Noor El Gaderi

The committee meeting involved calling the meeting to order and confirming the quorum according to the Southbridge Home Rule Charter. Key discussions centered on reviewing and discussing open meeting requirements, emphasizing that all deliberations by a quorum on public business must be open to the public. The committee also reviewed its purpose and objectives, which mandate checking current bylaws for currency, consistency, and clarity against the home rule charter and Massachusetts law, noting that a comprehensive review is required within a year of the charter's amendment. Discussions included the need to address archaic provisions, consistency between the charter and bylaws, and clarity, specifically noting an ongoing home rule charter review committee's work. Topics for future review include municipal lean certificates, curbside trash billing policies, potential bylaw changes regarding liquor license commission size, and drafting a social equity policy for marijuana establishments as mandated by the state. The committee agreed to review Chapter One (Definitions) and Chapter Two next, and to appoint a recording clerk to draft the minutes. They also motioned and approved the appointment of a vice chairman.

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Key agenda items included postponing the acceptance of the February 23rd, 2026 minutes. Subcommittee reports were given with no items to report from Public Works, Education Representatives, General Gov, Planning and Development, or Texas Birds and Property Council. Chairman announcements covered support for the 250th anniversary, distribution of related magnets, and the chairman's account of being asked to leave a tenants union meeting. Further discussion involved the school district being under state receivership and low MCCAST scores, with a commitment to support the school committee. The Town Manager reported on the notification of a 3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) consideration for retirees, which will be voted on in April, and detailed follow-up actions regarding property issues at 301 Main Street, including inspections and addressing previously unreported tenant issues. The chairman also noted a serious four-alarm fire on South Street, thanking mutual aid partners and praising the cooperation between the police and fire departments. Citizen comments addressed the delayed placement of the curbside rate increase discussion on the agenda and raised concerns about the legality of conducting property purchase votes and funding transfers in executive session, demanding release of related executive session minutes.

The primary discussion involved a motion to postpone agenda items concerning hiring personnel due to concerns about the upcoming budget, which is due by March 31st. Council members debated the urgency of filling critical public safety positions (Fire Department and Police Department) against fiscal prudence, noting existing vacancies in both departments. Specific issues discussed included the hiring of two replacement firefighters, the funding history of four prior firefighter positions tied to a past grant, and the status of open positions in the Department of Public Works (DPW), including an Assistant DPW Director and an Assistant Mechanic. There was an agreement to defer decisions on the Assistant DPW Director and administrative assistant roles pending budget review, while arguments were made to proceed immediately with filling police officer and fire department vacancies due to public safety strain and the risk of losing vetted candidates.

The meeting commenced with the acceptance of the January 22nd minutes. A member of the public, Julia Ducey, raised concerns regarding the ongoing investigation into paperwork submitted by 12 Cream and Lazos Cafe from the previous year, specifically regarding a forged document of good standing. The Board confirmed applications for the current year were reviewed, though one specific review for Lazos Cafe was handled by the town manager. The board also addressed a liquor agent update detailing a hearing being submitted for a violation at Maky's Bar, citing a lack of security and management, and an incident where the bartender appeared intoxicated and allegedly fought with patrons, including throwing a chair. A public hearing was scheduled for March 26th concerning the Maky's Bar violation. Additionally, a one-day liquor license request for Kassi Golf Club was mentioned.

The meeting included a discussion regarding planters in the downtown area, where the proposed one-year cost was approximately $4,600, excluding donations or watering. It was decided to consult with the DPW Director regarding potential assistance and contact the Southbridge Business Partnership for potential support. The Authority voted to approve the Major Amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan, which the Town Council had previously approved. An update was provided on the Rail Trail, noting an upcoming community day on November 1 featuring presentations and a group bike ride, with a ribbon cutting scheduled for November 7 at 11 AM.