Charlton public meetings in 2025

Memorial Day Committee

The Memorial Day Committee has scheduled a meeting for December 29, 2025, to discuss agenda items. The meeting is set to take place at the Charlton Town Hall.

• Memorial Day Committee meeting scheduled for Dec 29, 2025
• Meeting location: Charlton Town Hall
• Agenda items to be discussed

Cemetery Commission

The Charlton Cemetery Commission will meet to approve minutes, review burial counts, and examine prior month expenses. The body will also discuss the FY2027 budget and progress on a newly hired employee.

• Review and approval of FY2027 budget
• Review of prior months expenses
• Monthly burial count
• Update on newly hired employee
• Meeting location: Westridge Cemetery garage

The commission approved the minutes from the November 24, 2025 meeting. A motion was passed to authorize the FY2027 budget for submission as prepared by Jim. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved November 24, 2025 meeting minutes (motion by Willis, second by Donna)
• Authorized FY2027 budget submission (motion by Willis, second by Donna)
• Adjourned meeting (motion by Willis, second by Donna)

DCRSD- School Committee

The Policy Review Subcommittee of the Dudley‑Charlton Regional School District will meet on Dec 18, 2025. The agenda includes approval of prior minutes, feedback from parent advisory councils and related groups, and discussion of several policy items such as graduation requirements, school food meal modifications, middle‑school pathway exploration, and student search procedures. The committee will also consider an update to the School Committee Handbook and plan future items like the Policy Reconciliation Project and job description review. No decisions are recorded in the agenda.

• Graduation Requirements (new business)
• School Food and Nutrition — Meal Modification (old business)
• Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy (old business)
• Student Searches — e.g., Smart phones (old business)
• Update – School Committee Handbook (old business)

DCRSD- School Committee

The DCRSD Curriculum Subcommittee will meet on Dec. 18 to review the November 7 minutes and consider assessment and accountability data. The committee will discuss curriculum, instruction, and assessment data for Shepherd Hill Regional High School. No formal actions are listed beyond discussion.

• Review of minutes from Friday, November 7, 2025
• Old Business – Assessment and Accountability Data
• New Business – Discussion on Shepherd Hill Regional High School curriculum, instruction, and assessment data

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will conduct public hearings for several Notices of Intent and one Request for Determination of Applicability. The body will review projects involving residential construction, septic repairs, and utility work near wetlands and resource areas.

• Notice of Intent for a new home, septic system, and driveway at 140 Sandersdale Road
• Notice of Intent for septic system repair at 3 Cranberry Meadow Shore Road
• Notice of Intent for pool and landscaping improvements at 61 T Hall Road
• Notice of Intent for transmission line refurbishment on Carpenter Hill Road
• Request for Determination of Applicability for a shed and tree removal at 35 Old Oxford Road

Charlton Housing Authority

The Charlton Housing Authority will meet to review reports from the Treasurer and Executive Director. The board is scheduled to discuss the budget for Fiscal Year 2026.

• FY 2026 Budget

Finance Committee

The Charlton Finance Committee will approve the minutes from its last meeting and review the meeting schedule. It will receive an update on the town’s health insurance program and discuss excess revenue capacity, including how it is determined and incorporated into long‑term strategy. The committee will also hear updates from the Finance Director and Town Administrator, and consider any other business that may arise.

• Approval of previous meeting minutes
• Update to health insurance program
• Discussion of excess revenue capacity and its long‑term strategy implications
• Update from Finance Director and Town Administrator
• Other business (to be determined)

The Finance Committee approved the November 18, 2025 minutes and reviewed updates on the health insurance program, noting high claims and delayed data. They also discussed excess levy capacity and received updates on the new fire station (30% complete) and FY27 budgeting. No formal votes were taken on substantive items.

• Approved November 18, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Charlton Board of Health will review FY26 project updates, including possible votes on a Communications SOP and a Service Request SOP. It will also examine the budget for a new Public Health Specialist position. Additional items include a workplan review, discussion of the FY25 FPHS report, and updates on shared regional staff.

• Possible vote on FY26 Communications Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
• Possible vote on FY26 Service Request SOP
• Budget review for Public Health Specialist position
• Workplan review
• Discussion of FY25 FPHS report

The Board of Health approved the minutes from the November 19, 2025 meeting. They also approved the finalized Internal Communications and Service Request SOPs prepared by Ethan Melad. A discussion was held about hiring a Public Health Specialist, but no decision was made. The meeting adjourned at 10:29 am.

• Approved November 19, 2025 minutes (motion passed)
• Approved Internal Communications and Service Request SOPs (motion passed)

Cultural Council

The Charlton Cultural Council will meet remotely via Zoom on December 11, 2025. The agenda lists three pending items: the grant cycle, council program planning, and outstanding action items. These topics are slated for discussion at the meeting.

• Grant Cycle
• Council Program Planning
• Action Items

The Charlton Cultural Council approved the minutes from the December 4 and December 11 meetings with a unanimous vote. No other items were formally approved, denied, or tabled; grant approvals and program plans were discussed but no vote results were recorded. The Zoom platform change was noted as completed, and other action items remain pending.

• Approved meeting minutes from 12/4 and 12/11 (unanimous)
• Zoom platform change completed (noted as done)

Fire Substation Committee

The Charlton Fire Substation Building Committee will meet on Dec 10, 2025 at 6:00 pm in Meeting Room 1, 37 Main Street, and via Zoom. The agenda includes routine items such as calling the meeting to order, approving minutes, and providing a budget update. The committee will consider and vote on budget transfers, change order requests, and a specific contractor payment request identified as Pay Requisition #8. The meeting will also include a project schedule update and any other business that may arise.

• Budget transfers – vote
• Change order requests – vote
• Contractor payment request #8 (Pay Requisition #8) – vote
• Project schedule update – discussion
• Approval of minutes – formal approval

The Fire Substation Building Committee approved the meeting minutes from November 12, 2025. It approved the inclusion of a zero‑dollar Change Proposal #32 in Change Order 8. The committee also approved Pay Rec 8 for up to $879,245.58, contingent on final review. Change Proposal #33 was postponed for further review at the next meeting.

• Approved November 12 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved inclusion of zero‑dollar Change Proposal #32 in Change Order 8 (unanimous)
• Approved contractor payment request Pay Rec 8 up to $879,245.58, contingent on final review (unanimous)
• Postponed Change Proposal #33 pending further review

DCRSD- School Committee

The Dudley-Charlton Regional School Committee will meet to receive reports on the FY26 budget and FY25 close out. The committee will consider a request for the disposal of school property and review financial reports from the Southern Worcester County Education Collaborative.

• Approval request for disposal of school property
• FY26 Budget Year to Date Report
• FY25 Fiscal Year Close Out Update
• FY27 Budget Creation Impact Memo
• SWCEC Financial Audit and FY25 Annual Report

Library Trustees

The Charlton Public Library Board of Trustees will review and discuss several items, including a six‑month evaluation of the library director and the FY 2027 budget. Trustees will also consider candidates for the CPLC Trust Fund and review the trustee calendar. The meeting includes reports on the FY 2026 budget and director updates.

• Approval of minutes from the October 14, 2025 meeting
• Six‑month evaluation of the library director
• Consideration of the FY 2027 library budget
• Selection of candidates for the CPLC Trust Fund
• Review of the trustee calendar

The trustees approved the FY 27 budget with no major increases. They also appointed Judy Hoffstein to the CPLC Trust Fund unanimously. The meeting set the next regular session for January 15, 2026 and kept the trustee calendar unchanged.

• Approved FY 27 budget (unanimous)
• Appointed Judy Hoffstein to CPLC Trust Fund (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of October 14, 2025 (board motion)
• Set next regular meeting for Jan 15, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
• Kept trustee calendar as is
• Agreed to maintain library position on article (no vote recorded)
• Approved adjournment (board motion)

Tri-Epic Regional

The Tri-Epic Regional Emergency Planning Committee will meet in Southbridge to review financial reports, exercise outcomes, and winter storm preparedness. The agenda includes updates on grant funding, CERT programs, and the election of board positions.

• Review of financial reports for TRI-EPIC/CERT accounts and website budget
• Presentation on HMEP exercise review for October 25
• Discussion on major winter storm preparedness
• Voting on E-Board positions
• Updates on HMEP 2025 Grant and CERT initiatives

The committee voted unanimously to accept the Town of Webster back into TRI-EPIC. Minutes from the October 14, 2025 meeting were approved without objection. The website budget was reallocated to operational costs by unanimous vote. The executive board was retained for a two‑year term, also by unanimous consent.

• Accepted Town of Webster back into TRI-EPIC (unanimous vote)
• Approved October 14, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous vote)
• Reallocated website budget to operational costs (unanimous vote)
• Retained current executive board for two‑year term (unanimous vote)
• Notified that Town of Brimfield withdrew from TRI-EPIC
• Distributed 2026 membership invoices to present towns

Select Board

The Charlton Select Board will consider several actions, including setting a date for a Special Town Meeting based on a citizens petition, renewing the 2026 Select Board licenses, and awarding a bid for heating oil. Additional items include declaring surplus equipment for the cemetery and police department, approving an opioid fund spending plan, and discussing policy amendments such as overnight parking and environmentally preferable products. The board will also appoint a cemetery/facilities laborer and receive reports from student representatives and the town administrator.

• Set date for Special Town Meeting – Citizens Petition
• 2026 Select Board License Renewals
• #2 Heating Oil – Bid Award
• Declare equipment/vehicle as surplus for Cemetery and Police Department
• Opioid Fund Spending Plan

The Select Board approved several items, including the November 18, 2025 minutes (with one abstention) and the appointment of Jacob Adams as Cemetery/Facilities Laborer. It set the date for a special town meeting on January 12, 2026 to consider a firearms‑area exemption, approved 2026 license renewals, awarded the heating‑oil contract, declared surplus equipment, adopted the opioid‑fund spending plan, and approved the FY2027 Town Meeting calendar.

• Approved November 18, 2025 minutes (motion passed, Ms. Zurawski abstaining)
• Appointed Jacob Adams as Cemetery/Facilities Laborer (unanimous)
• Set special town meeting for Jan 12 2026, 7:00 pm at Charlton Middle School (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 Select Board license renewals (unanimous)
• Awarded FY2026 #2 heating oil contract to Fraticelli Oil & Propane (unanimous)
• Declared Police Dept Ford Transit van and Cemetery John Deere tractor surplus (unanimous)
• Adopted Opioid Fund spending plan ($32,377.57) (unanimous)
• Approved Town Meeting calendar for FY2027 (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Charlton Board of Health will review proposed changes to its Environmentally Preferred Products agreement. It will discuss ongoing issues at the Flint Road landfill and hear department‑head reports on PFAS contamination. The meeting will also set the date for the next Board of Health session.

• Review changes to Environmentally Preferred Products agreement
• Discussion of Flint Road landfill (old business)
• Department head reports on PFAS
• Determine date of next Board of Health meeting

The Board of Health approved the amended October 28, 2025 meeting minutes and adopted the Environmentally Preferred Products agreement, labeling Charlton a “Green Community.” The meeting was then adjourned. No other actions were taken.

• Approved October 28, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
• Approved Environmentally Preferred Products policy (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor)

Recreation Commission

The Charlton Recreation Commission will meet via Zoom to approve meeting minutes, review the FY27 proposed budget, and schedule future meetings for leagues and long-term planning.

• Approval of October and November 2025 meeting minutes
• Review and approval of FY27 Department Request/Proposed Budget
• Schedule all Leagues meeting for February 2026
• Schedule in-person meeting for 5/10/15 year plans
• Review and approval of the Annual Report

Keep Charlton Beautiful Committee

The Keep Charlton Beautiful Committee will meet to discuss several ongoing initiatives. Topics include a recap of the No. Brookfield HHW day, an update on the potted floral island, enrollment of the Green Team in Charlton schools, and a financial update on the Recycling Dividends Program. No formal decisions are indicated in the agenda.

• Recap of No. Brookfield HHW day
• Potted floral island update
• Green Team enrollment in Charlton schools
• Recycling Dividends Program money update

The committee voted to accept the December 8, 2025 minutes; the motion was made by Catherine Jolicoeur, seconded by Meghan Hammond, and approved by all members present. The meeting also noted participation in North Brookfield’s Hazardous Household Waste Day, plans to sell rain barrels at the Earth Day Festival, and a report of illegally dumped tires near a resident’s property.

• Accepted meeting minutes (unanimous approval)

DCRSD- School Committee

The Capital Outlay and Safety Subcommittee will review facility updates across district schools and discuss the timeline for FY27 capital budget requests. The meeting includes a review of specific maintenance and safety projects.

• CMS water fountain/refill stations
• CES fire alarm panel multi-lingual audio notifications
• HES driveway lights
• Lab and STEM classroom safety requirements for first-aid kits and eye wash stations
• FY27 Capital Request Budget creation timeline

DCRSD- School Committee

The Dudley‑Charlton Regional School District Budget & Finance Subcommittee will approve the minutes from September 26, 2025 and allow brief public comments. The Director of Finance will provide updates on several financial topics, including proposed Chapter 70 funding, proposed regional transportation funding, enrollment projections, and cost projections for healthcare, utilities, transportation, and contracts. The meeting will also continue discussion of a possible “Technology Efficiency Fund” and outline the timeline for creating the district’s budget.

• Approval of minutes from 9‑26‑25
• Review of proposed Chapter 70 funding by House, Senate, and Governor
• Review of proposed regional transportation funding by House, Senate, and Governor
• Continued discussion on a possible “Technology Efficiency Fund”
• Presentation of FY27 healthcare, utility, transportation, and contractual cost projections

Cultural Council

The Charlton Cultural Council meeting on December 4, 2025 will consider items related to its grant cycle, program planning, and pending action items. The discussion will guide upcoming cultural grants and council initiatives.

• Grant Cycle
• Council Program Planning
• Action Items

The Cultural Council approved the meeting minutes for December 4, 2025. The action item to add Lisa and Kenny to the town and MCC websites was completed. No other substantive decisions, such as grant allocations or program plans, were recorded as approved or voted on at this meeting.

• Approved meeting minutes (no vote tally recorded)
• Added Lisa and Kenny to town site and MCC site (completed)

Conservation Commission

The Charlton Conservation Commission will consider a schedule of public hearings for multiple Notice of Intent applications that involve construction near wetlands, lakes, and riverfront areas. The agenda also includes certificates of compliance for two sites on Stevens Park Road and a discussion of the town‑owned land hunting policy. Items listed are subject to change at the Chair's discretion.

• NOI DEP #128-1938 – 35 North Main St: 40 multi‑family housing units in a wetland buffer zone
• NOI DEP #128-1971 – 80 Richardson Corner Rd: extension and widening of a farmer’s wall within 15 ft of a vegetated wetland
• NOI DEP #128-1989 – 78 Glen Echo Shore Rd: retaining wall within 100 ft of Glen Echo Lake
• Certificate of Compliance DEP #128-1190 – 78 Stevens Park Rd
• Discussion of Hunting Policy on Town‑Owned Land

The Conservation Commission approved the minutes from August and September 2025. It continued two public hearings to January 14, 2026, and closed several hearings, issuing Orders of Conditions for multiple development projects. The commission also issued a Negative Determination with conditions, amended two existing Orders of Conditions, and granted complete Certificates of Compliance for two projects on Stevens Park Road.

• Approved minutes from August 13 and September 10, 2025 (passed)
• Continued hearing for 35 North Main St (NOI #128-1938) to Jan 14, 2026 (passed)
• Continued hearing for 80 Richardson Corner Rd (NOI #128-1971) to Jan 14, 2026 (passed)
• Closed hearing and issued Order of Conditions for 78 Glen Echo Shore Rd (NOI #128-1989) (passed)
• Closed hearing and issued Order of Conditions for 211 Sunset Drive (NOI #128-1990) (passed)
• Issued Negative Determination with conditions for 96 Old Spencer Rd (RDA) (passed)
• Amended Order of Conditions for 0 North Main St (DEP #128-1980) (passed)
• Issued Complete Certificates of Compliance for 78 Stevens Park Road (DEP #128-1190 and #128-1439) (passed)

Council on Aging

The Charlton Council on Aging will hold its regular meeting on Dec. 3, 2025. The agenda includes approval of minutes, a treasurer’s report with invoices, and a director’s report. Members will discuss plans for a New Year’s Eve party and solicit wishes for the 2026 activity calendar. The meeting will adjourn after any other business.

• Approval of minutes
• Treasurer report and copy of invoices
• Discussion of food for New Year’s Eve party
• Collection of wishes for 2026 activities calendar
• COA Director’s report

The Charlton Council on Aging unanimously approved several motions, including authorizing the creation of a Friends of Charlton Senior Center group and allowing Michelle to present next year’s budget with a COLA adjustment. The board also approved a $25 annual fee for newsletter mailings and accepted the Treasurer’s report. Minutes from the November 5 meeting were approved, and the board noted an open board position due to a resignation.

• Approved go‑ahead for Friends of Charlton Senior Center group (unanimous)
• Approved motion to allow Michelle to present next year budget with COLA adjustment (unanimous)
• Approved $25 annual fee for senior center newsletter mailings (unanimous)
• Approved Treasurer’s report of $78,280.79 donations and $17,275.36 grant expense (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of November 5 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved motion to order new sign‑in tags for the senior center (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Sgt. Steve Madelle as police liaison (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Capt. Jonathan Bousquet as fire department liaison (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Charlton Planning Board will review several decommissioning bond proposals for energy storage sites, including a Nextera Energy project on North Sturbridge Road and multiple ZP Battery Development sites on Griffin Road and Route 169. The board will hold public hearings on a multifamily development at 35 N. Main Street and a subdivision plan modification at Ponnakin Hill. A field change request for Boston Outdoor Living at 220 and 218 Sturbridge Road will be discussed, and a non‑required approval for Baker‑Partridge Hill Road will be recorded. The meeting also includes master plan discussion, minutes, and other business updates.

• Decommissioning Bond – Nextera Energy, 261 North Sturbridge Road (14-B-7 & 11.1)
• Public Hearing – GM Properties, LLC: The Villages Multi‑Family Units, 35 N. Main Street (35-C-9) Second Submittal
• Public Hearing – Fabiola Caesar Estiverne: Ponnakin Hill Subdivision Plan Modification (21-A-5)
• Decommissioning Bond – ZP Battery Development Co., LLC for Lot F and Lot G on Griffin Road (Battery Energy Storage System, 27-C-9 & 27-C-9.1)
• Field Change Request – Comerford, LLC: Boston Outdoor Living at 220 & 218 Sturbridge Road (Route 20) (31-C-6)

Water/Sewer Commission

The Water & Sewer Commission will review consent agenda items, including minutes and warrants. It will hear Veolia's monthly operating report and consider new business items such as the FY 2026‑2027 budget, a hydraulic analysis of the Blue Tank, and wastewater capital improvements. The commission will also receive updates on old projects, including Route 20/Richardson Corner Rd roadway improvements and project updates from Vincent Masterson.

• Review FY 2026‑2027 water & sewer budget (due late December)
• Discuss hydraulic analysis and Blue Tank with BETA, Southbridge & McClure Engineering
• Consider wastewater capital improvements
• Receive Veolia monthly operating report 2025
• Review Route 20/Richardson Corner Rd roadway improvement plans (McClure Engineering)

The Charlton Water & Sewer Commission approved a capital improvement project estimated at $14,000,000, including a new treatment plant and pump station upgrades. The commission also approved hiring a consulting engineer to oversee the project, forwarding the budget to the Finance Department for financing advice, and pursuing an RFP for future contract operations. Additionally, the commission approved warrants totaling $133,173.78.

• Approved $14,000,000 capital improvement project (unanimous)
• Approved hiring a consulting engineer to act as the commission’s agent (unanimous)
• Approved forwarding the estimated capital budget to the Finance Department (unanimous)
• Approved warrants in the amount of $133,173.78 (unanimous)
• Approved pursuit of an RFP for contract operations for the next term (unanimous)

Historical Commission

The Charlton Historical Commission will review guidelines for the town website, updates to postcard printing, and plans for moving and storing documents. It will also consider a request for additional meeting space and storage. The agenda includes routine review of minutes and other old business items.

• Guidelines for town website
• Postcards updates and printing plan
• Macris/address planning
• Plan to move boxes of documents
• Request for meeting space/additional storage

Board of Health

The Charlton Board of Health will accept the minutes from its October 28, 2025 meeting. It will review proposed changes to the Environmentally Preferred Products agreement. The board will also discuss the Flint Road Landfill and receive Department Head reports on PFAS. Finally, it will set the date for the next meeting before adjourning.

• Review changes to Environmentally Preferred Products agreement
• Discussion of Flint Road Landfill
• Department Head reports on PFAS
• Determine date of next Board of Health meeting

Cemetery Commission

The Cemetery Commission will accept minutes from the October 27, 2025 meeting and sign any required deeds. They will review the monthly burial count and prior month expenses. The agenda includes updates on fall cleanup, continued discussion of a green burial site in Northside Cemetery, and a discussion of the FY2027 budget. They will also consider interview results for a vacant Cem/Facilities laborer position before an open forum and meeting adjournment.

• Motion to accept minutes from 10/27/2025 meeting
• Signing of deeds or other documentation as required
• Review of prior month's expenses
• Continued discussion on green burial site in Northside Cemetery
• Discussion of upcoming FY2027 budget

The commission approved the October 27, 2025 meeting minutes. They signed documentation to place a 2003 John Deere garden tractor on the surplus equipment list for sale, with proceeds returning to Perpetual Care. The vacancy for a Cemetery/Facilities laborer was filled by Jacob Adams, who accepted the position starting December 1, 2025. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved October 27, 2025 meeting minutes (motion by Willis, seconded by Donna)
• Authorized sale of 2003 John Deere JDX-595 diesel garden tractor; all members signed
• Hired Jacob Adams as Cemetery/Facilities laborer; position accepted, start Dec 1 2025
• Motion to adjourn passed (moved by Willis, seconded by Donna)

Activities Council

The Charlton Activities Council will review minutes from the prior meeting. It will discuss follow‑up from the 2025 Trunk‑or‑Treat event and consider a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with CMMA. The council will receive facility updates on usage, storage, dumpster, picnic tables and maintenance, and will address roles, responsibilities and potential upcoming workshops or events such as ornaments and ArtLab. The meeting will end with an open forum.

• Review minutes of prior meeting
• Trunk or Treat 2025 follow-up
• CMMA MOU
• Facility updates (usage, storage, dumpster, picnic tables, maintenance)
• Potential upcoming workshops/events (ornaments, ArtLab)

The council approved the minutes from the 10/31/25 meeting. A motion to pay K. Fengler for housekeeping and related duties was seconded and approved unanimously. The board assigned RM to obtain a lock and keys for the dumpster area and to arrange winterization of the Lower Barn plumbing. Additional facility tasks, including moving picnic tables indoors and discussing HVAC timer controls, were also assigned.

• Approved the 10/31/25 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved payment to K. Fengler for housekeeping duties (unanimous)
• Assigned RM to obtain lock and keys for the dumpster area
• Scheduled plumber to turn off and winterize Lower Barn plumbing on 11/25/25
• Directed KF to coordinate moving picnic tables into the Lower Barn via email
• Tasked RM to discuss HVAC control and possible timer installation with TV Charlton

Worcester Regional Transit Authority

The Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board will meet to discuss operational updates. The agenda includes reports on customer satisfaction and facility renovations.

• Demand Response Customer Satisfaction Survey presentation
• VIP Task Force Update
• Lobby Renovation Update
• Technology Update

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council is meeting to address pending items. The discussion will focus on the grant cycle, council program planning, and other action items.

• Grant cycle
• Council program planning
• Action items

The council members voted to approve the November 19, 2025 meeting minutes with a unanimous vote. No other substantive decisions, allocations, or program approvals were recorded in this meeting.

• Approved November 19, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Housing Production Plan Steering Committee

The Housing Production Plan Steering Committee will meet to discuss community outreach efforts and future steps. The agenda lists these items but does not provide details on specific decisions or outcomes.

• Community Outreach Efforts for Plan Data
• Next Steps for Committee
• Other Business – Unknown at time of posting

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold public hearings for multiple Notices of Intent regarding construction and landscaping near wetlands and lakes. The body will also discuss hunting policy on town-owned land and a committee member update for Fay Mountain Farm.

• Notice of Intent for 40 multi-family housing units at 35 North Main Street
• Notice of Intent for single-family homes at 79 Baker Pond Road, Lot 1-2 N Sullivan Road, Lot 1-3 N Sullivan Road, and Lot 1-4 N Sullivan Road
• Notice of Intent for retaining walls and landscaping at 78 Glen Echo Shore Road and 211 Sunset Drive
• Request for Determination of Applicability for a home addition at 96 Old Spencer Road
• Discussion on Hunting Policy on Town-Owned Land

Finance Committee

The Charlton Finance Committee will meet on November 19, 2025 at the Senior Center in Town Hall. The committee will approve the minutes from the previous meeting, review the meeting schedule, and receive updates on the town’s health insurance and regional 911 programs. It will also consider budget adjustments following the STM and discuss the New Growth number. Additional updates will be provided by the Finance Director and Town Administrator, and other business may be addressed.

• Approve minutes from the previous Finance Committee meeting
• Review the Finance Committee meeting schedule
• Update to the town’s health insurance program
• Update to the regional 911 program
• Consider budget adjustments after the STM

The committee approved the October 20, 2025 Finance Committee minutes by unanimous voice vote. The meeting then proceeded with updates on growth numbers, health‑insurance trust, regional 911 program, budget overlays, and town projects. No other motions were voted on. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.

• Approved October 20, 2025 Finance Committee minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will conduct public hearings regarding multi-family units at 35 N. Main Street and a subdivision plan modification at Ponnakin Hill. The board will also discuss the Master Plan and Decommissioning Plan.

