Sterling public meetings in 2025

Finance Committee

The Sterling Finance Committee will discuss the results of the DPW Charrette. It will review FY2027 capital budget requests, liaison meeting plans, and key reports, with a possible vote on the budget. The committee will also consider approval of the FY27 Annual Town Meeting calendar and schedule a Stand and Present presentation, which may also be voted on. Any remaining items will be addressed under Other Business.

• Discussion of DPW Charrette results
• FY2027 capital budget discussion and possible vote (summary of requests, liaison meetings, open projects and assets reports)
• Review and approval of FY27 Annual Town Meeting calendar
• Stand and Present presentation scheduling discussion and possible vote
• Other Business

Capital Budget Committee

The Sterling Capital Budget Committee will discuss the results of a Department of Public Works charrette and review the FY2027 capital budget requests. The committee will also schedule liaison meetings with departments and review the FY27 Annual Town Meeting calendar.

• Discussion on DPW Charrette results
• FY2027 Capital Budget Discussion and possible vote(s)
• Review and Approval of FY27 Annual Town Meeting (ATM) Calendar
• Liaison meetings with Depts - schedule/process
• Stand and Present presentation scheduling discussion

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved several zoning amendments, including exempting agricultural operations from a ban on steel containers and Conex boxes in residential districts. It set a 1,800‑square‑foot maximum for each residential unit in the proposed Compact Development Overlay District and revised the inclusionary housing bylaw to require affordable units be comparable to market‑rate units. The Board also moved senior housing to a By‑Right use, removed age‑related provisions, and updated road standards and open‑space definitions.

• Exempted agricultural operations from ban on steel containers & Conex boxes in residential districts
• Limited size of each residential unit in Compact Development Overlay District to 1,800 sq ft
• Revised inclusionary housing bylaw: removed off‑site affordable unit provision and required affordable units match market‑rate size, appearance, and bedrooms
• Left multifamily housing bylaw unchanged and advanced senior housing bylaw as a By‑Right use
• Removed provision restricting residents under 18 from senior housing projects
• Replaced bedroom‑limit with 1,800 sq ft unit size limit for senior housing projects
• Aligned road/driveway standards with AASHTO and excluded drainage facilities from open‑space calculations
• Approved November 20, 2025 meeting minutes

Board of Health

The Sterling Board of Health will review and approve meeting minutes and receive an agent report. It will consider a comprehensive update to the communication policy and receive a town counsel/DEP update on home and green burials. An executive session is scheduled to discuss complaints against a public officer or employee. Public comment will be limited to three minutes per speaker.

• Review and approve minutes
• Agent report
• Communication policy update
• Town counsel/DEP update on home and green burials
• Executive session to discuss complaints against a public officer or employee

The Board of Health moved into executive session after a unanimous 3‑aye vote. After the executive session, the board unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting. No other formal actions were approved or denied.

• Enter executive session (unanimous 3‑aye vote)
• Adjourn meeting (unanimous 3‑aye vote)

Open Space Implementation Committee

The Open Space Implementation Committee is meeting to review trail signage and prioritize Chapterlands. The body will also consider a letter to the Select Board supporting a communication from Jim French regarding Chapterlands.

• Kiosk Trail Signs for Allenwood and Lynde Basins Trails
• Prioritization of Chapterlands
• Letter to the Select Board supporting Jim French's 'Chapterlands Letter'

The Open Space Implementation Committee accepted the agenda and the November 19 minutes by unanimous vote. No substantive actions or approvals were decided. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Accept agenda for Dec 17, 2025 (unanimous)
• Accept minutes of Nov 19, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourn meeting (unanimous)

Recreation Department

The Recreation Commission will review items related to basketball, the Sweetheart Dance, tennis courts, and the community road race. Members will note that the budget request is due on January 9. The commission will also address the annual write‑up and set the date and time for the next meeting.

• Basketball program discussion
• Sweetheart Dance planning
• Tennis court matters
• Road Race – 2nd Wind event
• Budget request due Jan 9

Conservation Commission

The Sterling Conservation Commission will hold continued public meetings to consider four Notice of Intent applications: a single‑family home on Maple St lot #7, a retroactive culvert replacement on Campground Rd, a solar field on Off Metropolitan Rd (Maps 151‑152, Lots 1‑2), and a storm‑water permit for work at 64 South Nelson Rd. The agenda also includes routine items such as meeting notices, minutes, old and new business, enforcement, certificates of compliance, and agents’ reports.

• Notice of Intent by Robert Julius for a single‑family home on Maple St lot #7
• Notice of Intent by Eco Tec for a retroactive culvert replacement on Campground Rd
• Notice of Intent by Paul Brodmerkle for a solar field on Off Metropolitan Rd, Maps 151‑152, Lots 1‑2
• Storm‑water permit application by Tyler Favreau for work at 64 South Nelson Rd
• Discussion of item 228 in New Business

The Conservation Commission approved the removal of three trees along the DCR Rail Trail with a unanimous vote. It also voted unanimously to continue four pending public hearings—Robert Julius's home construction, Eco Tec's culvert replacement, Paul Brodmerkle's solar field, and Tyler Favreau's storm‑water permit—to the January 20, 2026 meeting. The November 24, 2025 meeting minutes were approved, while the July minutes were deferred. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.

• Approved removal of 3 trees at DCR Rail Trail (unanimous)
• Continued Robert Julius home construction NOI to Jan 20, 2026 (unanimous)
• Continued Eco Tec culvert replacement NOI to Jan 20, 2026 (unanimous)
• Continued Paul Brodmerkle solar field NOI to Jan 20, 2026 (unanimous)
• Continued Tyler Favreau stormwater permit hearing to Jan 20, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved November 24, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Deferred approval of July meeting minutes (to next meeting)
• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously

Assessor's Office

The Sterling Assessor's Office board will meet on Dec 15, 2025 at 8:30 AM. The agenda covers routine items such as roll call, approval of the agenda, and signing payables, abatements, and warrants. New business includes approving the statutory exemption list, reviewing chapter applications, and considering the town budget. The meeting also includes an annual performance review and an RRG update.

• Approval of agenda
• Signing payables, abatements, and warrants
• Approve statutory exemption list
• Review chapter applications
• Approve budget

DPW Facility Committee

The Department of Public Works Facility Committee will meet to discuss charette guidelines and takeaways. The body will also establish a future meeting schedule.

• Discussion of Charette Guidelines
• Review of Charette takeaways and goals

Board of Health

The Sterling Board of Health will review and approve the December 4, 2025 meeting minutes, receive an agent report, and examine the town website. New business includes discussion of the FY27 Board of Health and Animal Inspector budget. Old business covers a communication policy update and a proposal for home and green burials regulation. The meeting also includes a public comment period.

• Review and approve minutes from the December 4, 2025 meeting
• Agent report presentation
• Website review
• Discussion of FY27 Board of Health and Animal Inspector budget
• Consideration of Home and Green Burials Regulation

The Board approved the December 4, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. It then approved a 3% increase to the FY27 Board of Health expenses, a $232.50 rise, also unanimously. The Animal Inspector budget was approved by unanimous vote, and the draft home and green burial regulations were approved for revision and forwarding to the DEP and Town Counsel.

• Approved December 4, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 3% FY27 Board of Health expense increase ($232.50) (unanimous)
• Approved Animal Inspector budget (unanimous)
• Continued Communication Policy update to Dec 17 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved changes to home and green burial regulations and to send them to DEP and Town Counsel (unanimous)
• Discussed website issues; no formal action taken

Sterling Municipal Light Board

The board will discuss the 2026 Draft 2 Operations Budget and the 2026 Draft 1 Capital Plan. Members will also consider an office closure for December 26th.

• 2026 Draft 2 Operations Budget
• 2026 Draft 1 Capital Plan
• Proposed office closure on December 26th

Select Board

The Sterling Select Board will hold public hearings on a new off‑premises liquor license for KP Market at 110 Leominster Road, and on earth‑removal permits for 69 Leominster Road and 17 Stonecrest Way. After the hearings, the board will vote to approve all listed 2026 permits and licenses covering automobile dealers, common victuallers, vendors, amusements, entertainment, and alcohol‑on‑premise approvals. Additional agenda items include the Town Administrator report, business correspondence, and old‑business updates.

• Public hearing – issuance of new liquor license for KP Market (110 Leominster Road)
• Public hearing – earth removal permit for AF Amorello (69 Leominster Road)
• Public hearing – earth removal permit for The Grands LLC (Onyx Corporation) (17 Stonecrest Way)
• Board action – approval of all 2026 permits and licenses listed in the agenda
• Approval of 2026 common victualler permits (e.g., Sterling Village Pizza, Davis Farmland, The Black Sheep Tavern)

The board approved the 2026 business permits and licenses pending required paperwork and voted not to release the November 19 executive‑session minutes. It granted a continuance of the KP Market liquor‑license hearing until the January 14, 2026 meeting. The board also approved renewal permits for earth removal at AF Amorello (69 Leominster Road) and The Grands LLC (17 Stonecrest Way). All motions were recorded with vote tallies.

• Approved 2026 business permits and licenses (5‑0 ayes)
• Motion to not release November 19 executive‑session minutes (5‑0 ayes)
• Granted continuance of KP Market liquor‑license hearing to Jan 14 2026 (4‑1 ayes)
• Approved Earth Removal Permit renewal for AF Amorello (5‑0 ayes)
• Approved Earth Removal Permit renewal for The Grands LLC (5‑0 ayes)
• Closed Earth Removal hearing for The Grands LLC (4‑1 ayes)
• Approved minutes of November 12 & 19, 2025 (5‑0 ayes)

Board of Health

The Sterling Board of Health will meet from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm for a preparedness drill. The drill will be conducted in coordination with other town departments. No other agenda items or decisions are listed for this meeting.

• Preparedness drill scheduled for December 9, 2025, 8:00 am–12:00 pm, in conjunction with other town departments

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider a special permit for Stephanie Duca Dog Training Services to operate a commercial kennel, animal hospital, and veterinarian’s office at 78 Worcester Road (Parcel ID 137-3) in the Commercial zoning district and Groundwater Protection District. The board will also discuss and possibly vote on multifamily housing bylaw proposals. Minutes from the November 4, 2025 meeting will be reviewed.

• Special permit for commercial kennel, animal hospital, veterinarian’s office at 78 Worcester Road (Parcel ID 137-3)
• Discussion and possible vote on multifamily housing bylaw proposals
• Review of minutes from the November 4, 2025 meeting

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a Special Permit for Stephanie Duca Dog Training Services at 78 Worcester Road, adding conditions on waste removal, indoor classes, no overnight stays, a maximum of eight dogs per class, and lighting limits. The board also approved the November 4, 2025 meeting minutes. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved Special Permit for 78 Worcester Road dog training (4-0)
• Approved November 4, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Department of Public Works

The Sterling Department of Public Works will review its FY27 operating and capital budget, update residents on roadwork and drainage projects, and hear a presentation on the Oak Hill Cemetery wall. The board will also discuss the status of the new DPW facility and a proposed article for town meeting.

• FY27 Operating and Capital Budget
• Oak Hill Cemetery Wall presentation by Tighe & Bond
• New DPW Facility design refinements
• Route 140/62 Intersection design submission to MADOT
• Campground Road Culvert work

Recreation Department

The Sterling Recreation Commission meeting will consider items related to basketball, the Sweetheart Dance, tennis court matters, a budget request due January 9, an annual write‑up, a road race, and will set the date and time for the next meeting.

• Basketball
• Sweetheart Dance
• Tennis Court
• Budget Request Due Jan 9
• Road Race — 2"? Wind

Trustees of the Conant Public Library

The Board of Trustees will meet to discuss actions regarding the library lift project and review the Director's goals for 2025 and 2026. The board will also prepare the trustee calendar for the upcoming year.

• Discussion of actions regarding the library lift project
• Review of 2025 Director's goals
• Discussion of 2026 Director's goals
• Preparation of the new trustee calendar

The trustees unanimously approved the November 10, 2025 meeting minutes. They decided to request an update on the library lift lobby project from the Town Administrator and Facilities Manager at the January meeting. Library Director Alex Grebinar announced that the hand‑dryer purchase has been tabled pending further septic issues. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved November 10, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Decided to request lift project update at January meeting
• Director tabled hand‑dryer purchase (no vote)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Sterling Board of Health will review and approve the minutes from its November 19, 2025 meeting and hear an agent report. It will discuss a ZBA Special Permit application for 78 Worcester Road and address communication with the Lake Waushacum Association. An executive session is scheduled to consider complaints against a public officer or employee.

• Review and approve minutes from November 19, 2025
• Agent report (details not specified)
• Discussion on ZBA Special Permit Application 78 Worcester Road
• Communication with Lake Waushacum Association
• Executive session to discuss complaints against a public officer or employee

The Board approved the minutes from the November 19, 2025 meeting. It voted to take no comment on the ZBA special permit application for 78 Worcester Road. The Board entered executive session to discuss complaints against a public officer, then adjourned.

• Approved November 19, 2025 minutes (motion carried, Menin abstained)
• Board took no comment on 78 Worcester Road ZBA special permit (motion carried, all in favor)
• Entered executive session to discuss complaints (motion made and seconded)
• Adjourned meeting (motion made and seconded)

Capital Budget Committee

The committee will hold a working meeting to review the FY26-FY30 Capital Plan and the FY27 process. Members will discuss FY27 requests and the impact of ARPA pull-in spending on funding targets.

• Review of FY26-FY30 Capital Plan
• Review of FY27 requests and capital schedule
• Consolidation of FY27-FY31 Draft Capital Plan
• Discussion on funding targets and ARPA pull-in spending

Animal Control Advisory Board (ACAB)

The Animal Control Advisory Board will review the ACO report and discuss specific properties at 31 Kendall Hill Rd and 26 Maple Street. The board is also scheduled to address a pet clean up bylaw and the spring rabies clinic.

• Review of 31 Kendall Hill Rd (Agra & Hegel)
• Discussion of concerns regarding 26 Maple Street
• Pet Clean Up Bylaw
• Spring Rabies Clinic planning

The Animal Control Advisory Board approved the September 15, 2025 meeting minutes with a unanimous vote. Members noted that the Pet Cleanup Bylaw had passed at the Special Town Meeting and discussed possible dates for the spring rabies clinic, preferring March 28, 2026. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved September 15, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Sterling Municipal Light Board

The Sterling Municipal Light Board will consider several unfinished items, including the Kearsarge Energy solar and battery storage project, a cost‑of‑service rate study, and a website redesign. New business includes an office closure notice, a monthly report, a fiber update, a review of Q3 budget versus actuals, and the draft 2026 operations budget. The meeting also includes routine approvals of the agenda, past minutes, and a period for customer comments.

• Kearsarge Energy Solar and Battery Storage Project
• Cost of Service Rate Study
• Website Redesign
• Q3 Budget to Actual – John Kwasniewski
• 2026 Draft 1 Operations Budget

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will review and approve the minutes from the previous meeting, receive updates on FY‑2026 available funds, discuss a proposed convenience store and gas station on Rt 12 and I‑190 and its impact on Sterling businesses, and consider the FY‑2027 programs and budget. The committee will also plan a celebration for Sterling 2026 and set the date for the next meeting.

• Review and approve past meeting minutes
• Town Administrator update on EDC FY‑2026 available funds
• Discussion of new convenience store/gas station at Rt 12 & I‑190 and its impact on Sterling businesses
• Review of FY‑2027 programs and budget
• Planning celebration for Sterling 2026

Conservation Commission

The Sterling Conservation Commission will hold its regular meeting on November 24, 2025, to consider several public‑hearing items. Topics include a request to remove 4,600 sf of trees at 50 Pratt Junction Rd, a single‑family home proposal on Maple St lot #7, a retroactive culvert replacement on Campground Rd, a solar field project on Off Metropolitan Rd (maps 151, 152, lots 1, 1 and 2), and a storm‑water permit for work at 64 South Nelson Rd. The commission will also address routine agenda items such as notices, minutes, old business, new business, enforcement, and permits.

• Request for Determination by Sean Rafferty to remove 4,600 sf of trees at 50 Pratt Junction Rd
• Notice of Intent by Robert Julius for a single‑family home on Maple St lot #7
• Notice of Intent by Eco Tec for retroactive culvert replacement on Campground Rd
• Notice of Intent by Paul Brodmerkle for a solar field on Off Metropolitan Rd, maps 151‑152, lots 1, 1 and 2
• Storm‑water permit application by Tyler Favreau for work at 64 South Nelson Rd

The Conservation Commission voted unanimously to issue a negative determination for the proposed removal of 4,600 square feet of trees at 50 Pratt Junction Road. It also voted to continue hearings for four separate projects—Maple Street home construction, Eco Tec culvert replacement, a solar field on Metropolitan Road, and a storm‑water permit at 64 South Nelson Road—until the December 16, 2025 meeting, with the South Nelson decision passing by a majority vote (Chair abstaining). The commission approved the October 27 meeting minutes with minor corrections and then adjourned.

• Approved negative determination for tree removal at 50 Pratt Junction Rd (unanimous)
• Continued Maple Street hearing to Dec 16 2025 (unanimous)
• Continued Eco Tec culvert replacement hearing to Dec 16 2025 (unanimous)
• Continued Metropolitan Rd solar field hearing to Dec 16 2025 (unanimous)
• Continued South Nelson Rd storm‑water permit hearing to Dec 16 2025 (majority, Chair abstained)
• Approved Oct 27 meeting minutes as amended (unanimous)
• No enforcement actions taken
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The Sterling Finance Committee will present a proposal for 2026 Annual Town Meeting zoning changes, discuss the FY25 free cash reconciliation, and review and approve the FY27 Annual Town Meeting calendar. The meeting will also recap Special Town Meeting results, plan a joint committee session, and provide an update on the meals tax.

• Presentation: Proposed 2026 ATM Zoning Changes (Stephen Wallace)
• Discussion: FY25 Free Cash Reconciliation
• Review and Approval: FY27 Annual Town Meeting (ATM) Calendar
• Recap: Special Town Meeting (STM) Results
• Update: Meals Tax

Planning Board

The Planning Board will consider two Approval Not Required (ANR) plans for lot splits. Members will also hold a working session regarding residential zoning changes and debrief from a Special Town Meeting.

• ANR plan for Jim Haynes, Flanagan Hill Road (lot split on Sterling/Lancaster town line)
• ANR plan for Robert & Janice Snipes, 133 Rowley Hill Road (splitting backland for neighbor)
• Working session on residential zoning changes

The Planning Board voted 4‑0 to endorse Jim Haynes' plan to combine two Sterling lots on Flannagan Hill Road and split his Lancaster lot into three building lots. The Board also voted 4‑0 to endorse Bob Snipes' plan to sell a portion of his backland to a neighbor. The Board approved the October 2025 meeting minutes and agreed to present the revised multifamily/senior housing bylaw at a public forum on December 8, 2025.

• Endorsed Jim Haynes lot‑combination and split plan (4‑0)
• Endorsed Bob Snipes backland sale plan (4‑0)
• Approved October 2025 meeting minutes
• Agreed to present multifamily/senior housing bylaw at Dec 8 forum
• Set next Planning Board meeting for Dec 18, 2025

Assessor's Office

The Board of Assessors and the Select Board will meet jointly to conduct a tax classification hearing. The meeting is scheduled for November 19, 2025 at 2:00 PM in the Butterick Building, Room 205. No additional agenda items are listed.

• Tax classification hearing (joint Assessors and Select Board)

Board of Health

The Sterling Board of Health will review and approve the minutes from the October 16, 2025 meeting and hear an agent report. The primary new business is a variance request for a local septic system upgrade at 163 Rowley Hill Road, seeking relief from state regulations on tank inlet/outlet separation and pervious soil depth. The board will also conduct a public comment session limited to three minutes per speaker.

• Review and approve minutes from the October 16, 2025 meeting
• Agent report presentation
• Variance request for 163 Rowley Hill Road: reduction of 12‑inch tank inlet/outlet separation from the seasonal high groundwater table
• Variance request for 163 Rowley Hill Road: lack of 4‑foot pervious soil depth in the proposed S.A.S. area
• Public comment session rules (max 3 minutes per speaker, total 21 minutes)

The Board unanimously approved the variance request and the associated local upgrade for 163 Rowley Hill Road. Earlier, the Board also approved the October 16, 2025 minutes. Motions to open and close the hearing on the variance were carried, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved October 16, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Opened hearing on variance request for 163 Rowley Hill Road (motion carried)
• Closed hearing on variance request for 163 Rowley Hill Road (motion carried)
• Approved variance request and local upgrade approval for 163 Rowley Hill Road (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

Open Space Implementation Committee

The Open Space Implementation Committee will review its FY 2026 budget. The committee will also consider a presentation on a Multi-Family and Senior Housing Bylaw, trail maintenance matters, and the Senior Center Hiking Club. Additional agenda items include approval of minutes from the October 22 meeting, prioritizing Chapterlands, and scheduling the next meeting.

• Approval of Meeting Minutes from 22 October 2025
• Presentation on Multi-Family and Senior Housing Bylaw
• Discussion of trail maintenance
• Review of OSIC Budget for FY 2026
• Senior Center Hiking Club

Select Board

The Select Board will conduct a public hearing to determine the tax classification factors for residential, open space, commercial, industrial, and personal property for the Fiscal Year 2026 tax rate. The board will also consider a recommendation from the Wachusett Fund Committee.

• Public hearing on property tax classification for Fiscal Year 2026
• Wachusett Fund Committee Recommendation
• Executive session regarding collective bargaining strategy for the Dispatch Union

The board adopted a 1.000% shift factor and a residential factor of 1.000, maintaining a single tax rate for FY 2026. It approved a $25,400 purchase of ten replacement defibrillators for police vehicles from the Wachusett Fund. The board entered executive session to discuss collective‑bargaining strategy for the Dispatch Union and then adjourned the meeting.

• Adopted 1.000% shift factor and 1.000 residential factor, keeping a single tax rate (5‑0)
• Approved $25,400 purchase of ten police vehicle defibrillators from Wachusett Fund (5‑0)
• Entered Executive Session to discuss Dispatch Union collective‑bargaining strategy (5‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (5‑0)

DPW Facility Committee

The Sterling Department of Public Works Facility Committee will meet on November 17, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. The agenda includes a debrief of the recent Special Town Meeting, discussion of the upcoming ballot election, and updates from the DPW Superintendent, designer, and OPM. The committee will also set the future meeting schedule before adjourning.

• Debrief of Special Town Meeting
• Discuss upcoming ballot election
• DPW Superintendent update
• Designer update
• OPM update

The DPW Facility Committee accepted the October 16 and October 30 minutes with a 3‑0 vote. The committee noted that the schematic design is fully funded and directed that the remaining $250,000 be used for cost, energy, structural, hazmat, air‑quality and gas‑tank studies. A future meeting was set for Monday, December 15 at 4:00 PM.

• Accepted October 16 and October 30 minutes (3-0 vote)
• Allocated $250,000 for building assessments and studies (no vote recorded)
• Scheduled next committee meeting for Monday, Dec 15 at 4:00 PM (no vote recorded)
• Confirmed schematic design is fully paid (no vote recorded)
• Noted election canceled due to Town Meeting vote (no decision by committee)

Trustees of the Conant Public Library

The Conant Public Library Board of Trustees will meet on November 10, 2025. The agenda includes reviewing and approving the October 20, 2025 meeting minutes, reviewing FY27 capital projects and the FY27 budget, and approving the library’s annual report. The board will also receive reports from the director, finance, circulation, and youth services, and conduct a trustee self‑assessment. The meeting will end with any other business.

• Review/Approve meeting minutes (October 20, 2025)
• Review FY27 Capital Projects
• Review FY27 Budget
• Approve Annual Report
• Library Trustee Self-Assessment

The trustees approved the October 20, 2025 meeting minutes and the October 20, 2025 executive‑session minutes, each by unanimous vote. The board then moved to adjourn the November 10, 2025 meeting, also unanimously.

• Approved October 20, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved October 20, 2025 executive‑session minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Cultural Council

The Sterling Cultural Council will meet to review grant proposal applications. The body will also approve the October meeting minutes and receive the Treasurer's report.

• Review of grant proposal applications

The council approved the minutes from the October 27 meeting by unanimous consent. It reviewed and finalized the Massachusetts Cultural Council grant applications, with acceptance letters to be mailed next month. The next council meeting was scheduled for January 6, 2025 at 5 pm in room 205.

• Approved October 27 minutes (unanimous)
• Finalized MACC grant applications (acceptance letters next month)
• Scheduled next meeting for Jan 6, 2025 at 5 pm in room 205

DPW Facility Committee

The DPW Facility Committee will review the recent Special Town Meeting, discuss the upcoming ballot election, and receive updates from the DPW superintendent, the town designer, and the Office of Public Management. The committee will also set the schedule for future meetings.

• Debrief of Special Town Meeting
• Discuss upcoming ballot election
• DPW Superintendent Update
• Designer Update
• OPM Update

The committee accepted the October 6 and October 7 minutes with a 3-0 vote. The Special Town Meeting was moved to Monday, November 10 at 6:30 PM in the Chocksett School Gym. The DPW Facility Committee set its next meeting for Monday, November 17 at 6:00 PM.

• Accepted October 6 and October 7 minutes (3-0 vote)
• Special Town Meeting moved to Monday, Nov 10 at 6:30 PM, Chocksett School Gym
• DPW Facility Committee meeting scheduled for Monday, Nov 17 at 6:00 PM

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will review a request for a front yard setback variance and discuss proposed zoning amendments for the Annual Town Meeting.

