Northbridge public meetings in 2025

Board of Selectmen

The agenda consists of procedural boilerplate. No specific decisions, proposals, or discussion topics are listed.

Northbridge Housing Authority

The Northbridge Housing Authority will hold a regular meeting to approve September 2025 minutes, review financial reports, and discuss maintenance and management updates.

• Approval of September 2025 Board Meeting minutes
• Accounts Payable warrant summary report (11/18/2025 — 12/23/2025)
• End of month Fee Accountant Balance sheet
• Maintenance report and Preventative Maintenance plan
• Upton Updates: Management Contract

Economic Development Committee

The Northbridge Economic Development Committee will approve minutes from the November 17, 2025 Master Plan Update Committee meeting, hear public comments, and consider several agenda items. Items include a business spotlight featuring Angel & Manna Bakery and Sparetime Recreation, a discussion of Section 7-2 loss of office due to excessive absence, and scheduling of meetings for the 2026 calendar year.

• Approve minutes from November 17, 2025 (Master Plan Update Committee)
• Business Spotlight: Angel & Manna Bakery; Sparetime Recreation (Neighborhood Kitchen)
• Discussion of Section 7-2 loss of office; excessive absence
• Schedule meetings for the 2026 calendar year
• Public input/comment period

The committee did not achieve quorum, so the December 22 meeting was not held. Chair Ken Chilton assigned twelve meeting dates for 2026, with February through August meetings dedicated to the Master Planning update. Items from the December agenda will be carried over to the January 12 meeting.

• Scheduled twelve 2026 Economic Development Committee meetings (no vote recorded)

Northbridge Retirement Board

The Northbridge Retirement Board will meet to review a request for proposals for actuarial services and approve a welcome letter for new members. The board will also process applications for new members and requests for fund withdrawals and transfers.

• Review of RFP for Actuarial Services
• Approval of Welcome Letter for New Retirement System Members
• Processing of 8 new member applications
• 1 request for buyback/make-up
• 1 withdrawal of funds request and 2 transfer of funds requests

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the November 19 meeting, denied membership for four applicants, granted membership to four new members, and approved several individual fund transactions, including a buyback for Mr. Shelburne and rollovers for Mrs. Grenier, Mr. Calhoun, and Mrs. Porcelli. It also approved a welcome letter for new retirees and a five-year contract with Stone Consulting for actuarial services. All warrants and bank reconciliations for the month were reviewed and approved.

• Accepted November 19, 2025 minutes (unanimous 3‑0)
• Denied membership for Danielle Meservey, April Morton, Derek Perras, Nicholas Sidman (unanimous 3‑0)
• Granted membership to Melissa Alley, Jennifer Concapetit, Dominik Duby, Mackenzie Sobaleski (unanimous 3‑0)
• Approved buyback for Mr. Nicholas Shelburne, 2 years 7 months service, $1,712.92 (unanimous 3‑0)
• Approved rollover for Mrs. Carol Grenier, $53,782.97 (unanimous 3‑0)
• Approved transfer for Mr. Donald Calhoun, $26,355.26 (unanimous 3‑0)
• Approved transfer for Mrs. Jennifer Porcelli, $17,149.98 (unanimous 3‑0)
• Approved 5‑year contract with Stone Consulting, Inc. for actuarial services (unanimous 3‑0)

Retirement Office

The Retirement Board will meet to process member applications and fund requests. The board is scheduled to review a Request for Proposals (RFP) for actuarial services and approve a welcome letter for new system members.

• Review of 1 RFP for Actuarial Services
• 1 Request for Buyback/Make-up
• 1 Withdrawal of Funds Request
• 2 Transfer of Funds Requests
• Review and approval of Welcome Letter for New Retirement System Members

The board approved several retiree fund transactions, denied membership for four employees and granted it to four others, and accepted a five‑year consulting contract with Stone Consulting. All motions passed unanimously, with vote counts recorded as 2‑0 or 3‑0.

• Accepted November 19, 2025 minutes (2-0)
• Denied membership for Danielle Meservey, April Morton, Derek Perras, Nicholas Sidman (3-0)
• Granted membership for Melissa Alley, Jennifer Concapetit, Dominik Duby, Mackenzie Sobaleski (3-0)
• Approved buyback for Nicholas Shelburne, 2 years 7 months service, $1,712.92 (3-0)
• Approved rollover for Carol Grenier, $53,782.97 (3-0)
• Approved transfer for Donald Calhoun, $26,355.26 (3-0)
• Approved contract with Stone Consulting, Inc. for a 5‑year period (3-0)
• Approved $389,570.33 in warrants for December (unanimous approval)

Northbridge Housing Authority

The Northbridge Housing Authority board will approve the September 2025 meeting minutes and review recent financial reports. They will discuss the Upton Management Contract under old business and consider several new business items, including a PMR discussion, tenant accounts receivable, board member training, the Fair Housing Plan Attachment A, vacancies, a preventative maintenance plan, ethics, and an insurance stipend. The meeting will conclude with adjournment and scheduling of the next board meeting on January 20, 2025.

• Upton Updates: Management Contract (old business)
• PMR Discussion (new business)
• Fair Housing Plan Attachment A (new business)
• Insurance Stipend (new business)
• Vacancies (new business)

Trustees of Soldiers' Memorials

The Trustees of Soldiers' Memorials will review financial reports and progress on various local monuments. The body will discuss landscaping, fence work, and the 2026 nominations for the Outstanding Service Award.

• Whitinsville Korean/World War II Memorial landscaping final invoice of $3,250
• World War I Memorial refurbishment including planters and "Northbridge Moms"
• Desjardins Monument additions update
• Veteran Banner Project
• Vietnam Wall and fence repair

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the November 18, 2025 meeting, correcting a typo in the invoice amount to $2,510.17. No other actions were formally approved; the banner project proposal was discussed but no decision was made.

• Approved minutes of Nov 18, 2025 meeting (unanimous, typo corrected)
• No action taken on banner project proposal

Board of Selectmen

The Selectmen unanimously approved several appointments, including Jamie Pohlman and Bryan Brooker to the WDCHDC and Matthew Kalinowski to the Planning Board, and affirmed two student police officers. They also approved an entertainment license for the Blackstone Valley Chamber Expo, renewed Revival 122’s weekday entertainment license, and approved all 2026 miscellaneous and liquor license renewals. The Board accepted a $1,500 AED gift for the Playground & Recreation Commission and authorized the Town Manager to sign the water‑supply system sale documents to Whitinsville Water Company.

• Approved Jamie Pohlman as WDCHDC alternate member (unanimous)
• Approved Bryan Brooker as WDCHDC full member (unanimous)
• Approved Matthew Kalinowski to Planning Board (unanimous)
• Affirmed appointments of Alyssa Clark and Andrew Parker as Student Police Officers (unanimous)
• Approved one‑day entertainment license for Blackstone Valley Chamber Expo (unanimous)
• Renewed Revival 122 indoor/outdoor weekday entertainment license for 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 miscellaneous license renewals (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 annual liquor license renewals (unanimous)

Whitinsville Social Library

The Board will vote to approve the minutes from the October 21, 2025 meeting. It will receive MPLCP updates presented by Noel Murphy of Oudens Ello Architects. The Board will discuss the library’s 2026 holiday hours and hear reports from the Director and Treasurer. The meeting will then be adjourned.

• Vote to approve October 21, 2025 meeting minutes
• MPLCP updates presented by Noel Murphy, Oudens Ello Architects
• Discussion of 2026 holiday hours
• Director’s report
• Treasurer’s report

The trustees unanimously approved the minutes from the October 21, 2025 meeting after amendment. No other motions were voted on; the board discussed updates on the library renovation, website redesign, book vendor issues, and the treasury portfolio. The next trustees meeting is scheduled for February 20, 2026.

• Approved amended minutes from 10/21/25 (unanimous)

Northbridge Youth Committee

The Northbridge Youth Committee will hold a remote meeting on Dec. 11, 2025. Members will review the committee's mission, discuss a voter‑drive initiative, report on community‑service activities, consider old and new business, and approve the previous meeting minutes. The meeting will be conducted via Microsoft Teams with public comment allowed remotely.

• Statement of Mission
• Voter Drive Meeting/About the Valley Debrief
• Community Service report
• Old/New Business discussion
• Approval of Minutes

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Northbridge Zoning Board of Appeals will hold two public hearings on December 11, 2025. At 7:05 p.m., it will consider Amy Murray’s variance (11‑V‑25) to install a canopy with signage exceeding 60 sq ft at 278 Church Street, a Business Two district property owned by J & S Motors Inc. At 7:20 p.m., it will consider Zentangle, Inc.’s special permit (12‑SP‑25) to convert a former flower shop at 22 Whitin Avenue, an Industrial One district property owned by Open Sky Community Services, to office use.

• Variance 11‑V‑25 for Amy Murray – canopy signage >60 sq ft at 278 Church Street, Business Two district
• Special Permit 12‑SP‑25 for Zentangle, Inc. – conversion to office use at 22 Whitin Avenue, Industrial One district

Building, Planning & Construction Comm

The Building, Planning & Construction Committee will hear updates and presentations on the Senior Center, Library Renovation, and Fire Station projects, and will review any pending invoices for each. The committee will also consider the minutes from the November 18 meeting and address any new business items.

• Senior Center Project – updates/presentations and invoice review
• Library Renovation Project – updates/presentations and invoice review
• Fire Station Project – updates and invoice review
• Review of November 18 meeting minutes
• Consideration of new business items

The Building, Planning & Construction Committee approved payment of four invoices—$5,000 for Vertex, $6,250 for LeftField, $27,250 for Oudens Ello Architecture, and $8,300 for Geotechnical Services—totaling $46,800. The committee also authorized the chair to sign the Library Renovation Level of Design Confirmation. Minutes from the October 29, October 30, and November 18 meetings were approved.

• Approved Vertex invoice $5,000 (7-0)
• Authorized chair to sign Library Level of Design Confirmation (7-0)
• Approved LeftField invoice $6,250 (7-0)
• Approved Oudens Ello Architecture invoice $27,250 (7-0)
• Approved Geotechnical Services invoice $8,300 (7-0)
• Approved minutes of October 29, 2025 (6-0-1)
• Approved minutes of October 30, 2025 (6-0-1)
• Approved minutes of November 18, 2025 (7-0)

Council On Aging

The Council on Aging will meet to review financial reports and the FY26 town budget. The body will also receive an update on the new senior center and a presentation regarding a potential new board member.

• FY26 Town Budget
• New Senior Center update
• Presentation of a potential new Board Member
• Treasurer's reports for FINE/COA and Transportation

School Committee

The Northbridge School Committee will vote on a consent agenda that includes meeting minutes and two financial warrants. The warrants are for $106,343.76 (Warrant 26-22) and $420,235.14 (Warrant 26-23). The meeting will also discuss a DESE update on Reimagining High School and revisions to graduation and competency policies.

• Approval of Warrant 26-22 for $106,343.76
• Approval of Warrant 26-23 for $420,235.14
• Revision to Policy IKF – Graduation Requirements
• Revision to Policy IKFE – Competency Determination
• DESE update on Reimagining High School

Planning Board

The Planning Board will discuss goals and strategies for the Economic Development chapter of the Master Plan update. The board will also vote on recommending a candidate for a board vacancy and the engagement of traffic consultant services for peer review.

• Discussion of Master Plan Update Steering Committee Economic Development chapter
• Vote to recommend candidate for Planning Board vacancy
• Vote to engage traffic consultant services for peer review
• Scheduling of a public forum for Transfer Development Rights
• Discussion of Open Space & Recreation Plan Implementation Committee

The board approved several items, including the November 25, 2025 meeting minutes and a recommendation for a Planning Board vacancy. It also approved the Open Space & Recreation Plan Implementation Committee and scheduled a public forum for Transfer Development Rights. Finally, the board voted 4‑0 to engage traffic consultant services, selecting the lowest bidder.

• Approved November 25, 2025 meeting minutes (passed over)
• Approved recommendation of a candidate for joint appointment to fill Planning Board vacancy (passed over)
• Approved Open Space & Recreation Plan Implementation Committee (passed over)
• Approved engagement of traffic consultant services, selecting the lowest bidder (4‑0 vote)
• Approved scheduling of a public forum for Transfer Development Rights (date TBD, passed over)

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will conduct a public hearing regarding community outreach, the CPA fund balance, and updates to the Community Preservation Plan. The committee will also review the status of the Col. James Fletcher House.

• Public hearing on Community Preservation Plan Update and CPA Fund Balance
• Review of Preservation Restriction and Building Assessment Report for Col. James Fletcher House
• Project pre-application review for 1833 Quaker Street (Northbridge/Habitat for Humanity)

The committee voted unanimously to continue the Community Preservation Act public hearing on Monday, January 5, 2026. Action on approving the September 8, 2025 meeting minutes was tabled. The next committee meeting was scheduled for January 5, 2026 at 6:30 PM via Zoom, and the meeting was adjourned at about 7:00 PM.

• Tabled approval of September 8, 2025 meeting minutes
• Unanimously continued public hearing to Jan 5 2026
• Scheduled next meeting for Jan 5 2026 at 6:30 PM via Zoom
• Adjourned meeting at about 7:00 PM

Commission on Disabilities

The Northbridge Disability Commission will approve minutes from the October 20 meeting, receive updates on Walmart pharmacy doors and Sparetime recreation, and outline a plan to survey community members about accessibility at the Linwood baseball fields. The commission will also discuss member issues, goals, and any additional concerns raised by members.

• Approve minutes from the October 20 meeting
• Update on Walmart pharmacy doors
• Update on Sparetime recreation
• Plan a survey on accessibility at Linwood field baseball fields
• Discussion of member issues, goals, and other concerns

Cultural Council

The Northbridge Cultural Council will meet to decide how to allocate the remaining funds for Fiscal Year 2026. The council will also vote on the FY26 Panel Book of Grantees.

• Allocation of remaining FY26 funds
• FY 26 Panel Book of Grantees

Board of Health

The Northbridge Board of Health will approve the minutes from the November 3, 2025 meeting. It will receive staff updates from the Blackstone Valley Partnership for Public Health. The board will discuss the BVPPH Strategic Plan kickoff meeting under BME Strategies.

• Approval of Minutes of November 3, 2025
• BVPPH Staff Updates
• BME Strategies — BVPPH Strategic Plan Kickoff Meeting

The board unanimously approved the November 3, 2025 meeting minutes. It also scheduled the next Strategic Plan meeting for January 22, 2026, to be held in a hybrid format. No other actions were taken.

• Approved November 3, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled Strategic Plan meeting for Jan 22, 2026 (hybrid format)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a Notice of Intent for a single-family home. The board will also review conditions for a sewage system project and schedule a recycling event.

• Public Hearing: Proposed single-family dwelling at 0 Grace Street Lot 24R (Map 16 Lot 236)
• Review/Sign Order of Conditions: Sewage disposal system repair at 597 Mendon Road
• Scheduling of 2026 Christmas Tree Recycling Event

The commission voted 4‑0 to close the public hearing on the Grace Street lot and to issue the Order of Conditions for that project. They also approved the November 19, 2025 meeting minutes by a 4‑0 vote and signed the Order of Conditions for 597 Mendon Road. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Closed public hearing on Grace Street Lot 24R (4‑0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for Grace Street Lot 24R (4‑0)
• Signed Order of Conditions for 597 Mendon Road (previously approved)
• Approved November 19, 2025 meeting minutes (4‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (4‑0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will review and decide on Form A plans for Moon Hill Road. The board will also discuss a vacancy, the Presidential Farms project on Washington Street, and a Community Preservation Act housing application.

• Decision on Form A's Moon Hill Road (Lot 3 & Lot 4) ANR-81P Plan
• Discussion of Planning Board vacancy and candidate interviews
• Review of Presidential Farms on Washington Street
• Review of Community Preservation Act project application for community housing
• Discussion of Fox Hollow traffic engineering consulting services

The board voted 4-0 to endorse the ANR creating Lot 3A and 4A on Moon Hill Road. It also voted 4-0 to recommend Matthew Kalinowski for appointment to the Planning Board. A 4-0 vote approved submitting a Community Preservation Committee application for affordable housing on the Quaker Street property. The board approved prior meeting minutes and adjourned the session.

• Endorsed ANR for Moon Hill Road, creating Lot 3A and 4A (4-0)
• Recommended Matthew Kalinowski for Planning Board appointment (4-0)
• Voted to submit Community Preservation Committee application for Quaker Street housing project (4-0)
• Approved October 14, 27, and 28, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

School Committee

The Northbridge School Committee will discuss the FY27 budget timeline and parameters, and consider the Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy. The meeting also includes a consent agenda with three warrants totaling $665,449.37. Additional agenda items cover revisions to graduation requirements and competency determination policies.

• Warrant 26-19 (Nov 6, 2025) – $188,343.72
• Warrant 26-20 (Nov 13, 2025) – $145,266.68
• Warrant 26-21 (Nov 20, 2025) – $331,838.97
• Revisions to Policy IKF – Graduation Requirements
• Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy

Board of Selectmen

The Northbridge Board of Selectmen will vote to accept the Safety Committee minutes and adopt a new Social Media Policy for town accounts. They will also vote to approve the sale of two Pine Grove Cemetery lots at 267 Forest Ave East (South). The board will consider awarding Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester the 1833 Quaker Street property for affordable housing and entering a land development agreement, and will hear an application for a junk dealers license from Michael Hoose dba M&M Services.

• Adopt Social Media Policy for Town Accounts
• Approve sale of two Pine Grove Cemetery lots, 267 Forest Ave East (South)
• Award Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester the 1833 Quaker Street property and enter land development agreement
• Consider application for a Junk Dealers License from Michael Hoose dba M&M Services
• Accept Safety Committee minutes and recommendations

The Board unanimously accepted the resignation of Sarah Danielson‑Ewing from the Playground and Recreation Commission and adopted the town’s Social Media Policy for Town Accounts. It also approved the sale of two Pine Grove Cemetery lots at 267 Forest Ave East (South) to Susan and Donald Mateer and granted a Junk Dealers License to Michael Hoise dba M&M Services. Finally, the Board awarded Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester as the successful bidder for the 1833 Quaker Street property, approved a land‑development agreement, and authorized the Planning Board to pursue CPA funding for affordable housing.

• Accepted resignation of Sarah Danielson‑Ewing (unanimous)
• Adopted Social Media Policy for Town Accounts (unanimous)
• Approved sale of two Pine Grove Cemetery lots at 267 Forest Ave East (South) to Susan and Donald Mateer (unanimous)
• Granted Junk Dealers License to Michael Hoise dba M&M Services (unanimous)
• Awarded Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester as successful bidder for 1833 Quaker Street (unanimous)
• Entered land development agreement with Habitat for Humanity (unanimous)
• Authorized Planning Board to pursue CPA process for affordable housing at 1833 Quaker Street (unanimous)

School Committee

The School Committee and Policy Subcommittee will meet to review and revise the graduation requirements policy. The body will also discuss a new policy regarding competency determination.

• Review/Revise Policy: IKF - Graduation Requirements
• New Policy: IXFE - Competency Determination

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council will review a modification request for a current FY25 grantee. The body will also vote to approve the FY26 Panel Book of Grantees.

• Modification request for FY25 grantee
• Approval of FY26 Panel Book of Grantees

Whitinsville -Downtown Crossroads Historic District Commission

The Downtown Crossroads Historic District Commission will approve the October 22 meeting minutes and hear reports from the Historical Commission, including deed tracking and certificate deliveries. Members will discuss the re‑organization process to make Bryan the new chair, involving resignation and appointment letters that will be forwarded to the selectmen for approval. The meeting will also set the date for the next commission session.

• Approve October 22 meeting minutes
• Receive update from the Historical Commission on deeds and commendations
• Process to appoint Bryan as chair (resignation, recommendation, and acceptance letters)
• Selectmen to approve chair transition at their next meeting
• Schedule next Downtown Crossroads Historic District Commission meeting

The Whitinsville Downtown Crossroads Historic District Commission met on Zoom on November 20, 2025. The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the October 22 meeting. No other motions were voted on; the commission discussed upcoming historic projects and a proposed re‑organization, but those items were not decided.

• Approved October 22 minutes (unanimous)

Northbridge Retirement Board

The Northbridge Retirement Board will meet on November 19, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in the Town Hall. The agenda includes signing all warrant items, reviewing cash books for October 2025, and a board review and vote to approve a cyber‑security quote. The board will also consider a withdrawal of funds request, a transfer of funds request, and will note that affidavits have been sent to the final five outstanding retirees or survivors.

• Vote to approve cyber‑security quote
• Review cash books for October 2025
• Withdrawal of funds request
• Transfer of funds request
• Affidavits sent to final five retirees/survivors

The Retirement Board voted 3-1 to purchase a cyber security policy from Houston Casualty Company. It also approved several fund withdrawals and transfers, denied membership for seven applicants, granted membership for three employees, changed the regular meeting time, and accepted the October 22 minutes.

• Approved purchase of cyber security policy from Houston Casualty Company (3-1)
• Approved withdrawal of $174.24 for Madison Giacobbi (4-0)
• Approved transfer of $467.48 for Kate McGurn (4-0)
• Approved transfer of $29,145.82 for Nathan Posterro (4-0)
• Denied membership for Codey Battista, Morgan Coccia-Duval, Jennifer Concapetit, Emily Kara, Michael Perry, Joan Thomas, Shanleigh Veres (4-0)
• Granted membership for Sarah Brooks, Jared Catalano, Xochitl Franco (4-0)
• Changed meeting time to 10:00 a.m. on the third Thursday of each month (4-0)
• Accepted minutes from the October 22, 2025 meeting (4-0)

Retirement Office

The Northbridge Retirement Board will review and vote to approve a quoted price for cyber security services. The agenda also includes a review of the October 2025 cash books, a performance summary of the retirement plan for October 2025, and a report that affidavits have been sent to the final five outstanding retirees or survivors. Additional items list new member applications, fund withdrawal and transfer requests, and a directive to sign all warrant items.

• Vote to approve cyber security quote
• Review October 2025 cash books
• Summary of plan performance for October 2025
• Affidavits sent to final five outstanding retirees/survivors
• New member applications: 10 applicants

The board accepted the October 22, 2025 minutes and denied membership for seven applicants while granting membership to three employees. It approved three fund transfers totaling $29,617.44 and purchased a cyber security policy with a 3-1 vote. The meeting time was changed to 10:00 a.m. on the third Thursday of each month.

• Accepted October 22, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Denied membership for Codey Battista, Morgan Coccia-Duval, Jennifer Concapetit, Emily Kara, Michael Perry, Joan Thomas, Shanleigh Veres (4-0)
• Granted membership to Sarah Brooks, Jared Catalano, Xochitl Franco (4-0)
• Approved withdrawal of $174.24 for Madison Giacobbi (4-0)
• Approved transfer of $467.48 to Kate McGurn (4-0)
• Approved transfer of $29,145.82 to Nathan Posterro (4-0)
• Approved purchase of cyber security policy from Houston Casualty (3-1)
• Changed meeting time to 10:00 a.m. on the third Thursday of the month (4-0)

Safety Committee

The Northbridge Safety Committee is meeting to discuss traffic concerns and the status of safety actions. The body will review updates on specific street projects and infrastructure reconstruction.

• Traffic concerns at Jon Circle
• Library expansion project
• Church Avenue Roadway & Infrastructure Reconstruction Project (CDBG)
• Mendon Rd Bridge
• Quaker St Water Project

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the October 15, 2025 meeting. The Board of Selectmen accepted the Safety Committee’s August 20, 2025 recommendations. The committee decided not to install a street light at 1624 Quaker Street, and approved the installation of a traffic mirror near Puddon Street on Quaker Street.

• Approved October 15, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
• Board of Selectmen accepted Safety Committee recommendations (vote)
• Declined street‑light request at 1624 Quaker Street (no light installed)
• Approved traffic‑mirror installation at Puddon Street/Quaker Street (DPW to install)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a citizens forum, consider a certificate of compliance request for Shining Rock Golf Par 3 (Map 25 Lot 151) submitted by SR Golf Club LLC, and continue public hearings on two notices of intent: a sewage disposal system upgrade within a wetland buffer at 597 Mendon Road (Centura Bay LLC) and a deck construction at 670 Linwood Avenue (Linwood Mill, LLC & B+P Giannopoulos). The commission will also discuss enforcement updates for Rockdale Pond and 2040 Providence Road, and review and approve the minutes from the November 5, 2025 meeting.

• Certificate of Compliance request for Shining Rock Golf Par 3 (Map 25 Lot 151) – SR Golf Club LLC
• Continued public hearing on NOI 248-733 for sewage disposal system upgrade at 597 Mendon Road – Centura Bay LLC
• Continued public hearing on NOI 248-XXX for deck construction at 670 Linwood Avenue – Linwood Mill, LLC & B+P Giannopoulos
• Enforcement update/discussion for Rockdale Pond (Map 25 Lot 153) and 2040 Providence Road (Map 22 Lots 25 and 24)
• Review and approval of minutes from the November 5, 2025 meeting

The Conservation Commission voted unanimously (4‑0) to issue a Certificate of Compliance for SR Golf Club LLC’s Shining Rock Golf Part 3 (Map 25 Lot 151). It also voted 4‑0 to continue the public hearing for Centura Bay LLC’s sewage system project at 597 Mendon Road, then closed that hearing and adopted an Order of Conditions requiring a revised restoration sketch. The commission closed the hearing and issued an Order of Conditions for the deck project at 670 Linwood Avenue, and voted 4‑0 to issue an Enforcement Order for the violations at 2040 Providence Road (Map 22 Parcels 25 & 34).

• Issued Certificate of Compliance for Shining Rock Golf Part 3 (Map 25 Lot 151) – vote 4‑0
• Continued public hearing for sewage system at 597 Mendon Road – vote 4‑0
• Closed public hearing for 597 Mendon Road – vote 4‑0
• Drafted Order of Conditions for 597 Mendon Road, requiring revised restoration sketch – vote 4‑0
• Closed public hearing for deck at 670 Linwood Avenue – vote 4‑0
• Issued Order of Conditions for deck at 670 Linwood Avenue – vote 4‑0
• Issued Enforcement Order for 2040 Providence Road, Map 22 Parcels 25 & 34 – vote 4‑0

Historical Commission

The Northbridge Historical Commission will hear a presentation on the Whitinsville Social Library renovation and expansion project. Commissioners will vote to approve the minutes from the October 8, 2025 meeting. The board will discuss updates to preservation restrictions and signage at Northbridge Center. Additional items may be considered if they require timely action.

• Whitinsville Social Library – renovation and expansion project presentation
• Approval of October 8, 2025 meeting minutes
• Updates to preservation restrictions
• Northbridge Center signage update
• Potential additional items requiring timely action

Northbridge Housing Authority

The Northbridge Housing Authority will review financial reports and maintenance updates. The board is scheduled to discuss a management contract for Upton and a PMR discussion.

• Approval of September 2025 Board Meeting minutes
• Accounts Payable warrant summary report (9/17/2025 – 11/18/2025)
• Upton management contract updates
• PMR discussion

Building, Planning & Construction Comm

The Building, Planning & Construction Committee will receive updates and presentations on the Senior Center, Library Renovation, and Fire Station projects. The committee will also review any invoices related to these projects. Minutes from the October 29 and 30 meetings will be considered, followed by any new business before adjournment.

• Senior Center Project – updates/presentations and invoice review
• Library Renovation Project – updates/presentations and invoice review
• Fire Station Project – updates and possible invoice review
• Review of October 29 and October 30 meeting minutes
• Consideration of new business items

The Building, Planning & Construction Committee approved payment of four invoices covering the senior center, library renovation, and architectural services. Each motion passed unanimously with a 7‑0 vote. No other business was taken.

• Approved payment of Vertex invoice OPM 107588-03 for $11,737.00 (7-0)
• Approved payment of LeftField invoice 2025.009-005 for $6,250.00 (7-0)
• Approved payment of LeftField invoice 2025.009-006 for $6,250.00 (7-0)
• Approved payment of Oudens Ello Architecture invoice 2508-03 for $16,521.47 (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:11 pm (7-0)

Council On Aging

The Northbridge Council on Aging will meet on November 18, 2025 to hear reports from the secretary, treasurer, program/volunteer coordinator and director, and to discuss the town budget for FY25 and FY26. Members will receive an update on the new senior center and a report from the Friends of Northbridge Elders. An open forum will allow public comments. No specific decisions are listed in the agenda.