• Public Hearing: GM Properties, LLC multi-family units at 35 N. Main Street
• Public Hearing: Fabiola Caesar Estiverne Ponnakin Hill Definitive Subdivision Plan Modification
• Decommissioning Bond for Nextera Energy at 261 North Sturbridge Road
• Bond Release Request for GAIR, LLC at Jennings Road Ext.
• Review of Special Permit submittal requirements for Reduced Frontage Lots

Board of Health

The Board of Health is meeting to review FY26 project updates and shared staff roles. The body may vote on standard operating procedures for communications and service requests.

• Possible vote on Communications SOP
• Possible vote on Service request SOP
• Public Health Specialist hiring update
• Regional Inspector update
• Regional Community Health Coordinator update

The Board of Health approved the minutes from the September 4 and October 9, 2025 meetings. The motion was made by Jim and seconded by Lisa. Cheryl abstained, and the motion passed. No other actions were decided.

• Approved September & October 2025 minutes (motion passed, Cheryl abstained)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to vote on residential solar and review tax classifications. The board will also process Chapter land requests and enter executive session to review abatement and exemption applications.

• Residential Solar Vote
• Chapter land requests for ROFR and rollback
• Tax classification review
• Review of abatement or exemption applications
• Assessor Certification

Select Board

The Charlton Select Board will vote on awarding the Winter Washed Sand bid and on a request from the Charlton Permanent Fire Fighters (IAFF Local 4023) for a boot‑drive program. The board will also discuss the scope of work for a Route 20 economic corridor study prepared by Westmass and consider an overnight parking policy. Additional items include scheduled pole hearings and requests to remove two properties from Chapter 61/61A.

• Award of Winter Washed Sand contract
• Request for boot‑drive program by Charlton Permanent Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 4023
• Westmass scope of work for Route 20 Economic Corridor study
• Discussion of overnight parking policy
• Pole hearings – Hill Road and Dresser Hill Road

The board appointed a non‑voting student representative and adopted a single tax rate while taking no votes on three exemptions. It approved two utility pole installations, removal of two parcels from Chapter 61A, a fire‑fighters boot‑drive event, a winter sand bid, and a $30,000 Westmass study for the Route 20 economic corridor. A motion to implement an overnight parking policy and related bylaw change also passed, with one board member opposed.

• Appointed Danika Marcotte as non‑voting student representative (unanimous)
• Adopted a single tax rate (unanimous) and took no votes on Small Commercial, Residential exemptions and Open Space discount (unanimous)
• Approved pole installation at Hill Road & #10 Schoolhouse Road (unanimous)
• Approved pole installation at Dresser Hill Road (unanimous)
• Approved removal of 7.11 acres on N. Sullivan Rd. from Chapter 61A (no first‑refusal vote, unanimous)
• Approved removal of 6.55 acres on Sampson Rd. from Chapter 61A (no first‑refusal vote, unanimous)
• Approved Charlton Permanent Fire Fighters “Boot Drive” event (unanimous)
• Awarded Winter Washed Sand bid to Rawson Materials at $23.50 per ton (unanimous)

DCRSD- School Committee

The CMS School Council will meet to discuss suggestions for improving the school handbook. The body will also review updates on parent volunteer opportunities and the Let Grow program.

• Review of school handbook for areas of improvement
• Discussion of parent volunteer opportunities for the school store and lunches
• Feedback on the November 10 Let Grow kick off

Recreation Commission

The Charlton Recreation Commission will discuss updates on field use, liability, and equipment storage, including a review of basketball/skateboard park pavement repairs. It will consider finance items such as wrapping existing playground donor signs and hiring White’s Tree Service for tree trimming on the Maynard Field walking trail. Additional agenda items include safety checks, scheduling a planning workshop in January, and ongoing field‑use calendar matters.

• Discussion of basketball/skateboard park pavement repairs
• Review of contract with Diversified Signs to laminate existing playground donor sign
• Review of contract with White’s Tree Service for tree trimming on Maynard Field walking trail
• Set a January date for a 5/10/15‑year planning workshop
• Ongoing field‑use calendar and Gaga ball field selection

The Recreation Commission approved the minutes of the August 18, 2025 meeting (2‑0). It approved a $600 invoice to White’s Tree Service for emergency tree trimming and a $500 invoice to Diversified Design LLC for a donor sign replacement (both 3‑0). The meeting was adjourned at 8:11 p.m. (3‑0). No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved August 18, 2025 meeting minutes (2-0)
• Approved $600 invoice to White’s Tree Service for emergency tree trimming (3-0)
• Approved $500 invoice to Diversified Design LLC for donor sign replacement (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:11 p.m. (3-0)

Cultural Council

The Charlton Cultural Council will meet remotely via Zoom on November 13, 2025. The agenda lists three pending items: a grant cycle review, planning for council programs, and other action items. No specific decisions or votes are detailed in the agenda.

• Grant Cycle
• Council Program Planning
• Action Items

The Cultural Council voted to approve the November 13, 2025 meeting minutes with a unanimous vote. No other substantive decisions, approvals, or denials were recorded in the minutes.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)

Fay Mountain Farm Committee

The Fay Mountain Farm Committee will meet on November 13, 2025 at 37 Main Street, Charlton. Members will consider approval of minutes and receive information about a previous grant and an APR. The agenda includes a review of equipment values and negotiations, a discussion of a site walk, and a proposal for a drainage inlet pipe connecting Cooks Pond to Snows Pond.

• Approval of minutes
• Information about previous grant
• List of equipment – value and negotiation
• Discussion about the site walk
• Drainage inlet pipe from Cooks Pond to Snows Pond

Board of Health

The Charlton Board of Health will review FY26 project updates, including possible votes on a communications standard‑operating procedure and a service‑request SOP. It will also receive an update on the hiring of a Public Health Specialist and discuss shared staff positions for a regional inspector and a regional community health coordinator. Member communities of the Charlton Coalition for Public Health will have a discussion, and any other business may be raised.

• Possible vote on FY26 Communications SOP
• Possible vote on FY26 Service Request SOP
• Update on hiring of a Public Health Specialist
• Shared staff updates: Regional Inspector and Regional Community Health Coordinator
• Discussion by CCPH member communities

Fire Substation Committee

The committee will approve minutes, receive a budget update and vote on proposed budget transfers, and provide a project schedule update. It will deliberate and vote on Change Order #6, Change Order #7, and CHA & Context contract amendments. The committee will also vote on Contractor Payment Request Pay Requisition #7. Other business is listed as unknown at the time of posting.

• Vote on budget transfers
• Deliberation & vote on Change Order #6
• Deliberation & vote on Change Order #7
• Deliberation & vote on CHA & Context contract amendments
• Vote on Pay Requisition #7

The Fire Substation Building Committee approved the October 8 minutes and unanimously adopted Change Order #6 for $28,668.64 and Change Order #7 for $90,576.90. It also amended the CHA contract by $65,614.00 and the Context contract by $78,900.00, and conditionally approved Pay Request 7 up to $786,767.88 pending final review.

• Approved October 8 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Change Order #6 – $28,668.64 (unanimous)
• Approved Change Order #7 – $90,576.90 (unanimous)
• Amended CHA contract – $65,614.00 (unanimous)
• Amended Context contract – $78,900.00 (unanimous)
• Approved Pay Request 7 up to $786,767.88, contingent on final review (unanimous)
• Adopted motion to sell patio bricks (discussion noted, no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

DCRSD- School Committee

The Dudley-Charlton Regional School Committee will meet to approve minutes, field trips, and a donation request, and to discuss financial updates and policy changes.

• Approval of October 8, 2025 minutes
• Out of state field trips to Vernon, CT; Cranston, RI; Salem, NH; East Cranston, RI; and Warwick, RI
• Donation acceptance request from The Ruda Family
• New policies for Parent Advisory Councils and visitor access
• Middle School Pathways Exploration policy

Keep Charlton Beautiful Committee

The committee will meet to discuss the removal of potted floral displays for the winter season. Members will also review a November 15th HHWD event in No. Brookfield and Green Team enrollment in schools.

• Removal of potted floral displays for winter
• HHWD event in No. Brookfield on November 15th
• Green Team enrollment in schools

The Keep Charlton Beautiful Committee accepted the previous meeting minutes unanimously. It decided that Charlton will join North Brookfield’s Hazardous Household Waste Day and will explore using $3,000 of Board of Health funds for participation. The committee also tasked Cathy with creating a new $75 rain‑barrel sign and posting related information on its Facebook pages. Members were informed that the $7,800 RDP grant is likely delayed until the new year.

• Accepted minutes (unanimous)
• Charlton will join North Brookfield Hazardous Household Waste Day
• Deb will inquire about using $3,000 Board of Health money for waste day
• Cathy will make and deliver a new $75 rain‑barrel sign
• Household Hazardous Waste Day info will be posted on Keep Charlton Beautiful and Earth Day Facebook pages
• Noted $7,800 RDP funding likely delayed until next year

DCRSD- School Committee

The DCRSD Curriculum Subcommittee will meet on November 7, 2025. The committee will review the minutes from its October 16, 2025 meeting. It will then discuss assessment and accountability data. The meeting will be held via Google Meet.

• Review of minutes from October 16, 2025
• Discussion of assessment and accountability data

DCRSD- School Committee

The Dudley‑Charlton Regional School District Policy Review Subcommittee will meet to consider several policy items. New business includes discussion of student searches, such as smart phone searches, and the selection, adoption, and reconsideration of library and media materials. The committee will also review updates to parent advisory councils, relations with parent/booster organizations, visitor policies, building access, and school food and nutrition meal modifications. The meeting will finish with an update to the School Committee Handbook and set the date for the next meeting.

• Student Searches – e.g., Smart phones
• Library/Media Materials Selection, Adoption, and Reconsideration
• Parent Advisory Councils
• Relations with Parent/Booster Organizations
• School Food and Nutrition – Meal Modification

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council will meet via Zoom to address pending items. The discussion will focus on the grant cycle and program planning.

• Grant cycle
• Council program planning

The Charlton Cultural Council approved the November 6, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. The council reviewed pending items such as the 2026 grant allocation of $9,245 and program planning, but no formal votes on those items were recorded.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will meet to review treasurer reports and discuss old business regarding Town Meeting and the COA Board's role. The body will also address new business including a grant installment and local food drives.

• EAOI Grant Installment
• Food Drive
• Library Giving Tree
• Tri Valley Kitchen Transition update
• Charlton Furniture Tour Request update

Planning Board

The Planning Board will conduct a continued public hearing regarding a second submittal for multi-family units at 35 N. Main Street. The board will also hold discussions on the Master Plan and the Decommissioning Plan.

• Public Hearing: GM Properties, LLC-The Villages Multi-Family Units at 35 N. Main Street (35-C-9)
• Master Plan Discussion
• Decommissioning Plan Discussion

Water/Sewer Commission

The Charlton Water & Sewer Commission will hold a public forum, approve consent agenda items (minutes, warrants, senior abatements), and hear Veolia's monthly operating report. It will also discuss old business items, including McClure Engineering's roadway improvement plans for Route 20/Richardson Corner Rd, Vincent Masterson's project updates, and a Chapter 61A notice of intent to sell 29 Sampson Road.

• Consent agenda approvals: October 1 minutes, warrants, senior abatements
• Veolia monthly operating report for 2025
• McClure Engineering – roadway improvements on Route 20/Richardson Corner Rd
• Vincent Masterson – monthly and project updates
• Chapter 61A notice of intent to sell 29 Sampson Road (Estate of Forrest A. McKinstry)

The Water/Sewer Commission accepted the October 2025 minutes, approved warrants totaling $26,607.79, and accepted senior abatements of $914.93. Commissioners authorized the purchase of a double door for $6,014 and recommended no first‑refusal action for 29 Sampson Rd. A motion to fund concrete work for $6,250 was rejected. The meeting was adjourned.

• Accepted October 2025 minutes (aye votes from Gagner, Grotton, R. Coleman, T. Coleman)
• Approved warrants $26,607.79 (aye votes from Gagner, Grotton, R. Coleman, T. Coleman)
• Accepted senior abatements $914.93 (aye votes from Gagner, Grotton, R. Coleman, T. Coleman)
• Authorized purchase of double door for $6,014 (aye votes from Gagner, T. Coleman, R. Coleman, Grotton)
• Rejected funding for concrete work $6,250 (nay votes from Gagner, Grotton, T. Coleman, R. Coleman)
• Recommended no first‑refusal for 29 Sampson Rd (aye votes from Gagner, Grotton, T. Coleman, R. Coleman)
• Adjourned meeting (aye votes from Gagner, Grotton, R. Coleman, T. Coleman)

Select Board

The Charlton Select Board will open with a call to order before entering an executive session. In that session, members will discuss strategy regarding collective bargaining or litigation related to the Police Chief contract, citing M.G.L. c.30A, Sec. 21(a), #3. Other business items are not listed at the time of posting. The meeting will conclude with an adjournment.

• Executive session to discuss collective bargaining or litigation strategy for Police Chief contract (M.G.L. c.30A, Sec. 21(a), #3)
• Other Business – items not specified at time of posting

Historical Commission

The Charlton Historical Commission will review updates to its bylaws and website guidelines, consider postcards and updates on local historic sites, and discuss the process for designating Charlton Center as a historic district. It will also consider requests for additional meeting space and storage. The meeting includes a review of prior minutes and other old‑business items.

• Bylaw updates
• Guidelines for town website
• Postcards for historic district
• Updates on Fay Mountain Farm
• Process to make Charlton Center a historic district

The commission met on November 2, 2025, but did not have a quorum, so no motions were voted on. Members discussed updates to Fay Mountain Farm, postcard outreach, the 1977 historical district sign‑off list, and website guidelines. Action items were assigned for research, drafting guidelines, and preparing welcome materials, but no approvals or denials were recorded.

Bandshell Development Committee

The Bandshell Development Committee will meet to approve previous minutes and review Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for House Doctor Services.

• Review of RFPs for House Doctor Services

DCRSD- School Committee

The Capital & School Safety Subcommittee will approve the October 3 minutes, reorganize its chair and vice‑chair positions, and hear reports from the Directors of Facilities and Finance & Operations. It will also discuss updates to the capital plan, the FY27 budget request timeline, and specific projects such as roof solar, SHS bleachers, the CMS basketball court, and a CMS water fountain.

• Approval of Minutes (10/3/2025)
• Committee Reorganization – Chair and Vice Chair selection
• Director of Facilities Report
• Capital request timeline for FY27 Budget
• Roof Solar (CMS, DMS, SHS) update

DCRSD- School Committee

The Dudley‑Charlton Regional School District Budget & Finance Subcommittee will receive updates on proposed Chapter 70 funding, regional transportation funding, and various cost projections for FY27. Members will discuss enrollment forecasts, school‑choice impacts, and a possible Technology Efficiency Fund. The meeting includes routine items such as approval of minutes, committee reorganization, and public comment.

• Proposed Chapter 70 funding by House, Senate, and Governor
• Proposed regional transportation funding by House, Senate, and Governor
• FY27 healthcare cost projections
• Utility cost projections
• Discussion of a possible Technology Efficiency Fund

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to award a bid for the closure of the 54 Flint Road Landfill. The board will also discuss PFAS and review department head reports.

• Award bid for closure of 54 Flint Road Landfill
• Discussion of PFAS
• Department head reports

The Board of Health accepted the September 1, 2025 minutes. It approved the bid from A.F. Amorello & Sons Inc. to cap the 54 Flint Road landfill for $1,845,868.00. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Accepted September 1, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved award of $1,845,868.00 contract to A.F. Amorello & Sons Inc. for landfill cap (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Recreation Commission

The Recreation Commission will meet to discuss pavement repairs for the basketball/skateboard park and the pursuit of grant assistance. The body will also address action items regarding signage, security cameras, and field use liability.

• Pavement repairs to the basketball/skateboard park
• Installation of a camera and new sign near the basketball court
• Payment of six porta potty invoices to Slims & Berthiaume Sewer Service
• Discussion of facility and field use applications and fees
• Safety check of playground and fields

The Recreation Commission approved the September 15 minutes with a scheduling adjustment. It authorized extending porta‑potty service through November and approved payment of six invoices totaling $1,320. All motions passed unanimously by the two members present.

• Approved September 15 minutes with adjustment (2-0)
• Authorized extending porta‑potty use to end of November (2-0)
• Directed Chair to speak with Laureen about highway storage facilities (2-0)
• Approved payment of six invoices to Slims & Berthiaume Sewer Service, $1,320.00 (2-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:58 p.m. (2-0)

Cemetery Commission

The Charlton Cemetery Commission will review prior month expenses and the fall cleanup update. It will continue discussion of the proposed green burial site in Northside Cemetery and consider the resignation and replacement of a laborer position. The meeting will also cover the FY2027 budget and an annual review of cemetery service rates and fees.

• Review of prior month expenses
• Update on fall cleanup progress
• Continued discussion of a green burial site in Northside Cemetery
• Resignation of John Holbrook from the Cemetery/Facilities laborer position
• Discussion of upcoming FY2027 budget and annual cemetery service rates & fees

The commission approved the September 25, 2025 minutes after correcting a typo. A motion to keep cemetery service rates the same for the next calendar year was passed. The discussion of a green‑burial site in the Northside Cemetery was postponed to a future meeting. The Special Town Meeting capital article approving $34,000 for cemetery road paving was noted.

• Approved September 25, 2025 minutes (motion by Willis, second by Donna)
• Postponed discussion of the Northside Cemetery green‑burial site
• Approved no change to cemetery service rates for the coming year (motion by Willis, second by Donna)
• Noted $34,000 approved for paving cemetery roads via Special Town Meeting article
• Recorded resignation of laborer John Holbrook
• Reviewed over 20 laborer applications; Jim to interview eight candidates

Fay Mountain Farm Committee

The Fay Mountain Farm Committee will meet to review information about a previous grant and the APR. Members will examine a list of equipment, including its value and negotiation status. The committee will also discuss a recent site walk and the proposed drainage inlet pipe connecting Cooks Pond to Snows Pond.

• Information about previous grant
• Information about APR
• List of equipment – value and negotiation
• Discussion about the site walk
• Drainage inlet pipe from Cooks Pond to Snows Pond

Worcester Regional Transit Authority

The Worcester Regional Transit Authority will hold an Advisory Board meeting on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. The meeting will be held at 60 Foster Street, 3rd Floor Conference Room, and via Zoom Webinar. The agenda includes the approval of minutes from the September 18, 2025 meeting and a business session for public comments.

• Approval of September 18, 2025 minutes
• Public comment period
• Administrators Report
• Hybrid meeting format (60 Foster Street & Zoom)
• Title VI Civil Rights compliance notice

DCRSD- School Committee

The Shepherd Hill Regional High School School Council will hold its regular meeting. Members will elect a chair and vice‑chair, review upcoming meeting dates, and receive updates from teachers, the music parents association, the booster club, and student representatives. The council will also hold a discussion on school climate and culture. The meeting is scheduled for October 23, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. in Room 100.

• Election of Chair and Vice Chair
• Review of meeting dates and notetakers
• Teaching and Learning Updates – Mr. Elwell
• Shepherd Hill Regional High School Music Parents Association Updates
• School Climate and Culture Discussion

Cultural Council

The Charlton Cultural Council will meet remotely to discuss pending grant cycles and art show planning. The agenda lists these items as pending action items for the meeting.

• Grant Cycle review
• Art Show Planning
• Remote meeting via Zoom

The Cultural Council approved a total grant allocation of $9,245 for FY2026, breaking down into $510 for Council Admin expenses (5%) and $2,040 for Council Program (20%). Council funds were noted at $7,252. Action items were assigned, including a new logo design, ADA‑compliant website updates, and adding Lisa and Kenny to the town and MCC websites.

• Approved FY2026 grant allocation of $9,245 (no vote tally recorded)
• Recorded Council funds total of $7,252 (no vote tally recorded)
• Assigned Annette to follow up on new logo design
• Tasked staff with ADA‑compliant size, contrast, and font updates for the website
• Directed addition of Lisa and Kenny to town and MCC websites
• Appointed a Secretary (no vote tally recorded)
• Planned website updates (no vote tally recorded)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will consider a vote on residential solar projects. It will also review chapter land requests for right‑of‑first‑refusal (ROFR) and rollback provisions. An update on the tax rate process will be provided. The meeting will close with an executive session to handle confidential motor‑vehicle excise and exemption applications.

• Residential Solar Vote‑see example
• Chapter land requests for ROFR and rollback
• Tax rate process update
• Executive session: motor vehicle excise applications (confidential)
• Executive session: exemptions and abatement applications (confidential)

The board unanimously accepted the May 21 meeting minutes and the May 21 executive‑session minutes. It voted not to exercise its right‑of‑first‑refusal on the Sampson Rd/McKinstry parcel (Parcel ID 32‑B‑2.1) and the PMZ/N Sullivan parcels (Parcel IDs 28‑A‑3 and 28‑A‑3.1). The meeting was adjourned at 9:42 a.m.

• Accepted May 21 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted May 21 executive‑session minutes (unanimous)
• Did not exercise ROFR on Sampson Rd/McKinstry parcel (32‑B‑2.1)
• Did not exercise ROFR on PMZ/N Sullivan parcels (28‑A‑3 & 28‑A‑3.1)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:42 a.m.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold public hearings for 14 Notices of Intent and two Requests for Determination of Applicability. These requests involve residential construction, retaining walls, and driveway work near wetlands and water bodies. The body will also consider a request for removal from Chapter 61A on Sampson Road.

• Notice of Intent for 40 multi-family housing units at 35 North Main Street
• Notices of Intent for single-family homes at Sandersdale Road, Northside Road, Baker Pond Road, and N Sullivan Road
• Notices of Intent for retaining walls at 78 Glen Echo Shore Road and 211 Sunset Drive
• Request for Determination of Applicability for a house and driveway at 0 Prindle Hill Road
• Request for Removal from Chapter 61A for Sampson Road (Parcel ID: 32-B-2.1)

The Conservation Commission set public hearing dates for November 19 and December 17, 2025. It closed several Notice of Intent hearings and issued Orders of Conditions for multiple projects. The commission also issued a Complete Certificate of Compliance for 49 Carpenter Hill Road, declined a first‑right‑of‑refusal purchase, and approved a minor amendment to a DEP project.

• Scheduled Conservation hearings for Nov 19, 2025 and Dec 17, 2025 (motion passed)
• Closed hearing and issued Order of Conditions for NOI DEP #128-1977 (Lot 1 Sandersdale Rd) (motion passed)
• Closed hearing and issued Order of Conditions for NOI DEP #128-1978 (Lot 2 Sandersdale Rd) (motion passed)
• Closed hearing and issued Order of Conditions for NOI DEP #128-1979 (Lot 3 Sandersdale Rd) (motion passed)
• Issued Complete Certificate of Compliance with ongoing conditions for DEP #128-1643 (49 Carpenter Hill Rd) (motion passed)
• Did not exercise first right of refusal for Sampson Road parcel (Parcel ID 32‑B‑2.1) (motion passed)
• Approved minor amendment to DEP #128-1975 (30 Hill Rd) for additional disturbance (motion passed)
• Issued Negative Determination with conditions for RDA 41 Leland Drive (deck helical posts) (motion passed)

DCRSD- School Committee

The Dudley‑Charlton Regional School Committee will consider routine consent items, including approval of the meeting warrant and the minutes from the October 8, 2025 meeting. The committee will hold a workshop on Fiscal Year 2027 and conduct an open discussion with school building principals. Public comment and any new business may also be addressed.

• Approval of the meeting warrant (Consent Agenda)
• Approval of minutes from the October 8, 2025 regular meeting
• School Committee Workshop on Fiscal Year 2027
• Open discussion with school building principals

Board of Health

The Board of Health will consider awarding a bid to close the landfill at 54 Flint Road. It will also review old business items concerning the Flint Road Landfill and PFAS issues. The meeting includes acceptance of the September 16, 2025 minutes and setting the date for the next Board meeting.

• Award bid for closure of 54 Flint Road Landfill
• Old business discussion on Flint Road Landfill
• PFAS discussion and Department Head reports
• Acceptance of September 16, 2025 meeting minutes
• Determine date of next Board of Health meeting

Select Board

The Charlton Select Board will open the meeting and then review the warrant and motions for the Special Town Meeting. Other business is listed as unknown at the time of posting. After the review, the board will attend the Special Town Meeting scheduled for 7:00 p.m. and then adjourn.

• Review warrant and motions for Special Town Meeting
• Attend Special Town Meeting at 7:00 p.m.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet to approve previous minutes and receive updates from the Town Administrator and Finance Director. The committee is also scheduled to attend a Special Town Meeting.

• Attendance at Special Town Meeting
• Updates from Finance Director and Town Administrator

The committee approved the minutes from the August 20, 2025 meeting, the September 17, 2025 meeting, and the September 19, 2025 meeting. Each motion was seconded and carried. The committee then moved to adjourn, which was also carried.

• Approved August 20, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Approved September 17, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Approved September 19, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

DCRSD- School Committee

The Policy Review Subcommittee will consider feedback on the IHBH Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy and review a draft Parent/Guardian Guide. It will also examine items from the Massachusetts Association of School Committees priority list, such as parent advisory councils and building access. The committee will update the School Committee Handbook and set the date for the next meeting.

• Approval of minutes from the September 18, 2025 meeting
• Feedback on IHBH – Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy
• Rework of KE – Parent/Guardian Guide to Address Concerns in the DCRSD
• Review of MASC priority list items: Parent Advisory Councils, Relations with Parent/Booster Organizations, Visitors to Schools, Access to Buildings and Grounds
• Update of the School Committee Handbook

DCRSD- School Committee

The Charlton School Committee’s School Council will introduce members, review its statutory charge and purpose, discuss council roles and responsibilities, and consider climate and culture issues. The council will also examine the annual school building budget as part of its responsibilities.