• Variance request for a covered porch at 4 Sunset Drive (Parcel ID 157-37)
• Review of proposed zoning amendments for Annual Town Meeting

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance allowing Arielle Greenleaf to build a covered porch that extends eight feet into the front‑yard setback at 4 Sunset Drive (5‑0). The board also approved the minutes from the October 7, 2025 meeting (5‑0). The meeting was then adjourned (5‑0).

• Granted variance for front‑yard setback relief at 4 Sunset Drive (5-0)
• Approved October 7, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

DPW Facility Committee

The Sterling DPW Facility Committee will meet on Oct. 30, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. The agenda includes a roll call, an information session about DPW facilities, and adjournment. No items requiring a vote or decision are listed.

• DPW Facility Information Session

The committee met for a public information session where frequently asked questions were presented and audience questions were answered. No motions, approvals, or votes were recorded. The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:30 am.

Recreation Department

The Recreation Commission will review the hiring process for staff, plan the Sweetheart Dance, consider new program offerings, address a board member vacancy, and discuss logistics for a road race. The meeting will also set the date and time for the next commission session.

• Hiring Process
• Sweetheart Dance planning
• New program proposals
• Filling board member vacancy
• Road Race planning

The Recreation Committee approved a $4,500 estimate for needed field repairs with a unanimous vote. The proposal to change the upcoming road race from a 10k to a shorter distance was tabled for the next meeting. The committee noted a board vacancy and will have the recreation director email the community about it.

• Approved $4,500 field repairs (unanimous)
• Tabled discussion on revising road race distance
• Recreation director to email community about board vacancy
• Recreation director to send reminders for basketball play‑night volunteers

DPW Facility Committee

The Sterling Department of Public Works Facility Committee will take roll call, review minutes from the October 6 and October 16 meetings, receive updates from the DPW superintendent, designer, and OPM, discuss public education ahead of the Town Meeting, and set the schedule for future meetings. No formal decisions or votes are listed on the agenda.

• Roll call and approval of minutes from Oct 6 and Oct 16
• DPW Superintendent update
• Designer update
• OPM (Office of Public Management) update
• Set future meeting schedule

Trustees of the Conant Public Library

The Board of Trustees will meet to update library behavior and internet use policies. The board will also discuss security camera regionalization and the exterior lift. A vote on a negotiated contract for the Library Director is scheduled.

• Update Behavior Policy
• Update Internet Use Policy
• Discussion of security camera regionalization
• Discussion of Trustee actions regarding the exterior lift
• Vote to approve negotiated contract for Library Director

The trustees unanimously approved the negotiated employment contract. They also unanimously adopted the amended Behavior Policy and Internet Policy, changing "responsible adult" to "responsible caregiver." Trustees decided to revisit the exterior lift project after the special town meeting resolves its funding. No other motions were passed.

• Approved negotiated employment contract (unanimous)
• Adopted amended Behavior Policy (unanimous)
• Adopted amended Internet Policy (unanimous)
• Decided to revisit exterior lift project after funding decision (no vote recorded)
• Entered executive session for contract negotiations (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will review and approve the September 11, 2025 meeting minutes, hear several presentations—including emergency preparedness, proposed protective bylaw changes, and PFAS water testing—and consider a draft regulation on home and green burials. It will also receive a comment on a special permit for 4 Sunset Drive and review regionalization reports and policy revisions.

• Review and approve September 11, 2025 meeting minutes
• Presentation on emergency preparedness by Jack Chandler
• Proposed protective bylaw changes presented by Town Planner Steve Wallace
• PFAS water testing presentation by Jim Starbard
• Discussion of Home Burials/Green Burials Draft Regulation

The Board of Health approved the revised September 11, 2025 minutes with all members in favor. It reviewed the ZBA special permit for 4 Sunset Drive, found no conflicts, and will advise the ZBA that the board has no comment on the permit. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved September 11, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• No comment on 4 Sunset Drive ZBA special permit (board found no conflicts)
• Motion to adjourn carried (unanimous)

DPW Facility Committee

The Department of Public Works Facility Committee will meet to review and approve an informational mailer. The committee will also discuss public education efforts ahead of the Town Meeting and receive updates from the DPW Superintendent, Designer, and OPM.

• Review and approval of informational mailer
• Discussion of public education for Town Meeting
• DPW Superintendent update
• Designer update
• OPM update

The DPW Facility Committee met on October 16, 2025. After reviewing a draft informational mailer, the committee voted 3-0 to have Mr. Mouradian and Mr. Morini revise and finalize it. The committee also scheduled a senior‑center informational session for October 30 and set the next meeting for October 27. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved revision and finalization of informational mailer (3-0)
• Scheduled senior center informational session for Oct 30
• Set next committee meeting for Oct 27 at 6:00 PM

Department of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will review water connection fees for Leo’s Way and budget reports. The meeting includes updates on water main replacements and the status of PFAS sampling results.

• Water Connection Fees - Leo’s Way
• November Special Town Meeting-Water Articles
• Route 140/62 Intersection 25% design submission to MADOT
• PFAS September sample results of 27.2 PPT
• Zoning amendment updates for Fall Town Meeting

The Sterling Department of Public Works board met on Oct 14, 2025 and reviewed status of multiple projects, including the new DPW facility, storm‑water regulations, Route 140/62 intersection design, roadwork, Main Street revitalization, cemetery studies, Swett Hill drainage, water system items, and generator replacement. No motions, votes, or approvals were recorded; the meeting consisted of informational updates and discussion of next steps.

Council on Aging

The Sterling Council on Aging will review meeting minutes, a treasurer's report, and a director's update. The body will also discuss a new strategic plan and fundraising for Liz Pape.

• Review and approve August 12, 2025 meeting minutes
• Review Treasurer's Report
• Review Director's Update
• Discuss long-term goals and new strategic plan
• Discuss fundraising event for Liz Pape

The board approved the Treasurer’s Report as presented. It also accepted the Director’s Report after a motion by Dave Cosgrove, seconded by Peter MacDonald, which passed unanimously. A motion to adjourn the meeting was approved at 4:01 p.m. No other motions were decided.

• Approved Treasurer’s Report (no vote tally recorded)
• Accepted Director’s Report (motion passed unanimously)
• Adjourned meeting at 4:01 p.m. (motion passed unanimously)
• Reviewed September 9, 2025 minutes (no vote recorded)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will review special permit applications for a multi-family development and a vehicle sales business. The board will also discuss zoning proposals from the Town Planner.

• Special Permit for multi-family development at 121-125 Flanagan Hill Road (Lancaster Sterling, LLC)
• Special Permit for sale or rental of cars and trailers at 78 Worcester Road (Pratts Automotive)
• Discussion of Town Planner Zoning Proposals

The Zoning Board granted a leave to withdraw without prejudice for the 121‑125 Flanagan Hill Road applicant. It then approved a special permit for a multi‑family development at that address, imposing lighting limits, specific hours, and all DCR conditions. The board also approved the minutes from the August 12 and September 9, 2025 meetings.

• Granted leave to withdraw without prejudice for 121‑125 Flanagan Hill Road applicant (5‑0)
• Closed public portion of the hearing (4‑0)
• Granted special permit for multi‑family development at 121‑125 Flanagan Hill Road with lighting, hours, and DCR conditions (4‑0)
• Approved minutes of August 12, 2025 (5‑0)
• Approved minutes of September 9, 2025 (4‑0‑1)
• Adjourned meeting (5‑0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will conduct a continued public meeting regarding a retroactive culvert replacement and a new storm water permit application. The body will also discuss commission reorganization and introduce a new agent.

• Continued public meeting: Eco Tec retroactive culvert replacement on Campground Rd
• Public meeting: Tyler Favreau storm water permit for 64 South Nelson Rd
• Discussion on Commission Reorganization

The commission voted to make Matt Marro the new Chair and to have the Conservation Agent serve as Treasurer. Commissioners set the next meeting for October 27, 2025, and unanimously continued the Campground Road culvert notice and the 64 South Nelson Road storm‑water permit to that date. The September 16, 2025 minutes were approved with a minor amendment.

• Matt Marro appointed Chair (abstention by Marro)
• Conservation Agent designated Treasurer (unanimous)
• Next meeting scheduled for Oct 27, 2025 (unanimous)
• Campground Road culvert notice continued to Oct 27, 2025 (unanimous)
• 64 South Nelson Road storm‑water permit continued to Oct 27, 2025 (unanimous)
• September 16, 2025 minutes approved with amendment (abstention by Pavlowich)
• Motion to adjourn passed (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will continue a public meeting regarding a new solar farm off Metropolitan Road. Members will also hold a working session on residential zoning and review the Planning Department fee structure.

• Site plan review for South Meadow Solar LLC off Metropolitan Road (Tax Map 151, Lot 1 & Tax Map 152, Lots 1 & 2)
• Working session on residential zoning changes
• Review of Planning Department fee structure
• Selection of Planning Board Vice Chair

The board voted 4‑0 to approve the revised site plan for a ground‑mounted solar farm off Metropolitan Road. It also approved the August 28, 2025 meeting minutes. The board set a public hearing on its fee‑structure for the October 23 meeting and scheduled a hearing next month on the MBTA bylaw for the November 3 Special Town Meeting. A pending matter was postponed until Board Member Pruneau can attend the next meeting.

• Approved solar farm site plan (4‑0)
• Approved August 28, 2025 meeting minutes
• Scheduled public hearing on fee structure for Oct 23, 2025
• Scheduled hearing next month on MBTA bylaw for Nov 3 Special Town Meeting
• Postponed unspecified matter until Board Member Pruneau attends
• Set next Planning Board meeting for Oct 23, 2025

DPW Facility Committee

The Department of Public Works Facility Committee will hold a joint meeting with the Select Board. The agenda item is to discuss the DPW Facility and the warrant article for the upcoming Fall Special Town Meeting. No other items are listed.

• Joint discussion of DPW Facility with Select Board
• Review of Fall Special Town Meeting warrant article

The DPW Facility Committee met jointly with the Select Board on September 24, 2025. The committee reviewed a presentation on the DPW Facility project and answered questions from the finance and capital budget committees. No formal actions, approvals, or votes were recorded during the meeting.

Select Board

The Select Board and DPW Facility Committee are meeting to address several action items. The board will consider polling hours and a ballot question for the November 4, 2025 Special Election.

• November 4, 2025 Special Election polling hours and ballot question
• Conservation Agent appointment
• Memorandum of Understanding with Wachusett Earthday Inc.
• Wachusett Regional School Committee vacancy
• DPW Facility Committee update

The Select Board approved the September 10 meeting minutes and appointed Sierra Harris as the town's Conservation Agent. It also approved the Memorandum of Understanding with Wachusett Earthday Inc., set a special election for November 20, 2025 with polling from noon to 7 p.m., and authorized a town‑wide Fall cleanup on November 8. The board agreed to advertise a school‑committee vacancy for two weeks and to make the appointment at the October 8 meeting, then adjourned.

• Approved September 10 meeting minutes (unanimous ayes)
• Appointed Sierra Harris as Conservation Agent (unanimous ayes)
• Approved MoU with Wachusett Earthday Inc. (unanimous ayes)
• Approved special election on Nov 20, 2025, polling 12 pm–7 pm (unanimous ayes)
• Approved Fall town‑wide Cleanup on Nov 8, 2025 (unanimous ayes)
• Agreed to advertise school‑committee vacancy for two weeks, appointment at Oct 8 meeting (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous ayes)

DPW Facility Committee

The Sterling Department of Public Works Facility Committee will hold a public session to discuss a DPW facility tour, a recent Finance Committee meeting, an upcoming Select Board meeting, and plans for a Celebrate Sterling event. The committee will also receive updates from the DPW superintendent, designer, and OPM, and will set the schedule for future meetings.

• DPW Facility Tour Discussion
• Finance Committee Meeting Discussion
• Upcoming Select Board Meeting Discussion
• Celebrate Sterling Event Discussion
• DPW Superintendent Update

The DPW Facility Committee approved the September 8, 2025 minutes with a 5‑0 vote. The committee designated the Chair and Vice‑Chair to sign invoice warrant top sheets. It also scheduled the next meeting for Monday, October 6 at 6:00 PM. No other motions were voted on.

• Accepted September 8 minutes (5-0 vote)
• Designated Chair and Vice‑Chair to sign invoice warrant top sheets
• Scheduled next meeting for Monday, October 6 at 6:00 PM

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council will review survey results and discuss funding for several member-led initiatives. The body is also preparing for the October 16, 2025, grant application deadline.

• Discussion of 'Little House on the Prairie' idea
• Discussion of Open Mic Nights
• Discussion of Farm Crawl
• Discussion of 'Plant Your Own Wildflower Garden' project
• Recruitment of new members

The council approved a new member application and the minutes from the August 5 meeting. It appointed Marina Meehan as chair and Judy Doherty as treasurer. Funding requests of $100 each for a music program and an Open Mic night, and $300 for a Celebrate Sterling sponsorship, were all approved. The meeting was adjourned at 6 pm.

• Approved Dhivyaa Thamil Chevron’s application (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of August 5 meeting (unanimous)
• Appointed Marina Meehan as chair (unanimous)
• Appointed Judy Doherty as treasurer (unanimous)
• Approved $100 for “Music of the Prairies” program (unanimous)
• Approved up to $100 for October 4 Open Mic night (unanimous)
• Approved $300 Silver‑level sponsorship for Celebrate Sterling (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6 pm (unanimous)

DPW Facility Committee

The DPW Facility Committee reviewed tours of the Hudson, Holden, and Westford facilities and discussed the design of a possible new Sterling building. The committee also addressed the upcoming Finance Committee vote on a $2.2 million request for the project and an article for the Meeting House News.

• DPW Facility Committee tour of Hudson, Holden, and Westford facilities
• Discussion of a possible new Sterling DPW facility design
• Finance Committee to vote on $2.2 million project funding on October 16
• Article for Meeting House News with a $33 million price tag concern
• DPW to host a 'Celebrate Sterling' event this Saturday

The DPW Facility Committee met jointly with the finance and capital budget committees on September 18, 2025. Committee members heard a presentation on the DPW Facility project from the DPW Superintendent, the committee chair, the owners project manager, and the design engineer/architect. Finance and capital budget committee members asked numerous questions about the project and the upcoming November 3, 2025 special town meeting and ballot vote. The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:30 p.m. with no formal actions recorded.

Open Space Implementation Committee

The Open Space Implementation Committee will meet to discuss maintenance and projects for town open spaces. The agenda includes reviews of the Lynde Basins Trail and the Hedgerow Project.

• Trail maintenance on the Lynde Basins Trail
• MasstTrails grant proposal
• Sholan Park Picnic Area
• Hedgerow Project currently out for bid
• Eagle Scout Project

The committee unanimously accepted the agenda for the September 17, 2025 meeting. It also unanimously approved the minutes from the August 20, 2025 meeting. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Accepted agenda for September 17, 2025 (unanimous)
• Accepted minutes of August 20, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Sterling Conservation Commission will hold a regular meeting to discuss old business, new agent hiring, and three public hearings regarding septic replacement, wetland restoration, and storm water permits.

• Public hearing for septic replacement on 280 Leominster Rd
• Public hearing for wetland restoration on 153 Chace Hill Rd
• Public hearing for storm water permit at 64 South Nelson Rd
• Discussion of new agent hiring
• Review of old business from warrant articles

The Conservation Commission voted unanimously to decline pursuing acquisition of the 5.5‑acre Lot 5 under Chapter 61A. It also approved a negative determination for the septic replacement at 280 Leominster Road, continued several pending permits to the October 7 meeting, and adopted a Standard Order of Conditions for the wetland restoration at 153 Chace Hill Road. The June 10, 2025 minutes were accepted and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved negative determination for septic replacement at 280 Leominster Rd (unanimous)
• Continued Campground Rd culvert replacement Notice of Intent to Oct 7, 2025 (unanimous)
• Issued Standard Order of Conditions for 153 Chace Hill Rd wetland restoration (unanimous)
• Continued storm‑water permit request for 64 South Nelson Rd to Oct 7, 2025 (unanimous)
• Signed off negative determination for Newell Hill Rd culvert replacement (unanimous)
• Declined to pursue acquisition of 5.5 acres (Lot 5) under Chapter 61A (unanimous)
• Accepted June 10, 2025 meeting minutes with amendments (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Animal Control Advisory Board (ACAB)

The Sterling Animal Control Advisory Board will review and vote on the minutes from its May 14, 2025 meeting. Members will elect a new board officer and hear the Animal Control Officer’s report. The board will consider old business concerning 31 Kendall Hill Rd and new business regarding concerns at 26 Maple Street and a fall rabies clinic scheduled for October 18, 2025.

• Review, approve, and vote on May 14, 2025 meeting minutes
• Election of a board officer
• Animal Control Officer (ACO) report
• Old business – 31 Kendall Hill Rd (Agra & Hegel)
• New business – concerns at 26 Maple Street and Fall Rabies Clinic (10/18/25)

The board unanimously approved the May 14, 2025 meeting minutes after minor corrections. Terry Sadler was elected Chair and Anne Marie Catalano Vice Chair, each by unanimous vote. The Fall Rabies Clinic was scheduled for October 18, 2025. No new business was considered.

• Approved May 14, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Elected Terry Sadler as Chair (unanimous)
• Elected Anne Marie Catalano as Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Set Fall Rabies Clinic date for October 18, 2025 (no vote recorded)

DPW Facility Committee

The Department of Public Works Facility Committee will hold site visits to three DPW facilities. The tours are scheduled for Holden DPW at 8:00 a.m., Hudson DPW at 10:00 a.m., and Westford DPW at 12:00 p.m. No formal actions or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Facility tour of Holden DPW (18 Industrial Drive) at 8:00 a.m.
• Facility tour of Hudson DPW (1 Municipal Drive) at 10:00 a.m.
• Facility tour of Westford DPW (28 North Street) at 12:00 p.m.

The DPW Facility Committee toured the Town of Holden, Hudson, and Westford DPW facilities. After the tours, the committee set a future joint meeting with the Finance Committee for September 18, 2025. No other decisions or approvals were recorded.

Board of Health

The Sterling Board of Health will meet to appoint a new animal inspector and consider local upgrades for septic systems at 19 James Road and 20 Woodside Drive. The agenda also includes a discussion on home and green burials, West Nile Virus updates, and regionalization.

• Appointment of Tom Feller as Animal Inspector
• Local Upgrade Approval: 19 James Road (septic separation reduction)
• Local Upgrade Approval: 20 Woodside Drive (septic separation reduction)
• Discussion: Home Burials/Green Burials
• West Nile Virus - Update and Prevention

The Board appointed Tom Feller as Animal Inspector after a motion was carried unanimously. The minutes from the August 14, 2025 meeting were approved by unanimous vote. The Board also approved Local Upgrade Approvals for 19 James Road and 20 Woodside Drive, reducing required groundwater separations, each with unanimous support. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Appointed Tom Feller as Animal Inspector (unanimous)
• Approved August 14, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Local Upgrade Approval for 19 James Road (unanimous)
• Approved Local Upgrade Approval for 20 Woodside Drive (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board will hold a public hearing on the 61A release off Maple Street and Chamberlain Road. It will also consider a library update, review a FY26‑FY28 transportation contract for the Council on Aging with the Montachusett Region Transportation Authority, and discuss the fire chief’s recommendation and the board’s meeting schedule. Additional items include the town administrator’s report and updates on committees, the master plan, and other business.

• Public hearing – 61A release off Maple Street & Chamberlain Road
• Library update
• Council on Aging Transportation Service FY26‑FY28 contract with Montachusett Region Transportation Authority
• Fire Chief recommendation
• Select Board meeting schedule

The Select Board voted unanimously to release the 61A restriction, allowing the sale of a 5.5‑acre parcel on Maple Street & Chamberlain Road for $345,000. The board also approved the transportation contract with MART for FY 26‑28, authorized pre‑employment and background screening for the fire chief hire, set the meeting schedule to the second and fourth Wednesdays, and approved a model kitchen trailer to park at One Park Street for the Celebrate Sterling event.

• Approved release of 61A restriction for 5.5‑acre property sale (5‑0)
• Approved MART transportation contract for FY 26‑28 (5‑0)
• Approved pre‑employment and background screening process (4‑1)
• Approved meeting schedule on second and fourth Wednesdays (5‑0)
• Approved model kitchen trailer parking at One Park Street for Celebrate Sterling (3‑2)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Sterling Zoning Board of Appeals will consider a variance for a Maple Street property and a special permit modification for a Worcester Road garage project. The meeting will also review previous minutes.

• Variance request for 20 Maple Street to modify front and side setbacks
• Special permit modification for 225 Worcester Road to build a garage with an accessory dwelling unit
• Review of August 12, 2025 meeting minutes
• Next scheduled meeting: October 7, 2025

The board approved a variance allowing Michael DiVerdi to reduce the side setback at 20 Maple Street. It also approved a special permit for Steven Cadoret to demolish and rebuild a garage with an accessory dwelling unit at 225 Worcester Road. Both motions passed unanimously (4‑0). The meeting was then adjourned.

• Granted variance for 20 Maple Street (4-0)
• Granted special permit for 225 Worcester Road (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)
• Approved minutes on 10/7/2025 (unanimous)

Council on Aging

The Sterling Council on Aging meeting on September 9, 2025 will review and vote on the August 12, 2025 meeting minutes, approve the Treasurer’s Report, and hear a FOSS liaison report. It will elect a new Chair of the Council on Aging and hold an open discussion of the Vice‑Chair position. The agenda also includes a possible change to the meeting time and an update on the landscape plan and pergola/tent for the senior‑center terrace.

• Review and vote on the minutes from the August 12, 2025 meeting
• Approve the Treasurer’s Report
• Hear the FOSS liaison report
• Elect a new Chair of the Council on Aging
• Open discussion of the Vice‑Chair position

The board approved the August 12, 2025 meeting minutes and accepted the Director’s Report. Members elected Deb MacLennan as chair, placed the vice‑chair position on hold, and changed the regular meeting time to 2:15 pm on the second Thursday of each month. The Holiday Party was scheduled for December 19, and the meeting was adjourned at 1:40 pm.

• Approved August 12, 2025 minutes (passed)
• Accepted Director’s Report (passed)
• Elected Deb MacLennan as chair (passed)
• Vice Chair position placed on hold (passed)
• Changed meeting time to 2:15 pm on second Thursday of month (passed)
• Scheduled Holiday Party for December 19 (passed)
• Adjourned meeting at 1:40 pm (passed)

Trustees of the Conant Public Library

The Conant Public Library Board of Trustees will review meeting minutes, receive reports, and discuss capital projects, budget discussions, and a director evaluation for the next fiscal year.

• Review/Approve minutes from August 11, 2025
• Update Circulation Policy
• Discuss Capital Projects for next fiscal year
• Begin budget discussions for next fiscal year
• Discuss Director evaluation

The trustees approved the August 11, 2025 meeting minutes, with one abstention. They unanimously adopted the amended circulation policy that adds a one‑week waiting period for household members. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved August 11, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous, 1 abstention)
• Approved circulation policy amendment adding one‑week household waiting period (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Department of Public Works

The Sterling Department of Public Works committee will meet to review updates from the DPW superintendent, designer, and OPM, and discuss siting a building on the property. The meeting is procedural with no formal decisions listed.

• Review DPW Superintendent Update
• Review Designer Update
• Review OPM Update
• Discuss siting building on the property
• Set future meeting schedule

Select Board

The Select Board will meet to address one action item regarding a permit for the Sterling Fair. The request is submitted by the Sterling Firefighter Association.

• Approval of Sterling Fair permit for the Sterling Firefighter Association

The Select Board approved the Common Victuallers License application submitted by the Sterling Fire Fighters Association. The motion passed unanimously with all three members voting aye. Afterward, the board adjourned the meeting by a unanimous vote.

• Approved Common Victuallers License for Sterling Fire Fighters Association (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Planning Board

The Sterling Planning Board will review a site plan for a new solar farm off Metropolitan Road and discuss residential zoning changes. They will also consider minor site plan changes, a land withdrawal request, and a citizen proposal to add 315 Leominster Avenue to an MBTA overlay district.

• Site plan review for new solar farm off Metropolitan Road (Tax Map 151, Lot 1 & Tax Map 152, Lots 1 & 2) by South Meadow Solar LLC
• Minor site plan review for change in tenancy at 86 Leominster Road
• Chapter land withdrawal request by Anthony and Diane Melone for 85 Maple Street (Tax Map 25, parcel 3)
• Citizen request to add 315 Leominster Avenue to proposed MBTA overlay district
• Working session on residential zoning changes

The Board postponed action on the Metropolitan Road solar farm until a secondary engineering review is received. It approved the minor site plan for 86 Leominster Road, recommended the town not exercise its right of first refusal on 85 Maple Street, and voted to add 315 Leominster Avenue to the MBTA overlay district, expanding it to 15 acres. The Board also approved the July 24, 2025 meeting minutes, reappointed Carl Corrinne as Chairman, and set the next meeting for September 25, 2025.

