Richard J. Eichacker

This plan assesses the Town of Warren's natural hazards, climate change risks, and outlines an action plan to reduce vulnerabilities and adapt to climate change. Key focus areas include extreme temperatures, flooding, severe storms, and severe winter storms, as well as wildfires, earthquakes, dam failure, drought, and landslides. The plan proposes over 20 actions to enhance community resilience over the next five years, focusing on stormwater management, roadway resilience, natural resource protection, water quality, flood mitigation, emergency preparedness, power outage reduction, and quality of life.

The meeting included a Public Hearing regarding Tax Classification for fiscal year 2026, resulting in motions to take no action on Open Space, Residential, and Small Commercial Exemptions, and to adopt a Residential Factor of 1. Discussions centered on the next steps for public safety studies concerning 400 Main and 1012 Main Street, and a vote to sign an access agreement for 968 Main Street. The Board adopted a Sustainable Purchasing Policy for the Town and accepted a State grant from the recycling dividends program fund to be administered by the Board of Health. A request to increase the Board of Health's petty cash by $100.00 for certified mailings was approved, as was entering into a contract with Tighe & Bond for engineering services related to the Senior Center duct work improvement project. The Board authorized the payment of warrants and bills, and approved the minutes from the November 20, 2025, meeting.

The agenda included discussion and possible votes on liquor license renewal applications, signing of the Final Report for 2026, the 2026 Seasonal Population Increase Estimation Form, and the Renewal Certification for 2026 for the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC). The board also discussed and voted on authorizing the payment of warrants and bills. The Town Administrator reported on the auction results and a hot water heater issue at the Highway Department. Concerns were raised about water forming under a bridge and speeding near Quaboag Middle High School. Additionally, the board reviewed the November 20th Special Town Meeting warrant articles and motions with the Finance Committee, Moderator, Town Administrator, and Town Counsel.

The Town of Warren Master Plan provides a long-term blueprint for guiding development, promoting economic growth, and preserving community character. It identifies key focus areas including land and resource use management, regional coordination, and community preservation, supported by a SWOT analysis and three development scenarios. The plan aims to balance new business and residential growth with the preservation of existing amenities, homes, and the town's small-town character through strategies such as zoning revisions and growth management.

The meeting included public hearings for consent to install JO Poles on Brookfield and Bemis Roads. The Police Chief presented the monthly report for September 2025. There was a discussion and vote to appoint a full-time police officer. Quality-of-life complaints from Town residents regarding Palmer Motorsports Park were discussed. The Town Administrator presented the monthly report for October 2025. The Board of Health's request to amend Article IX regarding sidewalks was discussed. The Building Commissioner discussed the inspection and enforcement of building codes for multifamily structures. The board reviewed and accepted hours for the Senior Property Tax Work-Off Abatement program and reviewed applications for the upcoming program. A contract with Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc. for flood resilience project engineering services was discussed and approved. The payment of warrants and bills was authorized. The meeting minutes from 10/23/2025 were reviewed and approved. The Town Administrator reported on the Senior Center generator, a Department Head Meeting, an injured on duty seminar, and a meeting for the River and Central Street bids. Halloween's success was noted, and there were discussions on posting the parking ban, Veteran's Day, and free cash disbursement.