• Review of the annual school building budget
• Discussion of climate and culture
• Review of school council roles and responsibilities
• Presentation of the council's charge and purpose

DCRSD- School Committee

The committee will review the September 19, 2025 meeting minutes. It will consider old‑business items including competency determination and a math update related to the October 10 professional‑development day. New business will address the upcoming Professional Development Day on October 10, 2025.

• Review of September 19, 2025 minutes
• Competency determination (old business)
• Math update – professional development day October 10 (old business)
• Professional Development Day – October 10, 2025 (new business)

Planning Board

The Charlton Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a multi-family housing project and a subdivision plan modification. The meeting also includes discussions on private road access, a recreation land lighting amendment, and bond releases for battery energy storage systems.

• Public Hearing: GM Properties, LLC - The Villages Multi-Family Units at 35 N. Main Street
• Public Hearing: Fabiola Caesar Estivern - Ponnakin Hill Definitive Subdivision Plan Modification
• Discussion: Beach Middle Road - Private Road Access
• Discussion: Charlton Recreation Land lighting amendment (42-B-1&2)
• Discussion: Decommissioning Bond By-Laws and Future Policy

The Planning Board approved a $19,059 bond reduction for Phase 2 and a $230,124 reduction for Phase 3 of the Jennings Road Extension. It also recommended no objection to the town not exercising its right of first refusal on the Sampson Road parcel and supported the Climate Act letter. The public hearing for the GM Properties multi‑family project was continued to November 5, 2025.

• Approved $19,059 bond reduction for Phase 2 Jennings Road Extension (unanimous)
• Approved $230,124 bond reduction for Phase 3 Jennings Road Extension (unanimous)
• Recommended no objection to town not exercising right of first refusal on Sampson Road (unanimous)
• Supported Climate Act letter (unanimous)
• Continued GM Properties public hearing to November 5, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved October 2025 minutes as presented (unanimous, Don Clay abstained)
• Signed letter of support to MA Division of Conservation Service for Open Space and Recreation Plan (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:55 p.m. (unanimous)

Housing Production Plan Steering Committee

The Housing Production Plan Steering Committee will discuss the results of the community survey on housing needs. Members will review community outreach efforts related to plan data. The committee will consider next steps for the plan and may address other business.

• Discussion of Community Survey on Housing Needs
• Community Outreach Efforts for Plan Data
• Next Steps for Committee
• Other Business – Unknown at time of posting

Charlton Housing Authority

The Charlton Housing Authority board will review routine reports, hear tenant comments, and conduct board member training. The primary decision item is approving the low‑bidder for the replacement of the rear entry deck. Other agenda items are standard procedural matters such as approving prior minutes and the treasurer’s report.

• Approve low‑bidder contract for replacement rear entry deck
• Board member training session
• Treasurer’s report
• Executive Director’s report
• Tenant comments

Library Trustees

The Board of Trustees will meet to discuss the preliminary FY ’27 budget and the FY ’27 Annual Action Plan. The board will also review the Proctor Policy and the State Financial Report.

• Preliminary FY ’27 Budget discussion
• FY ’27 Annual Action Plan
• Proctor Policy
• State Financial Report
• Candidates for CPLCTrustFund

The trustees approved the September 18, 2025 minutes and set the next meeting for Dec. 11, 2025. They adopted the proposed Proctor Policy with suggested changes and voted unanimously to oppose placing guns in town offices, including the library. The board also required CPLC Trust Fund candidates to submit personal statements before a selection is made.

• Approved September 18, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Set next regular meeting for Dec 11, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved Proctor Policy with suggestions (unanimous)
• Adopted position not to support guns in town offices, including the library (unanimous)
• Required CPLC Trust Fund candidates to submit statements (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Lakes & Ponds Committee

The Lakes & Ponds Committee will meet to discuss survey proposal requests for 2026 and the drawdown schedule. The body will also review budget updates for FY 2026 and the status of a Municipal Waterways Fund withdrawal warrant article.

• 2026 Pre-Treatment Survey Proposal Requests
• FY 2026 Budget Updates
• Municipal Waterways Fund Withdrawal warrant article status
• Marcia Drive Demonstration Stormwater BMP information
• 2025 Water Testing updates and schedule

Select Board

The Select Board will conduct public hearings regarding house numbering changes at two locations. The board will also vote on several municipal appointments and a special beverage license for Monarch Orchards.

• Public hearing for house numbering change at 77 E. Baylies Road
• Public hearing for house numbering change at 98 Old Worcester Road
• Vote on Special Alcoholic Beverage License & Special Event Permit for Monarch Orchards
• Appointments for Cultural Council, Housing Production Plan Steering Committee, and Traffic Constables
• Acceptance of resignations for Per Diem Dispatcher and Cemetery Laborer

The board approved the September 23, 2025 meeting minutes, appointed several members to the Cultural Council, Housing Production Plan Steering Committee, and Traffic Constable positions, and accepted two resignations. In the public hearing, the board unanimously closed the hearing and then voted unanimously to take no action on the proposed renumbering of 77 E. Baylies Road. All appointments and resignations were approved unanimously.

• Approved September 23, 2025 minutes (Singer abstained)
• Appointed Lisa Aube to Cultural Council (unanimous)
• Appointed Linda Walker, Earlyne Murray, Anne McIntosh to Housing Production Plan Steering Committee (unanimous)
• Appointed Louis P. Masse Jr., Troy J. Kasper Sr., John G. White as Traffic Constables (unanimous)
• Accepted resignation of Per Diem Dispatcher Meaghan Campbell (unanimous)
• Accepted resignation of Cemetery Laborer John Holbrook (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing on 77 E. Baylies Rd house-number change (unanimous)
• Took no action on 77 E. Baylies Rd house-number change (unanimous)

Tri-Epic Regional

The TRI‑EPIC Regional Emergency Planning Committee will hear a presentation on the final planning review for the HMEP exercise scheduled for October 25. The committee will also discuss how to enhance member engagement as it shifts to all‑hazard and risk planning. Additional updates on grants, the Bi‑Law Committee, and the CERT program will be provided.

• Presentation: JJ Burke – HMEP Exercise Final Planning Review for the October 25 Exercise
• Discussion: Enhancing Member Engagement – shift to all‑hazard and risk planning
• Update: Bi‑Law Committee – fall meeting dates to be set
• Update: HMEP 2025 Grant Updates
• Update: CERT Program – progress, initiatives, and upcoming events

The Tri‑Epic Regional Emergency Planning Committee approved the Treasurer's Report with a unanimous vote and set membership dues at $250 per town for TRI‑EPIC and $500 per town for CERT. The Executive Board was tasked to draft a dues‑adjustment proposal and timeline. Southbridge Public Health and MA State Police liaison Kevin Pollard were welcomed as new members. A planned power shutdown at Webster Campus was noted with no major external needs.

• Approved Treasurer's Report (unanimous, no abstention)
• Approved meeting minutes from August 12 2025 (unanimous, no abstention)
• Set TRI‑EPIC dues per town at $250.00
• Set CERT dues per town at $500.00
• Executive Board to draft dues‑adjustment proposal and timeline
• Welcomed Southbridge Public Health as a member organization
• Welcomed Kevin Pollard (MA State Police) as MEMA liaison
• Noted Webster Campus power shutdown (Nov 8‑9) with no major external needs

Activities Council

The Activities Council will review the minutes from its prior meeting. It will receive updates on the Charlton Arts & Activities Center facilities and discuss how the space is being used. The council will consider plans for a Trunk‑or‑Treat event. An open forum will allow public comments.

• Review minutes of prior meeting
• Facility updates and usage
• Planning for Trunk or Treat event
• Open forum for public comments

The council unanimously approved the minutes from the September 27 meeting. A motion to procure and sell 200 hotdogs at the upcoming Trunk‑or‑Treat event for $2 each was also approved unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous consent.

• Approved September 27 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved motion to procure and sell 200 hotdogs at Trunk‑or‑Treat ($2 each) (unanimous)
• Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Charlton Board of Health will hold a remote meeting via Zoom on September 4, 2025. The agenda includes approving the September 4 minutes, receiving FY26 project updates, and staff updates for the Regional Inspector and Regional Community Health Coordinator. Member communities from Charlton, Sturbridge, Sutton, Spencer, and Wales will discuss their health concerns, and other unanticipated business may be addressed.

• Approval of September 4, 2025 meeting minutes
• FY26 project updates presentation
• Staff updates for Regional Inspector and Regional Community Health Coordinator
• Discussion by member communities of Charlton, Sturbridge, Sutton, Spencer, Wales
• Other unanticipated business

The Board of Health decided to table the FY26 projects. Ethan Melad presented draft Communications & Service request SOPs for members to review and comment. Members discussed shadowing the tobacco inspector, work across Charlton and neighboring towns, and issues such as lost IDs and residents living in cars. No vote tallies were recorded.

• Tabled FY26 projects (no vote recorded)

Conservation Commission

The Charlton Conservation Commission will conduct public hearings on several Notice of Intent applications that involve construction or work near wetlands and vegetated stream buffers. The meeting will also review certificates of compliance for various properties and discuss stormwater violations and enforcement orders. Items listed are anticipated topics, though not all may be addressed.

• NOI DEP #128-1938 – 35 North Main Street – 40 multi-family housing units near a wetland buffer
• NOI DEP #128-1971 – 80 Richardson Corner Road – extension and widening of a farmer’s wall within 15 ft of a bordering vegetated wetland
• NOI DEP #128-1983 – W175 Existing Electric Transmission ROW – installation of ~1.75 mi of fiber within the 100‑ft buffer of a bordering vegetated wetland
• Certificate of Compliance – DEP #128-1543 – 90 Haggerty Road
• Stormwater Violation – Hycrest Road – site clearing

The Conservation Commission moved several Notice of Intent hearings to October 22, 2025, including projects at 35 North Main Street and 80 Richardson Corner Road. It closed hearings and issued Orders of Conditions for the fiber transmission project (DEP #128-1983) and approved an amendment to Order of Conditions for 13 Oak Ridge Drive. The commission also issued a Negative Determination for the Nugget Drive demolition request and approved multiple Certificates of Compliance, including one Invalid Certificate for 27 Robert Blvd.

• Continued hearing for NOI 128-1938 (35 North Main St) to Oct 22, 2025 – motion passed
• Continued hearing for NOI 128-1971 (80 Richardson Corner Rd) to Oct 22, 2025 – motion passed
• Closed hearing and issued Order of Conditions for fiber project NOI 128-1983 – motion passed
• Issued amendment to Order of Conditions DEP #128-1924 for 13 Oak Ridge Drive – motion passed
• Issued Negative Determination for RDA 116 Nugget Drive – motion passed
• Issued Complete Certificate of Compliance for DEP #128-1665 (4 (Lot 2) Buteau Rd) – motion passed
• Issued Complete Certificate of Compliance for DEP #128-1813 (32 Blood Rd) – motion passed
• Issued Invalid Certificate of Compliance for DEP #128-1693 (27 Robert Blvd) – motion passed

DCRSD- School Committee

The Dudley‑Charlton Regional School Committee will consider routine consent items and reports from school principals. It will hear a FY25‑FY26 budget update from Director of Finance & Operations Joseph DeSantis and discuss the Superintendent’s and Committee’s 2025‑2026 goals. The committee will also discuss and vote on MASC Resolutions 2025.

• Approval of the meeting warrant (Consent Agenda)
• Approval of minutes from the September 24, 2025 regular meeting (Consent Agenda)
• FY25‑FY26 Budget Update presented by Director of Finance & Operations Joseph DeSantis
• Discussion and vote on Superintendent’s 2025‑2026 Goals
• Discussion and vote on School Committee’s 2025‑2026 Goals

Fire Substation Committee

The Charlton Fire Substation Building Committee will meet via Zoom on Oct. 8, 2025. Members will receive a budget update and consider votes on budget transfers, change order requests, and contractor payment requests. The agenda also includes a project schedule update and planning for an on‑site meeting.

• Consider and vote on budget transfers
• Deliberate and vote on change order requests
• Deliberate and vote on contractor payment requests
• Project schedule update
• Plan on‑site meeting

The committee approved Change Order #5 for $64,633.31 unanimously. It also approved Pay Request 6 for up to $840,958.33, contingent on final review, unanimously. An on‑site meeting was scheduled for the next two weeks, and the meeting minutes were approved unanimously.

• Approved Change Order #5 for $64,633.31 (unanimous)
• Approved Pay Request 6 up to $840,958.33, contingent on review (unanimous)
• Approved meeting minutes from August 13 and September 10, 2025 (unanimous)
• Scheduled on‑site construction review meeting within two weeks (planned)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

DCRSD- School Committee

The Capital and School Safety Subcommittee will review the minutes from March 19, 2025. New committee members will be introduced. The board will receive an update on fire panels and discuss the capital plan. A discussion of solar projects is also on the agenda.

• Approval of Minutes (3/19/25)
• New Committee Members
• Fire panels — Update
• Capital Plan — Discussion
• Solar Projects

Water/Sewer Commission

The Water & Sewer Commission will review the August 2025 monthly operating report from Veolia. The body will discuss infrastructure improvements at Route 20/Richardson Corner Rd and Old Worcester Rd, as well as a data update proposal. A notice of intent to convert land to residential use on N. Sullivan Rd will also be addressed.

• Proposed $11,000 expenditure for Wright Pierce to update data
• Infrastructure of roadway improvements at Route 20/Richardson Corner Rd and Old Worcester Rd
• Notice of intent to convert Chapter 61A land to residential use at N. Sullivan Rd (Map 28, Block A Lot 3.1 and Lot 3)
• Veolia Monthly Operating Report for August 2025

The Charlton Water/Sewer Commission accepted the meeting minutes and approved warrants totaling $80,583.86. It also authorized a $9,000 purchase for a sensor kit, recommended that the Board of Selectmen not pursue first‑refusal on a property, and approved the sale of an old pull‑behind generator. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved minutes of October 1, 2025 (4‑aye)
• Approved warrants in the amount of $80,583.86 (4‑aye)
• Authorized purchase of sensor kit and service for $9,000.00 (4‑aye)
• Recommended BOS not initiate first‑refusal for N. Sullivan Rd property (4‑aye)
• Authorized sale of old pull‑behind generator as surplus equipment (4‑aye)
• Adjourned meeting (4‑aye)

Planning Board

The Charlton Planning Board meeting on Oct 1, 2025 will hold public hearings on several development applications. It will discuss decommissioning bond by‑laws and policy, and review the decommissioning bond approval decision for Nextera Energy’s solar project at 261 North Sturbridge Road. The board will also consider a site plan for L&B Enterprises at 29 Southbridge Road and a subdivision plan modification for Ponnakin Hill at 21‑A‑5. The agenda includes a master plan discussion, minutes, other business, and a board update.

• Public hearing – GM Properties, LLC – The Villages Multi‑Family Units, 35 N. Main Street (35‑C‑9) – second submittal
• Review decommissioning bond approval decision – Nextera Energy solar project, 261 North Sturbridge Road (14‑B‑7&11.1)
• Public hearing – L&B Enterprises, LLC – Site Plan, 29 Southbridge Road (33‑B‑22.1)
• Public hearing – Fabiola Caesar Estiverne – Ponnakin Hill Definitive Subdivision Plan Modification (21‑A‑5)
• Discussion of decommissioning bond by‑laws and future decommissioning bond policy

The Planning Board continued the GM Properties public hearing to Oct. 15, 2025. It approved the L&B Enterprises site plan for 29 Southbridge Road, adding conditions from the Graves Engineering peer‑review. The Hycrest Road subdivision hearing was postponed pending a certified storm‑water report. The board also approved the Sep. 17 minutes and set the next meeting for Oct. 15.

• Continued GM Properties public hearing to Oct. 15, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved L&B Enterprises site plan with conditions #14 and #17 (unanimous)
• Postponed Hycrest Road subdivision hearing pending storm‑water report (unanimous)
• Approved Sep. 17, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled next Planning Board meeting for Oct. 15, 2025 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:15 p.m. (unanimous)

Cultural Council

The Charlton Cultural Council will meet remotely to review the upcoming grant cycle, plan the town’s art show, and address any outstanding action items. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Grant Cycle – review of upcoming grant process
• Art Show Planning – discussion of upcoming exhibition
• Action Items – review of pending tasks

The Cultural Council approved a FY26 grant allocation of $9,245, divided into $510 for Council Admin expenses and $2,040 for Council Program (20%). Council funds total were recorded as $7,252. The meeting minutes were approved unanimously. An action item was assigned for Annette to follow up on a new Baypath logo with ADA compliance considerations.

• Approved FY26 grant allocation of $9,245 (no vote tally recorded)
• Recorded Council funds total of $7,252 (no vote tally recorded)
• Minutes approved unanimously (vote: unanimous)
• Assigned Annette to follow up on new Baypath logo and ADA compliance

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will approve prior minutes and discuss the Chapter 61 land Sisco/PMZ. The meeting includes an executive session to review confidential motor vehicle excise applications, exemptions, abatement requests, and tax forms.

• Approve minutes from May
• Chapter 61 land Sisco/PMZ discussion
• Tax rate process update
• Executive session for confidential applications
• Review Form 3ABC and Income/Expense forms

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission is meeting to review bylaws updates and guidelines for the town website. The body will also discuss signage with BayPath and a grant application for artwork.

• Bylaws updates
• Town website guidelines for residents
• Signage updates with BayPath
• Fay Mountain Farm updates
• Grant application for artwork

The Charlton Historical Commission reviewed a walk‑through at Fay Mountain, discussed creating guidelines and welcome postcards for property owners in historic districts, examined the 1977 Historical District sign‑off list, and considered posting website updates. No formal approvals, denials, or votes were recorded; the meeting resulted in assigned research and drafting tasks.

Activities Council

The council will review the minutes from its prior meeting. It will receive updates on the Charlton Arts & Activities Center facilities and usage. The council will discuss plans for the upcoming Trunk or Treat event. An open forum will allow members of the public to speak.

• Review minutes of prior meeting
• Facility updates and usage
• Trunk or Treat event planning
• Open Forum for public comments

The council voted to discontinue private rentals of the town facility, allowing only non‑profit and artistic use. It also approved several purchases for the 2025 Trunk‑or‑Treat event, including a food truck, bottled water up to $30, eight gallons of cider, and Halloween candy up to $200. The council reminded a resigning member to submit a written resignation and adjourned the meeting at 10:55 a.m.

• Approved minutes of 08/09/25 (all approve)
• Approved discontinuation of private rentals; non‑profit and artistic use continues (all approve)
• Approved attempt to procure BT's food truck at no charge (all approve)
• Approved purchase of bottled water not to exceed $30 (all approve)
• Approved purchase of 8 gallons of cider at cost (all approve)
• Approved purchase of Halloween candy up to $200 (all approve)
• Approved reminder to resigning member to submit resignation in writing (all approve)
• Approved adjournment of meeting at 10:55 a.m. (all in favor)

DCRSD- School Committee

The DCRSD Budget & Finance Subcommittee will approve the June 10, 2025 meeting minutes. Members will vote to appoint a chair and a vice chair. The committee will receive an update on the FY2026 budget and a report on the FY2024 audit. No other actions are listed.

• Approve minutes from 6/10/2025 meeting
• Select chair of subcommittee
• Select vice chair of subcommittee
• FY2026 budget status update
• FY2024 audit update

Fay Mountain Farm Committee

The Fay Mountain Farm Committee will conduct a site walk at 12 Cemetery Road to assess possible repairs and improvements. The agenda notes that items discussed are those anticipated by the Chair, and not all listed items may be addressed. No decisions are pre‑scheduled for this meeting.

• Site walk to assess possible repairs and improvements at Fay Mountain Farm

Conservation Commission

The Charlton Conservation Commission will meet on September 24, 2025 to consider public inquiries, approve minutes, and discuss a schedule of public hearings for several Notice of Intent applications involving development near wetlands, a farmer’s wall extension, and fiber transmission line work. The commission will also review certificates of compliance for two properties and address old and new business items such as a stormwater BMP demonstration on Marcia Drive and a stormwater violation on Hycrest Road. The meeting will be held in person at 37 Main Street and via Zoom.

• NOI DEP #128-1938 – 40 multi‑family units at 35 North Main Street (wetland buffer)
• NOI DEP #128-1971 – Extension and widening of farmer’s wall at 80 Richardson Corner Road (within 15 ft of vegetated wetland)
• NOI for approx. 1.75 mi of fiber installation in existing transmission ROW (W175) within 100‑ft wetland buffer
• NOI DEP #128-1982 – Building addition and parking at 29 Southbridge Road (riverfront area)
• Certificates of Compliance for 90 Haggerty Road (DEP #128-1543) and 32 Blood Road (DEP #128-1813)

DCRSD- School Committee

The Dudley-Charlton Regional School Committee will discuss and vote on goals for the Superintendent and the Committee for the 2025-2026 period. The meeting includes a presentation of the FY2024 audit by CBIZ and a request for a paraprofessional position at CES.

• FY2024 Audit Presentation by CBIZ
• Request for paraprofessional position at CES
• Vote on Superintendent's 2025-2026 Goals
• Vote on School Committee's 2025-2026 Goals
• Approval of out-of-state field trip to Narragansett, RI

Select Board

The Charlton Select Board will approve minutes from the September 9 meeting, reaffirm several appointments, and discuss a dangerous‑dog hearing. It will vote on setting the town’s Trick‑or‑Treat date, a special alcoholic‑beverage license for the Overlook Fall Festival, and the potential ratification of a Department of Public Works contract. The meeting also includes a briefing from Town Administrator Andrew M. Golas and an executive‑session discussion on collective‑bargaining strategy.

• Re‑affirm appointment of Activities/Department Assistant for Council on Aging – Emily Reyes
• Dangerous Dog Hearing – “Gia” owned by Maureen McGinty (continued)
• Board vote to set Trick‑or‑Treat date and time
• Special Alcoholic Beverage License request for The Overlook Fall Festival
• Potential ratification of the DPW contract

The Select Board unanimously approved several budget articles and appointments, including the Activities/Department Assistant for the Council on Aging and a student representative. It also approved amendments to town bylaws and accepted Hyde Road and Downey Lane as public ways. The Board voted not to support a $50,000 appropriation for a senior‑center feasibility study (3 ayes, 1 nay). The dangerous‑dog hearing on “Gia” was continued for three months.

• Re‑affirmed appointment of Emily Reyes as Activities/Dept Assistant (unanimous)
• Appointed Natalie Perron as Bay Path student representative (unanimous)
• Appointed Vicki Thompson to Housing Production Plan Steering Committee (unanimous)
• Appointed Kenneth Laferriere to Historic District Commission and Cultural Council (unanimous)
• Approved Articles 1‑5 of FY2026 budget and appropriations (unanimous)
• Approved Bylaw amendments Articles 6‑9 (unanimous)
• Accepted Hyde Road and Downey Lane as public ways (unanimous)
• Rejected $50,000 senior‑center feasibility study funding (3 ayes, 1 nay)

Finance Committee

The Charlton Finance Committee will review updates to the town's capital plan budgeting and the Town Meeting Warrant. Members will discuss the town's free cash position and receive updates from the Finance Director and Town Administrator. The committee will meet with the Board of Selectmen to vote on warrant items and capital projects, and will consider any other business that may arise.

• Updates to Capital Plan budgeting / Town Meeting Warrant
• Free Cash Discussion
• Update from Finance Director and Town Administrator
• Meet with Board of Selectmen to vote on Town Meeting Warrant items and Capital
• Other Business – unknown at time of posting

The committee approved adding $50,000 from free cash to the capital plan for a senior‑center feasibility study at the former Charlton Furniture site on Dresser Hill Road. It also unanimously supported Articles 1‑5 of the FY26 Special Town Meeting Warrant and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved $50,000 senior‑center feasibility study from free cash (unanimous)
• Supported Article 1 of FY26 Special Town Meeting Warrant (unanimous)
• Supported Article 2 of FY26 Special Town Meeting Warrant (unanimous)
• Supported Article 3 of FY26 Special Town Meeting Warrant (unanimous)
• Supported Article 4‑Motions 1‑4 of FY26 Special Town Meeting Warrant (unanimous)
• Supported Article 5 of FY26 Special Town Meeting Warrant (unanimous)
• Motion to move forward with the capital plan passed
• Motion to reconvene with the Select Board meeting passed

Cemetery Commission

The Charlton Cemetery Commission will consider accepting the minutes from its June 17 and August 25, 2025 meetings. Commissioners will sign deeds and other required documents, and review the monthly burial count and prior month’s expenses. The meeting will also include updates on a May 18 trash disposal incident and the hiring of a facilities laborer.

• Accept minutes from 6/17/25 & 8/25/2025 meetings
• Signing of deeds or other documentation
• Review of monthly burial count and prior month expenses
• Update on trash disposal incident (05/18/2025)
• Update on Cemetery Facilities laborer position hiring

The commission approved the June 17 and August 25, 2025 meeting minutes, amending the spelling of Pannella to Pennella. Deeds were signed for cemetery plots purchased by the Sullivan family and Judy L. Stegenga. The trash‑dump restitution of $200 was deposited, and John Holbrook began work as the Cemetery/Facilities laborer. The meeting was adjourned after a motion passed.

• Approved June 17, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved August 25, 2025 meeting minutes with spelling amendment (motion by Willis, seconded by Donna, passed)
• Signed deeds for cemetery plots (Sullivan family and Judy L. Stegenga)
• Deposited $200 restitution from trash‑dump incident
• Hired John Holbrook as Cemetery/Facilities laborer (employment began)
• Scheduled fall cleanup to begin Oct 14, 2025
• Adjourned meeting (motion by Willis, seconded by Donna, passed)

DCRSD- School Committee

The Dudley-Charlton Regional School District's Capital and School Safety Subcommittee will meet to approve minutes and discuss the capital plan and fire panel updates. No action is scheduled on solar projects.

• Approval of March 19, 2025 minutes
• Discussion of capital plan
• Fire panel update
• No update on solar projects

DCRSD- School Committee

The DCRSD Curriculum Subcommittee will review old business items, including competency determination and math leveling in middle school. It will consider new business such as committee organization, a professional development update, a CTE middle school pathway, and potential topics for the year. No decisions are recorded in the agenda.