• Secretary’s Report
• Treasurer’s Reports (FY25 final and FY26 town budget)
• New Senior Center – update
• Friends of Northbridge Elders (FINE) Representative Report
• Open Forum for public comments

Board of Health

The Northbridge Board of Health will deliberate and vote on a site assignment modification for TJJ Development. The board will also vote on 2026 permit renewals. Other discussions include the Quaker Street Landfill water sampling and the Cotton Mill Apartments.

• TJJ Development Site Assignment Modification decision
• 2026 Permit Renewals vote
• Quaker Street Landfill November water sampling update
• Cotton Mill Apartments discussion
• Board of Health Administrator retirement update

The Board of Health approved a major site assignment modification for TJJ Development, allowing an increase in the site assigned area to 5.07 acres, with conditions including stormwater system, loadout bay, and vector control measures. The board also approved 2026 permit renewals for food establishments and other licensees, with the exception of Subway on Church Street, which must fix physical facility violations before its permit is granted. A rat infestation at Cotton Mill Apartments was discussed, and the board is working with DPW to address it.

• Approved minutes of August 25, 2025 (all in favor)
• Approved minutes of November 3, 2025 subject to stenographer transcript (4-0, Garabedian abstained)
• Granted major site assignment modification for TJJ Development with conditions (4-0, Garabedian abstained)
• Approved 2026 permit renewals subject to payment of fees/taxes, except Subway on Church Street (all in favor)
• Ordered drop-in inspection of Subway within two weeks to check progress on violations

Economic Development Committee

The committee will approve the September 15, 2025 meeting minutes and hold a public input session. It will update the Master Plan with a discussion of the Housing Chapter goals and strategies, and preview the Economic Development Chapter goals for a December 9 meeting. The agenda also includes a Business Spotlight featuring local enterprises and scheduling of upcoming meetings.

• Approve minutes from the September 15, 2025 meeting
• Discuss Housing Chapter goals and strategies in the Master Plan update
• Preview Economic Development Chapter goals for the December 9, 2025 meeting
• Business Spotlight presentations: Angel & Manna Bakery, Sparetime Recreation, and others
• Schedule future meetings: December 9, 2025 and additional dates TBD

The Northbridge Economic Development Committee approved the September 15, 2025 meeting minutes with a unanimous 4‑0 vote. The committee received updates on the Master Plan, including the recent voter adoption of a 40R Smart Growth zoning overlay and a historic‑mill adaptive‑reuse overlay. Members discussed future coordination with the Board of Selectmen and agreed to set the 2026 meeting calendar at the next session. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved September 15, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous 4-0)

Northbridge Public Schools

The agenda lists a meeting for the Northbridge Public Schools on November 17, 2025, but the provided text is largely corrupted and unreadable, making the specific agenda items indiscernible.

• Meeting date: November 17, 2025
• Corrupted agenda text prevents item identification

Northbridge Public Schools

The Northbridge Public Schools Council will review the middle‑school improvement‑plan action items, including attendance and academic goals. A preliminary budget discussion for middle‑school needs will follow. Elections of officers and establishment of council norms were tabled.

• Review target to reduce chronic absenteeism by 5% by June 2026
• Review target to raise English Learner and disabled student MCAS scores by 10% by June 2026
• Review target for 100% implementation of new high‑quality instructional materials in Science, Social Studies, and Math by June 2026
• Preliminary budget conversation regarding middle‑school needs
• Elections of council Co‑Chair and Secretary were tabled

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee will hold a public hearing on the FY26 tax rate classification. The board will also discuss the FY2027 budget with Northbridge Public Schools and vote on several licenses and appointments.

• FY26 Tax Rate Classification public hearing
• FY2027 Budget discussion with Northbridge Public Schools
• One-day Wines and Malts and Entertainment licenses for Blackstone Valley Emergency Shelter 'Festival of Trees'
• Sale of Pine Grove Cemetery deed for 321-326 Woodlawn Ave (North)
• Amendment to pledge of collateral for X-Force, LLC dba Friendly Fine Wine & Spirits

The Selectmen approved the October 28, 2025 minutes and the 2026 meeting and holiday schedules. They accepted two commission resignations, appointed new members to the Historical and Disability Commissions, and approved the sale of six Pine Grove Cemetery cremation lots to Michelle Lavigne. The FY26 tax rate classification hearing concluded with the board maintaining the single tax rate. Licenses were approved for the Festival of Trees event.

• Approved October 28, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 Board of Selectmen schedule (unanimous)
• Approved sale of Pine Grove Cemetery cremation lots #321-#326 to Michelle Lavigne (unanimous)
• Accepted resignations of Ariel Lopez and Edward Saksa (unanimous)
• Appointed Justin Varteresian to Historical Commission (unanimous)
• Appointed Michelle Cabral to Disability Commission (unanimous)
• Maintained single FY26 tax rate, no change (unanimous)
• Approved Festival of Trees wines & malts and three entertainment licenses (unanimous)

Commission on Disabilities

The Commission on Disabilities will approve minutes from the previous month and discuss updates regarding the Walmart pharmacy doors and Linwood field accessibility. The meeting will also include a discussion on member goals and concerns.

• Approval of October 20th minutes
• Update on Walmart pharmacy doors accessibility
• Linwood field survey plan for community input
• Discussion of member issues and goals

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a citizens forum and consider several new business items. A public hearing will address a repair and upgrade of a sewage disposal system at 597 Mendon Road within a 100‑foot buffer zone to a bordering vegetated wetland, presented by Centura Bay LLC. The commission will also review a Certificate of Compliance request for McQuades Lane by Northbridge McQuade, LLC, and continue a public hearing on a deck construction project at 670 Linwood Avenue by Linwood Mill, LLC and B + P Giannopoulos. Minutes from the October 15, 2025 meeting will be reviewed and approved.

• Public Hearing – NOI (248-733) 597 Mendon Road – repair/upgrade of sewage disposal system within 100’ buffer zone to vegetated wetland (Centura Bay LLC, rep. David Therrien)
• Certificate of Compliance (248-0673) McQuades Lane – request by Northbridge McQuade, LLC for property owned by Colleen Labelle
• Continued Public Hearing – NOI (248-XXX) 670 Linwood Avenue – deck construction in Riverfront Area (Linwood Mill, LLC & B + P Giannopoulos, rep. Gary Moyer Architect, Inc.)
• Review/Approve Minutes – October 15, 2025

The Conservation Commission voted 7‑0 to continue the public hearing on the sewage system project at 597 Mendon Road to the November 19 meeting. They voted 6‑0 to approve the Certificate of Compliance for 248‑673 McQuades Lane (Assessors Map 25 Lot 44). They also voted 7‑0 to continue the public hearing on the deck project at 670 Linwood Avenue to November 19, 2025. The meeting minutes were accepted and the commission adjourned.

• Continue public hearing for NOI 248‑733, 597 Mendon Road – vote 7‑0
• Approve Certificate of Compliance for 248‑673 McQuades Lane – vote 6‑0
• Continue public hearing for deck at 670 Linwood Ave – vote 7‑0
• Accept October 15, 2025 meeting minutes – vote 7‑0
• Adjourn meeting – vote 7‑0

School Committee

The Northbridge School Committee will consider a consent agenda that includes three warrants for district expenses totaling $727,549.88. The meeting will also discuss the FY27 budget timeline, school improvement plans, and a senior trip proposal. An executive‑session item will address the collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 170 for instructional assistants.

• Approve Warrant 26-16 (Oct 16, 2025) for $157,452.80
• Approve Warrant 26-17 (Oct 23, 2025) for $348,654.45
• Approve Warrant 26-18 (Oct 30, 2025) for $221,442.63
• Discuss FY27 budget timeline and parameters
• Review School Improvement Plans (SIPs)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet remotely to approve previous meeting minutes and receive staff updates. The agenda includes a strategic plan introduction from BME Strategies and a discussion on transportation and public health with CMRPC.

• Approval of September 15, 2025 and August 11, 2025 minutes
• BME Strategies strategic plan introduction
• CMRPC Sandy Amoakohene transportation and public health discussion
• Updates from inspection staff, community health worker, epidemiologist, and public health nurse

The Board unanimously approved the September 16 and August 11, 2025 meeting minutes. It also approved up to $8,750 in additional funding to allow an increased in‑person component for the Strategic Planning Project. An in‑person meeting was scheduled for Northbridge on December 4 at 1 pm.

• Approved September 16 and August 11, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved up to $8,750 additional funding for increased in‑person component of Strategic Planning Project (unanimous)
• Scheduled in‑person meeting in Northbridge on December 4 at 1 pm

Board of Health

The Northbridge Board of Health will hold a public hearing to consider a major modification of an existing site assignment originally granted in 1997 and modified in 2017 and 2021. The applicant, TJJ Development Corporation (Tom Berkowitz Trucking), seeks to increase the assigned area from .23 acres to 5.07 acres at 279‑291 Douglas Road, Whitinsville, MA, and to construct a loadout bay and on‑site stormwater collection improvements. The request does not propose an increase in allowable daily or maximum annual tonnage. The Board will decide whether to grant the modification.

• Major modification of site assignment originally granted in 1997
• Increase of assigned area from .23 acres to 5.07 acres
• Location: 279‑291 Douglas Road, Whitinsville, MA
• Construction of a loadout bay and stormwater collection improvements
• No increase in allowable daily or maximum annual tonnage

The Board of Health convened a hearing on TJJ Development Corp.'s request to expand the Tom Berkowitz Trucking solid‑waste transfer station. Witnesses were sworn and exhibits admitted, but the Board did not vote or issue a decision during the meeting.

Building, Planning & Construction Comm

The Building, Planning & Construction Committee will conduct interviews with architects Abacus and BH+A for the Senior Center Project. The committee will also review updates and invoices for the Library Renovation and Fire Station projects.

• Architect interview with Abacus for Senior Center Project
• Architect interview with BH+A for Senior Center Project
• Library Renovation Project updates and invoices
• Fire Station Project update and invoices

The Building, Planning & Construction Committee voted to choose BH&A as the architect for the Senior Center project. The motion was made by Chairman Michael Beaudoin, seconded by Vice‑Chair Paul Bedigian, and passed unanimously (6‑0). The meeting was then adjourned by a 6‑0 vote.

• Selected BH&A as architect for Senior Center project (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Building, Planning & Construction Comm

The Building, Planning & Construction Committee will interview two architects (EDM and LLB) for the Senior Center Project and review related invoices. It will also receive updates and invoice reviews for the Library Renovation and Fire Station projects. The committee will consider approval of the October 8, 2025 minutes and discuss any new business items.

• Senior Center Project – architect interviews (EDM, LLB) and invoice review
• Library Renovation Project – updates and invoice review
• Fire Station Project – update and invoice review
• Approval of minutes from October 8, 2025
• New Business (unspecified items)

The Building, Planning & Construction Committee approved the minutes from the October 8, 2025 meeting with a 5‑yes, 0‑no, 1‑abstain vote. The committee then adjourned the October 29, 2025 meeting with a 6‑yes, 0‑no vote. No actions were taken on the Senior Center, Library Renovation, or Fire Station projects.

• Approved October 8, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0-1)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Cultural Council

The Northbridge Cultural Council will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and review the FY 26 Panel Book of Grantees.

• Review of FY 26 Panel Book of Grantees

Planning Board

The Planning Board will meet to discuss and vote on reports and recommendations for the 2025 Fall Annual Town Meeting.

• Vote on Planning Board reports and recommendations for the 2025 Fall Annual Town Meeting

The Northbridge Planning Board met on October 28, 2025 with Chair Rebecca Rushford, Clerk Alyssa Oyola, Member Mike Baker, Vice Chair James Berkowitz present; Associate Member Andrew Howden was absent. The board read its recommendations for Articles 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12. No votes or formal decisions were recorded, and the meeting adjourned at about 8:26 p.m.

Finance Committee

The Northbridge Finance Committee will meet to call the session to order, approve the previous meeting minutes, review business from the Fall Annual Town Meeting, and handle any other business before adjourning. No specific proposals or decisions are detailed in the agenda.

Board of Selectmen

The Northbridge Board of Selectmen will approve the previous meeting's minutes and conduct a public hearing. They will consider appointments and resignations, hear citizen comments, and address business for the upcoming Fall Annual Town Meeting. Additional items include the Town Manager's report, selectmen's concerns, and an executive session.

• Approval of Minutes
• Public Hearing
• Appointments/Resignations
• Citizens' Comments/Input
• Fall Annual Town Meeting Business

The Board of Selectmen adjourned the meeting following the Fall Annual Town Meeting. A motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Ampagoomian, seconded by Mr. Collins, and approved unanimously by Melia, Collins, Ampagoomian, Paulhus, and Wilkes. The Town Manager reported that petitioner Michael Hunnewell withdrew Article 11, so a motion to pass over Article 11 will be presented later. No other decisions were recorded.

• Adjourned meeting (unanimous 5‑0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board is conducting a public forum with the business community regarding the Master Plan update. The meeting will also include the scheduling of future steering committee meetings.

• Master Plan Update Steering Committee business community public forum
• Scheduling of November 17, 2025 meeting with Economic Development Committee
• Scheduling of December 09, 2025 meeting with Planning Board

The Northbridge Planning Board hosted a Master Plan Update Steering Committee Business Community Public Forum on October 27, 2025 at the Northbridge Fire Department Training Room. The session presented information on the Economic Development Committee, the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission, and the purpose of the master plan. No formal decisions, approvals, or votes were recorded during this meeting.

Economic Development Committee

The committee will receive an update on the town’s Master Plan from the steering committee and business community forum. It will also set dates for upcoming meetings, including a Zoom session on November 17, 2025 at 6 PM and a Town Hall on December 9, 2025 at 7 PM with the Planning Board. No other business is listed.

• Master Plan update – steering committee and business community forum
• Schedule Zoom meeting for Monday, November 17, 2025 at 6 PM
• Schedule Town Hall meeting for Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 7 PM with Planning Board

The Economic Development Committee attended a Business Community Public Forum where consultants presented on economic development and its role in the master planning process. Attendees discussed catalyst strategies and SWOT analyses for several commercial areas. The consultants will compile the feedback into the Economic Development Chapter of the Master Plan. No formal approvals, denials, or votes were recorded.

Cultural Council

The Northbridge Cultural Council will consider approving the minutes from the August 20, 2025 meeting. It will review the NCC local guidelines, priorities, and rubric. It will examine the FY 26 panel book of grantees. The council may also discuss any other matters requiring immediate action.

• Approval of minutes from 8/20/25
• Review of NCC local guidelines, priorities, and rubric
• Review of FY 26 panel book of grantees
• Discussion of any other immediate matters

Northbridge Retirement Board

The Northbridge Retirement Board will consider several items, including votes to approve a request for proposal (RFP) for actuarial services and to approve a cyber‑security quote. They will also review the August and September 2025 cash books, discuss the annual budget, and consider a change in meeting time. The meeting is scheduled for October 22, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. in Northbridge Town Hall.

• Board vote to approve RFP for actuarial services
• Board vote to approve cyber security quote
• Review of annual budget
• Cash books for August 2025
• Cash books for September 2025

The Northbridge Retirement Board approved the October warrants, accepted the September 24 minutes, and denied membership for seven applicants while granting it to five others. It also approved a retirement benefit for Donna Fleming, a $291.17 fund transfer for Kayla Dabney, and the annual budget as presented. The board changed future meeting times to 10 a.m. on Wednesdays and approved an RFP for actuarial services.

• Approved October warrants totaling $308,564.07 (approved)
• Accepted September 24, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Denied membership for 7 applicants (5-0)
• Granted membership for 5 applicants (5-0)
• Approved Option “B” benefit for Donna Fleming (5-0)
• Approved $291.17 transfer of funds for Kayla Dabney (5-0)
• Changed meeting time to 10:00 a.m. on Wednesdays (5-0)
• Approved the annual budget as presented (5-0)

Retirement Office

The Northbridge Retirement Board will review financial reports and cash books for August and September 2025. The board is scheduled to vote on approving a request for proposal for actuarial services and a cyber security quote.

• Vote to approve RFP for Actuarial Services
• Vote to Approve Cyber Security Quote
• Review of Annual Budget
• Board Administrator Annual Review
• Cash Books August 2025 and September 2025

Whitinsville -Downtown Crossroads Historic District Commission

The Downtown Crossroads Historic District Commission will hold a vote to fill the chair, vice chair, and secretary roles as part of its re‑organization. It will also discuss and set the season and date for Heritage Day in 2026. Additional updates include a report from the Historical Commission and progress on locating historic deeds.

• Vote on chair, vice chair, and secretary positions (re‑organization)
• Discuss and confirm season/date for Heritage Day 2026
• Update from the Historical Commission (David, Mark)
• Continued work on tracking down historic deeds
• Recognition items for Heritage Day: blacksmith payment, thank‑you letters to Gaudette and Unibank

Whitinsville Social Library

The Whitinsville Social Library Board of Trustees will convene to approve the minutes from the August 26, 2025 meeting and review the director's and treasurer's reports. The agenda includes discussions on library hours and old business.

• Vote to approve minutes from August 26, 2025
• Review of library hours
• Director's report
• Treasurer's report
• Discussion on old business

Trustees of Soldiers' Memorials

The Trustees of Soldiers' Memorials will review financial reports and progress on several local monuments. The body will discuss the completion of the Whitinsville Korean/World War II Memorial and plan for the 2026 Outstanding Service Award. The meeting includes a discussion on position appointments for FY26.

• Whitinsville Korean/World War II Memorial landscaping invoice of $3,250 paid
• Whitinsville Korean/World War II Memorial new fence work
• World War I Memorial refurbishment landscaping
• Desjardins Monument additions update from Whitinsville Monumentals
• Position appointments for FY26

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the September 9 meeting. They also unanimously approved a final payment of $3,250 to Susienka Landscape and Design for the Whitinsville/Korean War memorial project. The trustees set the 2026 Outstanding Service Award to be presented on Memorial Day, with nominations due by January 31, 2026, and outlined promotion methods. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved September 9 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved final payment $3,250 to Susienka Landscape (unanimous)
• Set 2026 Outstanding Service Award presentation for Memorial Day
• Established nomination deadline Jan 31, 2026 for award
• Approved promotion of award via online, cable TV, newspapers, and schools

Council On Aging

The Council on Aging will review the final FY25 budget and updates for FY26. The body will also receive an update on the new senior center and discuss program policy.

• Introduction of newly appointed Board Members
• FY25 final and FY26 update for Town Budget
• Update on the new senior center
• Program policy discussion
• Review of mission, vision, and goals

Northbridge Public Schools

The Northbridge Public Schools Council will elect a co‑chair and secretary, establish participant norms, and review the School Improvement Plan aligned with the district strategic plan. The plan includes three initiatives: a 5% reduction in chronic absenteeism, a 10% increase in EL and special‑education student performance on MCAS, and 100% implementation of new instructional materials by June 2026. Future meeting dates are set for November 17 2025, January 12 2026, March 16 2026, and May 18 2026.

• Election of co‑chair (principal) and secretary
• Establishment of meeting norms for participants
• Discussion of initiative to cut chronic absenteeism by 5% by June 2026
• Discussion of initiative to raise EL and special‑education MCAS scores by 10% by June 2026
• Discussion of initiative to achieve 100% use of new instructional materials by June 2026

Disability Commission

The Northbridge Disability Commission will discuss letters from Walmart and Sparetime, consider a capital request for Linwood Playground, and decide on the criteria, wording, and financing for “Disability Commission Approved” signs for local businesses. The meeting also includes approval of September minutes and other member concerns.

• Approve September meeting minutes
• Review letters from Walmart and Sparetime
• Discuss capital request for Linwood Playground at May town meeting
• Decide criteria, draft letter, and funding for “Disability Commission Approved” signs
• Address other member concerns and MOD updates

The Disability Commission approved the minutes from the September 8, 2025 meeting. The board discussed letters sent to Walmart and Sparetime Recreation about accessibility issues, noting no responses yet. Members talked about Ariel Lopez’s health‑related resignation and will search the talent bank for a replacement. A capital request to improve accessibility at Linwood field was introduced, but no decision was made.

• Approved September 8, 2025 minutes (no vote tally recorded)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen approved the Spring Annual Town Meeting Warrant, supporting all articles except Article 4 (school budget override) and skipping Article 28. The meeting also approved early‑voting for the upcoming town election, several temporary beverage and entertainment licenses, and a change to JMJ Endeavors’ operating hours. Additional actions included appointing members to town committees, approving the sale of a cemetery lot, and other routine approvals.

• Opt‑in to early voting for the annual town election (Monday‑Friday 8:30 AM‑7 PM, etc.)
• Approve one‑day wine/malt beverage licenses for WSN meetings at 670 Linwood Ave on April 17, July 17, and October 9 2025
• Approve outdoor entertainment licenses for Whitin Community Center events on June 7 2025 (live band) and August 16 2025 (recorded music)
• Approve JMJ Endeavors’ request to change operating hours to 6 AM‑10 PM daily at 74 Providence Road
• Approve sale of Pine Grove Cemetery Lot 48 (A) on Hemlock Path (South) to Andre and Kristen Markarian

The Selectmen unanimously approved the FY ’26 budget amendments, a winter parking ban, and several zoning bylaw changes. They also approved an entertainment license and street closure for a holiday event, a junk‑dealer address change, and the sale of vacant town land. Additional approvals included donations for the men’s softball league and a transfer of funds for auditorium renovation.

• Approved Winter Parking Ban (Dec 1, 2025 – Apr 1, 2026) – Vote yes/Unanimous
• Approved one‑day entertainment license, park use, and Church Street closure for Holiday Tree Lighting – Vote yes/Unanimous
• Approved address change for Central New England Collectible Authority, LLC d/b/a Northbridge Coin and Gold – Vote yes/Unanimous
• Accepted $250 donations from four donors for Playground & Recreation Commission softball league – Vote yes/Unanimous
• Approved FY ’26 Budget Amendments – Vote yes/Unanimous
• Approved transfer of $152,248 to renovate the NMS Auditorium – Vote yes/Unanimous
• Approved disposal of vacant town‑owned land at 644 Providence Road – Vote yes/Unanimous
• Approved Smart Growth Zoning Overlay District amendment – Vote yes/Unanimous

Commission on Disabilities

The Disability Commission will discuss a plan to create “Disability Commission Approved” signs for local businesses. They will decide on eligibility criteria, draft a letter to businesses, and consider how to reward participants and fund the signs. Additional agenda items include approval of September minutes, review of letters to Walmart and Sparetime, and discussion of a capital request for Linwood Playground, followed by member concerns and MOD updates.

• Approval of September minutes
• Review of letters to Walmart and Sparetime
• Discussion of how to submit a capital request for Linwood Playground
• Decision on criteria for “Disability Commission Approved” business signs
• Determination of funding and rewards for the sign program

Northbridge Youth Committee

The Northbridge Youth Committee will hold a remote meeting on October 16, 2025 to review its mission, welcome a new member, and discuss upcoming community service and voter‑drive activities. The agenda includes a town clean‑up project, a student‑government day event, and open discussion of old and new business. Public comments will be accepted before adjournment.

• Welcome new member Amelia Bowler
• Discuss Town Clean Up/Community Service project
• Plan Voter Drive/Student Government Day
• Review old and new business items
• Open public comment

Conservation Commission

The Northbridge Conservation Commission will hear a public hearing on a Town Bylaw NOI (NCCP2025-01) for expanding and adding stormwater management to the transfer station at 279‑291 Douglas Road. It will continue a public hearing on a deck proposal at 670 Linwood Avenue in the Riverfront Area. The commission will also review a preliminary plan for town‑owned land on Providence Road and vote on a letter of support, and it will approve the minutes from the October 1 meeting.

• Public Hearing – Town Bylaw NOI (NCCP2025-01) for expansion and stormwater improvements at 279‑291 Douglas Road (Tom Berkowitz Trucking, Inc., represented by Green Seal Environmental, LLC)
• Continued Public Hearing – NOI (248‑XXX) for a deck at 670 Linwood Avenue / Murder Hill Brewery (Linwood Mill, LLC & B + P Giannopoulos, represented by Gary Moyer Architect, Inc.)
• Review preliminary plan for town‑owned land on Providence Road (across from the WWTP) and vote on a letter of support
• Review and approve minutes from the October 1, 2025 meeting
• Citizens Forum at the start of the meeting

The Conservation Commission closed the public hearing and approved a permit for the Douglas Road transfer station expansion, adding a condition for an agent or peer‑review engineer to witness soil conditions. The hearing on the Linwood Avenue deck project was continued to November 5, 2025. Commissioners also approved a letter of support for the town‑owned land on Providence Road and adjourned the meeting.

• Closed public hearing for Town Bylaw NOI NCCP‑2025‑01 (5‑0)
• Approved permit for Douglas Road transfer station expansion with inspection condition (5‑0)
• Continued public hearing for 670 Linwood Ave. deck project to Nov 5, 2025 (5‑0)
• Accepted October 1, 2025 meeting minutes (5‑0)
• Issued letter of support for Providence Road town‑owned land (3‑1‑1)
• Adjourned meeting (5‑0)

Safety Committee

The Northbridge Safety Committee will meet to discuss the status of ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Main Street Causeway and Mendon Road Bridge, and to review a streetlight request on Quaker Street.

• Main Street Causeway Municipal Vulnerability Program project
• Mendon Road Bridge status
• Quaker Street streetlight request
• Carpenter Road Causeway Municipal Vulnerability Program project
• Church Avenue roadway and infrastructure reconstruction project

The committee voted to uphold the August 20, 2025 meeting minutes, with all members in favor. A motion to adjourn the October 15, 2025 meeting was also passed unanimously. No other substantive actions were decided at this meeting.

• Approved August 20, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a continued public hearing regarding a zoning amendment for Church Street. The board will also receive a status update on the Hemlock Estates subdivision and review reports for the 2025 Fall Annual Town Meeting.

• Public hearing to rezone Church Street [AP 23A-81, 82 & 83] from Business-1 to Business-2
• Subdivision status update for Hemlock Estates from Joe Marinella
• Planning Board Report & Recommendations for 2025 FATM Articles #8, #9, #10, #11, and #12
• Transfer Development Rights - Planning Assistance Grant (CMRPC)
• Community Preservation Project Application for Community Housing

The Planning Board held a public hearing on a petition to rezone three Church Street properties from Business‑1 to Business‑2. After discussion, the Board voted 4‑0 to recommend supporting the zoning amendment article. The Board also voted 4‑0 to close the hearing, 3‑0 to approve the September 23, 2025 minutes, 3‑0 to open the meeting, and 4‑0 to adjourn.

• Recommended support for Church Street zoning amendment (4-0)
• Closed the public hearing (4-0)
• Approved September 23, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Opened the October 14, 2025 meeting (3-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (4-0)

School Committee

The Northbridge School Committee meeting will address a consent agenda that includes three warrants with specified dollar amounts. The agenda also includes a recap of the FY25 budget, discussion of the Committee's 2025-2026 goals, and a policy proposal on advertising and sponsorships on school property. Additional items cover a student representative report, superintendent’s report, and staffing updates.

• Warrant 26-13 for $267,231.49 (September 25, 2025)
• Warrant 26-14 for $293,617.11 (October 2, 2025)
• Warrant 26-15 for $135,088.68 (October 9, 2025)
• FY25 Budget recap
• Policy KHB – Advertising on school property and sponsorships

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet to discuss all articles contained in the Fall Annual Town Meeting Warrant. This meeting is held pursuant to Section 2-3(b) of the Northbridge Home Rule Charter.

• Discussion of Fall Annual Town Meeting Warrant articles

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will review the Fall Annual Town Meeting warrant, including the Town Manager’s FY2026 budget transfers and an additional dispensary reimbursement. It will also consider Town Clerk proposals on dog license and kennel bylaw changes, an additional compensation statute, and a closed‑Saturdays statute. The committee will vote on the Selectmen’s request to sell the Providence Road property and on several zoning petitions and planning board items. All items will be voted on after the minutes are reviewed.

