Town of Webster

The meeting focused on a public hearing for a special permit application concerning the demolition of an existing single-family house and the construction of a new single-family house at 11 Pavilion A, located in the lake residential and lake watershed protection zoning districts. A board member recused themselves from this agenda item. Key discussions included the proposed structure's size (1,200 square feet on a 4,150 square foot lot), lot coverage ratios, and height considerations, particularly in relation to light and air for adjacent properties. The board noted that the Department of Public Health required pest control during demolition. The board also discussed that neighboring properties were non-conforming regarding setbacks, which was relevant to the relief requested. Due to the need for architectural renderings to properly assess height limitations (as the town limits structures to three stories by right), the board voted to continue the hearing to February 3rd, ensuring a quorum for the decision by appointing an alternate member for this specific application.

The primary agenda item for the meeting involved a detailed discussion of the Police Staffing Analysis Report, presented by a representative from MRI. The analysis focused on patrol activity workload demand, incorporating data on calls for service, officer availability, shift allotments, and union contract provisions impacting staffing, such as vacation and training time. Specific attention was given to the high volume of calls requiring two-officer responses for triage, which significantly limits proactive policing efforts. The discussion also covered comparative community data, noting that despite a high crime rate, the department maintains a phenomenal crime solve rate of 62%, compared to the state average of 25%. The presenter noted the department is under considerable stress due to staffing limitations preventing proactive visibility patrols.

The meeting included updates and discussions on several operational and financial matters. Key water department topics included the status of the Meter Replacement Project, which reached 93% completion, and ongoing issues related to the Bigelow Road Construction project, where internal discussions are addressing potential weather-related delays. A Mass DOT Project revision involves redesigning a connection to potentially include an insertion valve. Significant progress was noted on the PFAS issue, securing $2.4M in loan forgiveness, bringing the total forgiveness to 24%. The status of the Indirect Cost Study, expected to be presented in February, was mentioned, alongside a forthcoming evaluation regarding the School Department's ability to continue paying for water and sewer services. For the sewer department, the WWTP Sludge Residual Issue was stable, and the Biosolids Design Proposal was reviewed, raising concerns regarding its $10.5M cost impact on future debt and ratepayers. The Aeration Phase #2 design is 90% complete and slated for bid in early Spring. The commission decided against pursuing a sewer rate relief grant due to administrative costs outweighing previous returns. In new business, the Draft Budgets for Water & Sewer and Draft FY27 Capital Plans were presented following a requested 5% reduction, and a rate study commencement with Tighe & Bond was suggested. A letter will be sent to Dudley to schedule meetings regarding the new True Up contract.

The Planning Board meeting addressed the approval of the draft meeting minutes from October 27, 2025, incorporating minor typographical corrections. The primary focus was on a draft decision regarding a special permit and site plan modification application for six Goya Drive, which was continued to January 26 due to a lack of quorum. The board then discussed the site plan application for two duplexes on one lot at five Lynwood Street, addressing several waiver requests related to zoning locations, flood plain districts, contour intervals, engineering cross-sections, and lighting plans. Specific findings related to storm water management, visual intrusion, glare, and emergency service access were reviewed and voted upon. Waivers regarding municipal wellhead protection zone and flood plain district locations were conditionally granted or discussed.

During the Annual Meeting and Reorganization, the Board of Directors voted to appoint Mr. LaFond as Chairman and Mr. Ruda as Vice Chairman. Director Lynskey provided updates regarding regionalization efforts, noting that several surrounding towns are exploring joining the Central MA Regional 911 District, and discussed misconceptions about SWCCC's governance structure that may have discouraged expansion. The Director also presented a final review of the FY2025 budget, noting the reserve fund decreased by approximately $30,000 due to capital expenditures and a personnel vacancy. The FY2026 budget was reviewed with two budget transfers presented. Key actions included accepting the resignation of the Dispatch Supervisor and confirming her subsequent appointment as a per-diem dispatcher. The Board approved the expenditure of up to $20,000 from the Reserve Fund for a supplemental A/C unit for the dispatch room. Finally, numerous policies were reviewed, reapproved, or newly adopted, primarily to comply with recent CJIS Audit requirements, and two outdated policies were rescinded.