• Competency Determination (old business)
• Math Leveling in Middle School (old business)
• Committee Organization (new business)
• Professional Development Update (new business)
• CTE Middle School Pathway (new business)

Worcester Regional Transit Authority

The Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board will hold a hybrid meeting on September 18, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. to discuss business and take potential action. The meeting will be held at 60 Foster Street in Worcester and via Zoom Webinar.

• Approval of minutes from August 21, 2025
• Administrators Report (Rickman)
• Business from the Public
• Potential action item: Roll call vote to adjourn

DCRSD- School Committee

The DCRSD Policy Review Subcommittee will meet to approve the minutes from the August 15, 2025 meeting and discuss a reorganization of the chair role. Members will review updated and new district policies, address CTE vocational education and general community complaints, and consider an update to the School Committee Handbook. The subcommittee will also set the next meeting date, review quorum requirements, and note future agenda items such as the Policy Reconciliation Project and job description reviews.

• Approval of August 15, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion of updated and new district policies
• Review of CTE vocational education matters
• Update to the School Committee Handbook
• Consideration of the Policy Reconciliation Project

Finance Committee

The Charlton Finance Committee will convene to approve the minutes from its August 20, 2025 meeting and discuss regional dispatch services. The session will also include an update from the Finance Director and Town Administrator.

• Approval of August 20, 2025 minutes
• Regional Dispatch Discussion
• Update from Finance Director and Town Administrator

The committee discussed staffing challenges, training opportunities, and funding options for a regional emergency dispatch center, including a 911 grant and state cost‑share. A motion was made to have the Finance Committee support the concept of regionalizing dispatch services. The motion passed with unanimous affirmative votes from Camosse, Finnegan, Lemire, and Belsito.

• Approved support for regional dispatch regionalization (4-0 unanimous)

Library Trustees

The trustees will approve the August 21, 2025 minutes and set the next meeting for October 16, 2025. They will discuss a new library card policy and review candidates for the CPLC Trust Fund. The board will consider the FY 2026 budget and hear directors’ reports, including the issue of out‑of‑state library cards.

• Approval of August 21, 2025 meeting minutes
• Review of Library Card Policy
• Consideration of candidates for CPLC Trust Fund
• Discussion on issuing out‑of‑state library cards
• Review of FY 2026 budget

The trustees approved the minutes from the August 21, 2025 meeting with all members voting in favor. They also approved the new Library Card Policy unanimously. The next regular meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m. after a motion was approved.

• Approved August 21, 2025 minutes (approved by all)
• Approved new Library Card Policy (approved by all)
• Scheduled next regular meeting for Oct 14, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
• Adjourned meeting at 7:25 p.m. (motion passed)

Old Home Day Committee

The committee is meeting to wrap up the 2025 Old Home Day. Members will discuss the most successful activities, identify changes for the following year, and determine roles for next year.

• Review of 2025 Old Home Day activities
• Discussion of changes for next year
• Assignment of roles for next year

The Old Home Day Committee voted to approve the August 26 meeting minutes, with all members in favor. The committee also set the date for its next meeting as January 21, 2026. No other formal actions or votes were recorded in the minutes.

• Approved August 26 minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for Jan. 21, 2026

Public Hearings

The Charlton Planning Board will hold a public hearing to consider a site plan application from L & B Enterprises, LLC. The proposal is for a 1,280 square foot building addition at 29 Southbridge Road (Route 169).

• Site plan application for 1,280 square foot building addition at 29 Southbridge Road

Water/Sewer Commission

The Water & Sewer Commission is meeting at the sewer plant to discuss a headworks upgrade. The commission will meet with an engineer from Wright Pierce.

• Headworks upgrade discussion with Wright Pierce engineer

Fay Mountain Farm Committee

The Fay Mountain Farm Committee is meeting to discuss the termination of the current farm operator's contract and the start of a new request for proposal process. Members will also review farm maintenance tasks and inventory town-owned equipment.

• Proposal to terminate the Fay Mountain Farm Operator contract
• Initiation of a new request for proposal (RFP) process for a farm operator
• Creation of a list for Town-owned equipment located at the farm, bakery, and barn
• Review of pending farm maintenance tasks

The committee approved a motion to terminate the existing Fay Mountain Farm operator contract and to begin a new request‑for‑proposal process for a replacement. Neil Johnson agreed to assist with the transition and will compile a list of town‑owned, privately owned, and negotiable equipment. Members scheduled a site walk of the barn for September 25, 2025 at 11 a.m. to assess needed repairs. The next meeting is set for October 23, 2025 at 6 p.m.

• Terminate FMF operator contract and initiate new RFP process (passed)
• Schedule barn walk for Sep 25, 2025 at 11:00 AM (scheduled)
• Assign Neil Johnson to provide equipment inventory list (task assigned)
• Adjourn meeting (passed)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will conduct public hearings for projects at 29 Southbridge Road, 35 N. Main Street, and Ponnakin Hill. Members will also discuss decommissioning bond by-laws and the town's Master Plan.

• Public Hearing: L&B Enterprises, LLC site plan at 29 Southbridge Road
• Public Hearing: GM Properties, LLC multi-family units at 35 N. Main Street
• Public Hearing: Fabiola Caesar Estiverne Ponnakin Hill subdivision plan modification
• Annual approval extension requests for Sturbridge Road Solar Farm and Lunar Meadows
• Discussion of Decommissioning Bond By-Laws and future policy

The Planning Board continued two public hearings to October 1, 2025 and agreed to draft wording for decommissioning bylaws. It approved annual approval extensions for the Lunar Meadows Subdivision, the N. Sturbridge Road Solar Facility, and the N. Sturbridge Road Scenic Road. The board also placed the Hammond Woods Subdivision on the warrant for town acceptance of Hyde Road and Downey Lane and approved several ANR lot‑creation motions. All motions passed with all members in favor.

• Continued L&B Enterprises public hearing to Oct 1, 2025 (all members in favor)
• Continued GM Properties public hearing to Oct 1, 2025 (all members in favor)
• Approved Lunar Meadows Subdivision annual approval extension to 11/18/26 (all members in favor)
• Approved N. Sturbridge Road Solar Facility annual approval extension to 11/18/26 (all members in favor)
• Approved N. Sturbridge Road Scenic Road special permit annual approval extension to 11/26/26 (all members in favor)
• Placed Hammond Woods Subdivision on warrant for town acceptance of Hyde Road and Downey Lane (all members in favor)
• Approved Oxbow Road ANR to create 2 lots (all members in favor)
• Approved Sampson Road ANR to create 3 lots (all members in favor)

Charlton Housing Authority

The Charlton Housing Authority will hold its regular monthly meeting. The agenda consists of standard items such as the treasurer’s report, the executive director’s report, tenant comments, and routine business. No specific contracts, rezoning, or policy changes are listed.

• Call meeting to order
• Approve minutes of prior meeting
• Treasurer’s Report
• Executive Director’s Report
• Tenant Comments

Board of Health

The Charlton Board of Health will consider the Flint Road Landfill item. The board will receive department head reports on PFAS. The meeting also includes a Keep Charlton Beautiful annual update and routine items such as acceptance of minutes and scheduling the next meeting.

• Flint Road Landfill
• PFAS – department head reports
• Keep Charlton Beautiful annual update
• Accept minutes from August 19, 2025 meeting
• Determine next Board of Health meeting

The Board voted to accept the August 19, 2025 minutes, with all members in favor. The meeting was then adjourned at 6:48 p.m. by a unanimous motion.

• Accepted August 19, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:48 p.m. (all in favor)

Recreation Commission

The Recreation Commission will discuss new projects, action items regarding benches, and the installation of video surveillance signs. The body will also review bills for field house window installation and playground maintenance.

• Payment for A. Menard & Sons Inc for window installation at Little League Field House
• Payment for RoadSafe Traffic Systems for signs prohibiting roller blades, skateboards, and scooters
• Discussion on locations for video surveillance signs
• Review of facility and field use application fees
• Planning for walking trail from Cemetery to Masonic Home Road

The commission voted 2-0 to postpone approval of the September 8‑18, 2025 meeting minutes until the absent member can review them. It then approved five invoices—A. Menard & Sons Inc., Amazon, Home Depot, Slims & Berthiaume Sewer Service, and Roadsafe Traffic Systems—totaling $866.66. The meeting was adjourned by a 2-0 vote.

• Hold off on approving September 8‑18, 2025 minutes (2-0)
• Approve A. Menard & Sons Inc. invoice $75.00 (2-0)
• Approve Amazon invoice $24.79 for D batteries (2-0)
• Approve Home Depot invoice $56.82 for graffiti remover (2-0)
• Approve Slims & Berthiaume Sewer Service invoices $660.00 for porta‑potty service (2-0)
• Approve Roadsafe Traffic Systems invoice $50.05 for basketball court sign (2-0)
• Adjourn meeting at 7:57 p.m. (2-0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold public hearings for several Notices of Intent and one Request for Determination of Applicability. The body will review projects involving residential construction, utility infrastructure, and commercial additions near wetlands. The meeting also includes reviews for Certificates of Compliance and enforcement orders.

• Notice of Intent for 40 multi-family housing units at 35 North Main Street
• Notice of Intent for 1.75 miles of fiber installation at W175 Electric Transmission ROW
• Notice of Intent for single-family residences at Lot 1, Lot 2, and Lot 3 Sandersdale Road
• Notice of Intent for building addition and parking lots at 29 Southbridge Road
• Request for Determination of Applicability for garage demolition and construction at 137 Hammond Hill Road

The Conservation Commission approved continuations of public hearings for several Notice of Intent applications, moving them to September 24, 2025. It withdrew the Lot 5 Harrington Road application from the agenda and closed the hearing for the 0 North Main Street project, issuing an Order of Conditions. The commission issued a Negative Determination for a garage demolition request at 137 Hammond Hill Road, stating no Notice of Intent is required. It ratified an enforcement order for 18 Oak Ridge Drive, declined the town’s first right of refusal to purchase land on N Sullivan Road, and approved Certificates of Compliance for septic and construction projects.

• Continued hearing for NOI DEP #128-1938 (35 North Main St) to Sep 24, 2025
• Continued hearing for NOI DEP #128-1971 (80 Richardson Corner Rd) to Sep 24, 2025
• Withdrew Lot 5 Harrington Road NOI from agenda
• Closed hearing for NOI DEP #128-1980 (0 North Main St) and issued Order of Conditions
• Issued Negative Determination for RDA 137 Hammond Hill Rd – no NOI required
• Issued Complete Certificate of Compliance for DEP #128-1931 (87 Jennings Rd)
• Ratified Enforcement Order for 18 Oak Ridge Drive
• Did not exercise first right of refusal to purchase land at N Sullivan Road (Parcel ID 28-A-3 and 28-A-3.1)

Fire Substation Committee

The Charlton Fire Substation Building Committee will meet via Zoom on September 10, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. The agenda includes approving the prior meeting’s minutes, receiving a budget update and voting on budget transfers, and providing a project schedule update. The committee will also deliberate and vote on change order requests and contractor payment requests. No additional business is specified.

• Approve minutes from the previous meeting
• Budget update and vote on budget transfers
• Project schedule update
• Deliberation and vote on change order requests
• Deliberation and vote on contractor payment requests

The Fire Substation Building Committee approved Pay Rec 5 for up to $804,449.29, contingent on final review by Context and CHA, with a 5-0 vote. No minutes were available for approval and no action was taken on budget transfers or change order requests. The meeting was adjourned by a 5-0 vote.

• Approved Pay Rec 5 up to $804,449.29 (5-0)
• Approved motion to adjourn (5-0)

Water/Sewer Commission

The Water & Sewer Commission will consider a Chapter 61A notice to change a property on N. Sullivan Rd (parcels 28-A-3 and 28-A-3.1) to residential use. The meeting also includes a Veolia monthly operating report for July 2025 and a discussion with Tauper L and Survey regarding use of Wright Pierce at J. Davis Rd/City Depot Rd. Old business items cover roadway infrastructure improvements on Route 20/Richardson Corner Rd, staffing plan updates, and contract language review.

• Chapter 61A notice of intent to convert N. Sullivan Rd (parcels 28-A-3, 28-A-3.1) to residential use – Peter Hauge
• Veolia – Monthly Operating Report for July 2025
• Tauper L and Survey – Mikael Lassila (Rockaway Realty Trust) discussion on utilizing Wright Pierce at J. Davis Rd/City Depot Rd
• McClure Engineering – Route 20/Richardson Corner Rd infrastructure roadway improvements
• Discussion of staffing plan and contract language

The commission accepted the August 6, 2025 minutes and approved warrants totaling $98,887.25. It granted Lauper Land Survey permission to use the Wright Pierce site and authorized communication with the Building Department to review the 5 East Service Area project. Commissioners also voted to begin negotiations on a new five‑year water and sewer contract that would allow four staff members.

• Accepted August 6, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved warrants in the amount of $98,887.25 (unanimous)
• Granted Lauper Land Survey permission to utilize Wright Pierce (unanimous)
• Authorized communication with Building Dept to review 5 East Service Area (unanimous)
• Approved negotiations for a new 5‑year contract allowing four staff (unanimous)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

DCRSD- School Committee

The Dudley‑Charlton Regional School Committee will meet to approve routine agenda items, consider a donation for the SHRHS athletics program, and discuss the superintendent's and committee's goals for the 2025‑2026 year. The committee will also review an update to Policy JRA‑R and hold an executive session on collective‑bargaining strategy. Votes may be taken on any listed items.

• Acceptance of a donation – SHRHS Athletics
• Discussion of the superintendent’s 2025‑2026 goals
• Discussion of the school committee’s 2025‑2026 goals
• School committee policy JRA‑R update
• Executive session to discuss collective‑bargaining strategy

Select Board

The Charlton Select Board will consider a regional dispatch proposal for the Central Massachusetts Regional 911 District and may vote on it. The meeting also includes discussions on a potential senior center property acquisition, house‑numbering change requests, and a road layout public meeting for Hyde Road and Downey Lane. Appointments for Police Officer Michael Fournier and Cemetery Laborer John Holbrook will be reaffirmed, and a nuisance‑dog hearing for a dog named Chip will be held.

• Re‑affirm appointment – Police Officer Michael Fournier
• Re‑affirm appointment – Cemetery Laborer John Holbrook
• Nuisance Dog Hearing – dog Chip, owner Chris Power, 39 Center Depot Rd.
• Regional Dispatch Proposal – Central Massachusetts Regional 911 District
• Potential Property Acquisition for Senior Center

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the August 12, 2025 meeting. It re‑affirmed the appointments of Police Officer Michael Fournier and Cemetery Laborer John Holbrook, and appointed Sue Crockett to the Community Center Feasibility Committee and Bradford Howard to the WRTA Advisory Board. The board also approved the town’s Open Space & Recreation Plan and a supporting letter, and granted a 90‑day continuance on the nuisance‑dog complaint before any further action.

• Approved August 12, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Re‑affirmed appointment of Police Officer Michael Fournier (unanimous)
• Re‑affirmed appointment of Cemetery Laborer John Holbrook (unanimous)
• Appointed Sue Crockett to Community Center Feasibility Committee (unanimous)
• Appointed Bradford Howard to WRTA Advisory Board (unanimous)
• Approved Open Space & Recreation Plan and letter of support (unanimous)
• Granted 90‑day continuance on nuisance‑dog complaint before declaring dogs a nuisance (unanimous)

Lakes & Ponds Committee

The Charlton Lakes & Ponds Committee will meet to review the FY 2026 budget, 2025 water testing, and MS4 stormwater items. The agenda includes a review of lake management procedures and updates on weed treatment and catch basin repairs.

• FY 2026 Budget Updates
• 2025 Water Testing
• MS4/Stormwater potential catch basin work
• Existing Catch Basin Repair/Replace
• Lake Management Procedure Review

Community Center Feasibility Committee

The Charlton Senior/Community Center Feasibility Committee will meet to discuss the status of the 101 Dresser Hill Road property, review a letter of intent, and outline next steps for a potential new community center. The meeting is procedural and does not include formal decisions.

• Review status of 101 Dresser Hill Rd property
• Discuss letter of intent for community center project

Keep Charlton Beautiful Committee

The committee is meeting to discuss outreach and sales for Old Home Day and ideas for fall activities and fund usage. The group will also review options for Household Hazardous Waste and a potential meeting with the Board of Health on September 16.

• Old Home Day sales and outreach
• Fall activity ideas and use of funds
• Potential September 16 meeting with Board of Health
• Household Hazardous Waste options

The Keep Charlton Beautiful Committee accepted the August meeting minutes unanimously. It also approved a motion to reduce the price of two water barrels from $130 to $75, with all members in favor. Cathy Jolicoeur agreed to accompany Deb Marquis to the Board of Health meeting on September 16.

• Accepted August minutes (unanimous)
• Approved water barrel price reduction to $75 (unanimous)
• Cathy Jolicoeur will accompany Deb Marquis to Board of Health meeting Sep 16

Board of Health

The Charlton Coalition for Public Health, representing Charlton, Sturbridge, Sutton, Spencer, and Wales, will meet to discuss FY26 updates and the intersection of transit and public health. The body will also receive updates regarding shared regional staff positions.

• FY26 updates
• CMRPC/WRTA discussion of transit and public health
• Regional Inspector shared staff update
• Regional Community Health Coordinator shared staff update

The board unanimously approved the August 14, 2025 meeting minutes and the FY26 workplan. Members agreed to post a Public Health Specialist position with a focus on Title V services, food, housing, and environmental health inspections. A unanimous motion directed Ethan Melad to write a letter to East Brookfield asking the town to post a local health‑inspector job within 30 days and hire by Jan 1 2026.

• Approve August 14, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approve FY26 workplan as presented (unanimous)
• Decide to post for a Public Health Specialist with Title V focus
• Motion to write letter to East Brookfield requesting health‑inspector posting passed (unanimous)

Water/Sewer Commission

The Charlton Water & Sewer Commission will meet to approve minutes, hear monthly reports, and discuss a land-use conversion request and roadway infrastructure projects. The meeting includes updates from Veolia and Tauper Land Survey, a Chapter 61A conversion notice, and discussions on staffing and contract language.

• Chapter 61A notice for 28-A-3 and 28-A-3.1 land parcels on N. Sullivan Rd for conversion to residential use
• Route 20/Richardson Corner Rd roadway infrastructure improvements (McClure Engineering)
• Monthly Operating Report from Veolia for July 2025
• Survey discussion for J. Davis Rd/City Deport Rd with Wright Pierce
• Staffing plan and contract language discussions

Planning Board

The Charlton Planning Board meets to decide on modifications to battery energy storage systems on Griffin Road and Southbridge Road, review decommissioning bonds for two solar projects, and hold public hearings on a subdivision plan and zoning changes for a dog daycare and multi-family housing.

• Modification to Griffin Road (Larry’s Way) Battery Energy Storage System Lot F
• Modification to Griffin Road (Larry’s Way) Battery Energy Storage System Lot G
• Modification to 288 Southbridge Road (Incom) Battery Energy Storage System
• Public Hearing on Fabiola Caesar Estiverne-Ponnakin Hill Definitive Subdivision Plan Modification
• Public Hearing on GM Properties, LLC—The Villages Multi-Family Units at 35 N. Main Street

The Planning Board appointed new officers, approved three Battery Energy Storage System modifications, and withdrew a dog‑day‑care site plan. It also continued the public hearing on the Villages multi‑family project to September 17 and recorded no objection to the town’s decision on the N. Sullivan Road parcel. All actions were approved unanimously.

• Appointed Bill Fontaine as Chair (all members in favor)
• Appointed Patsy Rydlak as Vice‑Chair (all members in favor)
• Appointed Leoni Howard as Secretary (all members in favor)
• Approved three Battery Energy Storage System modifications – Griffin Road Lot F, Griffin Road Lot G, and 288 Southbridge Road Incom (all members in favor)
• Withdrawn Sellew Doggie Day Care Modification without prejudice (all members in favor)
• Continued GM Properties “The Villages” public hearing to September 17, 2025 (all members in favor)
• No objection to Town not exercising first right of refusal for N. Sullivan Road parcel (all members in favor)
• Approved September 13, 2025 meeting minutes (all members in favor)

Council on Aging

The Charlton Council on Aging will meet to reorganize its board by electing a vice chair and approve meeting minutes. The agenda includes a treasurer’s report, discussion on a new senior center location, and an update on the Tri Valley Kitchen transition. The October meeting is rescheduled to October 8 due to the director’s vacation.

• Vote for vice chair of the Council on Aging board
• Reschedule October COA meeting to October 8
• Discussion on new location for potential Senior Center
• Update on Tri Valley Kitchen Transition

Cultural Council

The Charlton Cultural Council will hold a remote meeting to review the 2025 grant cycle and plan an upcoming art show. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

The Cultural Council approved the September 2 minutes with a unanimous vote. They set the next meeting for September 30. Action items were assigned: Annette will follow up on the new logo and ADA compliance, and prepare a press release; John will process the Oakland Stroke Band reimbursement. The 2026 grant allocation of $10,200 was noted.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for Sept 30
• Assigned Annette to follow up on new logo and ADA compliance
• Assigned Annette to prepare grant‑cycle press release
• Assigned John to process Oakland Stroke Band reimbursement
• Noted 2026 grant allocation of $10,200

Worcester Regional Transit Authority

The Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board will hold an executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy with TransDev/Worcester Local 22 of the Amalgamated Transit Union. The meeting will be conducted remotely via Zoom Webinar with no in-person attendance.

• Executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy with TransDev/Worcester Local 22 of the Amalgamated Transit Union
• Remote meeting via Zoom Webinar with no in-person attendance
• Public participation via email, phone, or Zoom 'raised hand' icon during 'Business from the Public' segment

Old Home Day Committee

The Old Home Day Committee is meeting to discuss finances and organization for the event. The group will review plans for the parade, vendors, and the Soap Box Derby.

• Review of finances
• Antique cars planning
• Donations at Gazebo
• Parade and vendor coordination
• Soap Box Derby and event layout

The committee unanimously approved the August 19, 2025 meeting minutes. Members discussed and allocated responsibilities for the upcoming Old Home Day, including fireworks placement, trash pickup, porta‑potties, and race logistics. No other formal motions were recorded.

• Approved August 19, 2025 minutes (unanimous)

Cemetery Commission

The Charlton Cemetery Commission will meet to accept prior meeting minutes, review monthly burial counts and expenses, and discuss a paving quote for Westridge Cemetery roads. New business includes a restitution discussion for a trash disposal incident and a hiring discussion for a new laborer position.

• Motion to accept minutes from 6/17/25 & 7/21/2025 meetings
• Review quote from D. Mason paving for FY2026 fall STM capital request
• Discussion on restitution amount for 05/18/2025 trash disposal incident in Westridge Cemetery
• Discussion of new Cemetery/Facilities laborer position hiring

The Cemetery Commission approved a $200 reimbursement to the Town of Charlton for a trash‑dump incident. It also approved hiring John J. Holbrook as the new cemetery facilities laborer. The July 21, 2025 meeting minutes were approved, while the June 17, 2025 minutes remain pending. The D. Mason paving quote of $25,000 was reviewed with no further action taken.

• Approved $200 reimbursement to the Town (motion by Willis, seconded by Donna)
• Approved hiring of John J. Holbrook as cemetery facilities laborer
• Approved July 21, 2025 meeting minutes (motion by Willis, seconded by Donna)
• Deferred approval of June 17, 2025 meeting minutes pending Chair's signature
• Reviewed D. Mason paving quote $25,000; no action taken

Worcester Regional Transit Authority

The WRTA Advisory Board will meet to approve minutes from June 26, 2025, and hear an administrator's report. The agenda consists of procedural items and public comment.

• Approval of June 26, 2025 meeting minutes
• Administrator's Report (Rickman)

Library Trustees

The Charlton Public Library Board of Trustees will hold a regular meeting on August 21, 2025, to discuss and vote on amendments to its by-laws, conduct a three-month evaluation of the library director, and review policies including an ADA assessment report and exhibit policy. The board will also receive reports on the FY25 and FY26 budgets.

• Trustee By-Laws amended
• Director 3-month evaluation
• ADA Assessment report
• Exhibit Policy
• Budget FY '25 and FY '26 reports

The board approved the minutes from the June 17, 2025 meeting and set the next regular meeting for September 18, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. Trustees voted to amend the library's by‑laws. The Exhibit Policy and its application form were also approved. The trustees agreed to monitor the issuance of state library cards.

• Approved June 17, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Set next regular meeting for September 18, 2025 6:30 p.m.
• Approved amendment to trustee by‑laws (unanimous)
• Approved Exhibit Policy and application form (unanimous)
• Agreed to monitor state library card issuance (consensus, no vote)

Finance Committee

The Charlton Finance Committee will meet to review the town’s capital plan, discuss insurance options, and receive updates from the Finance Director and Town Administrator. The meeting is procedural with no major decisions expected.

The Finance Committee approved the June 24, 2025 minutes by unanimous roll‑call vote. It scheduled the next regular meetings for September 17 and September 23, 2025 at 7 p.m. The committee expressed support for a one‑time $7,000 insurance buyout and related cost‑sharing language to be relayed to the Selectboard. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved June 24, 2025 minutes (aye votes: Lemire, Belsito, Terry, Camosse)
• Scheduled next regular meeting for September 17, 2025 at 7 p.m.
• Scheduled next regular meeting for September 23, 2025 at 7 p.m.
• Supported one‑time $7,000 insurance buyout (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:45 p.m. (aye votes: Lemire, Belsito, Terry, Camosse)

Charlton Housing Authority

The Charlton Housing Authority will hold its regular meeting to approve prior minutes, receive treasurer and executive director reports, and hear tenant comments. New business includes reviewing year-end financial reports and a certificate of completion for the community bathroom project.

