James Burlingame

The committee meeting focused on developing marketing and outreach strategies for the new senior center initiative. Key discussion points included exploring communication channels such as social media, local cable access, and the town website presence. A significant topic was the plan to create a 501c3 nonprofit organization to support the efforts. The committee discussed developing a presentation detailing the current senior center's needs, creating a database of senior residents for targeted outreach, and producing video interviews with current users. Further planning involved developing a list of frequently asked questions and marketing materials using an "SOS" (Support Our Seniors) tagline, with an aim to complete all documentation by April 1st to meet town warrant deadlines. Additionally, updates were provided on the status of the town report submission and the ongoing efforts to establish the Senior Center Friends 501c3.

The agenda items for this meeting included opening the session, reviewing the Annual Report, conducting a budget review, discussing Town Newsletter Communications/Updates/Electronic Sign topics, addressing any new business unknown at the time of posting, and adjourning to an executive session. The executive session was scheduled to comply with general/special laws or federal grant-in-aid requirements, and specifically to discuss confidential matters related to motor vehicle excise applications, exemptions and abatement applications, Form of Lists or Form 3ABC's, and Income and Expense forms.

The joint meeting agenda included the presentation of the Dudley-Charlton Regional School District Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Overview. The consent agenda covered the approval of the Warrant. New business items scheduled for discussion included policy actions regarding School Food and Nutrition (Meal Modification), Graduation Requirements, and Search and Seizure. Old business included a discussion on the Program of Studies for Shepherd Hill.

Key discussions focused on financial matters and operational updates. A discrepancy was noted in the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment calculation provided by Veolia, resulting in a potential overcharge of $2,200 annually, with detailed debate on the actual percentage increase (3.9% approved vs. 4.21% calculated). The Commission approved the Sewer budget, with an exception to the Veolia North America annual contract increase, and also approved the Water budget. Authorization was granted to proceed with a rate study for $18,000.00. New business included reviewing privilege fees for the 241 Sturbridge Rd - Warehouse Project, totaling $110,122.20 for drinking water and $615,000.00 for sewer. Operational reviews covered October and December 2025 activities, including maintenance on mixer units, pump stations, sludge hauling, and staff training progress. A detailed discussion also occurred regarding the McClure Engineering study concerning the BETA Blue Tank Model, specifically addressing the need for chloramine disinfection augmentation at the tank and potential pressure impacts if the PRV is taken out of commission.

Key discussions included the unanimous approval to resume mailing the monthly newsletter to Town Seniors, funded from the Expense Account. Progress on establishing a Friends group for the Senior Center was reviewed, noting preliminary by-laws have been drafted. The Board unanimously approved contacting Bemis Farms to reoffer classes. For new business, the Board interviewed applicants for an open Board position and voted to offer the position to Earlyne Murray. The Director of the COA reported that the new budget will be presented to the Board of Selectmen (BOS) on March 11th. Other items addressed clarification on snow/ice day procedures mirroring Charlton School closures, and a request to utilize or discard old decorations and investigate purchasing heavier tablecloths.