2026-06-16 - Board of Selectmen
Summary
Built from the official minutes, read from a scanned document, so minor errors are possible. Called to order at 7:00 PM; adjourned 9:20 PM.
- All five members present: Eul, Rheault, Boyda, Cornacchioli and Davis. Justin Leduc attended as Acting Town Manager.
- Approved the minutes of June 2 and June 4, 2026 (Rheault, seconded by Boyda; unanimous).
- Approved a slate of board and committee appointments listed on the agenda (Rheault, seconded by Boyda; unanimous).
- Discussed the proposed Liquor License Pilot Act, with no vote: Liquor License Pilot Act.
- Entered executive session by unanimous roll call vote (Rheault, seconded by Boyda) to discuss litigation strategy, negotiations with non-union personnel (Chief of Police) and bargaining with the police officers' association. No open-session action followed; the Board adjourned from executive session at 9:20 PM on Eul's motion, seconded by Rheault.
Town Manager's report
- Community Compact Fiber Grant: $162,000 awarded for a town-owned fiber network linking two public safety radio repeater sites.
- Taft Charitable Trust grants: $10,000 each to the Senior Center and Community Center and $7,000 to the Free Public Library.
- The South-Central Massachusetts Veterans Service District (Oxford, Auburn, Charlton, Southbridge) was approved for two more years, through June 30, 2028.
- National Grid filed with the state for a residential rate increase from 15.372 to 17.290 cents per kWh, August 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027, pending approval; Community Electricity Aggregation participants are expected to save 3.590 cents per kWh.
- Community events: Carbuncle Beach opening day June 21, Art in the Yard opening June 20, and the Engines for Engines car show June 20.
Selectmen announcements
Cornacchioli congratulated the Class of 2026. Rheault noted a preschool's 40th graduating class and $45,000 in Taft Fund scholarships and awards. Eul reminded everyone about the upcoming farmers' market.