• Year End Financial Reports review
• Certificate of completion – Community Bathroom

Old Home Day Committee

The Charlton Old Home Day Committee will meet to approve minutes, discuss finances, and plan events including the road race, parade, and soap box derby. The group will also review updates to the event manual and consider new ideas for the 2025 celebration.

• Approval of August 12, 2025 minutes
• Road race and children's race planning
• OHD Manual updates for Kids Race, Trophies, and Golf Carts
• Soap Box Derby event planning
• Publicity signs and donations at the Gazebo

The committee unanimously approved the August 12 meeting minutes. It granted permission to use the Overlook property for the parade. Ticket price for the Rock n Roll race was set at $5 for two races, and vendor layouts will be installed on August 25 at 5:00 pm. Announcer shifts and 12 publicity signs around town were also confirmed.

• Approved August 12 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Granted permission to use Overlook property for parade (via Daniel)
• Set Rock n Roll race ticket price at $5 for two races
• Scheduled vendor layout installation for Aug 25, 5:00 pm (location TBD)
• Assigned announcer shifts: Joe Gaucher 8:30‑11:30 am; Kathleen & Deb 1:00‑2:00 pm; Leoni 3:30‑4:30 pm
• Placed 12 publicity signs around town
• Confirmed road race registration deadline Aug 14 and medal details
• Noted one non‑functional GFI outlet on the common (no resolution yet)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to consider a variance request for 0 Beach Middle Road. The board will also discuss the Flint Road Landfill and PFAS.

• Variance request for 0 Beach Middle Road
• Discussion of Flint Road Landfill
• Discussion of PFAS

The Board accepted the July 22, 2025 minutes and unanimously approved the variance request for 0 Beach Middle Road, allowing the well to be placed 75 feet from the owner’s septic system. No new actions were taken on the Flint Road landfill PFAS issue. The Board noted that the Homie Collective’s camp at 508 International is in compliance and will not be denied use of the site.

• Accepted July 22, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 0 Beach Middle Road variance as presented (unanimous)
• No new action on Flint Road landfill/PFAS (status unchanged)
• Confirmed Homie Collective camp at 508 International is in compliance (no denial)

Recreation Commission

The Recreation Commission will meet to discuss 5, 10, and 15-year planning. The body will also review several facility maintenance items and safety checks for playgrounds and fields.

• Pickleball court repairs
• Purchase of graffiti remover
• Replacement of basketball court signage
• Weekly field safety check reports for the Assistant Town Administrator
• Bills for solar lights and porta potties

The Charlton Recreation Commission approved the installation of two cameras at the basketball area and skate park, and authorized several small expenditures for solar lights, porta‑potties, graffiti remover, a signage update, and batteries. It also adopted a weekly field‑check form and approved the minutes from the July 21 meeting. All motions passed unanimously with a 2‑0 vote.

• Approved installation of two cameras at basketball area and skate park (2-0)
• Approved Amazon invoice for solar lights, $93.48 (2-0)
• Approved three Slims & Berthiaume Sewer Service porta‑potty invoices, $660.00 (2-0)
• Approved purchase of Goo Gone graffiti remover, $113.64 (2-0)
• Approved purchase of basketball‑court sign, $25.00 plus shipping (2-0)
• Approved purchase of Panasonic D batteries, $24.45 (2-0)
• Approved weekly field‑check form (2-0)
• Approved minutes of the July 21, 2025 meeting (2-0)

DCRSD- School Committee

The Dudley-Charlton Regional School District Policy Review Subcommittee meets to discuss community feedback on fundraising and student records policies. The group will also review updates to the School Committee Handbook and set the next meeting date.

• Review of new student fundraising policy (JJE)
• Review of new public solicitation policy (KHA)
• Update on facilities use policy (KF)
• Update on school admission residency policy (JF)
• Update on School Committee Handbook

Board of Health

The Charlton Coalition for Public Health will meet to discuss and potentially vote on the FY26 budget and workplan. The board will also review MAVEN backup and provide updates on shared staff positions.

• Possible vote on FY26 Budget
• Possible vote on FY26 Workplan
• Discussion on MAVEN backup
• Updates on Regional Inspector and Regional Community Health Coordinator positions

The board approved the June 12 meeting minutes by unanimous vote. By consensus, Debra Vescera was named the backup MAVEN user for all CCPH towns. The FY26 budget was approved unanimously. The next meeting was rescheduled to September 4 at 10:30 am.

• Approved June 12 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Designated Debra Vescera as backup MAVEN user (consensus)
• Approved FY26 budget as presented (unanimous)
• Rescheduled next meeting to September 4 at 10:30 am

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on multiple Notices of Intent (NOI) for residential and infrastructure projects affecting wetland buffer zones. The body will also consider Certificates of Compliance for seven properties and a committee appointment.

• Notice of Intent for 40 multi-family housing units at 35 North Main Street
• Notice of Intent for 1.75 miles of fiber installation along W175 Electric Transmission ROW
• Notice of Intent for the 301 Transmission Line Asset Condition Refurbishment Project
• Request for Determination of Applicability to remove 15-20 trees at Lot 19 Pumpkin Lane
• Certificates of Compliance for 90 Haggerty Road, 150 Daniels Road, 4 Buteau Road, 8 Sunset Drive, 18 Willis Drive, and 0 Northside Road

The Charlton Conservation Commission approved a series of actions. It continued several Notice of Intent hearings to September 10, 2025, closed others with Orders of Conditions, issued multiple certificates of compliance (including one invalid), approved a minor amendment for the fire‑station project, and issued a negative determination for a tree‑removal request. It also appointed Brian Sullivan to the Fay Mountain Farm Committee.

• Continued hearing for NOI 128-1938 (35 North Main St) to Sep 10, 2025 (passed)
• Closed hearing and issued Order of Conditions for NOI 128-1966 (Lot 2 Sandersdale Rd) (passed)
• Issued Negative Determination for RDA Lot 19 Pumpkin Lane (passed)
• Issued Complete Certificate of Compliance for DEP 128-1875 (150 Daniels Rd) (passed)
• Issued Invalid Certificate of Compliance for DEP 128-1299 (0 Northside Rd) (passed)
• Approved minor amendment for 4 Oxford Road fire‑station project (passed)
• Appointed Brian Sullivan to Fay Mountain Farm Committee (passed)
• Continued hearing for NOI 128-1971 (80 Richardson Corner Rd) to Sep 10, 2025 (passed)

Fire Substation Committee

The committee will meet to discuss the project schedule and budget updates. Members will deliberate and vote on budget transfers, change order requests, and contractor payment requests.

• Vote on budget transfers
• Vote on change order requests
• Vote on contractor payment requests
• Project schedule update

The Fire Substation Building Committee approved Change Order 4, which includes a $2,716.22 increase for the decontamination sink, a $112.93 credit for ceiling modifications, a $17,485.07 increase for a roof truss redesign, and a no‑cost equipment relocation, with the motion passing 5‑0 pending additional sink information. The committee also approved Contractor Payment Request 4 for $489,347.42, with a 5‑0 vote.

• Approved Change Order 4 (total changes $2,716.22 increase, $112.93 credit, $17,485.07 increase) – vote 5-0
• Approved Contractor Payment Request 4 for $489,347.42 – vote 5-0

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings on subdivision modifications and a multi-family project at 35 N. Main Street. The board will also discuss the Master Plan and review proposed amendments to the Zoning By-Law Use Table.

• Public hearing for GM Properties, LLC multi-family units at 35 N. Main Street
• Public hearing for overnight dog daycare hours at 10 N. Sturbridge Road
• Decommissioning bond approval decision for Nextera Energy solar at 261 North Sturbridge Road
• Review of Zoning By-Law Use Table Amendments
• Subdivision plan modification for Hycrest Road

The Planning Board moved several items to September 3, 2025, including the Sellew Doggie Day Care site‑plan modification and the GM Properties, LLC public hearing. It approved a one‑year annual extension for J.JillDevelopment, LLC’s James Lane Subdivision through August 23, 2026. The Board also approved three ANR lot‑creation actions and then adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m.

• Continued Sellew Doggie Day Care site‑plan hearing to September 3, 2025 (unanimous)
• Continued GM Properties, LLC public hearing to September 3, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved one‑year extension for J.JillDevelopment, LLC James Lane Subdivision to August 23, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved N. Sturbridge Road ANR creating 2 lots on Brookfield Road (unanimous)
• Approved Prindle Hill Road ANR creating 3 lots on Prindle Hill Road (unanimous)
• Approved Oakridge Drive ANR creating 1 lot on Oakridge Drive (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:30 p.m. (unanimous)

Tri-Epic Regional

The committee will discuss emergency planning, including an HMEP exercise overview and grant updates. Members will also review financial reports and discuss a shift toward all hazard and risk planning.

• HMEP Exercise Planning Overview presentation by JJ Burke
• HMEP 2025 Grant updates
• Discussion on filling an open Secretary position
• Review of TRI-EPIC/CERT, donations, and website budgets
• Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management site visit

The Tri‑Epic Regional Emergency Planning Committee approved the June 10, 2025 meeting minutes and accepted the Treasurer’s financial report. Jason was appointed as the new committee secretary. The board also set action items for membership dues, CERT program development, a By‑Law Committee meeting, and scheduled the next meeting for October 14, 2025.

• Approved June 10, 2025 meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Accepted Treasurer’s financial report (motion passed)
• Appointed Jason as committee secretary (motion passed)
• Brimfield membership dues remain outstanding; Jason to follow up (action item)
• Jason and Matt to develop a specialized CERT team concept (action item)
• By‑Law Committee to set September meeting date (action item)
• Next committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 2025 (action item)

Old Home Day Committee

The Old Home Day Committee is meeting to coordinate event logistics, publicity, and finances. The body will discuss the road race, entertainment, and vendor layouts.

• Publicity and sign placement
• Road race, Children’s Race, and Kilt Mile coordination
• Fireworks and OHD donations
• Vendor layout discussion
• Soap Box Derby and Highland Games planning

The committee unanimously approved the July 29, 2025 meeting minutes. It decided the scavenger hunt will not happen this year and placed the Rock n Roll Racing event on hold until the next meeting. Additional actions included assigning Matt to have lawn signs ready by Friday, scheduling a vendor‑layout meeting on August 25 at 5 pm, and confirming three cars will be provided for parade awardees.

• Approved July 29 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Scavenger hunt will not occur this year
• Rock n Roll Racing event placed on hold pending next meeting
• Matt assigned to have lawn signs made by Friday
• Vendor‑layout meeting scheduled for Aug 25 5 pm at the gazebo (Rebecca)
• Three cars confirmed for parade awardees
• Brad assigned to back up Patsy at parade start (Steve request)
• Leoni assigned to call Mary to print additional flyers (Rebecca suggestion)

Lakes & Ponds Committee

The Lakes & Ponds Committee will review the FY 2025/26 budget and the end of year Fiscal 25 balance. The body will also discuss weed treatment, water testing, and the effects of wakesurfing on aquatic life.

• FY 2025/26 Budget Updates
• 2025 Weed Treatment Updates
• 2025 Water Testing equipment calibration and supplies
• MS4/Stormwater potential catch basin work
• Wakesurfing and effects on aquatic life

Worcester Regional Transit Authority

The Worcester Regional Transit Authority will hold an Advisory Board meeting on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. The session will be held in person at 60 Foster Street and via Zoom Webinar. The agenda includes the approval of minutes from the June 26, 2025 meeting and a period for public comments.

• Approval of June 26, 2025 Advisory Board minutes
• Public comment period during 'Business from the Public'
• In-person and Zoom participation options available

Planning Board

The Planning Board will attend a SelectBoard meeting to provide an update and discuss the Master Plan. No other specific business items were listed on the agenda.

• Discussion of the Master Plan

Select Board

The Select Board will vote on the adoption of Cannabis Social Equity Policies and review Mass DOT recommendations for All Way Stops. The board will also meet with the Planning Board regarding the Master Plan, solar panels, and battery storage.

• Review of Mass DOT recommendations for All Way Stops
• Consideration of Cannabis Social Equity Policies
• Inspection Services Fee Appeal for James Scheurer
• Opening of STM Warrant for October 20, 2025
• Approval of ADA Grievance Procedure and Reasonable Accommodation Policy

The Charlton Select Board approved several appointments, a traffic constable, and a request to implement all‑way stops at two intersections. It also refunded an inspection fee, opened the October 20 Special Town Meeting warrant, and adopted cannabis social‑equity policies and an ADA grievance procedure. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved July 8, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Re‑affirmed appointments of Police Officers Richard Fairbanks and David Fortier (unanimous)
• Appointed Traffic Constable Kenneth Poplawski (unanimous)
• Approved MassDOT all‑way stop recommendation for two intersections (unanimous)
• Refunded inspection‑service fee to James Scheuer (unanimous)
• Opened Special Town Meeting warrant for Oct 20, 2025 and approved calendar (unanimous)
• Adopted Cannabis Social‑Equity Policies (unanimous)
• Approved ADA grievance procedure and reasonable‑accommodation policy (unanimous)

Community Center Feasibility Committee

The Community Center Feasibility Committee will review the status of the 9 Trolley Crossing property and discuss alternatives to move forward. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, Aug 11, at 5:00 pm in the Lower Level of the Charlton Senior Center.

• Review status of 9 Trolley Crossing property
• Discuss alternatives and options to move forward
• Meeting location: Lower Level of Charlton Senior Center, 37 Main Street

Keep Charlton Beautiful Committee

The Keep Charlton Beautiful Committee will review a Blueberry Festival update, plan an Old Home Day table, and discuss fall event ideas and fund usage. A new member will also be welcomed.

• Blueberry Festival update: no table set up due to weather
• Old Home Day table scheduled for August 31st
• Discussion on fall event ideas and fund allocation

The committee voted to accept the minutes from the previous meeting, with all members in favor. No other formal actions or votes were taken; topics such as anti‑litter signs and a possible hazardous‑waste day were only discussed. The next meeting is scheduled for September 8 at 4:30 PM.

• Accepted previous meeting minutes (unanimous)

Activities Council

The Activities Council will review facility updates and gather feedback on the Blueberry Festival. The body will also discuss plans for the Trunk or Treat event.

• Blueberry Festival feedback
• Trunk or Treat planning
• Facility updates

The Activities Council approved hiring two magicians for the Trunk‑or‑Treat event, authorized a popcorn‑machine repair up to $100, and approved purchasing trophies up to $200. The council also approved the prior meeting minutes and adjourned the session at 11:04 a.m.

• Approved prior meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Approved hiring Maggie the Down ($350) and Fran Flynn ($400) as magicians (all in favor)
• Approved popcorn‑machine repair up to $100 (all in favor)
• Approved purchase of trophies up to $200 (all in favor)
• Approved adjournment of meeting at 11:04 a.m. (all in favor)

Water/Sewer Commission

The Water & Sewer Commission will review the July 2025 monthly operating report from Veolia. Members will discuss a proposed sewer connection for a project at J. Davis Rd/City Deport Rd and review roadway infrastructure improvements at Route 20/Richardson Corner Rd.

• Sewer connection discussion for J. Davis Rd/City Deport Rd project
• Route 20/Richardson Corner Rd roadway infrastructure improvements by McClure Engineering
• Veolia July 2025 Monthly Operating Report
• Senior Abatements for flat and metered accounts
• Guidelines for Sewer & Water Connections

The Water/Sewer Commission accepted the July 2, 2025 minutes. It approved warrants totaling $141,121.77 and a senior flat‑metered abatement of $827.06. Commissioners also approved a motion directing Masterson to obtain pricing from Wright Pierce and McClure for consultant work to evaluate ending the moratorium on large water‑sewer users.

• Accepted July 2, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Approved warrants $141,121.77 (5-0)
• Approved senior flat‑metered abatement $827.06 (5-0)
• Approved motion for Masterson to obtain consultant pricing to end moratorium (5-0)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will meet to review the treasurer's report and discuss old and new business. The agenda consists of procedural boilerplate items.

The council approved the minutes from July 2 and the treasurer's report, both unanimously. They accepted the HR policy posting for the Senior Center and unanimously approved Tri-Valley’s proposal to make the kitchen a Meals on Wheels site. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved July 2 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Treasurer's report (unanimous)
• Accepted HR policy posting for Senior Center (unanimous)
• Approved Tri-Valley Meals on Wheels kitchen proposal (unanimous)
• Scheduled swearing‑in of three new board members at next BOS meeting
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council is meeting to address pending items. The discussion will focus on the grant cycle and planning for an art show.

• Grant Cycle
• Art Show Planning

The Charlton Cultural Council met remotely via Zoom on August 5, 2025. The council approved the meeting minutes unanimously. The council assigned follow‑up actions, including Bruce updating grant opportunities, pursuing a new logo, and establishing a direct‑grant system by the end of August. They also set a deadline to identify a chair by December and noted no interest in recruiting new members.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)

Bandshell Development Committee

The committee is meeting to discuss the current status of the Request for Proposals (RFP) and the timeline for the bandshell project.

• Status of RFP
• Project timeline

The Bandshell Development Committee approved the meeting minutes from November 14, 2024. Because there was no quorum at the June 4, 2025 meeting, those minutes were not approved and will be submitted without approval. No other actions or approvals were taken.

• Approved 11/14/2024 meeting minutes
• 6/4/2025 meeting minutes not approved (submitted without approval due to lack of quorum)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will meet to discuss and vote on amendments to Section 1.6 of the Stormwater Rules & Regulations. The proposed changes include adding a definition for "common plan of development" and establishing criteria for Minor Land Disturbance Permit Applications.

• Vote on adding definition of "common plan of development" to Stormwater Rules & Regulations
• Vote on criteria for Minor Land Disturbance Permit Applications

Old Home Day Committee

The committee is meeting to discuss preparations for Old Home Day. Discussions include event activities, financial status, and coordination for the parade and award ceremony.

• Discussion of scavenger/treasure hunt tickets
• Planning for the Kilted Mile and Soap Box Derby
• Review of vendor applications
• Coordination of fireworks donations
• Planning for the August 12 Board of Selectmen award ceremony meeting

The Old Home Day Committee approved the minutes from the July 14 meeting with a unanimous vote. No other formal actions were decided; the group discussed finances, entertainment, and event logistics for the upcoming Old Home Day and related activities, deferring many items to the next meeting on August 12.

• Approved July 14 meeting minutes (all in favor)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission is meeting to review updates to its bylaws and guidelines for residents. The body will also discuss a commercial building project by Bertin Engineering and paint estimates for Fay Mountain farm.

• Bylaws updates timeline
• Guidelines for town website and residents
• Bertin Engineering commercial building
• Fay Mountain farm paint estimates/quotes

Open Space Committee

The committee will review the final Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) presented by the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC). The body will also discuss the next steps following this review.

• Review of final OSRP Plan presented by CMRPC
• Discussion of next steps

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to address tobacco sales violations at a local business. The board will also review ongoing matters regarding the Flint Road Landfill and PFAS.

• Tobacco sales violations at Charlton Food Mart
• Flint Road Landfill
• PFAS

The Board accepted the June 17, 2025 meeting minutes. It voted to shorten the tobacco‑permit suspension for Charlton Food Mart from 30 days to 21 days, with all members in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 7:12 p.m., also unanimously.

• Accepted June 17, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
• Reduced tobacco permit suspension for Charlton Food Mart to 21 days (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:12 p.m. (all in favor)

Recreation Commission

The Recreation Commission will meet to review financial bills and provide updates on several facility maintenance items. The body will also discuss new projects including Lampry Land and Gaga Ball.

• Pickleball court repair and benches update at CMS
• Mass Save lighting update
• Mound cover update for Memorial Field
• Camera update near the playground
• New projects: Lampry Land and Gaga Ball

The Recreation Commission approved the minutes from the June 23, 2025 meeting. It authorized the purchase of two three‑pack solar light sets for the playground and a donor sign replacement, with the chair to arrange funding. The board approved uploading future agendas and minutes to the commission website and adopting a scheduling spreadsheet and online forms for field reservations, and approved payment of $660.00 in invoices to Slims. The commission also voted to remove the Mass Save Lighting update from the agenda and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved minutes of 6‑23‑2025 meeting (motion passed)
• Approved uploading future agendas/minutes to website (motion passed)
• Approved purchase of two 3‑packs of solar lights for playground (motion passed)
• Approved use of scheduling spreadsheet for field reservations (motion passed)
• Approved donor sign replacement, chair to discuss funding (motion passed)
• Approved payment of Slims invoices totaling $660.00 (motion carried)
• Removed Mass Save Lighting update from agenda (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:12 p.m. (motion carried)

Cemetery Commission

The Cemetery Commission will meet to review monthly expenses and burial counts. Members will discuss a capital request for the Fall STM and the position of Owen Myers within the department.

• Discussion of capital request for Fall STM
• Discussion regarding Owen Myers' position in the Cemetery Department
• Setting new date and time for future monthly meetings
• Review of prior month's expenses

The commission voted to move future monthly meetings to 1:00 pm. A motion to adjourn the July 21 meeting was also passed. The board discussed Owen Myers taking the Town Hall Custodian role and said Jim will advertise for his replacement at the cemetery. No other formal actions were taken.

• Changed regular meeting time to 1:00 pm (motion passed)
• Adjourned the meeting (motion passed)

Activities Council

The Activities Council will meet to review previous meeting minutes and receive updates on facilities and events. The council is also scheduled to discuss the Blueberry Festival.

• Blueberry Festival discussion
• Facility and event updates

The council unanimously approved the minutes from the Dec. 14 2024 and June 28 2025 meetings. The board scheduled JV Mechanical to visit on July 24 2025 to provide an estimate for theater air‑conditioning. A motion to adjourn was made and carried.

• Approved minutes from Dec 14 2024 and Jun 28 2025 (unanimous)
• Scheduled JV Mechanical visit on July 24 2025 for theater AC estimate
• K.Fengler tasked to finalize and communicate blueberry festival vendor sites
• D.Konopacki tasked to procure water and ice for the blueberry festival
• R.Mancini tasked to provide traffic cones for blueberry festival potty locations
• Motion to adjourn passed

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold public hearings for several Notices of Intent regarding residential construction and infrastructure. The body will also discuss stormwater regulations and an enforcement order for 3 Hemlock Road.

• Notice of Intent for 40 multi-family housing units at 35 North Main Street
• Notice of Intent for 1.75 miles of fiber installation at W175 Electric Transmission ROW
• Enforcement Order discussion for 3 Hemlock Road
• Public hearings for single-family homes at Sandersdale Road, Ramshorn Road, Stevens Park Road, Old Worcester Road, Hiland Road, and Harrington Road
• Discussion on Stormwater Section 1.6 Right to Amend Rules & Regulations

The commission voted to advertise a public hearing on July 30 to consider an amendment to Stormwater Management Rules Section 1.6. It also approved planting saplings at 3 Hemlock Road and appointed Armand Bessette to the Fay Mountain Farm Committee. Additionally, the board issued complete certificates of compliance for two completed projects and continued several pending Notice of Intent hearings to August 13.

• Approved advertisement of public hearing on Stormwater Section 1.6 amendment (motion passed)
• Approved planting of saplings at 3 Hemlock Road (motion passed)
• Appointed Armand Bessette to Fay Mountain Farm Committee (motion passed)
• Issued Complete Certificate of Compliance for DEP #128-641 (90 Haggerty Road) (motion passed)
• Issued Complete Certificate of Compliance for DEP #128-858 (13 Scott Drive) (motion passed)
• Continued NOI DEP #128-1938 (35 North Main Street) hearing to Aug 13, 2025 (motion passed)
• Closed public hearing and issued Order of Conditions for 70 Glen Echo Shore Road (motion passed)
• Issued Negative Determination for 48 Stevens Park Road request (motion passed)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold continued public hearings regarding a multi-family development and changes to a dog daycare's operations. The board will also consider a subdivision extension request and review a Master Plan RFP.

• Public hearing for Sellew modification to Doggie Day Care at 10 N. Sturbridge Road regarding hours of operation and overnight care
• Public hearing for GM Properties, LLC regarding The Villages Multi-Family Units at 35 N. Main Street
• Approval-Not-Required for Baker (Dresser Hill Road) and Yousef Realty Trust (Sandersdale Road & Piehl Road)
• Annual Approval Extension Request for Kaszowski Bros. Contracting, Inc. at Lambs Farm Estates off Brookfield Road
• Review of Master Plan RFP

The Planning Board approved two annexations to create new lots, extended the approval period for the Lambs Farm Estates subdivision, and appointed a delegate to the Central Mass Regional Planning Commission. It also postponed two public hearings to August 13, 2025, signed the updated Registry of Deeds form, and approved the June 21, 2025 minutes before adjourning.

• Continued public hearing for Sellew Doggie Day Care to Aug 13, 2025 (all members in favor)
• Continued public hearing for GM Properties, LLC Villages multi‑family units to Aug 13, 2025 (all members in favor)
• Approved Dresser Hill Road ANR to create 1 lot (all members in favor)
• Approved Sandersdale Road/Piehl Road ANR to create 6 lots (all members in favor)
• Extended Lambs Farm Estates Definitive Subdivision approval to July 20, 2026 (all members in favor)
• Appointed Bob Beringer as Planning Board delegate to Central Mass Regional Planning Commission (all members in favor)
• Signed updated Registry of Deeds ANR signature form (all members signed)
• Approved June 21, 2025 minutes and adjourned meeting (all members in favor)

Board of Health

The Board of Health meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025, was canceled. The agenda listed tobacco sales violations at Charlton Food Mart, the Flint Road Landfill, and PFAS as items for discussion.

• Tobacco sales violations at Charlton Food Mart
• Flint Road Landfill
• PFAS

Old Home Day Committee

The Old Home Day Committee is coordinating event details, including the road race, parade, and soap box derby. The body is discussing volunteer roles, promotional materials, and donation efforts.

