EB To Consider Major Central School Rebuild Project at November 10th Town Meeting
EAST BRIDGEWATER - October 20 - The Select Board spent much of its Monday meeting preparing for a critical November 10th Special Town Meeting, where voters will decide on a school building project expected to cost over $50 million—a decision that will then face voters at a debt exclusion ballot question just five days later on November 15th at the middle school, not the high school.
The Full Story
The approximately two-hour meeting included detailed discussions with Town Moderator Bob Looney about procedures for the upcoming Special Town Meetings scheduled for October 27th and November 10th. The November 10th meeting will feature a single article: authorizing borrowing for the Central School reconstruction project under the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) reimbursement program. The MSBA is scheduled to meet October 29th to provide final approval for the town’s reimbursement rate and project scope.
Town Administrator Charlie Seelig explained that the MSBA process requires following specific language provided by the state agency, which makes the motion substantially more detailed than typical town meeting articles. The motion will be displayed on screen during the meeting. Seelig emphasized that all project details are contingent on voter approval of a debt exclusion ballot question on Saturday, November 15th at the middle school—a location change that officials repeatedly stressed throughout the meeting to avoid voter confusion.
The project represents years of work by the Central School Building Committee, chaired by Superintendent Gina Williams, who is expected to present the article at town meeting. Town officials confirmed that detailed cost estimates showing the impact on average homeowners will be published before the meeting. Select Board member Carole Julius noted the estimates have been decreasing as project details are refined, which is why the board waited to publish final numbers.
Town Counsel John Clifford explained the two-step approval process: town meeting must approve the borrowing by a two-thirds vote, and then voters must approve the debt exclusion by a simple majority at the ballot. If town meeting fails to achieve two-thirds approval but the ballot question passes, the town would need to schedule another town meeting to seek approval again. Conversely, if town meeting approves but the ballot fails, the project cannot proceed. Moderator Bob Looney noted he has seen situations in other communities where one vote passes but the other fails, creating complicated political situations.
The October 27th Special Town Meeting will address 22 articles, primarily focused on departmental transfers and operational needs. Several articles drew particular attention during the meeting’s preparation discussions.
Articles related to the fire department dominated much of the discussion. Article 1 seeks funding to buyback vacation time for three retiring firefighters, though the Finance Committee recommended amending the amount downward because only one firefighter’s retirement is confirmed, while two others remain pending at Plymouth County Retirement. Fire Chief John Dzialo explained that two firefighters have submitted applications but final approval is still pending.
Article 6, requesting $7,500 for fire department promotional exams, did not receive Finance Committee support but generated substantial discussion. The newly Chief explained the department needs to establish a formal promotional process using assessment centers for both lieutenant and deputy chief positions. Deputy Chief Craig Winsor is set to retire in January, creating an urgent need for the promotional process.
Similarly, Article 8 requests $16,000 for police department promotional exams—more than double the fire department’s request. Deputy Chief Michael McLaughlin explained the police department already has an established promotional process in place, unlike the fire department, but hasn’t had the funds to execute it since the last promotional exam in 2017-2018. The Finance Committee did not recommend this article either.
Deputy Chief McLaughlin provided detailed justification for the higher cost, explaining the amount represents a worst-case scenario based on how many officers might participate in the assessment center process. The pricing structure charges different amounts depending on whether 1-5 people or 6-10 people take the exam. McLaughlin emphasized the urgent need, noting that in the next five years, seven personnel will be retiring, including four in command positions. He stressed that having proper supervisory coverage is essential for a 24-7-365 operation and that failing to plan creates significant liability for the town.
McLaughlin also explained the mandatory training requirements for newly promoted sergeants through the Municipal Police Training Committee, including a week-long training program and suicide prevention courses. The department typically sends sergeants to FBI leadership classes as well. He detailed the extensive background responsibilities sergeants carry beyond patrol supervision, including evidence management, firearms training coordination, and various administrative duties like checking business licenses.
Select Board Chair Peter Spagone indicated he would speak in favor of the police promotional exam article at town meeting, acknowledging the need despite the Finance Committee’s recommendation against it. Board member Katherine Mullen emphasized the importance of highlighting how many personnel the department will lose and the value of growing talent from within.
The board discussed implementing a phased fee increase approach for various licenses and permits, which hadn’t been updated in 15-20 years. Rather than implementing the full 50% increase originally proposed by the town administration, the board decided to send letters to all license holders notifying them of a potential 25% increase for 2026, with another 25% increase planned for 2027. This compromise arose from concerns about the impact on small businesses, particularly package stores and restaurants.
