Sharon Emerick

The agenda for the meeting included approval of minutes from November 10, 2025, and November 24, 2025. A public hearing was scheduled for updates on the FY24 and FY25 Community Development Block Grant Programs, with a discussion and potential vote to submit a FY 2026 CDBG application to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. The agenda also covered an appointment by the Town Manager for a DPW Laborer position. Decisions included a request from Broken Creek Vineyard for a one-day wine and malt license for an event on March 27, 2026, and discussion regarding ambulance receipts write-offs. The proceedings also noted scheduled reports from the Town Manager, as well as time reserved for Citizen's Comments, Discussions, Selectmen's Concerns, and a potential Executive Session.

The joint meeting addressed several agenda items, including the presentation of a retirement plaque to the Board of Health Administrator. Key decisions involved approving banner requests from the Firefighters Union for events in April and July 2026, including a request for a one-day entertainment license and a partial road closure for the fireworks event. The Board also voted on placing articles on the warrant for the Spring Annual Town Meeting in May 2026. A significant discussion topic involved the Northbridge Public Schools' presentation on the FY2027 Budget, focusing on level services, expense drivers, and needs-based staffing requests, such as adding English Language (EL) Teachers, Special Education Teachers, a Speech Language Pathologist, and technology/reading support staff.

Key discussions during this session involved the delayed consideration of the annual merit increase for the Regional Health Inspector, postponing the decision by six months to August 2026. The board also addressed the allocation of Contact Tracing funds for COVID/Flu test kits. A motion was passed to allocate up to $36,000, covering an immediate purchase of 3,000 kits and a subsequent order of up to 6,000 kits scheduled for June to ensure readiness for the following winter.

Old business focused on updates regarding the MPLCP project, presented by Oudens Ello Architects, confirming that submission materials are nearly collated and noting that construction is estimated around 2028 due to preliminary stages and community engagement requirements. On-street parking is being incorporated to meet parking requirements. New business included a discussion on library hours. The Director's Report covered circulation statistics and plans to use state aid of approximately $8,600 for a Website Redesign. The Director is also addressing difficulties with the sole book vendor, Ingram, by temporarily utilizing Barnes and Noble for high-demand titles, and is coordinating with the senior center's book club coordinator to recruit senior volunteers. The Treasurer reported the portfolio value at $8.625 million and suggested reviewing the current accounting firm due to surcharges, possibly going out to bid. An investigation was initiated regarding the mowing of a lot.

The committee held a reorganization to reappoint Glenn King as Chair, Harry Berkowitz as Vice Chair, and Jill Leonard as Clerk. Key discussions involved the payment of the first invoice for the Fletcher House Building Assessment Report, noting the property owner is awaiting comments on the draft Preservation Restriction Agreement. The committee discussed correspondence, including the appointment of Jill Leonard as the Northbridge Housing Authority's designee. Business also included a unanimous vote to increase the CPA Administrative compensation by $500.00 to a total of $4500.00, and noted the upcoming public hearing for updating Northbridge's Community Preservation Plan.