East Bridgewater Welcomes New Firefighters
Board swears in two new fire department members and explores student-led initiative for community enhancement
EAST BRIDGEWATER - June 23 - The East Bridgewater Select Board approved several key appointments and discussed various town initiatives during its June 23, 2025 meeting, including the swearing-in of two new firefighters and the approval of a cinema license transfer.
Fire Chief John Dzialo conducted a ceremonial swearing-in for the department's two newest members, Ryan Thompson and Katie Maffeo, establishing what he hopes will become a new tradition for future hires
"Just getting started myself, and as everybody knows, the fire service is kind of rooted in tradition," Chief Dzialo said. "So I wanted to start a tradition with the two newest members that we have for the department."
Thompson, a local East Bridgewater High School graduate described as the youngest member of the department, is currently attending medical school and plans to enter the fire academy after completion. Maffeo, who lives in Halifax with her husband and three children, is also in medical school and has a scheduled fire academy date for October.
The board unanimously approved the transfer of multiple licenses for East Bridgewater Cinemas from South Shore Cinemas LLC to RDLR Holdings LLC. The new owners, Luke Pomerleau, Raymond Pomerleau, and Jacqui Pomerleau, represent a family business taking over the longtime community establishment.
"We're taking over East Bridgewater Cinemas for Brett and Michelle, who we've become close with over the last month or so," Luke Pomerleau said. "Not much to say, except we're excited to be part of the community."
The transfer includes general on-premise wine and malt beverage alcoholic licenses, common victualer licenses, automatic amusement device licenses, and entertainment licenses. Town Administrator Charlie Seelig noted that while most licenses can be issued quickly, the alcoholic beverage license requires state approval before the actual transfer can occur.
Board members also approved a new Board of Health agent, Chris Schultz from Abington, with a compensation structure that includes incentives for professional certifications. The base salary of $83,000 includes potential increases of $1,500 for obtaining a soil evaluator credential and $2,500 for completing registered sanitarian certification, keeping the total within the budgeted $88,000.
"I've known him outside of the health, public health environment," said a Board of Health member. "But I think we've made a really good choice, and it'll be a great addition to the town."
Select Board member Katherine Mullen, who has worked with Schultz for three years in Abington, praised his dedication to public service and community advocacy.
The board addressed a speed limit change for Flint Circle, a three-house subdivision connected to Summit Drive. Since Summit Drive has a 20-mile-per-hour speed limit and Flint Circle currently maintains a 30-mile-per-hour limit, Seelig recommended establishing consistency between the connected roads.
Mullen expressed concerns about establishing clear processes for speed limit changes throughout town, suggesting the need for standardized procedures in coordination with the Traffic Advisory Committee.
"I think we really need to focus on what the processes is in order to make these changes in town," Mullen said. "I don't want to set a precedent where we are having somebody come forward and request a change, and they can get it, you know, with no questions asked."
The board approved event applications for Mistletoe Events LLC, including their annual Dark Market scheduled for Oct. 4, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a rain date of Oct. 5. The fall market features local business vendors selling Halloween-themed products and includes food trucks and entertainment.
Megan Krugger of Mistletoe Events outlined plans for expanded parking arrangements with Cadence Academy and the high school, along with potential shuttle services to accommodate increased attendance from last year's successful event.
The board also approved an annual entertainment license for Mistletoe Events to host concerts and other performances throughout the year, supporting local musicians and community events.
Financial matters included approval of a $206,219 transfer from the special education reserve fund to cover a shortfall in extraordinary relief circuit breaker funding. Business Manager John Shea's email explained that reduced state reimbursement rates from an expected 75% to under 40% created approximately a $300,000 budget gap.
Other approved items included:
• Contracts with Southeastern Regional Service Group for office supplies, paper items, and DPW supplies
• Increase in passport photo costs from $10 to $15, effective July 1
• Municipal relief transfers between various department line items for fiscal year 2025
• Professional engineering services contract with Apex Companies LLC for Black Brook Estates Definitive Subdivision review
The board welcomed two new Finance Committee members, Eric Richard Cardoza and Jennifer Huss, following unanimous recommendation from the Finance Committee after interviews with multiple candidates.
Seelig reported that East Bridgewater Police Officer Derreck Card received the OUI Excellence Award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, recognizing his contributions to preventing drunk driving in the community.
The board discussed exploring options to increase the number of package store licenses in town, responding to vendor inquiries about obtaining beer and wine or all-alcohol licenses. Current state law limits licenses based on population, and East Bridgewater has issued all available licenses under current regulations.
Chair Peter Spagone noted the board's commitment to supporting town employees while managing financial constraints, particularly regarding ongoing union contract negotiations with clerical and Department of Public Works workers.
The meeting concluded with plans to discuss town administrator priorities and potential beautification committee initiatives at future meetings.