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Sudbury’s Special Town Meeting started on time on Monday, December 1. Attendance wasn’t exactly massive, but there was a solid quorum of 130 after a test of the clickers, with more residents trickling in after that. Based on the vote tallies, there were roughly 170 residents present at the peak.
The two school roof projects were at the top of the warrant, and Town staff kicked off with a presentation by multiple staff members covering both Article 1 and Article 2. Combined Facility Director Sandra Duran explained the conditions of the roofs first. She cited age, water infiltration, and interior damage at Josiah Haynes Elementary School. The complexity of both the Haynes and General John Nixon roof were a point of emphasis — as they both have more than 10 levels of roofing.
Sudbury’s Assistant Town Manager and Finance Director, Victor Garofalo, took over to present the financials on both projects. He emphasized the reimbursements from the Massachusetts School Building Authority on both of the projects, which would cover over 41.32%, which totals to nearly $5 million in reimbursements. The total debt exclusion tax impact for the average household came in at an estimated $25.
Article 1 – Haynes Elementary School Roof Replacement and Repair
Vote: Passed
Tally: 151-14
After the detailed presentations, there was a motion to indefinitely postpone Article 1. The motion was made by resident Jean Nam, who presented her case with a short slide show. Assistant Town Manager Victor Garofalo presented in opposition to the motion. Both the Finance Committee and the Select Board voiced strong opposition to the motion to indefinitely postpone.
Once it was voted down (15 in favor, 157 opposed), Nam continued to make claims about alternative funding sources and free cash that were demonstrably false. Town Manager Andy Sheehan responded emphatically from the podium “That is a fascinating use of alternative facts.” He corrected Nam’s statements about the sources of free cash and concluded his comments abruptly.
The original article passed shortly thereafter.
Article 2 – Nixon Elementary School Roof Replacement and Repair
Vote: Passed
Tally: 155-16
Article 3 – Authorization to Proceed with the Ephraim Curtis Middle School Solar Canopy
This article was indefinitely postponed, and is expected to come back at Annual Town Meeting in May of 2026. The tally was 149-11.
Article 4 – Authorization to Proceed with the Police Station Solar Canopy
This article was indefinitely postponed, and is expected to come back at Annual Town Meeting in May of 2026. The tally was 143-11.
Article 5 – Authorization to Proceed with the Haskell Field Solar Canopy
This article was indefinitely postponed, and is expected to come back at Annual Town Meeting in May of 2026. The tally was 147-9.
Article 6 – Accept Massachusetts General Law Chapter 138, Section 12D
VOTE: Passed
TALLY: 136-10
This one provided some flexibility to local restaurants on liquor licenses. It sailed through. Let’s party!
Article 7 – Accept Massachusetts General Law Chapter 138, Section 33B
VOTE: Passed
TALLY: 136-7
More local control for alcohol service hours. It sailed through.
Article 8 – Increase in Demand Fee for Delinquent Tax Bills
VOTE: Passed
TALLY: 100-54
This was just a modest fee increase on delinquent tax bills.
Article 9 – Citizens’ Petition: 10 Year Plan to Fund & Construct Walkways Along Sudbury’s Busy Main Residential Thru Roads
VOTE: Failed
TALLY: 64-86
This was a stunning outcome considering the petitioner said “this isn’t going anywhere” at the podium. But residents sent a strong message that they valued walkways and wanted to see action. The vote was much closer than expected.