• Postponed solar farm decision pending Graves Engineering review (vote 4‑0 to continue meeting Sep 25)
• Approved Minor Site Plan for 86 Leominster Road (vote 4‑0)
• Recommended town not exercise right of first refusal on 85 Maple Street (vote 4‑0)
• Added 315 Leominster Avenue to MBTA overlay district, expanding district to 15 acres (vote 4‑0)
• Approved July 24, 2025 meeting minutes (vote 4‑0)
• Reappointed Carl Corrinne as Chairman (vote 4‑0)
• Set next meeting for September 25, 2025 at 6:30 pm (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:12 pm

Select Board

The Select Board will approve permits for the Sterling Fair, including vendor licenses and truck parking, and will appoint a member to the Sterling Fair Committee. The board will also discuss a Special Town Meeting date and review a driveway permit request.

• Sterling Fair Committee appointment
• Sterling Fair vendor permits (JVS Enterprises, Tupperware, etc.)
• Celebrate Sterling event truck parking request
• Driveway permit request: 4/6 Jewett Road
• Special Town Meeting date and warrant timeline

The Select Board unanimously accepted the minutes from the August 6 and August 13 meetings, including the executive session minutes. It approved the common victualler and vendor permits for the Sterling Fair and appointed Jake Pruneau to the Fair Committee. The board also accepted two PILOT agreements from Kearsarge Sterling LLC, approved an Entrance to Public Ways permit for 4/6 Jewett Road, and set the Special Town Meeting timeline for November 3 with the warrant posting schedule. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved acceptance of August 6 and August 13 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved acceptance of August 13 executive session minutes (5-0)
• Approved common victualler and vendor permits for the Sterling Fair (5-0)
• Appointed Jake Pruneau of 78 Meetinghouse Hill Rd to the Fair Committee (5-0)
• Accepted two PILOT agreements from Kearsarge Sterling LLC (5-0)
• Approved Entrance to Public Ways permit for 4/6 Jewett Road (5-0)
• Set Special Town Meeting date for November 3 and warrant posting schedule (5-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (5-0)

Fair Committee

The provided document is a partially filled agenda template for the Fair Committee. It contains no specific discussion items, decisions, or business actions.

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will receive updates from the Town Administrator and Town Planner regarding doing business in Sterling. The body will also discuss the schedule and locations for new business ribbon cuttings and the Celebrate Sterling event.

• Town Planner update on Doing Business in Sterling
• Ribbon cutting schedule and locations for new businesses
• Celebrate Sterling discussion

Department of Public Works

The Department of Public Works Facility Committee will meet to review updates from the designer and the Owner's Project Manager (OPM). The committee will also review minutes from the August 12, 2025 meeting.

• Designer Update
• OPM Update
• Minutes of August 12th, 2025

The committee voted to accept the minutes from the August 12, 2025 meeting; the motion passed unanimously with a 5-0 vote. The committee then voted to adjourn the meeting at 7:00 PM; that motion also passed unanimously with a 5-0 vote. No other actions were decided.

• Accepted August 12, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:00 PM (5-0)

Fair Committee

The Sterling Fair Committee agenda for August 20, 2025, is a boilerplate procedural document with no substantive items, decisions, or discussions listed. It includes placeholders for executive session details and designated authority signatures but no actionable or informative content.

Housing Authority

The Board of Commissioners will meet to approve June 2025 financials and the minutes from June 25, 2025. The board will discuss personnel changes, an open board seat, and the Sea Crest project.

• Approval of June 2025 financials
• Correction of Fenton contract dates
• EOHLC PHN 2025-7 Vacancy Initiative 2.0
• EOHLC PHN 2025-8 American Resolution 250th Anniversary Celebration Funding
• EOHLC PHN 2025-9 Annual Plan Update

Sterling Municipal Light Board

The Sterling Municipal Light Board will hold a regular meeting on August 20, 2025, at 5:00 PM in the rear board room. The board will review unfinished business including the Kearsarge Energy solar and battery storage project and a cost of service rate study, and vote on a depreciation transfer. A fiber update and monthly report will also be discussed.

• Vote on depreciation transfer
• Discussion of Kearsarge Energy solar and battery storage project
• Cost of service rate study review
• Fiber update
• Approval of July 16, 2025 meeting minutes

Open Space Implementation Committee

The committee is meeting to discuss maintenance for the Lynde Basins and Heywood Reservoir trails. The agenda includes a MassTrails grant proposal and the status of the Hedgerow Project bid.

• Trail maintenance on Lynde Basins Trail and Heywood Reservoir trail
• MassTrails grant proposal
• Hedgerow Project bid status
• Sholan Park Picnic Area
• Sterling Fair Booth for September 7, 8, and 9

The Open Space Implementation Committee approved the August 20 agenda and the July 16 meeting minutes, both by unanimous vote. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously. No other formal actions were taken.

• Accepted agenda for August 20, 2025 (unanimous)
• Accepted minutes of July 16, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Sterling Conservation Commission will hold three public hearings under state law to review retroactive and new applications for culvert replacements and stormwater drainage improvements. The meeting will also include routine procedural items such as reviewing minutes and enforcement updates.

• Public hearing on retroactive Notice of Intent for Campground Road culvert replacement by EcoTec
• Public hearing on Request for Determination of Applicability for Newell Hill Road culvert replacement by Ryan Mouradian
• Public hearing on Order of Conditions Amendment Request for Swett Hill Road stormwater drainage improvements by Haley Ward

The commission voted unanimously to make a negative determination on the Newell Hill Road culvert replacement request. It also approved issuing a standard order of conditions with an added stormwater operation‑and‑maintenance plan requirement for the Swett Hill Road stormwater improvement project. The retroactive notice of intent for Campground Road, the septic‑system replacement on Leominster Road, and the 153 Chace Hill project were each continued to the September 16 meeting. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Negative determination for Newell Hill Rd culvert replacement (unanimous)
• Issued standard order of conditions with O&M plan condition for Swett Hill Rd stormwater improvements (unanimous)
• Continued Campground Rd retroactive notice of intent to Sept 16 meeting
• Continued Leominster Rd septic system replacement request to next meeting
• Continued 153 Chace Hill project hearing to Sept 16 meeting
• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to discuss a possible Sterling Nuisance Regulation and the board's Comprehensive Policy and Procedures. The board will also discuss two Zoning Board of Appeals requests.

• Discussion of Possible Sterling Nuisance Regulation
• Discussion on BOH Comprehensive Policy and Procedures
• ZBA Special Permit request for 225 Worcester Road
• ZBA Variance request for 20 Maple Street

The Board unanimously approved the revised minutes from the July 10, 2025 meeting after a minor change. It decided not to pursue a new nuisance regulation at this time. The Board took no comment on the special‑permit request for 225 Worcester Road and on the variance request for 20 Maple Street. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.

• Approved revised July 10, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Board will not go forward with a nuisance regulation (decision made)
• No comment on special‑permit request for 225 Worcester Road
• No comment on variance request for 20 Maple Street
• Motion to adjourn carried (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board will meet to ratify the Police Lieutenant contract. The board will also enter an executive session to discuss litigation strategy regarding the Onyx Sterling Pit.

• Police Lieutenant Contract Ratification
• Executive session regarding Onyx Sterling Pit litigation strategy

The Select Board voted to ratify the Police Lieutenant contract, with all five members voting aye. The board also voted to enter an executive session to discuss litigation strategy for the Onyx Sterling Pit, and then adjourned the meeting. All votes were unanimous.

• Ratified Police Lieutenant contract (5-0)
• Entered executive session on Onyx Sterling Pit litigation (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold hearings on a multi-family development project and a modification to an existing permit. The board will also hear an administrative appeal regarding a secondary structure.

• Special Permit for multi-family development at 121-125 Flanagan Hill Road
• Special Permit Modification for utility trailers at 141-149 Greenland Road
• Administrative Appeal regarding a secondary structure at 294 Leominster Road

The board voted 5-0 to continue the special permit hearing for the 121‑125 Flanagan Hill Road multifamily project to October 7, 2025. It approved the special permit modification for 141‑149 Greenland Road, allowing the replacement of mobile restrooms with utility trailers, by a 5‑0 vote. The board reversed the Building Commissioner’s determination and granted a grandfathering exception for the secondary structure at 294 Leominster Road, also 5‑0. Additionally, the board approved the July 8, 2025 minutes and adjourned the meeting, each by unanimous vote.

• Continue hearing for 121‑125 Flanagan Hill Rd special permit (to Oct 7 2025) – approved 5‑0
• Approve special permit modification for 141‑149 Greenland Rd – approved 5‑0
• Reverse Building Commissioner’s decision, allow secondary structure at 294 Leominster Rd – approved 5‑0
• Approve July 8 2025 minutes – approved 5‑0
• Adjourn meeting – approved 5‑0

Council on Aging

The Sterling Council on Aging will meet to approve past minutes and treasurer’s report, hear a director’s update, and discuss strategic plan items, landscape plans, and staff roles. The meeting is open to the public at the Sterling Senior Center.

• Review and vote on July 8, 2025 meeting minutes
• Review treasurer’s report
• Director’s update on senior center activities
• Review of Landscape Plan and pergola/tent for terrace
• Discussion of #3 of the Strategic Plan

Fair Committee

The agenda for the Sterling Fair Committee on August 11, 2025, is incomplete and contains formatting errors, making it impossible to determine the specific business to be conducted.

• Meeting date listed as VV 2S nme
• Executive session times missing
• Town of Sterling location listed

Trustees of the Conant Public Library

The Conant Public Library board meets to approve minutes from the July meeting, hear routine reports from the director and staff, and discuss the annual evaluation of the library director. No ordinances, contracts, or public hearings are listed on the agenda.

The Conant Public Library Board of Trustees unanimously approved the July 14, 2025 meeting minutes, noting a correction to the staff wages returned to the town ($6,940 instead of $8,000). The board also discussed an initial draft of the director evaluation, agreeing to submit suggestions by September 1 for a revised draft at the September meeting.

• Approved July 14, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Noted corrected staff wage return of $6,940 to town for FY25
• Discussed director evaluation draft; trustees to email suggestions by September 1

Fair Committee

The provided agenda for the August 6, 2025, Fair Committee meeting contains no specific discussion items or decisions. The document consists of a blank template with no listed business.

Select Board

The Select Board will meet to vote on several action items, including personnel appointments and event approvals. The board will also conduct goal setting and review reports from the Town Administrator.

• Approval of Barefoot Half Marathon
• Appointment of Recreation Director
• Appointment of election workers
• Signing of Fair agreements
• Masterplan updates

The board unanimously approved the minutes from July 16, 2025, and the executive session minutes. It appointed Tyler Riel as Recreation Director, approved the Barefoot Half Marathon, and appointed a slate of election workers. The board also approved fair hold‑harmless agreements with three contractors. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved July 16, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved July 16, 2025 executive session minutes (unanimous)
• Appointed Tyler Riel as Recreation Director (unanimous)
• Approved Barefoot Half Marathon application (unanimous)
• Appointed listed election workers (unanimous)
• Approved fair hold‑harmless agreements with three contractors (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council will discuss and vote on priorities for the upcoming grant application season. Members will also coordinate the distribution of a survey and plan for recruiting new members in Autumn 2025.

• Vote on grant priorities for the September 1 – October 16 application season
• Distribution of survey due to MA Cultural Council by end of August
• Recruitment of new members for Autumn 2025

The council approved the minutes from the June 3, 2025 meeting. Members voted 4‑2 to adopt direct grants rather than reimbursements for the Mass Cultural Council. They also voted 5‑1 to hold future meetings at 5 p.m. and set the next meeting for September 22, 2025 at 5 p.m. The council reaffirmed continuation of eight priority initiatives, including youth programs and farm and agriculture projects.

• Approved minutes of June 3, 2025 meeting
• Adopted direct grants for Mass Cultural Council (4‑2 vote)
• Voted 5‑1 to hold meetings at 5 p.m. going forward
• Set September 22, 2025 meeting at 5:00 p.m.
• Continued eight priority initiatives (youth programs, local applicants, climate science, family activities, inclusion/diversity, farm and agriculture, hands‑on experiences, democracy and history)

Assessor's Office

The Assessor's Office will meet to handle administrative approvals and sign official documents. The board will address specific property releases and tax deferral requests.

• Sign RRG contract
• Sign 61A Partial Release for Maple St / Melone
• Review Senior Tax Deferral

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will meet to receive updates from the Town Administrator and Town Planner. The agenda includes discussions on doing business in Sterling and a ribbon cutting for new businesses.

• Doing Business in Sterling discussion with Town Planner and Lex Thomas
• Ribbon cutting for new businesses with Lex Thomas
• Celebrate Sterling initiative
• EDC Membership review

The committee unanimously approved three actions: creating a “Doing Business in Sterling” website with the Chamber of Commerce, funding Lex Thomas for up to eight hours of preliminary work on the project at $55 per hour, and providing up to $6,000 for communications for Celebrate Sterling 2025. The meeting also approved the minutes from June 23, 2025.

• Approved motion for Steve Wallace to proceed with the Chamber of Commerce‑Doing Business in Sterling website (unanimously approved)
• Approved funding for Lex Thomas to implement the preliminary phase of “Doing Business in Sterling” up to eight hours at $55 per hour (unanimously approved)
• Approved funding for Lex Thomas communications for “Celebrate Sterling 2025” not to exceed $6,000 (unanimously approved)
• Approved the meeting minutes of 6/23/25 (unanimously approved)

Department of Public Works

The Department of Public Works Facility Committee is meeting to begin a project with a designer and Owner's Project Manager (OPM). The committee will also establish a schedule for future meetings.

• Project kick-off meeting with designer and OPM
• Establishment of future meeting schedule

The committee met to outline roles, discuss the project schedule, current and future funding, and the need for a smaller focus group and public communication. After the discussion, a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:15 AM was made and adopted. No other actions were decided.

• Adjourned meeting at 10:15 AM (motion adopted)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will review site plans for a commercial building and a solar farm. Members will also hold a working session regarding residential zoning changes and select board officers.

• Site plan for 7,440 sq. ft. commercial building at 21-23 Laurelwood Road
• Site plan for solar farm off Metropolitan Road (Tax Map 151, Lot 1 and Tax Map 152, Lots 1 & 2)
• Working session on residential zoning changes
• Selection of Planning Board officers

The Board voted 4‑0 to approve the revised site plan for 21‑23 Laurelwood Road with conditions. It also approved the meeting minutes for May 22 and June 26, 2025. The Board adjourned and voted 4‑0 to continue the meeting on August 28, 2025 for a site walk and regular session. The residential zoning changes discussion was postponed to the next meeting.

• Approved 21‑23 Laurelwood Road site plan with conditions (4‑0)
• Approved May 22, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved June 26, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned to continue meeting on Aug 28, 2025 (4‑0)
• Postponed residential zoning changes discussion to next meeting

Fair Committee

The agenda for this meeting is procedural boilerplate and contains no specific discussion items or decisions.

Department of Public Works

The Department of Public Works Facility Committee will conduct interviews with CHA and Vertex. The committee intends to discuss and recommend an OPM following these interviews.

• Interview with CHA at 6:00PM
• Interview with Vertex at 7:00PM
• Recommendation of an OPM

The committee voted to authorize Bill Cadwell to negotiate with Vertex to serve as the outside project manager for the DPW project. The motion was moved by David Smith, seconded by Blaine Bershad, and passed unanimously with a 5‑0 vote. No other substantive actions were taken during the meeting.

• Authorized Bill Cadwell to negotiate with Vertex as OPM (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Sterling Municipal Light Board

The board will review unfinished business regarding a solar and battery storage project and a cost of service rate study. New business includes a fiber update and a review of 2025 power purchases. The meeting may include an executive session regarding a collective bargaining agreement.

• Kearsarge Energy Solar and Battery Storage Project
• Cost of Service Rate Study
• Q1 2025 Power Purchases - Actual vs Estimate
• 2024 Auditor’s Report
• Collective Bargaining Agreement

Finance Committee

The Finance and Capital Budget Committees are meeting to conduct appointment votes for committee membership. The meeting focuses on the reappointment of current members and the consideration of new applicants.

• Appointment vote for Joseph King
• Appointment vote for Mike Padula
• Appointment vote for Marina Meehan
• Appointment vote for Kevin Beaupre
• Appointment vote for Linda Woodland

Open Space Implementation Committee

The Open Space Implementation Committee will meet to discuss maintenance for local trails and a grant proposal. The body will also review the construction schedule for Hedgerow and goals for the Natural Resource Protection Zone.

• Trail maintenance on the Lynde Basins Trail and Heywood Reservoir trail
• MassTrails grant proposal
• Sholan Park Picnic Area
• Project Schedule for Hedgerow construction
• OSIC goals for the Natural Resource Protection Zone Meetings

The Open Space Implementation Committee unanimously approved the agenda for July 16, 2025 and accepted the minutes from the June 18, 2025 meeting. Members reported no progress on Lynde Basin Trail maintenance, a pending Mass Trails grant, and plans for Sholan Park picnic area and hedgerow construction, but no approvals were made. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 7:29 pm.

• Accepted agenda (unanimous)
• Accepted minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board will meet to ratify a Police Lieutenant contract and approve several town appointments. The board is also scheduled to review year-end transfers and conduct goal setting.

• Police Lieutenant Contract Ratification
• Appointment of Wando De Oliveira as Local Building Inspector
• Appointments to Finance Committee, Capital Budget Committee, and Council on Aging
• Year-end transfer approvals
• Executive session regarding litigation strategy for Onyx Sterling Pit

The board approved the June 18, 2025 meeting minutes and authorized the FY25 year‑end financial transfers. It reappointed Mike Padula and Joseph King to the Finance Committee and Joseph King to the Capital Budget Committee. New members Kevin Beaupre, Marina Meehan and Linda Woodland were appointed to the Finance and Capital Budget Committees. All motions passed, with votes ranging from unanimous to a 4‑2 majority.

• Approved June 18, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
• Reappointed Mike Padula to Finance Committee (5‑0)
• Reappointed Joseph King to Finance Committee (4‑2)
• Reappointed Joseph King to Capital Budget Committee (4‑2)
• Appointed Kevin Beaupre to Finance Committee (5‑0)
• Appointed Marina Meehan to Capital Budget Committee (5‑0)
• Appointed Linda Woodland to Capital Budget Committee (5‑0)
• Approved FY25 year‑end transfers (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Sterling Conservation Commission will conduct public hearings regarding a trade shop building and a culvert replacement. The body will also review stormwater drainage improvements on Route 110 and a pending peer review for 64 South Nelson Road.

• Public hearing: Contractor/trade shop building at 21/23 Laurelwood Road
• Public hearing: Retroactive Notice of Intent for culvert replacement at Campground Road
• Public hearing: Order of Conditions Amendment Request for Route 110 Stormwater Drainage Improvements
• Review of New England Power A1/B2 maintenance and upgrade project NOI
• Enforcement review for 64 South Nelson Road pending peer review

The commission voted unanimously to issue an amended Order of Conditions for the Route 110 stormwater drainage improvements near Wachusett Reservoir. They also unanimously approved a motion to continue the Campground Road culvert replacement NOI to the October 7, 2025 meeting. Approval of the meeting minutes was tabled to the next meeting because commissioners lacked time to review the draft.

• Approved amended Order of Conditions for Route 110 stormwater improvements (unanimous)
• Continued Campground Road culvert replacement NOI to Oct 7, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Tabled approval of meeting minutes to next meeting (no vote taken)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Trustees of the Conant Public Library

The Board of Trustees will review strategic goals for FY25 and discuss goals for FY26. The board will also discuss the Library Director's 2025 progress and prepare for a director evaluation.

• Review of FY25 strategic goals
• Discussion of FY26 strategic goals
• Discussion of Director's 2025 goals and progress
• Preparation for Director evaluation
• Approval of June 9, 2025 meeting minutes

The trustees unanimously approved the June 9, 2025 meeting minutes. They agreed to use last year’s evaluation rubric and to send narrative responses to Trustee Sayut by August 1. The board decided that Director Grebinar’s 2026 goals will not be part of the evaluation and that the director’s contract will be discussed in executive session by the October meeting. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved June 9, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Agreed to use last year’s evaluation rubric for Director Grebinar (responses due Aug 1)
• Decided Director’s 2026 goals will not be part of the evaluation
• Planned to discuss Director’s contract in executive session by October meeting
• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously

Fair Committee

The Livestock Committee is meeting to review the new FairEntry software and entry forms. Members will also review rules, regulations, premiums, and judges for various livestock categories.

• Review of FairEntry software and entry forms
• Review of rules, premiums, and judges for Beef, Dairy, Goats, Poultry, Rabbits, Sheep, Youth Sheep, and Swine

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to discuss local upgrade approvals and public health matters. The board is considering a request to reduce the required groundwater separation for a specific property.

• Local Upgrade Approval for 41 Tanglewood Road regarding a proposed 2-foot separation between the seasonal high ground water table and the bottom of the leach area
• Mosquito Control/EEE/WNV
• Office Hours
• PFAS Letter
• Regular Periodic Advice Article

The Board unanimously approved the revised minutes from the June 12, 2025 meeting. It also approved a local upgrade permitting a reduced groundwater separation at 41 Tanglewood Road. The Board noted that Sterling does not participate in state mosquito spraying and that a PFAS letter is ready for signatures. The meeting was adjourned at 7:18 PM.

• Approved revised June 12, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved local upgrade for 41 Tanglewood Road (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Department of Public Works

The Department of Public Works Facility Committee will meet to select firms for interviews based on OPM RFQ proposals. The committee will also receive updates from Weston & Sampson and the Finance Committee.

• Review of OPM RFQ proposals and selection of firms for interviews
• Update from Weston & Sampson
• Update from Finance Committee

The committee approved the May 22, 2025 minutes with a 3‑0 vote (Chandler abstained). They identified Vertex and CHA as the top two proposals and assigned Mr. Mouradian to schedule 30‑minute interviews for the next meeting. A site walk with Weston & Sampson representatives was reported, and future agenda items include selecting an Owner's Project Manager and reviewing the project. The meeting was adjourned at 6:20 PM.

• Accepted May 22, 2025 minutes (3-0, Chandler abstained)
• Scheduled interviews with Vertex and CHA (planned by Mr. Mouradian)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:20 PM (motion passed)
• Future agenda set to vote on Owner's Project Manager and review process

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit and variance for a contractor's yard. The board also held a public hearing for a proposed 30-unit senior housing development and discussed updates to the town's multifamily bylaw.

• Approved special permit and variance for a contractor's yard at 21-23 Laurelwood Road
• Continued public hearing for a 30-unit multifamily development at 121-125 Flanagan Hill Road
• Discussion of recommendations for the Housing Production Plan and Multifamily Bylaw
• Approved minutes from June 10, 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hear requests for special permits and a variance regarding properties on Laurelwood Road and Flanagan Hill Road. The board will also discuss the Housing Production Plan and Multifamily Bylaw.

• Special Permit for a contractor's yard at 21-23 Laurelwood Road
• Variance for a driveway entrance exceeding 22 feet at 21-23 Laurelwood Road
• Special Permit for a Multi-Family Development at 121-125 Flanagan Hill Road
• Discussion and possible recommendations for the Housing Production Plan
• Discussion and possible recommendations for the Multifamily Bylaw

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved the special permit for a contractor’s yard at 21‑23 Laurelwood Road with conditions, voting 5‑0. The board also voted to continue the public hearing on the proposed multifamily development until August 12, 2025, also 5‑0. Minutes from the June 10, 2025 meeting were approved, and the meeting was adjourned, each with unanimous 5‑0 votes.

• Approved contractor’s yard special permit at 21‑23 Laurelwood Road (5-0)
• Continued public hearing on 121‑125 Flanagan Hill Road multifamily development to Aug 12, 2025 (5-0)
• Approved minutes of June 10, 2025 meeting (5-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (5-0)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will meet to review financial reports and vote on expenditures from the gift account. The board will also discuss the secretary's job description and plan for the 2026 election of officers.

• Vote on gift account expenditure request
• Review of COA Secretary job description
• 2026 Election of Officers
• Strategic Plan reviews of goals 3-7
• Discussion of planned events and volunteers

Department of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will discuss discolored water, cemetery rules, and a PFAS letter from the Board of Health. The board will also review updates on several infrastructure projects including water main replacements and a new DPW facility.

• MDAR Right-of-Way PFAS Letter from Board of Health
• Water/SMLD Agreement regarding West Sterling VFDs
• Cemetery Rules and Regulations
• Discussion on discolored water
• Project updates for New DPW Facility, Route 140/62 Intersection, and Main Street Revitalization

The Department of Public Works accepted the June 10, 2025 meeting minutes. The board signed the MDAR Right of Way PFAS letter. A memorandum of understanding between the SMLD and DPW was approved. New cemetery rules and regulations were adopted.

• Accepted June 10, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Board signed MDAR Right of Way PFAS letter (3-0)
• Approved memorandum of understanding with SMLD (3-0)
• Adopted new cemetery rules and regulations (3-0)

Fair Committee

The Fair Committee will meet to discuss several items, though the provided agenda contains handwritten notes that are largely illegible. The meeting is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Assessor's Office

The Board of Assessors will meet to reorganize the board and handle routine payables and abatements. The meeting includes an executive session to review a price proposal for Town of Sterling Assessment Services.

• Review of Town of Sterling Assessment Services Price Proposal
• Re-organization of Board
• Signing of payables, abatements, and warrants

The Sterling Board of Assessors unanimously approved Don Murray as Board Chairman. The meeting agenda and the minutes from the May 5, 2025 meeting were also approved. The board then adjourned the meeting at 9:03 a.m.

