Town of Leicester

The meetings covered several key areas including scheduled items, civic announcements, public comments, appointments, and other business. Discussions and votes included enthusiastic support for the Community Heart and Soul project via a proclamation. A vote was taken to support the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance regarding property lease agreements, especially concerning senior housing. Appointments were made for an Assistant Treasurer, Call Firefighter, two Patrolmen (conditional hires), Assistant Collector, Assistant Town Accountant, and the reappointment of the Animal Control Officer. The board approved a general 5 percent increase to EMS/Ambulance rates and renewed Common Victualler renewals for Sal's Pizza and Smoothie King. The board denied a liquor license for Vllahos, LLC due to proximity to a church and concerns over property maintenance (graffiti). Pole hearing approvals were granted for National Grid/Verizon for multiple locations, and underground wiring approval was granted contingent on DPW-approved curb-to-curb repair specifications. Budget discussions focused on a lower than anticipated Cherry Sheet outcome, leading to proposed cuts, especially for the school budget, and the need to advocate for supplemental funding. Committees were established for Master Plan Implementation and Zoning Bylaw Review. The board approved borrowing authorization for the feasibility study phase of the Leicester High School MSBA Project. Public safety recognition was given to the Police Department and EMS for their response to the Spencer incident. The date for the Annual Town Meeting was set for May 5th, with the warrant close date set for March 19th.

The collective discussions and decisions across multiple meetings covered several critical areas for the Town of Leicester. Key topics included robust discussions and votes regarding the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance (CMHA) property lease for senior housing, where screening processes and CORI checks were noted. The Board held multiple pole hearings for National Grid/Verizon regarding installation locations on various streets. Significant focus was placed on the FY2027 budget, noting a revenue shortfall, adjustments to municipal and school expenses, and discussion around the impact of the CMHA lease. The Board addressed several personnel appointments, including an Assistant Treasurer, Call Firefighter, Patrolmen, Assistant Town Accountant, Assistant Collector, and Animal Control Officer. Furthermore, the Board discussed the Town Camera Project proposal, voted to establish both a Master Plan Implementation Committee and a Zoning Bylaw Review Committee, and considered the issue of municipal sidewalk snow clearing liability. Finally, the Board voted to disapprove a package store liquor license for Vllahos, LLC due to proximity to a church and concerns about property maintenance.

The meeting included a review of the Principal Assessor's office update from November, with a specific discussion regarding the inclusion of the number of problem customers in future monthly reports. The Board also reviewed and signed commitments and warrants to the collector for Real Estate, Personal Property, Cedar Meadow District, and Stiles Reservoir District actual bills. The session concluded with entry into an executive session under G.L. c. 30A s. 21 rule #7 for the purpose of reviewing applications not subject to public disclosure, without subsequent reconvening into open session.

This document presents the Center of Town Plan for Leicester, developed in 2023 to establish a vision for the area. It outlines community-identified priorities and proposes strategies focused on five key areas: improving building facades and streetscapes, enhancing street design and multi-modal connectivity, attracting and retaining businesses by amending zoning, and investing in public spaces and amenities. The plan aims to address existing challenges and foster a more vibrant, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing town center.

The Special Town Meeting addressed numerous articles concerning municipal finance and governance. Key actions included transferring free cash balances to fund the purchase of a new DPW sander/sander body and to eliminate various fund deficits, thereby cleaning up the general books. Appropriations were made to fund repairs to the Town Hall front entrance and for engineering/design studies for upgrades to the Winslow School Tennis Courts and the High School Track, with funding sourced from the Host Community Agreement Stabilization Fund for the latter two. The meeting approved a transfer from Free Cash to settle the FY2024 and FY2025 portions of the Firefighters' Union Contract. An adjustment was made to the FY2026 Operating Budget, increasing the total appropriation due to updated revenue projections. Furthermore, Article 10 involved amending Chapter 12 of the General Bylaws, the Personnel Bylaw, to modernize provisions regarding vacation time calculation using outside municipal experience, sick leave during probation, and bereavement documentation updates, while eliminating obsolete sections.