-day permit for North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce (860 South Street) on July 8
Cultural Council
The Fitchburg Cultural Council will meet to vote on the grant report and treasurer's report, review minutes from April and June 3, and consider new member applications. The meeting also includes updates on upcoming events and subcommittee planning for the annual public meeting and block party.
- Vote on Grant Report
- Vote on Treasurer's Report
- Approval of minutes from April and June 3
- New member applications
- Planning for Annual Public Meeting on August 6, 2026 and Block Party
City Council
The City Council will debate and vote on the Mayor's Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget. The meeting includes decisions on using surplus and stabilization funds to lower the tax rate and approving expenditures for various city enterprise funds.
- FY 2027 Operating Budget: General Fund $190,961,167; Water $9,997,019; Wastewater $18,316,809; Airport $1,137,919
- Tax rate reductions: $700,000 from Overlay Surplus, $250,000 from Stabilization Fund, and $3,776,232 from Available Funds
- Tax rate reduction: $410,000 from ARPA Available Funds
- Establishment and expenditure limits for various Revolving Funds, including a $750,000 limit for Public Health Sustainability
- Ordinance amending Chapter 44, Section 10 regarding grade step assignments for FY 2027
City Council
The Fitchburg City Council will vote on the Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget of $190.9 million, along with multiple appropriations to reduce the tax levy. The meeting also includes establishing and approving revolving funds for various city services. The budget covers general fund, water, wastewater, and airport enterprise funds.
- Appropriate $190,853,138 for FY2027 General Fund operating budget
- Appropriate $700,000 from overlay surplus to reduce tax levy
- Appropriate $250,000 from stabilization fund to reduce tax levy
- Appropriate $3,776,232 from available funds to reduce tax levy
- Establish revolving funds for Parks Activities & Events and Planning Board advertising
City Council
The Council as a Whole will debate and vote on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget recommendations. This includes the general operating budget and several orders to use reserve funds to reduce the tax rate.
- FY 2027 General Fund budget of $190,961,167
- Tax rate reductions via $700,000 from Overlay Surplus, $250,000 from Stabilization Fund, and $3,776,232 from Available Funds
- Water Enterprise budget of $9,997,019 and Wastewater Enterprise budget of $18,316,809
- Airport Fund appropriation of $1,137,919
- Establishment and expenditure limits for various revolving funds, including a $750,000 limit for Public Health Sustainability
City Council
The Fitchburg City Council will vote on the Mayor’s FY 2027 operating budget, totaling over $220 million across general and enterprise funds. Several budget orders will redirect surplus and fund receipts to reduce the FY 2027 tax levy. The council will also approve new revolving funds for parks and planning board advertising, and amend municipal grade step assignments.
- FY 2027 operating budget: $190.9M General Fund, plus $9.9M water, $18.3M wastewater, $1.1M airport.
- Over $5.1M in surplus and fund receipts credited to FY 2027 tax levy to reduce rates.
- New revolving funds for Parks Activities & Events and Planning Board advertising (up to $100k each).
- Ordinance amending Chapter 44, Section 10 to update Grade Steps Fiscal Year 2027 assignments.
- Revolving fund approvals for Animal Control, Civic Days, Demolition, and Public Health Sustainability (up to $750k).
City Council
The Fitchburg City Council will debate and vote on the Mayor’s Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget, which totals over $190 million for the General Fund plus enterprise funds. Finance department heads facing potential cuts are expected to attend. The council will also consider multiple orders that redirect surplus and ARPA funds to reduce the upcoming tax levy by more than $6 million.
- Approves Mayor’s FY 2027 Operating Budget ($190.9M General Fund; $9.9M Water; $18.3M Wastewater)
- Redirects ~$6.14 million from surplus, stabilization fund, and ARPA to reduce the FY 2027 tax levy
- Establishes revolving funds for Planning Board advertising and Parks activities ($100,000 limits each)
- Amends municipal code to update Grade Steps pay scales for FY 2027
Retirement Board
The Fitchburg Retirement Board will review and approve the CY25 Annual Statement, along with routine financial items such as payroll and cash disbursement warrants. They will also discuss pensionable earnings and Unit pay codes, which could affect benefit calculations. The meeting includes updates on PRIT Fund performance and legislative/legal matters.
- Review and approve CY25 Annual Statement
- Discussion regarding pensionable earnings and Unit pay codes
- Review and approval of Payroll Warrant, Cash Disbursements Warrant, and Refunds/Transfers/Rollovers Warrant
- Report of Member Deaths and approval of Retirements
- PRIT Fund Performance updates
Planning Board
The Fitchburg Planning Board will review several site plans and zoning proposals, including a continued review of a proposed gasoline station and a multi-family residential project. The board will also hold public hearings on proposed modifications to marijuana retailer operating hours and consider a petition to amend the city's principal use table.
- Review of proposed gasoline station and convenience store at 310 Summer ST
- Review of 32-unit multi-family building with underground garage at 7 Beekman Street
- Public hearing on marijuana retailer hour extension at 346 River ST
- Public hearing on marijuana retailer hour extension at 20 Authority Dr.