• Approved Don Murray as Board Chairman (unanimous)
• Approved the meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved May 5 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned the meeting at 9:03 a.m. (unanimous)

Department of Public Works

The Department of Public Works Facility Committee will meet to select firms for interviews based on OPM RFQ proposals. The committee will also receive updates from Weston & Sampson and the Finance Committee.

• Review of OPM RFQ proposals and selection of firms for interviews
• Update from Weston & Sampson
• Update from Finance Committee

Planning Board

The Sterling Planning Board will decide on two lot-line adjustments and continue reviewing a 7,440 sq. ft. commercial site plan at 21-23 Laurelwood Road. They will also hold a public hearing to adopt new Site Plan Regulations and hear a presentation on Natural Resource Protection Zoning. A debrief from a recent housing forum will discuss potential zoning changes.

• Lot-line adjustment for Daniel Kloczkowski (#9 Princeton Road) and Simple REI LLC (#11 Princeton Road)
• New building lot at 159 North Row Road for David & Marilyn Gagnon
• Site Plan review for 7,440 sq. ft. commercial building at 21-23 Laurelwood Road
• Public hearing to adopt Site Plan Regulations per Sterling Protective Bylaw
• Presentation on Natural Resource Protection Zoning by Jeff Lacy

The Board unanimously endorsed ANR plans for a lot line adjustment at #9 & #11 Princeton Road and for a new building lot at #159 North Row Road. It also unanimously adopted new Site Plan Regulations. The Board voted to continue the meeting to July 24, 2025, and appointed Eric Newman and Mike Temple as delegates to regional planning and transportation committees.

• Endorsed ANR plan for lot line adjustment at #9 & #11 Princeton Road (unanimous)
• Endorsed ANR plan for new building lot at #159 North Row Road (unanimous)
• Adopted new Site Plan Regulations (unanimous)
• Continued meeting to July 24, 2025 (4‑0 unanimous)
• Appointed Eric Newman as Planning Board delegate to Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (agreed)
• Appointed Mike Temple as Planning Board delegate to Montachusett Joint Transportation Committee (agreed)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee and Capital Budget Committee will review FY25 operating and capital financial results. The body will also consider new volunteer applicants and vote on a joint meeting schedule for FY26.

• Review of FY25 Financial Results for Opex and Capital
• Vote on FY26 joint meeting schedule (3rd Thursday of each month)
• Introduction of FinCom candidates Marina Meehan and Kevin Beaupre
• DPW Building Committee update
• BOH Audit Committee update

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the May 15, 2025 meeting. Members voted to adopt a monthly meeting calendar on the third Thursday of each month at 5 p.m. They also approved stand‑and‑present meetings scheduled for January 29 and February 5, 2026. All votes were recorded as in favor.

• Approved May 15, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted monthly meeting calendar, third Thursday each month at 5 p.m. (all in favor)
• Approved stand‑and‑present meetings on 1/29/26 and 2/5/26 (all in favor)

Housing Authority

The Board of Commissioners will meet to review financial reports and personnel changes. The board is scheduled to vote on two resolutions regarding document signatories and tenant wage matches.

• Resolution 2025-6: Approval of Third Signatory to execute CFAs
• Resolution 2025-7: Wage Match for State Housing Program Tenants
• Approval of May 2025 financials
• Executive Director report on personnel changes and Sea Crest
• EOHLC PHN 2025-6 Preventative Maintenance Planning Year Criteria

Town Clerk

The provided agenda is a blank form with no listed discussion items or decisions. It contains only procedural boilerplate and basic meeting details.

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will meet to receive updates on the Sterling Airport and North Central Chamber of Commerce dues. The body will also discuss a proposal for a Gateway Economic District and a ribbon cutting for Joshua Allen Design.

• LTC Proposal for Gateway Economic District
• Town Administrator update on Sterling Airport
• Town Planner update on North Central Chamber of Commerce Dues
• Joshua Allen Design ribbon cutting and Celebrate Sterling

The Economic Development Committee approved the minutes from the May 19, 2025 meeting and a $375 invoice for Chamber of Commerce dues. The committee also tabled the agenda item concerning a new meeting time and the proposed Gateway Economic District. No vote tallies were recorded for these actions.

• Approved meeting minutes of 5/19/2025
• Approved $375 Chamber of Commerce dues invoice
• Tabled new meeting time and proposed Gateway Economic District

Housing Authority

The Sterling Housing Authority Board of Commissioners will meet to review financial reports and personnel changes. The board will consider two resolutions regarding the execution of CFAs and a wage match for state housing program tenants.

• Resolution 2025-6: Approval of Third Signatory to execute CFAs
• Resolution 2025-7: Wage Match for State Housing Program Tenants
• Approval of May 2025 financials
• Executive Director report on Sea Crest
• EOHLC PHN 2025-6 Preventative Maintenance Planning Year Criteria

Open Space Implementation Committee

The Open Space Implementation Committee will review budget clarifications and maintenance for the Lynde Basins and Heywood Reservoir trails. The body will also discuss a MassTrails grant proposal and design work for a vegetation barrier at Waushacum Trail.

• Trail maintenance on Lynde Basins Trail and Heywood Reservoir trail
• MassTrails grant proposal
• Design work for vegetation barrier at Waushacum Trail
• OSIC budget clarification

The Open Space Implementation Committee unanimously accepted the agenda for June 18, 2025. It also unanimously accepted the minutes from the May 14, 2025 meeting. The meeting was then unanimously adjourned. No other substantive actions were decided.

• Accepted agenda (unanimous)
• Accepted minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board will meet to address several action items, including zoning and contract matters. The body will discuss MBTA community zoning and a PFAS letter from the Board of Health.

• Police Lieutenant contract ratification
• MBTA community zoning update
• PFAS Letter from Board of Health
• Awarding of a life-time beach pass
• Liaison assignments and re-appointments

The Board approved the June 4 minutes, moved forward on the Planning Board’s option #3 for the multi‑family overlay district, and co‑signed a letter to the Mass Dept. of Agricultural Resources requesting removal of PFAS‑containing herbicides. It reappointed most volunteers, tabled Capital and Finance Committee appointments, scheduled summer meetings for July 16 and August 27, and awarded a lifetime beach/parking pass to the retiring senior executive assistant.

• Approved June 4, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
• Moved forward on Planning Board option #3 for multi‑family overlay district (all in favor)
• Co‑signed PFAS herbicide removal letter to MDAR (all in favor)
• Reappointed volunteers except Finance and Capital Committee members (all in favor)
• Tabled Capital and Finance Committee appointments (no vote recorded)
• Set summer meeting dates for July 16 and August 27 (all in favor)
• Awarded lifetime beach/parking pass to retiring senior executive assistant (all in favor)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will meet to vote on gift account expenditures and interview prospective board members. The body will also discuss the status of an electric sign following a June 10 ZBA meeting.

• Vote on gift account expenditure request
• Interviews for prospective board members
• Update on electric sign following June 10 ZBA meeting
• Review of COA Secretary job description
• Update on Outreach position

Board of Health

The Board of Health will consider the re-appointment of several town health agents and inspectors. The board is also scheduled to discuss zoning bylaw input and body art licensing fees.

• Re-appointments for Health Agent, Associate Agent, Administrative Assistant, and various inspectors
• Zoning Bylaw Input for STM - 301-4.6, Table 4.6.6, Item 9a
• LUA/Variance Discussion
• Body Art Licensing Fees
• PFAS Letter

The Board approved the minutes from the May 29, 2025 meeting. It re‑appointed all listed health‑board employees. Members voted unanimously to have Chairman Lane write a letter to the Planning Board asking that the 6‑foot seasonal groundwater offset provision be removed from the town’s zoning bylaws. The Board also accepted the body‑art licensing fees and approved posting an article by Member Menin on the town website.

• Approved May 29, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Re‑appointed health agents, inspectors and staff (Hassett aye, Lane aye, Menin abstained)
• Approved Chairman Lane to write letter to Planning Board to remove 6‑foot groundwater offset bylaw (all members in favor)
• Accepted body‑art licensing fees (unanimous vote)
• Approved posting of Member Menin’s article on town website and submission to Meetinghouse News (staff to handle)

Sterling Municipal Light Board

The board will meet to conduct reorganization and review the Manager's report. Discussions include unfinished business regarding a solar and battery storage project and a cost of service rate study. The board will also review the 2024 Auditor's Report and Q1 2025 rate comparisons.

• Kearsarge Energy Solar and Battery Storage Project
• Cost of Service Rate Study
• 2024 Auditor's Report
• Q1 2025 Rate Comparisons
• Collective Bargaining Agreement (Executive Session)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider permit modifications and new applications for properties on Muddy Pond Road and Laurelwood Road. The board will also review a request for a protected use accessory dwelling unit and approve previous meeting minutes.

• Special Permit Modification for electronic sign and lighting at Sterling Senior Center, 36 Muddy Pond Road
• Special Permit for contractor's yard at 21-23 Laurelwood Road
• Variance for driveway entrance exceeding 22 feet at 21-23 Laurelwood Road
• Request for Finding for Protected Use Accessory Dwelling Unit at 2 Pineview Road

The board rejected the Senior Center's request to modify its special permit for an electronic sign (vote 1‑3). It postponed the contractor’s yard special permit and driveway variance at 21‑23 Laurelwood Road to July 8, 2025 (vote 5‑0). The board approved a finding that the protected‑use ADU at 2 Pineview Road is not substantially more detrimental to the neighborhood (vote 5‑0). Minutes from the May 13, 2025 meeting were also approved.

• Denied Special Permit Modification for electronic sign at 36 Muddy Pond Road (1‑3)
• Continued hearings for 21‑23 Laurelwood Road contractor’s yard and variance to July 8, 2025 (5‑0)
• Approved finding that ADU at 2 Pineview Road is not substantially more detrimental (5‑0)
• Approved minutes of May 13, 2025 (5‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (5‑0)

Conservation Commission

The Sterling Conservation Commission will hold public hearings regarding two Notices of Intent. The body will also review updates for properties on Redemption Rock Road, Lakeshore Drive, South Nelson Road, and Chase Hill Road.

• Public hearing: New England Power maintenance and improvement of A1l/B2 line ROW
• Public hearing: Hannigan Engineering construction of a contractor/trade shop building at 21/23 Laurelwood Road
• Update on 246 Redemption Rock Road
• Update on 53 Lakeshore Drive
• Enforcement updates for 64 South Nelson Road and Chase Hill Road

The commission voted to issue a Standard Order of Conditions for the New England Power A1/B2 maintenance project. It also adopted an enforcement order that obligates CSX to supply PFAS information for its herbicide treatment by July 15, after initially moving to rescind the related RDA. Additional actions included approving a third‑party evaluation of the 64 South Nelson Road storm‑water issue, continuing the Laurelwood Road hearing to July 15, and unanimously accepting the April and May meeting minutes.

• Approved Standard Order of Conditions for New England Power A1/B2 project (unanimous)
• Issued enforcement order requiring CSX to provide PFAS information by July 15 (unanimous)
• Approved third‑party evaluation of 64 South Nelson Road storm‑water concerns (unanimous)
• Continued 21‑23 Laurelwood Rd hearing to July 15 (unanimous)
• Accepted April 2025 meeting minutes with amendments (unanimous)
• Accepted May 2025 meeting minutes with amendments (unanimous)

Department of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will review cemetery regulations and water management issues. The meeting includes updates on several infrastructure projects, including a new DPW facility and water main replacements.

• Cemetery Rules and Regulations
• Water reserve fund
• Water meter replacement for non-responsive customers
• New DPW Facility: $500,000 approved for schematic design and owners project manager
• Purchase of a Volvo L90 loader

The board approved the minutes from April 8, May 13 and June 4, 2025 (3‑0). It postponed voting on new cemetery rules, the placement of the first two cemetery structures, and the water‑meter replacement issue for non‑responsive customers. The board authorized a contract with Tighe & Bond for a cemetery wall evaluation and confirmed the DPW office will be closed on June 19 and June 20.

• Approved minutes of April 8, May 13 and June 4, 2025 (3-0)
• Postponed vote on new cemetery rules and regulations to next DPW meeting
• Postponed placement of first two cemetery structures until foundations are in
• Decided to revisit water‑meter replacement for non‑responsive customers later
• Authorized contract with Tighe & Bond for cemetery wall evaluation
• Closed DPW office on Thursday June 19 (Juneteenth) and Friday June 20

Fair Committee

The Fair Committee is meeting to approve minutes from a previous meeting and conduct follow-up discussions on items assigned to members.

• Approval of minutes from last meeting
• Follow-up with found by Kueh

Trustees of the Conant Public Library

The Board of Trustees will discuss the reconfiguration of board officers and standing committees. The board will also begin discussing the director's evaluation and contract timeline.

• Review of board roles and responsibilities
• Reconfiguration of board officers and standing committees
• Public Session Policy Review
• Discussion of Director evaluation for October
• Discussion of Director contract timeline

The trustees approved the May 19, 2025 meeting minutes. They unanimously appointed Amanda Sayut as secretary and Sara Petullo as chair of the Conant Public Library Board of Trustees. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved May 19, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous, two abstentions)
• Appointed Amanda Sayut as Secretary (unanimous)
• Appointed Sara Petullo as Chair (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Fair Committee

The provided agenda is procedural boilerplate and does not list any specific discussion items or decisions for the meeting.

Select Board

The Select Board will meet to address action items including a DPW update and a COA Board appointment. The meeting also includes the recognition of scholarship winners and a discussion on holiday closures.

• DPW Update and Joint meeting
• COA Board Appointment
• Scholarship winners
• Holiday closure

The Select Board approved the minutes from the May 21, 2025 meeting. They appointed Katherine Chandler to the Council on Aging Committee, with a term ending June 30, 2028. The town awarded $700 scholarships to Charlotte Heinrich, Jordan D’Amelio, and Rohan Paquette. The board voted to close municipal offices on Friday, June 20, 2025, the day after Juneteenth, without requiring employees to use personal time.

• Approved May 21, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Appointed Katherine Chandler to the Council on Aging Committee (motion carried)
• Awarded $700 scholarships to Charlotte Heinrich, Jordan D’Amelio, and Rohan Paquette
• Closed municipal offices on June 20, 2025 (motion carried)

Department of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will meet jointly with the Select Board. The session will include a DPW update and a discussion regarding downtown.

• Joint meeting with Select Board
• DPW update
• Downtown discussion

The Department of Public Works Board held a joint meeting with the Select Board on June 4, 2025. The only action recorded was a motion to adjourn, which was carried. No substantive policy or budget decisions were made.

• Adjourned the meeting (DPW Board only)

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council will review recently received programs and discuss upcoming events for June, July, and August. Members will also design a survey and assign tasks for a report due to the MA Cultural Council in August.

• Review of Community Dance, Silver Gypsies, and Music & Meditation programs
• June 8 Watercolor Painting Workshop with Roseanne Mapp
• Summer Concert Series for July and August
• Farm Crawl update (delayed until October)
• Theater try outs in June

The council approved the minutes from the April 29 meeting. It also approved an additional $237.47 for the composting program at Houghton, contingent on receipt documentation by June 15. No other formal decisions were recorded.

• Approved minutes of April 29 meeting
• Approved additional $237.47 for Houghton composting program (pending receipts)

Agricultural Commission

The Agricultural Commission will meet to discuss the Chapter 61 Right of First Refusal process for Sterling. The body will also consider joining a group of local commissions and the Princeton Farm Roundtable.

• Chapter 61 Right of First Refusal process for Sterling
• Invitation to join group of local Agricultural Commissions
• Princeton Farm Roundtable
• Support for MRPC Project

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to discuss comprehensive policies and the reorganization of the board. Members will also review the board's web page and body art regulations and fees.

• Body art regulation and fees
• Board of Health comprehensive policies
• Re-organization of the Board
• Review and revision of the Board of Health web page
• PFAS letter

The Board approved the minutes from the April 24, 2025 meeting. Members voted unanimously to keep Richard Lane as Chairman and to confirm Gail Hassett as Vice‑Chair. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved April 24, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Re‑elected Richard Lane as Chairman (unanimous)
• Confirmed Gail Hassett as Vice‑Chair (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Fair Committee

The Sterling Fair Committee’s May 28, 2025 agenda contains only procedural boilerplate with no decisions, proposals, or discussions listed. The document is sparse and appears to be a template without filled-in content.

The Fair Committee approved the previous meeting's minutes with an amendment. A motion to pursue adding a Beer Garden, including gathering cost and profit information, passed with 6 yeas, 4 nays and 2 abstentions. The committee tentatively scheduled beekeeping and backyard‑chicken presentations and set a maintenance day for Saturday, June 21 at 9 AM (rain date June 27). Additional safety and insurance items were discussed.

• Approved minutes from the last meeting with amendment (no vote tally recorded)
• Approved motion to pursue addition of a Beer Garden (6 yeas, 4 nays, 2 abstained)
• Tentatively scheduled Backyard Chicken presentations for Saturday 12 PM and 5:30 PM
• Tentatively scheduled Beekeeping presentation for Sunday 12 PM
• Scheduled maintenance day for Saturday, June 21 at 9 AM with rain date June 27

Planning Board

The Planning Board will review a site plan for a 7,440 sq. ft. commercial building. Members will also discuss the next phase of a zoning overhaul and options for an MBTA-overlay district.

• Site plan review for 7,440 sq. ft. commercial building at 21-23 Laurelwood Road
• Discussion of housing needs forum in June for zoning overhaul
• Review of MBTA-overlay district options

The Planning Board voted unanimously (3‑0) to continue the meeting to June 26, 2025. It also voted unanimously (3‑0) to recommend MBTA overlay Option #3 to the Select Board, citing proximity to the sewer line, nearby housing, and transit considerations. The Board set its next meeting for June 26, 2025 at 6:30 pm. The March 13, 2025 minutes were not approved because a board member was absent.

• Voted unanimously (3‑0) to continue meeting to June 26, 2025
• Voted unanimously (3‑0) to recommend MBTA overlay Option #3 to Select Board
• Set next meeting date for June 26, 2025 at 6:30 pm
• March 13, 2025 minutes not approved due to member absence

Department of Public Works

The Department of Public Works Facility Committee will meet to discuss potential sites and the design schedule for a facility. The committee will also review an RFP for an Owners Project Manager and receive updates from the Finance Committee.

• Owners Project Manager RFP
• Discussion of potential sites
• Review of design schedule
• Finance Committee update
• Results of Annual Town Meeting and Town Election

The committee accepted the April 10 minutes (4‑0). Town Meeting voters approved funding for the new DPW facility by a 223‑111 margin, while a separate ballot measure failed 320‑432. The Finance Committee resolved to recommend financing the $500,000 over the longest term as a debt exclusion. The next DPW Facility Committee meeting was scheduled for June 30 at 6:00 PM.

• Accepted April 10 minutes (4‑0)
• Approved DPW facility funding (223‑111)
• Ballot measure on funding failed (320‑432)
• Finance Committee recommended longest‑term financing for $500,000
• Scheduled next meeting for June 30, 6:00 PM
• Motion to adjourn passed

Housing Authority

The Board of Commissioners will meet to review financial reports and administrative updates. The board is scheduled to discuss a resolution regarding a window replacement project and updated income limits for housing admission.

• Resolution 2025-5 CSC and CFC Window Replacement Project 282045
• EOHLC PHN 2025-5 Revised Income Limits for Admission & FMRs for Continued Occupancy
• Approval of March and April 2025 financials
• Election of Officers
• Tenant Open Board Seat

Select Board

The Select Board will consider several personnel and labor agreements, including the Police Collective Bargaining Agreement and a memorandum of understanding for part-time dispatcher rates. The board will also review a Verizon offer for a Cellsite On Wheels (COW) for the Fair.

• Ratification of Police Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Ratification of MOU with Dispatcher’s Union regarding part-time rates
• Consideration of Verizon Cellsite On Wheels (COW) offer for Fair
• Re-appointment of Leah Whiteman as Municipal Representative for school committee negotiations
• Discussion of Election Ballot Questions

The Select Board approved the minutes from the May 7 meeting and confirmed the leadership positions of Chair, Vice‑Chair and Clerk. It accepted Verizon’s donation of a cell‑on‑wheels site for the Sterling Fair at no cost to the town. The board also ratified amendments to the police contract and the dispatchers’ contract, appointed an MRPC alternate, and nominated Leah Whiteman as the municipal representative for school negotiations.

• Approved May 7, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried, two abstentions)
• Approved May 7, 2025 executive minutes (motion carried, two abstentions)
• Accepted Verizon cell‑on‑wheels donation for Sterling Fair (all in favor)
• Ratified two‑year police contract amendments (all in favor)
• Ratified dispatchers contract amendments (all in favor)
• Appointed Chair Newman as MRPC alternate (all in favor)
• Nominated Leah Whiteman as municipal representative for school negotiations (all in favor)
• Confirmed Chair Newman, Vice‑Chair David Smith, and Clerk Maureen Cranson (all in favor)

Trustees of the Conant Public Library

The Board of Trustees will meet to review reports from the director and various library services. The board is scheduled to discuss updating the museum pass circulation policy.

• Update to Museum Pass circulation policy
• Approval of April 14, 2025 meeting minutes

The trustees voted to postpone the board reorganization until the next scheduled meeting. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 7:21 PM. Motions on the April 14 minutes and the Material Circulation Policy amendment were not resolved and will be addressed later.

• Postponed board reorganization (decision pending future meeting)
• Adjourned meeting unanimously (motion carried unanimously)

Economic Development Committee

The committee will review the Annual Town Meeting zoning vote on economic development and discuss next steps for zoning. Members will also consider a proposal to attract new businesses and discuss opportunities regarding the Sterling Airport.

• Town Planner report on ATM Zoning vote on Economic Development
• Lex Thomas proposal to attract new business and Gateway Area tour
• Sterling Airport economic development issues and opportunities
• Town Center District Sterling Days events

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee and Capital Budget Committee hold a joint meeting to recap the Annual Town Meeting, discuss May 12 election results on debt exclusions, and set FY26 committee membership. Items include a reserve fund transfer authorization, a DPW Building Committee update, and a Board of Health Audit Committee update.

• Recap of Annual Town Meeting outcomes and FY26 budget recommendations
• Discussion of May 12 election results on debt exclusions
• Reserve Fund Transfer Authorization for FinCom Chair/Vice Chair through close of FY25
• DPW Building Committee brief update on next steps
• BOH Audit Committee brief update

Finance Committee

This joint meeting of the Finance Committee and Capital Budget Committee will recap the Annual Town Meeting and discuss the failed DPW Building ballot question. Members will also review FY26 revenue projections, committee assignments, and authorize reserve fund transfers.

• Discussion of May 12 election results: DPW Building debt exclusion ballot vote failed
• Post-Town Meeting budget wrap-up and FY26 revenue projections
• Reserve Fund Transfer Authorization for FinCom Chair/Vice Chair through close of FY25
• DPW Building Committee brief update on next steps
• BOH Audit Committee brief update

The committee approved the minutes from the May 5 meeting unanimously. It voted to recommend rolling $500,000 into future borrowing for the DPW facility for a 30‑year term. All nominated officers were elected by acclamation, and a fund transfer authorization for the Finance Committee chair and vice‑chair was approved unanimously.

• Approved meeting minutes of 5/5/2025 (unanimous)
• Approved recommendation to roll $500,000 into future borrowing for DPW facility for 30 years (unanimous)
• Elected Joe King as Finance Committee Chair by acclamation
• Elected John Kilcoyne as Finance Committee Chair by acclamation
• Elected Lynne Sheppard as Capital Committee Chair by acclamation
• Elected Mark Gauthier as Capital Committee Vice Chair by acclamation
• Approved fund transfer authorization for Finance Committee Chair/Vice Chair through fiscal year (unanimous)

Fair Committee

This agenda for the Sterling Fair Committee meeting on May 14, 2025, consists only of boilerplate administrative fields. No specific decisions or discussions are listed.

The committee approved the minutes from the previous meeting, adding an amendment that the MOTT Grant has not yet been submitted because the grant window has not opened. No other substantive actions were voted on; the committee discussed revenue ideas, prize‑money adjustments, and upcoming event logistics, but deferred those decisions to future meetings.

• Approved previous meeting minutes with amendment noting MOTT Grant pending

Sterling Municipal Light Board

The Board will discuss the Kearsarge Energy Solar and Battery Storage Project and a Cost of Service Rate Study. Members are scheduled to vote on a Rate Stabilization Transfer and a Depreciation Fund Transfer.

• Kearsarge Energy Solar and Battery Storage Project
• Cost of Service Rate Study
• Fiber Network Assessment and Bucket Truck Lease
• Vote on Rate Stabilization Transfer
• Vote on Depreciation Fund Transfer

Open Space Implementation Committee

The Open Space Implementation Committee will discuss upcoming work on revisions to the Multi-Family Zoning Ordinance and Chapter Lands Withdrawal policy, along with status updates on trail maintenance, grant proposals, and the rebuilding of Swett Hill road. The committee will also review appropriations from Town Meeting and reserve a booth for the Sterling Fair. No votes are scheduled; most items are for discussion and status updates.