• Article 1 – Town Manager: FY2026 Budget Transfers/Appropriations
• Article 2 – Town Manager: Additional Dispensary Reimbursement
• Article 5 – Town Clerk: Additional Compensation Statute
• Article 8 – Selectmen: Permission to sell Providence Rd Property
• Article 9 – Planning Board: 40R Smart Growth District Bylaw

Playground & Recreation Comm

The Playground & Recreation Committee will meet on October 14 at 7:00 PM at the Northbridge Town Hall to discuss project updates, finances, and space allocation.

• Review of project status and updates
• Discussion of finances
• Review of space allocation and readiness
• New business
• Next steps and action items

Land Trail Stewardship Committee

The Land/Trail Stewardship Committee will meet virtually on Dec 11, 2025 at 7:00 PM. They will review and approve the minutes from the Sept 11 and Oct 9, 2025 meetings, receive updates on conservation lands, and discuss other matters including Christmas‑tree recycling. The next meeting is set for Jan 8, 2026, with the location to be determined.

• Review and approve prior minutes from 9/11/2025 and 10/9/2025
• Conservation lands updates
• Discussion of other matters
• Christmas tree recycling
• Next meeting scheduled for Jan 8, 2026 (location TBD)

Land Trail Stewardship Committee

The Land/Trail Stewardship Committee will first review and approve the minutes from the September 11, 2025 meeting. It will then receive updates on conservation lands and address any other matters raised by members. The meeting is held via Microsoft Teams.

• Review and approve prior minutes from 9/11/2025
• Conservation lands updates
• Other matters

The committee tabled the review of prior minutes and scheduled a maintenance meeting for October 26 at Castle Hill. No approvals, denials, or policy changes were made. Members voted 5-0 to adjourn the meeting.

• Tabled review of prior minutes (no vote)
• Scheduled trail maintenance meeting for Oct 26, 10:00 AM at Castle Hill
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Building, Planning & Construction Comm

The Building, Planning & Construction Committee will receive architect updates and review invoices for the Library Renovation Project. The body will also handle closeout invoices for the Fire Station Project and review designer candidates for the Senior Center Project.

• Library Renovation Project architect updates and invoices
• Fire Station Project closeout and invoices
• Senior Center Project designer selection and interview candidates

The committee approved invoices for the library renovation, senior center design, and two M.O'Connor applications, each passing 6‑0. It also approved an $8,800 fire‑station repair estimate and tabled a $65,800 driveway repair estimate pending an engineer review. Senior center interviews were scheduled for Oct. 29‑30, and the August 26 minutes were approved.

• Approved LeftField invoice #2025.009-004 ($6,250) – vote 6-0
• Approved Oudens Ello Architecture invoice #2508-02 ($15,833.33) – vote 6-0
• Approved Vertex invoice OPM 107588-01 ($6,108) – vote 6-0
• Approved Vertex invoice OPM 107588-02 ($6,108) – vote 6-0
• Approved M.O’Connor Application 26 ($7,680) – vote 6-0
• Approved M.O’Connor Application 27 ($18,659.10) – vote 6-0
• Approved Braza Construction estimate 2025-1382 ($8,800) – vote 6-0
• Tabled Braza Construction estimate 2025-1375 ($65,800) pending engineer review

Historical Commission

The commission will consider and vote to approve the previous meeting’s minutes. It will also vote to appoint a new commission member. The agenda includes a status update on historical signage and the Fletcher House project, a review of the FY 2026 financial status, and any other items requiring timely action.

• Approval of minutes – vote
• Appointment of Historical Commission member – vote
• Status of historical signage
• Fletcher House – update
• Financial status FY 26

Planning Board

The Planning Board is conducting a visioning session and brainstorming exercise for the Master Plan Update Steering Committee. The meeting also includes scheduling upcoming committee meetings.

• Master Plan Update Steering Committee visioning session
• Scheduling of Business Community Focus Group for October 27, 2025
• Scheduling of meeting with Economic Development Committee for November 17, 2025
• Scheduling of meeting with Planning Board for December 09, 2025

The Board attended a Master Plan Update Steering Committee meeting and participated in a visioning and brainstorming session with the Economic Development Committee and a consultant. No approvals, denials, or votes were recorded.

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will hold a Master Plan Update Steering Committee visioning session to set direction and goals. It will also review old and new business items, including the proposed 40R Smart Growth Zoning Overlay District and the Rockdale Mill Historic Mill Adaptive Reuse Overlay, both mixed‑use projects. Additional agenda items cover business spotlight presentations and scheduling of community focus group meetings.

• Master Plan Update Steering Committee visioning session (direction, goals, next steps)
• 40R Smart Growth Zoning Overlay District (mixed‑use) proposal
• Rockdale Mill Historic Mill Adaptive Reuse Overlay (mixed‑use) proposal
• Business Spotlight presentations: Angel & Manna Bakery, Sparetime Recreation, others
• Scheduling of Business Community Focus Group meetings (Oct 27, Nov 17, Dec 9)

The Economic Development Committee members attended the Master Plan Update Steering Committee meeting at Northbridge Memorial Town Hall. They participated in a visioning and brainstorming session with the Steering Committee, Planning Board members, and the CMRPC consultant. No formal decisions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

Finance Committee

The Northbridge Finance Committee meeting on Oct 7, 2025 will review the FY2026 budget revisions for FY2027, discuss the budget development process, and examine the Fall Annual Town Meeting warrant. The agenda also includes consideration of the meeting minutes and any other items the committee raises.

• FY2026 budget revisions for FY2027
• Budget development process
• Review Fall Annual Town Meeting warrant
• Consider meeting minutes
• Other items

The Finance Committee motioned to adjourn at 8:06 PM, which was unanimously approved. No budget amendments, licensing changes, or other articles were approved; all will be discussed at the next meeting on October 14, 2025.

• Adjourned meeting unanimously (motion by David Graham, seconded by Chris Thompson)

Town Manager

The Strategic Health Group board will discuss several financial and operational items, including a possible vote to designate the MSHG website as the official posting location for meeting notices. Other topics include the FY ’25 deficit payments, Aetna rate options, and litigation strategy regarding withdrawn participants.

• Acceptance of minutes from the July 29 meeting
• Monthly financial report presentation
• Discussion of the MSHG homepage
• Possible vote to make the MSHG website the official meeting posting site
• Executive session to discuss litigation strategy with withdrawn participants

Community Preservation Committee

The Northbridge Community Preservation Committee will conduct a public hearing on the Community Preservation Act, reviewing the fund balance and updating the preservation plan. The meeting will also examine the status of the preservation restriction and building assessment report for the Col. James Fletcher House. Additional agenda items include approving September 8, 2025 minutes and scheduling the next meeting for November 3, 2025.

• Public hearing on Community Preservation Act fund balance and plan update
• Review of preservation restriction and building assessment report for Col. James Fletcher House
• Approval of September 8, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion of correspondence, communications, and 2026 Fall Annual Town Meeting (Oct 28, 2025)
• Scheduling next meeting for November 3, 2025 via Zoom

The committee met with only three of nine members present, which did not meet the quorum requirement. Consequently, the meeting was not officially convened and no actions were taken. All agenda items will be reconsidered at the November 3, 2025 meeting.

Board of Selectmen

The Northbridge Board of Selectmen will approve the previous meeting's minutes, hold a public hearing, consider any appointments or resignations, and receive the town manager's report. Additional items include citizen comments, selectmen concerns, and discussions of future agenda topics. No specific proposals or contracts are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of minutes
• Public hearing
• Appointments/resignations
• Town manager's report
• Citizen comments/input

Assessors

The Board of Assessors will approve the minutes from the February 24, 2025 meeting. It will review new and existing FY 2026 exemption applications and make recommendations. The board will discuss interim year adjustments, the FY 2027 revaluation timeline, and upcoming tax rate and split rate proposals.

• Review and approval of minutes from February 24, 2025
• Review FY 2026 new and existing exemption applications and make recommendations
• Discuss interim year adjustments
• Review timeline for FY 2027 revaluation
• Review and discuss upcoming tax rate and split rates

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on a proposed deck at 670 Linwood Avenue for the Murder Hill Brewery project. It will also address a delayed hearing on expansion and stormwater improvements at 279‑291 Douglas Road. The commission will consider sign orders of conditions for three lots on Monica Way and a resource area delineation on Fletcher Street. Finally, it will review September 17 minutes and discuss a town warrant article to sell land and build a park on Providence Road.

• Public hearing on proposed deck at 670 Linwood Avenue, Murder Hill Brewery (Linwood Mill, LLC & B + P Giannopoulos; architect Gary Moyer Architect, Inc.)
• Delayed public hearing on expansion and stormwater improvements at 279‑291 Douglas Road (Tom Berkowitz Trucking, Inc.; represented by Green Seal Environmental, LLC)
• Sign Order of Conditions for Monica Way Lot 23, Lot 24, and Lot 25
• Sign Order of Resource Area Delineation for Fletcher Street
• Presentation/discussion of Town Warrant Article to sell land and construct a park on Providence Road (Map 14/Parcel 17)

The Conservation Commission voted unanimously (7-0) to continue the public hearing on the proposed deck at 670 Linwood Avenue, moving it to October 15, 2025. It also approved, by a 7-0 vote, the use of Castle Hill funds to purchase a 12’x14’ shed, its ramp, permits, and delivery fees. The September 17 meeting minutes were approved (7-0) and the meeting was adjourned (7-0).

• Continue public hearing for 670 Linwood Ave deck project to Oct 15, 2025 (7-0)
• Approve use of Castle Hill funds to buy shed, ramp, permits, delivery fees (7-0)
• Approve September 17, 2025 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Adjourn meeting (7-0)

Whitinsville -Downtown Crossroads Historic District Commission

The Downtown Crossroads Historic District Commission will consider a re‑organization, including a vote for chair, vice chair and secretary. The commission will discuss plans for a Heritage Day event in fall 2026 and review the 2025 Crossroads Heritage Day. A request to extend the Northbridge Cultural Council Grant by $1,200 will be considered. Updates from the Historical Commission about exploring a district in the village of Northbridge will also be presented.

• Vote on chair, vice chair, and secretary (re‑organization)
• Discussion of Heritage Day event for fall 2026
• Request for extension of Northbridge Cultural Council Grant ($1,200)
• Review of Crossroads Heritage Day, 2025
• Update from Historical Commission on possible district exploration in Northbridge

The Downtown Crossroads Historic District Commission listed several parcels and a mailing address but did not approve, deny, or table any actions. No votes or resolutions were recorded in these minutes.

Northbridge Retirement Board

The Northbridge Retirement Board meeting on September 24, 2025 will sign all warrant items and consider a change in meeting time. The board will vote to issue a request for proposals for actuarial services and to approve a cyber‑security quote. The agenda also notes 27 new member applicants.

• Sign all warrant items
• Board vote to issue RFP for actuarial services
• Board vote to approve cyber security quote
• Change in meeting time
• 27 new member applicants

The board approved September warrants totaling $299,464.33 and accepted the August 25 minutes (3‑0). It denied membership for Benjamin Corbett, Jessica Croteau, Xiomara Mack and Omaira Plante (4‑0) and granted membership to 24 other employees (4‑0). The board also approved an Option “A” retirement benefit for Robert Ouellette (4‑0) and authorized an RFP for actuarial services (4‑0). A vote on new member Scott Wallen was postponed until October.

• Approved warrants totaling $299,464.33 (no vote recorded)
• Accepted August 25 minutes (3‑0)
• Denied membership for Benjamin Corbett, Jessica Croteau, Xiomara Mack, Omaira Plante (4‑0)
• Granted membership to 24 listed employees (4‑0)
• Approved Option “A” retirement benefit for Robert Ouellette (4‑0)
• Approved issuance of RFP for actuarial services (4‑0)
• Postponed vote on Scott Wallen membership until October meeting (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (3‑0)

Retirement Office

The Northbridge Retirement Board will meet to review August 2025 cash books and plan performance. The board is scheduled to vote on issuing an RFP for actuarial services and approving a cybersecurity quote.

• Board vote to issue RFP for actuarial services
• Board vote to approve cyber security quote
• Review of August 2025 cash books
• Review of PRIT Summary of Plan Performance August 2025
• Processing of 27 new member applicants

The board approved September warrants of $299,464.33 and August bank reconciliations. It denied membership for four employees who did not meet the work‑hour requirement and granted membership to 22 other employees. The board also approved an RFP for actuarial services and accepted a retirement benefit for Robert Ouellette.

• Approved September warrants totaling $299,464.33 (unanimous)
• Approved August bank reconciliations (unanimous)
• Accepted August 25 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Denied membership for Benjamin Corbett, Jessica Croteau, Xiomara Mack, Omaira Plante (4-0)
• Granted membership to 22 listed employees (4-0)
• Approved Option “A” benefit for retiree Robert Ouellette (4-0)
• Approved issuance of RFP for actuarial services (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will consider several zoning actions, including adopting the 40R Smart Growth Zoning Overlay District for a portion of Providence Road. It will also hold public hearings on rezoning Providence Road from Industrial‑2 to Residential‑3, amending the Historic Mill Adaptive Reuse Overlay District, and rezoning Church Street from Business‑1 to Business‑2. In addition, the board will approve the September 9, 2025 meeting minutes and review Community Preservation Fund project applications.

• Adopt 40R Smart Growth Zoning Overlay District (Providence Road, AP24‑21)
• Rezone Providence Road from Industrial‑2 to Residential‑3 (AP14‑17 & AP24‑21)
• Amend Historic Mill Adaptive Reuse Overlay District (Rockdale Mill, parcels 19 & 20)
• Rezone Church Street from Business‑1 to Business‑2 (AP23A‑81, 82 & 83)
• Approve September 9, 2025 Planning Board meeting minutes

The board approved the endorsement of the ANR site plan for 821‑829 Samuel Drive by a 4‑0 vote. It voted 3‑0‑1 to recommend support for the 40R Smart Growth Zoning Overlay on Providence Road. It also recommended support for rezoning Providence Road from Industrial‑2 to Residential‑3 and for adding Rockdale Mill to the Historic Mill Adaptive Reuse Overlay, each by a 4‑0 vote. The Board continued the Church Street rezoning hearing to Oct 14, approved the Sept 9 minutes, and supported Article 8 to dispose of town‑owned land on Providence.

• Approved endorsement of ANR site plan for 821‑829 Samuel Drive (4‑0)
• Recommended support for 40R Smart Growth Zoning Overlay (3‑0‑1)
• Recommended support for rezoning Providence Road from Industrial‑2 to Residential‑3 (4‑0)
• Recommended support for adding Rockdale Mill to Historic Mill Adaptive Reuse Overlay (4‑0)
• Continued public hearing on Church Street B‑1 to B‑2 rezoning to Oct 14 (4‑0)
• Approved September 9, 2025 meeting minutes (4‑0)
• Supported Article 8 to dispose of town‑owned land on Providence (4‑0)
• Opened public hearing on Church Street rezoning (4‑0)

School Committee

The Northbridge School Committee will vote on a consent agenda that includes two warrants for $202,737.10 and $231,940.35. The meeting will also discuss the Committee's 2025‑2026 goals and review two policy proposals: advertising on school property and student fundraising. The superintendent will present his 2025‑2026 goals before adjournment.

• Warrant 26-11 – $202,737.10
• Warrant 26-12 – $231,940.35
• Policy KHB – Advertising on School Property and Sponsorships
• Policy JJE – Student Fundraising
• School Committee Goals 2025‑2026

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen discussed the progress of a $950,000 FY2024 CDBG grant for Phase 1 of the Church Avenue reconstruction. The board considered applying for an $850,000 FY2025 CDBG grant to fund Phase 2 of the same project. Residents also provided comments regarding the School Committee budget and a tree replacement bylaw.

• Proposed $850,000 FY2025 CDBG grant application for Phase 2 of Church Avenue reconstruction
• Report on $950,000 FY2024 CDBG grant for Phase 1 of Church Avenue reconstruction
• Affirmed appointment of Jack Cecconi as Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-in-Training
• Reappointed Linda Zywien and Janet Burke to the Board of Registrars
• Discussion of $100,000 in free cash earmarked as a local match for the FY2024 project

The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved National Grid Pole Petition #31142955 to install a jointly owned pole on Moon Hill Road and Petition #31061607 to replace jointly owned poles 63 and 64 on Main Street at Ivy Lane. They also unanimously affirmed the Town Manager’s appointment of Clayton Chase as a Heavy Equipment Operator, approved banner requests from the Armenian Church for 2026 events, and approved the sale of cemetery lots 314‑315 Woodlawn Ave. to Arthur and Maria Masmanian.

• Approved National Grid Pole Petition #31142955 to install a pole on Moon Hill Road (Unanimous)
• Approved National Grid Pole Petition #31061607 to replace poles 63 and 64 on Main Street at Ivy Lane (Unanimous)
• Affirmed appointment of Clayton Chase as Heavy Equipment Operator (Unanimous)
• Approved Armenian Church banner request for April 12‑27, 2026 (Unanimous)
• Approved Armenian Church banner request for August 3‑17, 2026 (Unanimous)
• Approved sale of cemetery Lots 314‑315 Woodlawn Ave. to Arthur and Maria Masmanian (Unanimous)

Northbridge Housing Authority

The Northbridge Housing Authority board meeting will review the June 17, 2025 meeting minutes and several financial reports, including accounts payable and fee balances. It will receive updates on occupancy, maintenance, and a management contract for the Upton property. The board will also discuss the calculation of the Executive Director’s salary before adjourning.

• Approval of June 17,2025 Board Meeting minutes
• Accounts Payable warrant summary report 6/17/2025 – 9/17/2025
• End of month Fee Accountant Balance sheet
• Upton Updates: Management Contract
• ED Salary calculation

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold continued public hearings on three proposed single‑family homes on Monica Way (Lots 23‑25) that would be within a 100‑ft buffer of a bordering vegetated wetland. It will also hear a request to confirm wetland resource delineation for a parcel on Fletcher Street owned by Devrie Corporation. New business includes a public hearing on proposed modifications to the drainage system for the waste‑handling facility at 281 Douglas Road.

• Continued Public Hearing (248-0728) – Monica Way, Lot 23: proposed single‑family house within 100‑ft wetland buffer, applicant D&F Afonso Builders, Inc.
• Continued Public Hearing (248-0729) – Monica Way, Lot 24: proposed single‑family house within 100‑ft wetland buffer, applicant D&F Afonso Builders, Inc.
• Continued Public Hearing (248-0730) – Monica Way, Lot 25: proposed single‑family house within 100‑ft wetland buffer, applicant D&F Afonso Builders, Inc.
• Public Hearing (248-0732) – Fletcher Street: review/confirmation of wetland delineation on Parcel 39, owned by Devrie Corporation, applicant Colluch Organization.
• Public Hearing (248-07xx) – Douglas Road: proposed modifications to drainage system for waste‑handling facility at 281 Douglas Road, applicant Tom Berkowitz Trucking, Inc.

The Conservation Commission closed public hearings and voted 5-0 to issue Order of Conditions with conditional approvals for Monica Way Lots 23, 24, and 25. It also closed the public hearing for the Fletcher Street ANRAD and voted 5-0 to issue an Order of Resource Area Delineation approving the wetland limits. The commission deferred opening a public hearing on the Douglas Road drainage modification because a file number has not been issued.

• Closed public hearing for Monica Way Lot 23 (248-0728) – vote 5-0
• Issued Order of Conditions with conditional approval for Lot 23 – vote 5-0
• Closed public hearing for Monica Way Lot 24 (248-0729) – vote 5-0
• Issued Order of Conditions with conditional approval for Lot 24 – vote 5-0
• Closed public hearing for Monica Way Lot 25 (248-0730) – vote 5-0
• Issued Order of Conditions with conditional approval for Lot 25 – vote 5-0
• Closed public hearing for Fletcher Street ANRAD (248-0732) – vote 5-0
• Issued ORAD approving resource area limits for Fletcher Street – vote 5-0

Playground & Recreation Comm

The Northbridge Playground & Recreation Committee meeting will review project status and updates, examine financial matters, and consider space allocation and readiness. The agenda also includes new business, next steps, and action items. No specific decisions or contracts are listed in the agenda.

Economic Development Committee

The committee will discuss Master Plan elements and subcommittee assignments, including a visioning session on October 7, 2025. Members will also review the 40R Smart Growth Zoning Overlay District for the October 28 Annual Town Meeting.

• Master Plan Update Steering Committee visioning session on October 7, 2025
• 40R Smart Growth Zoning Overlay District (Mixed-Use) for the October 28 Annual Town Meeting
• Business Spotlight for September 22 Board of Selectmen meeting featuring Honeysuckle Roastery & Café, Angel & Manna Bakery, and Sparetime Recreation

The committee approved the June 9 and July 21, 2025 meeting minutes with a unanimous 4‑0 vote. It voted to recommend that the Fall Annual Town Meeting adopt a 40R Smart Growth zoning district and add the Rockdale Mill to the town’s Historic Mill Adaptive Reuse Overlay District. No other formal actions were taken; the meeting also discussed business‑spotlight plans and scheduled future sessions.

• Approved June 9 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous 4‑0)
• Approved July 21 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous 4‑0)
• Recommended passage of 40R Smart Growth Zoning District amendment (support indicated)
• Recommended passage of Rockdale Mill Historic Mill Adaptive Reuse Overlay amendment (support indicated)

Board of Health

The Northbridge Board of Health will review and approve the minutes from its August 11, 2025 meeting. It will receive updates from the Shared Services Coordinator, including a discussion of the WRTA and a selection of a strategic planning consultant. Additional updates will be given on inspection staff, the community health worker, the epidemiologist, and the public health nurse. The meeting will also allow for any unanticipated business before adjourning.

• Approval of August 11, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion of WRTA
• Selection of a strategic planning consultant
• Updates on inspection staff
• Updates on community health worker, epidemiologist, and public health nurse

The Board of Health did not have a quorum, so the meeting minutes were not approved. No other decisions were made; the board received various updates and adjourned at 2:49 pm.

• Minutes approval not passed (no quorum)

Land Trail Stewardship Committee

The Land/Trail Stewardship Committee will review and approve the minutes from its previous meeting. It will receive updates on conservation lands under its jurisdiction. The committee will consider any other matters raised by members. It will also plan the Fall BBQ scheduled for September 20, 2025 at 3 PM.

• Review and approve prior meeting minutes
• Conservation lands updates
• Other matters
• Plan Fall BBQ on 9/20/25 at 3 PM

The Land/Trail Stewardship Committee approved the August 14, 2025 draft minutes without dissent. The committee set the date for the next meeting on October 9, 2025. No other motions were adopted.

• Approved August 14, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for Oct 9, 2025

Historical Commission

The Northbridge Historical Commission will meet to approve minutes, elect officers, and review the status of the Arthur Fletcher Whitin Homestead preservation restriction. The agenda also includes a review of the commission's financial status and preposted activities for Fiscal Year 2026.

• Approval of minutes
• Election of officers and membership review
• Status of preservation restriction on Arthur Fletcher Whitin Homestead
• Financial status for FY 26
• Preposted FY26 activities

Trustees of Soldiers' Memorials

The Trustees will review the FY25 financial summary and FY26 budget. They will discuss progress on the Whitinsville Korean/World War II memorial, including a landscaping invoice and new fence work, as well as upgrades to the World War I memorial. Additional items include the 2025 Outstanding Service Award plans, Desjardins Monument additions, and FY26 position appointments.

• Landscaping Project Invoice for Whitinsville Korean/World War II memorial
• New fence work for Whitinsville Korean/World War II memorial
• New lighting and landscaping improvements for the World War I memorial
• Desjardins Monument additions
• FY26 position appointments

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the August 12, 2025 meeting. They also unanimously approved a $3,250 advance payment to Susienka Landscape and Design for the Korean/WWII memorial project. A second unanimous vote approved the $6,500 contract, with the remaining $3,250 payable upon satisfactory completion. The board recorded no action on the Fireman's Tribute removal.

• Approved August 12, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved $3,250 advance to Susienka Landscape and Design (unanimous)
• Approved $6,500 landscaping contract, $3,250 balance on completion (unanimous)
• Fireman's Tribute removal: No action

Council On Aging

The Northbridge Council on Aging meeting will review the town's FY25 and FY26 budgets, hear reports from the secretary, treasurer, program coordinator, director, and chairman, and discuss the proposed new senior center. The agenda also includes board openings, a report from the Friends of Northbridge Elders, and an open forum for public comments.

• Review of FY25 Town Budget
• Review of FY26 Town Budget
• Discussion of New Senior Center
• COA Board Openings
• FINE (Friends of Northbridge Elders) Representative Report

School Committee

The School Committee will review the Year Two District Strategic Plan and discuss goals for the Superintendent and Committee for 2025-2026. The body will also consider a new policy regarding student fundraising activities and a policy on public participation at meetings.

• Warrant 26-10 September 4, 2025 for $118,979.96
• District Strategic Plan - Year Two presentation
• Proposed Policy JJE: Student Fundraising Activities
• Action on Policy BEDH: Public Participation at School Committee Meetings

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing regarding a zoning amendment to adopt a 40R Smart Growth Zoning Overlay District on a portion of Providence Road. The board will also review a decision for 18-28 Granite Street.

• Review/decision for 18-28 Granite Street (Assessor Map 14, Parcels 160 & 162)
• Public hearing for 40R Smart Growth Zoning Overlay District on Providence Road
• Construction change request for Camelot parking from Rebecca Rd to Grace St
• Foundation only permit request for Camelot, Grace Street (Phase IV)
• Engagement of consulting engineers for Fox Hollow Definitive Subdivision

The Planning Board voted 3‑0 to open a public hearing on the 40R Smart Growth Zoning Overlay District for the Providence Road site. It also approved the endorsement of the ANR site plan for 18‑28 Granite Street (3‑0) and continued the public hearing to September 23, 2025 (3‑0). Additional actions included approving meeting minutes, confirming a parking construction change, granting foundation‑only permits for four lots, and hiring Graves Engineering for the Fox Hollow subdivision review.

• Approved endorsement of ANR site plan for 18‑28 Granite Street (3‑0)
• Opened public hearing on 40R Smart Growth Zoning Overlay District (3‑0)
• Continued public hearing to September 23, 2025 (3‑0)
• Approved August 12, 2025 meeting minutes (3‑0)
• Confirmed Camelot parking construction change (3‑0)
• Granted foundation‑only permits for lots 24R, 11R, 18R, 20R (3‑0)
• Engaged Graves Engineering to review Fox Hollow definitive subdivision (3‑0)

Community Preservation Committee

The Northbridge Community Preservation Committee will hold a virtual meeting on September 8, 2025, to reorganize leadership, review the status of the Col. James Fletcher House preservation restriction and building assessment, and discuss administrative matters including 2026 project applications and fund balances. The meeting is conducted remotely via Zoom due to state law.

• Committee reorganization: election of Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk
• Status update on Col. James Fletcher House preservation restriction and building assessment report
• Vote to amend/reauthorize CPA Administrative Services
• Project applications due October 1, 2025 for 2026 SATM funding
• Public hearing scheduled for October 6, 2025 at 6:30 PM via Zoom

The committee reorganized its leadership, reappointing Glenn King as Chair, Harry Berkowitz as Vice Chair, and Jill Leonard as Clerk. It approved the May 5, 2025 meeting minutes and authorized payment of a $1,155 invoice for the Fletcher House assessment. The committee also voted to raise CPA administrative compensation by $500, bringing the total to $4,500. All votes were unanimous.

• Reappointed Glenn King Chair, Harry Berkowitz Vice Chair, Jill Leonard Clerk (unanimous)
• Approved May 05, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Authorized payment of $1,155 invoice for Fletcher House assessment (unanimous)
• Increased CPA Administrative compensation by $500 to $4,500 (unanimous)

Commission on Disabilities

The Commission on Disabilities will meet to welcome a new member and approve July minutes. The body will discuss suggestions from the town manager regarding Linwood playground and accessibility at the Walmart entrance and Sparetime recreation.

• Welcome of new member Lena Bryant
• Linwood playground suggestions from the town manager
• Walmart entrance accessibility
• Sparetime recreation accessibility
• MOD updates

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will meet to discuss the FY2027 budget with Northbridge Public Schools and vote on signing the warrant for the October 28, 2025, Fall Annual Town Meeting. The board will also consider several event permits and a cemetery deed sale.

