Southbridge DPW Subcommittee Approves Equipment Operator and Two Summer Hires

SOUTHBRIDGE — May 28, 2026 — Southbridge's DPW Subcommittee unanimously approved three staff appointments and flagged a seasonal wage concern at its May 28 meeting. The three-member panel — Councilor Adams, Councilor Shenyer, and citizen member Cody, with Councilor Dow and citizen member Lazo absent — confirmed Town Manager Pete's appointment of George Barber as a full-time maintenance equipment operator, filling a position that had fallen through when an earlier hire quit after one day. The board also approved Aiden Gero Provencher and Jordan Nichols as temporary summer laborers beginning June 2, with funding in place through fiscal year 2027. Shenyer noted the seasonal wage sits near minimum wage, saying "you can go work for McDonald's for a full box lower," and the issue was referred informally to a forthcoming General Government Subcommittee meeting. In an extended unvoted discussion, citizen member Cody raised concerns that newly installed pedestrian bump-outs near Oliver and Hamilton streets would impede large trucks serving Russell Harrington, Southbridge's largest employer; staff explained the bump-outs are designed to push parked cars back from intersections to improve pedestrian sightlines, and a direct call with the project engineer was arranged.