• Upcoming work on revisions to Multi-Family Zoning Ordinance and Chapter Lands Withdrawal policy
• Status of rebuilding Swett Hill road and detention basins
• Sterling Fair Booth reserved
• Trail maintenance on the Lynde Basins Trail
• Status of Picnic Area off Hall Avenue

The Open Space Implementation Committee accepted the May 14 agenda and the April 16 minutes, each by unanimous vote. The committee noted that the OSIC budget for 2026 has been increased to $5,000 and that a by‑law amending commercial zoning to create a Gateway Enterprise District was passed. The meeting was adjourned unanimously and the next meeting was set for June 18.

• Accept agenda for May 14, 2025 (unanimous)
• Accept minutes of April 16, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourn meeting (unanimous)
• OSIC 2026 budget increased to $5,000 (no vote recorded)
• By‑law amending commercial zoning to create Gateway Enterprise District passed (no vote recorded)

Animal Control Advisory Board (ACAB)

The Animal Control Advisory Board will decide on a nuisance dog complaint at a residence on Kendall Hill Road, review and vote on March meeting minutes, and receive reports from the Animal Control Officer. The board will also discuss the March rabies clinic and the status of interim and future ACO staffing.

• Review nuisance dog complaint – Agra, Kendall Hill Road
• Review/approve/vote on March 18, 2025 meeting minutes
• ACO reports including dog licenses, unlicensed dogs, pending court cases, domestic animal report, wildlife report
• Old business – March Rabies Clinic
• Discussion on interim ACO and future ACO

The Animal Control Advisory Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes from the March 18, 2025 meeting. Members discussed a nuisance‑dog case involving a dog at 31 Kendall Hill Road and agreed to draft a letter to the owner outlining recommended actions. The board then moved to adjourn, which passed unanimously.

• Approved March 18, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Agreed to draft and send a letter to the owner of the nuisance dog at 31 Kendall Hill Road
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold three public hearings: a continued special permit for Pratts Automotive to sell or rent cars and trailers at 78 Worcester Road; a special permit modification for the Sterling Senior Center to install an electronic sign board and modify lighting conditions at 36 Muddy Pond Road; and a special permit for Legate Hill Realty Trust to build a storage building at 4 Peter Drive. The board will also elect officers and review a new application for an accessory dwelling unit.

• Continued special permit for Pratts Automotive to sell or rent new/used cars and trailers at 78 Worcester Road
• Special permit modification for Sterling Senior Center to install electronic sign board and alter lighting conditions #3 and #5 at 36 Muddy Pond Road
• Special permit for Legate Hill Realty Trust to build a storage building at 4 Peter Drive (extension of non-conforming structure)
• Review of new application for a Request for Finding for Protected Use Accessory Dwelling Unit

The board granted a leave to withdraw an application without prejudice and approved the March 25, 2025 minutes. It approved the new ADU protected‑use form and elected officers (Fox as chairman, Curtin as vice‑chair, Baldarelli as clerk). The board also continued the senior‑center sign hearing to June 10 and approved a special permit to enlarge the storage building at 4 Peter Drive.

• Granted leave to withdraw without prejudice – 5-0
• Approved March 25, 2025 minutes – 5-0
• Approved ADU protected‑use form – 5-0
• Elected officers (Fox chairman, Curtin vice‑chair, Baldarelli clerk) – 5-0
• Continued senior‑center sign hearing to June 10, 2025 – 4-0
• Granted special permit to expand storage building at 4 Peter Drive – 5-0
• Adjourned meeting – 5-0

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes and the treasurer's report, receive a director's update including a gift account expenditure request, and conduct new business items such as interviewing a prospective board member, reviewing election results for the Outreach position, discussing an electric sign, reviewing the COA Secretary job description, and accepting a board resignation. Old business includes an update on the landscape plan.

• Interview prospective board member
• Gift account expenditure request and vote
• Review COA Secretary job description
• Update on Landscape Plan
• Board resignation

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold continued public hearings on several Notices of Intent, including a proposed motor vehicle service station and convenience store at 110 Leominster Road, a septic system upgrade at 246 Redemption Rock Road, vegetation management using herbicide on the CSX railway right-of-way, and maintenance of the New England Power A1/B2 line. A new public hearing will also be held to determine if there are wetland resource areas at 3 Redstone Hill Road.

• Continued public hearing on Notice of Intent for motor vehicle service station and convenience store at 110 Leominster Road (Kayrouz Realty / Hannigan Engineering)
• Continued public hearing on Notice of Intent for septic system upgrade at 246 Redemption Rock Road (Paul Couture)
• Continued public hearing on Request for Determination of Applicability for vegetation management using herbicide on CSX Railway right-of-way (VHB / CSX Transportation)
• Continued public hearing on Notice of Intent for New England Power A1/B2 line maintenance and upgrade
• New public hearing on Request for Determination of Applicability at 3 Redstone Hill Road (Kimberly Roth)

The Conservation Commission approved the proposed motor‑vehicle service station and convenience store at 110 Leominster Road, voting unanimously. It also issued a negative determination for the wetland on Redstone Hill Road, also unanimously. The commission granted a continuance for the New England Power A1/B2 maintenance project and signed notices of intent for the Redemption Rock Road septic upgrade and CSX right‑of‑way vegetation management. Motions were passed to place the dam failure at 228 Leominster Road and a recent flooding incident on the Janowicz property on the agenda for the June 10 meeting.

• Signed Notice of Intent for 246 Redemption Rock Road septic upgrade
• Signed Right‑of‑Way Development Agreement for CSX vegetation management
• Declared negative determination for Redstone Hill Road wetland (unanimous)
• Approved 110 Leominster Road service station and convenience store (unanimous)
• Granted continuance of New England Power A1/B2 project NOi to next meeting
• Added dam failure at 228 Leominster Road to June 10 agenda (unanimous)
• Added Janowicz property flooding issue to June 10 agenda (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Department of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will conduct a public hearing regarding water rates and discuss the trash and recycling contract. The board will also review year-to-date budget reports and consider a new driver/laborer hire.

• Public hearing on water rates at 7:15 PM
• Discussion of Trash & Recycling Contract
• New DPW Facility schematic design and project manager ($500,000 approved)
• Review of new hire for Driver/Laborer position
• Status updates on Route 140/62 Intersection and Swett Hill Drainage Upgrades

The Board reappointed Blaine Bershad as Chairman for another term. It authorized the Casella trash and recycling contract covering June 2025‑June 2028. The Board accepted the proposed water rates effective July 1, 2025 and closed the public hearing. Andrew Wickremerante was hired as a driver/laborer starting May 27.

• Reappointed Chairman Blaine Bershad (3-0)
• Authorized Casella trash & recycling contract (3-0)
• Closed water‑rates public hearing (3-0)
• Accepted proposed water rates (3-0)
• Hired Andrew Wickremerante as Driver/Laborer, start May 27 (3-0)

Department of Public Works

The Sterling Department of Public Works Board will hold a public hearing to consider proposed revisions to water rates. The hearing is scheduled for May 13, 2025 at 7:15 pm at the DPW office on 171 Worcester Road. No specific rate changes or dollar amounts are listed; the agenda contains only this single item.

• Public hearing on proposed revisions to water rates

Emergency Planning Committee

The South Wachusett Regional Emergency Planning Committee will meet to discuss regional HAZMAT plan updates and financials. The body will vote on adding the Town of Clinton to the committee and regionalizing CERT teams.

• Vote to add the Town of Clinton to the SWREPC
• Vote to apply for HMEP Grant
• Vote to regionalize CERT teams
• Regional HAZMAT Plan Updates
• Reassignment of the SWREPC Chairman position

Select Board

The Select Board will discuss security cameras for softball fields and a driveway permit for 184 Justice Hill Road Cut-off. The meeting includes an executive session to discuss contracts for the Police Chief and Police Lieutenant, as well as the Police Union agreement.

• Security cameras at softball fields
• Driveway permit for 184 Justice Hill Road Cut-off
• Treasurer/Collector Demand Fee change
• Agreement to use airport for Sterling Fair
• Police Chief, Police Lieutenant, and Police Union contract discussions

The Board approved a phased increase in the town’s demand fees, raising them from $15 to $20 now and adding $5 each year until they reach $30 in FY28. They also signed an agreement to use Sterling Airport for the 2025 Town Fair, pending town insurance. Additional actions included approving an 8th‑grade field day at Sholan Park, directing follow‑up on security‑camera requests at Griffin Road athletic complex, appointing Chair Newman to the Scholarship Committee, and approving a driveway permit at 184 Justice Hill Road Cut‑off with a storm‑drain requirement.

• Approved demand fee increase to $20 now, then $5 annually to $30 by FY28 (motion carried)
• Signed agreement to use Sterling Airport for 2025 Town Fair, contingent on town insurance (motion carried)
• Approved Chocksett 8th‑grade field day at Sholan Park on June 10 (rain date June 11) (motion carried)
• Directed follow‑up with police and Recreation Department on vandalism at Griffin Road athletic complex (motion carried)
• Appointed Chair Newman to the Scholarship Committee (motion carried)
• Approved Entrance to Public Ways permit for driveway at 184 Justice Hill Road Cut‑off, condition of 12‑inch storm pipe (motion carried)

Assessor's Office

The Sterling Assessor's Office will hold a routine administrative meeting to approve payables and abatements, review and approve the statutory exemption list, consider a new overlay list, and discuss a pending RFP. No specific projects, dollar amounts, or public hearings are listed; the agenda is procedural.

• Review & approve Statutory Exemption list
• New Overlay list discussion
• Review of an RFP (not further specified)
• RRG update
• Sign payables, abatements, warrants

The Sterling Board of Assessors approved the meeting agenda. They then approved the statutory exemption list after a motion and unanimous vote. The meeting was adjourned at 10:02 am with all members in favor.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved statutory exemption list (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:02 am (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The joint Finance Committee and Capital Budget Committee meeting is primarily procedural, with the sole substantive item being a discussion of any financial or budgetary business that may come before the upcoming Annual Town Meeting. No specific proposals, dollar amounts, or votes are listed on the agenda.

• Discuss and prepare financial/budgetary items for the Annual Town Meeting

The Finance and Capital Committees approved the minutes from the April 17, 2025 meeting by unanimous vote. No other financial or budgetary items were voted on. The meeting adjourned at 11:30 pm.

• Approved minutes of April 17, 2025 (unanimous)

Town Clerk

The Sterling Town Clerk’s Office will conduct a test of optical scan voting equipment. This is in preparation for the Local Election scheduled for May 12, 2025.

• Test of optical scan voting equipment in Room 113 at the Butterick Municipal Building

Sterling Historical Commission

The Sterling Historical Commission will meet to coordinate on the West Sterling Schoolhouse and zoning determination status. The body will review wording for a Demolition Delay Bylaw and discuss historical signage costs and graphics.

• Review of Demolition Delay Bylaw sample wording regarding the little red brick building
• Discussion of historical signage placements, graphics, wording, and costs
• Coordination with Sterling Land Trust regarding West Sterling Schoolhouse
• Review of budget and historical inventory updates
• Warrant requests

Fair Committee

This agenda for the Sterling Fair Committee meeting on April 30, 2025, is largely illegible due to poor scanning or OCR errors. The only discernible content suggests a call to order and possible discussions, but no concrete decisions, proposals, or financial figures can be extracted. The meeting appears to be procedural in nature.

The committee approved the same golf‑cart arrangement as last year and set animal exhibition hours to stay until 5 PM each night. New fair software was adopted and a ban on waterfowl and other birds was confirmed. Entertainment bookings—including Dale Perkins, a magician, and music acts—were finalized, and witches were invited back for Friday and Saturday performances.

• Confirmed golf carts at same price, set‑up and schedule as last year
• Set animal exhibition to stay until 5 PM each night
• Adopted new fair software with reduced price and improved usability
• Implemented ban on waterfowl and other birds at the fair this year
• Invited witches to perform on Friday and Saturday
• Confirmed non‑music entertainment: Dale Perkins and a magician
• Confirmed music entertainment for the fair
• Discussed allocating funds for a barnyard show (no decision made)

Cultural Council

The Sterling Cultural Council will review recent programs like yoga, African drumming, and senior center activities, then discuss upcoming events including dance classes, a watercolor workshop, and a summer concert series. The meeting will also cover a treasurer’s report and website updates.

• Review of Yoga and Sound Healing (March-April), African Drumming (April 22), and Music & Meditation at Senior Center (April 22)
• Upcoming Dance Classes at MEM Studio on Rte. 12 (May 10)
• Watercolor Painting Workshop with Roseanne Mapp (June 8)
• Planning for Summer Concert Series (July-August) with potential food trucks

The Cultural Council approved the minutes from the March 25 meeting. They reviewed recent programs and upcoming events. The council decided to create a Facebook page with all members as administrators and to set up a website at a cost of $192 for the year. The next meeting is scheduled for June 3.

• Approved March 25 meeting minutes
• Authorized Marina to set up a website for $192 for one year
• Authorized Jenn to create a Facebook page with all members as admins

Department of Public Works

The DPW Facility Committee is holding a public information session to present the proposed design for a new public works facility. The meeting includes a presentation and a tour of the current building at 171 Worcester Road.

• Town Meeting warrant article 25 request for $500,000 for schematic design and project manager
• Proposed construction of a new facility on a new site
• Presentation by design consultant Weston & Sampson

Assessor's Office

The Board of Assessors will meet to sign a revised Partial Release of Agricultural or Horticultural Land Tax Lien for a property at 204R Chase Hill Road. The agenda includes roll call, approval of the agenda, and adjournment, with no other substantive business.

• Signing of revised Partial Release of Agricultural or Horticultural Land Tax Lien for 204R Chase Hill Road / Chandler

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will review and potentially vote on support for Annual Town Meeting articles, including a proposed Gateway District rezoning. They will also discuss the impact of the Sterling Airport sale on economic development and housing, and plan a follow-up meeting on May 19 to assess outcomes.

• Review and possible vote on ATM articles update from Town Planner
• Discussion on Gateway District rezoning promotion and publicity
• Assessment of Sterling Airport sale impact on economic development and housing
• May 19 meeting scheduled to discuss ATM zoning vote and airport implications
• Town Administrator update and public session

Board of Health

The Board of Health will consider a variance request for a septic system at 30 Campground Road, proposing reduced setbacks from a private well and high groundwater, as well as a deeper absorption system. The board will also discuss Article 10 of the Annual Town Meeting, PFAS and approved herbicides, and body art regulations. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and public comment.

• Variance request for 30 Campground Road: 95.4' setback from private well (100' required), 2' separation from high groundwater (4' required), and soil absorption system deeper than 36"
• Discussion on Warrant Article 10 of the 2025 Sterling Annual Town Meeting
• Discussion on PFAS and Massachusetts List of Approved Herbicide Active Ingredients and Products
• Discussion on Body Art Regulations
• Review and approve minutes from April 10, 2025

The Board of Health approved the minutes from the April 10 meeting. It unanimously approved a variance (local upgrade) for a Presby water system at 30 Campground Road. The Board also endorsed Warrant Article 10 of the 2025 Annual Town Meeting, authorized a board member to speak on it, approved a draft letter to the state about PFAS‑containing herbicides, and adopted the new body‑art regulations. A resident noted the town cleanup day was postponed to May 3.

• Approved April 10 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved local upgrade/variance for 30 Campground Road (all in favor)
• Endorsed Warrant Article 10 for Health Department audit (unanimous)
• Authorized Hassett to speak at Annual Town Meeting on the article (unanimous)
• Approved drafting a letter to the state on PFAS herbicides (unanimous)
• Approved body‑art regulations as posted on town website (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board will consider several action items, including an update on storage tanks at 110 Leominster Road, a closure of Cross Street for the Fire Department Association muster, and an entrance permit for 19 Chace Hill Road. They will also discuss an inter-municipal agreement with the Central Mass Regional Storm Water Coalition and a Historical Commission update.

• Historical Commission update
• 110 Leominster Road storage tanks discussion
• Cross Street closure for FD Association muster
• Inter-municipal agreement with Central Mass Regional Storm Water Coalition
• Entrance permit for 19 Chace Hill Road

The Select Board approved the request for underground gasoline storage tanks at 110 Leominster Road. It also approved closing Cross Street on June 15 for the Wachusett Muster, signing an intermunicipal stormwater agreement with Shrewsbury, and granting an Entrance to Public Ways permit for 19 Chace Hill Road with a usage condition. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved underground storage tanks at 110 Leominster Road (motion carried)
• Approved closure of Cross Street on June 15, 8:00 am–5:00 pm for Wachusett Muster (motion carried)
• Approved signing of intermunicipal agreement with Shrewsbury for Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition FY26–FY30 (motion carried)
• Approved Entrance to Public Ways permit for driveway at 19 Chace Hill Road, conditioned not to be primary access (motion carried)
• Adjourned the meeting (motion carried)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will discuss the school budget, senior citizen tax deferral, and Annual Town Meeting procedures. The body will also vote on the reappointment of members Joseph King and Mike Padula.

• Nomination and reappointment votes for Joseph King and Mike Padula
• School budget meeting discussion
• Senior citizen tax deferral discussion
• Annual Town Meeting procedures and potential questions

The committee accepted the March 27, 2025 minutes unanimously. It then approved the reappointment of Joe King and Mike Padula to the Finance Board, also unanimously. No position was taken on the Senior Citizen Tax Deferral petition.

• Approved acceptance of March 27, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved reappointment of Joe King and Mike Padula to Finance Board (unanimous)
• Committee declined to take a position on Senior Citizen Tax Deferral petition (no vote)

Fair Committee

The Sterling Fair Committee will meet on April 16, 2025. The only business on the agenda is a vote on hiring Steve Tumtirig and adjournment.

• Hire Steve Tumtirig – no details or dollar amount provided in agenda

Housing Authority

The Sterling Housing Authority Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting. They are to vote on a resolution for an accounting services contract and handle a board member resignation and election of officers. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes and various reports from the executive director and on modernization.

• Board member resignation and election of officers
• Resolution 2025-4 Accounting Services Contract
• Approval of regular meeting minutes from February 19, 2025
• Executive director report including CFA and PMR items
• EOHLC notices on vacant unit turnover and modernization NOFA

Open Space Implementation Committee

The committee will meet to discuss the re-routing of the Lynde Basins and Allenwood Trail. Members will also review the status of trails grant proposals and the town's participation in Tree City.

• Re-route of the Lynde Basins and Allenwood Trail
• OSIC participation in Tree City
• Status of Trails grants proposals

The Open Space Implementation Committee unanimously accepted the agenda and the March 26 minutes. A motion to research joining the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree City initiative passed with five yeas and one abstention. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Accepted agenda (unanimous)
• Accepted March 26 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved motion to research Tree City participation (5 yeas, 1 abstention)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Sterling Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on four applications. A continued hearing on a septic system upgrade at 246 Redemption Rock Road. New hearings include New England Power's maintenance of the A1/B2 line, CSX Transportation's herbicide use on railway right-of-way, and a proposed motor vehicle service station and convenience store at 110 Leominster Road. The commission will also consider enforcement updates on Chase Hill Road and other old business.

• Continued public hearing on septic system upgrade at 246 Redemption Rock Road
• Public hearing on New England Power A1/B2 line maintenance and upgrade project
• Public hearing on CSX Transportation vegetation management using herbicide on railway right-of-way
• Public hearing on proposed motor vehicle service station and convenience store at 110 Leominster Road
• Enforcement update on Chase Hill Road

The Commission approved Paul Couture's Notice of Intent to upgrade the septic system at 246 Redemption Rock Road, adding a condition that work cannot begin until the Board of Health gives approval. It also accepted a $2,200 quote for a third‑party review of New England Power's ROW project and moved that hearing to May 13. A negative determination of applicability was granted for CSX Transportation’s herbicide use on the railway ROW, and the hearing on the Kayrouz Realty service‑station proposal was continuanced to May 13.

• Approved septic system NOI at 246 Redemption Rock Rd with Board of Health condition (4‑0, 2 abstentions)
• Accepted $2,200 third‑party review quote for New England Power ROW project (5‑0, 1 recused)
• Continuanced New England Power hearing to May 13 (5‑0, 1 recused)
• Negative determination of applicability for CSX herbicide use on railway ROW (6‑0)
• Continuanced Kayrouz Realty service‑station hearing to May 13 (6‑0)
• Reconsidered and amended New England Power continuance date to May 13 (5‑0, 1 recused)
• Agreed to send a letter of support for the May 5 Town Meeting erosion‑control fund article (6‑0)

Trustees of the Conant Public Library

The Conant Public Library Board of Trustees will review meeting minutes and hear reports from the director, finance, circulation, and youth services. Under new business, they will discuss updates to the library's Behavior Policy and Public Participation Policy.

• Review/approve meeting minutes from March 10, 2025
• Director's report on library operations
• Update Behavior Policy
• Update Public Participation Policy

The trustees approved the March 10 meeting minutes without opposition. They then voted unanimously to adopt a minor amendment to the Behavior Policy adding service‑animal‑in‑training language. A second unanimous vote approved an amendment to the Public Participation Policy adding speaker time limits. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved March 10, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved amended Behavior Policy (unanimous)
• Approved amended Public Participation Policy (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Sterling Historical Commission

The Sterling Historical Commission will meet to discuss several ongoing projects and policy items. Topics include coordination on the West Sterling Schoolhouse, zoning determination status, and review of sample wording for a demolition delay bylaw. The board will also update on historical signage and the historical inventory, and review the budget.

• Coordination with Sterling Land Trust on West Sterling Schoolhouse
• Review of sample wording for a Demolition Delay Bylaw
• Discussion of historical signage placements, graphics, and costs
• Update on Historical Inventory
• Budget review

Board of Health

The Sterling Board of Health will hold a public hearing to review and discuss a proposed Body Art Regulation. The board will also review and approve minutes from March 19, 2025, and hear an agent report. Future agenda items and meeting dates will be discussed, followed by a public session.

• Public hearing to review and discuss proposed Body Art Regulation
• Review and approve minutes from March 19, 2025
• Agent Report
• Review of future agenda items and meeting date
• Public session (limited to 3 minutes per speaker, 21 minutes total)

The Board unanimously approved the March 19, 2025 meeting minutes after a slight amendment. A public hearing on proposed body‑art regulations was opened and then closed, both by unanimous vote. The next meeting was tentatively set for April 24, 2025 pending a variance request, and the regular May 8, 2025 meeting was scheduled.

• Approved March 19 minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Opened public hearing on body‑art regulations (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing on body‑art regulations (unanimous)
• Scheduled tentative April 24 meeting pending variance request
• Scheduled regular May 8 meeting at 6:00 PM
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Department of Public Works

The Department of Public Works Facility Committee will meet to discuss references and select a designer. The committee will also receive an update from the Finance Committee and discuss public education for the Town Meeting.

• Selection of a designer
• Finance Committee update
• Public education for Town Meeting

The committee accepted the minutes from the April 2 meeting by a 5‑0 vote. It then approved Western & Sampson as the designer services firm, also by a 5‑0 vote. The Finance Committee reported a pending request for $500,000 in capital‑investment funding with a 0.17 % tax increase. Plans for public education events were announced for late April.

• Accepted April 2 minutes (5-0)
• Approved Western & Sampson for Designer Services (5-0)
• Motion to adjourn passed (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board will consider several action items, including an appeal related to Fields, approval of signage on town ball field fences, storage tanks at 110 Leominster Road, appointment of an alternate Building Inspector (W. Radock), renewal of a school maintenance agreement, and updates from the Sterling Municipal Light Department (SMLD). The meeting also includes a public session and an executive session for collective bargaining strategy with union and non-union personnel.

• Fields appeal – Gibbs
• Signage on Town ball field fences
• Storage tanks at 110 Leominster Road
• Appoint alternate Building Inspector – W. Radock
• School maintenance agreement renewal

The Select Board approved the SMLD grant application for $194,583.79 to fund 29,913 feet of fiber cable. It also approved signage for Gibbs Little League and the Sterling Girls Softball Association, appointed Walter Radock as alternate Building Inspector, and signed the annual school maintenance agreement. The Board voted to pursue ATM notifications and childcare options for the upcoming Annual Town meeting and entered executive session before adjourning.

• Approved SMLD grant request of $194,583.79 (motion carried)
• Approved signage for Gibbs Little League field fences (motion carried)
• Approved signage for Sterling Girls Softball Association field fences (motion carried)
• Appointed Walter Radock as alternate Building Inspector (motion carried)
• Signed annual school maintenance agreement (motion carried)
• Approved pursuit of ATM notifications and childcare options for Annual Town meeting (motion carried)
• Entered executive session and adjourned (motion carried)
• Approved minutes of March 26, 2025 meeting (motion carried)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will discuss and potentially vote on a gift account expenditure request, review the landscape plan, and continue a strategic plan review focusing on goals 1 and 2. The meeting also includes routine approvals of minutes, treasurer's report, director's update, and FOSS liaison report.

• Gift account expenditure request and vote
• 2025 term renewals and vote
• Review of landscape plan
• Strategic Plan review of goals 1 and 2
• FOSS liaison report

The board approved the March 11, 2025 meeting minutes and the Treasurer’s Report. It accepted the Director’s Report and decided to include eggs in the next breakfast. The board unanimously waived the term‑limit restriction, allowing Treasurer Dave Cosgrove to serve a third three‑year term. Additional actions included moving the Rotary Club breakfast to August 29, appointing Everett Pierce as chair of the Landscaping Committee, and adjourning the meeting at 1:49 p.m.