• FY2027 Budget Discussion with Northbridge Public Schools
• Vote to sign the October 28, 2025 Fall Annual Town Meeting warrant
• Request to close Linwood Avenue on January 1, 2026, for the Annual 1st Day 5K Road Race
• Request for Armenian Apostolic Church to hang a banner on Church Street from November 10-24, 2025
• Vote to approve the sale of a Riverdale Cemetery Deed (Lot 7)

The Selectmen approved the annual 1st Day 5K road race for Jan. 1, 2026 and authorized the temporary closure of Linwood Avenue that day. They also appointed Amelia Bowler to the Youth Committee, signed the warrant for the Oct. 28, 2025 Fall Annual Town Meeting, approved a banner for the Armenian Apostolic Church Fall Festival, and approved the sale of a cemetery cremation grave. All actions were adopted by unanimous vote.

• Approved the Annual 1st Day 5K Road Race and Linwood Ave closure (unanimous)
• Appointed Amelia Bowler to the Youth Committee (unanimous)
• Signed warrant for the Fall Annual Town Meeting on Oct. 28, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved Armenian Apostolic Church banner for Fall Festival (unanimous)
• Approved sale of Lot 7 cremation grave to Elizabeth and Stephen Klisiewicz (unanimous)
• Approved George Marston Whitin Community Center portion of Greenway Challenge Race (unanimous)
• Approved minutes for Feb. 24, Mar. 10, and July 14, 2025 (unanimous)
• Adjourned the public meeting (unanimous)

School Committee

The Northbridge School Committee will meet to review and revise the policy regarding advertising on school property. The committee will also discuss the implementation of new policies for student fundraising and online crowdfunding.

• Review/Revise Policy KHB - Advertising on School Property
• New Policy JJE - Student Fundraising Activities
• New Policy GBEBD - Online Fundraising and Solicitations/Crowdfunding - Participation in Fundraising Raffles and Lotteries

Conservation Commission

The Northbridge Conservation Commission will continue three public hearings on single-family house proposals by D&F Afonso Builders on Monica Way that involve construction within 100 feet of Bordering Vegetated Wetlands. A fourth public hearing will review wetland delineation on Fletcher Street for a property owned by Devrie Corporation. A fifth hearing covers drainage modifications at a waste handling facility on Douglas Road.

• Continued public hearing for Monica Way Lot 23 (248-0728) — single-family house in 100-ft wetland buffer
• Continued public hearing for Monica Way Lot 24 (248-0729) — single-family house in 100-ft wetland buffer
• Continued public hearing for Monica Way Lot 25 (248-0730) — single-family house in 100-ft wetland buffer
• Public hearing for Fletcher Street (248-0732) — wetland delineation review on Map 5 Parcel 39
• Public hearing for Douglas Road (248-07xx) — drainage modifications for waste handling facility at 281 Douglas Road

The commission voted unanimously (4-0) to continue the public hearings for Monica Way Lots 23, 24, and 25 until September 17, 2025. Commissioners also reviewed and signed the Order of Conditions for the Quaker Street project. The August 20, 2025 meeting minutes were approved by a 5-0 vote. Two other hearings were passed over with no action taken.

• Continued public hearings for Monica Way Lots 23, 24, 25 (4-0)
• Signed Order of Conditions for Quaker St (unanimous)
• Approved August 20, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Public Hearing ANRAD Fletcher Street passed over (no action)
• Public Hearing Douglas Road passed over (no action)

Whitinsville Social Library

The Whitinsville Social Library Board of Trustees meets to approve the minutes from the June 3, 2025 meeting and receive reports from the director and treasurer. Members will vote on the FY26 budget and an amendment to the Patron Behavior Policy for children and babysitters.

• Vote on FY26 budget
• Vote to amend Patron Behavior Policy for children and babysitters

The Whitinsville Social Library Board approved the amended minutes from the June 2 meeting, adopted the presented fiscal year budget, and accepted the amended Patron Behavior Policy. The board also set the annual meeting for Thursday, September 18 at 7:00 p.m. and accepted the Treasurer’s report. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved amended minutes from 6/2/25 – unanimous
• Approved FY budget as presented – unanimous
• Adopted amended Patron Behavior Policy – unanimous
• Accepted Treasurer’s report – unanimous
• Set Annual Meeting for Thursday September 18, 7:00 p.m. – unanimous
• Motion to adjourn – unanimous

School Committee

The Northbridge School Committee will hold its regular meeting at Northbridge High School Media Center. The body will discuss the FY27 budget, public participation policy, and handbook revisions before taking action on new collective bargaining agreements with two unions. The meeting also includes a consent agenda with prior meeting minutes and multiple warrants totaling over $640,000.

• Collective Bargaining Agreement - AFSCME Local 1709 - Unit A - Cafeteria (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2028)
• Collective Bargaining Agreement - Teamsters Local 170 - Instructional Assistants (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2028)
• Consent Agenda includes warrants totaling $640,330.01
• District Handbook 2025-2026 revisions for action
• FY27 Budget Information update discussed

Town Manager

The Massachusetts Strategic Health Group (MSHG) will discuss and possibly vote on several financial and administrative items, including recommendations on GLP medications, demand notices for member towns, and deficit payments. The meeting will also address public records violations, Open Meeting Law complaints, and designate a Records Access Officer (RAO).

• Possible vote on NFP’s recommendations regarding GLP medications
• Possible vote to authorize demand notices totaling $1,556,849.54 for Acushnet, Oxford, CES, and Tri-County RSD
• Discussion of deficit payments by select MSHG members and double premium payments
• Possible vote to designate Ken Lombard as MSHG’s Records Access Officer (RAO)
• Possible vote to appoint D.M. Moschos as special counsel for retiree withdrawals

Planning Board

The Northbridge Planning Board will hold a work session on the master plan update and discuss scheduling public hearings for zoning amendments related to the 2025 Fall Annual Town Meeting. The board will also address a planning board vacancy and review submitted warrant articles before the August 29 deadline.

• Master Plan Update work session with CMRPC representatives
• 40R Smart Growth Zoning District application status review
• Scheduling public hearings for 2025 FATM zoning amendments
• Planning Board vacancy to be filled by joint appointment with BOS
• 2025 FATM warrant articles submission deadline: August 29, 2025

The Board voted to table the approval of the August 12, 2025 meeting minutes. Board members also signed an updated performance surety for Moon Hill Estates as approved by the Board. No other motions were adopted during the meeting.

• Tabled approval of August 12, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approved updated performance surety for Moon Hill Estates

Building, Planning & Construction Comm

The Northbridge Building, Planning and Construction Committee will meet to receive updates and invoices for the Senior Center Project and the Library Renovation Project. The committee will also review minutes from the July 30, 2025 meeting and conduct new business before adjourning.

• Senior Center Project updates and invoices
• Library Renovation Project updates and invoices

The Building, Planning & Construction Committee approved three invoices for the Whitinsville Social Library renovation, totaling $26,583.33. The July 30, 2025 meeting minutes were also approved. The meeting was adjourned at 7:03 p.m.

• Approved LeftField invoice #2025.009-003 for $6,250.00 (7-0)
• Approved Oudens Ello Architecture invoice #2508-01 for $15,833.33 (7-0)
• Approved Universal Environmental Consultants invoice #12822 for $4,500.00 (7-0)
• Approved July 30, 2025 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:03 p.m. (7-0)

Northbridge Retirement Board

The board will meet to process four new applicants and two new retirees. Members will also review cash books for July 2025 and discuss upcoming requests for proposals for legal and actuarial services.

• Review of 4 new applicants
• Review of 2 new retirees
• 1 request for withdrawal of funds
• 2 transfer requests
• Upcoming RFPs for Legal and Actuarial Services

The Northbridge Retirement Board unanimously approved August warrants totaling $491,899.18. It denied membership for four applicants who did not meet the work‑hour requirement. The board also approved retirement benefits for two employees, a fund withdrawal, two fund transfers, and a new payroll make‑up calculation, all by a 3‑0 vote.

• Approved August warrants totaling $491,899.18 (3-0)
• Denied membership for Sarah Boucher, Nathan Lawrence, Calvin Mackin, Isabelle Washington (3-0)
• Approved Option “A” retirement benefit for Heather Charbonneau (3-0)
• Approved Option “A” retirement benefit for Susan Roy (3-0)
• Approved $5,754.25 withdrawal for Kathleen Guertin (3-0)
• Approved $130,379.27 fund transfer for Brian Collins (3-0)
• Approved $17,813.10 fund transfer for Jennifer Fortune (3-0)
• Approved new $60 monthly make‑up calculation for Joshua Harris (3-0)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will discuss the selection of a hearing officer and a public hearing date for a TJJ Development site assignment modification. The board will also set the 2026 compost site sticker fee and receive an update on 263 Church Street.

• TJJ Development site assignment modification hearing planning
• Setting the 2026 compost site sticker fee
• Housing Court update for 263 Church Street

The Board accepted the July 14, 2025 minutes (4‑0 vote, one abstention). It hired Arthur Kreiger as Hearing Officer for the TJJ Development site‑assignment modification and set the public hearing for October 6, 2025, preferably at the Northbridge Fire Station. The Board also approved increasing the 2026 compost‑site sticker fee to $25.

• Approved July 14, 2025 minutes (vote 4‑0, Garabedian abstained)
• Hired Arthur Kreiger as Hearing Officer for TJJ Development modification (unanimous)
• Set public hearing date for October 6, 2025 (unanimous)
• Preferred hearing location at Northbridge Fire Station (unanimous)
• Approved increase of 2026 compost site sticker fee to $25 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:52 PM (unanimous)

Retirement Office

The Retirement Board will meet to process four new applicants and two new retirees. The board will also review fund withdrawal and transfer requests and discuss upcoming RFPs for legal and actuarial services.

• Review of 4 new applicants
• Review of 2 new retirees
• 1 request for withdrawal of funds
• 2 transfer requests
• Upcoming RFPs for Legal and Actuarial Services

The Northbridge Retirement Board unanimously approved warrants totaling $491,899.18 and accepted the July 23 minutes. It denied membership for four applicants who did not meet work‑hour requirements and approved retirement benefits for Heather Charbonneau and Susan Roy. The board also approved a withdrawal for Kathleen Guertin, fund transfers for Brian Collins and Jennifer Fortune, and a new make‑up calculation for Joshua Harris.

• Approved warrants totaling $491,899.18 (3-0)
• Denied membership for Sarah Boucher, Nathan Lawrence, Calvin Mackin, Isabelle Washington (3-0)
• Approved Option “A” retirement benefit for Heather Charbonneau (3-0)
• Approved Option “A” retirement benefit for Susan Roy (3-0)
• Approved withdrawal of $5,754.25 for Kathleen Guertin (3-0)
• Approved transfer of $130,379.27 for Brian Collins (3-0)
• Approved transfer of $17,813.10 for Jennifer Fortune (3-0)
• Approved new make‑up calculation for Joshua Harris (3-0)

Board of Health

The Board of Health scheduled a site visit for 1316 Hill Street, Whitinsville, MA regarding a permit application to stable farm animals and poultry. This site visit has been cancelled.

• Cancelled site visit for 1316 Hill Street regarding farm animal and poultry permit

Northbridge Retirement Board

The Northbridge Retirement Board will meet to approve minutes and process membership changes. The board will review applications for new members and requests from retirees.

• Review of 4 new member applicants
• Processing of 2 new retirees
• 1 request for withdrawal
• 2 transfer requests for funds
• Review of July 2025 cash books and plan performance summary

Retirement Office

The Northbridge Retirement Board will hold a meeting at Town Hall to approve the minutes from the July 23, 2025 meeting and review administrative items including new retirees, fund transfer requests, and a summary of plan performance for July 2025. The board will also receive correspondence and discuss upcoming training and forums.

• Approve minutes from July 23, 2025 board meeting
• Review 2 new retirees
• Review 2 fund transfer requests
• Receive summary of Plan Performance for July 2025
• Affidavits sent to retirees/survivors

Safety Committee

The Northbridge Safety Committee will convene to approve minutes from April 2025, review correspondence, and discuss the status of past actions and ongoing town infrastructure projects. No formal decisions are listed on this procedural agenda.

• Review of Linwood Avenue improvements with Gaudette Insurance
• Main Street Causeway and Carpenter Road Causeway projects under Municipal Vulnerability Program (MVP)
• Church Avenue roadway and infrastructure reconstruction project funded by CDBG

The committee unanimously approved the April 16, 2025 meeting minutes. It decided to place a vote on the agenda at the next meeting to recommend a "No Parking to Corner" sign at the Plummer Park/Church Street extension. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous consent. Status updates on several town road projects were provided but no new actions were taken on them.

• Approved April 16, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
• Added agenda item to recommend "No Parking to Corner" sign at Plummer Park/Church Street extension
• Scheduled site visit for blind‑drive sign request (Chief Labrie and Jamie Luchini)
• Will discuss school‑bus stop relocation with School Department at a future meeting
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor)

Conservation Commission

The Northbridge Conservation Commission will discuss three ongoing public hearings for single-family homes near Bordering Vegetated Wetlands on Monica Way, a new wetland delineation review on Fletcher Street, and informal requests to modify vegetation buffers at two properties. The meeting will also include discussions on Community Preservation FY2026 project proposals and local environmental initiatives.

• Continued public hearings for single-family homes on Monica Way, Lots 23, 24, and 25 (D&F Afonso Builders, Inc.)
• Public hearing for wetland delineation review on Fletcher Street (Devrie Corporation, Colluch Organization)
• Informal discussion to thin shrubs at 462 Goldthwaite Road (Natalie Rich)
• Informal discussion to lower grades at 389 Rebecca Road (Kyle Reilly)
• Discussion of Northbridge Community Preservation FY2026 project proposals

The Conservation Commission voted unanimously to allow removal of invasive plants at 462 Goldthwaite Road under a wetlands exemption, and to permit a backyard grading modification at 389 Rebecca Road as a minor change. The commission also approved continuances of public hearings for three Monica Way parcels and postponed the Fletcher Street hearing to the next meeting. Minutes of the July 16, 2025 meeting were adopted, and the commission decided not to submit projects for CPA funding while authorizing use of the Castle Hill Endowment Fund for trail safety rails and an educational display.

• Approved removal of invasive plants at 462 Goldthwaite Rd with native replanting (4-0)
• Approved backyard grading modification at 389 Rebecca Rd as minor change (4-0)
• Continued hearing for Monica Way Lot 23 (DEP #248-728) until 9/3/25 (4-0)
• Continued hearing for Monica Way Lot 24 (DEP #248-729) until 9/3/25 (4-0)
• Continued hearing for Monica Way Lot 25 (DEP #730) until 9/3/25 (4-0)
• Postponed Fletcher Street ANRAD hearing (DEP #248-732) to next meeting (4-0)
• Approved July 16, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Decided not to submit projects for CPA funding and approved use of Castle Hill Endowment Fund for trail safety rails and a display board (unanimous)

Cultural Council

The Northbridge Cultural Council will hold its August 20 meeting to elect officers, vote on FY26 program guidelines and local priorities, and discuss outreach for grant applicants. The council will also receive a treasurer’s report and address an open position.

• Election of Officers (Vote)
• FY26 LCC Program Guidelines (Vote)
• NCC Local Guidelines, Priorities & Rubric (Vote)
• Status of open position and applications (Vote)
• Treasurer’s Report — Update

School Committee

The Northbridge School Committee will meet on August 20, 2025, to discuss plans for future budget-based meetings, including open forums. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

Playground & Recreation Comm

The committee will meet to discuss project status, finances, and space allocation. The agenda consists of general categories without specific project names or proposals.

The Playground & Recreation Committee voted unanimously to add two disc golf baskets at Plummer’s Corner and one at the North End School. Members also voted unanimously to plant new trees at the Linwood entrance. The committee gave the security vendor permission to install cameras at Linwood, noting the selected model is on back‑order and alternative options will be explored. An allocation of up to $2,000 was set aside for a possible art project in Linwood.

• Approved adding two disc golf baskets at Plummer’s Corner and one at NES (all in favor)
• Approved planting new trees at Linwood entrance (all in favor)
• Authorized security vendor to install cameras at Linwood (greenlight given, model on back‑order)
• Allocated up to $2,000 for a possible art project in Linwood (approved)
• Agreed to continue outreach to camera vendor for alternate models (action item)
• Will fill out application for Community Preservation Committee funding for Tot Lot (action item)
• Will check with DPW on jurisdiction for Cross Street Playground landscaping (action item)
• Will amend Fall Clean‑Up proposal and send to PRC for final approval (action item)

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will meet virtually to discuss the Economic Development Supplement of the Master Plan under MGL Chapter 41 Section 81D. The body will also coordinate a business spotlight and discuss the October 28, 2025, Fall Annual Town Meeting.

• Master Plan; Economic Development Supplement (MGL Chapter 41 Section 81D)
• Business Spotlight scheduling with local businesses and Board of Selectmen
• 2025 Fall Annual Town Meeting on October 28, 2025

The August 18, 2025 Economic Development Committee meeting was postponed because a quorum was not present. It has been rescheduled for September 15, 2025 at 6 PM via Zoom. No agenda items were voted on or decided. The committee listed members in attendance and absent.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings regarding special permits and variances for three different properties. These include a proposed athletic facility and two residential projects.

• Special Permit (08-SP-25) for a 6,700 square foot commercial recreational, exercise, and athletic facility at 135 Providence Road
• Special Permit (10-SP-25) for the construction of a two-family dwelling on Granite Street
• Variances (3-V-25, 4-V-25, 5-V-25, 6-V-25) for parking, setbacks, density, and landscaping at 95 Church Avenue to build a 3-story residential structure with 7 apartments

The Zoning Board approved the minutes from the July 10, 2025 meeting by a 6‑0 vote. It granted a special permit (08‑SP‑25) for Johnathan Brochu’s 6,700‑sq‑ft recreational and athletic facility at 135 Providence Rd with a 5‑0 vote. The board also approved a special permit (10‑SP‑25) for RogJef, Inc. to build a duplex on Granite Street, voting 5‑0 and attaching specific setback, parking and departmental approval conditions. Finally, the board agreed the updated design for the project at 95 Church Ave improves setbacks and parking, though no vote tally was recorded.

• Approved July 10, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved Special Permit 08-SP-25 for recreational facility at 135 Providence Rd (5-0)
• Approved Special Permit 10-SP-25 for duplex on Granite Street with conditions (5-0)
• Board agreed updated design for 95 Church Ave improves setbacks and parking (no vote recorded)

Trustees of Soldiers' Memorials

The Northbridge Trustees of Soldiers' Memorials will meet to discuss financial reports, memorial projects, and awards. Items include landscaping and lighting upgrades for local memorials, plans for the 2025 Outstanding Service Award, and correspondence updates.

• FY25 financial summary and FY26 budget review
• Whitinsville Korean/World War II Memorial landscaping and fence work
• World War I Memorial refurbishment with new lighting and landscaping
• 2025 Outstanding Service Award plans for 2026

The trustees unanimously approved the minutes from the June 10, 2025 meeting. They also unanimously approved a payment of $2,528.00 to Hopkinton Stone and Gravel pending receipt of the invoice. The discussion on the 2024 Outstanding Service Award was tabled for the next meeting.

• Approved June 10, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved $2,528.00 payment to Hopkinton Stone and Gravel (unanimous)
• Tabled 2024 Outstanding Service Award discussion

Land Trail Stewardship Committee

The Land Trail Stewardship Committee will meet on August 14, 2025, to review updates on conservation lands, including maintenance work at Castle Hill Farm, trail upgrades proposed by Elsa Whitin Mason, and a seed project funded by the MVP 2.0 Grant at the Mumford Riverwalk. The meeting will also include approval of prior minutes and a brief discussion of other matters.

• Castle Hill Farm maintenance and safety railing installation
• Elsa Whitin Mason NOI for trail upgrades
• MVP 2.0 Grant Seed Project at Mumford Riverwalk

Planning Board

The Northbridge Planning Board will review and decide on modifications to approved site plans for Douglas Road and Moon Hill Estates, and a time extension request for Leonardo Estates. The board will also discuss Phase IV of Presidential Farms on Washington Street. Procedural items include approval of past meeting minutes and appointments to regional planning committees.

• Douglas Road (Berkowitz Trucking) site plan modification decision
• Moon Hill Estates sidewalk, bus shelter, and subdrains construction change request decision
• Leonardo Estates time extension request and construction schedule update decision
• Presidential Farms Phase IV (Washington Street) discussion
• Central MA Regional Planning Commission delegate appointment vote

The Planning Board reappointed its Chair, Vice‑Chair and Clerk unanimously. It approved several project requests, including a 5‑0 vote for sidewalk and bus shelter changes, a 4‑0 vote for a two‑year extension on the Moon Hill Estates project, and a 4‑0 vote for a one‑year extension on Leonardo Estates. It also appointed a delegate to the Central MA Regional Planning Commission and scheduled the Master Plan visioning session for October 7, 2025. Finally, the Board voted 4‑0 to sponsor a zoning amendment article to adopt the 40R overlay district at the Fall Annual Town Meeting.

• Reappointed Rebecca Rushford as Chair (4-0)
• Reappointed James Berkowitz as Vice‑Chair (4-0)
• Reappointed Alyssa Oyola as Clerk (4-0)
• Approved Douglas Road site improvements without full site‑plan review (3-0-1, Berkowitz abstained)
• Approved sidewalk, bus shelter relocation and subdrain changes for Moon Hill Estates (5-0)
• Granted two‑year extension to Dec 31 2027 and updated surety for Moon Hill Estates (4-0)
• Granted one‑year extension to Aug 31 2026 for Leonardo Estates (4-0)
• Sponsored 40R zoning overlay district amendment for Fall Annual Town Meeting (4-0)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will decide on one-day liquor licenses for two events and approve cemetery lot sales. The board will also discuss the FY2027 school budget and determine which articles to place on the October 28, 2025, Fall Annual Town Meeting warrant.

• Request for one-day Wines and Malts License for Armenian Apostolic Church picnic (August 17)
• Request for one-day Wines and Malts License for Open Sky Community Services "Valley Bag Toss" (September 20)
• Proposed warrant article for the sale of town-owned land on Providence Road
• Vote to establish a fee for Section 12D liquor license category changes
• Approval of cemetery lot sales at Pine Grove Cemetery (48 Spruce Ave) and Riverdale Cemetery

The Board approved several actions. They accepted MGL c.138 §12D, allowing on‑premises wine and malt license holders to upgrade to full liquor licenses, and established a $150 fee for the change. They also approved one‑day wines and malts licenses for two community events, appointed Lena Bryant to the Disability Commission, and authorized the sale of two cemetery lots. All votes were unanimous except the Armenian Church license, where one member abstained.

• Approved Lena Bryant appointment to Disability Commission (4-0)
• Approved one‑day Wines and Malts license for Armenian Apostolic Church Picnic (3-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved one‑day Wines and Malts license for Open Sky Community Services "Valley Bag Toss" (4-0)
• Accepted Town Clerk’s warrant articles for the Fall Annual Town Meeting (4-0)
• Sponsored article to sell town‑owned land on Providence Road for the Fall Annual Town Meeting (4-0)
• Accepted MGL c.138 §12D and set $150 fee for license category changes (4-0)
• Approved sale of cemetery lots to Joanne Khoury and to Mary and Charles Sutton (4-0)
• Closed the public meeting (4-0)

Board of Health

The Northbridge Board of Health will hold a remote meeting to review and approve the minutes from its July 22, 2025 session. The board will also receive updates from shared services, inspection staff, community health workers, an epidemiologist, and a public health nurse. No new decisions are listed on the agenda.

The board approved the July 22, 2025 meeting minutes with a unanimous vote. It decided to put the strategic planning RFP back out to bid. The next BVPPH meeting was scheduled for August 11, 2025 at 10 am.

• Approved July 22, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Planned to re‑issue strategic planning RFP (action by Connor)
• Scheduled next BVPPH meeting for August 11, 2025 at 10 am

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission meeting scheduled for August 6, 2025, has been canceled. The next meeting is scheduled for August 20, 2025.

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will reorganize its leadership and review the status of the Col. James Fletcher House preservation restriction and building assessment. The body will also vote on sponsoring articles for the October 28, 2025, Fall Annual Town Meeting.

• Status of Col. James Fletcher House Preservation Restriction & Building Assessment Report
• Vote to sponsor articles for the 2026 Fall Annual Town Meeting
• Vote to authorize FY26 Community Preservation Coalition membership dues
• Vote to amend or reauthorize CPA Administrative Services
• Review of CPA Fund account balances

Community Preservation Committee

The meeting was not officially convened because only three of nine members were present. Items on the August 04 agenda will be moved to the September 08 meeting.

• Payment of $875 for FY26 Community Preservation Coalition membership dues
• Public hearing for annual community outreach scheduled for October 06, 2025
• Virtual camera-scan of Fletcher House building assessment study completed week of July 15
• Requirement for a Preservation Restriction to be recorded for Fletcher House before CPA funds are released

Building, Planning & Construction Comm

The Building, Planning & Construction Committee will conduct interviews for the Senior Center Project's Owner's Project Manager. The body will also review updates and invoices for the Fire Station, Library Renovation, and NES Demo projects.

• Senior Center Project OPM interviews
• NES Demo Project close-out and invoices
• Fire Station Project update and invoices
• Library Renovation Project update and invoices

The committee voted 7-0 to award Vertex the OPM contract for the Senior Center project. Payments were approved for American Environmental Inc. ($51,905.50) and two LeftField invoices ($6,250 each each) with unanimous votes. The July 2, 2025 meeting minutes were approved 5-0-2, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:48 p.m.

• Award Vertex OPM contract for Senior Center – motion passed 7-0
• Approve payment to American Environmental Inc. $51,905.50 – motion passed 7-0
• Approve payment to LeftField invoice #2025.009-001 $6,250.00 – motion passed 7-0
• Approve payment to LeftField invoice #2025.009-002 $6,250.00 – motion passed 7-0
• Approve July 2, 2025 meeting minutes – motion passed 5-0-2
• Adjourn meeting – motion passed 7-0

School Committee

The School Committee is meeting to discuss revisions to the public comment policy based on a legal update. The body will also review policies regarding public solicitations and advertising within the schools.

• Revision of BEDH Public Comment Policy
• Review of KHA Public Solicitations policy
• Review of KHB Advertising in the Schools policy

Northbridge Retirement Board

The Retirement Board will consider 14 new member applicants and 3 retirees. The body will also process three requests for fund withdrawals and one request for a fund transfer.

• Review of 14 new member applicants and 3 retirees
• 3 requests for withdrawal of funds
• 1 request for transfer of funds
• Discussion of cyber insurance quote
• Review of June 2025 cash books and plan performance

The board approved July warrants totaling $365,863.63 and accepted the June 25 meeting minutes with a 3‑1 vote. It denied membership for ten applicants who did not meet the 28‑hour workweek requirement and granted membership to four other employees, each vote 4‑0. The board also approved retirement benefits for three retirees and authorized several fund withdrawals and a transfer, all unanimously.

• Approved July warrants totaling $365,863.63 (unanimous approval)
• Accepted June 25, 2025 minutes (3-1)
• Denied membership for ten applicants (4-0)
• Granted membership for four employees (4-0)
• Approved Option “C” retirement for Michael Bedard (4-0)
• Approved $1,133.32 withdrawal for Elyse Baumann (4-0)
• Approved $12,269.25 transfer for Dylan Boulanger (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Retirement Office

The Retirement Board will consider 14 new member applicants and 3 retirees. The body will also process three requests for fund withdrawals and one request for a fund transfer.

• Review of 14 new member applicants and 3 retirees
• 3 requests for withdrawal of funds
• 1 request for transfer of funds
• Discussion of cyber insurance quote
• Review of June 2025 cash books and plan performance

The Retirement Board approved July warrants totaling $365,863.63 and denied membership for ten applicants who did not meet the 28‑hour work‑week requirement. It granted membership to four other employees and approved retirement benefits for three retirees. The board also approved several fund withdrawals and a transfer, and directed the administrator to investigate cyber‑security coverage before any purchase.