• Kilted mile road race
• Harmon Scavenger/treasure hunt tickets
• Parade vendor applications
• Soap Box Derby website updates
• Fireworks donation worker needs

Keep Charlton Beautiful Committee

The Keep Charlton Beautiful Committee is meeting to discuss a project update from the Garden Club. The body will also address the search for new members and updates to its town website page.

• Garden Club project update
• Search for new committee members
• Updates to the KCB town website page

The Keep Charlton Beautiful Committee approved the July 14 meeting minutes by unanimous vote. Deb Marquis reported reimbursing $323 to the Charlton Garden Club and submitted a $573 reimbursement request to Go Green. Members discussed ideas for new trash‑container and recycling initiatives, and Andrea from Town Hall offered to help update the KCB webpage. The next meeting is set for August 11 at 4:30 p.m. in the Charlton Library community room.

• Accepted July 14 meeting minutes (unanimous)

DCRSD- School Committee

The Dudley-Charlton Regional School Committee will meet to reorganize assignments and discuss several new and updated policies. The committee will also review goals for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years during a workshop.

• Approval of out-of-state field trips to North Warwick, RI and Rutherford, NJ
• New policy JJE regarding Student Fundraising
• New policy KHA regarding Public Solicitation in Schools
• Updated policy KF for Facilities Use
• Updated policy JF for School Admission Residency

Fire Substation Committee

The Fire Substation Building Committee will review the project schedule and budget. The body is scheduled to vote on budget transfers, change order requests, and contractor payment requests.

• Vote on budget transfers
• Vote on change order requests
• Vote on contractor payment requests
• Project schedule update

The Fire Substation Building Committee approved the June 11 meeting minutes (4‑0). It also approved two change proposals—a $3,190.90 credit for gear locker doors and a $17,503.50 interior design change (4‑0). The committee then approved Contractor Payment Request #3 for $439,631.83, covering site work and trade items (unanimous). The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved June 11 minutes (4-0)
• Approved Change Proposal 19 credit $3,190.90 and Change Proposal 14 interior design $17,503.50 (4-0)
• Approved Contractor Payment Rec #3 $439,631.83 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Water/Sewer Commission

The Commission will discuss sewer and water connection guidelines and policy approvals. The meeting includes reviews of modeling for Rockaway Realty Trust and a subdivision by Blair Builders. Members will also address a sludge valve replacement at the 8A Worcester Rd plant.

• Sludge Valve Replacement at 8A Worcester Rd Plant
• BETA Modeling Blue Tank for Rockaway Realty Trust
• Blair Builders Curtis Hill Estates Subdivision
• McClure Engineering Route 20/Richardson Corner Rd infrastructure
• Sewer Connection application/policy approval

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council will meet via Zoom to address pending items. The discussion will focus on the grant cycle and planning for an art show.

• Grant cycle
• Art show planning

The Cultural Council approved the July 8, 2025 minutes with a unanimous vote. Pending grant reimbursements were noted, and no final art‑show report was required because the allocation was not taken. The council set the next meeting for August 5 at 6:00 PM via Zoom and assigned several follow‑up tasks to members.

• Minutes approved unanimously
• Next meeting scheduled for August 5, 6:00 PM Zoom

Select Board

The Charlton Select Board will consider a supplemental agreement for the Buffumville Lake Project radio tower and a request for an additional police officer. The board will also vote on several municipal appointments and receive an ADA transition plan update.

• Buffumville Lake Project (Radio Tower) Supplemental Agreement No. 2
• Request for additional police officer
• Appointments for Light Equipment Operator, Special Police Officer, and two Traffic Constables
• ADA Self Evaluation & Transition Plan Update
• Executive session regarding collective bargaining for Highway and Firefighters contracts

The Charlton Select Board unanimously approved the request to add an additional patrol officer to the FY26 budget. It also approved the Buffumville Lake Project Supplemental Agreement and appointed several staff members. The board accepted a resignation from the Council on Aging and approved the meeting minutes.

• Approved minutes of the June 10, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Appointed Shane Gatzke as Light Equipment Operator (unanimous)
• Appointed Keith Cloutier as Special Police Officer (term ends 6/30/2026) (unanimous)
• Appointed Jaime Fuentes as Traffic Constable (term ends 6/30/2026) (unanimous)
• Appointed Paul Russell as Traffic Constable (term ends 6/30/2026) (unanimous)
• Accepted resignation of James Russell from the Council on Aging (unanimous)
• Approved Buffumville Lake Project Supplemental Agreement No. 2 (effective 3/31/2025‑3/31/2030) (unanimous)
• Approved request for an additional patrol officer in the FY26 budget (unanimous)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will meet to review the treasurer's report and conduct interviews for individuals interested in becoming board members.

• Interviews for prospective Board members

The board approved the meeting minutes and accepted the treasurer’s financial report unanimously. Cabinet locks were installed and padlocks will be obtained for secure storage. The board voted to choose Ed Ciesluk, Diane O'Regan, and Linda Walker to fill the open board positions, pending BOS approval. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted Treasurer’s report (unanimous)
• Installed cabinet locks (completed)
• Selected Ed Ciesluk, Diane O'Regan, Linda Walker for board seats (vote taken, pending BOS approval)
• Sue Crockett volunteered for Senior Center Feasibility Committee
• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously

Fire Substation Committee

The Fire Substation Building Committee will meet via Zoom to deliberate and vote on pending change orders. No other substantive items are listed on the agenda.

• Vote on pending change orders

The Fire Substation Building Committee approved Change Proposal #13, costing $101,649.56, to address grading, utility updates, and drainage revisions. The committee also approved Change Proposal #15, costing $14,909.34, for underground pipe coordination work. Both motions passed unanimously.

• Approved Change Proposal #13 for $101,649.56 (unanimous)
• Approved Change Proposal #15 for $14,909.34 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Activities Council

The Activities Council is meeting to review previous minutes and receive updates on facilities, members, and events. The council will also discuss the Blueberry Festival.

• Blueberry Festival discussion
• Facility, Member, and Event updates

Worcester Regional Transit Authority

The Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board will meet to elect officers for fiscal year 2026 and consider the FY26 Administrator Goals. The board will also receive updates on procurement and mobility management.

• Vote to accept WRTA Advisory Board Officers for FY26
• Vote to approve FY26 Administrator Goals
• Microtransit Procurement Update
• Overflow Taxi ADA Procurement update
• Mobility Management Model Update

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet via Zoom to discuss a request from the police department for an additional officer. The committee will also handle reorganization and receive updates from the Town Administrator and Finance Director.

• Review of request for additional police officer
• Reorganization of the committee
• Approval of May 19, 2025 Town Meeting Minutes

The committee reorganized its leadership, confirming Hank Camosse as Chair and Kristen Lemire as Vice Chair. It approved the May 19, 2025 meeting minutes. The committee voted to support the Police Chief’s request for an additional officer using the Law Enforcement Trust Fund. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved Hank Camosse as Chair (motion passed unanimously)
• Approved Kristen Lemire as Vice Chair (motion passed unanimously)
• Approved the May 19, 2025 Finance Committee minutes (motion passed unanimously)
• Supported the request to add an additional police officer (motion passed unanimously)
• Adjourned the meeting at 7:15 p.m. (motion passed unanimously)

Recreation Commission

The Recreation Commission will review account balances and discuss updates for several town facilities. The meeting includes discussions on equipment and infrastructure repairs and the introduction of new projects.

• Pickleball court repair and benches update at CMS
• Mass Save lighting update
• Mound cover status at Memorial Field
• Camera update near the playground
• New projects: Lampry Land and Gaga Ball

The commission accepted the meeting minutes from May 12, 2025. It approved payment of three Slim’s invoices totaling $660. The board authorized the Recreation Office to begin soliciting construction bids for the band shell using the Amazon grant funds. A motion also passed to allow commission bills to be processed with a single signature.

• Accepted meeting minutes dated 5/12/25 (motion passed)
• Approved payment of Slim’s invoices #111597, #111599, #111601 totaling $660 (motion passed)
• Approved single‑signature processing for commission bills (motion passed)
• Authorized Andrew’s office to solicit construction bids for the band shell (motion passed)
• Approved adjournment at 8:26 pm (motion passed)

Charlton Housing Authority

The Charlton Housing Authority will meet to review reports and address new business. The primary action item is an update to the Fair Housing Plan.

• Update Fair Housing Plan

DCRSD- School Committee

The Dudley-Charlton Regional School District Policy Review Subcommittee is meeting to review new and updated policies. The group will discuss guidelines for fundraising, school admissions, and facility use.

• New policy JJE regarding Student Fundraising
• New policy KHA regarding Public Solicitation in Schools
• Updated policy KHB regarding Fundraising
• Updated policy KF regarding Facilities Use
• Updated policy JF regarding School Admission Residency

Cemetery Commission

The Cemetery Commission will meet to elect officers and review the monthly burial count and expenses. The body will also discuss budget allocations for FY2026 and articles from the May 21st Annual Town Meeting.

• Election of Cemetery Commissioners officers
• Discussion of FY2026 budget allocations
• Discussion of May 21st A.T.M. articles
• Update on scanning project of Cemetery Department records

The commission approved the minutes from the April 22, 2025 meeting. It ratified recent expense payments, kept all current officers in place for the coming year, and approved all cemetery‑related articles from the May 21 town meeting, including a 3% salary increase for staff. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved April 22, 2025 meeting minutes
• Ratified expense payments made on behalf of the commission (motion passed)
• Officers remain the same for the coming year (motion passed)
• All cemetery‑related town‑meeting articles passed with no objections
• Approved FY2026 budget allocations for the cemetery commission
• Approved a 3% salary increase for commission staff

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on multiple Notices of Intent for residential construction and site improvements near wetlands and water bodies. The body will also consider certificates of compliance for three properties and committee appointments.

• Notice of Intent for 40 multi-family housing units at 35 North Main Street
• Notice of Intent for single-family homes at Lot 2 and Lot 4 Sandersdale Road, Ramshorn Road, Stevens Park Road, 0 Old Worcester Road, Lot 5 Hiland Road, and Lot 5 Harrington Road
• Notice of Intent for a French drain, patio, and firepit at 70 Glen Echo Shore Road
• Request for Determination of Applicability for demolition and two new buildings at 130 Sturbridge Road
• Request for Minor Amendment for a 30x30 foot barn at Lot 5B Northside Road

The Conservation Commission approved the minutes from May 28, 2025. It continued several Notice of Intent hearings to July 16, 2025 and closed two public hearings, issuing Orders of Conditions for 60 Pumpkin Lane and 24 Willis Drive. The commission issued a Negative Determination for the 130 Sturbridge Road project, and accepted a minor amendment to the Order of Conditions for 5B Northside Road. Discussion of the Certificate of Compliance for 90 Haggerty Road was tabled.

• Approved May 28, 2025 minutes (passed)
• Continued multiple NOI hearings (e.g., 35 North Main Street, Sandersdale Road sites) to July 16, 2025 (passed)
• Closed public hearing for 60 Pumpkin Lane and issued an Order of Conditions (passed)
• Closed public hearing for 24 Willis Drive and issued an Order of Conditions (passed)
• Issued Negative Determination for 130 Sturbridge Road, stating no NOI required (passed)
• Accepted minor amendment to Order of Conditions for 5B Northside Road (passed)
• Tabled discussion of Certificate of Compliance for 90 Haggerty Road (passed)
• Continued Old Spencer Road runoff discussion to July 16, 2025 (passed)

Lakes & Ponds Committee

The committee will discuss FY 2025/26 budget updates and the Municipal Fund Balance. Members will also review 2025 pre-treatment weed survey results and water testing equipment.

• FY 2025/26 Budget Updates
• 2025 Pre-Treatment Weed Survey Results
• 2025 Water Testing equipment calibration and supplies
• MS4/Stormwater catch basin work
• SCR Demonstration cost and plans

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to discuss the Tobacco Coalition, the Flint Road Landfill, and PFAS. The meeting includes reviews of department head reports.

• Tobacco Coalition
• Flint Road Landfill
• PFAS

The Board voted to accept the May 6, 2025 minutes, with all members in favor. Members asked questions of the Leominster Tobacco Control Alliance about permits and enforcement, but no actions were taken. The Board noted a PFAS detection at the Flint Road Landfill and will continue existing sampling. The meeting was adjourned with all members in favor.

• Approved acceptance of May 6, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
• Approved adjournment of the meeting (all in favor)

Library Trustees

The Board of Trustees will meet to review the library's by-laws and the Town Meeting report. The board will also receive reports from the directors and review the FY '25 budget.

• Review of library by-laws
• Town Meeting report
• FY '25 Budget report

The trustees approved the minutes from the May 15, 2025 meeting after a motion by Fran M and second by Lance M. They agreed to cancel the July 17, 2025 meeting unless urgent business arises and scheduled the next regular meeting for August 21, 2025. A motion to amend by‑law articles 3 and 7 was made and seconded, with the board voting on the changes at the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.

• Approved May 15, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Cancelled July 17, 2025 meeting unless urgent items arise
• Scheduled next regular meeting for August 21, 2025
• Motioned to amend by‑law Article 3 sections 2 & 4 and Article 7 section 3 (vote deferred)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:15 p.m.

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will meet to discuss updates to its bylaws and guidelines for residents on the town website. The body will also review the approval of Town Hall pictures.

• Review of commission bylaws
• Approval of Town Hall pictures
• Guidelines for town website and residents

The commission met on June 16, 2025 and discussed obtaining a second estimate for the Dexter painting project, assigning Suzanne Hall to provide the updated estimate. Members also talked about the commission's advisory role for the School House and guidance for Fay Mountain Farm, as well as possible updates to guidelines and bylaws. No formal approvals, denials, or votes were recorded.

Keep Charlton Beautiful Committee

The Keep Charlton Beautiful Committee will meet to discuss the completion of the RDP and a donation for the Garden Club Planting Project. The committee will also review conflict of interest requirements for its members.

• RDP completion
• Garden Club Planting Project donation and watering schedule
• Committee member conflict of interest requirements

Committee member Clara Cogswell announced her resignation. A motion to reimburse the Charlton Garden Club up to $400 for pots, soil and plants was made, seconded and approved unanimously. Discussion continued on a possible $3,500 purchase of self‑watering planters, but no decision was made. The next meeting is scheduled for July 14.

• Approved up to $400 reimbursement to Garden Club (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Charlton Coalition for Public Health is meeting to provide updates on FY25 and discuss the FY26 budget and workplan. The body may vote on the budget and workplan. The meeting includes updates from regional staff.

• Possible vote on FY26 Budget
• Possible vote on FY26 Workplan
• Updates from Regional Inspector
• Updates from Regional Community Health Coordinator

The Charlton Board of Health approved the minutes from the April 10 and May 8, 2025 meetings by a unanimous vote. No other actions were approved, denied, or tabled during this session. The remainder of the meeting consisted of staff updates and discussion topics.

• Approved April 10 and May 8, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Fire Substation Committee

The Fire Substation Committee will meet to consider and vote on budget transfers. The body will also review the project schedule, change order requests, and contractor payment requests.

• Budget transfers
• Project schedule update
• Change order requests
• Contractor payment requests

The Fire Substation Committee approved the May 14 minutes unanimously. It approved five change order cost proposals totaling $28,035.68, also unanimously. The committee conditionally approved a payment requisition to Tower Construction not to exceed $201,836.05, pending final documentation. The meeting was adjourned with a 3‑0 vote.

• Approved May 14 minutes (3-0)
• Approved Change Order #1: CP #01 $2,945.05, CP #02 $5,417.44, CP #05 $4,915.01, CP #07 $1,657.43, CP #08 $13,100.75 (3-0)
• Conditionally approved Pay requisition #2 to Tower Construction up to $201,836.05 (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Water/Sewer Commission

The Commission will review a monthly operating report from Veolia and discuss privilege and betterment fees with town officials. The body is also considering approvals for sewer abatements and water tie-ins.

• Discussion on Privilege Fees/Betterment Fee with Finance Dept, Assessors Office and Town Collector
• Sewer abatement approval for McDonalds at 5 E Mass Turnpike
• Water tie-in approval for 86 Berry Corner Rd (Quickly Way Construction, LLC)
• Water & Sewer connection approval for Old Worcester Rd (J. Dubois Contracting LLC)
• Infrastructure of roadway improvements at Route 20/Richardson Corner Rd via McClure Engineering

The Water/Sewer Commission accepted the May 14, 2025 minutes and approved warrants totaling $83,293.04. Commissioners adopted a policy requiring upfront payment of privilege/betterment fees for new construction and ADUs. They also approved a $146,208.46 sewer abatement at the SE McDonalds site, several water tie‑in and connection permits contingent on fee payment, and a camera‑jetting contract for the Rt 20 sewer line.

• Accepted May 14, 2025 minutes (aye: Gagner, Grotton, Robert Coleman, Thomas Coleman)
• Approved warrants $83,293.04 (aye: Gagner, Grotton, Robert Coleman, Thomas Coleman)
• Amended policy to require upfront privilege/betterment fees for new construction and ADUs (aye: Gagner, Grotton, Bernard, Thomas Coleman, Robert Coleman)
• Approved $146,208.46 sewer abatement at SE McDonalds (aye: Gagner, Grotton, Thomas Coleman, Robert Coleman, Bernard)
• Approved 86 Berry Corner Rd water tie‑in, contingent on paying all privilege fees (aye: Gagner, Bernard, Thomas Coleman, Robert Coleman, Grotton)
• Approved Old Worcester Rd water and sewer connection pending engineering review and fee payment (aye: Gagner, Grotton, Bernard, Thomas Coleman, Robert Coleman)
• Approved camera‑jetting contract for Rt 20 sewer line, funded FY2025 into FY2026 (aye: Gagner, Bernard, Grotton, Thomas Coleman, Robert Coleman)
• Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (aye: Gagner, Bernard, Grotton, Robert Coleman, Thomas Coleman)

DCRSD- School Committee

The Dudley-Charlton Regional School Committee will discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 budget and audit updates. The body will consider requests for additional staff at DMS and for interventionists, and review school improvement plans.

• Fiscal Year 2026 budget and Fiscal Year 2024 Audit update
• Fiscal Year 2026 French River Education Center, Inc. (FREC) bids
• Staffing requests for DMS and interventionists
• Adoption of Prekindergarten High Quality Instructional Materials
• Updates to policies GCG (Substitute Teachers) and KE (Parent/Guardian Guide)

Tri-Epic Regional

The committee will discuss emergency planning and member engagement as it shifts toward all-hazard and risk planning. The meeting includes a presentation on HMEP exercise planning and a review of financial accounts.

• HMEP Exercise Planning overview presentation by JJ Burke
• Discussion on open Secretary position nominations
• Review of TRI-EPIC/CERT, Donations, and Website budgets
• HMEP 2025 Grant status update
• CERT Program progress and initiatives

The committee approved the minutes from the April 8, 2025 meeting. A motion to accept Ralph for the open secretary position passed. A motion to accept Craig for the next role also passed. No vote counts were recorded in the minutes.

• Approved April 8, 2025 meeting minutes
• Accepted Ralph for the open secretary position
• Accepted Craig for the next role

DCRSD- School Committee

The Dudley-Charlton Regional School District Budget & Finance Subcommittee is meeting to discuss current and future budget statuses. The body will review the FY2025 budget, the creation of the FY2026 budget, and the FY2024 audit.

• FY2025 Budget status update
• FY2026 Budget Creation status update
• FY2024 Audit update
• FY2026 Healthcare update
• DCTA Contract update

Select Board

The Select Board will consider the ratification of the police union contract and a request to remove property from Chapter 61B. The board will also vote on several personnel appointments and a bid award for asphalt milling and removal.

• Ratification of Police Union contract
• Public hearing and vote on right of first refusal for property at Assessors Map 10, Block C, Lot 2.10 (Gould Road and Cemetery Road)
• Bid award for DPW Asphalt Milling & Removal
• Appointment of Timothy Smith as Sergeant
• Statement condemning antisemitism

The Select Board unanimously ratified the three‑year police union contract covering July 2024‑June 2027. It also approved several appointments, including a provisional Local Inspector, two Activities Council members, a Per Diem Dispatcher, and promoted Timothy Smith to Sergeant. The board declined to exercise its right of first refusal on a 1.53‑acre church property and approved the DPW asphalt milling bid to Mass Broken Stone.

• Approved May 27, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Appointed Justin Blaisdell as provisional Local Inspector (unanimous)
• Appointed Ray Mancini and Richard Watts to the Activities Council (unanimous)
• Appointed Meaghan Campbell as Per Diem Dispatcher (unanimous)
• Promoted Timothy Smith to Sergeant effective July 13, 2025 (unanimous)
• Declined to exercise right of first refusal on Assessors Map 10, Block C, Lot 2.10 (unanimous)
• Approved DPW Asphalt Milling & Removal bid to Mass Broken Stone (unanimous)
• Ratified Police Union contract for July 2024‑June 2027 (unanimous)

Old Home Day Committee

The committee is discussing preparations for Old Home Day, including donations, banners, and the parade. Members are reviewing the OHD Manual and coordinating the Soap Box Derby website update.

• Fireworks Donations Award Ceremony nominations
• Parade vendor applications
• Proposal for a committee booth with signage and donation box
• Updates to the OHD Manual
• Soap Box Derby town website update

DCRSD- School Committee

The Heritage School Council will review updates for the end of the school year and building status. Members will discuss the draft District Improvement Plan and proposed changes to the student handbook and grade level configuration.

• Discussion of the draft District Improvement Plan
• Proposed School Improvement Plan goals for academics, SEL, and community engagement
• Final grade level configuration
• Proposed Student Handbook changes

Planning Board

The Charlton Planning Board will conduct public hearings regarding business operations and site developments. The board will also review a decommissioning bond decision for a solar project.

• Public hearing for overnight dog daycare hours at 10 N. Sturbridge Road
• Public hearing for The Villages multi-family units at 35 N. Main Street
• Public hearing for Premier Trailer Leasing to build two buildings (6,545 sq ft) at 130 Sturbridge Road
• Review of Nextera Energy decommissioning bond for 261 North Sturbridge Road Solar
• Approval-Not-Required for Hylka on Lelandville Road and Joseph Construction Services on North Main Street

The Planning Board voted to continue the public hearings for the Sellew dog‑day‑care modification and the GM Properties multi‑family project to July 16, 2025. It then closed the Premier Trailer Leasing hearing and approved its site‑plan application with specific conditions. The board also approved two ANR lot adjustments for Hylka‑Lelandville Road and Joseph Construction Services on N. Main Street.

• Continued Sellew Doggie Day Care public hearing to July 16, 2025 (unanimous)
• Continued GM Properties public hearing to July 16, 2025 (unanimous)
• Closed Premier Trailer Leasing public hearing (unanimous)
• Approved Premier Trailer Leasing site plan with conditions 1, 2, 3, and 6 (unanimous)
• Approved Hylka‑Lelandville Road ANR lot line adjustment (unanimous)
• Approved Joseph Construction Services N. Main Street ANR lot adjustment (unanimous)

Bandshell Development Committee

The committee is meeting to discuss the status of grants from Amazon and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The group will also determine next steps for the project.

• Status of Amazon Grant
• Massachusetts Cultural Council Grant

The committee noted that the Massachusetts Cultural Council did not award the feasibility and technical assistance grant. It decided to issue a Request for Proposals for the complete bandshell project, planning to review proposals in early August and have a final proposal ready before the next grant cycle in mid‑October to mid‑December, with construction targeted for spring 2026. Andrew Golas will draft the RFP.

• Approved proceeding with a Request for Proposals for the bandshell project (no vote recorded)
• Recorded that the feasibility grant was not received

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will meet to conduct interviews for potential board members and review a draft policy regarding standards of participation for the Charlton Senior Center.

• Interviews for interested board members
• Draft Policy on Standards of Participation for Charlton Senior Center

DCRSD- School Committee

The School Council will meet to discuss updates for the 2024-2025 school year. The body is scheduled to review and discuss a proposed School Improvement Plan and proposed changes to the school handbook.

• Review and discussion of Proposed School Improvement Plan
• Review and discussion of Proposed Handbook Changes
• Teaching and Learning updates from Mr. Elwell
• Updates from Music Parents Association and Booster Club

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to discuss new business regarding accessory dwelling unit (ADU) deed restrictions. The board will also review ongoing matters concerning the Flint Road Landfill and PFAS.

• ADU deed restriction
• Flint Road Landfill
• PFAS
• Leominster Tobacco Control Alliance discussion with Jodie Brighenti

DCRSD- School Committee

The School Council will discuss progress on 2024-2025 goals and review a proposed new School Improvement Plan. The meeting includes reflections on academic programs and planning for the 2025-2026 school year.

• Review of new proposed School Improvement Plan (SIP)
• Year 2 outcomes for OpenSciEd
• Grade 8 Civics Projects presentations
• Impact of Applied Learning Grant
• Reflections on HMH ELA & Math programs

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will conduct public hearings for several Notices of Intent and one Request for Determination of Applicability. These items involve residential construction, landfill capping, and site improvements near wetlands and water bodies. The commission will also review the Fay Mountain Farm Contract Agreement.

• Notice of Intent for 40 multi-family housing units at 35 North Main Street
• Notice of Intent for MassDEP mandated capping of landfill at 54 Flint Road
• Notices of Intent for single-family homes at 0, Lot 2, and Lot 4 Sandersdale Road
• Request for Determination of Applicability for demolition and two new buildings at 130 Sturbridge Road
• Review of Fay Mountain Farm Contract Agreement

The Conservation Commission elected Mitch Dunn as temporary chair and approved the May 14, 2025 minutes. It closed several Notice of Intent hearings and issued Orders of Conditions for projects at 54 Flint Road, 0 Sandersdale Road (Lot 1), and 19 Dresser Hill Road. The commission also continued other hearings to June 18, 2025, and issued an Invalid Certificate of Compliance for 26 Gillespie Road (DEP #128-1129). All motions passed.