• Approved March 11, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Treasurer’s Report (unanimous)
• Accepted Director’s Report (unanimous)
• Decision to include eggs in next breakfast (unanimous)
• Rotary Club breakfast changed to August 29 (unanimous)
• Waived term‑limit restriction for Dave Cosgrove’s third term (unanimous)
• Appointed Everett Pierce as chair of the Landscaping Committee (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 1:49 p.m. (unanimous)

Department of Public Works

The Sterling Board of Public Works will discuss the FY26 water rates and receive a presentation on the updated pavement management plan. The board will also review a trash and recycling contract update, and discuss several ongoing projects including the new DPW facility, storm water regulations, and roadwork. Public session will be held for comments.

• FY26 Water Rates Discussion
• Updated pavement management plan presentation
• Trash & Recycling Contract Update
• Dogs in Oak Hill Cemetery discussion
• New DPW Facility design funding article on town meeting warrant

The board accepted the March 11, 2025 minutes (3‑0) and approved Mr. Mouradian’s proposals (3‑0). After discussion, the board decided to proceed with the FY'26 water rate increases, with a public hearing to follow. The board also agreed to place No Dogs Allowed signs in Oak Hill Cemetery. The meeting was adjourned at 9:02 PM.

• Accepted March 11, 2025 minutes (3‑0)
• Accepted Mr. Mouradian’s proposals (3‑0)
• Proceed with FY'26 water rate increases (decision made)
• Place No Dogs Allowed signs in Oak Hill Cemetery (decision made)
• Adjourned meeting (motion at 9:02 PM)

Sterling Municipal Light Board

The Sterling Municipal Light Board will hold a regular meeting with routine approvals and reports, followed by an executive session to discuss contract negotiations with nonunion personnel and the general manager's annual performance review. Public participation via Zoom is not available. No major public decisions are on the agenda.

• Executive session for contract negotiations with nonunion personnel (if needed and time allows)
• Executive session for General Manager Annual Performance Review
• Approval of past minutes from March 12, 2025
• No public Zoom participation available

Select Board

The Select Board will discuss the potential for Sterling to join the Nashoba Valley Regional Dispatch District (NVRDD) for 9-1-1 emergency communications. The discussion focuses on emergency response improvements and projected cost savings.

• Discussion of NVRDD membership and governance
• Projected savings of approximately $1,750,000 over five years
• Review of NVRDD member cost savings from FY11 to FY25
• Analysis of Sterling's projected communication wages and expenditures

Department of Public Works

The Sterling Department of Public Works Facility Committee will interview two firms responding to a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for architectural services: Helene Karl Architects at 6:00 PM and Weston & Sampson at 7:00 PM. The committee will also review minutes from March 13, 2025, receive a Finance Committee update, discuss public education ahead of Town Meeting, and set future meeting dates. No votes on contract amounts are recorded; the interviews are for selection purposes.

• Interview with Helene Karl Architects at 6:00 PM
• Interview with Weston & Sampson at 7:00 PM
• Finance Committee update and public education discussion for upcoming Town Meeting
• Approval of minutes from March 13, 2025 meeting
• Setting future meeting schedule

The committee accepted the March 13, 2025 minutes with a 4‑0 vote. The Finance Committee and Capital approved Article #24 to fund the DPW building project. A Meeting House News article was also approved. Future meetings and an informational session were scheduled.

• Accepted March 13, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Approved Article #24 borrowing for DPW building project
• Approved Meeting House News article

Fair Committee

The Fair Committee will hold a meeting to conduct general business. The agenda consists of procedural items and general updates.

• Open meeting
• Approval of previous meeting minutes
• General business session
• Meeting items for updates

The Fair Committee approved not paying for a princess actor and approved inviting the Witches back for the 2025 fair. The proposal to add additional revenue sources was tabled. The committee also decided not to invite Animal Adventures and confirmed that Vegas pull‑tabs are ready. No other formal votes were recorded.

• Not pay for princess actor (approved)
• Invite witches back (approved)
• Additional revenue sources (tabled)
• Animal Adventures not invited (approved)
• Vegas pull tabs ready (status confirmed)
• Consider wooden pens for MOTT grant (discussion noted)
• Safety meeting to be scheduled for second‑to‑last week in May (planned)
• Ticket numbering and volunteer distribution to be considered (pending)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will continue a public hearing on a site plan review for a proposed gas station and convenience store at 110 Leominster Road by Kayrouz Realty LLC. The board will also set the date for the April meeting and approve minutes from February and March meetings.

• Continued public hearing: site plan for gas station/convenience store at 110 Leominster Road (Kayrouz Realty LLC)
• Set April 2025 meeting date
• Approve minutes from February 27 and March 13, 2025

The Planning Board voted 4‑0 to approve the site plan for the gas station and convenience store at 110 Leominster Road, subject to conditions read by the Town Planner. The Board also set its next meeting for April 24, 2025 at 6:30 pm. Minutes from the February 27, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously, while approval of the March 13, 2025 minutes was postponed because a quorum was not present.

• Approved site plan for 110 Leominster Road gas station (4‑0)
• Set next meeting date for April 24, 2025 at 6:30 pm
• Approved February 27, 2025 meeting minutes (4‑0)
• Postponed approval of March 13, 2025 meeting minutes due to lack of quorum

Open Space Implementation Committee

The Open Space Implementation Committee will consider a grant application to complete part of the Waushacum Meadow Trail and discuss Natural Resource Protection Zoning. The agenda also includes a presentation by Brian Orsini for his Eagle Scout project, changes to the Open Space and Recreation Plan, and a proposed trail reroute. The committee will also take up its advisory role regarding Chapter Land withdrawals.

• Grant Application to complete part of the Waushacum Meadow Trail
• Brian Orsini presents his Eagle Scout Project
• Natural Resource Protection Zoning discussion
• Changes to the Open Space and Recreation Plan Update
• Re-route of the Lynde Basins and Allenwood Trail

The committee unanimously approved OSIC’s advisory role on Chapter Land withdrawals. It also unanimously supported the Eagle Scout footbridge project, accepted the meeting agenda and amended minutes, and approved corrections to the Howard and Bertha Hall inscription. No action was taken on the Open Space and Recreation Plan update or the Lynde Basins and Allenwood Trail rerouting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:22 p.m.

• Approved OSIC advisory role on Chapter Land withdrawals (unanimous)
• Supported Eagle Scout footbridge project (unanimous)
• Accepted meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Accepted amended minutes for Feb. 12, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved inscription typo corrections (unanimous)
• No action taken on Open Space and Recreation Plan update
• No action taken on Rerouting of the Lynde Basins and Allenwood Trail
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board will consider IAC recommendations and vote on insurance, receive a visit regarding the WRSD budget, and approve antique licenses for multiple businesses. They will also decide on a shared driveway permit for 41 and 43 Johnson Road, make appointments to Registrar and EDC, and discuss ATM warrant recommendations.

• IAC recommendations and vote on insurance
• WRSD budget visit
• Approve antique licenses for Redemption Rock Trading Post, Sterling Rare Coin Inc, Pratts Junction Antiques, Oh My Gosh Antiques, Everett G. Pierce, and Nouveaux Riches Antiques
• Approval of shared driveway permit for 41 and 43 Johnson Road
• ATM warrant recommendations and appointments (Registrar C. Arsenault, EDC Lundgren and Bluestein)

The Select Board unanimously approved the IAC’s insurance recommendation, the antique dealer permits, and an entrance‑to‑public‑ways permit for 41 and 43 Johnson Road. It also supported ATM warrant articles (all but the meals‑tax article) and a borrowing authorization for the Swett Hill Drainage project, contingent on a debt exclusion. Additionally, the board appointed Christine Arsenault as registrar and Jack Lundgren and Andrew Bluestein to the Economic Development Committee. All motions passed with unanimous Aye votes.

• Approved IAC insurance recommendation (unanimous)
• Approved antique dealer permits (unanimous)
• Approved entrance to public ways permit for 41 & 43 Johnson Road (unanimous)
• Approved ATM warrant articles (unanimous except meals‑tax article opposed by Cranson)
• Supported borrowing authorization for Swett Hill Drainage project, contingent on debt exclusion (unanimous)
• Appointed Christine Arsenault to Board of Registrars (unanimous)
• Appointed Jack Lundgren and Andrew Bluestein to Economic Development Committee (unanimous)
• Approved March 12 minutes and March 17 executive minutes (unanimous)

Recreation Department

The Recreation Commission will hold a brief meeting to discuss a road race and set the date and time for the next meeting. The agenda contains only these two new-business items and is largely procedural.

• Discussion of a road race
• Setting date and time for next meeting

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will continue a public hearing on Kayrouz Realty LLC's application for a special permit to operate a motor vehicle service station at 110 Leominster Road. The board will also discuss the findings procedure for the ADU bylaw and review minutes from the March 11, 2025 meeting.

• Continued special permit hearing for Kayrouz Realty LLC – motor vehicle service station at 110 Leominster Road (Parcel ID 65-30, Commercial and Groundwater zoning districts)
• Discussion on ADU Bylaw findings procedure
• Review of minutes from March 11, 2025

The board approved a special permit for Kayrouz Realty LLC to operate a motor vehicle service station at 110 Leominster Road, subject to multiple conditions covering insurance, environmental safeguards, lighting, and operational limits. The permit was granted unanimously with a 5‑0 vote. The board also approved the amended minutes from the March 11, 2025 meeting by a 5‑0 vote. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Granted special permit for motor vehicle service station at 110 Leominster Rd (5-0)
• Approved amended March 11, 2025 minutes (5-0)

Cultural Council

The Council will vote on approving the February meeting minutes, hear a treasurer’s report on municipal funds and state updates, and discuss a proposal for youth dance classes potentially in April. They will also review a summary of grants already implemented in 2025 and discuss upcoming programs and new business. The meeting is largely procedural and discussion-oriented.

• Approve minutes of February meeting
• Treasurer’s report on municipal funds and state update
• Discussion of dance classes for youth in Sterling (potential April start)
• Summary of grants already implemented in 2025
• Discussion of upcoming programs and new business/ideas

The Sterling Cultural Council approved the minutes from the February 11 meeting. No other formal actions were taken; the council discussed upcoming programs and new ideas. The next council meeting was scheduled for April 29 at 4:30 pm.

• Approved February 11 meeting minutes
• Scheduled next meeting for April 29 at 4:30 pm

Conservation Commission

The Sterling Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on a Notice of Intent by Paul Couture to upgrade a septic system at 246 Redemption Rock Trail. The meeting also includes updates on enforcement at Chace Hill Road and consideration of certificates of compliance. Other agenda items are procedural, such as approval of minutes and agent reports.

• Public hearing on Notice of Intent for septic system upgrade at 246 Redemption Rock Trail (6:30 PM)
• Enforcement update on Chace Hill Road
• Correction of minutes from December 3, 2024
• Certificates of Compliance and extension permits
• Agent introduction

The Conservation Commission approved Certificates of Compliance for 2 Sandy Way (parcel #290-235) and the Sanders Company Building on Northeast Blvd (parcel #295-390). The public hearing on the septic system upgrade at 246 Redemption Rock Trail was continued to the April 15 meeting. The commission also approved corrections to the December 3, 2024 minutes and adopted the February 25, 2025 minutes as amended. A new part‑time Conservation Agent, Maxwell Bollous, was introduced and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved Certificates of Compliance for 2 Sandy Way (#290-235) and Sanders Co. Building on NE Blvd (#295-390) – unanimous
• Continued public hearing on septic system upgrade at 246 Redemption Rock Trail to next meeting – unanimous
• Approved correction of December 3, 2024 minutes to remove erroneous cease‑and‑desist note – unanimous
• Approved February 25, 2025 minutes with amended date and highlighted text – unanimous
• Adopted motion to adjourn the meeting – unanimous

Home

The provided document is a blank agenda template. No specific decisions, discussions, or action items are listed.

Assessor's Office

The Assessor's Office will meet to sign payables and warrants and conduct an executive session to review confidential real estate and personal property applications. The board will also address a lien release for Lots 5 & 6 on Maple St.

• Executive session for Real Estate & Personal Property Abatements
• Lien release for Lots 5 & 6 Maple St.
• Review of Chapter deferrals
• RRG Update
• Overlay surplus discussion

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will hear updates from the Town Administrator and Town Planner, and discuss promotion and publicity for the ATM Gateway District rezoning. They will also review and vote on past meeting minutes and set the next meeting date.

• Review and vote on past meeting minutes
• Town Administrator update
• Town Planner report on March 13 Planning Board public hearing
• Lex Thomas presentation on ATM Gateway District rezoning promotion and publicity

The Economic Development Committee unanimously approved a reimbursement of up to $400 for Lex Thomas's signage for the Annual Town Meeting. The committee also unanimously approved the minutes from the February 24, 2025 meeting. New members Andrew Bluestein and Jack Lundgren were unanimously accepted onto the committee.

• Approved $400 reimbursement to Lex Thomas for ATM signage (unanimously)
• Approved membership of Andrew Bluestein and Jack Lundgren (unanimously)
• Approved minutes of 2/24/2025 (unanimously)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to discuss the acceptance and submittal of a dog waste bylaw. The board is also scheduled to discuss body art regulation.

• Acceptance and submittal of Dog waste Bylaw
• Discussion of Body Art Regulation

The Board approved the February 13 and February 25 meeting minutes. It accepted the Dog Waste Bylaw as written and forwarded it to the Select Board. The Board also moved to post draft body‑art regulations online, publish a newspaper notice, and hold a public hearing on the regulations. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved February 13, 2025 minutes (as amended) – unanimous
• Approved February 25, 2025 minutes – carried (one abstention)
• Accepted Dog Waste Bylaw as written and submitted to Select Board – unanimous
• Directed draft body‑art regulations be posted on town website – motion carried
• Ordered newspaper notice of body‑art regulations for two weeks – motion carried
• Scheduled public hearing on body‑art regulations – motion carried
• Placed draft body‑art regulations on April 10, 2025 agenda – decision made
• Adjourned meeting – motion carried

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is holding a special meeting with restaurant and hotel owners to discuss two proposed local option tax changes: a 0.75% Meals Excise and an increase in the Rooms Excise from 4% to 6%. The meeting is for gathering input only; no votes are scheduled.

• Proposed 0.75% Local Option Meals Excise discussed with restaurant owners
• Proposed increase of Local Option Rooms Excise from 4% to 6% discussed with hotel owners
• Meeting is a feedback session, no formal action expected

Animal Control Advisory Board (ACAB)

The Sterling Animal Control Advisory Board will hold a dangerous dog hearing at 6:30PM and a nuisance dog hearing at 6:45PM. They will also review case reviews, previous meeting minutes, ACO reports, and discuss old business including a loose dog at 17 Jewett Rd and the annual rabies clinic scheduled for April 5, 2025.

• Dangerous Dog Hearing (6:30PM)
• Nuisance Dog Hearing (6:45PM)
• Review of repeat offender dog licenses
• 17 Jewett Rd - loose dog/unlicensed dog issue
• Rabies Clinic scheduled for April 5, 2025

The Animal Control Advisory Board unanimously deemed Pearl, a dog at 31 Kendall Hill Rd, a nuisance animal under the General Protective Bylaw Chapter 18-2 after an excessive barking hearing. Final recommendations were postponed until the board reviews ACO records and past history. The board also approved December 2024 meeting minutes as amended and agreed to run the Spring Rabies Clinic.

• Unanimously deemed Pearl a nuisance dog under General Protective Bylaw Chapter 18-2 (unanimous)
• Postponed final recommendations on Pearl pending ACO information review
• Approved December 16, 2024 meeting minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Agreed to run the Spring Rabies Clinic
• Postponed Dangerous Dog Hearing for dog owner unavailable Tuesday evenings

Assessor's Office

The Sterling Board of Assessors will hold a public meeting to approve payables and abatements, consider a lien release for Lots 5 & 6 Maple St., and discuss old business including deferrals and an RRG update. An executive session is scheduled under state law to review confidential real estate and personal property abatement applications.

• Lien release for Lots 5 & 6 Maple St.
• Executive session for real estate and personal property abatement applications
• Approval of any payables, abatements, and warrants
• Review and approval of previous meeting minutes

Select Board

The only public item on the agenda is roll call followed by an executive session under MGL c.30A Sec.21(a) Reason 3 to discuss litigation strategy. The board will return to public session only to adjourn, meaning no substantive public business is scheduled.

• Executive session for litigation strategy (no public action items)

Sterling Historical Commission

The Sterling Historical Commission will discuss coordination with the Sterling Land Trust regarding the West Sterling Schoolhouse and review DPW assessments for Oak Hill Cemetery wall repairs. They will also consider historical signage costs and placements, review sample wording for a Demolition Delay Bylaw, and hear a report on Chocksett Cemetery inventory and stone repairs. No votes are scheduled; all items are for discussion.

• West Sterling Schoolhouse coordination with Sterling Land Trust and zoning determination status
• Oak Hill Cemetery wall repairs/reconstruction — review of DPW assessments
• Historical signage: placements, graphics, wording, costs
• Demolition Delay Bylaw — review of sample wording
• Chocksett Cemetery inventory work, stone repairs, funding — report from Aiden Schnare

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing regarding proposed zoning amendments. These amendments are intended for the 2025 Annual Town Meeting.

• Public hearing on proposed zoning amendments for the 2025 Annual Town Meeting

The Planning Board voted unanimously (3-0) to forward six zoning amendments to the 2025 Annual Town Meeting, including replacing the Performance Zone with the Gateway Enterprise District, allowing joint hearings, updating site plan regulations, revising ADU rules to comply with state law, and adopting updated FEMA flood maps. Two amendments proposed by the Building Department were postponed and will not appear on the warrant. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Forwarded 3 amendments replacing Performance Zone with Gateway Enterprise District (3-0)
• Forwarded amendment allowing joint hearings for Special Permit and Site Plan Approval (3-0)
• Forwarded amendment revising Site Plan section to enable design guidelines (3-0)
• Forwarded amendment updating Accessory Dwelling Unit rules per Affordable Homes Act (3-0)
• Forwarded amendment adopting updated FEMA flood maps and floodplain standards (3-0)
• Postponed 2 Building Department amendments; not on warrant

Department of Public Works

The Sterling Department of Public Works Facility Committee will consider scoring and requesting interviews for the Designer Services RFP, and discuss language for upcoming town meeting warrant articles. They will also hear a finance committee update and plan public education ahead of town meeting.

• Approve minutes of February 11, 2025
• Finance committee update
• Score RFP for Designer Services and request for interviews
• Discuss town meeting warrant article language
• Plan public education ahead of town meeting

The DPW Facility Committee voted to interview the top two firms from its designer RFP scoring, with Weston & Sampson ranked first and Helene Karl second. The committee also reviewed warrant article language and discussed public education efforts ahead of Town Meeting. No final designer selection was made.

• Approved minutes of February 11, 2025 (5-0)
• Voted to interview top two designer firms: Weston & Sampson and Helene Karl (5-0)
• Agreed on 30-minute presentations with 15 minutes for Q&A for interviews
• Reviewed warrant article summary with no comments

Fair Committee

The provided agenda text for the Sterling Fair Committee meeting on March 12, 2025, is largely garbled and illegible, containing no discernible decisions, discussions, or actions. It appears to be a corrupted document or scan.

The committee unanimously approved a revised 2025 budget and appropriated funds for a FairEntry software subscription and runway mats. A grant proposal for bleachers and livestock pens is in progress, with a letter of support requested from the Select Board. Additional revenue sources were tabled due to the absence of the proposing member.

• Approved revised 2025 budget (unanimous)
• Appropriated $500 for FairEntry software subscription (unanimous)
• Appropriated $2000 for runway mats and paint (unanimous)
• Tabled additional revenue sources (member absent)

Sterling Municipal Light Board

The Board will review unfinished business regarding a cost of service rate study and the Kearsarge Energy Solar and Battery Storage Project. New business includes a fiber update and FY24 financials. An executive session may be held to discuss personnel negotiations for the Office Manager and Operations Engineering positions.

• Kearsarge Energy Solar and Battery Storage Project
• Cost of Service Rate Study
• FY24 Financials presented by John Kwasniewski
• Fiber update
• Personnel negotiations for Operations Engineering and Office Manager positions

Select Board

The Select Board will discuss potential warrant articles including changes to meals and rooms taxes and construction hour bylaws. The board is also reviewing appointments and a driveway permit.

• Proposed Meals Tax of .75%
• Proposed Rooms tax amendment from 4% to 6%
• Driveway permit for 61 Boutelle Road
• Seasonal Alcohol Permit for Sterling Country Club
• Grade changes for Town Clerk and Assistant Town Clerk

The Select Board voted to place several articles on the Annual Town Meeting warrant, including a 0.75% meals tax, a rooms tax increase from 4% to 6%, and a regional dispatch intermunicipal agreement. The board also appointed a Conservation Agent and a transportation representative, approved a driveway permit, and supported a fair's grant application.

• Appointed Maxwell Bollous as Conservation Agent (3-0)
• Appointed Jack Lungren as Montachusett Joint Transportation representative (3-0)
• Approved driveway permit for 61 Boutelle Road (3-0)
• Approved letter of support for Fair's MOTT grant application (3-0)
• Included 0.75% meals tax article on warrant (2-1, Cranson opposed)
• Included rooms tax increase from 4% to 6% on warrant (3-0)
• Included regional dispatch intermunicipal agreement on warrant (3-0)
• Approved seasonal alcohol license for Sterling National Country Club (3-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold continued public hearings on two special permit applications: Pratts Automotive for sale or rental of cars and trailers at 78 Worcester Road, and Kayrouz Realty LLC for a motor vehicle service station at 110 Leominster Road. The board will also discuss proposed amendments to the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw and an update to the Housing Production Plan. Minutes from the February 11, 2025 meeting will be reviewed.

• Continued special permit hearing for Pratts Automotive (78 Worcester Road, Parcel 137-3) for new/used car and trailer sales or rental.
• Continued special permit hearing for Kayrouz Realty LLC (110 Leominster Road, Parcel 65-30) for a motor vehicle service station.
• Discussion of proposed amendments to the ADU bylaw.
• Discussion regarding update of the Housing Production Plan.
• Review of February 11, 2025 meeting minutes.

The Zoning Board of Appeals continued the special permit hearing for a proposed motor vehicle service station at 110 Leominster Road to March 25, 2025, to finalize conditions. The board also continued the used car sales special permit at 78 Worcester Road to May 13, 2025, with no further continuances. No final decisions were made on either permit.

• Continued 78 Worcester Road used car sales hearing to May 13, 2025 (4-0)
• Continued 110 Leominster Road service station hearing to March 25, 2025 (5-0)
• Closed public hearing for 110 Leominster Road (5-0)
• Approved minutes of February 11, 2025 (5-0)
• Board took no contrary position on ADU bylaw amendments
• Board member volunteered to represent ZBA on Housing Production Plan update

Council on Aging

The Sterling Council on Aging will discuss and vote on a gift account expenditure request, review the director's update and strategic plan, and plan for May Seniors Appreciation Month. The meeting also includes a presentation to the Sterling Police Department and updates on past events and future landscaping.

• Presentation to Sterling Police Department
• Gift account expenditure request and vote
• May Seniors Appreciation Month event/activities discussion
• Strategic Plan review and future meetings plan
• March 28 Pancake Breakfast servers reminder

The Sterling Council on Aging approved the director's report and filed the February minutes and treasurer's report as presented. A $1,000 check was presented to the Sterling Police Association, and the council discussed upcoming events and strategic planning. No major policy decisions were made.

• Approved February 11, 2025 meeting minutes as corrected
• Filed treasurer's report as presented
• Accepted director's report (motion by Cosgrove, seconded by Pierce, passed all)
• Presented $1,000 check to Sterling Police Association

Department of Public Works

This meeting includes discussion of a proposed FY26 water rate increase, as well as updates on the cemetery wall evaluation with the Sterling Historical Commission. The board will also review year-to-date budget reports, consider an assistant tree warden position, and discuss a new van for the water department. A project update attachment details ongoing work including the new DPW facility, stormwater regulations, and water main replacements. Public comment is invited during the public session.

• Discussion of FY26 Water Rate Increase
• Cemetery Walls evaluation with Sterling Historical Commission
• Assistant Tree Warden Position consideration
• Water Department Large Van purchase discussion
• Year to Date Budget Reports review

The Sterling DPW board voted 3-0 to create an unpaid Assistant Tree Warden position and appoint Paul Gerardi, and voted 3-0 to transfer the Water Department's large van to the Facilities Department. The board also discussed a proposed FY'26 water rate increase (15% variable, 12.5% fixed) but took no vote, aiming to decide before July 1 bills. No other formal decisions were made.

• Created Assistant Tree Warden position (3-0)
• Appointed Paul Gerardi as Assistant Tree Warden (3-0)
• Transferred Water Department large van to Facilities Department (3-0)
• Accepted minutes of February 18, 2025 (3-0)

Trustees of the Conant Public Library

The Conant Public Library Board of Trustees will hold a routine meeting to approve February minutes, receive reports from the director and other library services, and discuss an update to the library's behavior policy. No financial decisions or major contracts are on the agenda.

• Review and approve meeting minutes from February 10, 2025
• Receive Director's Report, Finance, Circulation, and Youth Services reports
• Discuss and update the library's Behavior Policy

The Conant Public Library Board of Trustees approved an amended behavior policy that specifies only certified service animals are permitted in the library and must remain under handler control. The policy also includes a limitation of liability clause. The motion was made by Trustee Sayut, seconded by Trustee Martin, and carried unanimously among trustees present.