• Approved $365,863.63 in July warrants (unanimous)
• Denied membership for ten applicants (4‑0)
• Granted membership to four applicants (4‑0)
• Approved retirement benefits for Michael Bedard, Michelle McAuliffe, and John Susienka (4‑0 each)
• Approved fund withdrawals for Elyse Baumann ($1,133.32), Sara Brown ($4,729.14), and Caleb Kennedy ($9,293.91) (4‑0 each)
• Approved transfer of $12,269.25 to Dylan Boulanger (4‑0)
• Directed Board Administrator to research cyber‑security options before any purchase (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 3:00 p.m. (4‑0)

Board of Health

The Board of Health is meeting to approve previous minutes and receive updates from public health staff. The agenda includes a discussion regarding the FY26 budget.

• Approval of June 9, 2025 minutes
• FY26 Budget updates from Shared Services Coordinator
• Inspection staff updates
• Community Health Worker updates
• Epidemiologist and Public Health Nurse updates

The Board unanimously approved the minutes from the June 9, 2025 meeting. It also unanimously approved the draft FY 2026 budget presented by the Shared Services Coordinator. The Board agreed to put the strategic‑planning request for proposals back out to bid. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved June 9, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved FY26 draft budget as presented (unanimous)
• Strategic planning RFP will be reissued for bid (no vote recorded)

School Committee

The School Committee will review end-of-year parent and student survey results and discuss the impact of the Governor’s FY26 budget. The body will also consider fees and fall warrant requests.

• Warrant 25-52: $74,605.19
• Warrant 25-53: $113,502.16
• Warrant 25-54: $267,544.12
• Warrant 25-55: $114,118.29
• Warrant 26-02: $2,670.76

Economic Development Committee

The committee is meeting to reorganize its leadership and review progress on the Master Plan update. Discussions include subcommittee assignments, community surveys, and an upcoming workshop on July 24, 2025.

• Election of Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk
• Review of Community Survey and Student Survey
• Planning for Community Workshop on July 24, 2025
• Discussion of Community Values Statements
• Coordination of Business Spotlight with Board of Selectmen

The committee reappointed Ken Chilton as Chair, Muriel Emond as Vice Chair, and Joyce Augustus as Clerk. The June 9, 2025 meeting minutes were tabled. The committee plans to announce a re‑established Business Spotlight at the August 11 Board of Selectmen meeting. The next EDC meeting is scheduled for August 18, 2025 via Zoom.

• Reappointed Ken Chilton as Chair
• Reappointed Muriel Emond as Vice Chair
• Reappointed Joyce Augustus as Clerk
• Tabled approval of June 9, 2025 meeting minutes
• Committed to announce Business Spotlight at Board of Selectmen meeting on 8/11
• Scheduled next EDC meeting for August 18, 2025 at 6:00 PM via Zoom

Finance Committee

The Northbridge Finance Committee is meeting to discuss year-end transfers specifically for Fire and Ambulance services. The committee will also review previous meeting minutes.

• Year-end transfers for Fire/Ambulance

The committee unanimously approved three transfers totaling $14,738.40 from Fire, $14,600.40 to Ambulance and $138 to Civil Defense, and a separate $22,430 transfer from the Reserve Fund to the Ambulance Department. Minutes from the March, May and July 2025 meetings were approved, with abstentions noted on the May and July approvals. The meeting was adjourned at 7:11 PM by unanimous vote.

• Approved $14,738.40 Fire Department transfer (unanimous)
• Approved $14,600.40 Ambulance Department transfer (unanimous)
• Approved $138 Civil Defense transfer (unanimous)
• Approved $22,430 Reserve Fund transfer to Ambulance (unanimous)
• Approved 03/26/2025 meeting minutes (with edits, vote not specified)
• Approved 05/06/2025 meeting minutes (David Graham abstained)
• Approved 07/08/2025 meeting minutes (Sean Ferry abstained)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:11 PM (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will vote on closing the warrant for the October 28, 2025, Fall Annual Town Meeting. The body will also consider end-of-year budget transfers and various committee appointments.

• Vote to close the Fall Annual Town Meeting warrant on August 29, 2025
• One-day license for St. Patrick’s Parish Beer and Dynamites event on July 19, 2025
• Appointment of Peter Gaudette to the Economic Development Committee
• End of year budget transfers
• Announcement of Master Plan Update Community Workshop on July 24, 2025

The Selectmen unanimously approved three budget transfers: $7,708.89 from the Reserve Fund to cover the Finance Committee deficit, $3,000 from the Fire Department salary account to the ambulance salary account, and $11,738.40 split between the ambulance expense and civil defense accounts. They also approved a one‑day wine and malt license for St. Patrick’s Parish fundraiser, appointed members to the Economic Development Committee and the Central Mass. Regional Planning Commission, and closed the warrant for the Fall Annual Town Meeting to August 29, 2025.

• Approved transfer of $7,708.89 from Reserve Fund to Finance Committee (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of $3,000 from Fire Department salary account to ambulance salary account (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of $11,738.40 split between ambulance expense and civil defense accounts (unanimous)
• Approved one‑day wine and malt license for St. Patrick’s Parish fundraiser on July 19, 2025 (unanimous)
• Appointed Peter Gaudette to Economic Development Committee, Member at Large (unanimous)
• Appointed Selectman Wilkes as 2nd delegate to Central Mass. Regional Planning Commission (unanimous)
• Appointed Selectman Ampagoomian as alternate delegate to Central Mass. Regional Planning Commission (unanimous)
• Closed warrant for Fall Annual Town Meeting to August 29, 2025 at 12:00 PM (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Northbridge Board of Health will consider permit applications for stabling animals and a setback variance. The board will also receive updates on a housing court case and a site assignment modification.

• Permit application to stable sheep and chicken at 1316 Hill Street
• Variance request for required setbacks at 25 Green Meadow Court
• Housing Court update regarding 263 Church Street
• TJJ Development major modification of an existing site assignment
• Annual re-organization of the Board for Chair, Vice-Chair, and Clerk

The Board of Health approved the minutes from the June 16, 2025 meeting with a 3‑0 vote. The application for a permit to keep sheep and chickens at 1316 Hill Street was presented and extensively discussed, but no vote or formal decision on the permit was recorded.

• Approved June 16, 2025 minutes (3-0 vote)
• Permit application for 1316 Hill Street discussed – no decision recorded

Commission on Disabilities

The Commission on Disabilities will meet to review accessibility at Sparetime Bowling and the Walmart Pharmacy entrance. The body will also discuss a potential grant for Linwood Playground and the removal of a member.

• Removal of Carla Longpre and search for a 5th member
• Accessibility at Sparetime Bowling
• Walmart Pharmacy entrance accessibility
• Grant for Linwood Playground
• Playground commission art project depicting accessibility

The commission approved the minutes from the May meeting. It agreed that letters to the Moons of Sparetime Recreation and the Walmart store manager were appropriate to send. The commission unanimously voted to skip the August meeting. No formal meeting was held in June because a quorum was not met.

• Approved May meeting minutes
• Agreed letters to Moons and Walmart manager are appropriate to send
• Unanimously voted to skip August meeting

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings for two applicants seeking permits. The board will consider a special permit for a commercial athletic facility and a variance for a residential garage setback.

• Special Permit (08-SP-25) for a 6,700 square foot commercial recreational, exercise, and athletic facility at 135 Providence Road
• Variance (9-V-25) for a rear setback to construct an attached garage at 142 Country Club Drive

The Zoning Board approved the June 12 meeting minutes (5‑0). It voted to continue a public hearing until August (5‑0). It approved a variance allowing the construction of an attached three‑car garage on 142 Country Club Lane, with Board of Health approval (5‑0). All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved June 12, 2025 meeting minutes (5‑0)
• Continued public hearing until August (5‑0)
• Approved variance for three‑car attached garage at 142 Country Club Lane, with Board of Health approval (5‑0)
• Closed discussion on the variance hearing (5‑0)

Board of Registrars

The Board of Registrars will meet to approve previous minutes and vote on reorganization. The board will also discuss its meeting schedule for the rest of the year.

• Approval of March 27, 2025 minutes
• Vote to reorganize
• Discussion of the remainder of the 2025 schedule

The board approved the minutes from the March 27, 2025 meeting unanimously. Members nominated and unanimously elected Mary Contino as Chair, Linda Zywien as Clerk, and Janet Burke as Vice Chair. The board discussed the upcoming Fall Annual Town Meeting on October 28, 2025 and the 2026 election schedule. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved March 27, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Elected Mary Contino as Chair (unanimous)
• Elected Linda Zywien as Clerk (unanimous)
• Elected Janet Burke as Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Discussed Fall Annual Town Meeting date (October 28, 2025)
• Discussed 2026 election schedule
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Northbridge Housing Authority

The Northbridge Housing Authority will meet to address new business. The agenda includes discussions regarding the budget and a CPC appointment.

• Budget discussion
• CPC Appointment

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet to discuss year-end transfers. Other agenda items include the approval of minutes.

• Year-end transfers

The Finance Committee approved a re‑organization, unanimously appointing Plato Adams as Chairperson, Steven Gogolinski as Vice Chairperson, and James Barron as Clerk. It also unanimously approved a $7,708.89 transfer from the Reserve Fund to the Finance Committee to cover a budget shortfall. The next Finance Committee meeting was scheduled for July 15, 2025 at 6:30 PM. The meeting adjourned at 7:39 PM by unanimous vote.

• Appointed Plato Adams as Chairperson (unanimous)
• Appointed Steven Gogolinski as Vice Chairperson (unanimous)
• Appointed James Barron as Clerk (unanimous)
• Approved $7,708.89 transfer from Reserve Fund Dept 132/4B to Finance Committee Dept 131/3B (unanimous)
• Scheduled next Finance Committee meeting for July 15, 2025 at 6:30 PM
• Adjourned meeting at 7:39 PM (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will decide on a Form A for 12 Spring Street and discuss informal project proposals for two other sites. The board will also reorganize its leadership and appoint representatives to several town committees.

• Review and decision on Form A for 12 Spring Street (Assessor Map 15A Parcels 62 & 183)
• Discussion of Boutique Retreat & Wellness Studio proposal at 120 Hill Street & 41 Pine Street
• Discussion of mixed-use redevelopment proposal for Rockdale Mill Complex
• Discussion regarding Presidential Farms on Washington Street
• Vote to appoint representatives to the Community Preservation Committee, Earth Removal Board, and other committees

The Board voted 3‑0 to endorse the ANR/81P site plan for 12 Spring Street. No other motions were voted on; the remaining agenda items were discussed without a formal decision.

• Approved endorsement of ANR/81P site plan for 12 Spring Street (3-0)

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will meet virtually to reorganize its leadership and review the building assessment and preservation restriction for the Col. James Fletcher House.

• Election of Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk
• Status of Preservation Restriction & Building Assessment Report for Col. James Fletcher House
• Passage of Art. #24 regarding 1833 Quaker Street
• Master Plan Update Public Workshop scheduled for July 24, 2025

The July 7, 2025 Community Preservation Committee meeting was not convened because only 3 of 9 members attended, below the required quorum of 5. No decisions were made. Agenda items will be considered at the August 4, 2025 meeting. Discussion included the Fletcher House building assessment and upcoming project timelines.

• Meeting not convened due to lack of quorum (3 of 9 members present)
• Agenda items deferred to August 4, 2025 meeting

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will meet via Zoom to review minutes and receive an update on Heritage Day. The body will also coordinate the August meeting date to discuss historical signs and Fletcher.

• Heritage Day update
• Updates on historical signs
• Updates on Fletcher

Building, Planning & Construction Comm

The Building, Planning & Construction Committee will interview architects for the Library Renovation Project. The body will also receive project updates and review invoices for the NES Demo, Senior Center Feasibility Study, and Fire Station projects.

• Library Renovation Project architect interviews
• NES Demo Project update and invoices
• Senior Center Feasibility Study update and invoices
• Fire Station Project update and invoices

The Building, Planning & Construction Committee rescinded a prior vote and then approved Oudens Ello Architecture to provide design services for the Northbridge Library project, passing the motion 5‑0. The committee also approved payments for four invoices totaling $123,452.73 and ratified the May 27 meeting minutes (3‑0‑2). Members voted to keep the current leadership team and to adjourn the meeting.

• Selected Oudens Ello Architecture for library design services (5-0)
• Approved payment to American Environmental Inc. $56,287.50 (5-0)
• Approved payment to Apollo Project Management $43,000.00 (5-0)
• Approved payment to Abacus for senior‑center feasibility $22,200.00 (5-0)
• Approved payment for Fire Station supplies $1,964.23 (5-0)
• Approved May 27, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0-2)
• Confirmed committee leadership: Beaudoin chair, Bedigian VP, Thompson secretary (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:03 pm (5-0)

Northbridge Retirement Board

The Retirement Board will meet to review financial reports and administrative updates. The agenda includes the final signed GASB 67&68 Report for FY2025 from Stone Consulting.

• Review of Stone Consulting Final Signed Copy of GASB 67&68 Report for FY2025
• Review of Cash Books for April 2025 and May 2025
• PERAC Memo#15/2025
• PRIM Board Quarterly Update for First Quarter 2025
• Plan Performance summaries for April 2025 and May 2025

The Northbridge Retirement Board approved June warrants totaling $288,609.66 and the May bank reconciliations. It unanimously accepted the May 21 meeting minutes. The board also unanimously denied membership for eleven employees who failed to meet the minimum 28‑hour work week and offered them appeal information.

• Approved June warrants totaling $288,609.66 (4-0)
• Approved May bank reconciliations (4-0)
• Accepted May 21, 2025, Retirement Board minutes (4-0)
• Denied membership for 11 applicants lacking 28‑hour work week (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 3:03 p.m. (4-0)

Retirement Office

The Retirement Board will meet to approve minutes from May 21, 2025, and review financial records. The board will examine the final signed GASB 67&68 Report for FY2025 from Stone Consulting.

• Review of Stone Consulting Final Signed Copy of GASB 67&68 Report for FY2025
• Review of April 2025 and May 2025 Cash Books
• PERAC Memo#15/2025
• PRIM Board Quarterly Update for First Quarter 2025
• Plan Performance summaries for April and May 2025

The board approved warrants totaling $288,609.66 and the May bank reconciliations. It accepted the May 21 meeting minutes unanimously. It denied membership for eleven employees who did not meet the 28‑hour work‑week requirement, providing them information on how to appeal.

• Approved warrants totaling $288,609.66
• Approved May bank reconciliations
• Accepted May 21, 2025, meeting minutes (4-0)
• Denied membership for Lincoln Boucher, Alexis Buckmeyer, Robert Coffman, Lily Hazelwood, Jill Labrie, John Mazzarelli, Joseph Mazzarelli, Nolan Psuik, Allison Ronan, Bryce Ryan, and Joseph Somaio (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 3:03 p.m. (4-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will conduct a work session for the Master Plan Update Steering Committee. The board will also discuss several zoning and project applications.

• Master Plan Update work session including Northbridge Heritage Day and July 24 Public Workshop
• MVP 2.0 Grant regarding Mumford River Watershed
• 40R Smart Growth Zoning Application
• CPA Project Application for 1833 Quaker Street
• Discussions regarding 120 Hill Street & Rockdale Mill and 2040 Providence Road

The Northbridge Planning Board meeting on June 24, 2025 was canceled because a quorum was not present. No actions or votes were taken. The next meeting is scheduled for July 8, 2025.

School Committee

The Northbridge School Committee will meet to take action on proposed reinstatements related to an override. The body will also discuss specific policies and review district warrants.

• Action on override follow-up proposed reinstatements
• Warrant 25-51 (June 18, 2025) for $379,380.05
• Warrant 25-50 (June 12, 2025) for $69,859.48
• Discussion of Policy Sub - KHA/KHB/KHAB
• Donation to 8th Grade

School Committee

The Northbridge School Committee Policy Sub-Committee will meet to discuss three specific school policies. The meeting focuses on guidelines for public gifts, solicitations, and advertising within the schools.

• Discussion of Policy KCD - Public Gifts to School
• Discussion of Policy KHA - Public Solicitations in the Schools
• Discussion of Policy KHB - Advertising in the Schools

Northbridge Youth Committee

The Northbridge Youth Committee will meet to discuss community events and safety concerns. The agenda includes items regarding town service and a potential introduction date for a Planning Board meeting.

• Town Heritage Day
• Town Clean Up/Community Service
• High School Parking Lot Safety
• Planning Board Meeting/Introduction Date

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a continued public meeting regarding a Request for Determination of Applicability. The body is reviewing a proposal for a lawn within the buffer zone of a Bordering Vegetate Wetland.

• Public meeting for RDA- (01-RDA-2025) regarding a proposed lawn at 673 Marston Road

The Conservation Commission reviewed a site visit for a proposed lawn at 673 Marston Road within a buffer zone of a bordering vegetated wetland. The Commissioners voted 4‑0 to issue a Negative Determination, allowing the work to proceed only if it stays at least 25 feet from the wetland, is staked and approved before starting, includes straw wattles along the downslope, and adds stone or concrete bounds after completion.

• Approved Negative Determination for 673 Marston Road lawn project (4-0)

Northbridge Housing Authority

The Northbridge Housing Authority will review financial reports and the budget. The board is also discussing a management contract regarding Upton.

• Upton management contract updates
• Budget review
• CPC Appointment
• Accounts Payable warrant summary report for 4/15/2025 – 6/17/2025

Town Manager

The Massachusetts Strategic Health Group board will meet to discuss payment of deficits and the administration of run-out claims. The body may vote on board action regarding negotiations with specific member districts.

• Negotiations with Oxford, Acushnet, Tri-County RSD and CES for payment of MSHG deficits
• Possible vote to approve HPI Agreement for administration of run-out claims

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will consider a license classification amendment for Sparetime Recreation and vote on several annual reappointments. The board will also decide on lease renewals and intermunicipal agreements.

• Public hearing for MSM Management, LLC dba Sparetime Recreation at 117 Church Street regarding license classification
• Lease renewal votes for Rockdale Village Foundation and Oliver Ashton Post #343 Inc.
• Vote on Blackstone Valley Opioid Taskforce Intermunicipal Agreement
• One-day wine and malt license request for George Marston Whitin Community Association car show on August 16, 2025
• Requests to hang banners across Church Street for Heritage Day and Open Sky summer concerts

The Selectmen unanimously approved MSM Management dba Sparetime Recreation’s request to change its license from wines and malts to all alcoholic beverages. They also confirmed several appointments, lease renewals, and agreements, and approved multiple community event banners and a one‑day license for a car show.

• Approved change of license classification for MSM Management dba Sparetime Recreation to all alcoholic beverages (unanimous)
• Affirmed appointment of Danielle Lemarr as Regional Health Inspector/Health Educator (unanimous)
• Affirmed appointment of Jennifer McNeil as Youth Services Librarian (unanimous)
• Renewed three‑year leases for Rockdale Village Foundation and Oliver Ashton Post #343 (unanimous)
• Signed intermunicipal agreement for the Blackstone Valley Opioid Task Force (unanimous)
• Approved banner for Whitinsville Downtown Crossroads Heritage Day (unanimous)
• Approved banner for Open Sky free summer concert series (unanimous)
• Approved one‑day wines and malts license for George Marston Whitin Community Association car show on Aug 16 2025 (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Northbridge Board of Health will meet to consider the status of a trash hauling license application. The board will determine if the application for Marchand LLC should be denied, revoked, suspended, or not renewed.

• Hearing regarding Marchand LLC application to operate as a Trash Hauler

The Board approved the June 2, 2025 minutes (2‑0, one abstention). It reconvened the trash‑hauler hearing and then voted to deny Marchand LLC’s license application. The meeting was adjourned at 5:43 PM.

• Approved June 2, 2025 minutes (2‑0, 1 abstain)
• Re‑convened trash‑hauler hearing (all in favor)
• Denied Marchand LLC trash‑hauler license (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission is conducting a site visit to observe conditions where a lawn expansion is proposed within 100 feet of a Bordering Vegetated Wetland. No deliberations or determinations will occur during this visit.

• Site visit at 673 Marston Road, Whitinsville, MA
• Request for a Determination of Applicability (RDA) for lawn expansion

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings regarding three property applications. These include requests for residential conversions, new apartment construction, and a business permit.

• Special Permit for 128 Linwood Avenue to convert a single-family home into five residential units
• Variances for 95 Church Avenue to demolish a commercial building and build a 3-story, 7-apartment structure
• Special Permit for 2305 Providence Road to establish an automotive repair shop

The Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved the minutes from the April 10 meeting and withdrew the pending special permit application of Leanne Espinosa. It then approved four variances (3‑V‑25, 4‑V‑25, 5‑V‑25, 6‑V‑25) allowing a 7‑unit residential project on 95 Church Ave. Finally, the board approved a special permit for an automotive repair business at 2305 Providence Rd.

• Approved April 10, 2025 minutes (5‑0)
• Withdrawn Leanne Espinosa special permit application (5‑0)
• Approved variance 3‑V‑25 for 7 residential units (4‑0)
• Approved variance 4‑V‑25 for 5‑ft front setback (4‑0)
• Approved variance 5‑V‑25 reducing parking to 1.4 spaces per unit (4‑0)
• Approved variance 6‑V‑25 reducing easement width to 4 ft with fence/landscape condition (approved)
• Approved special permit 07‑SP‑25 for automotive repair shop (4‑0)

Trustees of Soldiers' Memorials

The Trustees of Soldiers' Memorials will review financial reports and progress on several local monuments. The body will discuss landscaping and lighting improvements for the World War I and Whitinsville Korean/World War II memorials.

• Payments to Sunshine Sign and Rosseel
• Landscaping and new fence work for Whitinsville Korean/World War II Memorial
• Lighting and landscaping for World War I Memorial refurbishment
• Desjardins Monument additions
• Relocation of the Fireman’s Tribute Stone

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the May 13, 2025 meeting. They approved adding Richard Desjardins’ name to the Korean War and Vietnam memorials and tasked Tom Farley with arranging the engraving. They approved a $560 payment for a plaque honoring James Lavalee. They approved an $801.20 quote for a spotlight to be installed on the World War I memorial.

• Approved May 13, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved adding Richard Desjardins name to Korean War and Vietnam memorials (unanimous)
• Approved $560 payment for James Lavalee plaque (unanimous)
• Approved $801.20 spotlight quote for World War I memorial (unanimous)

Council On Aging

The Northbridge Council on Aging will meet to review financial reports and the FY'25 Town Budget. The body will discuss the results of the May 20, 2025, Town Election regarding a feasibility study for a new senior/community center.

• FY'25 Town Budget
• Feasibility Study for a New Senior/Community Center results from May 20, 2025 election
• Summer meeting schedule

Playground & Recreation Comm

The committee will meet to discuss project status, finances, and space allocation. The agenda consists of general procedural categories without specific project names or proposals.

The Playground & Recreation Committee approved moving the town's summer event to a bi‑annual schedule, with the next event planned for 2026. Members also voted unanimously to replace the current landscaper with Brouillard & Sons Landscaping at the same price after June. A decision was made to hold a town clean‑up with Cub Scouts in September.

• Approved replacement of town landscaper with Brouillard & Sons (unanimous)
• Approved bi‑annual summer event schedule, next event in 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved September town clean‑up with Cub Scouts (decision made)

School Committee

The Northbridge School Committee will conduct the Superintendent's final end-of-year summative evaluation. The body will also discuss override follow-up and the committee's summer schedule.

• Warrant 25-47 (May 22, 2025): $127,110.83
• Warrant 25-48 (May 29, 2025): $63,265.84
• Warrant 25-49 (June 5, 2025): $300,063.78
• Superintendent’s Final EOY Summative Evaluation
• Override follow-up discussion

Town Manager

The Massachusetts Strategic Health Group Board will discuss deficit payments from member entities. The body may vote on actions to take against Oxford and Acushnet regarding unpaid balances.

• Possible vote on action against Oxford regarding a $1,331,165 deficit as of April 30, 2025
• Possible vote on action against Acushnet regarding a $1,086,014 deficit as of April 30, 2025
• Confirmation of $400,000 payment from Tri-County toward a $1,108,876 deficit

Economic Development Committee

The committee is meeting to assign subcommittees for the Master Plan and review community and student surveys. They are also discussing the scheduling of a public engagement workshop.

• Master Plan subcommittee assignments
• Review of Community and Student Surveys
• Scheduling of first public engagement workshop
• Plummers Place/Senior Center meet and greet discussion
• Coordination of Business Spotlight with Board of Selectmen

The Economic Development Committee unanimously approved the May 12, 2025 meeting minutes (5‑0). The committee assigned Ken Chilton and Muriel Emond to prepare a FAQ for Business Spotlight sessions at upcoming Board of Selectmen meetings. The next EDC meeting was scheduled for July 21, 2025 via Zoom.

• Approved May 12, 2025 minutes (vote 5‑0)
• Assigned Ken Chilton and Muriel Emond to prepare Business Spotlight FAQ
• Scheduled next EDC meeting for July 21, 2025 at 6:00 PM via Zoom

School Committee

The Northbridge School Committee Budget Subcommittee is meeting to discuss potential adjustments to personnel and program cuts. This is a remote meeting held under the Governor's Open Meeting Law order.

• Discussion of potential adjustments to personnel/program cuts

Board of Health

The Board of Health is meeting to approve previous minutes and receive updates from public health staff. The session includes a review of the FY26 Workplan from the Shared Services Coordinator.

• Approval of May 12, 2025 minutes
• FY26 Workplan updates from Shared Services Coordinator
• Updates from Inspection Staff
• Updates from Community Health Worker
• Updates from Epidemiologist and Public Health Nurse

The board unanimously approved the May 12, 2025 meeting minutes. It also unanimously adopted a set of work‑plan objectives covering sustainability, communication, training, disease control and chronic disease prevention. The board approved buying tick‑removal kits to spend down any FY25 surplus and authorized up to nine early‑bird registrations for the MHOA conference.

• Approved May 12, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted work‑plan objectives on sustainability, communication, training, disease control and chronic disease prevention (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of tick removal kits to spend down FY25 remaining funds (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of up to 9 MHOA conference registrations for early‑bird special (unanimous)

Commission on Disabilities

The Commission on Disabilities will meet to review accessibility concerns at several local locations. The body will also discuss a grant for Linwood Playground and the search for a fifth member.

• Grant for Linwood Playground
• Accessibility at Sparetime Bowling
• Walmart Pharmacy Entrance accessibility
• Fire Station accessibility
• Playground commission art project depicting accessibility

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting to discuss a request from Hisam Khan. The proposal involves installing a lawn within the buffer zone of a Bordering Vegetate Wetland.

• Public meeting for 673 Marston Road (Map 15 Parcel 189) regarding a proposed lawn in a wetland buffer zone

The Conservation Commission approved a motion to continue the public meeting until January 18, 2025 at 7 p.m. (vote 5‑0). A site visit to the Marston Road parcel was scheduled for June 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. The meeting was then adjourned by a 5‑0 vote.

• Extended public meeting to Jan 18 2025 at 7 p.m. (5‑0 vote)
• Scheduled site visit for Jun 13 2025 at 11:00 a.m.
• Adjourned meeting (5‑0 vote)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will meet to receive updates on Heritage Day, historical signs, and Fletcher House proposals. The body will also hold discussions regarding Plummers Place and budget expenditures.

• Update on Heritage Day from WHDCD
• Update on historical signs
• Update on Fletcher House proposals
• Discussion regarding Plummers Place
• Discussion regarding budget expenditures

Whitinsville Social Library

The Board of Trustees will review the FY25 spending and FY26 budget. Members will vote on a fundraising policy and approve minutes from the April 15, 2025 meeting.

• Vote on fundraising policy
• Review of FY25 spending and FY26 budget
• Discussion of Heritage Day (June 28)
• Updates on staffing, carpets, and MPLCP

Town Manager

The Massachusetts Strategic Health Group Board will meet to discuss outstanding deficits from member entities. The body may vote on actions to take against Oxford and Acushnet regarding unpaid balances.

• Possible vote on action against Oxford regarding a $1,331,165 deficit as of April 30, 2025
• Possible vote on action against Acushnet regarding a $1,086,014 deficit as of April 30, 2025
• Confirmation of $400,000 payment from Tri-County toward a $1,108,876 deficit

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will discuss preservation and conservation restriction reports for two local properties. The body will also address committee representative appointments and the passage of Article #24 from the 2025 Spring Annual Town Meeting.

