Westminster Town Crier Episode 35 with Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen
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Episode 35 of the Westminster Town Crier, hosted by Town Administrator Stephanie Latin on October 6 (broadcast October 8).
The primary operational focus for the Town of Westminster enters a busy fall season characterized by election preparations, budget planning for Fiscal Year 2028, preliminary scheduling for the May 2027 Annual Town Meeting, and the upcoming November 17 Special Town Meeting. Key governance highlights include the Select Board’s formal request for state intervention regarding ongoing PFAS contamination at Bean Porch Hill, the approval of infrastructure projects at Crocker Pond, key municipal appointments across emergency and public services, and extensive updates regarding the November 3 State Election from newly appointed Town Clerk Jane Devolio.
Special Town Meeting Warrant Overview (November 17): The Special Town Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, at 6:30 p.m. at the Westminster Elementary School. The warrant officially closed at noon on Friday, October 9, and will be publicly posted on November 2. Preliminary Article Submissions include:
- Financial & Capital Reallocations:
- Reallocation of $200,000 in capital funding toward bidding and design phase for the Public Safety Building.
- Transfer of $35,340 from ambulance receipts to support advanced paramedic training.
- Standard financial placeholders, free cash transfers to Stabilization Accounts, and funding for the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Trust.
- Adjustment to Emergency Home Heating Assistance funding to accommodate rising fuel, oil, and gas costs.
- Strategic Staffing Plan (5-Year Plan):
- Three separate articles authorizing new personnel starting January 1: one Fire Captain, one Police Patrolman, and one Police Sergeant.
- Bylaw & Zoning Proposals:
- Historical Commission Bylaw: Article to formally create a town Historical Commission bylaw.
- MBTA Bylaw Amendment: A minor clerical correction to the MBTA zoning bylaw passed in the prior year.
- Data Center Prohibition: A comprehensive, town-wide zoning amendment submitted by the Planning Board proposing a total ban on data centers across all zoning districts.
Community Events and Local Program Calendar
11th Annual Westminster Cracker Festival
- Date & Time: Saturday, October 17, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Rain or Shine).
- Location: Westminster Village Center (Organized by the all-volunteer Westminster Village Foundation).
- Key Activities:
- Cracker Festival 5K Road Race begins at 9:00 a.m.
- Annual local restaurant Chili Contest.
- Live music stage schedule featuring Mr. Strickland, Freddy and the Freeloaders, and The Tribe.
- Temporary live entertainment license running 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Municipal and non-profit booths including Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Community Services Department, Fire Department, and Council on Aging.
- Logistics: Free admission. Free public parking with dedicated shuttle services operating from outer lots, including the VFW field.
Halloween & Fall Community Operations
- Agricultural Commission Farmers Market: Final day of the season is Friday, October 16, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Academy Hill.
- Cultural Council Grant Applications: Accepting local arts and cultural project grant proposals through October 15 via the town portal.
- Forbush Memorial Library Events:
- Book Sale: October 17 (concurrent with Cracker Festival).
- Special Evening Programming: October 18.
- Haunted Library Event: October 31.
- Council on Aging (COA) Programming:
- Boo Bingo: October 13 at 10:00 a.m.
- Meadowbrook Orchards Trip: October 16.
- Senior Halloween Party: October 22 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Registration: 978-874-7402).
- Official Town Trick-or-Treating:
- Schedule: Saturday, October 31, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Street Closures: Bacon Street, Pleasant Street, and Elliot Street will be closed to vehicular traffic by the Westminster Police and Fire Departments.
- Annual Bonfire: Hosted by the Westminster Fire Department at 7:00 p.m. at the VFW field immediately following neighborhood trick-or-treating.
