Voting Record As a Member of the Finance Committee
- I voted in favor of the reconstruction/renovation of Burgess Elementary School.
Investment in our public schools ensures a bright future. Funding approximately 57% by the MSBA made this the right time to take such action.
- I voted in favor of the larger Wastewater Treatment Plant, 1.3 mgd.
This is essential to ensure that we have the capacity to accommodate both residents and businesses for the next 20 years.
- I voted in favor of adopting MGL Chapter 64L, sec.2 allowing the Town to levy a local meals tax in the statutory amount of .75%(.0075).
It is estimated that it will result in $200,000 of additional revenue while having a negligible adverse impact (75 cents on a $100 bill).
- I voted in favor of expending a combination of CPC and general funds to pay for the field design for new recreational fields.
- I voted against adopting the STA.
Several concerns included: 1. unclear language in article; 2. potential conflict of interest issues; 3. the desire to work with SATA prior to overhaul; 4. the fact that tourism was up at OSV, our primary tourist destination. I advocated for the desirability to have one Sturbridge resident added to Committee - which was adopted.
- I voted against a zoning change on the Route 15 corridor, which would have allowed a PUBD to have retail space in the amount of 25% or 100,000 square feet, whichever is less.
I am in favor of the current zoning, which does allow retail as a possible accessory use provided it is an "integral part of the overall development".
- I voted in favor of additional hours for staff at the Senior Center.
- I voted in favor of the renovation of our Town Hall and Center Office Buildings.
Maintaining our municipal government in these historical buildings was the right choice for our community. Use of CPA funds to partially fund the renovations reduces the burden of taxpayers.
- I voted in favor of increasing the local hotel/motel tax by 2%, currently at 4%.
The DOR has indicated that this will increase local revenue by $254,000 (a $2.00 increase on a $100 room).
- I voted against the purchase of "Riverland" with CPA funds for the sum of $800,000.
Although the land is beautiful, I did not believe the town should have been responsible for the environmental cleanup costs associated with the land rather than the seller.
- I voted in favor of adopting various sites in town as Priority Development Sites (PDS) to expedite the permitting process pursuant to MGL Chapter 43D.
- I voted against a zoning change from residential to commercial zoning on certain land located on Route 15 abutting Holland.
A new Master Plan will help to determine residents' wants/needs. This parcel of land was needed to provide access through Sturbridge to commercial property in Holland. The benefit to Sturbridge was questionable.
- I voted in favor of the creation of a new master plan.
This document will provide the blueprint for future planning and growth in our community.
- I voted in favor of a zoning change to the temporary sign bylaw. This change allows businesses to obtain permits for temporary signs more frequently each year.
Remember to vote on April 12th!