• Col. James Fletcher House: Preservation Restriction & Building Assessment Report
• Castle Hill Farm Acquisition: Conservation Restriction status
• Article #24 (1833 Quaker Street) passage from 2025 Spring Annual Town Meeting
• Appointment of representative for Playground & Recreation Committee
• Appointment of representative for Master Plan Update Steering Committee

Only four of nine committee members were present, so the meeting was not convened due to lack of quorum. All agenda items were deferred to the July 7, 2025 meeting. No approvals, denials, or other actions were taken.

Board of Health

The Northbridge Board of Health will meet to consider the status of a trash hauling license application. The board will determine if the application should be denied, non-renewed, suspended, or revoked.

• Hearing regarding Marchand LLC application to operate as a Trash Hauler

The Board of Health approved the May 19, 2025 minutes unanimously. It opened the hearing on Marchand LLC’s trash‑hauler license application and then voted to continue the hearing to June 16, 2025 at 5:30 PM, also unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 PM.

• Approved May 19, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Opened hearing on Marchand LLC trash‑hauler application (unanimous)
• Postponed the trash‑hauler hearing to June 16, 2025 at 5:30 PM (unanimous)
• Adjourned the meeting at 5:45 PM (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will vote on financing for school and public works projects and reorganize board leadership. The meeting includes decisions on business licenses and the removal of a commission member.

• Bond Anticipation Notes: $7.5 million for Northbridge Elementary School, $2 million for School Demolition, and $750,000 for DPW Facility
• Vote to remove Carla Longpre from the Disability Commission
• Common Victualler’s License application for Honeysuckle Roastery at 670 Linwood Ave, Building B, Unit 13A
• DBA change application for SSJP Holdings, LLC (Reunion) to Revival 122 at 1227 Providence Road
• Sale of $10,250,000 General Obligation Bond Anticipation Notes to Jefferies LLC

The Board elected Michael Wilkes as Chairman, Melia as Vice‑Chairman, and Collins as Clerk, each unanimously. They removed Carla Longpre from the Disability Commission, signed bond anticipation notes totaling $10.25 million for the DPW facility, Northbridge Elementary School and a school demolition, and approved a DBA change for SSJP Holdings and a pending Common Victualler’s License for Honeysuckle Roastery, all by unanimous vote. The meeting was then closed unanimously.

• Elected Michael Wilkes as Chairman (unanimous)
• Elected Melia as Vice‑Chairman (unanimous)
• Elected Collins as Clerk (unanimous)
• Removed Carla Longpre from the Disability Commission (unanimous)
• Signed Bond Anticipation Notes: $750,000 DPW facility, $7,500,000 Northbridge Elementary School, $2,000,000 school demolition (unanimous)
• Approved DBA change for SSJP Holdings, LLC from "Reunion" to "Revival 122" (unanimous)
• Approved Common Victualler’s License for Honeysuckle Roastery, pending final departmental sign‑offs (unanimous)
• Closed the public meeting (unanimous)

Youth Commission

The Youth Committee will meet to elect a Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Clerk. The body will also discuss its mission statement, goals, and ideas for the committee.

• Election of Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Clerk
• Discussion of goals and mission statement
• Planning of committee ideas

Northbridge Housing Authority

The Northbridge Housing Authority will hold its rescheduled May 27, 2025 meeting to approve prior meeting minutes, review financial reports, and receive executive director updates. No major decisions are listed; the board will also postpone its July/August meeting.

• Approval of December 17, 2024, March 25, 2025, and April 15, 2025 meeting minutes
• Review of accounts payable warrant summary report (4/15/2025–5/27/2025)
• Postponement of July/August 2025 meeting

Building, Planning & Construction Comm

The Northbridge Building, Planning & Construction Committee will receive project updates and review invoices for several capital projects, including the NES Demo Project, Library Renovation, Senior Center Feasibility Study, Fire Station Project, and Town Hall Annex. The meeting will also include approval of minutes from the previous meeting and a brief new business section.

• NES Demo Project — Project Update/Invoices
• Library Renovation Project Update/Invoices
• Senior Center Feasibility Study — Project Update/Invoices
• Fire Station Project — Project Update/Invoices
• Town Hall Annex Project Update

The Building, Planning & Construction Committee approved a $279,357 payment to American Environmental and a $49,000 payment to Apollo Project Management, each passing 5‑0. The committee also approved the April 29, 2025 meeting minutes by a 5‑0 vote. The meeting was adjourned at 5:54 pm with a unanimous vote.

• Approved $279,357 payment to American Environmental (Application 3) – vote 5‑0
• Approved $49,000 payment to Apollo Project Management (Invoice 06) – vote 5‑0
• Approved April 29, 2025 meeting minutes – vote 5‑0
• Adjourned meeting at 5:54 pm – vote 5‑0

Planning Board

The Planning Board will review and decide on an ANR-81P Plan for Douglas Road. The board will also hold a work session regarding the Master Plan update, focusing on community engagement and subcommittee assignments.

• Review and decision on Douglas Road ANR-81P Plan (Assessor Map 3 Parcels 115-123)
• Master Plan update work session regarding surveys, stakeholder meetings, and public forums
• 95 Church Avenue variance applications to the Zoning Board
• Planning Board results from the May 20, 2025, Annual Town Election

The Planning Board voted 4‑0 to support and recommend the variance request for 95 Church Avenue, allowing demolition of the vacant commercial structure and construction of a new 7‑unit rental building. The Board also granted a unanimous 4‑0‑1 endorsement of the ANR plan for the Douglas Road parcel, with one member abstaining. Finally, the minutes from the May 13, 2025 meeting were approved by a 4‑0 vote.

• Approved variance support for 95 Church Avenue (4-0)
• Granted ANR endorsement for Douglas Road parcel (4-0-1, 1 abstention)
• Approved May 13, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0)

School Committee

The Northbridge School Committee meets to reorganize its leadership roles and vote on a new collective bargaining agreement, superintendent contract renewal, and a revised school calendar. The meeting also includes routine approvals, subcommittee appointments, and reports on strategic plan progress and student statistics.

• Collective Bargaining Agreement with NTA for $0 (July 1, 2025–June 30, 2028)
• Superintendent Contract Renewal
• Revised School Calendar 2025-2026
• Warrant 25-45 May 8, 2025 ($134,436.09)
• Warrant 25-46 May 15, 2025 ($301,999.18)

Town Manager

The Massachusetts Strategic Health Group will meet on May 27, 2025, to discuss and possibly vote on approving meeting minutes, a finance director report, and actions regarding unpaid deficits from local districts. The group may also address Oxford and Acushnet's failure to pay deficits and Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High's proposed $400,000 down payment.

• Possible vote to stop paying claims of Oxford and Acushnet due to unpaid deficits
• Discussion on Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High's $400,000 down payment proposal for deficit
• Possible vote to approve April 29, 2025 meeting minutes
• Finance director report including updates on transition to HPHC and NFP stop-loss/pharmacy contracts

Whitinsville -Downtown Crossroads Historic District Commission

The Whitinsville-Downtown Crossroads Historic District Commission is coordinating logistics for Northbridge Heritage Day 2025. The body is discussing marketing, funding, and activities including re-enactments and food vendors. The meeting also includes a review of a new red sign for the Cotton Mill.

• Planning for Northbridge Heritage Day 2025 logistics, including tents and equipment
• Discussion of food vendor licensing and truck location for Murder Hill
• Review of marketing channels including the town electronic bulletin board and local newspapers
• Discussion of a new red sign for the Cotton Mill
• Update on tracking down deeds

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the May 8 meeting. The deed item was tabled for later consideration. Several action items were assigned, including submitting the minutes to the town clerk, contacting the fire department about signage, and preparing press releases and Heritage Day materials. The next commission meeting was set for June 5 at 6 p.m. at the parsonage.

• Approved May 8 meeting minutes unanimously
• Deeds item tabled
• Ellen Scheible to submit approved minutes to Town Clerk Linda
• Kelly Gamble to call fire department about hanging Heritage Day sign
• Mark DeWeerd to send PNG logo to Ethan for signage production
• Christine Johnson to coordinate press‑release distribution to local media
• Kelly to print Heritage Day passports
• Next meeting scheduled for June 5, 6 p.m., at the parsonage

Northbridge Retirement Board

The Northbridge Retirement Board will hold a public hearing regarding the FY26 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for retirees. The board will also consider a 1.5% COLA for the Board Administrator and review the draft GASB 67&68 Report for FY2025 from Stone Consulting.

• Public hearing for FY26 COLA for retirees
• Proposed 1.5% COLA for Board Administrator
• Review of Stone Consulting draft GASB 67&68 Report for FY2025
• Vote to approve travel expenses for 2025 MACRS Conference
• Review of 8 membership applications

The Retirement Board unanimously approved a 3% COLA for all eligible retirees effective July 1, 2025. It also approved a 1.5% COLA for the Board Administrator, the draft GASB 67&68 report, and conference expense funding. Membership was denied for five applicants and granted for three others, and the Board approved warrants totaling $332,994.84 and multiple retiree fund withdrawals and rollovers.

• Approved 3% COLA for eligible retirees ($14,000 base) (5-0)
• Approved 1.5% COLA for Board Administrator Caitlin Leahey (5-0)
• Approved draft GASB 67&68 report (5-0)
• Approved conference expense funding for June 1‑4, 2025 (5-0)
• Denied membership for Krystal Couto, Christy Daniels, Shelby Hendee, Jake LaChapelle, Mark Vallee (5-0)
• Granted membership for Alexander Rosado, John Ryan, Mandy Warren (5-0)
• Approved warrants totaling $332,994.84 for May (board approval)
• Approved retiree withdrawals/rollovers totaling $49,929.81 (5-0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold an informal discussion regarding a proposed access drive for the Flex Subdivision on Fletcher Street. The body will also vote to designate a representative for the Master Plan Update Steering Committee.

• Informal discussion on access drive for Flex Subdivision (Map 5/Parcel 39) on Fletcher Street
• Vote to designate representative for Master Plan Update Steering Committee
• Certificate of Compliance request for 70 MacArthur Drive (DEP #: 248-338)
• Certificate of Compliance request for 103 Ash Street (DEP #: 248-708)

The Conservation Commission nominated Jonathan Danaceau as its representative to the Master Plan Steering Committee. It approved Certificates of Compliance for 70 MacArthur Drive and 103 Ash Street. The minutes from the May 7 meeting were approved and the meeting was adjourned.

• Nominated Jonathan Danaceau to Master Plan Steering Committee (vote 4-0-1, 1 abstention)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 70 MacArthur Drive (vote 5-0)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 103 Ash Street (vote 5-0)
• Approved May 7, 2025 meeting minutes (vote 5-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (vote 5-0)

Retirement Office

The Northbridge Retirement Board will meet to approve minutes from the April 23, 2025 meeting and discuss financial items including the April 2025 cash books, a draft GASB 67&68 report, and a public hearing for the FY26 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for retirees. The board will also vote on travel expenses for MACRS conference tickets and hotels.

• Public hearing for FY26 COLA for retirees
• Board vote to approve 1.5% COLA for Board Administrator
• Stone Consulting-Draft of GASB 67&68 Report for FY2025
• Board vote to approve MACRS conference travel expenses
• Summary of Plan Performance for April 2025

The Retirement Board accepted the April 23 minutes (4-1) and denied membership for five employees while granting membership to three others (both 5-0). It approved numerous fund withdrawals and rollovers for retirees (all 5-0) and adopted the draft GASB 67&68 report. The Board also granted a 1.5% COLA for the Board Administrator and a 3% COLA for all eligible retirees, both unanimously.

• Accepted April 23, 2025 minutes (4-1)
• Denied membership for Krystal Couto, Christy Daniels, Shelby Hendee, Jake LaChapelle, Mark Vallee (5-0)
• Granted membership to Alexander Rosado, John Ryan, Mandy Warren (5-0)
• Approved multiple withdrawals and rollovers for retirees (5-0)
• Approved draft GASB 67&68 report (5-0)
• Approved 1.5% COLA for Board Administrator Caitlin Leahey (5-0)
• Approved 3% COLA for eligible retirees effective July 1, 2025 (5-0)
• Approved conference expenses for June 1‑4, 2025 (5-0)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will decide on a one-day malts license for Murder Hill, LLC and a non-alcoholic Common Victualler’s License for Main & Arcade LLC. The board will also consider appointments for the library and town committees.

• One-day malts license request for Murder Hill, LLC for events on June 14 and June 28, 2025
• Non-alcoholic Common Victualler’s License application for Main & Arcade LLC at 360 Main Street
• Vote to install Veteran Parking Only signs at all Town Building parking lots
• Appointment of Nolan Psuik as Junior Library Assistant
• Designation of representatives for the Youth Committee and Master Plan Update Steering Committee

The Board unanimously approved a one‑day malt license for Murder Hill LLC's Sidewalk Sale on June 14, 2025 and the Historical Society Heritage Day event on June 28, 2025. It also approved a non‑alcoholic Common Victualler’s License for Main & Arcade LLC at 360 Main Street. The request to install Veteran Parking Only signs was tabled for further research. All other motions, including appointments and committee designations, passed unanimously.

• Approved minutes from May 6, 2025 (unanimous)
• Affirmed appointment of Nolan Psuik as Jr. Library Assistant (unanimous)
• Appointed Selectman Wilkes as Ex‑Officio member of Youth Committee (unanimous)
• Designated Chairman Paulhus as Selectmen’s representative to Master Plan Steering Committee (unanimous)
• Approved one‑day malt licenses for Murder Hill LLC events on June 14 and June 28, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved non‑alcoholic Common Victualler’s License for Main & Arcade LLC at 360 Main Street (unanimous)
• Tabled Veteran Parking Only signage request for further research (no vote)
• Closed the public meeting (unanimous)

School Committee

The Northbridge School Committee will meet to discuss and take action on employment contracts. The agenda includes a collective bargaining agreement and a contract renewal.

• Collective Bargaining Agreement - NTA - July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2028
• Superintendent’s Contract Renewal
• Executive session to discuss strategy for negotiations with non-union personnel
• Executive session to discuss strategy for collective bargaining with NTA

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to vote on a service contract for Salmon VNA and determine modification fees for TJJ Development. The board will also review a trash hauler license application and housing code updates.

• Vote to approve FY 2026 Contract for Services for Salmon VNA
• Determination of Site Assignment Modification Fees for TJJ Development
• Trash hauler license application from Marchand LLC
• Housing Court update for 263 Church Street
• Discussion of Housing Code temperature requirements

The Board accepted the minutes from April 22, 2025 and approved site assignment fees of $13,401.66 and $6,700.83. It also approved the FY 2026 contract with Salmon VNA at $9,500 and decided not to change the town heating season. The Marchand LLC trash‑hauler application was tabled for Town Counsel review, and Ms. Erin Meagher was appointed as the Earth Removal Board designee.

• Approved April 22, 2025 minutes (vote 4‑0, 1 abstention)
• Approved Technical Fee $13,401.66 and Admin Fee $6,700.83 for site assignment (unanimous)
• Approved FY 2026 Salmon VNA contract for $9,500 (unanimous)
• Decided not to alter the heating season (unanimous)
• Tabled Marchand LLC trash‑hauler licensing application pending Town Counsel review
• Appointed Ms. Erin Meagher as Earth Removal Board designee (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Trustees of Soldiers' Memorials

The Trustees of Soldiers' Memorials will review financial reports and progress on several local monuments. The body will discuss landscaping, lighting, and cleaning plans for various war memorials. The meeting also includes planning for the 2025 Outstanding Service Award and Memorial Day program.

• Whitinsville Korean/World War II Memorial landscaping project
• World War I Memorial refurbishment including cleaning, re-sealing, and new lighting
• 2025 Outstanding Service Award and bench location
• Relocation of the Fireman’s Tribute Stone
• Sunshine Sign Podium unveiling

The board approved the minutes from the April 15 meeting unanimously. They approved adding Richard Desjardins' name to the Korean War and Vietnam memorials, with Tom Farley to arrange engraving. They also approved a $950 invoice for cleaning the WWI monument and a $9,989.85 invoice for building its podium, both unanimously. All approvals were recorded as unanimous votes.

• Approved April 15 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved adding Richard Desjardins' name to Korean War and Vietnam memorials (unanimous)
• Approved $950 invoice to J.F. Rosseel Contracting for WWI monument cleaning and resealing (unanimous)
• Approved $9,989.85 invoice to Sunshine Sign for WWI memorial podium construction and installation (unanimous)

Playground & Recreation Comm

This meeting of the Playground & Recreation Committee covers routine updates and financial items. The agenda includes project status, finances, space allocation, and new business. No specific proposals or decisions are listed.

• Project status and updates
• Finances
• Space allocation and readiness
• New business
• Next steps and action items

The Playground & Recreation Committee voted unanimously to approve the purchase of a disc golf basket and a down payment for two bocce courts at Plummer's Field, as well as several other park equipment and improvement projects. It also approved a new toddler swing for Rockdale Park, a dedication for Tom Young at Linwood courts, a line‑painting invoice, and phase 1 of a camera upgrade at Linwood. The committee could not reach a unanimous vote on the request to add more pickleball courts to a Linwood basketball court, so that request was not approved.

• Approved purchase of one disc golf basket for Plummer's Field (unanimous)
• Approved down payment for two bocce courts at Plummer's Field (unanimous)
• Approved new toddler swing for Rockdale Park (unanimous)
• Approved dedication pursuit for Tom Young at Linwood courts (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of basketball equipment replacements (unanimous)
• Approved one-time line painting invoice for field shift (unanimous)
• Approved phase 1 capital camera upgrade at Linwood (unanimous)
• Failed to reach unanimous vote on adding more pickleball courts at Linwood (not approved)

Planning Board

The Northbridge Planning Board will review an ANR plan for 338 Church Street and discuss an informal proposal for a boutique retreat and wellness studio at 120 Hill Street and 41 Pine Street. The board will also hold a discussion on allowing recreational marijuana retail in the Business-1 and Business-3 zoning districts at Church Street/Plummers Corner. Old and new business includes updates on the 40R Smart Growth zoning application, a technical assistance grant for transfer development rights, and appointments to the Master Plan Update Steering Committee.

• Form A / ANR plan review for 338 Church Street (Assessor Map 14, Parcel 163)
• Informal project proposal discussion for Boutique Retreat & Wellness Studio at 120 Hill Street & 41 Pine Street
• Discussion on recreational marijuana retail zoning in Business-1 and Business-3 districts at Church Street/Plummers Corner
• Status update on 40R Smart Growth Zoning application to state EOHLC
• Master Plan Update public engagement scheduled for May 27, 2025

The Planning Board granted an ANR endorsement for 338 Church Street, allowing the creation of Lot 1 and Lot 2. The Board also approved the minutes from the April 8, 2025 meeting and appointed nine candidates to the Master Plan Update Steering Committee. No other actions were decided at this meeting.

• Granted ANR endorsement for 338 Church Street to create Lot 1 and Lot 2 (4‑0)
• Approved minutes from April 8 2025 (4‑0)
• Approved appointment of nine candidates to the Master Plan Update Steering Committee (4‑0)

School Committee

The School Committee will discuss the superintendent's summative evaluation process, the high school program of studies, and a line item transfer for transportation. They will also consider approving open school choice seats for 2025-2026 and applying for FY25 Circuit Breaker extraordinary relief. The consent agenda includes approval of meeting minutes and two warrants totaling $590,327.82. An executive session is planned for labor negotiations with union and non-union personnel.

• Discussion of Superintendent Summative Evaluation Process
• Discussion of NHS Program of Studies
• Line Item Transfer - Transportation
• Approval of Warrants 25-43 ($300,873.13) and 25-44 ($289,454.69)
• Open School Choice Seats for 2025-2026

Council On Aging

The Northbridge Council on Aging will discuss the outcome of the Annual Town Meeting's vote on Article 27 regarding a feasibility study for a new senior/community center. The board will also elect its executive board members and set the summer meeting schedule. Other business includes reports on the FY'25 town budget, transportation, and program coordination.

• Feasibility study for a new senior/community center — discussion on outcome of SATM Article #27
• Election of executive board members
• FY'25 town budget discussion
• Treasurer's reports for Transportation and FINE/COA
• Summer meeting schedule for June, July, and August

The council approved all routine reports—including the April meeting minutes, the treasurer's financial statements, the FY25 town budget, the program coordinator's update, and the director's report—by unanimous vote. They also voted unanimously to have the current officers remain on the Executive Board. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Accepted April meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted Treasurer’s April financial report (unanimous)
• Accepted FY25 town budget report (unanimous)
• Accepted Program/Volunteer Coordinator’s report (unanimous)
• Accepted Director’s report (unanimous)
• Approved continuation of current officers on Executive Board (unanimous)

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will discuss the Master Plan Update Initiative with the Central MA Regional Planning Commission and the Master Plan Update Steering Committee. They will also coordinate a Business Spotlight event with the Board of Selectmen and schedule future meetings. The committee will approve minutes from April 14, 2025.

• Master Plan Update Initiative discussion with Central MA Regional Planning Commission
• Scheduling and coordination of Business Spotlight with Board of Selectmen
• Setting next meeting date for June 9, 2025
• Approval of April 14, 2025 meeting minutes

The committee approved the minutes from the April 14, 2025 meeting by a unanimous 5‑0 vote. Members agreed that the Economic Development Committee will host the virtual sessions of the Master Plan Update Steering Committee. The discussion on scheduling and coordination with the Board of Selectmen was tabled for the next meeting. The next EDC and Master Plan Update Steering Committee meeting was scheduled for June 9, 2025 at 6:00 PM via Zoom.

• Approved April 14, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Agreed to host virtual Master Plan Update Steering Committee sessions
• Tabled discussion on scheduling & coordination with Board of Selectmen
• Scheduled next EDC & Master Plan Update Steering Committee meeting for June 9, 2025 at 6:00 PM via Zoom
• Scheduled next Master Plan Update Steering Committee meeting for May 27, 2025 at 7:00 PM at Town Hall
• Adjourned meeting

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to approve minutes from April 16, 2025, and receive updates from various public health roles. The meeting includes discussions on FPHS results and staffing updates for inspection and coordination services.

• Approval of April 16, 2025 minutes
• Review of FPHS Results
• Shared Services Coordinator updates
• Inspection Staff updates
• Updates from Epidemiologist and Public Health Nurse

The Board of Health approved the April 16, 2025 meeting minutes after Erin Robichaud moved and Linda Lermond seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. All other agenda items were informational updates; no additional actions or votes were taken.

• Approved April 16 minutes (unanimous)

Commission on Disabilities

The Commission on Disabilities will discuss a grant for the Linwood playground, accessibility at Sparetime bowling alley and Walmart pharmacy, and an update from the building inspector on the fire station. They will also consider removing absent member Carla Longpre and how to spend a $1,000 budget on equipment, including storage options.

• Linwood playground grant discussion
• Sparetime bowling alley accessibility
• Walmart pharmacy entrance
• Removal of absent member Carla Longpre
• Ideas for $1,000 budget and equipment storage

The commission approved the lower‑cost estimate for the Linwood Playground grant. It also agreed to partner with the playground commission to incorporate disability‑related murals in community projects. No other formal actions were adopted.

• Approved lower‑cost Linwood Playground grant estimate (no vote recorded)
• Agreed to collaborate with playground commission on inclusive murals (no vote recorded)

Town Clerk

The Town Clerk's office is conducting a required test of the computer program to be used for the Annual Town Election on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, as mandated by 950 C.M.R. § 54.02. No substantive policy decisions or public hearings are scheduled.

• Testing of election computer program per 950 C.M.R. § 54.02 for the May 20, 2025 Annual Town Election

Land Trail Stewardship Committee

The Land/Trail Stewardship Committee will debrief the Family Earth Day Event and discuss ideas for future events. They will also update on conservation lands, including switching trail markers at Castle Hill and Shining Rock, regular mowing of meadow trails at Castle Hill, and authorizing the purchase of a garden shed for committee supplies.

• Debrief of Family Earth Day Event and brainstorming next event
• Switching out colored trail markers at Castle Hill and Shining Rock
• Regular mowing of trails in meadows at Castle Hill
• Purchase garden shed for LTSC supplies and equipment (amount not specified)

Whitinsville -Downtown Crossroads Historic District Commission

The Whitinsville-Downtown Crossroads Historic District Commission will meet to approve minutes from prior meetings, receive updates from the Historical Commission, and continue planning for Northbridge Heritage Day 2025. New business includes discussion of a new red sign for the Cotton Mill. The agenda is largely operational and focused on community event logistics.

• Continued planning and logistics for Northbridge Heritage Day 2025, including tents, re-enactments, food, marketing, and funding coordination
• New red sign for the Whitinsville Cotton Mill at 17 Douglas Road
• Updates on scavenger hunt prizes from Unibank and landmarks insert wording
• Tracking down deeds and report from Historical Commission
• Approval of minutes from January 29 and April 24 meetings

The Historic District Commission approved the minutes from the April 24, 2025 meeting unanimously. The minutes from the January 29 meeting were tabled pending approval from additional attendees. The proposal for a new red sign at the Cotton Mill was also tabled. No other substantive actions were decided at this meeting.

• April 24 meeting minutes approved unanimously
• January 29 meeting minutes tabled
• Cotton Mill new red sign proposal tabled

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will discuss an enforcement update for a property off Sutton Street and review work and permitting requirements for two properties on Marston Road. The meeting also includes a citizens forum, approval of prior minutes, and a brief update on a dinner event. No formal votes are scheduled; all items are discussion items.

• Enforcement update, Map 25/Parcel 153, off Sutton Street
• Discussion of clearing and stump removal at 653 Marston Road with owner Tyler Goulding
• Discussion of permitting requirements to clear and extend backyard at 673 Marston Road
• Approval of minutes from April 16, 2025
• Update on B. Kinney Dinner

The Conservation Commission voted 5-0 to approve the April 16, 2025 meeting minutes. It also voted 5-0 to proceed with friendly enforcement at 653 Marston Road and to install markers on the existing stone wall. Commissioners agreed that an RDA with a buffer is appropriate for 673 Marston Road. They approved holding a dinner honoring Barbara Kinney on Thursday, May 22 at Red Rock.

• Approved April 16, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved friendly enforcement for 653 Marston Rd, install markers (5-0)
• Agreed RDA with buffer is appropriate for 673 Marston Rd (no vote)
• Agreed to hold Barbara Kinney dinner May 22 at Red Rock (no vote)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will meet to receive updates on Heritage Day and the status of historical signs. The body will also review proposals regarding the Fletcher House.

• Heritage Day update from WHDCD
• Historical signs status update
• Fletcher House proposals update

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is meeting to address Town Meeting business. The agenda does not list specific votes or dollar amounts for decision.

• Spring Annual Town Meeting business

The Finance Committee held its May 6, 2025 meeting and reported no items for action at the upcoming Spring Annual Town Meeting. A motion to adjourn the meeting was made, seconded, and approved unanimously. No substantive decisions were taken.

• Motion to adjourn approved unanimously

Board of Selectmen

This meeting is the Spring Annual Town Meeting. The agenda consists solely of procedural items including approval of minutes, a public hearing, appointments, citizens' comments, and town manager's report. No specific substantive decisions or discussions are listed.

• Approval of minutes from prior meetings
• Public hearing (no specific topic listed)
• Appointments and resignations
• Town meeting business discussion
• Executive session (purpose not specified)

Selectmen moved to adjourn the meeting at the conclusion of the Spring Annual Town Meeting. The motion was seconded and approved by all five board members. The meeting was formally adjourned at 10:52 PM.

• Adjourned meeting after Spring Annual Town Meeting (5-0)

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will hold a virtual meeting to review status updates on the Fletcher House historic preservation and Castle Hill Farm open space acquisition. The main decision item is a vote on recommendations for CPA warrant articles to be presented at the Spring Annual Town Meeting on May 6, 2025.

• Vote/recommendations on 2025 Spring Annual Town Meeting CPA warrant articles
• Status update on Fletcher House historic preservation restriction and building assessment
• Status update on Castle Hill Farm conservation restriction for open space acquisition
• Two committee vacancies: Northbridge Housing Authority and Playground & Recreation Commission

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will vote on the FY2026 Roads Program, which includes $499,000 for paving Carpenter Road, Prescott Road, Ash Street, Fowler Avenue, and West/Oak Streets, plus $60,000 for pavement markings. They will also consider requests from the Blackstone Valley Veterans Association for the Memorial Day parade and from the Firefighters (IAAF Local 3338) for a fireworks event, as well as appointments to the Youth Committee.