• Elected Mitch Dunn as temporary chair (motion passed)
• Approved minutes of May 14, 2025 (motion passed)
• Closed hearing and issued Order of Conditions for 54 Flint Road (motion passed)
• Closed hearing and issued Order of Conditions for 0 Sandersdale Road (Lot 1) (motion passed)
• Closed hearing and issued Order of Conditions for 19 Dresser Hill Road (motion passed)
• Continued hearing for 35 North Main Street to June 18, 2025 (motion passed)
• Issued Invalid Certificate of Compliance for 26 Gillespie Road (DEP #128-1129) (motion passed)
• Continued hearing for 70 Glen Echo Shore Road to June 18, 2025 (motion passed)

Select Board

The Select Board will consider the FY26–FY30 Intermunicipal Agreement for the Central MA Regional Stormwater Coalition and award DPW materials and services bids. The board will also vote on board appointments and policies. A public hearing regarding a dangerous dog is scheduled.

• FY26–FY30 IMA for Central MA Regional Stormwater Coalition
• DPW Materials & Services bid awards
• Dangerous Dog Hearing for dog Gia owned by Maureen McGinty
• Zoning Board of Appeals appointments for Garrett LaFrance and Marco Tiberii
• Boston Post Cane Committee appointment for Shawnie Boyce

The board adopted the Select Board Rules of Procedure and renewed the stormwater coalition agreement. It approved self‑closing gates for a dangerous dog case and accepted a historic commission resignation. Three DPW material contracts were awarded and several appointments were confirmed, all by unanimous votes.

• Approved minutes of May 13, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Appointed Garrett LaFrance and Marco Tiberii to Zoning Board of Appeals (unanimous)
• Appointed Shawnie Boyce to Boston Post Cane Committee (unanimous)
• Accepted resignation of Matthiew Carlson from Historical Commission (unanimous)
• Approved self‑closing gate plan for dog Gia for three months (unanimous)
• Adopted Select Board Rules of Procedure (unanimous)
• Renewed IMA with Central MA Regional Stormwater Coalition, matching share ≤ $4,000/yr (unanimous)
• Approved DPW bids: Bituminous Concrete to Mass Broken Stone ($87.12/ton), Full‑Depth Pavement Reclamation to Murray Paving & Reclamation Inc. ($3.21/yd²), Asphalt Rubber Surface Treatment to All States Construction ($4.45/yd² for 10%, $5.75/yd² for 20%) (unanimous)

DCRSD- School Committee

The School Council will meet to discuss the proposed School Improvement Plan and changes to the school handbook. The meeting also includes updates on teaching, learning, and student activities for the 2024-2025 school year.

• Review and discussion of Proposed School Improvement Plan
• Review and discussion of Proposed Handbook Changes
• Teaching and Learning updates from Mr. Elwell
• Updates from Music Parents Association and Booster Club

Activities Council

The Activities Council will meet to review previous minutes and discuss facility and event updates. The meeting includes a meet and greet session.

• Review of prior meeting minutes
• Facility and event updates

The council unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting and authorized the purchase of four hot‑air hand dryers for the restrooms, each costing no more than $100. The lower barn water supply was turned on, handicap and regular parking lines were painted, and portapotties and a Blueberry Festival sign were procured. Additional event preparations included invoices for a clown and band, ordering lawn signs, and confirming magician Fran Flynn for the festival. B. Menin will assist with advertising the June 14 bullying‑prevention program.

• Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of 4 hot‑air hand dryers (≤ $100 each) (unanimous)
• Approved procurement of portapotties and Blueberry Festival sign (unanimous)

Charlton Housing Authority

The Charlton Housing Authority will meet to approve minutes from the prior meeting, receive the treasurer’s and executive director’s reports, hear tenant comments, and conduct new business including the board’s approval of the low bidder for the Reasonable Accommodation Project Unit 2B. The meeting is procedural with no major policy decisions expected.

• Board approval – low bidder for Reasonable Accommodation Project Unit 2B

Old Home Day Committee

The committee is discussing the organization of Old Home Day, including event activities and financial planning. Members will review vendor applications and update the event manual.

• Road race and parade planning
• Antique car and Soap Box Derby coordination
• Review of finances and donation letters
• Vendor application processing
• Updates to the OHD Manual

Public Hearings

The Charlton Planning Board will hold a public hearing regarding a site plan modification request from Brent and Ann Sellew. The proposal seeks to extend hours of operation to allow overnight stays for dogs at a doggie day care located in the existing train station building.

• Site plan modification for doggie day care at 10 North Sturbridge Road
• Request for approval of overnight stays for dogs
• Review of property in the Residential-Low Density (R-40) District

Planning Board

The Planning Board will conduct public hearings regarding a multi-family project at 35 N. Main Street and a site plan for two buildings at 130 Sturbridge Road. The board will also review a request for overnight dog daycare hours at 10 N. Sturbridge Road and a decommissioning bond for a solar project.

• Public Hearing: GM Properties, LLC multi-family units at 35 N. Main Street
• Public Hearing: Premier Trailer Leasing two buildings (6,545 sq ft) at 130 Sturbridge Road
• Public Hearing: Sellew modification for overnight dog daycare at 10 N. Sturbridge Road
• Review of Nextera Energy decommissioning bond for 261 North Sturbridge Road Solar
• GFI Partners, LLC request for two-year approval extensions at 241 Sturbridge Road

The Planning Board denied the Hansen‑Hiland Road ANR due to a missing title certificate, approved the J. Davis Road ANR to create one lot, and set several public hearings to continue on June 4, 2025. It also approved field‑change modifications to the Charlton Fire Substation site plan, a two‑year extension of the GF Partners Sturbridge Road permit, and a $674,000 decommissioning bond with 25 % cash down. Additionally, the board expressed no objection to the town’s decision on the Gould and Cemetery Road parcel and voted to send a letter supporting the 2024 Climate Act to the governor and selectboard.

• Denied Hansen‑Hiland Road ANR without prejudice (all members in favor)
• Approved J. Davis Road ANR to create 1 lot (all members in favor, one abstention)
• Continued public hearing for Sellew Doggie Day Care to June 4 2025 (all members in favor)
• Continued public hearing for GM Properties multi‑family units to June 4 2025 (all members in favor)
• Continued public hearing for Premier Trailer Leasing site plan to June 4 2025 (all members in favor)
• Approved modifications to Charlton Fire Substation site plan as field changes (all members in favor)
• Approved two‑year extension of GF Partners Sturbridge Road permit to July 14 2026 (all members in favor)
• Approved $674,000 decommissioning bond with 25 % cash down (all members in favor)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to address a town line boundary update and Chapter land regarding the Coptic Church. The board will also enter executive session to review confidential tax abatement and exemption applications.

• Town line boundary update
• Chapter land Coptic Church
• Review of motor vehicle excise applications
• Review of exemption and abatement applications
• Review of Form of Lists or Form 3ABCs

The Board of Assessors voted not to exercise its right of first refusal (ROFR) on parcel 10-C-2.10 for Saint Mark Coptic Church. The board also approved the April 23, 2025, meeting minutes and executive session minutes unanimously. An update was provided on a town line issue, with counsel from KP Law sought; no changes were made at this meeting.

• Voted not to exercise right of first refusal on 10-C-2.10 for Saint Mark Coptic Church (unanimous)
• Approved April 23, 2025, open meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved executive session minutes (unanimous)

DCRSD- School Committee

The CES School Council will meet to discuss the 2023-2026 School Improvement Plan. The meeting includes a period for open floor and public comment.

• Discussion of CES School Improvement Plan 2023-2026

DCRSD- School Committee

The Charlton School Council will review minutes from March 2005, school updates including field trips and building projects, and discuss aligning school improvement goals with the district improvement plan. Final approvals for the School Improvement Plan, handbook, and procedures are also on the agenda.

• Review of minutes from March 18, 2005
• Discussion on aligning School Improvement Plan goals with District Improvement Plan
• Final approval of School Improvement Plan, handbook, and procedures

Town Meeting/ Special Town Meeting

Town residents will vote on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, including water and sewer enterprise funds. The meeting includes an election of officers and a ballot question regarding the Town Clerk's status. The body will also consider several zoning bylaw amendments and the establishment of various revolving funds.

• Appropriation of $1,100,000.00 to replace Engine 2
• Ballot question to change elected Town Clerk to an appointed position
• Acceptance of $23,500.00 in trust funds for cemetery perpetual care
• Zoning bylaw amendments regarding definitions and Accessory Dwelling Units
• Establishment of revolving funds for inspectors, planning, and stormwater

Select Board

The Select Board is meeting to review budget items and articles for the upcoming town meeting. The board will also vote on a stipend transfer to the Police Department.

• Review of articles and budget for town meeting
• Vote on Stipend Transfer to Police Department

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet to approve previous minutes and accept a stipend for Borowski. The body is also preparing to attend the Annual Town Meeting.

• Accept Borowski Stipend

The committee approved the minutes from the April 16, 2025 Finance Committee meeting. It approved the transfer of Bill Borowski's stipend to the Police Department. The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m. No other actions were taken.

• Approved April 16, 2025 Finance Committee minutes (motion passed)
• Approved Bill Borowski's stipend transfer to Police Department (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:05 p.m. (motion passed)

Cultural Council

This meeting of the Charlton Cultural Council will discuss pending items including the grant cycle and art show planning. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Grant Cycle discussion
• Art Show Planning discussion
• Action Items

The Cultural Council approved the meeting minutes with a unanimous vote. The council confirmed that the large sign has been taken down. John was assigned to move forward with the direct grant system and a grant submission was completed. The next meeting was scheduled for after Memorial Day.

• Approve meeting minutes – unanimous vote
• Large sign taken down – completed
• Photographer check mailed – completed
• Reimbursement for beads by Tea ($90) – processed
• Direct grant system – John to move forward (assigned)
• Grant opportunities – grant submitted (completed)
• Next meeting scheduled for after Memorial Day – set

Worcester Regional Transit Authority

The agenda consists of procedural boilerplate. The board will approve minutes from April 17, 2025, and hear an administrator's report.

Library Trustees

The Board of Trustees will meet to address administrative updates, including a director appointment and board reorganization. The meeting will also include a review of by-laws and the FY '25 budget.

• Director appointment
• Reorganization of the Board
• Review of by-laws
• FY '25 budget report

The trustees approved the minutes from the April 17 meeting and scheduled the next regular meeting for June 17, 2025. They accepted Karen Walk's resignation and appointed Betsy Perry as the interim Library Director. The board decided to keep current officer positions unchanged and to address by‑law revisions at the next meeting.

• Approved April 17 minutes (unanimous)
• Set next regular meeting for June 17, 2025
• Accepted Karen Walk resignation
• Appointed Betsy Perry as Library Director
• Kept board officer positions as is
• Deferred by‑law review to next meeting

Conservation Commission

The Charlton Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on multiple Notices of Intent, including a 40-unit multi-family housing development at 35 North Main Street and landfill capping at 54 Flint Road. The commission will also consider several other wetland-related permits for single-family homes, septic replacements, and retaining walls, along with old/new business including a contract review for Fay Mountain Farm and a request for removal from Chapter 61B for a parcel on Cemetery Road.

• Notice of Intent for 40-unit multi-family housing at 35 North Main Street (DEP #128-1938)
• Notice of Intent for landfill capping at 54 Flint Road (DEP #128-1962)
• Notices of Intent for single-family homes on Lot 2 and Lot 4 Sandersdale Road within 100-ft buffer zone
• Request for Determination of Applicability for septic replacement at 21 South Sullivan Road
• Request for removal from Chapter 61B for parcel 10-C-2.10 on Cemetery Road/Gould

Fire Substation Committee

The Fire Substation Committee will consider and vote on budget transfers and a contract for a commissioning agent. The committee will also discuss the project schedule, building permit status, and consider change order requests and contractor payments.

• Vote on budget transfers
• Vote to award contract for a commissioning agent
• Update on building permit status
• Consideration of change order requests
• Consideration of contractor payments

Water/Sewer Commission

The Charlton Water & Sewer Commission will hold a remote meeting to reorganize by appointing a new chair, vice chair, and clerk, and to designate AP and salary authority. The consent agenda includes approval of minutes, warrants, and several abatements, including senior abatements and one for 5 Gillespie Rd. Scheduled appointments cover Veolia's monthly operating report, a duplex connection on North Main Street, a sewer connection for the new fire station at 4 Oxford Rd, and abatement issues for McDonald's at 5E Mass Turnpike. New business includes a notice of intent to sell for the Saint Mark Coptic Orthodox Church, and old business involves a water meter tampering letter and an update on Route 20/Richardson Corner Rd improvements.

• Re-organization of board: appointing new Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk
• Senior abatement approvals (flat and meter rates)
• 5 Gillespie Rd abatement approval
• North Main Street duplex new construction water & sewer connection (C.R. Hansen Construction)
• 4 Oxford Rd sewer connection for new Fire Station (Dig It Construction LLC)

DCRSD- School Committee

The Dudley-Charlton Regional School District Policy Review Subcommittee will meet to discuss updates to specific district policies. The body will also review future agenda items including the School Committee Handbook.

• Update to GCG Substitute Teachers policy
• Update to KE General Complaints from the Community policy
• Discussion of School Committee Handbook draft
• Discussion of Charting the Course Policy
• Discussion of Policy Reconciliation Project

DCRSD- School Committee

The Dudley-Charlton Regional School District Policy Review Subcommittee will meet to consider updates to two policies: GCG (Substitute Teachers) and KE (General Complaints from the Community). The subcommittee will also approve minutes from its March 26 meeting and discuss future agenda items including a School Committee Handbook, a Charting the Course policy, and a Policy Reconciliation Project.

• Update to Policy GCG - Substitute Teachers
• Update to Policy KE - General Complaints from the Community
• Approval of minutes from March 26, 2025 meeting
• Discussion of future agenda items: School Committee Handbook, Charting the Course Policy, Policy Reconciliation Project

DCRSD- School Committee

The committee will discuss fiscal updates including FY2025 budget status, FY2026 budget creation, FY2024 audit, and healthcare rates. Other items include special education determinations, the district improvement plan, and superintendent's evaluation. Consent agenda includes approval of warrant, minutes, and an out-of-state field trip.

• Approval of out-of-state field trip #143 to N. Granby, CT for DMS
• FY2025 budget status update
• FY2026 budget creation update
• FY2024 audit update and healthcare rate update
• Superintendent's evaluation and draft district improvement plan

Water/Sewer Commission

The Commission will appoint a new Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk. Members will discuss water and sewer connections for new construction and review several abatement requests. The body will also address a notice of intent to sell property from Saint Mark Coptic Orthodox Church.

• New construction water and sewer connection for duplex at North Main Street
• Sewer connection for new Fire Station at 4 Oxford Rd
• Sewer abatement discussion for McDonalds at 5E Mass Turnpike
• Notice of intent to sell property for other use: Saint Mark Coptic Orthodox Church
• Abatement approvals for 5 Gillespie Rd and senior rates

The Water/Sewer Commission reorganized its leadership, appointing Paul Gagner as Chairman, Thomas Coleman as Vice Chair, and Robert Coleman as Clerk. It approved warrants totaling $100,906.66 and a senior rate abatement of $874.91. The board approved sewer connections for a North Main Street duplex and the new fire station at 4 Oxford Rd, both contingent on payment of privilege fees. It also authorized a purchase of a replacement water‑vault hatch for Oxbow Rd under $20,000 and declined the town's right of first refusal on 74 Gould Rd.

• Paul Gagner appointed Chairman (unanimous aye vote)
• Thomas Coleman appointed Vice Chair (unanimous aye vote)
• Robert Coleman appointed Clerk (unanimous aye vote)
• Warrants for $100,906.66 approved (unanimous aye vote)
• Senior abatement of $874.91 approved (unanimous aye vote)
• Sewer connection for North Main St. duplex approved, pending privilege fees (unanimous aye vote)
• Sewer connection for fire station at 4 Oxford Rd approved (unanimous aye vote)
• Authorization to purchase Oxbow Rd water‑vault hatch under $20,000 approved (unanimous aye vote)

Select Board

The Charlton Select Board will reorganize by electing officers and adopting internal procedures, then consider several appointments and resignations. Two pole hearings for National Grid and Verizon on Denfield Rd. and E. Baylies Rd. are scheduled, followed by a public hearing on removing a property off Gould Road and Cemetery Road from Chapter 61B (agricultural/forestry tax status), which gives the town a right of first refusal. The board will also vote on transferring a vehicle dealer license from McGee GMC to Butler GMC, approve special alcohol licenses for Timberyard Brewing events, and award DPW materials and services bids.

• Election of Chair, Vice-Chair, and Clerk for the Select Board
• Public hearing on removing Assessors Map 10, Block C, Lot 2 (off Gould Road and Cemetery Road) from Chapter 61B classification
• Transfer of Class 1 vehicle dealer license from McGee GMC, Inc. to Butler GMC, Inc.
• Special alcoholic beverage licenses for Timberyard Brewing Co. – Jeep Event and Vintage Car Event
• Appointment of Sarah Laskowski as Council on Aging Kitchen Coordinator

The board elected Karen Spiewak as Chair, Basia Zurawski as Vice‑Chair, and Basia Zurawski as Clerk. They also appointed Sarah Laskowski as the Council on Aging Kitchen Coordinator and approved two joint‑owned utility pole installations. Additional actions included a license transfer, a scholarship award, and several special alcoholic beverage licenses.

• Elected Karen Spiewak as Chair (3 ayes, 1 opposed, 1 abstain)
• Elected Basia Zurawski as Vice‑Chair (4 ayes, 1 abstain)
• Elected Basia Zurawski as Clerk (unanimous)
• Appointed Sarah Laskowski as Council on Aging Kitchen Coordinator (unanimous)
• Approved joint‑owned pole installation on Denfield Rd (unanimous)
• Approved joint‑owned pole installation on E. Baylies Rd (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of Class I license from McGee GMC to Butler GMC (unanimous)
• Awarded 2025 Jessie Smith Scholarship $250 (unanimous)

Lakes & Ponds Committee

The Lakes & Ponds Committee will review the FY2024/25/26 budget, address drawdown comments and issues, and plan 2025 weed surveys and water testing. They will also discuss MS4/stormwater management and old business items such as a weed identification class and fallen trees.

• FY2024/25/26 Budget Updates
• 24/25 Drawdown comments/issues
• 2025 Weed Surveys Plans
• 2025 Water Testing
• MS4/Stormwater discussion

DCRSD- School Committee

The Budget & Finance Subcommittee is meeting to receive status updates on the current and upcoming fiscal year budgets. The body will also discuss the FY2024 audit and healthcare updates for FY2026.

• FY2025 Budget status update
• FY2026 Budget Creation status update
• FY2024 Audit update
• FY2026 Healthcare update
• DCTA Contract update

Recreation Commission

The Recreation Commission will meet to reorganize the board and review several maintenance items. Discussions will focus on equipment updates and repairs across various town recreational sites.

• Pickleball Court repair at CMS and benches update
• Mound cover at Memorial Field
• Camera and electrical work by the playground
• Picnic tables for football
• Gaga Ball

The commission voted to appoint Sheri Zanca as Chairman and Patsy Rydlak as Vice Chair. The board also approved the minutes from 4/21/25 and authorized several payments for equipment and services, including portable toilets, picnic tables, file folders, gazebo work, and a pitcher’s mound cover.

• Appointed Sheri Zanca as Chairman; motion passed
• Appointed Patsy Rydlak as Vice Chair; motion passed
• Accepted minutes of 4/21/25; motion passed
• Approved payment to Slims for invoices #11107, #11109, #11111 totaling $605; motion passed
• Approved payment to Home Depot invoice #268087 for $387 for three picnic tables; motion passed
• Approved payment to Amazon order 1HMH-69QJ-3T1Q for $21.56 for file folders; motion passed
• Approved payment to LaForte Electrical invoice #1565 for $1,200 for gazebo work; motion passed
• Approved purchase of Pitcher's Mound Cover from Beacon Athletics for $801.55 (including $690.99 item and $110.56 shipping); motion passed

Keep Charlton Beautiful Committee

The Keep Charlton Beautiful Committee will meet to discuss the Recycling Dividends Program application deadline, review sections of the program to complete, welcome new member Clara Cogswell, and review participation in the recent Earth Day event and related sales.

• Recycling Dividends Program application deadline: June 2
• New member: Clara Cogswell
• Earth Day participation and sales update

The committee reported a $32 deposit from compost bucket sales at the Earth Day Festival and noted upcoming edits to the town's Keep Charlton Beautiful web page, including adding Clara Cogswell and removing Jean Hank. Members were reminded to send agendas to Karen Lacroix and post minutes within 48 hours, and to complete RDP worksheets by May 24. The group discussed social‑media posts for RDP points, a potential press release, and recycling practices, and scheduled the next meeting for June 9, 2025 at 4:00 pm.

Board of Health

The Charlton Coalition for Public Health (CCPH), serving Charlton, Sturbridge, Sutton, Spencer, and Wales, will hear a presentation on the Foundational Public Health Services Review. Members will also discuss FY25 financial projections and receive updates from shared staff including a Regional Inspector and Community Health Coordinator. The meeting is held remotely via Zoom.

• Foundational Public Health Services Review presentation by Melanie Mackin of BME Strategies
• FY25 spend down and Q4 financial projections
• Shared Staff updates: Regional Inspector and Regional Community Health Coordinator
• Member communities discussion on CCPH issues

The Board of Health formally tabled the minutes from the April 10, 2025 meeting. A review of the Foundational Public Health Services framework was presented, with data to be finalized and shared later. Staff provided updates on training, case work, and collaborations. The meeting adjourned at 10:10 a.m.

• Tabled April 10, 2025 minutes (no vote recorded)

DCRSD- School Committee

The Dudley-Charlton Regional School District Policy Review Subcommittee will meet to discuss updates to two specific policies. The group will also identify future agenda items regarding the School Committee Handbook and a policy reconciliation project.

• Update to Policy GCG — Substitute Teachers
• Update to Policy KE — General Complaints from the Community
• Discussion of draft School Committee Handbook
• Discussion of Charting the Course Policy
• Discussion of Policy Reconciliation Project

Planning Board

The Planning Board will conduct public hearings regarding a multi-family project and proposed zoning bylaw and map amendments. The board will also discuss road improvements and solar decommissioning bonds.

• Public hearing for GM Properties, LLC multi-family units at 35 N. Main Street
• Public hearing for proposed Zoning Bylaw & Map Amendments
• Discussion of road improvements on Hiland Road
• Decommissioning Bond request for Nextera Energy solar at 261 North Sturbridge Road
• Discussion on Solar/Battery Energy Storage Systems Decommissioning Bonds with ZP Dev. Co

The Planning Board closed the public hearing on the zoning amendment and voted to support the zoning and map changes at the Annual Town Meeting. The Board also assigned Attorney Jonathan Silverstein to review the Hiland Road ANR title issue, approved the April 16 minutes, and adjourned the meeting at 10:15 p.m. Additionally, the Board agreed to draft a standard letter on decommissioning bonds and to hire a professional engineer for solar decommissioning projects.

• Approved motion to close public hearing on zoning amendments (unanimous)
• Approved motion to support zoning and map changes at Annual Town Meeting (unanimous)
• Assigned Attorney Jonathan Silverstein to review Hiland Road ANR title issue (unanimous)
• Approved April 16, 2025 minutes as presented (unanimous)
• Approved adjournment at 10:15 p.m. (unanimous)
• Agreed to draft a standard letter on decommissioning bonds (unanimous)
• Agreed to hire a professional engineer for solar decommissioning bonds (unanimous)

Council on Aging

The Charlton Council on Aging will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes, review the treasurer's report, and discuss old and new business. Key items include introducing new Outreach Coordinator Shawnie Boyce, who started on April 28, and hearing the director's report on upcoming town meeting for budget approval and a volunteer appreciation event.

• Introduction of new Outreach Coordinator Shawnie Boyce (started 4/28/25)
• Reminder to attend Town Meeting on 5/19/25 at 7 pm at Charlton Middle School for budget approval
• Volunteer Appreciation Event scheduled for Saturday, 5/31

The council unanimously approved the minutes from the April 2 meeting, including a correction about the Town Meeting approval. A motion to accept the Treasurer’s report, which detailed donations, grant funds, and expenses, also passed unanimously. The board assigned Vicki Thompson to investigate using the sewing room for additional storage and directed Michelle Drumm to draft a participation policy manual for the senior center. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.

• Approved April 2 minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted Treasurer’s report (unanimous)
• Tasked Vicki Thompson to explore sewing‑room storage (no vote recorded)
• Directed Michelle Drumm to draft a senior‑center participation policy (no vote recorded)
• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to discuss new business regarding accessory dwelling units and a septic system at 59 Cranberry Meadow Shore Road. The board will also review old business concerning the Flint Road Landfill and PFAS.

• Accessory Dwelling Units
• Septic system at 59 Cranberry Meadow Shore Road
• Flint Road Landfill
• PFAS

The Board accepted the April 9, 2025 meeting minutes. It approved the ADU septic plan for 7 Lamed Hill Road, adding a deed restriction for the accessory dwelling unit. The Board also adopted a requirement that water quality be tested at the ADU kitchen sink before occupancy. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Accepted April 9, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
• Approved ADU septic plan for 7 Lamed Hill Road with deed restriction (all in favor)
• Adopted water quality testing requirement for ADU kitchen sink (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor)

Historical Commission

This is a routine monthly meeting of the Charlton Historical Commission. The agenda consists solely of old business items: finalizing the bylaws, discussing signs and BayPath updates, and reviewing guidelines for historical districts. No new business, votes on specific projects, or financial items are listed.

• Bylaws review and finalization
• Signs and BayPath updates
• Guidelines review
• Guidelines for historical districts

The Historical Commission noted that bylaws have been updated and are ready for a fall warrant, and will develop guidelines for resident applications. It planned to continue signage work with BayPath, prioritizing repairs, and to locate artwork in Town Hall or the library by contacting A. Golas. The commission also agreed to send a thank‑you note for 1776 documents, research Mercy Streater’s adventures, and inquire with the Historical Society about sharing a booth at Old Home Day.

