Leicester, Massachusetts Development News
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Select Board Meeting June 26,2023
Published: Jun 26, 2026
Appointments and Reappointments Made to Various Town Committees and Departments
The Town Council approved several appointments and reappointments to various town committees and positions. Harold Leaming was appointed as Building Commissioner and Zoning Enforcement Officer for 24 hours a week on a six-month contract, bringing extensive experience from his time as a state building official. Chris Harrington transitioned from full-time EMS to per diem EMS due to commute time. Kay, the children's librarian, was promoted to Assistant Director/Children's Librarian to retain her services. Megan Casey was hired as the new Library Assistant. Three appointments were made to the Council on Aging: Bill Moore, Diana Provincial, and Diane Bergen. Several other appointments were made to committees including Health Insurance Advisory, May House, Weights and Measures, Gas Inspections, and the Recycling Committee. The council also accepted the resignation of John Charbonneau, Director of Inspectional Services, and initiated an exit interview process.
Fire Department and EMS Operations and Budgetary Needs Discussed
The council discussed the operations and budget of the Fire Department and EMS, highlighting the significant impact of mutual aid calls and increasing call volumes. The fire department's expenses for mutual aid have risen, impacting town resources. The EMS department is requesting a year-end transfer to cover unbudgeted expenses, including those related to an injured employee and a special investigation. The increase in call volume and medical supply costs are also contributing factors to the budget strain. Discussions also touched upon the need for potential full-time coverage at the fire station due to a declining volunteer base and the escalating nature of fires, which require quicker and more extensive mutual aid responses. The town is exploring grant opportunities for fire safety equipment.
Town Moves Forward with Property Auctions, Transitional Housing, and Cannabis Business Agreement
The town is proceeding with plans for the auction of five Victorian houses (Winslow, Hitchcock, Lane, 1812, Russell) and the development of transitional housing on Barrett, Hampshire, and Berkshire properties through Central Mass Housing Alliance. Work on Barrett is nearly complete. The town is also addressing surplus items and the future of the Winslow Lab building. Discussions included the potential for affordable housing at the Memorial School site and the logistics of selling surplus items. A host community agreement for cannabis operations at 88A Huntoon Highway was also approved.
Director of Inspectional Services Resigns, Citing Hostility and Budgetary Concerns
The town council discussed the resignation of John Charbonneau, Director of Inspectional Services, citing budgetary concerns and a perceived hostile environment from residents and applicants. The council expressed concern over the statement regarding disrespect and hostility, emphasizing the need for an exit interview to gather more details. They also noted that his predecessor left with a similar statement. The council recognized the need for better HR support or an exit interview process to address employee retention issues. They appointed two board members, Kevin Menard and Alan, along with Town Administrator David, to conduct an exit interview with Charbonneau. The resignation is effective July 6, 2023, as he accepted a position as Assistant Town Administrator and Economic Development Director in Milford.
Host Community Agreement Approved for Cannabis Operations at 88A Huntoon Highway
The town council approved a host community agreement for 88A Huntoon Highway, covering two operators: Core Technologies (April Arisati) and We Deliver LLC (Mia Martinez). The agreement has been updated to reflect direct costs not exceeding 3%, as indicated by the CCC. Core Technologies plans to start with manufacturing, while We Deliver LLC will handle delivery courier and operator licenses. Both entities are funded and have applications pending with the CCC. The location is currently zoned for cannabis use but not in active use, with Core Technologies seeking licenses for manufacture, cultivation, and laboratory analysis. We Deliver will operate delivery courier services from a Boston dispensary initially and later from a vault on-site at Huntoon Highway for statewide delivery. The council discussed security measures, potential impact on the police department, and confirmed discussions with the fire department. The agreement replaces previous operators Social J and The Hempest.
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The Leicester News archive
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Zoning Board of Appeal June 28,2023
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