Hardwick Select Board: Key Projects, Conservation, and Public SafetyDecember 23, 2025 at 7:26 AMOlder meeting →
Bylaw Updates, Grant Applications, and Staffing PrioritiesNovember 25, 2025 at 6:54 AM
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Hardwick Select Board Meeting: Project Bids, Licenses, and Town Operations
Original title: *12/8/25 - Hardwick, MA Select Board Meeting
Summary
The Hardwick Select Board convened to address several key municipal matters, including the recognition of heroic actions by public safety personnel, challenges with the Townhouse Project bids exceeding budget, and the approval of liquor license renewals, with one conditional approval for the Old Furnace General Store due to a zoning violation. Discussions also covered the declaration of surplus equipment, the finalization of the Page Building deed with a reversion clause, and the disposition of funds held by the Historical Society for a non-existent Schoolhouse #6. The Town Administrator provided a comprehensive report on ongoing grants, financial planning, staffing efforts, and community initiatives, concluding with a motion to adjourn.
Discussion Highlights
- Police Officer Patrick Alstrom and Deputy Fire Chief Nick Gomand were recognized for heroic actions in a car rescue.
- All bids for the townhouse project exceeded the allocated budget, prompting an inquiry to the State Inspector General's office regarding proceeding without rebidding.
- The bids for the townhouse project were confirmed as public record.
- Eleven liquor license renewals were presented for approval, with all applicants submitting proper documentation and payment.
- Conditional approval was granted for the Old Furnace General Store's all-alcohol license, pending rectification of a zoning violation concerning excessive light spillover from a sign within 90 days.
- A question was raised regarding the appropriateness of a private school holding an 'all alcohol' liquor license.
- Three items (1986 Elgin Sweeper, 1987 Pierce Arrow Fire Truck, 2005 Sterling L8500 Dump Truck) were declared surplus for procurement and auction.
- Discussion on the Page Building deed focused on including a reversion restriction, ensuring the property would revert to the town if resold by the new owners.
- Funds collected by the Historical Society for the rehabilitation of Schoolhouse #6, which is no longer standing, were discussed, with approximately $600 remaining.
- It was clarified that the Historical Society is a private entity, and the Town cannot demand their funds but can request a donation.
- The Town Administrator reported on the unlikelihood of securing the well testing grant in the current round but plans to reapply.
- A call was held with CMRPC, Planning Board, Highway Superintendent, Police Chief, and Sewer Superintendent regarding upcoming CDBG funding.
- Bi-weekly financial management planning meetings are being conducted with the Town Accountant, Treasurer, and Assessor.
- The annual single audit is scheduled for the week of January 12th.
- Budget sheets are being finalized for departments, with budget meetings scheduled for the week of January 5th.
- Discussions with USDA and DCP regarding sewer project funding included contingency funding and potential reimbursement for administrative costs.
- Advertising is ongoing for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, Highway Equipment Operator, and Van Driver positions.
- The Town Administrator attended the Massachusetts Municipal Association Policy Committee on Personnel and Labor Relations.
- Inspections for Class 2 and Class 3 auto renewals are ongoing and scheduled for the December 22nd agenda.
- The food drive has been extended through Christmas due to excellent turnout, and a 'Stuff the Cruiser' toy collection is ongoing.
- An employee holiday lunch is planned for December 22nd.
- A meeting regarding the Quabbin Steward project went well, with hopes for a letter to sign at the next meeting.
Decisions
- The bids for the townhouse project are public record.
- Eleven liquor license renewals were approved.
- The budget process has officially commenced.
Motions and Votes
- To approve all liquor licenses with the exception of the Old Furnace General Store, contingent on the store getting into zoning compliance within 90 days.
- To declare the 1986 Elgin Sweeper, 1987 Pierce Arrow Fire Truck, and 2005 Sterling L8500 Dump Truck as surplus.
- To sell the Page Building to 'Friends' with an amendment to the deed that if the property is sold, it automatically reverts back to the town.
- To adjourn the meeting.
Action Items
- BoardExpedite the response from the Inspector General's office regarding the townhouse project bids.
- A board memberEmail to request copies of the townhouse project bids.
- Board membersSign all approved liquor licenses after the meeting.
- UnassignedInitiate a conversation with the Historical Society regarding the potential donation of funds for town property cleanup.
- UnassignedPrepare to reapply for the well testing grant in the next round.
- UnassignedFinalize budget sheets for departments, conduct scheduled budget meetings, and continue working with the Finance Committee.
- UnassignedContinue efforts to wrap up sewer project funding and pursue reimbursement for administrative costs.
- UnassignedContinue advertising and actively recruiting for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, Highway Equipment Operator, and Van Driver positions.
- UnassignedPrepare Class 2 and Class 3 auto renewal inspections for the December 22nd agenda.
- UnassignedContinue the extended food drive through Christmas and the toy collection until Wednesday.
Topic Timeline
- Recognition of Heroic ActionsPolice Officer Patrick Alstrom and Deputy Fire Chief Nick Gomand recognized.
- Townhouse Project Bids & Grant FundingBids exceeded budget; inquiry to Inspector General's office.
- Public Access to BidsBids confirmed as public record.
- Liquor License RenewalsEleven licenses presented for approval.
- Conditional Liquor License Approval for Old Furnace General StoreConditioned on rectifying a zoning violation within 90 days.
- Liquor Licenses Motion and VoteMotion to approve licenses with condition for Old Furnace General Store.
- Surplus EquipmentDeclaration of 1986 Elgin Sweeper, 1987 Pierce Arrow Fire Truck, and 2005 Sterling L8500 Dump Truck as surplus.
- Page Building DeedDiscussion and motion to include a reversion clause in the deed.
- Schoolhouse 6 Funds DiscussionDiscussion on $600 held by Historical Society for a non-existent building.
- Historical Society Funds (Continued Discussion)Clarification on Town's ability to request funds from a private entity.
- Town Administrator's ReportUpdates on grants, financial planning, staffing, and community initiatives.
- Quabbin Steward Project UpdateMeeting went well, anticipating a letter for signature.
- Motion to AdjournMeeting concluded.
Uncertainties
- The current status of the response from the Inspector General's office regarding the townhouse project bids.
- Whether the Historical Society will agree to donate the remaining $600 for the cleanup of the town-owned building and lot.
- The outcome of the conversation between the Town and the Historical Society regarding the Schoolhouse #6 funds.
- The appropriateness of a private school holding an 'all the time' liquor license, as no action was taken on this query.
- The exact date the zoning issue for the Old Furnace General Store was initially raised, as 'December 2024' appears to be a typo in the transcript.