• Approved the February 10, 2025 meeting minutes, with Trustee Martin abstaining.
• Approved the amended Behavior Policy regarding animals in the library, effective immediately.
• Adjourned the meeting at 7:40 PM.

Capital Budget Committee

The committee will review the FY26 capital plan and its funding sources. Members will also vote on the plan and their own term renewals.

• Review and vote on FY26 capital plan and funding sources
• Vote on CBC member term renewals

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will hold a discussion on the town's financial position, focusing on the ability to fund FY26 operations without a Proposition 2.5 override. The discussion is based on the latest WRSD Budget Details provided on February 27, 2025. No votes are scheduled; this is a preliminary evaluation.

• Discussion of town financial position and FY26 funding strategy
• Evaluation of funding FY26 without a Prop 2.5 override
• Review of WRSD Budget Details from 2/27/2025

Planning Board

The Planning Board will continue a public hearing on a site plan to expand a church building and parking lot at 35 Chocksett Road. They will also consider approving an as-built plan for a new industrial building at 9 Chocksett Road and a time extension for Broomfield Labs at 14 Legate Hill Road. Additionally, the board will debrief a zoning proposal public forum and finalize an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw.

• Continued public hearing: site plan for church expansion at 35 Chocksett Road (Hope Chapel Inc.)
• Approval of as-built plan for new industrial building at 9 Chocksett Road (Eban Reality applicant)
• Time extension request for Broomfield Labs site plan at 14 Legate Hill Road
• Finalize Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw
• Debrief from zoning proposal public forum

The Planning Board approved a site plan for the Hope Chapel expansion at 35 Chocksett Road (4-0), an as-built plan for a new industrial building at 9 Chocksett Road (5-0), and a two-year time extension for Broomfield Labs at 14 Legate Hill Road (5-0). The Board also decided to move site plan provisions into regulations for Town Meeting vote, set ADU setback standards, and postponed two zoning amendments to the Special Town Meeting.

• Approved site plan for church expansion at 35 Chocksett Road (4-0)
• Approved as-built plan for industrial building at 9 Chocksett Road (5-0)
• Approved two-year time extension for Broomfield Labs at 14 Legate Hill Road (5-0)
• Decided to move site plan provisions into regulations for Town Meeting vote
• Set ADU setbacks: front 40 ft, side 20 ft, rear 25 ft
• Postponed two zoning amendments to Special Town Meeting
• Set March meeting dates for 13th and 27th
• Approved minutes for January 9 (3-0) and January 23 (4-0)

Select Board

The Select Board will hold public hearings on a 61A release of lots on Chamberlain and Maple and an earth removal permit for AF Amorello at 69 Leominster Road. Action items include consideration of a construction hours bylaw, approval of a security bond for the Onyx earth removal permit, and adoption of a mutual aid agreement for the Northern Worcester County Drug Task Force. The board will also discuss fire department succession planning and appoint a member to the Cultural Council. An executive session is scheduled for collective bargaining with police, fire, and dispatch.

• Public hearing on 61A release of Lots 5 and 6 on Chamberlain and Maple
• Public hearing on earth removal permit for AF Amorello at 69 Leominster Road
• Consideration of a construction hours bylaw
• Approval of Earth Removal Permit: Onyx - Security Bond
• Approval of Northern Worcester County Drug Task Force Mutual Aid Agreement

The Select Board approved the release of Lots 5 and 6 on Chamberlain Road and Maple Street from Chapter 61A, renewed AF Amorello's earth removal permit at 69 Leominster Road, and voted to post the Fire Chief position internally. They also appointed Matthew Kooyomjian to the Cultural Council and signed the annual Northern Worcester County Drug Task Force Mutual Aid Agreement. The construction hours bylaw was tabled until the next meeting.

• Approved release of Lots 5 and 6 on Chamberlain Road and Maple Street from 61A (3-0)
• Approved renewal of earth removal permit for AF Amorello at 69 Leominster Road (3-0)
• Approved posting Fire Chief position internally (3-0)
• Appointed Matthew Kooyomjian to Cultural Council Committee for 3-year term (3-0)
• Signed annual Northern Worcester County Drug Task Force Mutual Aid Agreement (3-0)
• Tabled construction hours bylaw until next meeting (3-0)

Recreation Department

This is a procedural meeting of the Sterling Recreation Commission. Items include acceptance of prior minutes, a director's program update, and discussions of field forms, a Village Green donation, and planning for the 2025 Summer Concert Series, Easter Egg Hunt, Road Race, and general summer programming.

• Acceptance of minutes from October 2, 2024
• Recreation Director rundown of programs
• Village Green Donation
• Summer Concert Series 2025
• Easter Egg Hunt and Road Race planning

Board of Health

The Board of Health will hold a presentation and public forum on a proposed Dog Waste Bylaw. The meeting also includes a public session for comments on other board business. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the item is for discussion only.

• Presentation and Public Forum concerning the proposed Dog Waste Bylaw
• Public Session (21 minutes total, 3 minutes per speaker)

The Sterling Board of Health held a public forum to review a draft Dog Waste Bylaw, explaining each section. No formal vote was taken; the board will consider the bylaw for a future town meeting. Public comments were supportive.

• Reviewed draft Dog Waste Bylaw (no vote)
• Public forum held on proposed bylaw

Finance Committee

The Sterling Finance Committee will vote on recommendations for a 0.75% meals tax and increasing the rooms tax from 4% to 6%, with outcomes sent to the Select Board. They will also discuss the town's financial position using updated budget estimates, evaluate the necessity and amount of a potential Proposition 2.5 override. Brief updates on the DPW Building Committee and Board of Health Audit Committee are included.

• Vote on recommending 0.75% meals local option tax
• Vote on increasing rooms local option tax from 4% to 6%
• Discussion of potential Prop 2.5 override and its amount
• Review of insurance, Monty Tech and WRSD budget estimates
• DPW Building Committee and Board of Health Audit updates

The Finance Committee voted to recommend a 0.75% Meals Local Option Tax and an increase in the Rooms Local Option Tax from 4% to 6% (or state maximums) for the Select Board. They also discussed the town's financial position, aiming to avoid a Prop 2½ override by using stabilization funds. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved recommendation for 0.75% Meals Local Option Tax (1 dissent)
• Approved recommendation to increase Rooms Local Option Tax from 4% to 6% (1 dissent)
• Approved minutes for 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, and 2/11/2025 (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Sterling Conservation Commission will hold a regular meeting to conduct public hearings and review commission business. The primary agenda item is a request for a Determination of Applicability regarding land work.

• Public hearing for R. Gary Griffin regarding the removal of ten stumps at 87 Newall Hill Road
• Enforcement and investigation updates for Chace Hill Road

The Commission voted unanimously to issue a negative determination for construction at 87 Newell Hill Road, allowing stump pulling from previously approved tree cutting to proceed without further review. Certificates of compliance were issued for properties at 12 James Road and 2 Beverly Drive, and minutes from previous meetings were approved with amendments. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Issued negative determination for stump removal at 87 Newell Hill Rd (unanimous)
• Issued certificate of compliance for 12 James Rd (approved, Mendoza abstained)
• Issued certificate of compliance for 2 Beverly Dr (unanimous)
• Approved Feb 4, 2025 minutes with typo correction (unanimous)
• Approved Dec 3, 2024 minutes with correction on cease-and-desist attribution (unanimous)

Home

This meeting agenda is illegible or contains only procedural boilerplate. The text appears garbled with no concrete items, ordinances, contracts, or public hearings. The only recognizable detail is a date reference of FEB 18 2025, but the meeting date is listed as 2025-02-24.

Home Department

The provided agenda contains handwritten notes and incomplete fields. It does not list specific motions, votes, or formal business items for decision.

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will hear a Town Center update from the Town Administrator, receive a recap of the Feb 19th Zoning Forum and public hearing from the Town Planner, and discuss a proposal to attract new businesses to the Gateway Economic Zone using an LTC proposal. The committee will also vote on past meeting minutes.

• Town Center update from Town Administrator
• Recap of Feb 19th Zoning Forum and public hearing from Town Planner
• Discussion on attracting new businesses to Gateway Economic Zone
• LTC Proposal for Gateway Zone
• Review and vote on past meeting minutes

The Economic Development Committee approved the January meeting minutes and discussed the February 19 Zoning Forum, supporting proposed zoning changes for economic growth areas. They recommended postponing nine additional zoning amendments to October instead of the Annual Town Meeting. A public hearing is set for March 13, and the committee discussed marketing strategies to boost attendance at the Annual Town Meeting.

• Approved meeting minutes of 1/21/2024 (unanimous)
• Recommended postponing nine zoning amendments to October timeframe
• Discussed marketing campaigns for zoning changes and ATM attendance

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will vote on recommendations for warrant articles regarding local taxes. The body will also discuss the town's financial position and the potential need for a Prop 2.5 override.

• Vote on instituting a 0.75% Meals Option Tax
• Vote on increasing Rooms Option Tax from 4% to 6%
• Discussion of Prop 2.5 override impact and determination of amount
• DPW Building Committee update
• Board of Health Audit Committee update

Housing Authority

The Sterling Housing Authority Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting to approve the year-end 2024 financials and the FY2025 budget, along with related resolutions. The board will also elect officers and review modernization and state-aided housing reports. No unfinished business is listed.

• Approval of Year End 2024 financials
• Approval of FY2025 Budget
• Election of Officers
• Resolution 2025-2 Year-End Financial and Federal-State Lead Paint Certifications
• Resolution 2025-3 FY2025 Budget

Department of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will discuss the FY26 water budget, PFAS bottled water rebates, and a Board of Health bylaw proposal. The board is also reviewing progress on several infrastructure projects, including water main replacements and a new DPW facility.

• Request for $500,000 at town meeting for new DPW facility schematic design
• FY26 Water Budget discussion
• PFAS discussion and bottled water rebate
• North Cove Road plowing
• Board of Health Bylaw proposal

The Sterling DPW Board approved a bottled water rebate policy for at-risk residents due to PFAS contamination, offering $15 per month up to $45 per billing cycle. The board also discussed the PFAS violation, water rate increases, and the FY26 water budget, including delaying capital projects to mitigate rate hikes. No action was taken on the Board of Health's pooper scooper bylaw proposal, which remains open for comment.

• Approved bottled water rebate policy: $15/month, max $45 per billing cycle (3-0)
• Accepted minutes of January 14, 2025 (3-0)
• Discussed FY26 water budget: free cash certified at ~$260,000; water rates to increase
• Agreed to delay Truck #3 replacement to FY27, reduce water meter replacement to $100,000 over 2 years, postpone Kendall Hill Tank study
• Board agreed $200,000 water source investigation budget is insufficient
• No action on Board of Health pooper scooper bylaw; comments to be submitted

Sterling Historical Commission

The Sterling Historical Commission holds a regular meeting to discuss ongoing repairs to the West Sterling Schoolhouse in coordination with the Sterling Land Trust, as well as anticipated repairs to the Oak Hill Cemetery wall. Members will also review historical signage placements and costs, assess the need for a Demolition Delay Bylaw, and consider cemetery inventory, stone repairs, and funding.

• West Sterling Schoolhouse repairs and coordination with Sterling Land Trust
• Oak Hill Cemetery wall anticipated repairs/reconstruction
• Historical signage placements, graphics, wording, and costs
• Demolition Delay Bylaw need assessment
• Cemeteries inventory, stone repairs, and funding discussion

Board of Health

The Board of Health will open its February 13 meeting at 6:00 pm in Room 205 of the Butterick Municipal Building. Members will approve the January 22 minutes, receive an emergency-preparedness update, and discuss PFAS contamination, a proposed pooper-scooper bylaw, and a protective bylaw. A public session with a 21-minute comment period is scheduled.

• Review and approve January 22, 2025 minutes
• Jack Chandler Emergency Preparedness Coordinator update
• Discuss PFAS contamination
• Discuss Pooper Scooper Bylaw
• Discuss Protective Bylaw

The Sterling Board of Health approved the January 22, 2025 meeting minutes as amended, with Hoffman abstaining. The board also amended the January 9, 2025 minutes to include a statement by Hoffman. Health Agent Favreau reported on inspections, permits, and property-specific actions, including a UV treatment system for a Princeton Road property and a failed septic system upgrade at Campground Road. No substantive policy decisions were made; the board discussed future forums on zoning bylaws and a draft dog waste bylaw.

• Approved January 22, 2025 minutes as amended (2-0-1, Hoffman abstained)
• Amended January 9, 2025 minutes to include Hoffman's statement (unanimous)
• Noted issuance of 2 COCs, 5 food inspections, 2 construction permits, 13 installer's licenses, 6 hauler's licenses
• Reported purchase of UV treatment system for 275 Princeton Road, installation ~Feb 23, 2025
• Reported upgrade of failed septic system at 30 Campground Road
• Reported issuance of occupancy permit for one Farm Labor Housing Camp
• Scheduled public forum on dog waste bylaw for Feb 25, 2025
• Scheduled forum on proposed zoning bylaws for Feb 19, 2025

Sterling Municipal Light Board

The board will review unfinished business regarding website design and the Kearsarge Energy Solar and Battery Storage Project. New business includes a fiber update and a Cost of Service Rate Study. An executive session may be held regarding the Operations Engineering Position.

• Kearsarge Energy Solar and Battery Storage Project
• Cost of Service Rate Study
• Fiber update
• Website design
• Executive session regarding Operations Engineering Position

Open Space Implementation Committee

The Open Space Implementation Committee will discuss a Mass Trails Grant application for the Waushacum Meadow Loop Trail, review trail signs, and hear about the Sterling Senior Center Hiking Club. They will also address a Select Board hearing on the Chamberlain Road Parcels withdrawn from the Chapter Lands program and approve prior meeting minutes.

• Mass Trails Grant Application for Waushacum Meadow Loop Trail
• SB hearing on Chamberlain Road Parcels withdrawn from Chapter Lands program
• John Ash’s recollections of the Kristoff Brothers Pig Farm
• Trail Signs discussion
• Sterling Senior Center Hiking Club

The Open Space Implementation Committee discussed and prepared a Mass Trails grant application for the Waushacum Meadow Loop Trail, with a revised plan to meet slope requirements. The committee also reported installing three new trail signs and discussed potential changes to the residency requirement for membership.

• Accepted agenda for Feb 12, 2025 (unanimous)
• Accepted minutes of Jan 15, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Discussed Mass Trails grant application for Waushacum Meadow Loop Trail; revised trail plan to 2,300 feet to meet slope requirement
• Reported installation of three new trail signs in Linde Basin, Waushacum Overlook, and Heywood Reservoir
• Discussed possibility of relaxing OSIC residency requirement for membership
• Adjourned at 7:45 p.m. (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board will vote on cost-of-living adjustments for non-union employees and on a scholarship disbursement. They will also discuss updating the Assistant Library Director job description, a letter to the state on Chapter 70 school funding, and a Board of Health audit. The meeting includes the Town Administrator report, business correspondence, and public session.

• Vote on scholarship disbursement
• Update job description for Assistant Library Director
• Vote on COLA increases for non-union employees
• Letter to State on Chapter 70 School Funding
• Board of Health Audit

The Select Board approved three $700 scholarships funded by the Maria Houghton and Conant funds, an updated Assistant Library Director job description, a 3% cost-of-living increase for non-union employees in the FY26 budget, a letter to Governor Healey about school funding, and the state audit of the Board of Health with a warrant article. All votes were unanimous or had one abstention. The board also received updates on grants, finances, and projects, but took no other formal actions.

• Approved three $700 scholarships (two from Maria Houghton fund, one from Conant fund) (3-0)
• Approved updated Assistant Library Director job description (3-0)
• Supported 3% COLA for non-union employees in FY26 budget (2-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved letter to Governor Healey requesting school funding (3-0)
• Approved state audit of Board of Health and warrant article for funding (3-0)

Department of Public Works

The Sterling Department of Public Works Facility Committee will hold a public meeting to receive updates on finance, a consultant’s report, and future meeting scheduling. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

The committee accepted minutes from January 13 and 23, 2025, and discussed the RFP for designer services and owner's project manager, with proposals due February 24. The Finance Committee reported that remodeling the current DPW building is not feasible and recommended against funding further research into that option. The committee plans to review RFP proposals on March 13 at 6:00 PM. No final decisions were made on the new building project.

• Accepted January 13 and 23, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Scheduled RFP proposal review for March 13 at 6:00 PM
• Finance Committee recommended against remodeling current DPW building

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on a variance request from Kathryn Spanknebel to reduce the two-acre minimum lot area for an existing single-family home at 226 Leominster Road. The board will also hear an administrative appeal from Thomas & Mary Chase regarding the Building Commissioner's decision that activities at 64 South Nelson Road are not in violation of the bylaws. Both properties are in the Rural Residential & Farming district. The meeting will also include review of January 14 minutes and scheduling.

• Variance petition by Kathryn Spanknebel to reduce two-acre area requirement at 226 Leominster Road (Parcel 29-1)
• Administrative appeal by Thomas & Mary Chase of Building Commissioner's no-violation determination at 64 South Nelson Road (Parcel 61-12)
• Minutes review from January 14, 2025

The Zoning Board of Appeals voted 5-0 to grant Kathryn Spanknebel a variance from two-acre area requirements for an existing single-family house at 226 Leominster Road. The board also voted 3-2 to uphold the Zoning Enforcement Officer's determination that activities at 64 South Nelson Road are not in violation of the Protective Bylaws, denying the administrative appeal by Thomas and Mary Chase. Minutes from January 14, 2025 were approved unanimously.

• Granted variance from two-acre area requirements at 226 Leominster Road (5-0)
• Upheld ZEO's determination on 64 South Nelson Road, denying administrative appeal (3-2)
• Approved minutes from January 14, 2025 (5-0)

Council on Aging

The Sterling Council on Aging will meet to approve minutes from January, review the treasurer's report, and hear a presentation to the Sterling Police Department. The board will vote on a gift account expenditure request and on the director's goals for fiscal year 2025, and will discuss a board member vacancy and orientation feedback.

• Presentation to Sterling Police Department
• Gift account expenditure request and vote
• Vote on director’s goals for FY25
• Review COA board roster and vacancy
• Update on Valentine’s Day luncheon and dinner events

The Sterling Council on Aging approved the FY25 Senior Center goals and appointed Liz Pape as Secretary/Clerk. The board also accepted the Director's Report and the Treasurer's Report, which was corrected to reflect FY25 appropriations. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved FY25 Sterling Senior Center goals (passed all)
• Appointed Liz Pape as CoA Secretary/Clerk (passed all)
• Accepted Director's Report (passed all)
• Accepted Treasurer's Report as corrected (filed as presented)
• Approved Jan 9, 2025 meeting minutes (filed as presented)

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council is meeting to finalize the 2025 Calendar of Grant Programs. Members will discuss specific project proposals and potential new initiatives for the year.

• Review of 2025 Calendar of Grant Programs
• Proposal from MEM Dance
• Discussion of Claytime flyer/poster
• Proposed initiatives including watercolor painting and a farm crawl

The Sterling Cultural Council approved a $1,200 proposal from MEM Dance Theater for the 'Sharing the Arts Together' event on March 15-16, and accepted Matt Kooyomjian as a new committee member. Minutes from the Nov. 21 meeting were approved. The treasurer's report was incomplete due to missing updated numbers.

• Approved MEM Dance Theater proposal for $1,200 (all approved)
• Accepted Matt Kooyomjian as new committee member (all approved)
• Approved minutes of Nov. 21 meeting (all approved)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will hold a special discussion on the WRSD school budget presentation, review and vote on their position regarding the Sterling Budget Request from the district budget meeting, and develop advice for the Select Board based on the financial impact to the town. The committee will also receive brief updates from the DPW Building Committee and the BOH Audit Committee. Future meetings may address a review of the town's financial policy, last updated in 2017.

• Special Discussion Topic – WRSD School Budget Presentation
• Review/Discuss/Vote FinCom position on the Sterling Budget Request
• Develop FinCom Advice to Select Board based on financial impact to the town
• DPW Building Committee Update
• BOH Audit Committee Update

The Finance Committee voted 5-1 against a motion to recommend two warrant articles for the WRSD school budget at Annual Town Meeting. After further discussion, a straw poll indicated support for a single article covering the Fiscal 26 WRSD budget. The committee deferred developing formal advice to the Select Board and other updates.

• Rejected motion to recommend two warrant articles for WRSD budget (5-1)
• Straw poll favored single article for Fiscal 26 WRSD budget at Annual Town Meeting
• Deferred advice to Select Board on financial impact
• Deferred DPW Building Committee update
• Deferred BOH Audit Committee update

Assessor's Office

The Sterling Assessors will meet to discuss and vote on routine items including signing payables and abatements, approving previous meeting minutes, and approving a statutory exemption list. They will consider a 61A release for Lots 5 & 6 on Chamberlain Road and a Request for Proposals related to RRG. The board will also enter executive session for an annual performance review. The meeting will conclude with any unanticipated issues and future agenda items.

• Sign any payables, abatements, warrants
• Approve previous meeting minutes if any
• Approve Statutory Exemption list
• 61A Release for Lot 5 & Lot 6 Chamberlain Road
• Request for Proposals for RRG

Council on Aging

The Sterling Council on Aging is holding a procedural meeting on February 10, 2025. The main agenda item is a 90-minute board member orientation. No votes, public hearings, or financial decisions are scheduled.

• Board Member Orientation (90 minutes)

The Sterling Council on Aging Board meeting on February 10, 2025, was largely procedural. Members reviewed the CoA board book, which included state-level documents, town bylaws, and senior center policies. No substantive decisions were made; the only action was adjourning the meeting.

• Adjourned meeting at 7:10 pm (motion by Cosgrove, seconded by Hehir, passed all)

Trustees of the Conant Public Library

This is a routine procedural meeting of the Conant Public Library Board of Trustees. The board will approve minutes from January 13, 2025, and hear reports from the director, finance, circulation, and youth services. No major decisions or public hearings are listed.

• Approve meeting minutes from January 13, 2025
• Director's report on library operations
• Finance report
• Circulation report
• Youth services report

The Trustees approved the January 13, 2025 meeting minutes as amended, with a unanimous vote. The Director reported that the window replacement project is delayed until warmer weather, and that the lift lobby will be completed before the lift update. Budget lines are on track, with electricity costs up despite lower usage, and the new website is live, allowing cancellation of the old contract.

• Approved January 13, 2025 meeting minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Noted window replacement project postponed until warmer weather
• Reported Bartlett Tree Experts contracted for spring cherry tree maintenance
• Noted new website launched, enabling early cancellation of former website contract
• Reported final LED lighting fixtures on order, funded by $38,000 ARPA grant

Capital Budget Committee

The Capital Budget Committee will review the FY26 capital plan and funding sources, provide feedback on capital budget requests from FinCom presentations, and update prior meeting action items. No final decisions or specific projects are listed on the agenda.

• Review FY26 capital plan and funding sources
• Feedback on capital budget requests from FinCom presentations
• Update on prior meeting action items
• Approve January 2, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion of upcoming meetings

The Capital Budget Committee discussed the DPW Building Committee's recommendation for a 25% schematic design costing approximately $500,000, to be funded via a debt exclusion. The committee felt it unlikely to pass and advised exploring more reasonably priced options, such as keeping the current site and moving selected functions to a scaled-down facility. They also requested a timeline and cost estimate for maintenance if replacement is delayed. No formal votes were taken on this item; the committee will communicate its feedback to the facility subcommittee.

• Approved Jan 2, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Discussed DPW schematic design; advised against $500K debt exclusion, recommended cheaper alternatives
• Noted police vehicle moved to capital request of $64K, funded by Capital Investment Fund
• Noted DPW Swett Hill/Hall Ave drainage project may require town borrowing if approved
• Assigned action items: confirm cost estimates for Kendall Hill tower, DPW renovations, Historical Commission

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold multiple public hearings, including a determination for a National Grid gravel laydown yard at Pratts Junction Road and a stormwater permit for a National Grid garage facility. The commission will also hear continued notices of intent for the Hope Chapel addition at 35 Chocksett Rd and the Flanagan Hill Access Road Project by New England Power. Enforcement updates on 153 Chace Hill Rd are also scheduled.

• Request for determination on National Grid gravel laydown yard (~4,100 sq ft in buffer zone) at Pratts Junction Road
• Public hearing on stormwater permit for National Grid's Public Utility Garage/Storage Facility 2 at 35 Pratts Junction Rd
• Continued public hearing on Notice of Intent for Hope Chapel site preparation at 35 Chocksett Rd
• Continued public hearing on Notice of Intent for Flanagan Hill Access Road Project by New England Power
• Enforcement update for 153 Chace Hill Rd

The Commission approved a negative determination for National Grid's gravel laydown yard at Pratts Junction Road, a stormwater permit for the utility garage project, and a Standard Order of Conditions for Hope Chapel's expansion. It also approved a Standard Order of Conditions for New England Power's Flanagan Hill Access Road project, with a draft to be signed at the next meeting. A letter of support for an Open Space Implementation Committee trails grant was signed.

• Approved letter of support for OSIC DCR Trails Grant (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from January 14, 2025 (unanimous)
• Issued negative determination for National Grid laydown yard at Pratts Junction Rd (unanimous)
• Approved Stormwater Permit for National Grid garage at 35 Pratts Junction Rd (unanimous)
• Approved Standard Order of Conditions for Hope Chapel expansion at 35 Chocksett Rd (motion made, signatures to be obtained)
• Approved Standard Order of Conditions for New England Power Flanagan Hill Access Road (unanimous)

Fair Committee

The committee will elect officers for chair, vice chair, treasurer, and secretary, and will discuss the draft 2025 budget including runway mats and electric box replacements. They will also review MOTT Grant quote information and updates on previous recipients.

