Christopher D. Ferace

The agenda details two scheduled public hearings requiring a vote. The first concerns a Special Permit request for a wholesale distribution facility for vaping products at 245 Kennedy Drive. The second public hearing addresses a customary home occupation permit for a home-based window tinting activity at 73 East Putnam Road, intended primarily for instruction. New Business items mirror the two docket requests. Other Business includes a positive recommendation on the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan, discussion on the POCD update, accepting applications for the March 18, 2026 meeting, and review of a proposed ordinance for Zoning Citations.

The agenda for the Special Board of Finance meeting includes a call to order, the pledge of allegiance, public participation segments, and approval of the minutes from the December 22, 2025 meeting. Key discussion items scheduled are correspondence including the Board of Education Quarterly Report, reports from the Town Administrator and Finance Director, unfinished business, and new business which involves the election of officers and an audit presentation. The meeting is also scheduled to include two public comment periods.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Public participation included a concern expressed regarding the need for increased school resources for behavioral issues and to improve test scores. Correspondence involved a presentation from the Board of Education regarding budget concerns, specifically noting that health insurance and special education costs total $900k, and an invitation was extended to the Board's budget meeting in February 2026. The Town Administrator and Finance Director reports were reviewed. New business focused on the election of officers, resulting in Member Vitale being nominated and unanimously approved as Chairman, and Member Forrester being nominated and unanimously approved as Vice Chairman. An audit presentation was given by Sean O'Grady from King, and King.

The agenda for the Special Board of Finance Meeting included a call to order, the Pledge of Allegiance, public participation, approval of the minutes from the December 22, 2025 Board of Finance Meeting, correspondence, reports from the Town Administrator and Finance Director, unfinished business, new business covering the election of officers and an audit presentation, and a final public comment session before adjournment. Supporting documents provided details from the December 22, 2025 meeting, where a tax abatement for Belding Mill was approved, and an executive session was held to discuss real estate regarding a four-party agreement. The January 2026 Town Administrator and Finance Director reports detailed ongoing budget preparations for FY27, updates on various municipal projects such as the Belding property progress, infrastructure improvements (roads, bridges), pension board considerations, and financial reviews including revenue collection status and upcoming bond payments due at the end of January 2026.

The agenda for the Mayor and Selectmen's meeting includes standard items such as Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, and Public Comment periods. Key discussion topics cover reports from the EMS Ad Hoc Committee regarding building and furniture installation awaiting Eversource connection, and the 250th Anniversary Committee's plans for an ice sculpture. New Business focuses on setting dates for the Budget Workshop, which must occur before the Mayor submits the budget by March 4, 2026, as per the Charter timeline. The meeting is also scheduled to include an Executive Session to discuss Personnel matters concerning the Fire Marshal and the Town Administrator, as well as a potential claim.