- Review of childcare facility and building trade shop at 76 and 18 Lincoln Street
Cultural Council
The Fitchburg Cultural Council will vote on the grant report and treasurer's report, review meeting minutes, and discuss upcoming events including the annual public meeting on August 6 and block party planning.
- VOTE: Grant Report
- VOTE: Treasurer's Report
- VOTE: Minutes from April and June 3rd meetings
- Annual Public Meeting scheduled for August 6, 2026
- Block Party volunteer planning and survey outreach
Conservation Commission
The Fitchburg Conservation Commission is holding a special meeting to consider a Certificate of Compliance for 794 Ashburnham Hill Road (DEP #155-0238). This is the only item on the agenda.
- Certificate of Compliance for 794 Ashburnham Hill Road (DEP #155-0238)
Trustees of Public Burial Grounds
The Trustees of Public Burial Grounds will approve minutes from previous meetings, discuss the Carter Tomb at Alpine Hill, review cemetery prices, and consider a master plan for cemetery expansion. The superintendent will also report and seek approval.
- Approval of March 19 and April 2, 2026 meeting minutes
- Discussion of Carter Tomb at Alpine Hill (with Phil Jordan and Don Lassila)
- Review of cemetery prices
- Master plan for cemetery expansion
- Superintendent's report and approval
City Council
The City Council is reviewing and voting on multiple budget orders for Fiscal Year 2027, including the $190.96 million General Fund operating budget. Other orders authorize appropriations from various funds to reduce the tax rate and support enterprise funds such as water, wastewater, and airport. The council also considers establishing and approving revolving funds for departments like Parks and Planning Board advertising.
- Appropriate $700,000 from overlay surplus to reduce FY2027 tax levy
- Appropriate $250,000 from stabilization fund to reduce FY2027 tax levy
- Appropriate $3,776,232 from available funds to reduce FY2027 tax levy
- Appropriate $410,000 from ARPA funds to reduce FY2027 tax levy
- Establish new revolving funds for Parks Division activities (up to $100,000) and Planning Board advertising
Water & Wastewater Commission
The Water/Wastewater Commission will review minutes, discuss drought restrictions, and receive updates on the Main St. and Water St. water main replacement projects. The agenda also includes updates on the Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) projects and City Council budget approvals.
- Review minutes from May 21, 2026 meeting
- Main St. Water Main Replacement Project
- Water St. Water Main Replacement Project
- CSO 045/083 – bid results
- Drought Status – Water Use Restrictions
Montachusett Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)
The Montachusett MPO will review and vote to endorse the FFY 2027 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), which sets regional transportation planning priorities. They will also review amendments to the FFY 2026-2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and receive updates from MassDOT, transit agencies, and committees.
- Public comment period for transportation planning items
- Review amendments to the FFY 2026-2030 TIP
- MPO action to endorse the FFY 2027 UPWP
- Discussion of tentative meeting schedule through end of calendar year
- Updates from MassDOT Highway Division and transit agencies
Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority
The Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority will review its budget summary, discuss urban renewal efforts for three downtown addresses, and vote on replacing a chiller at Putnam Place. Staff will provide administrative updates, and the board will hold an executive session to discuss leasing or selling its Boulder Drive office.
- Vote to replace chiller at Putnam Place
- Urban renewal discussion for 480 Water Street, 780 Main Street, and 866 Main Street
- Attorney discussion regarding Airport Road
- Executive session on lease or sale of 166 Boulder Drive
- Budget and finance summary report review
Fitchburg Housing Authority
The Board will review financial statements and approve several construction change orders. They will also consider updating maintenance tenant fees and naming a park at Wallace Tower.
- Expungement of former tenants' rents totaling $53,667.41
- Change Order #01- FISH 097189 for $51,607.95
- Change Order #103 FISH 097132 for $27,326.36
- Change Order #13- FISH 097132 for $19,572.55
- Naming Wallace Tower Park as Isabel Demmon Veterans Memorial Park
Airport Commission
The Fitchburg Airport Commission will vote on the FY 2027 airport budget and review a December 2025 incident involving Jack Batten. They will also consider a CPI-U adjustment for 2026 airport rents and discuss lease updates, hangar projects, and grant expenditures.
- FY 2027 Airport Budget Approval
- December 27, 2025 Incident involving Jack Batten
- CPI-U Adjustment for 2026 Airport Rents
- FPA COOP Lease Update
- AIP Grant #67003525 Expenditures
Public Safety Committee
The Public Safety Committee will discuss traffic flow modifications and a safety study for a major intersection. They will also review a business license application for a vehicle dealer.
- Proposal to make Hassett Street one-way from Albee Street
- Request for a traffic and safety study at Princeton Rd. and Westminster St.
- Class II Dealer License petition for DriveIQ Motors, LLC at 349 Lunenburg St.
