Hardwick Select Board Meeting: Governance, Transparency, and Administrative Procedures ReviewJanuary 13, 2026 at 7:52 AMOlder meeting →
Hardwick Select Board Meeting: Project Bids, Licenses, and Town OperationsDecember 9, 2025 at 7:00 AM
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Hardwick Select Board: Key Projects, Conservation, and Public Safety
Original title: 12/22/25 - Hardwick, MA Select Board Meeting
Summary
The Hardwick Select Board addressed a range of municipal matters, including the approval of a pole installation on High Street and various auto renewal licenses. Significant discussion occurred regarding delays and grant concerns for the Townhouse project, the status of the Center School, and a proposal for a conservation restriction on 36 acres at 1232 Turkey Street, which was unanimously approved. The Board also recognized two police officers with Life Saving Awards for their heroic actions at a vehicle accident. Updates were provided on elementary school projects (roof, solar, boiler), the Page Building deed transfer, and ongoing administrative initiatives such as budget planning, payroll standardization, and website updates.
Discussion Highlights
- A public hearing was held for the installation of one new utility pole on High Street by National Grid and Verizon, with no opposition.
- Concerns were raised by residents regarding delays in the re-bidding process for the Townhouse project, potential endangerment of a grant, and suggestions for breaking bids into smaller components.
- A resident suggested the town adopt a policy to record meetings of other town boards to increase transparency and public participation.
- The status of the Center School was discussed, with an update that the Town Council is reviewing a potential title issue.
- The Superintendent provided updates on the Hardwick Elementary School roof project (MSBA full reimbursement grant, construction anticipated Summer 2027) and a solar panel project (MVP grant for planning, intended for AC in public shelter).
- A major crack and leak in the elementary school's second boiler were reported, necessitating its shutdown, with both boilers required for adequate heating in cold weather.
- The Police Chief presented Life Saving Awards to Detective Almstrom and Deputy Chief Guman for their heroic actions in extricating a burning driver from a vehicle accident on November 26, 2025.
- The Board reviewed and approved Class 2 and Class 3 auto renewal licenses for several local businesses.
- A proposal for a conservation restriction on 36 acres at 1232 Turkey Street, featuring undeveloped forested shoreline on Hardwood Pond, was presented and discussed, highlighting ecological benefits and landscape connectivity.
- Extensive discussion occurred regarding the Page Building deed, revealing an overlooked right of first refusal for the Mixter Trust, leading to the property's transfer back to the Trust for $1.
- Updates were provided on the nearing completion of USDA Waterline and DCP sewer project finances, the new ambulance service contract with West Brookfield, town website updates, and the upcoming budget process.
- The town is implementing mandatory direct deposit for payroll, effective January, as a cost-saving measure.
- A letter from the Council on Aging in Barre was read, recognizing Hardwick's Senior Center transportation staff for their exceptional service.
Decisions
- Approved the pole installation on High Street.
- Approved the meeting minutes from December 8, 2025.
- Awarded the Life Saving Award from the Hardwick & New Braintree Police Department to Detective Almstrom and Deputy Chief Guman.
- Approved all listed Class 2 and Class 3 auto renewal applications.
- Approved the conservation restrictions for 1232 Turkey Street, Hardwick, MA.
- Approved signing the Page Building Deed back to the Mixter Trust.
- Approved the sewer liens as listed in pages 1 and 2 of the documents.
Motions and Votes
- To approve the pole installation on High Street.
- To approve the meeting minutes from December 8, 2025.
- To approve all listed Class 2 and Class 3 auto renewal applications.
- To approve conservation restrictions for 1232 Turkey Street, Hardwick, MA.
- To approve signing the Page Building Deed back to the Mixter Trust.
- To approve the sewer liens as listed in pages 1 and 2 of the documents.
- To adjourn the meeting.
Action Items
- StaffDouble-check on the upcoming grant cycle for the Paul Bruhn/National Park Service grant.
- SuperintendentProvide more information and schedule update sessions with the board regarding the Hardwick Elementary Roof Project.
- SuperintendentReach out to inquire about the integration of the MVP solar panel project with the MSBA roof replacement project.
- SuperintendentBring the elementary school boiler issue to the Finance Board.
- ClerkPrepare the necessary paperwork for signatures for the approved Class 2 and Class 3 auto renewal applications.
- TownArrange for the removal of its items from the Page Building.
- TownSign the Page Building Deed today.
- TownSign the approved documents for sewer liens at a later time.
- TownFinalize the USDA Waterline and DCP sewer project finances.
- TownSign the new ambulance service contract by January 12th, incorporating annual CPR classes for town staff.
- Civic Plus and Town ClerkContinue the process of updating the town's website.
- Department HeadsMeet with the Town Administrator during the first full week of January to discuss budgets.
- EmployeesReturn last year's budget books for recycling.
- TownImplement new payroll templates and mandatory direct deposit for the first payroll in January.
- TownContinue advertising for the open positions of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, Highway Equipment Operator, and Van Driver.
- Insurance CompanyTake down and replace a tree, with funding anticipated.
Topic Timeline
- Public Hearing: Pole Installation on High Street
- Visitor Comments: Townhouse Project Update
- Visitor Comments: Recording Other Board Meetings
- Visitor Comments: Bidding Strategy for Townhouse Project
- Visitor Comments: Center School Status
- Visitor Comments: Future Grant Applications
- Approval of Meeting Minutes (December 8, 2025)
- Superintendent's Report: Elementary School Roof Project
- Superintendent's Report: Elementary School Solar Panel Project
- Superintendent's Report: Elementary School Boiler Issue
- Police Chief's Report: Life Saving Awards
- Recognition and Appreciation
- Class 2 & 3 Auto Renewal Licenses
- Conservation Restriction: 1232 Turkey Street
- Property Access Discussion
- West Brookfield Ambulance Contract Update
- Page Building Deed Discussion
- Page Building Contents
- Page Building Deed Signing
- Sewer Liens Approval
- Sewer Project Finances Update
- Ambulance Service & AEDs Update
- Town Website Update
- IT Services Review
- Budget Process Update
- Payroll Standardization & Direct Deposit
- Open Positions Update
- Inspections & Licenses Update
- Senior Center Transportation Recognition
- Holiday Closures
- Employee Appreciation
- Meeting Adjournment
Uncertainties
- The specific written response, if any, from the Pioneer Valley Venture Center regarding the Townhouse project grant.
- The exact outcome of the Town Council's review of the Center School property's title and whether it might be returned to previous owners.
- How the MVP solar panel project will integrate with the MSBA roof replacement project at the elementary school.
- How the deed restriction (right of first refusal) for the Page Building was initially overlooked by town counsel and the auction company during the initial sale process.
- The specific process for employees who prefer not to use mandatory direct deposit, beyond the assurance that they will still be paid and the strong encouragement to adopt it.
- The exact nature of the "insurance matter and the tree" incident and its direct connection, if any, to the earlier mention of "heroes" saving a life.