East Bridgewater Select Board appoints new police chief, approves $54K in ambulance abatements
The East Bridgewater Select Board appointed Michael Jenkins as the town’s next police chief this week, marking one of several notable actions taken by local boards and commissions. The board also approved tens of thousands of dollars in ambulance billing abatements and disbanded a pandemic-relief committee, while other bodies advanced school construction plans and adopted new zoning rules.
Select Board
At its June 22 meeting, the Select Board appointed Michael Jenkins as police chief for a three-year term running July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. The board also voted to approve ambulance billing abatements totaling $54,109.68 and disband the ARPA Committee, which had overseen spending of federal pandemic aid. In a series of administrative moves, members approved a one-day liquor license for the MK10 Summer Fest scheduled for August 22, and reappointed more than 30 residents to various town boards and committees.
Board of Health
On July 1, the Board of Health approved a memorandum of understanding with the Bridgewater Board of Health to share health agent services at no cost to either town. Members also voted to begin steps to terminate the HPHEG IMA, a regional public health agreement, and approved a $26,850 professional services invoice from Brown and Caldwell for landfill monitoring between April 24 and June 11, 2026. The board granted local upgrade variances for septic systems at 26 Stevens Court (owner Robert Tricomi) and 34 Rolling Hills (owner Jeffery Weinstein).
School Building Project
The Central School Building Committee voted to include project alternates and submit 60% construction documents to the Massachusetts School Building Authority at its June 30 meeting. The committee also heard a presentation on light well design options and reviewed pre-construction updates from the construction manager. The panel discussed how the owner’s project manager will handle invoice approvals, setting up procedures for the next phase of the school renovation project.
Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals adopted revised rules and regulations during its July 1 meeting. The board also approved meeting minutes from November 5 and December 10, 2025. No public hearings were on the agenda.
In other recent business
The Historical Commission held a public hearing on a demolition request for 479 Central Street and received updates on the Millet Artist Studio at 54 Plymouth Street, graveyard repairs, and historical marker cleanup. The Conservation Commission reviewed proposals for a pool and patio at 95 Hayward Road and a duplex at 457 Bedford Street, while processing certificates of compliance for several properties. The School Committee met in executive session on June 23 to discuss a potential employment contract for the school business administrator, though no public vote was immediately reported.
Coming up
- **July 14** – The Housing Authority will hold a public hearing on its FY2027 annual plan at 38 Riddell Road, covering a three-year capital improvement plan, maintenance and repair plans, and policy reviews.
- **July 6** – The Board of Health is scheduled to vote on another $26,850 landfill monitoring invoice from Brown and Caldwell, approve local upgrade variances for six additional properties, and finalize its mutual aid agreement with the Bridgewater Board of Health.
- **July 9** – The School Committee’s Bargaining Subcommittee will meet in executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy with the East Bridgewater Education Association.
- **July 14** – The Arts Council will review end-of-year paperwork, grant agreements, and new member applications.
- **July 8** – The Wellness and Engagement Committee will discuss upcoming wellness initiatives and set its meeting schedule.
Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.