• MOTT Grant discussion with quote information and updates
• Draft of 2025 budget including runway mats and electric box replacements
• Election of officers: chair-elect Doug Downey, vice chair-elect Mark Pruneau, treasurer-elect Phil Campbell, secretary-elect Megan Fowler-Magaw
• Approval of previous meeting minutes

The committee decided to submit a grant application to the MA Office of Travel and Tourism for two bleachers and 30 livestock pens, and will obtain quotes for the next meeting. The 2025 slate of officers was elected unanimously, with Doug Downey as Chair, Mark Pruneau as Vice Chair, Phil Campbell as Treasurer, and Megan Fowler-Magaw as Secretary. The 2025 budget was discussed but not finalized, with a revised version to be provided later. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved submission of MOTT grant application for 2 bleachers and 30 livestock pens
• Elected 2025 officers: Chair Doug Downey, Vice Chair Mark Pruneau, Treasurer Phil Campbell, Secretary Megan Fowler-Magaw (unanimous)
• Tabled 2025 budget approval pending revised draft

Fair Committee

The Fair Committee is meeting to discuss items related to the fair. The agenda contains handwritten notes regarding specific equipment or supplies.

• Discussion of 'More acura en Veet prord'
• Discussion of 'Rubles + Mophes'
• Discussion of 'Oemera CLEAR LRALON'

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee and Capital Budget Committee hold their second joint session to hear FY26 budget and capital plans from town departments. Town Administrator Bill Caldwell will present for multiple departments including HR, IT, and Debt Service, followed by Recreation, COA, and Fire & Ambulance. A public session allows up to 10 minutes for resident comments.

• Town Administrator Bill Caldwell presents FY26 budgets for HR/Benefits, OPEB, IT, Debt Service, and Town Clerk
• Recreation Director Shari Gonsorcik presents FY26 Recreation budget and capital plans
• COA Director Sheila Beane presents FY26 Council on Aging budget and capital plans
• Fire & Ambulance Chief David Hurlbut presents FY26 Fire and Ambulance budget and capital plans
• Public session: 10 minutes total, 2 minutes max per speaker

The Finance Committee and Capital Budget Committee held a joint meeting to review department FY26 budget and capital presentations. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was informational, with departments presenting their budget requests and capital needs. The Town Administrator's presentation covered HR, benefits, OPEB, IT, debt service, and the Town Clerk's office, noting a 3% COLA increase and a new firefighter position. Recreation, Council on Aging, and Fire & Ambulance departments also presented their requests, including a new full-time Outreach Coordinator and a new firefighter position.

• Reviewed FY26 budget presentations from Town Administrator, Recreation, COA, and Fire & Ambulance
• Noted OPEB liability of $16M with $1.6M in fund
• Noted debt service decrease of $125K
• Noted 3% COLA increase for town personnel
• Noted capital request for DPW facility schematic design ($500K) funded by BAN
• Noted Recreation capital request for power aero rake ($11.5K)
• Noted COA request for additional full-time Outreach Coordinator
• Noted Fire Department request for new firefighter position and $21K for ambulance at ATM

Select Board

The Sterling Select Board will hold a public meeting to vote on several items, including cost-of-living adjustments for non-union employees, non-resident beach parking pass fees, and polling hours for the local election. They will also consider a letter of support for an Open Space grant and set a date for town-wide clean-up. An executive session is scheduled for collective bargaining with police, fire, and dispatch.

• Vote on COLA increases for non-union positions
• Consider duration and cost of non-resident beach parking passes
• Approve polling hours for local election
• Letter of support for Open Space grant opportunity
• Determine date for town-wide clean-up

The Select Board approved reduced annual beach parking permit fees for non-residents, from $400 to $275, with the passes valid from April 15 to November 15 to align with the winter closure of the beach parking lot. The board also approved holding the town-wide clean-up on April 26, 2025, and set in-person voting hours for the annual Town Election on May 12, 2025 from noon to 7:00 pm. A letter of support for the Open Space Implementation Committee's trail grant application was approved. The COLA increase discussion was tabled to the next meeting.

• Approved reduced beach parking pass fee from $400 to $275, valid April 15–Nov 15 (2-0)
• Approved town-wide clean-up on April 26, 2025 (2-0)
• Approved in-person voting hours for May 12, 2025 election, noon–7 pm (2-0)
• Approved letter of support for OSIC trail grant application (2-0)
• Tabled COLA increase discussion to next meeting

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold meetings and a public hearing regarding site plans and land requests. Discussions include energy infrastructure, commercial development, and a church expansion.

• Site plan for solar battery storage facility at 2 Princeton Road – Jewett Road
• Public hearing for stone wall alteration on a Scenic Road at 2 Princeton Road – Jewett Road
• Site plan for gas station/convenience store at 110 Leominster Road
• Site plan for church building and parking lot expansion at 35 Chocksett Road
• Chapter land withdrawal request for Maple Street (Tax Map 107, Lot 28)

The Planning Board unanimously approved the site plan for a solar battery storage facility at 2 Princeton Road – Jewett Road, with conditions including installation of Jersey barriers along Jewett Road and submission of an as-built plan. The board also approved the alteration of a stone wall on Jewett Road, a scenic road, as part of the same project. Other items, including the gas station/convenience store and church expansion, were continued to future meetings.

• Approved site plan for solar battery storage at 2 Princeton Road – Jewett Road (4-0), with conditions: Jersey barriers along Jewett Road and as-built plan
• Approved stone wall alteration on Jewett Road (scenic road) (4-0)
• Continued gas station/convenience store at 110 Leominster Road to March 27, 2025
• Continued church expansion at 35 Chocksett Road to February 27, 2025
• Recommended town not exercise right of first refusal for Melone property on Maple Street (4-0)
• Set next meeting date for February 27, 2025
• Approved minutes for December 19, 2024 (4-0); postponed January 9, 2025 minutes due to lack of quorum

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee and Capital Budget Committee will hold two joint sessions to hear presentations from department heads on their FY26 budget and capital acquisition plans. The first session on January 23 includes Facilities, Police/Dispatch/Animal Control, and DPW & Snow/Ice. The second session on January 30 covers HR/Benefits, OPEB, IT, Debt Service, Town Clerk, Recreation, COA, and Fire & Ambulance. A public comment period is also scheduled.

• Facilities Manager Chuck Goss presents budget and capital plans
• Police Chief Sean Gaudette presents for Police/Dispatch/Animal Control
• DPW Superintendent Ryan Mouradian presents for DPW & Snow/Ice
• Town Administrator Bill Caldwell covers HR/Benefits, OPEB, IT, Debt Service, Town Clerk
• Fire Chief David Hurlbut presents Fire & Ambulance budget and capital plans

The Finance Committee and Capital Budget Committee held a joint meeting to hear FY26 budget and capital presentations from the Facilities, Police/Dispatch/Animal Control, and DPW departments. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was informational, with department heads outlining upcoming projects and funding needs. The committees thanked the presenters and adjourned.

• No formal decisions or votes were recorded during this meeting
• Facilities: $350K capital item approved for Butterick Municipal Building renovation, may require up to $700K
• Police Chief agreed to analyze leasing vs. purchasing police vehicles
• DPW: Swett Hill Drainage project (~$800K) to be a Warrant Article for Annual Town Meeting
• DPW: Warrant Article for $500K for schematic design of new DPW facility to be on Annual Town Meeting
• DPW: New front-end loader with plow, 75/25 split with Water Department, DPW share $225K

Department of Public Works

The Department of Public Works Facility Committee will hold a joint meeting with the Finance Committee and Capital Budget Committee to discuss the FY26 budget. The meeting includes roll call and adjournment, with no other business listed. The discussion is about the upcoming fiscal year budget, but no specific figures or proposals are mentioned in the agenda.

• Joint meeting with Finance Committee and Capital Budget Committee to discuss FY26 budget

The DPW Facility Committee met jointly with the finance committee on January 23, 2025, to discuss the DPW facility project and other DPW budget-related items. No formal votes or decisions were recorded in the minutes.

Board of Health

The Board of Health will discuss a potential pooper scooper law for the Town Warrant and review Protective Bylaw 4.6.4. They will also consider a revised agent activity report and approve meeting minutes.

• Discuss possible Pooper Scooper Law for Town Warrant
• Discuss Protective Bylaw 4.6.4
• Discuss Revised Agent Activity Report
• Review and Approve any available minutes
• Agent Report

The Sterling Board of Health voted to send a letter to the property owner at 6 Bird Street regarding odor complaints, stating that no odor was detected by the Health Agent or police. The board also approved revised Agent Activity Report effective February 1, 2025, and discussed a potential pooper scooper bylaw for the town warrant. No other substantive decisions were made; the protective bylaw discussion was carried over.

• Approved minutes of January 9, 2025 (2-0)
• Approved letter to 6 Bird Street homeowner about odor complaints (2-0)
• Approved revised Agent Activity Report effective February 1, 2025 (2-0)

Board of Registrars

The Board of Registrars will meet to approve minutes, review the recent election, discuss approval of signature stamps for certifications, and update the census and street list. They will also consider important dates, office staffing, the annual town election, polling hours, vote-by-mail procedures, and whether to create an associate registrar position.

• Consider Associate Registrar position
• Approval of Signature Stamps for certifications
• Election Recap
• Vote by Mail discussion
• Annual Town Election planning

Housing Authority

The Board of Commissioners will meet to elect officers and approve financial reports for October and November 2024. The board will also consider a resolution regarding an air sealing and insulation project.

• Resolution 2025-1 Air Sealing and Insulation Project 282040 CSC and CFC
• Election of officers
• Approval of October and November 2024 financials
• EOHLC updates on Veteran’s Preference Screening and Public Housing Innovations funding

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will receive a Town Center update from the Town Administrator and a preview of the February 19 Zoning Forum from the Town Planner. Members will also discuss strategies to search for and attract new businesses to the Gateway Economic Zone. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and standard procedural items.

• Town Administrator presentation on Town Center update at 9:00 AM
• Town Planner preview of February 19 Zoning Forum at 9:10 AM
• Discussion on searching for and attracting new businesses to the Gateway Economic Zone at 9:30 AM
• Approval of minutes from January 13, 2025

The Economic Development Committee approved the December 16, 2024 meeting minutes unanimously. The committee heard updates on the Town Center, including potential new taxes and Gateway district uses, and on the 2025 zoning program, with a public hearing scheduled for March 13. No other formal decisions were made.

• Approved minutes of 12/16/2024 (unanimous)

Sterling Municipal Light Board

The Sterling Municipal Light Board will discuss the 2025 Electric Capital Plan and 2025 Fiber Capital Plan, as well as a Cost of Service Rate Study. Unfinished business includes website design and an operations engineering manager position. The board will also approve minutes from recent meetings. Public Zoom participation is not available.

• 2025 Electric Capital Plan discussion
• 2025 Fiber Capital Plan discussion
• Cost of Service Rate Study
• Fiber update
• Operations Engineering Manager Position (unfinished business)

Select Board

The Sterling Select Board will vote on several action items, including ratifying contracts for the Chief of Police and Town Administrator, and signing a letter of support for DELTA grants. They will also consider appointing Sue Valentine to the Open Space Committee and approving a driveway at 168 Justice Hill Road. The meeting includes a presentation of the Town Planner's work program and a Council on Aging appointment.

• Ratify contracts for Chief of Police and Town Administrator
• Sign letter of support for DELTA grants
• Appoint Sue Valentine to Open Space Committee
• Driveway approval for 168 Justice Hill Road
• Council on Aging appointment

The Select Board approved two District Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) grant requests for MBTA housing overlay and Housing Production Plan updates, ratified the Town Administrator's and Police Chief's contracts, and appointed Sue Valentine to the Open Space Committee and Everett Pierce to the COA board. A driveway permit for 168 Justice Hill Road was also approved. The meeting was procedural with no major policy changes.

• Approved DLTA grant requests for MBTA housing overlay and Housing Production Plan update (2-0)
• Ratified Town Administrator's and Police Chief's contracts (2-0)
• Appointed Sue Valentine to Open Space Committee (2-0)
• Appointed Everett Pierce to COA board (2-0)
• Approved driveway permit for 168 Justice Hill Road (2-0)
• Approved minutes of December 18, 2024 (2-0)
• Approved executive session minutes of December 18, 2024, not to be released (2-0)

Open Space Implementation Committee

The Open Space Implementation Committee will meet to discuss budget requests and trail projects. The body is reviewing a capital budget request for a privacy screen and the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

• Capital budget request for privacy screen at Mudgett Orchard
• Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request
• Waushacum Woods Trail Development
• Letter of support for Waushacum Trail MassTrails grant application
• Sterling Senior Center Hiking Club

The Open Space Implementation Committee reviewed trail signs and discussed future projects, including a possible stone dust trail at Mudgett Orchard. They agreed to provide a letter of support for the Waushacum Trail MassTrails grant application. The town warrant will include a $17,000 request for a privacy screen at Mudgett Orchard, and the FY2026 budget request will be increased to $7,000 for mapping needed for the Open Space and Recreation Plan revision.

• Agenda for January 15, 2025 accepted unanimously
• Minutes of December 11, 2024 accepted as written unanimously
• Agreed to provide letter of support for Waushacum Trail MassTrails grant application
• Noted $17,000 budget request for privacy screen at Mudgett Orchard to be included in town warrant
• Noted FY2026 budget request increased to $7,000 for Open Space and Recreation Plan mapping
• Meeting adjourned unanimously at 7:54 pm

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Sterling Zoning Board of Appeals will continue a special permit hearing for Pratts Automotive to allow sale or rental of new/used cars and trailers at 78 Worcester Road. The board will also discuss a proposed revision to the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw and review minutes from the previous meeting.

• Continued special permit hearing for Pratts Automotive, 78 Worcester Road (Parcel 137-3), for sale/rental of vehicles and trailers
• Discussion on ADU Bylaw Revision
• Review of minutes from December 10, 2024

The Zoning Board of Appeals voted 5-0 to continue Pratts Automotive's special permit application to the March 11, 2025 meeting, allowing more time for the applicant to comply with DCR requirements. The board also discussed the new Affordable Homes Act's impact on accessory dwelling units (ADUs), expressing concerns about proposed regulations allowing ADUs in small structures close to property lines. The board took a position against such allowances and voted 5-0 to approve the December 10, 2024 meeting minutes.

• Granted continuance of Pratts Automotive special permit to March 11, 2025 (5-0)
• Approved minutes of December 10, 2024 (5-0)
• Took position against allowing ADUs in structures under 500 sf within 10' of property lines

Department of Public Works

The Sterling Department of Public Works Board will meet to discuss the FY26 operating budget, an update on PFAS exceedance at Worcester Road, and plowing on North Cove Road. Other agenda items include the status of Pratts Junction railroad crossings and a project update covering multiple capital works. The board will also review minutes from December 10, 2024, and hold a public session.

• North Cove Road plowing discussion
• FY26 Operating Budget review
• Worcester Road PFAS exceedance update
• Pratts Junction railroad crossing status
• Project update including new DPW facility and Redstone water main replacement

The Sterling DPW Board discussed the FY26 budget, including a 6.15% increase for trash pickup and an additional $300,000 for water projects. They also addressed PFAS exceedances at Worcester Road wells, which have put the town in violation, and are exploring options like a new water source or treatment plant. No formal votes were taken on these items; the only motion was to accept the previous meeting's minutes.

• Accepted minutes of December 10, 2025 (3-0)
• Discussed FY26 budget with 6.15% increase for trash pickup
• Allotted $300,000 for water projects (Redstone main, West Sterling generator)
• Noted purchase of 4-ton Hot Box, delivery in February
• Discussed PFAS violations at Wells 2C and 2B, exploring treatment options
• Agreed to pursue better railroad contact for Pratts Junction crossing

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will review several Notices of Intent and a stormwater permit. The body will also discuss an enforcement investigation at 153 Chace Hill Rd and the advertising of the Agent's position.

• Notice of Intent for garage and septic system at 102 Campground Rd
• Notice of Intent for church addition and parking lot at 35 Chocksett Rd
• Notice of Intent for New England Power's Flanagan Hill Access Road Project
• Stormwater permit for solar array at 2 Old Princeton and Jewett Rd
• Enforcement/Investigation regarding 153 Chace Hill Rd

The Sterling Conservation Commission voted unanimously not to exercise its right of first refusal on a Chapter 61A property on Chamberlain Road, issued a Standard Order of Conditions for a garage project at 102 Campground Road, and continued hearings for projects at 35 Chocksett Road and Flanagan Hill Road. It also issued a Standard Order of Conditions for a solar array at 2 Old Princeton Rd and Jewett Rd, and continued an enforcement order for 153 Chace Hill Road.

• Recommended not exercising right of first refusal on Chamberlain Road property (unanimous)
• Issued Standard Order of Conditions for garage at 102 Campground Road (unanimous)
• Continued NOI for Hope Chapel addition at 35 Chocksett Road to Jan 28, 2025 (unanimous)
• Continued NOI for Flanagan Hill Road Access Project to Jan 28, 2025 (unanimous)
• Issued Standard Order of Conditions for solar array at 2 Old Princeton Rd and Jewett Rd (unanimous)
• Continued enforcement order for 153 Chace Hill Road to Feb 25, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved December meeting minutes as written (unanimous)

Department of Public Works

The Department of Public Works Facility Committee will meet to review updates from the Finance Committee and Weston & Sampson. The body will discuss a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Designer Services and OPM, as well as the FY26 Capital Budget Request.

• RFP for Designer Services & OPM
• FY26 Capital Budget Request
• Weston & Sampson update
• Finance committee update

The committee voted to submit a $500,000 capital budget request to cover schematic design costs through May 2026. They also approved moving forward with a request for qualifications for design services, with the RFP to be published January 22 and due February 24, 2025. The committee is in early stages, with next steps including a May Town Meeting request for schematic design funding.

• Approved $500,000 capital budget request for schematic designs (4-0)
• Approved moving forward with request for qualifications for design services (4-0)
• Accepted minutes from December 12 and December 19, 2025 as written (4-0)

Assessor's Office

This is a routine procedural meeting of the Sterling Board of Assessors. The board will vote on payables and abatements, approve the statutory exemption list, and discuss the Veterans' HERO Act warrant. Old business includes budget review, chapter applications, and deferrals.

• Approve Statutory Exemption list
• Veterans' HERO Act warrant
• Budget review
• Chapter applications and deferrals
• Annual Performance Review

The Sterling Board of Assessors voted not to implement the increased veterans' exemption amounts allowed under the HERO Act, pending further state guidance on reimbursement. The board approved the statutory list with a spelling correction and reviewed the budget, chapter applications, and other routine items.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved statutory list with one spelling correction
• Voted not to implement HERO Act veterans' exemption increase (unanimous)
• Reviewed and signed chapter applications
• Scheduled annual performance review for next meeting

Fair Committee

This meeting agenda for the Sterling Fair Committee is mostly boilerplate, with an executive session noted but no subject or substantive discussion items listed. The document appears to be a form with a received stamp from October 2024, but the meeting date is given as January 13, 2025. No decisions, proposals, or public hearings are scheduled.

• Meeting includes an executive session, but subject is not specified
• No rezonings, contracts, ordinances, or fee changes are listed

The committee unanimously nominated the standing slate as 2025 officer-elects, including Doug Downey as Chair, Mark Pruneau as Vice Chair, Phil Campbell as Treasurer, and Megan Fowler-Magaw as Secretary. They discussed the MOTT grant application for fiscal year 2026, noting the anticipated April-May application period, and agreed to brainstorm project ideas in upcoming meetings. No final decisions were made on the grant or budget, which will be proposed by the Treasurer in February.

• Nominated standing slate as 2025 officer-elects (unanimous)
• Discussed MOTT grant for FY2026, no decision
• Agreed to brainstorm grant project ideas in future meetings
• Noted ShoWorks software cost increase, no action
• Mark to price runway mats for future discussion
• Agreed to consider adding backup electric boxes to 2025 budget

Trustees of the Conant Public Library

The Board of Trustees will meet to review reports from the director, finance, circulation, and youth services. The board is scheduled to discuss updates to the program policy and identify incumbents standing for re-election.

• Update Program Policy
• Identify incumbents standing for re-election
• Review and approve December 9, 2024 meeting minutes

The Trustees of the Conant Public Library approved an update to the program policy, specifying that no-show infractions remain on a patron's record for one year. They also discussed the upcoming window replacement project and other operational updates, but no other formal votes were taken.

• Approved updates to Program Policy (unanimous)
• Approved December 9, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a working session to review public comments received on proposed zoning amendments and to consider revisions. This is the only item on the agenda; no votes or public hearings are scheduled.

• Review public input on zoning proposals and make revisions

The Planning Board held a working session to review eight zoning proposals for the 2025 Annual Town Meeting. All proposals received initial support, including creating a new Gateway Enterprise District, removing residential development as a by-right use in Commercial districts, and updating floodplain regulations to comply with new FEMA standards. The Board directed the Town Planner to make revisions to several proposals, including the Accessory Dwelling Unit definition and the accessory structures provision, before finalizing them.

• Supported replacing Performance Zone with new Gateway Enterprise District
• Supported deleting residential development as By Right use in Commercial districts
• Supported joint Special Permit and Site Plan application process
• Supported adopting site plan regulations with design guidelines
• Supported revising zoning definitions, with revisions to ADU and warehouse definitions
• Supported clarifying limits on accessory buildings and uses
• Voted to move forward ADU bylaw revision to conform with Affordable Homes Act
• Supported revising Floodplain section to comply with new FEMA standards

Board of Health

The Sterling Board of Health will consider a local upgrade approval for 31 Flanagan Hill Road, which requests a reduction in the required separation between the seasonal high groundwater table and the leach area from 6 feet to 5 feet, and a reduction in the setback from private water supply wells from 100 feet to 95.4 feet. The board will also review and approve minutes from December 5, 2024, conduct a performance review, and discuss comprehensive policy updates.

• Local upgrade approval for 31 Flanagan Hill Road: reduction of 6-foot groundwater separation to 5 feet, and 100-foot well setback to 95.4 feet
• Review and approval of December 5, 2024 meeting minutes
• Performance review of board members or staff
• Comprehensive policy review and update of Board of Health regulations
• Public session with 3-minute comment limit, total 21 minutes

The Board of Health unanimously approved a local upgrade for a septic system replacement at 31 Flanagan Hill Road, allowing a reduced separation between the groundwater table and leach area. They also approved the draft policies and procedures as amended, with one abstention, and discussed a weekly activity report for the Health Agent. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved local upgrade for 31 Flanagan Hill Road (3-0)
• Approved draft policies and procedures as amended (2-0-1, Hoffman abstained)
• Approved minutes of December 5, 2024 (3-0)

Council on Aging

The Sterling Council on Aging will review and vote on December meeting minutes, approve a treasurer's report, and discuss a gift account expenditure request. The board will also interview a prospective board member, review the director's FY2025 goals, and fill the secretary position. A public session and update on the holiday luncheon are also on the agenda.

• Review/approve minutes of December 12, 2024
• Gift account expenditure request and vote
• Interview prospective board member
• Fill secretary position and vote
• Review director's goals for FY2025

The Sterling Council on Aging recommended Everett Pierce for appointment to the board, donated $1,000 to the Sterling Police Association, and appointed Liz Pape as Secretary/Clerk. The board also changed meeting times to the second Tuesday from noon to 2 pm and scheduled a board orientation.

• Recommended Everett Pierce for COA board appointment (passed all)
• Donated $1,000 to Sterling Police Association (passed all)
• Appointed Liz Pape as COA Secretary/Clerk (passed all)
• Changed meeting dates to 2nd Tuesday, noon-2 pm
• Filed minutes as corrected
• Filed treasurer's report as presented
• Filed director's report as presented

Capital Budget Committee

The Capital Budget Committee will vote on liaison assignments, receive updates from liaisons on meetings with department heads and board chairs, and review the FY26–FY30 Capital Plan. The committee will also discuss 5-year inventory needs projections and upcoming meetings. No public hearings or funding decisions are on this agenda.

• Vote on liaison assignments
• Updates from liaisons on department-head and committee/board meetings
• Review of FY26–FY30 Capital Plan
• Discussion of 5-year inventory needs projections
• Discussion of upcoming meetings

The Capital Budget Committee approved two liaison appointments: Sarah Jordan as Council on Aging Liaison and Mike Padula as Town Planner/Planning Board liaison. The committee discussed the FY26-FY30 capital plan, including holding off on the Field Complex project due to cost, splitting $600K for Butterick Windows over FY26-FY27, and pausing the new DPW building project to explore alternatives to the $34M expenditure. No final capital budget decisions were made; the meeting focused on updates and action items.

• Approved Sarah Jordan as Council on Aging Liaison (unanimous)
• Approved Mike Padula as Town Planner and Planning Board liaison (unanimous)
• Approved amended minutes of Dec 5, 2024 (unanimous)
• Field Complex improvements put on hold; piece-meal approach to be pursued
• Butterick Windows $600K+ to be split over FY26-FY27
• Library water heater repair to be funded by Facilities Extraordinary Maintenance
• DPW building project paused; alternatives to $34M expenditure to be explored