Economic Development Committee
The Economic Development Committee will consider approving Tax-Increment Exemption (TIE) agreements for two market-rate housing developments at 64 Main Street and 280-288 Main Street under the City's Housing Development Incentive Program. The meeting will also include public comment and approval of prior minutes.
- TIE agreement for 64 Main Street under HDIP market-rate housing district
- TIE agreement for 280-288 Main Street under HDIP market-rate housing district
City Council
The City Council will consider approving the Mayor's Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget totaling over $221 million across all funds. They will also vote on Tax-Increment Exemption agreements for two Main Street housing projects. Other items include police department grants, traffic studies, and multiple budget transfers.
- Approve FY2027 operating budget of $190.96M (General Fund) plus enterprise funds
- Tax-Increment Exemption for 64 Main Street housing
- Tax-Increment Exemption for 280-288 Main Street housing
- $18,900 grant for police recruitment and capital repairs
- $10,000 grant for police dispatch room renovation
License Commission
The Board of License Commissioners will review applications for taxi and solicitor licenses and various special event permits. The board will hold a public hearing for a new restaurant liquor license and a summons hearing for a business on Main Street.
- Public hearing for new restaurant liquor license: Aurelove Multi Services LLC (1-5 Lunenburg St #4 Summer Street)
- Summons hearing for Power Surge (347, 349, 351 Main Street)
- One-day alcoholic beverage permit for Wicked Gluten Free at Food Expo (100 Game on Way)
- Entertainment permits for Civic Days events, including a Boulder Drive block party and July 4th parade
- Entertainment permit for Monty Tech Summer Carnival (1050 Westminster Street)
Fitchburg Public Schools
The Fitchburg School Committee will vote on several policies, including a new cellphone and personal electronic device use policy (JICJA) and a revised policy on time-out, seclusion, and physical restraint. They will also consider accepting donations totaling $1,800 and 2,688 ice cream coupons, submitting nine grants (including Title I and IDEA), accepting a $60,000 Genocide Education grant, and approving a 2.5% salary increase for Superintendent Thompson.
- Vote on new policy JICJA restricting cellphone and personal electronic device use in schools
- Accept $1,000 donation from PGA for high school golf program and $800 from Global Partners for Memorial Middle School activities
- Accept 2,688 free ice cream coupons for four elementary schools from Hill City
- Approve submission of federal grants worth over $5 million (Title I, IDEA, etc.) and accept $60,000 Genocide Education grant
- Approve 2.5% salary increase for Superintendent Thompson for 2026-2027
Fitchburg Public Schools
The School Committee is meeting with the Student Advisory Committee to introduce new student members. The session will focus on defining the roles and responsibilities of both groups and discussing student-led topics.
- Introduction of new Student Advisory Committee members
- Review of roles and responsibilities for student and school committees
Fitchburg Public Schools
The Building Needs and Resource Committee will review the status of various capital projects and school maintenance. Members will also discuss the FY26 Q4 budget report and current student enrollment updates.
- HVAC, gym floor, and fire alarm upgrades at RES and LMS
- Maintenance updates for SSELC North Building and Crocker Field Piers
- Acceptance of $1,000 donation from PGA of America for athletics
- FY26 Q4 Budget Report review (Personnel, Non-Personnel, and Capital)
- Enrollment update presentation
Fitchburg Public Schools
The Fitchburg School Committee Policy Subcommittee will meet to review and discuss several proposed policy changes. They will consider revisions to policies on bus driver examination and training, school choice, parent advisory councils, and administering medicine to students. The subcommittee may recommend moving policies forward for first or second reading.
- Approval of May 20, 2026 Policy Subcommittee meeting minutes
- Review and potential revision of policy EEAEA on bus driver examination and training
- Review and potential revision of policy JFBB on school choice
- Review and potential revision of policy KGB on parent advisory councils
- Review and potential revision of policy JLCD on administering medicine to students
Council on Aging
The Council on Aging will review the proposed budget for fiscal year 2027 and receive an update on an ongoing masonry project. The board will also address member reappointments and a letter concerning the Elm St Project.
- FY27 COA Budget review
- Masonry Project update
- Elm St Project correspondence
- Board member reappointments
- DPW Day event on June 17
Board of Health
The Board of Health will hear a request from Union Forge BBQ Company for a variance to smoke potentially hazardous foods in a residential kitchen. They will also consider an appeal from Express Fuel & Food regarding a tobacco violation for selling flavored products. A petition to declare a dog as dangerous/nuisance will be heard, and the board will discuss future regulations on kratom sales, private wells, septic tanks, and animal keeping.
- Request from Union Forge BBQ Company for food code variance to smoke TCS foods in residential kitchen
- Tobacco violation appeal hearing for Express Fuel & Food at 267 Mechanic Street
- Petition to declare 'Indigo', a black lab owned by Jennifer and Walter Connell of 245 Tibbett Circle, as dangerous/nuisance dog
- Appointment of Region 2 Public Health Emergency Preparedness Representatives
- Discussion of future regulations: Kratom sales restrictions, private well amendment, Title 5 septic requirements, animal keeping