Town Council Talks Special Election, Council Addresses Water Ban Lift, Infrastructure Updates
Residents will vote on consequential override measure from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at middle school, while town celebrates lifted water ban and advances multiple municipal projects
BRIDGEWATER - June 17 - Bridgewater residents will head to the polls Saturday for a special election on an override vote that Town Council President Johnny Loreti described as "consequential" for the community's future services and budget.
The special election runs from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the middle school, with early voting available at the Town Clerk's office Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon). The office remains closed Thursday in recognition of Juneteenth.
"Regardless of the outcome of Saturday's consequential election, the residents of Bridgewater have mine and the council's full commitment to serving as responsible stewards of our tax dollars and town resources," Loreti said during Monday's town council meeting.
Loreti emphasized the council's commitment to "disciplined budgeting and a thoughtful, transparent approach" to resource allocation across schools, emergency services, and all town departments. He expressed hope that residents could "move forward not as opponents in a debate, but as neighbors united by a shared goal."
The override vote comes as the town celebrates the lifting of its total water ban, attributed to newly reconstructed wells. Town Manager Blythe Robinson reported the positive development during her manager's report.
"This is mostly due to our newly reconstructed wells," Loreti noted, though he cautioned the relief may be temporary with summer months approaching.
The council addressed multiple infrastructure updates during the meeting. Robinson reported that South Street milling began this week, with work progressing from Central Square to Crescent Street. The project includes applying a skim coat of pavement, raising utility castings, and fixing sidewalks before full paving over the summer.
"We, like a lot of communities, have struggled because there are just two contractors who are on the bid that we can use for this type of work," Robinson explained regarding scheduling challenges caused by spring rain delays.
Flagg Street drainage work continues and should wrap up soon, followed by road reconstruction with a binder coat and final paving by late summer. Winter Street remains planned, but awaits budget resolution, with Robinson noting cost projections exceed current available funds.
The proposed override includes $500,000 for milling and overlaying Main Street from Central Square to High Street. Robinson outlined future funding options for the council to consider, including establishing a roadway stabilization fund or creating a recurring budget line item.
Fire station construction remains on schedule and budget despite dipping into contingency funds for winter weather conditions. Robinson toured the facility with the Fire Chief, reporting floors are poured and electrical, plumbing and HVAC work proceeds before wall installation. The brick veneer installation continues on the exterior.
"Project is on schedule. We're on budget," Robinson said, anticipating a move-in timeframe of December to late January.
Robinson addressed ongoing concerns about East Street traffic enforcement, reporting that police will conduct proactive enforcement and move a digital speed reminder sign to the area. She noted previous enforcement efforts haven't found excessive speeding by trucks, which generated past complaints.
Regarding National Grid tree trimming on Cherry Street, Robinson said the utility company plans to address the area but discovered some trees exceed their standard bucket truck capacity, requiring different equipment and delaying the timeline.
Several residents raised concerns during public comment periods about water infrastructure impacts from proposed developments, particularly the Lakeshore Center Phase 4 project near Lake Nippenicket. The project proposes a 110-room hotel, 225-unit residential community, 80-bed rehabilitation hospital, restaurant and cafe with drive-through.
Councilor Sonya Striggles, representing District 1 where the project is located, expressed concerns about the development scale. "We have absorbed quite a bit of development over the last decade," she said, calling for thorough vetting of environmental and infrastructure impacts.
The council also addressed questions about a $1 million school district capital improvement allocation from November, with resident Donna Jewell requesting accountability measures for tracking expenditures and unused funds.
Robinson received recognition through a proclamation acknowledging her service as interim town manager during "a significant period of transition for the town." The council commended her "steady leadership, clear communication and strong work ethic."
The meeting concluded with council members encouraging voter participation in Saturday's election and attendance at the Third Annual First Responders Day from 2Â to 5 p.m. at Town Landing, located at 80 Spring Street, featuring demonstrations, food trucks and entertainment.
Watch the complete meeting courtesy of the Town of Bridgewater.
This article was generated through artificial intelligence. Please contact us with any accuracy concerns.