Town Administrator Seelig explained that many of the current fees, even with a 50% increase, wouldn’t catch up with inflation from when they were originally set decades ago. The increases are expected to generate approximately $10,000 in additional revenue—money that Seelig noted the town is actively seeking as it prepares next year’s budget. Select Board member Carole Julius emphasized the importance of remaining competitive with neighboring communities like Whitman and West Bridgewater.
The board also discussed Article 17, which would increase the common victualler license fee from $50 to $100. Because this fee was set by town meeting bylaw rather than board policy, any change requires town meeting approval. The board indicated they might amend this to a $75 increase to match the phased approach for other licenses.
Mullen stressed the importance of making fee reviews an annual conversation going forward, particularly early in the year, to avoid large percentage jumps and to give businesses adequate time to provide input. The town will send separate notifications to affected businesses with information about the proposed increases and an invitation to contact the Select Board office or attend the meeting if they have concerns.
In other Special Town Meeting articles, Article 20 would allow restaurants to serve alcohol before noon on Sundays, which most Massachusetts communities already permit. Currently, East Bridgewater restaurants cannot serve alcohol until noon on Sundays, despite being able to serve food earlier. Seelig noted the town has received requests from restaurants like Apex for earlier Sunday alcohol service, particularly for brunch. The Select Board would still control individual establishment hours through the licensing process.
Article 21 seeks town meeting authorization for the Select Board to file legislation with the state to increase the number of package store licenses available in town. Spagone confirmed there is demand from prospective license holders. This requires state legislative approval, so the town meeting vote would simply authorize the board to pursue the legislation with the town’s state delegation.
Article 15 proposes establishing a Veterans Tax Work-Off Program similar to the existing senior tax work-off program. Town Administrator Seelig explained this would have fiscal implications as funding would come from the overlay reserve that assessors maintain, potentially reducing money available for normal town operations. The board would need to work out details including maximum exemption amounts, and Seelig suggested equalizing any new veterans benefit with what seniors currently receive to maintain fairness.
Article 16 would formally establish the Conservation Commission in the town bylaws for the first time. While the commission has been operating legally for years, Seelig explained that nearly all Massachusetts towns have bylaws specifying commission membership, terms, and procedures. The need became apparent when questions arose about appointing alternate members—something that requires specific bylaw language. Either Conservation Commission member Claire Yocum or Craig Winsor is expected to present this article.
Planning Board Chair Kevin Reilly will present Articles 18 and 19, both zoning changes requiring two-thirds votes. Article 18 would allow apartments above businesses in the B2 district, codifying what already exists in older buildings while potentially allowing new mixed-use development. Article 19 addresses additional mixed-use zoning provisions.
The meeting included other significant business beyond town meeting preparation. The board recognized Brockton City Councilman Jack Lally for his instrumental work on the sewer project, a sewer capacity agreement between Brockton and East Bridgewater along the Route 18 corridor. Spagone credited Lally with making the inter-municipal partnership possible, noting he made multiple phone calls to the councilman during negotiations. The agreement provides East Bridgewater with additional sewer capacity needed for economic development while generating revenue for Brockton.
Former Selectman David Sheedy attended to witness the recognition. Spagone presented Lally with a citation recognizing his contributions. Lally emphasized the mutual benefits of the partnership and praised the collaborative work between the two communities, as well as the Old Colony Planning Council and Mary Waldron’s involvement.
The board also unanimously supported a preliminary feasibility study for a rail trail project spanning eight miles from the Iron Works site in Bridgewater to the Whitman train station. Friends of East Bridgewater Trails representative Diane Phillips, along with Matt Dyer from Old Colony Planning Council and Amber Stearns from the Appalachian Mountain Club, presented the proposal.
Dyer explained the trail would follow old rail line easements and serve as a “backbone” for the community, connecting open space, recreation areas, public transit, and supporting small businesses. The trail would meet Massachusetts standards for multi-use pathways at 10-12 feet wide, using either paved or stone dust surfaces, and would be fully ADA accessible. Stearns noted the trail would bridge a gap in the 230-mile Bay Circuit Trail that currently exists between Bridgewater and East Bridgewater.
Spagone emphasized this is just the beginning, noting the recent opening of 30 acres on Route 18 through the sewer deal creates additional recreational opportunities. Julius, who has been advocating for this project for 20 years since the days of Planning Board member Howard Wilbur, enthusiastically supported moving forward. The preliminary feasibility phase will be conducted by Old Colony Planning Council at no cost to the town under existing contracts. Future phases, including a 25% design study, would require grant funding.