• Vote on FY2026 Roads Program totaling $559,000 for paving and markings on Carpenter Rd, Prescott Rd, Ash St, Fowler Ave, West/Oak St
• Request to hold Memorial Day parade on May 26, 2025, starting at 315 Church St, and use Memorial Park
• Request from Firefighters Local 3338 for fireworks on July 19, 2025 (rain date July 20): banner on Church St, entertainment license, closure of Linwood Ave 5–10:30 PM
• Appointments to Youth Committee: Caleb Smith, Kayla Bolduc, Andrew Wilkes (student reps), Alex Mazzarelli (college student rep)
• Approval of minutes and public hearing (not specified)

The Selectmen unanimously granted the Blackstone Valley Veterans Association permission to hold the annual Memorial Day Parade in Whitinsville on May 26, 2025, and to use Memorial Park for Memorial Day exercises. They also unanimously approved the firefighters' requests for a banner, an entertainment license, and a temporary closure of Linwood Avenue for the July 19 fireworks event. Youth Committee appointments were confirmed, with three members appointed unanimously and a fourth appointed with a 4‑yes, 1‑abstain vote.

• Appointed Caleb Smith, Kayla Bolduc, and Alex Mazzarelli to Youth Committee (unanimous)
• Appointed Andrew Wilkes to Youth Committee (yes: Melia, Paulhus, Collins, Ampagoomian; abstain: Michael Wilkes)
• Granted permission for Memorial Day Parade and Memorial Park use to Blackstone Valley Veterans Association (unanimous)
• Approved fireworks event banner, entertainment license, and Linwood Avenue closure (unanimous)

Building, Planning & Construction Comm

The Building, Planning & Construction Committee will interview three firms for the Library Renovation Project. The body will also review project invoices for the NES Demo Project and the Senior Center Feasibility Study.

• OPM interviews for Library Renovation Project: Left Field, CMS, and CHA
• NES Demo Project invoices
• Senior Center Feasibility Study invoices
• Fire Station Project update

The Building, Planning & Construction Committee voted 6‑0‑1 to choose Left Field as the OPM provider for the Northbridge Library renovation, after ranking it unanimously as the top firm. The committee also approved payment of four invoices: $225,625 for American Environmental, $133,295 for Apollo, $22,200 for the Senior Center feasibility study, and $7,559.78 for fire‑station bills, each passing 5‑0. The March 27, 2025 meeting minutes were approved (5‑0) and the meeting was adjourned (5‑0).

• Select Left Field for library OPM services – approved (6‑0‑1)
• Approve American Environmental invoice $225,625 – approved (5‑0)
• Approve Apollo invoice $133,295 – approved (5‑0)
• Approve Senior Center feasibility study invoice $22,200 – approved (5‑0)
• Approve fire‑station bills $7,559.78 – approved (5‑0)
• Approve March 27, 2025 meeting minutes – approved (5‑0)
• Adjourn meeting – approved (5‑0)

Town Manager

The Massachusetts Strategic Health Group board is meeting to discuss and potentially vote on stopping claims payments for the Town of Oxford, Town of Acushnet, and Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School due to their failure to address deficits. Other agenda items include a vote to accept the Town of Winchendon into the Aetna Retiree Plan, a finance director report, and updates on the transition to HPHC and SwiftMD for FY2026.

• Discussion and possible vote to stop paying claims for Oxford, Acushnet, and Tri-County effective immediately or an alternative date
• Discussion and possible vote to accept the Town of Winchendon into the Aetna Retiree Plan effective July 1, 2025
• Discussion on HPI runout fees and updates on transition to HPHC
• NFP update on stop-loss and pharmacy benefit marketing contracts
• Discussion regarding status of SwiftMD for FY 2026

Board of Selectmen

The Northbridge Board of Selectmen will consider renewing junk dealer and bowling licenses, approve the annual town election warrant, and vote on requests from the Village Congregational Church for a festival. Discussions will focus on a zoning expansion at 701 Church Street, the potential sale of the town's water system (Article 26), and borrowing for a new senior center design and construction (Article 27). The board will also affirm the appointment of a student police officer and accept a resignation from the Council on Aging.

• Discussion of Article 26 – Sale of the Town’s Water System with Whitinsville Water Company
• Discussion of Article 27 – Authorization to Borrow for Design and Construction of a New Senior Center
• Zoning expansion discussion for 701 Church Street (B3 Zone expansion)
• Village Congregational Church requests: use of Memorial Park, entertainment license, banner, and street closure for September 27, 2025 Harvest Festival
• 2025 Junk Dealers License Renewals and Bowling License Renewal votes

The Selectmen affirmed the appointment of John Ryan as a student police officer and accepted the resignation of Jean Finnegan from the Council on Aging. They renewed the 2025 junk dealers and bowling licenses, signed the May 20, 2025 election warrant, and granted the Village Congregational Church permission to use Memorial Park, an entertainment license, a banner, and a temporary street closure for its Harvest Festival. The board also accepted the Safety Committee's January 15 recommendations and moved to adjourn the meeting.

• Approved appointment of John Ryan as student police officer (unanimous)
• Accepted resignation of Jean Finnegan, Council on Aging (unanimous)
• Renewed 2025 Junk Dealers Licenses (unanimous)
• Renewed 2025 Bowling/Billiards Licenses (unanimous)
• Signed May 20, 2025 election warrant (unanimous)
• Approved Village Congregational Church requests: Memorial Park use, entertainment license, banner, and Church Street closure (unanimous)
• Accepted Safety Committee January 15, 2025 recommendations (unanimous)
• Motion to close public meeting passed (unanimous)

Whitinsville -Downtown Crossroads Historic District Commission

The Whitinsville-Downtown Crossroads Historic District Commission will continue planning for Northbridge Heritage Day 2025, covering logistics, re-enactments, food, marketing, and funding. It will also consider a new red sign for the Cotton Mill. Other business includes approving prior meeting minutes and receiving updates from the Historical Commission and deed tracking.

• Continued planning for Northbridge Heritage Day 2025, including logistics, re-enactments, scavenger hunt, and kids' activities
• New business: discussion of a new red sign for the Cotton Mill at 17 Douglas Road
• Update on tracking down deeds for historic properties
• Funding update: $1,000 from Unibank and $500 from Gaudette Insurance received for Heritage Day
• Marketing plan for Heritage Day including Facebook, Instagram, school newsletters, and local papers

The Historic District Commission approved the minutes from the January 29, February 26 and March 27 meetings, each by unanimous vote, and instructed Ellen to submit them to Town Clerk Linda. The commission noted a $1,200 contribution and a $950 grant from the Historical Commission, and confirmed receipt of a $1,000 Unibank grant and a $500 Gaudette Insurance grant. Ongoing planning for Heritage Day was discussed, including printing 500 maps, 250 passports, and coordinating volunteers and re‑enactments.

• Approved January 29 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved February 26 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved March 27 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Recorded $1,200 contribution from Historical Commission
• Recorded $950 grant from Historical Commission
• Accepted $1,000 grant from Unibank
• Accepted $500 grant from Gaudette Insurance
• Decided to print 500 maps and 250 passports for Heritage Day

Retirement Office

The Northbridge Retirement Board will hear a presentation from Laura Strickland, approve minutes from March, and discuss posting a public hearing for the FY26 cost-of-living adjustment for retirees. The board will also review cash books for February and March 2025, acknowledge one new retiree, and consider four withdrawal requests. No requests for buyback, liability, or transfer were received.

• Laura Strickland presentation
• 1 new retiree added to the system
• 4 applicants for withdrawal of funds
• Posting a public hearing for FY26 COLA for retirees
• Cash books for February and March 2025

The Northbridge Retirement Board unanimously approved several financial actions, including warrants and retirement fund transactions. It also denied membership for four employees and granted membership to four others. A public hearing notice on a FY26 cost‑of‑living adjustment was also approved.

• Approved warrants totaling $337,830.53 (4-0)
• Denied membership for Michael DeRienzo, Kara Francis, Michael Haslam, Patrick Knedor (4-0)
• Granted membership for Jack Cecconi, Ashley Concepcion-Cruz, Kevin Tempesta, Tiago Vital (4-0)
• Approved Option “A” retirement benefit for Barbara Kinney (4-0)
• Approved rollover of $784.93 for Andrew Johnson (4-0)
• Approved rollover of $41,425.23 for Sean McDevitt (4-0)
• Approved withdrawal of $8,365.53 for Nicole Darnell (4-0)
• Approved posting notice for public hearing on FY26 COLA (4-0)

Northbridge Retirement Board

The Northbridge Retirement Board will discuss posting a public hearing for the FY26 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for retirees. They will also approve minutes from the March 19 meeting, consider one new retiree, four withdrawal requests, and review cash books for February and March 2025. A presentation by Laura Strickland is scheduled.

• Laura Strickland presentation
• Approve minutes from March 19, 2025
• Consider 1 new retiree and 4 withdrawal requests
• Post public hearing for FY26 COLA for retirees
• Review cash books for February and March 2025

The Northbridge Retirement Board approved a notice for a public hearing on a FY26 COLA for retirees. It denied membership for four applicants who did not meet the 28‑hour workweek requirement and granted membership to four eligible employees. The board also approved retirement benefits and fund transactions, including a $337,830.53 warrant package and a $41,425.23 rollover for a police patrolman.

• Approved posting of public hearing notice for FY26 COLA (4-0)
• Denied membership for Michael DeRienzo, Kara Francis, Michael Haslam, Patrick Knedor (4-0)
• Granted membership to Jack Cecconi, Ashley Concepcion-Cruz, Kevin Tempesta, Tiago Vital (4-0)
• Approved Option “A” retirement benefit for Barbara Kinney (4-0)
• Approved rollover of $41,425.23 for Sean McDevitt (4-0)
• Approved withdrawal of $8,365.53 for Nicole Darnell (4-0)
• Approved warrants totaling $337,830.53 for April (4-0)
• Approved March bank reconciliations and fund transfers of $265,000.00 and $141,454.11 (4-0)

School Committee

The Northbridge School Committee will vote on a Food Service Management Company RFP and school choice for the 2025-2026 year. The body will also discuss updates to the transportation services policy.

• Food Service Management Company RFP
• School Choice for 2025-2026
• Warrant 25-41: $122,208.76
• Warrant 25-42: $448,249.50
• Policy EEAA - Transportation Services update

Board of Health

The Board of Health will consider a vote to take a minimum housing standards matter at 263 Church Street to Housing Court. The board will also discuss a vote to support water main construction at the Quaker Street Landfill.

• Vote on taking 263 Church Street to Housing Court regarding minimum standards
• Vote to support Article 19 for Quaker Street Landfill water main construction
• Application for 10-Day Emergency Beaver Permit at Purgatory Road
• Discussion of DEP Guidance Document Title 5 regarding Accessory Dwelling Units
• Updates on the interview process for the Health Educator/Inspector position

The Board approved the February 24 and March 18, 2025 meeting minutes. It issued a 10‑day emergency beaver permit for 481 Purgatory Road. The Board voted to support Article 19, which funds the Quaker Street Landfill water‑main construction, at the upcoming Town Meeting. It also ordered the housing violation case at 263 Church Street to be taken to Housing Court and approved offering the Regional Health Inspector/Educator position to Danielle Lemarr.

• Approved February 24, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved March 18, 2025 minutes (3-0, one abstention)
• Issued 10‑Day Emergency Beaver Permit for 481 Purgatory Road (unanimous)
• Supported Article 19 for Quaker Street Landfill water‑main construction (unanimous)
• Ordered housing case at 263 Church Street to be taken to Housing Court (unanimous)
• Voted to offer Regional Health Inspector/Educator position to Danielle Lemarr (vote affirmed)
• Motion to adjourn the meeting (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will continue a public hearing regarding wetland resource limits for properties off Providence Road. The board will also receive an enforcement update for a property off Sutton Street and plan upcoming community events.

• Public Hearing DEP #: 248-722: Resource Area Delineation for Map 14/Parel 17 and Map 25/Parcels 21 and 205 (off Providence Road)
• Enforcement Update for Map 25/Parcel 153 (off Sutton Street)
• Planning for Earth Day Event at Castle Hill Farm on 4/27/25
• Attendance at Boardwalk Ribbon Cutting Event on 4/22/25

The Conservation Commission closed the public hearing on the draft Order of Resource Area Delineation (ORAD) with a 5-0 vote. It then voted 5-0 to issue the final ORAD for the BK & R, LLC project on Providence Road. The Commissioners also approved the April 2, 2025 meeting minutes and adjourned the meeting, each by a 5-0 vote.

• Closed public hearing on ORAD (5-0)
• Issued Order of Resource Area Delineation (5-0)
• Approved April 2, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Safety Committee

The Safety Committee will discuss multiple resident requests for traffic signs and no-parking zones, including a Children at Play sign at 651 Hill St. and stop signs at Tipperary Drive/Dublin Way. The committee will also review the status of ongoing street projects, including Complete Streets on Linwood Avenue and the Church Avenue reconstruction.

• Children at Play sign request for 651 Hill St.
• Stop sign request at Tipperary Drive/Dublin Way
• Handicap space request on Douglas Rd.
• No parking requests on Elm St. and Upper Cottage St. (#116)
• Status update on Church Avenue Roadway & Infrastructure Reconstruction Project (CDBG)

The committee unanimously approved several traffic and parking measures, including new stop signs at Tipperary Dr/Dublin Way and a second handicap parking space on Douglas Road. Requests for Children at Play signs on Hill Street and a no‑parking zone on Elm Street were denied. Parking was restricted in front of 116 Cottage Street, and the site plan for 1 Plummers Corner was accepted.

• Approved additional stop signs at Tipperary Dr/Dublin Way (unanimous)
• Denied Children at Play signs request for 652 Hill Street (unanimous)
• Approved adding a second handicap space on Douglas Road (unanimous)
• Denied no‑parking request on one side of Elm Street (unanimous)
• Approved parking restriction in front of #116 Cottage Street (unanimous)
• Approved site plan for 1 Plummers Corner (unanimous)
• Denied current design layout of 122/Sutton Street/School Street intersection (unanimous)
• Approved upholding minutes of Jan. 15, 2025 (unanimous)

Historical Commission

The Northbridge Historical Commission will consider approval of minutes from its March 5 meeting, receive an update on Heritage Day from the WHDCD, and discuss and potentially approve placement and signage of historical markers. Proposals for the Fletcher House will also be reviewed. Additional items requiring timely review or action may be addressed.

• Approval of minutes from March 5, 2025
• Heritage Day update from WHDCD
• Discussion and approval of historical marker placement and signage
• Fletcher House Proposals
• Other items requiring timely review or action

Board of Health

The Board of Health is meeting virtually to approve previous minutes and discuss hiring for the Blackstone Valley Partnership for Public Health. The board will also review a strategic planning proposal.

• Approval of March 26, 2025 minutes
• BVPPH interviews and hiring
• Strategic Planning Proposal review

The Board approved the March 26 minutes and unanimously voted to extend a hiring offer to Danielle Lemarr at the posted salary range of $65k‑75k, with a contingency offer to Elise if needed. The Strategic Planning project was placed on pause pending future funding. Salary increases for two staff members and funding for members to attend the MEHA conference were also approved.

• Approved March 26 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved hiring offer to Danielle Lemarr, salary $65k‑75k (unanimous)
• Approved contingency offer to Elise, salary $65k‑75k (unanimous)
• Paused Strategic Planning project until funding is available (unanimous)
• Approved 3% salary increase for Jenna Gouin, retroactive to March 26 (unanimous)
• Approved 1.5% salary increase for Deb Vescera, retroactive to Feb 28 (unanimous)
• Approved funding for BVPPH members to attend MEHA on May 28 (unanimous)

Whitinsville Social Library

The Board of Trustees will meet to review the Director's and Treasurer's reports. The board is scheduled to vote on a fundraising policy and approve the minutes from the February 11, 2025 meeting.

• Vote on fundraising policy
• Review of IMLS & MBLC reports
• Discussion of staffing and summer reading
• OPM Reviews
• Carpet cleaning

The trustees unanimously approved the meeting minutes. They also unanimously voted to table a reading of the fundraising policy until the June meeting. The board agreed to recommend interviewing LeftField, CMS, CHA and Collier to the Town Manager.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled reading of fundraising policy until June meeting (unanimous)
• Recommend interviewing LeftField, CMS, CHA, Collier (no vote recorded)

Northbridge Housing Authority

The Northbridge Housing Authority will hold a regular meeting to approve prior minutes, review financial reports, and receive updates from the Executive Director. Old business includes discussion of the Upton Updates management contract. New business covers CFA, CIP, and two capital projects numbered 216089 and 216079.

• Approval of December 17, 2024 and March 25, 2025 board meeting minutes
• Accounts Payable warrant summary report 3/25/2025 – 4/15/2025
• Upton Updates: Management Contract discussion
• Capital projects 216089 and 216079 listed under new business

Trustees of Soldiers' Memorials

The Trustees of Soldiers’ Memorials will discuss progress on the World War I Memorial refurbishment, including cleaning, new lighting, and a bronze plaque design. They will also consider the 2025 Outstanding Service Award, Memorial Day program, and a bench location for the award. Other items include a landscaping project at the Whitinsville Korean/World War II Memorial and updates from the Veterans Task Force.

• Whitinsville Korean/World War II Memorial landscaping project
• 2025 Outstanding Service Award with Memorial Day program and bench location
• World War I Memorial refurbishment: cleaning/sealing plan, lighting, landscaping, bronze plaque design
• Update from Veterans Task Force
• Relocation of the Fireman’s Tribute Stone

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the March 11 meeting. They approved a $4,000 quote from Susienka Landscape and Design for stump removal and planting at the Whitinsville/Korean War Memorial, and a $950 estimate from J.F. Rosseel Contracting to clean and reseal the World War I Monument. Trustees also agreed that Dick Trier will draft a letter to the selectmen about moving the Fireman's Memorial.

• Approved minutes of March 11, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved $4,000 contract with Susienka Landscape and Design for Whitinsville/Korean War Memorial work (motion made and seconded)
• Approved $950 estimate with J.F. Rosseel Contracting for WWI Monument cleaning and resealing (unanimous)
• Dick Trier will draft a letter to the selectmen requesting relocation of the Fireman's Memorial
• Noted two trustee seats are up for election; no petitions filed yet

Playground & Recreation Comm

The Playground & Recreation Committee will meet to discuss project updates and financial matters. The body will also review space allocation and readiness.

• Project status and updates
• Finances
• Space allocation and readiness

The Playground & Recreation Committee approved the town's $35,000 operating budget and a partnership to install a community batting cage with a $1,000 budget cap. It also allocated $15,000 for a security system at Linwood and $28,000 for updates to Plummer’s Landing Skate Park. The committee voted 3‑1 to allow Big Daddy's Bites food truck full access at Linwood Fields and decided to hold off on spray‑paint walls and the Tot Lot renovation.

• Approved $35,000 operating budget
• Approved $15,000 allocation for Linwood security system
• Approved $28,000 for Plummer’s Landing Skate Park updates
• Approved partnership to install batting cage, budget not to exceed $1,000 (vote yes)
• Approved engagement with Artisan Skateparks to obtain quote for concrete skate ramp
• Decided to hold off on adding spray‑paint walls at Plummer’s Landing Skate Park
• Declined Tot Lot renovation budget; project placed on hold
• Approved Big Daddy's Bites food truck full access at Linwood Fields, vote 3‑1

Commission on Disabilities

The Northbridge Commission on Disabilities will discuss the grant process for the Linwood Playground and review updates from the fire station building inspector and the Massachusetts Office on Disability. The meeting also includes approving previous minutes, extending remote meeting authorization, and distributing a sexual harassment policy form.

• Discussion of grant process for the Linwood Playground
• Remote meeting law extension
• Acknowledge of sexual harassment policy form
• Fire station-building inspector update
• MOD (Massachusetts Office on Disability) updates

The commission approved the March 18 minutes. They voted to initiate the formal removal process for chronically absent member Carla Longpre with the town clerk. No other substantive decisions were made; the commission discussed various accessibility concerns and planned future actions.

• Approved March 18 minutes (vote passed)
• Initiated removal process for member Carla Longpre (vote passed)

Board of Selectmen

The Board will vote on article positions for the Spring Annual Town Meeting on May 6, 2025. They will also consider several license requests, including one-day wine/malt licenses for the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce and entertainment licenses for the Whitin Community Center. Other decisions include an inter-municipal agreement for veterans' services, a request to extend operating hours at Pirates Cove, and appointments to town committees.

• Vote on article positions for May 6 Annual Town Meeting warrant
• Request to change hours at Pirates Cove, 74 Providence Road, Linwood from Mon–Sat to daily 6 AM–10 PM
• One-day wine/malt licenses for Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce on April 17, July 17, October 9, 2025 at Hebert Hall, 670 Linwood Ave
• Entertainment licenses for Whitin Community Center events: June 7 picnic (live band) and August 16 cars show (recorded music)
• Inter-Municipal Agreement for Blackstone Valley Veterans' Services District

The Selectmen unanimously approved prior meeting minutes, appointed Richard Gorzela to the Land Trail Stewardship Committee, opted into early voting for the annual town election, and approved several licensing and operational requests. They also approved the Inter‑Municipal Agreement for the Blackstone Valley Veterans’ Services District and the sale of Pine Grove Cemetery Lot 48. The Board voted to support all Spring Annual Town Meeting warrant articles except Article 4, which was rejected (yes: Wilkes, Ampagoomian, Collins; no: Melia, Paulhus), and to skip Article 28.

• Approved November 4, 2024 minutes (unanimous)
• Appointed Richard Gorzela to Land Trail Stewardship Committee (unanimous)
• Opted into early voting for the annual town election (unanimous)
• Approved one‑day wine/malt licenses for WSN meetings at Hebert Hall (unanimous)
• Approved outdoor entertainment licenses for Whitin Community Center events (unanimous)
• Approved Inter‑Municipal Agreement for Blackstone Valley Veterans’ Services District (unanimous)
• Approved sale of Pine Grove Cemetery Lot 48 to Andre and Kristen Markarian (unanimous)
• Approved all Town Meeting warrant articles except Article 4 (rejected) and passed over Article 28 (unanimous motion)

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will discuss the Master Plan Update Initiative, including selecting a representative for the Steering Committee and partnering with the Planning Board to host meetings. The agenda also includes approval of February 10 meeting minutes, a discussion of the committee's mission statement and goals, and old/new business items such as two committee vacancies, remote meeting legislation (House Bill No. 62), and scheduling a business spotlight with the Board of Selectmen. Public input will be taken.

• Discussion of Master Plan Update Steering Committee representative
• Partnership with Planning Board for steering committee meetings
• Consideration of committee vacancies (2)
• Review of House Bill No. 62 regarding remote/virtual meetings
• Scheduling of Business Spotlight with Board of Selectmen

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the February 10, 2025 meeting. They also unanimously appointed Ken Chilton as the Economic Development Committee’s representative on the Master Plan Update Steering Committee. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved February 10, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Appointed Ken Chilton to Master Plan Update Steering Committee as EDC rep (unanimous)

Whitinsville -Downtown Crossroads Historic District Commission

The Land/Trail Stewardship Committee will discuss final cleanup of the Mumford Riverwalk entrance ahead of its ribbon cutting on April 22, and review over-trimming and trail marker updates on Yellowthroat Trail. They will also plan logistics for a Family Earth Day Celebration at Castle Hill Farm Conservation Land on April 27, including parking, signage, and activities. The meeting begins with approval of prior minutes.

• Final cleanup of Mumford Riverwalk entrance before ribbon cutting on 4/22 at 4 PM
• Over-trimming and mowing of Yellowthroat Trail (upper meadow) and switching trail markers
• Family Earth Day Celebration at Castle Hill Farm (4/27, 10 AM–2 PM; rain date 5/4) with tasks: advertising, parking attendants, directional signs, prizes, scavenger hunt, tables, porta potty, food truck, canopies, water
• Blackstone Valley Heritage Corridor Hike at Castle Hill on 4/19, 8–11:30 AM
• Next meeting: May 15, 2025 at Town Hall BOS Meeting Room

Land Trail Stewardship Committee

The Land Trail Stewardship Committee is coordinating final preparations for the Mumford Riverwalk and Boardwalk opening. The body is also planning logistics for a Family Earth Day Celebration at Castle Hill Farm Conservation Land.

• Mumford Riverwalk and Boardwalk ribbon cutting on 4/22/25
• Yellowthroat Trail mowing and marker updates
• Blackstone Valley Heritage Corridor Hike at Castle Hill on 4/19/25
• Family Earth Day Celebration at Castle Hill Farm Conservation Land on 4/27/25

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Northbridge Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a continued public hearing for a special permit to convert a non-conforming single-family residence at 128 Linwood Avenue into five residential units without expanding the footprint. The board will also hear a new variance application from Amanda and Darren Drew for an addition within the rear yard setback at 269 Fir Hill Lane. Approval of the February 13, 2025 meeting minutes is also on the agenda.

• Continued public hearing (01-SP-25) for Leanne Espinosa: special permit to convert a non-conforming single-family home into five units at 128 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville (Map 5, Parcel 63), in Business Two Zoning District; owned by Ahmed Faridi
• New public hearing (2-V-25) for Amanda & Darren Drew: variance for an addition within the rear yard setback at 269 Fir Hill Lane (Map 19, Parcel 375), in Residential 1 Zoning District
• Approval of meeting minutes from February 13, 2025

The Zoning Board approved the February 13 minutes (4‑0) and continued a public hearing for Leanne Espinosa (5‑0). After hearing from Amanda Drew, the board approved a 16‑by‑12 three‑season room variance for 269 Fir Hill Lane (5‑0) and then closed the hearing and the meeting (both 5‑0).

• Approved February 13 minutes (4-0)
• Continuance of Leanne Espinosa hearing (5-0)
• Closed public hearing (5-0)
• Approved 16x12 three-season room variance at 269 Fir Hill Lane (5-0)
• Closed the meeting (5-0)

Whitinsville Social Library

The Board of Trustees will meet to review the Director's and Treasurer's reports. The board is scheduled to vote on a fundraising policy.

• Vote on fundraising policy
• Review of IMLS & MBLC reports
• Discussion of staffing and summer reading
• OPM Reviews

Planning Board

The Northbridge Planning Board will hold a discussion on the Master Plan update, covering public engagement, a community survey, and next steps. The agenda also includes reviews of several subdivision developments: Presidential Farms Phase IV on Washington Street and Camelot Estates Phases I-IV on Rebecca Road, Joseph Circle, Genivieve Drive, and Grace Street. Additionally, the board will discuss the status of the 40R Smart Growth Zoning application to the state and a technical assistance grant for Transfer Development Rights.

• Master Plan update discussion with public engagement, community survey, and steering committee next steps
• Presidential Farms (Phase IV) on Washington Street subdivision review
• Camelot Estates (Phases I-IV) on Rebecca Road, Joseph Circle, Genivieve Drive, and Grace Street subdivision review
• Status update on 40R Smart Growth Zoning application to EOHLC
• Transfer Development Rights Technical Assistance Grant status update

The Board voted 5‑0 to approve the minutes from the March 11, 2025 meeting. The session also included updates on the Master Plan, the upcoming Spring Annual Town Meeting, and federal grant funding, but no further actions were taken.

• Approved March 11, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)

School Committee

The Northbridge School Committee will meet on April 8, 2025, to discuss school choice for the 2025-2026 school year, FY26 user fees, a food service management company RFP, and middle school math curriculum. The committee is scheduled to take action on FY26 user fees. The meeting also includes an executive session for strategy on non-union personnel negotiations.

• Discussion of School Choice for 2025-2026
• Discussion and action on FY26 User Fees
• Food Service Management Company RFP
• Middle School Math Curriculum discussion
• Consent agenda includes Warrant 25-39 for $86,364.26 and Warrant 25-40 for $252,097.75

Council On Aging

The Northbridge Council on Aging will meet to review budget and coordinator reports. The session includes a presentation from the Worcester Regional Transit Authority on community shuttles and a discussion regarding a feasibility study for a new senior/community center.