• Bylaw updates prepared for fall warrant; guidelines for resident applications to be drafted
• Signage work to continue with BayPath, aiming for two signs per year and prioritizing repairs
• Artwork and photos to be hung in Town Hall or library; A. Golas to be asked for location
• Thank‑you note to be sent for Michael Dickson’s 1776 documents
• Suzanne Hall to research adventures of Mercy Streater
• Commission to ask Historical Society about sharing a booth at Old Home Day

Activities Council

This is a regular meeting of the Charlton Arts & Activities Council. They will review prior minutes, discuss facility use and maintenance, plan the Blueberry Festival 2025, and review memorandums of understanding. No major financial decisions or public hearings are on the agenda.

• Review of prior meeting minutes
• Facility use and updates
• Housekeeping and maintenance
• Blueberry Festival 2025 planning
• Review of MOUs

The board approved the acquisition of eight 8‑ft picnic tables, a video screen for presentations, a cooler for events, and 12 BBF lawn signs, each within specified cost limits. The council also authorized proceeding with the purchase of a garden cart. Several members were assigned tasks such as contacting a plumber for the Lower Barn and investigating keypad entry and hot‑air hand dryers.

• Approved purchase of eight 8‑ft picnic tables, up to $200 each (all approve)
• Approved purchase of a video screen for presentations, up to $200 (all approve)
• Approved purchase of a cooler for events, up to $20 (all approve)
• Approved purchase of 12 BBF lawn signs, up to $200 each (all approve)
• Approved proceeding with purchase of a garden cart (all approve)
• Assigned DK to contact Gustafson Plumbing to open the Lower Barn for a May 17 event
• Assigned investigation of programmable keypad entry for farmhouse doors
• Assigned investigation of hot‑air hand dryers to replace paper towels

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council will meet via Zoom to discuss pending items including the grant cycle, art show planning, and action items. The agenda is procedural with no specific proposals or dollar amounts listed.

• Grant cycle discussion
• Art show planning
• Action items

The Cultural Council voted to approve the May 2, 2025 meeting minutes with a unanimous vote. No other substantive motions were recorded in this session.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)

Water/Sewer Commission

The Water/Sewer Commission is holding a special remote meeting to discuss and possibly appoint Vincent Masterson as a water and sewer consultant. No other specific agenda items are listed beyond routine procedural items.

• Discussion of Vincent Masterson for a possible consultant appointment

The Water & Sewer Commission voted to hire consultant Vincent Masterson. A motion was also approved to increase the Sewer Plant Operation budget by $60,000 for FY 2026. Both motions passed with affirmative votes. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Hire consultant Vincent Masterson (approved, Cantwell abstained, Jennings and Mcclam aye)
• Add $60,000 to Sewer Plant Operation Budget FY 2026 (approved, Cantwell, Jennings, and Mcclam aye)
• Adjourn meeting (approved, Cantwell, Jennings, and Mcclam aye)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on several development projects and resource area delineations. The body will also review certificates of compliance and a contract agreement for Fay Mountain Farm.

• Notice of Intent for 40 multi-family housing units at 35 North Main Street
• Notice of Intent for MassDEP mandated capping of landfill at 54 Flint Road
• Request for Determination of Applicability for a barn and septic system at 30 Hill Road
• Request for Determination of Applicability for demolition and two new buildings at 130 Sturbridge Road
• Review of Fay Mountain Farm Contract Agreement

The Conservation Commission approved the minutes from March 26 and April 9, 2025. It continued multiple hearings to May 14, 2025 and issued both positive and negative determinations on several wetland‑related applications. The board also accepted a resource‑area delineation, granted a partial Certificate of Compliance for a solar project, extended one Order of Resource Area Delineation to 2028, and declined to extend another order.

• Approved minutes from March 26 and April 9, 2025 (motion passed)
• Continued hearing for 54 Flint Road Notice of Intent to May 14, 2025 (motion passed)
• Issued positive determination confirming resource‑area boundaries and negative determination with conditions for 30 Hill Road (motion passed)
• Accepted resource‑area delineation for J Davis Road & City Depot Road and issued an Order of Resource Area Delineation (motion passed)
• Issued Negative Determination with conditions for 93 Leland Drive shed request (motion passed)
• Issued Partial Certificate of Compliance for Carpenter Hill Road Solar project (motion passed)
• Extended Order of Resource Area Delineation DEP #128-1559 to May 14, 2028 (motion passed)
• Decided not to extend Order of Resource Area Delineation DEP #128-1483 after its expiration (motion passed)

DCRSD- School Committee

The Capital and School Safety Subcommittee is meeting to discuss the district's capital plan and receive an update on fire panels. They will also consider approval of minutes from March 19, 2025. No update is expected on solar projects.

• Approval of minutes from March 19, 2025 meeting
• Fire panels — update
• Capital Plan — discussion
• Solar Projects — no update
• Future agenda items

DCRSD- School Committee

The Dudley-Charlton Regional School District Policy Review Subcommittee is meeting to consider updates to two specific policies. The group will also identify future agenda items regarding the committee handbook and policy reconciliation.

• Update to GCG - Substitute Teachers policy
• Update to KE — General Complaints from the Community policy
• Discussion of School Committee Handbook draft
• Discussion of Charting the Course Policy
• Discussion of Policy Reconciliation Project

Cultural Council

The Charlton Cultural Council will meet remotely to discuss the current grant cycle, plan an upcoming art show, and address other action items. The agenda is procedural, with no specific grant amounts or project names listed.

• Grant cycle discussion
• Art show planning
• Action items review

The Charlton Cultural Council approved the April 25, 2025 meeting minutes with a unanimous vote. No other formal actions were recorded; pending items such as the grant cycle and art show planning remain for future discussion. The next meeting is set for May 2, 2025.

• Approved April 25 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Charlton Conservation Commission will hold a series of public hearings on nine environmental permit applications, including a 40-unit multi-family housing development at 35 North Main Street, a landfill capping project at 54 Flint Road, and several other residential and commercial projects. The commission will also consider a Certificate of Compliance for 90 Haggerty Road and a contract agreement update for Fay Mountain Farm. Minutes from March 26 and April 9 meetings are slated for approval.

• Public hearing: Notice of Intent for 40-unit multi-family housing at 35 North Main Street (DEP #128-1938)
• Public hearing: Notice of Intent for landfill capping at 54 Flint Road (DEP #128-1962)
• Public hearing: Request for Determination of Applicability for barn and septic system at 30 Hill Road
• Certificate of Compliance for DEP #128-1543 at 90 Haggerty Road
• Old/New Business: Review of Fay Mountain Farm Contract Agreement

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to approve March minutes and discuss a town line boundary update. The board will also enter executive session to review confidential tax abatement, exemption, and motor vehicle excise applications.

• Town line boundary update
• Review of abatement and exemption applications
• Review of motor vehicle excise applications
• Discussion of Form of Lists or Form 3ABC’s
• Review of Income and Expense forms

The Board of Assessors unanimously accepted the March 25, 2025 meeting minutes. It voted not to exercise its right of first refusal on parcel 10-C-2.11 belonging to Saint Mark Coptic Church. The meeting was then adjourned to an executive session.

• Accepted March 25, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Did not exercise ROFR on 10-C-2.11 for Saint Mark Coptic Church
• Adjourned to executive session (motion made and seconded)

Select Board

The Select Board will meet to approve the Town Meeting Warrant and evaluate the Town Administrator. The session includes appointments for the COA Outreach Coordinator and a Planning Board alternate member.

• Approval of Town Meeting Warrant
• Appointment of COA Outreach Coordinator
• Joint appointment with Planning Board for Alternate Member
• Town Administrator Evaluation
• Executive session regarding Police Union contract collective bargaining

The board approved the Charlton Permanent Fire Fighters Association’s “Boot Drive” toll‑road event on Main St. and Masonic Home Rd. for April 26, 2025, with safety conditions set by the Police Chief. Shawnie Boyce was appointed COA Outreach Coordinator to start April 28, 2025. Laurie Degnan was appointed as an alternate member of the Planning Board. The Town Meeting warrant was also approved unanimously.

• Approved fire fighters’ toll‑road fundraiser (unanimous)
• Appointed Shawnie Boyce as COA Outreach Coordinator (unanimous)
• Appointed Laurie Degnan as Planning Board alternate (unanimous)
• Approved Town Meeting warrant (unanimous)
• Entered executive session to discuss collective bargaining (unanimous)

Old Home Day Committee

The Charlton Old Home Day Committee is holding a regular planning meeting. Items include approving prior minutes, reviewing finances, discussing a donation letter, and organizing the parade, vendor applications, and the soap box derby. Other topics are trash removal, backup roles, rock and roll racing, and the roaming railroad.

• Parade planning
• Vendor applications
• Soap Box Derby discussion
• Old Home Day Manual review
• Trash removal logistics

Cemetery Commission

The Cemetery Commission will consider approving minutes from prior meetings, review monthly burial counts and prior expenses. Old business includes an update on the scanning project and a review of a quote from All Funeral services/Cemetery Workstation for digitalization software. New business covers a question about the Harold Eastman lot at Northside Cemetery and declaring miscellaneous items surplus.

• Motion to accept minutes from 1/28/25 and 3/25/25 meetings
• Review of quote from All Funeral services/Cemetery Workstation for digitalization software
• Update on scanning project of Cemetery Department records
• Question from Waldo Eastman Jr. on Harold Eastman lot in Northside Cemetery
• Miscellaneous items to be declared surplus by the Board of Cemetery Commissioners

The Cemetery Commission approved the minutes from the March 25 and December 23 meetings. It ratified the expense payments listed in the recent warrants. The board took no action on the All Funeral Services digital‑recording proposal and asked Jim to research other cemeteries' solutions. Several items of equipment were declared surplus and authorized for disposal through MUNICIBID.

• Approved March 25 and Dec 23, 2024 meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Ratified expense account payments listed in warrants (motion passed)
• Took no action on All Funeral Services digitalization proposal (motion passed)
• Declared surplus equipment (tractor, snow blower, utility cart, blower, leaf collector, chain saw, etc.) and authorized disposal via MUNICIBID (motion passed)
• Tasked Donna Neylon to draft a reply to Mr. Waldo Eastman Jr. on plot ownership (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting at 2:05 pm (motion passed)

Planning Board

The Charlton Planning Board will hold a joint appointment with the Select Board for a Planning Board Alternate Member. The agenda is largely procedural, with no substantive decisions listed.

• Joint appointment of a Planning Board Alternate Member by Planning Board and Select Board

Recreation Commission

The Charlton Recreation Commission will review minutes, discuss bills, and hear updates on portable toilets, pickleball court repairs and lighting, and a gaga ball project. New business items were not available at the time of posting. The meeting is being held via Zoom.

• Pickleball Court update on repairs and lighting
• Portable toilets update
• Gaga Ball discussion
• A.Golas update and CMRPC

The Recreation Commission accepted the March 24 minutes and approved payment of two Slims & Berthiaume invoices totaling $424.16. A motion to purchase two to three picnic tables for Maynard Field, not exceeding $500, was also approved. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved acceptance of March 24, 2025 minutes (motion passed)
• Approved payment of Slims & Berthiaume invoices 110700 and 110702, total $424.16 (motion passed)
• Approved purchase of 2‑3 picnic tables for Maynard Field, not to exceed $500 (motion passed)
• Approved adjournment of the meeting (motion passed)

Old Home Day Committee

The committee is meeting to discuss logistics and planning for Old Home Day. Agenda items include event activities, financial matters, and manual updates.

• Road Race discussion
• Antique cars and Parade planning
• Finances and donation letters
• Vendor Applications
• Soap Box Derby and Rock and Roll Racing

Cultural Council

The Charlton Cultural Council will discuss pending items including the current grant cycle and ongoing art show planning. Action items will also be addressed. No votes or specific funding amounts are listed.

• Grant cycle review and updates
• Art show planning discussions

Worcester Regional Transit Authority

The Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board is meeting to approve minutes from March 20, 2025, hear public comments, receive reports from the chairperson and administrator, and take a roll call vote to adjourn. No major proposals, contracts, or policy changes are listed on the agenda, making this a procedural meeting.

• Approval of minutes from March 20, 2025
• Public comment period (in-person, email, and Zoom)
• Administrator's Report
• Chairperson's comments
• Roll call vote to adjourn

Worcester Regional Transit Authority

The agenda consists of procedural boilerplate. The board will review the Administrator's Report and approve minutes from the March 20, 2025 meeting.

• Approval of March 20, 2025 minutes
• Administrator's Report

Worcester Regional Transit Authority

The Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board will hold a meeting on April 17, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. at 60 Foster Street, Worcester, and via Zoom. The agenda includes approval of minutes from March 20, 2025, reports from the chairperson and administrator, and public comment. No major policy decisions or financial actions are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from March 20, 2025
• Public comment period
• Administrator's report
• Chairperson's comments
• Roll call vote to adjourn

Worcester Regional Transit Authority

The Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board will meet on April 17, 2025, to handle standard procedural items including roll call, approval of minutes from March 20, 2025, public comments, chairperson and administrator reports, and a potential roll-call vote to adjourn. No substantive decisions, financial actions, or policy changes are listed on the agenda. The meeting is open in person and via Zoom.

• Roll call and approval of minutes from March 20, 2025
• Business from the public – written or spoken comments accepted with 48-hour notice
• Administrator’s report and chairperson’s comments
• Potential roll-call vote to adjourn

Library Trustees

The Charlton Public Library Board of Trustees will discuss and potentially decide on the procedure for hiring a new library director, including screening, interviewing, and selection. They will also review applicants for the position and receive a budget report for fiscal year 2025. The meeting includes routine approval of minutes and setting the next meeting date.

• Director search procedure including screening, interview, and selection process
• Review of applicants for library director position
• Budget report for FY '25
• Approval of minutes from March 20, 2025
• Next regular meeting set for May 15, 2025

The trustees approved the minutes from March 20, 2025. They set the next meeting for May 15, 2025 at 6:30 pm. An interview committee was created for the library director search and three applicants were selected to move to the interview stage. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved March 20, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for May 15, 2025 at 6:30 pm
• Formed interview committee for director search
• Selected three applicants for director interviews
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board will hold a joint meeting with the Finance Committee to review and discuss the proposed FY26 Budget. The board will also consider recommendations for the budget and warrant. Other business may be addressed as needed.

• Joint meeting with Finance Committee to consider FY26 Budget
• Recommendations for Budget and Warrant

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will hold a joint meeting with the Board of Selectpersons and DCRSD. The body will review budgets and discuss recommendations ahead of the May 19 Annual Town Meeting.

• Joint meeting with Board of Selectpersons and DCRSD
• Review of budgets and committee recommendations

The committee approved the March 26, 2025 Finance Committee minutes. After a presentation of the FY26 budget and related reports, the committee voted to support Articles 2 through 13 of the 2025 ATM Warrant. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved March 26, 2025 Finance Committee minutes (motion passed)
• Supported Article 2 of 2025 ATM Warrant (motion passed)
• Supported Article 3 of 2025 ATM Warrant (motion passed)
• Supported Article 4 of 2025 ATM Warrant (motion passed)
• Supported Article 5 of 2025 ATM Warrant (motion passed)
• Supported Article 6 of 2025 ATM Warrant (motion passed)
• Supported Article 7 of 2025 ATM Warrant (motion passed)
• Supported Articles 8‑13 of 2025 ATM Warrant (motion passed)

Public Hearings

The Charlton Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a proposal to amend the Zoning Bylaw. Changes include adding definitions (e.g., flea markets), updating accessory dwelling unit requirements, amending use regulations, and rezoning a portion of Worcester Road between 379 Worcester Road and the Oxford town line to Community Business. The hearing will be held in person and via Zoom.

• Add definition of flea markets to Section 200-2.1
• New requirements for Accessory Dwelling Units (Section 200-2.1, 200-3.2 B, new Section 200-5.xx)
• Delete footnotes of intensity use table and insert new paragraphs under Section 200-3.3 B
• Amend allowed uses in Use Regulation table (Section 200-3.2 B)
• Amend zoning map to add Community Business between 379 Worcester Road and Oxford town line

Public Hearings

The Charlton Planning Board will hold a public hearing on April 16, 2025, to consider a site plan application from Premier Trailer Leasing. The proposal includes constructing two buildings totaling 6,545 square feet and regrading an existing gravel tractor trailer parking area on Sturbridge Road (Assessors Map 30, Lot C, Parcel 16, zoned Industrial General). The business has been in operation for many years.

• Public hearing on April 16, 2025 at 7:00 PM in Planning Board Office, 37 Main Street
• Site plan application from Premier Trailer Leasing for two buildings totaling 6,545 square feet
• Proposed regrading of existing gravel tractor trailer parking area
• Property located on Sturbridge Road, Assessors Map 30, Lot C, Parcel 16, zoned Industrial General (IG)
• Application available for inspection at Planning Board and Town Clerk's offices

Public Hearings

The Planning Board will discuss several proposed amendments to the town's Zoning Bylaws. These changes include new definitions, updated use regulations, and a potential zoning map amendment.

• Proposed definition for flea markets in Section 200-2.1
• New requirements for Accessory Dwelling Units
• Proposed zoning map change to Community Business between 379 Worcester Road and the Oxford Town line
• Amendments to Village district regulations in section 200-5.17
• Changes to Reduced Frontage Lots regulations in section 200-5.13

Housing Authority

This is a regular meeting of the Charlton Housing Authority. The agenda consists of standard procedural items including approval of prior minutes, treasurer's and executive director's reports, and public comment. No specific votes, projects, or contracts are listed for action.

• Routine approval of minutes and reports only

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing regarding a site plan for two buildings at 130 Sturbridge Road. Members will also review proposed amendments to the Charlton Zoning Bylaws and a decommissioning bond for a solar project.

• Public hearing for Premier Trailer Leasing to construct two buildings (6,545 sq ft) and regrade a parking lot at 130 Sturbridge Road
• Decommissioning Bond request for Nextera Energy at 261 North Sturbridge Road Solar
• M.G.L. C. 61B Lot Release Request for Saint Mark Coptic Orthodox Church on Gould Road
• Review of proposed Charlton Zoning Bylaw Amendments
• Discussion on pet chickens in Community Business Zone (CB)

The Planning Board approved a $674,000 decommissioning bond for the North Sturbridge Road solar farm, adding a statement that the bond will be reviewed every five years. It also adopted a no‑objection stance to the town not exercising its right of first refusal on the Gould and Cemetery Road parcel. The Board reclassified Jayne Gamey to Assistant Planner at $34.50 per hour and continued the Premier Trailer Leasing public hearing to May 21, 2025.

• Approved $674,000 North Sturbridge Road decommissioning bond with 25% cash down (all in favor)
• Added requirement to review the decommissioning bond every five years (all in favor)
• Adopted no objection to town not exercising right of first refusal for parcel O‑C‑2 (all in favor)
• Approved reclassification of Jayne Gamey to Assistant Planner at $34.50/hr (all in favor)
• Continued Premier Trailer Leasing public hearing to May 21, 2025 (all in favor)
• Approved sending certified letter to Mr. Boria requesting light shielding until shields installed (all in favor)
• Approved removal of current decommissioning bond policy (all in favor)
• Approved meeting adjournment at 10:10 p.m. (all in favor)

DCRSD- School Committee

The DCRSD Curriculum Subcommittee will discuss updates to the preschool curriculum, transitions including math leveling in middle school, and professional development. They will also review minutes from prior meetings and receive a grants update. No votes are expected; items are for discussion and planning.

• Preschool curriculum update
• Math leveling in middle school transition
• Professional development update
• Grants update
• Review of minutes from December 2024, January 2025, and February 2025

Keep Charlton Beautiful Committee

The Keep Charlton Beautiful Committee will hold a discussion-only meeting with no votes or formal decisions scheduled. Topics include a Garden Club update, a visit to the Spencer Transfer Station, and continued work on the Recycling Development Plan (RDP) following DEP webinar guidelines.

• Garden Club update (discussion)
• Spencer Transfer Station visit (discussion)
• Continue RDP work following DEP Webinar guidelines (discussion)

The Keep Charlton Beautiful Committee shared updates on a Spencer Transfer Station video, a planned garden planter at the island of Masonic Home and North Main Streets, and recycling outreach efforts. Members agreed to send Earth Day photos to social media and to explore recycling services and future yard‑sale ideas. The next meeting is set for Monday, May 122 at 4:30 PM in the Charlton Library community room.

Cultural Council

The Charlton Cultural Council will meet remotely to discuss pending items including the current grant cycle, plans for an upcoming art show, and other action items. The meeting is largely procedural with no specific votes or dollar amounts listed on the agenda.

• Grant cycle discussion
• Art show planning
• Action items review

The council discussed pending items including the grant cycle, art show planning, and budget expenditures. No formal approvals, denials, or votes were recorded; the meeting focused on reviewing costs, confirming vendors, and assigning future tasks. Action items such as updating grant opportunities and transitioning social media were noted for follow‑up.

Board of Health

The Coalition for Public Health, representing Charlton, Sturbridge, Sutton, Spencer, and Wales, will meet to receive updates on regional staffing and finances. The body will also discuss the East Brookfield agreement and Foundational Public Health Services.

• East Brookfield agreement update
• Foundational Public Health Services update
• Financial update
• Regional Inspector staffing update
• Regional Community Health Coordinator staffing update

The Board of Health approved a motion that was introduced on February 13, 2025, with Jim as the mover and David as the seconder. A meeting scheduled for March 13, 2025 could not conduct business because a quorum was not present. The remainder of the session consisted of updates on IMA amendments, housing‑related assistance requests, and a review of foundational public health services. The board adjourned at 9:31 am.

• Approved Feb. 13 motion (motion by Jim, second by David)
• No quorum on March 13, 2025 – no action taken

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will review permit issuances and hold public hearings for several property projects. The body will also discuss a contract agreement for Fay Mountain Farm and a request for removal from Chapter 61B for a parcel on Gould/Cemetery Road.

• Public hearing for landfill capping at 54 Flint Road
• RDA for a 28x28 barn and septic system at 30 Hill Road
• RDA for demolition and construction of two buildings at 130 Sturbridge Road
• NOI for a four-bedroom home at Lot 5 Harrington Road
• Request for removal from Chapter 61B at Gould/Cemetery Road (Parcel ID: 10-C-2)

The commission approved a notice of stormwater violation for the property at 62 Old Spencer Road. It also approved the Order of Conditions for the 75 E Baylies Road permit and issued complete certificates of compliance for projects at 171 Sunset Drive and Lot 2 Oxford Road. Several pending hearings were postponed to April 23, 2025. The commission voted not to exercise its first right of refusal on the Gould/Cemetery Road parcel.

• Issued stormwater violation notice to 62 Old Spencer Road (motion passed)
• Issued Order of Conditions for DEP #128-1960 – 75 E Baylies Road (motion passed)
• Continued hearing for 54 Flint Road Notice of Intent to April 23, 2025 (motion passed)
• Continued hearing for Sandersdale ANRAD to April 23, 2025 (motion passed)
• Continued hearing for 30 Hill Road RDA to April 23, 2025 (motion passed)
• Issued Complete Certificate of Compliance for 171 Sunset Drive (motion passed)
• Issued Complete Certificate of Compliance for Lot 2 Oxford Road (motion passed)
• Declined first right of refusal for Gould/Cemetery Road parcel (motion passed)

Water/Sewer Commission

The Commission will meet to approve the updated FY 2026 Water Enterprise Fund Budget and review several sewer and water connection requests. The body will also discuss maintenance plans for gate boxes and valves and the surplus of chemical storage tanks to the Town of Spencer.

• Approval of FY 2026 Water Enterprise Fund Budget
• Sewer connection requests for 5 Gillespie Rd, Glen Echo Shore Rd, and 100 Worcester Rd
• Water connection request for Boston Outdoor Living at 220 Sturbridge Rd
• Discussion on fines for water meter tampering
• Notice of Intent to Sell for Saint Mark Coptic Orthodox Church per M.G.L. 61B s9

Fire Substation Committee

The Fire Substation Committee will consider transferring contingency funds to materials testing and administration, review the project timeline, and weigh change orders and payment requests. A groundbreaking ceremony is also on the agenda.

• Transfer of funds from contingency to Materials Testing
• Transfer of funds from contingency to Administration
• Consideration of Change Orders
• Consideration of Payment Requests
• Groundbreaking Ceremony update

DCRSD- School Committee

The Dudley-Charlton Regional School Committee will meet on April 9, 2025, to consider multiple action items including a vote on School Choice for the 2025-2026 school year, enrollment of staff students, and the Superintendent's evaluation. The agenda also includes a Fiscal Year 2025 3rd Quarter financial update, cost center transfers, and disposal of property, as well as a proposal to execute closing documents for the Town of Charlton Fire Substation. The meeting will begin with consent agenda items, reports from the Student Representative and Assistant Superintendent, and public comment, followed by new business and an executive session on collective bargaining.

• Fiscal Year 2025 3rd Quarter Update
• Action – School Choice 2025-2026 School Year
• Action – 2025-2026 Enrollment of DCRSD Staff students
• Superintendent’s Evaluation
• Action – Town of Charlton Fire Substation Closing Documents

Water/Sewer Commission

The Commission will consider the updated FY 2026 Water Enterprise Fund Budget and review several sewer and water connection requests. The body will also discuss maintenance plans for gate boxes and valves and the issuance of water meter tampering fine letters.

• Approval of FY 2026 Water Enterprise Fund Budget
• Sewer connection requests for Glen Echo Shore Rd and 100 Worcester Rd
• Water connection request for Boston Outdoor Living at 220 Sturbridge Rd
• Sewer deduct abatement request for 5 Gillespie Rd
• Notice of Intent to Sell for Other Use regarding Saint Mark Coptic Orthodox Church