The board also authorized two land sales. James Coffey requested to purchase a small tax-title parcel at 36 West Union Street, approximately 0.6 acres, that abuts his property. Tom Graham requested to purchase a much larger 16-acre town-owned parcel behind his property at 3 Beacon Street to potentially build homes for his five children, all of whom went through East Bridgewater schools.
Town Administrator Seelig explained different procedures for the two sales. The Coffey parcel, being tax-title property, would be sold through auction with a minimum bid floor set by the assessor’s office. The Graham parcel, which was acquired by the town in the early 19th century through a deed transaction rather than tax foreclosure, would be sold through an invitation-for-bids process, also with a floor price. Graham noted the parcel is completely landlocked but accessible through his existing private road, which has a partial easement to the town. The board authorized both sales to proceed with the treasure collector and assessor’s office working on valuations and auction procedures, expected to be completed within months.
Throughout the meeting, officials repeatedly stressed the importance of voter turnout and emphasized that the November 15th election would take place at the middle school, not the high school where elections are typically held. Select Board members discussed creating prominent signage and possibly displaying large posters at town meeting to remind voters of the correct polling location.
Why It Matters
The November 10th town meeting and November 15th election represent a critical juncture for East Bridgewater’s future. The Central School project would be the single largest capital investment in decades, with the MSBA providing 58% reimbursement for the eligible portions of the project. The two-step approval process—requiring both a two-thirds vote at town meeting and a simple majority at the ballot—means voters effectively get two opportunities to weigh in on the project. Failure to achieve both approvals would end two years of planning work and cause the town to lose its position in the competitive MSBA pipeline. The fee increases, though modest, reflect the town’s efforts to identify all possible revenue sources as it faces budget constraints. The police and fire promotional exams represent investments in leadership development at a time when both departments face significant retirements in coming years. The rail trail project and land sales demonstrate the town’s focus on both recreational amenities and smart development opportunities that could generate new tax revenue and housing options for residents.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To approve minutes of October 6, 2025 Select Board meeting. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 23:04)
Motion: To review fees of licenses and permits for calendar year 2026. Outcome: Discussion only; no immediate vote. Board decided to send notification letters to affected businesses about proposed 25% increase with opportunity for feedback before November 27th meeting. (Timestamp: 23:12)
Motion: To vote intent to lay out Whitmarsh-Lean Extension Phase 3 as a public way and refer to planning board for review, public hearing, and formal recommendation. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 38:12)
Motion: To approve request from library to surplus one small desk on wheels. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 39:09)
Motion: To approve Select Board 2026 meeting schedule as printed. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 39:26)
Motion: To approve signage and event permit request for Community Coalition for Change to display lawn signs from June 1-27, 2026 and use town common for sixth annual celebration of multiculturalism on June 27, 2026. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 40:03)
Motion: To approve request from Kiwanis Club to place shed in town hall parking lot beginning in November for naming ceremony and tree sale promotion. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 40:26)
Motion: To support preliminary feasibility phase led by East Bridgewater Rail Trail Group for rail trail project. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 21:18)
Motion: To authorize Treasurer Collector to sell town-owned property at 36 West Union Street (James Coffey parcel) by auction, with Director of Assessing to establish minimum price. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 40:46)
Motion: To authorize sale of town-owned 16-acre parcel at 3 Beacon Street (Tom Graham parcel) through invitation for bids process, with Director of Assessing to establish minimum price. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 47:48)
Public Comment
No residents spoke during the designated open forum period at the beginning of the meeting. James Coffey and Tom Graham presented requests to purchase town-owned land parcels during scheduled appointments. Multiple department representatives attended to discuss upcoming Special Town Meeting articles, including Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief Craig Winsor, Deputy Police Chief Michael McLaughlin, and representatives from Friends of East Bridgewater Trails, Old Colony Planning Council, and Appalachian Mountain Club.
What’s Next
The Select Board will meet October 27th at 7:00 p.m. to potentially finalize decisions on license and permit fee increases after receiving feedback from affected businesses. Special Town Meeting is scheduled for November 10th at 7:00 p.m., followed by the debt exclusion ballot question on Saturday, November 15th from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the middle school. The MSBA will meet October 29th to provide final approval for the Central School project reimbursement rate and scope. The Treasurer Collector and Assessor’s office will work on appraisals and auction procedures for the two land parcels, expected to be completed within months. The rail trail preliminary feasibility study will proceed through Old Colony Planning Council at no cost to the town.