• WRTA presentation on Northbridge area community shuttles
• FY’25 Town Budget review
• Feasibility study for a new senior/community center
• Notice of second public meeting on April 15, 2025, at 7pm

The meeting began at 9:03 AM and was adjourned at 9:24 AM. Because a quorum was not present, no votes were taken and no actions were approved or denied. Financial reports for March 2025 were presented, and upcoming events such as the May officer elections and a second public meeting on a new senior/community center were announced.

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will discuss the status of preservation and conservation restrictions for Fletcher House and Castle Hill Farm. The body will also vote on recommendations for CPA Warrant Articles for the May 06, 2025, Spring Annual Town Meeting.

• Fletcher House: Status of Preservation Restriction & Building Assessment Report
• Castle Hill Farm Acquisition: Status of Conservation Restriction
• 2025 SATM CPA Warrant Article(s) vote and recommendations
• Committee vacancies for Northbridge Housing Authority and Playground & Recreation Commission

The committee unanimously approved the March 3, 2025 meeting minutes. It also authorized an approximate $250 payment to Town Counsel for reviewing the CPA grant agreement and covenant documents for Fletcher House. No other substantive actions were decided at this meeting.

• Approved March 3, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Authorized approx. $250 payment for Fletcher House CPA grant review

Board of Health

The Northbridge Board of Health will meet virtually on April 16, 2025. Agenda items include approval of March 26 minutes, interviews and hiring for the Blackstone Valley Partnership for Public Health (BVPPH), and a strategic planning proposal review. No other details or financial figures are provided in the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from March 26, 2025
• BVPPH interviews and hiring discussion
• Strategic planning proposal review

School Committee

The Northbridge School Committee Budget Sub-committee will meet to discuss FY26 user fees. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the session is limited to discussion of the proposed fee structure for the upcoming fiscal year.

• Discussion of FY26 User Fees

School Committee

The Northbridge School Committee Curriculum Sub-Committee will meet to discuss specific educational materials and course offerings. The agenda focuses on two primary discussion items regarding mathematics curriculum.

• Discussion of Algebra 1.5 course
• Discussion of Illustrative Math

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will continue a public hearing to confirm wetland resource limits on three parcels off Providence Road. It will also consider a request for a Certificate of Compliance for Berky Park. Other items include planning an Earth Day event and attending a boardwalk ribbon cutting.

• Continued public hearing, DEP #248-722: Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation for Map 14/Parcel 17 and Map 25/Parcels 21 and 205 off Providence Road (applicant: BK & R, LLC)
• Request for Certificate of Compliance, DEP #248-708: Berky Park, 2217 Providence Road (applicant: Northbridge DPW)
• Status/planning of Earth Day Event at Castle Hill Farm (4/27/25, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
• Attendance at Boardwalk Ribbon Cutting Event (4/22/25, 4:00 PM)

The Conservation Commission approved a Certificate of Compliance for Berky Park after confirming work completion and water availability. They also voted to continue the public hearing on the Resource Area Delineations to April 16, 2025. The March 5 meeting minutes were approved and the meeting was adjourned.

• Issued Certificate of Compliance for Berky Park (5-0)
• Continued public hearing on Resource Area Delineations to April 16, 2025 (5-0)
• Approved March 5, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (5-0)

Building, Planning & Construction Comm

The Northbridge Building, Planning & Construction Committee will receive updates on several town projects, including the Fire Station Project, NES Demo Project, NES Senior Center Feasibility Study, Town Hall Annex Early Childcare Project, and Library Renovation Project. The committee will also discuss outstanding items and assign members to review submittals for the Library Renovation Project.

• Fire Station Project update from CHA plus discuss outstanding items (TGAS/MOCC)
• NES Demo Project update from Apollo (OPM) plus pay invoices
• NES Senior Center Feasibility Study update from Town Manager plus pay invoice
• Town Hall Annex Early Childcare Project update from Town Manager plus pay invoice
• Library Renovation Project: assign members to review OPM submittals for potential interviews

The Building, Planning & Construction Committee approved several invoices and contract amendments, all passing unanimously (7-0). Payments included the fire station bill, an amendment to the NES demolition contract, and multiple service invoices totaling over $600,000. The committee also approved the senior‑center feasibility study invoice and the Town Hall Annex childcare project invoice. Minutes from the February meeting were approved and the session was adjourned.

• Approved $8,646.90 fire station bill schedule (7-0)
• Approved $6,295.00 Apollo contract amendment #1 for NES Demo (7-0)
• Approved $113,000 Apollo invoice #4 for NES Demo (7-0)
• Approved $537 payment to Norel Service Company (7-0)
• Approved $853 payment to R. Harris Plumbing and Heating (7-0)
• Approved $424,935 payment for American Environmental Application 1 (NES Demo) (7-0)
• Approved $29,600 Abacus invoice for NES Senior Center (7-0)
• Approved $16,928.40 Austin Architects invoice for Town Hall Annex (7-0)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will consider approving the minutes from February 25, 2025, and discuss the FPHS (Foundational Public Health Services) Service Delivery Tool. The agenda also includes unanticipated business and adjournment.

• Approval of minutes from February 25, 2025
• Discussion of FPHS Service Delivery Tool

The board unanimously approved the February 25th meeting minutes. A motion was made to allocate grant‑allowable funding for BVPPH staff and members to attend the MAPHN annual conference, but the minutes do not record a vote outcome. The meeting also included updates on public‑health standards, inspections, community health workers, epidemiology, and nursing, with no additional actions recorded.

• Approved February 25th minutes (unanimous)
• Motion to approve grant‑allowable funding for conference attendance (outcome not recorded)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will hold a public meeting to discuss all articles in the Spring Annual Town Meeting Warrant and the proposed operating budget as submitted. No specific articles or dollar amounts are detailed in the notice. The meeting is open to the public.

• Review of all articles in the Spring Annual Town Meeting Warrant
• Review of the proposed operating budget

Finance Committee

The Northbridge Finance Committee will hold a public meeting on the town budget per the Town Charter, receive an update from the Town Manager on the FY2026 revenue outlook and budget, and hear resident testimony. The committee will then vote on position recommendations for Spring Annual Town Meeting warrant articles.

• Public meeting on the budget per Section 6-6(a) of the Town Charter
• Town Manager FY2026 Budget Update including revenue outlook
• Spring Annual Town Meeting Warrant review
• Resident/Taxpayer testimony
• Finance Committee vote on warrant article positions

The Finance Committee opened and later closed a public hearing, both unanimously. It unanimously approved Articles 1, 3, 7, and 9, and approved Article 4 to add $4,950,000 for the school department with a 5‑1 vote. All other motions were adopted unanimously.

• Opened public hearing (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing (unanimous)
• Approved Article 1 (Board of Selectmen) – unanimous
• Approved Article 3 (Finance Committee) – unanimous
• Approved Article 4 (School Committee) – 5-1
• Approved Article 7 (Board of Selectmen road bond) – unanimous
• Approved Article 8 (Board of Selectmen compensating balance) – unanimous
• Approved Article 9 (Board of Selectmen revolving‑fund limits) – unanimous

Whitinsville -Downtown Crossroads Historic District Commission

The Whitinsville-Downtown Crossroads Historic District Commission is coordinating logistics for Northbridge Heritage Day 2025. The body is discussing marketing, funding, and educational activities, including a scavenger hunt and a film at Singh Theater.

• Planning for Northbridge Heritage Day 2025 logistics and marketing
• Discussion of a new red sign for the Cotton Mill
• Review of alcohol license update for Murder Hill
• Coordination of insurance for the forge
• Development of a map insert and landmark descriptions

Northbridge Housing Authority

The Northbridge Housing Authority will meet to review financial reports and the Executive Director's report. The board will discuss the annual plan and wage match under new business.

• Approval of November 26, 2024, meeting minutes
• Accounts Payable warrant summary report for 2/18/2025 – 3/25/2025
• Upton management contract updates
• Annual Plan
• Wage match

Town Manager

The Massachusetts Strategic Health Group board will meet to discuss performance deficiencies with HPL representatives and review FY26 rates. The board will also consider the withdrawal of several members effective July 1, 2025.

• Possible vote to authorize withdrawal of Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School District, Collaborative for Educational Services, Town of Acushnet, and Town of Oxford effective July 1, 2025
• Discussion and possible vote to approve recommended FY26 rates
• Discussion and possible vote on timeline for recovering outstanding deficits
• Discussion with HPL representatives regarding plans to correct performance deficiencies
• Discussion regarding administration of runout claims for members withdrawing July 1, 2025

School Committee

The Northbridge School Committee will meet on March 25, 2025, to discuss and possibly act on FY26 user fees and the 2025-2026 school calendar. The consent agenda includes two warrants totaling $460,829.48 and meeting minutes.

• Consent agenda: Warrant 25-37 ($165,164.58) and Warrant 25-38 ($295,664.90)
• Discussion and action on FY26 user fees
• Discussion and action on School Calendar 2025-2026
• Student representative report and superintendent's report

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will hold a public hearing on the FY2025 CDBG grant application and a progress report on the FY2024 grant. They will vote on appointments, including a wastewater treatment plant operator and reappointments to the Board of Registrars, and accept a resignation from the Disability Commission. The board will also decide on a cemetery deed sale, sign the warrant for the Annual Town Meeting, and consider placing a Senior Center Debt Exclusion Question and a FY2026 NPS Override on the Annual Town Election ballot. A discussion on the Planning Board Master Plan Update is also scheduled.

• Public hearing for FY2025 Massachusetts CDBG Program Grant Application and FY2024 Grant Progress Report
• Vote to appoint Jack Cecconi as Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator in Training
• Vote to place a Senior Center Debt Exclusion Question on the Annual Town Election ballot
• Possible vote to put FY2026 NPS Override on the ballot, presented by the School Committee
• Riverdale Cemetery deed sale to Frederic and Pamela Archambault (Lot 4, Row 1A, Willow Ave.)

The Selectmen unanimously approved the Town Manager's appointment of Jack Cecconi as Operator‑in‑Training for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. They also reappointed Linda Zywien and Janet Burke to the Board of Registrars. The public hearing on the FY2025 CDBG program was closed without further votes.

• Approved Jack Cecconi appointment as Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator‑in‑Training (vote: Collins, Melia, Wilkes, Paulhus yes)
• Reappointed Linda Zywien to Board of Registrars (vote: Collins, Melia, Wilkes, Paulhus yes)
• Reappointed Janet Burke to Board of Registrars (vote: Collins, Melia, Wilkes, Paulhus yes)
• Entered executive session to discuss personnel matters (vote: Collins, Melia, Wilkes, Paulhus yes)
• Closed the FY2025 CDBG public hearing (vote: Collins, Paulhus, Melia, Wilkes yes)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen is discussing the Planning Board's Comprehensive Master Plan Update, which includes a public survey and formation of a 5- to 9-resident Steering Committee. The plan aims to guide land use, housing, transportation, and infrastructure over the next 10–15 years. No votes or decisions are listed; this appears to be an informational update.

• Public survey via SurveyMonkey to gather community input
• Formation of a Master Plan Update Steering Committee of 5–9 residents
• Partnership with Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC)
• Contact: Northbridge Community Planning & Development at (508) 234-2447
• Talent Bank forms accepted for committee interest by Town Manager's Office

Cultural Council

The Northbridge Cultural Council will meet to approve minutes from a previous meeting and vote on a grant extension.

• Vote to approve grant extension

Retirement Office

The Retirement Board will meet to process applications for new retirees and fund transfers. The board will also review cash books for January 2025 and the Q4 2024 PRIM Board Quarterly Update.

• 8 applicant reviews
• 1 new retiree
• 1 member request for buyback/make-up
• 3 requests for withdrawal of funds
• 1 request for transfer of funds

The Northbridge Retirement Board approved March warrants totaling $406,457.30 and accepted the February 19 meeting minutes (3‑0). It denied membership for three applicants and granted membership to six new members (both 5‑0). Several retiree financial actions were approved, including a retirement benefit for John Brosnahan, makeup service for Joshua Harris, rollovers for John Grimaldi and others, and a fund transfer for Sara Sun (all 5‑0). The meeting was adjourned unanimously (5‑0).

• Approved March warrants totaling $406,457.30 (unanimous)
• Accepted February 19, 2025 minutes (3‑0 unanimous)
• Denied membership for Sosie Derkosrofian, Kimberly Janes, Amanda Scott (5‑0 unanimous)
• Granted membership for Jarrad Brown, Quinn Donovan, Jessica Glennon, Alivia Harrison, Lynn Marchand, Mark Ricard (5‑0 unanimous)
• Approved Option “B” retirement benefit for John Brosnahan (5‑0 unanimous)
• Approved makeup of 1 yr 8 mo service for Joshua Harris at $4,910.94 (5‑0 unanimous)
• Approved rollover of $23,292.66 for John Grimaldi (5‑0 unanimous)
• Approved transfer of $2,217.20 for Sara Sun (5‑0 unanimous)

Finance Committee

The Northbridge Finance Committee will hear presentations on the Blackstone Valley Tech FY2026 budget and the Northbridge Public Schools FY2026 budget, including an override discussion and capital projects. The Town Manager will provide an FY2026 budget update and discuss the Spring Annual Town Meeting warrant draft. The committee will also approve minutes and discuss other projects.

• Blackstone Valley Tech FY2026 Budget Presentation
• Northbridge Public Schools FY2026 Budget with Override Discussion
• Capital Projects/Articles for the schools
• Town Manager FY2026 Preliminary Budget update
• Spring Annual Town Meeting Warrant Draft discussion

The Finance Committee reviewed the FY 2026 budget presentations from Blackstone Valley Tech (BVT) and Northbridge Public Schools (NPS), including a proposed $4.95 million override. No votes were taken on the budgets or the override; the only formal action was approving the March 12, 2025 meeting minutes. The committee also discussed a BVT capital stabilization fund warrant article that is under legal review.

• Approved March 12, 2025 Finance Committee meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Reviewed BVT FY2026 budget of $32,225,637, a 5.77% increase
• Reviewed NPS FY2026 proposed budget of $33,430,218, a 3.38% increase
• Discussed proposed $4.95 million override with phased tax rate increases
• Noted BVT capital stabilization fund warrant article under legal review

School Committee

The Northbridge School Committee will hold a discussion and then take action on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. This is the primary item on the agenda, with public comment scheduled between the discussion and the vote.

• FY26 Budget discussion and action

Northbridge Retirement Board

The Northbridge Retirement Board is meeting to conduct standard administrative business, including approving previous meeting minutes, reviewing applications for new membership and retirement, and processing requests for buybacks, withdrawals, and transfers. The agenda is primarily procedural with no major policy decisions or public hearings scheduled.

• Approve minutes from February 19, 2025 board meeting
• Review applications from 8 new members and 1 new retiree
• Consider 1 buyback/make-up request and 3 withdrawal of funds requests
• Review cash books for January 2025; February cash books to be available at April meeting
• Note upcoming PRIM presentation and MACRS conference in April/June

The Retirement Board voted unanimously to approve warrants totaling $406,457.30 for March. It also denied membership for three employees who did not meet the 28‑hour workweek requirement and granted membership to six other employees. Several retiree benefit, rollover, and fund‑transfer applications were approved, including a $4,910.94 service‑makeup for a part‑time employee.

• Approved $406,457.30 in March warrants (5‑0)
• Denied membership for Sosie Derkosrofian, Kimberly Janes, Amanda Scott (5‑0)
• Granted membership for Jarrad Brown, Quinn Donovan, Jessica Glennon, Alivia Harrison, Lynn Marchand, Mark Ricard (5‑0)
• Approved Option “B” retirement benefit for John Brosnahan (5‑0)
• Approved makeup of 1 yr 8 mo service for Joshua Harris at ~$4,910.94 (5‑0)
• Approved rollover of $17,274.25 for Linda Baillie (5‑0)
• Approved rollover of $23,292.66 for John Grimaldi (5‑0)
• Approved transfer of $2,217.20 for Sara Sun (5‑0)

School Committee

The Northbridge School Committee will hold an open public hearing to present and receive comment on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. No budget figures are specified in the agenda. The remainder of the meeting consists of procedural items.

• Open public hearing for FY26 budget, including a budget presentation and public comment period

Board of Health

The Board of Health is holding a meeting to provide information to residents regarding the Quaker Street Landfill.

• Informational meeting for residents regarding Quaker Street Landfill

The Northbridge Board of Health held an informational meeting for residents about the Quaker Street Landfill, where the design of a new water main is under development by the Whitinsville Water Company. Town funding for the main will be sought at the May 6, 2025 Town Meeting, with laterals to be funded in Spring 2026. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational only.

• Held informational meeting on Quaker Street Landfill water main (no vote)
• Noted Town Meeting article for $3.7M water main construction (May 6, 2025)
• Noted plan for laterals funding at Spring 2026 Town Meeting
• Adjourned at 8:35 PM (all in favor)

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will consider approval of February meeting minutes and discuss its mission statement and goals. A key item is the Master Plan Update Survey Questionnaire focused on economic development. Under old/new business, the committee will discuss Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2023 regarding remote meetings, recap the recent Home & Community Expo, and address committee vacancies.

• Review of Master Plan Update Survey Questionnaire for Economic Development
• Discussion of Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2023 on remote/virtual meetings
• Recap of 2025 Home & Community Expo held March 15
• Discussion of Business Spotlight initiative
• Committee vacancies and scheduling of next meetings on April 14 and May 12

The Economic Development Committee meeting scheduled for March 17, 2025 was cancelled and not convened. Agenda items will be carried over to the next meeting on April 14, 2025. No substantive decisions were made.

• Meeting cancelled and not convened
• Agenda items deferred to April 14, 2025 meeting

Land Trail Stewardship Committee

The Land/Trail Stewardship Committee will discuss maintenance tasks for the Mumford Riverwalk prior to its ribbon-cutting in mid-April, including raking, sign cleaning, and trimming. They will also plan the Family Earth Day Celebration at Castle Hill Farm, reviewing flyers, display boards, and logistical needs. Additionally, the committee will meet with a potential new member, Richard Gorzela.

• Maintenance of Mumford Riverwalk before ribbon cutting: raking areas disturbed by boardwalk construction, cleaning informational signs, potential trimming of southeast trail end
• Raking of Huckleberry Trail (acorn hill) at Castle Hill Farm Conservation Land
• Over-trimming of Yellowthroat Trail in upper meadow
• Planning Family Earth Day Celebration on 4/27/25: approve flyer, design display board, arrange plant swap, schedule food truck, reserve porta-potty
• Meeting with Richard Gorzela as potential new committee member

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a continued public hearing on a special permit application from Leanne Espinosa to convert a non-conforming single-family residence at 128 Linwood Avenue into five residential units without expanding the footprint. The board will also vote on minutes from its February 13, 2025 meeting.

• Continued public hearing on Special Permit 01-SP-25 for conversion of a non-conforming single-family home to five residential units at 128 Linwood Avenue
• Property is in the Business Two Zoning District; owned by Ahmed Faridi
• Applicant proposes no expansion of the building footprint

The Northbridge Zoning Board of Appeals approved special permits for two two-family dwellings on Emond Street (013-SP-24 and 014-SP-24) and a 185-foot communications tower at 300 Commerce Drive (015-SP-24). The board continued the hearing for a five-unit conversion at 128 Linwood Avenue to March 13, 2025, requiring the engineer to be present. Minutes from January 9, 2025, were approved.

• Approved Special Permit 013-SP-24 for two-family dwelling on Emond Street (5-0)
• Approved Special Permit 014-SP-24 for two-family dwelling on Emond Street (5-0)
• Approved Special Permit 015-SP-24 for 185-foot communications tower at 300 Commerce Drive (5-0)
• Continued hearing for 01-SP-25 (five-unit conversion at 128 Linwood Avenue) to March 13, 2025 (6-0)
• Approved minutes from January 9, 2025 (6-0)

Commission on Disabilities

The Commission on Disabilities will hear a presentation from the Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) on ongoing and former projects, including work with the former chairperson. Members will discuss updates to the Linwood Playground pending financial feasibility and a possible letter to the Northbridge Housing Authority. The meeting also covers member concerns, upcoming MOD training sessions, and future agenda topics.

• Presentation by Jeffrey Dougan, MOD Assistant Director, on past and current projects
• Discussion of Linwood Playground accessibility updates pending funding
• Possible letter to the Northbridge Housing Authority regarding accessibility issues
• Upcoming MOD trainings: Municipal ADA Improvement Grant info session (Apr 15), Quarterly Tea (Apr 23), Community Access Monitor Training (May 13 and 15)

The Northbridge Commission on Disabilities discussed accessibility issues at the Linwood Playground and agreed to pursue a state grant to fund improvements. The commission also decided to formally remove Carla Longpre for non-attendance and discussed the fire station's ADA variance.

• Agreed to apply for a Massachusetts grant to improve Linwood Playground accessibility
• Decided to formally remove Carla Longpre as a member for non-attendance
• Discussed contacting building inspector about fire station ADA variance

Finance Committee

The Northbridge Finance Committee will review proposed budgets for the Fire Department (including ambulance and emergency management) and the Department of Public Works (highway, cemetery, water/sewer, and capital projects). The committee will also receive a Town Manager update on the FY2026 budget, revenue outlook, and the draft warrant for the Spring Annual Town Meeting. They will approve minutes from March 5 and discuss future agenda items.

• Review of Fire Department budgets: Fire, Ambulance, Emergency Management, Capital Projects
• Review of DPW budgets: Highway/Pine Grove Cemetery, Water/Sewer, Capital Projects
• Town Manager FY2026 Budget Update including revenue outlook and preliminary budget
• Discussion of Spring Annual Town Meeting Warrant Draft
• Approval of minutes from March 5, 2025 meeting

The Finance Committee reviewed the FY2026 budget proposals for Fire, Ambulance, Emergency Management, Highway, Water, and Sewer departments, as presented by the Town Manager and department heads. No formal votes were taken on the budgets; the only action was approving the minutes from the March 5, 2025 meeting. The committee also discussed the Spring 2025 Annual Town Meeting warrant and scheduled future meetings for March 19 and March 26.

• Approved March 5, 2025 Finance Committee meeting minutes (motion by Chris Thompson, seconded by Steve Gogolinski)
• Reviewed FY2026 Fire Department budget increase of $178,347 (14.5%) to $1,409,654
• Reviewed FY2026 Ambulance Department budget increase of $111,265 (9.8%) to $1,243,486
• Reviewed FY2026 Emergency Services budget level-funded at $20,160
• Reviewed FY2026 Highway budget decrease of $17,909.50 (1.3%) to $1,320,654.50
• Reviewed FY2026 Water budget decrease of $8,181 due to elimination of DPW Sec/Clerk position
• Reviewed FY2026 Sewer budget increase of $24,068.80 (1.1%) due to sludge hauling contract
• Scheduled March 19 and March 26 meetings for budget presentations and public input

Trustees of Soldiers' Memorials

The Trustees of Soldiers' Memorials will meet to discuss financial reports, the Whitinsville Korean/WWII Memorial landscaping project, and the 2025 Outstanding Service Award. They will also review quotes and plans for the WWI Memorial refurbishment, including a cleaning and sealing proposal and bronze plaque design. Updates on the Veteran Task Force and relocation of the Fireman's Tribute Stone are also on the agenda.

• Whitinsville Korean/WWII Memorial Landscaping Project
• 2025 Outstanding Service Award and Memorial Day Program
• WWI Memorial refurbishment: Sunshine Sign quote, Rosseel plan to clean and re-seal, bronze plaque design
• Relocation of the Fireman's Tribute Stone
• Dawson Memorial damages and repair

The Trustees unanimously approved the final podium design for the WWI memorial and the $9,989.85 estimate from Sunshine Signs for its construction and installation, to be paid upon completion. They also approved $574.92 for purple heart flags for veterans' markers. The landscaping plan for the Korean War memorial was tabled because Ken Harrigan was absent.

• Approved $9,989.85 for WWI memorial podium construction and installation (unanimous)
• Approved $574.92 for one gross of purple heart flags (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of February 11, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Tabled landscaping plan for Korean War memorial due to Ken Harrigan's absence

Community Planning & Development

The Planning Board will hold a kickoff meeting for the Master Plan Update, discussing the overview, timetable, ad-hoc steering committee, and next steps. The board will also consider appointing the steering committee and reviewing a draft survey questionnaire. Other business includes approval of past meeting minutes, updates on 40R Smart Growth Zoning and Transfer Development Rights grants, and items related to the upcoming Spring Annual Town Meeting.

• Master Plan Update Kickoff Meeting – discussion of overview, timetable, ad-hoc steering committee, and next steps
• Master Plan Update Steering Committee Appointments
• Master Plan Update Survey Questionnaire (DRAFT)
• 40R Smart Growth Zoning – status of application to state EOHLC
• Transfer Development Rights (TDRs) – Technical Assistance Grant status

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a kickoff meeting to discuss the overview, timetable, and steering committee for the Master Plan update. The board will also review a draft survey questionnaire for the update.

• Master Plan update kickoff discussion
• Master Plan Update Steering Committee appointments
• Draft Master Plan Update Survey Questionnaire
• Status of 40R Smart Growth Zoning application to EOHLC
• Technical Assistance Grant status for Transfer Development Rights (TDRs)

The Northbridge Planning Board met on March 11, 2025, and held a kickoff discussion for the Master Plan update, which will be led by the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) over the next 18 months. The board approved the minutes from January 27 and February 25, 2025, and discussed the draft survey questionnaire, steering committee appointments, and the upcoming Home & Community Expo. No formal votes were taken on the Master Plan itself, which remains in the discussion phase.

• Approved meeting minutes for January 27, 2025 and February 25, 2025 (4-0 vote).
• Discussed Master Plan update process, timeline, and steering committee roles with CMRPC.
• Reviewed draft Master Plan survey questionnaire; suggested making it available in multiple languages.
• Noted volunteers for the Master Plan Steering Committee will be sought at the March 15 Expo.
• Heard status updates on 40R Smart Growth Zoning and Transfer Development Rights grant applications.
• Noted ongoing delays with two development projects (Camelot & Hemlock Estates) and issues with J&F Marinella Dev.

School Committee

The Northbridge School Committee will hear a presentation and discuss the Superintendent's proposed FY26 budget, as well as the 2025-2026 school calendar and FY26 user fees. The meeting also includes a consent agenda approving warrants totaling $487,168.17 and an executive session to discuss strategy for collective bargaining with the teachers' association and negotiations with non-union personnel.

• Presentation and discussion of Superintendent's Proposed FY26 Budget
• Discussion of 2025-2026 School Calendar
• Discussion of FY26 User Fees
• Consent agenda: Warrant 25-35 for $273,603.69 and Warrant 25-36 for $213,564.48
• Executive session for collective bargaining with Northbridge Teachers' Association and non-union negotiations

Council On Aging

The Council on Aging will hear routine reports from officers and committees, including the FY'25 town budget. A key discussion item is the feasibility study for a new senior/community center, with a public meeting scheduled later that day at Plummer Place.

• Feasibility study for a new senior/community center
• Public meeting at Plummer Place on March 11, 2025 at 7pm
• FY'25 Town Budget discussion
• Transportation report
• Friends of Northbridge Elders (FINE) representative report

The Council on Aging board unanimously approved the February 2025 minutes and treasurer's reports, including the FINE/COA and Transportation reports. The board also accepted the Program/Volunteer Coordinator's and Director's reports. The FY24 town budget report was deferred to the next meeting.

• Approved the Secretary's Report (minutes) unanimously
• Approved the FINE/COA February 2025 financial report unanimously
• Approved the FINE/COA Transportation February 2025 report unanimously
• Approved the Program/Volunteer Coordinator's report unanimously
• Approved the Director's report unanimously
• Deferred the FY24 Town Budget report to the next meeting

Board of Selectmen

The Northbridge Board of Selectmen will hold an executive session at 6:30 PM, followed by a regular meeting with votes on appointments, a lease, an intermunicipal agreement, and a road race. They will also discuss the FY2026 budget and Town Meeting warrant. The agenda includes several public event requests and a town manager contract renewal.

• Vote to approve a $1/year lease with Blackstone Valley Vietnam Veterans for 875 Hill Street, Whitinsville
• Vote to approve an intermunicipal agreement with Uxbridge for ambulance use
• Vote to approve Town Manager contract renewal
• Request to close Linwood Avenue for a road race on June 7, 2025
• Vote to accept resignation from Playground and Recreation Commission