• 5:00 p.m. Call Meeting to Order, Review Agenda, Review Minutes: 4/29/25

Public Comment - remember to sign in and brownies are available (Hilma)
5:10 p.m. Pole Hearing: No. 30711701—to relocate 1 pole on Rte. 8A by bridge construction

• Pole to be put back in a position that is over 3' from original location which requires approval from the Select Board
•  Will be put on public land, not private land.
• Will be placed so as not to interfere with any homeowner access to abutting land
  

Other Business

• ATM—Final Review and Discussion
  • Legal fees  of $26,000 for Vincent Rd  [The Town is accumulating a significant amount in  legal fees due to a lawsuit filed by a land owner against an abutter  regarding Vincent Road access.  The plaintiff's lawyer has pulled the Town into the suit.]
  • Late bus cost of  $6000 per each  town of Heath, Rowe, and Charlemont. How many Heath kids use the late bus?
  • Plowing vehicle needed for dirt roads.  
• Salt Shed update
  • The EOC work can be done now: (1) move the electrical on the abutting wall of the Fire building and the EOC, (2) remove and close off of the abutting wall, (3) demolish the EOC.
  • Move the propane tanks by the salt shed to the area where the EOC was.
  • ​Waiting on the foundation drawings
  • Tyson - too wet to finish cleanup of tree work
• Sawyer Hall Repairs update—vote possible
  • ​​Drywall repairs are done and carpet installed
• Sawyer Hall Generator—awaiting third quote
• Town Buildings’ Needs
  • ​Quick review of the building needs report
  • EOC and Salt Shed can be crossed off
• National Grid meeting review
  • ​Discussed Avery Brook alternate proposal  to Burrington Hill Rd
  • Talked about the cost of moving the fiber lines  and right now they are sticking to the original agreement that has Heath paying to move the fiber.
  • They are replacing 54 poles and adding 7 new poles
  • They are marking trees next week and then they plan to go door-to-door to speak to people and leave information.
  • Plan to have a police detail the whole time.
  • May be coming to town for a public meeting in the beginning of June.
• Summer Meeting Schedule 
  • ​May 20, June 3, June 17, July 8, July 22, Aug 5, Aug 19

New: Transfer Station 

•  The Salvation Army no longer picks up on a regular basis so textiles were piling up. Lee had to stop people from dropping off outside the bin.
• There is a company, Helpsy,  available to pick up the textiles.
• We don't have room for 2 boxes so the Salvation Army would need to be picked up.
• SB to investigate the move to go with Helpsy.

New: Town to be reimbursed $5771 for work done on Community Hall ceiling.
Mail

• Complaint about properties referred to as  "junkyards."  Complaint sent to Board of Health and FRCOG agent.
• There was a question of need to purchase posts for all street signs and  length of bus rides.
• Town nurses monthly report
• Paul Mark office hours

Agenda Items
5:00 p.m. Call Meeting to Order, Review Agenda, Review Minutes: 4/22/25
Public Comment - none
6:00 p.m. Appointment: FRCOG Representative to present proposed charter changes

• ​Charter is 28 years old so amendments are needed
• Amendments require 2/3 of the towns to vote in favor.
• SB approved the FRCOG Building, Plumbing & Gas, and Wiring Inspection and Zoning Enforcement

6:15 p.m. Appointment: Moderator Eric Sumner & Town Clerk Mary Sumner to discuss ATM preparation

• Discussed the moving up of the school items as is done each year.
• It was noted that 2 Planning Board Articles were removed as not ready yet for ATM.
• Eric suggested a portable mic to so people don't have to come to the front. it was requested b a resident after last year.
• A new configuration is needed so the SB can better see the Finance Committee—Eric will speak to Tim. 

Other Business
Salt Shed update

• Tyson reports the trees in back of the current shed have been cut down as part of prep work for the new shed.
• The Fire Dept has removed what they wanted from the EOC building prior to demolition.
• The Fire Dept  wants  to tear  the EOC wall abutting the the fire garage wall out by hand.
• Propane tanks - The SB is going with George Propane for the Highway and Fire Depts is an estimated yearly savings of $1000. 
• SB would like a quote from George Propane  for Jacobs Road which is currently supplied by Osterman whose contract expires this month.

Sawyer Hall Repairs update

• The drywall has been patched, but needs more mudding in places.
• Need interior painting done.
• The building exterior will be painted in May by the jail crew.
• SB has quotes for a new generators from Current and Palmeri. Tim is seeking another quote.

Town Buildings’ Needs

• It is very difficult to get storms for the Community Hall windows because of the size and because they need to be operable. Greenfield Glass is looking for someone who will do this.  The search is for something that is stationary at the top and opens at the bottom. 
• Robyn is working on a spreadsheet of maintenance needs for all the buildings.​
• Community Hall funds are in the red due to work by Donelson . Sawyer Hall has a $7000 excess.  

RFP for space rentals- not finished yet, and will not be until after ATM
Trail Project

• Trail access for Trowbridge property has been revoked [as owner felt that the trail was not a good fit for his property].
• Trail route will need to be reworked.

Mail

• FRCOG document
• Palmeri Electric quote
• NGRID response to April 14 meeting regarding the power outage
• Mass-Care for All Conference - Saturday June 21

Agenda Items
5:00 p.m. Call Meeting to Order, Review Agenda, Review Minutes: 4/15/25
Public Comment - none
5:15 p.m.
Appointment: Budge Litchfield, MTRSD School Committee Representative

• A move to a single campus, if it happens at all, would not be done in the next few years. 
• A transportation model that does not have kids spending a long time on a bus would have to be done geographically which would mean a break from town line as an elementary school district. 
• The District has been unable to recommend  what school(s)  might close.

Other Business
Highway Road Signs update

• Final street list is OKed and the order placed for approx. $5100 out of an $8000 budget.
• Tyson pricing posts and mounting hardware which will need to come out of the budget

Salt Shed update 

• Demolition can begin as soon as Town has the permit
• Can not stay with Ostermann for propane as they do not include the servicing needed. Tyson would like to go with George propane who will service.  SB voted to go with George.

Sawyer Hall Repairs update

• New carpets have been installed in the hallway. Vestibule rugs on order.
• Drywall work is ready to start
• New hardware has been installed on the door
• Generator needs to be repaired, but should be replaced as it is reaching retirement age. This would need to be added to the budget.

Town Buildings’ Needs—discussion
NGRID

• Need to get the cost of the storm  to our State Representative, Natalie Blais.
• Preliminary private meeting with NGRID scheduled for  May 5, Will Emmet to represent  the SB. 

Finance Committee

• Issue: if the loan for the new truck does not pass, then we need to put money in the budget  for more contract snowplowing since the current truck will not be able to plow next year.
• Would like to know how many Heath kids use the late bus before we pay one third of the cost.
• FC wanted to know If the Community Hall is winterized for the winter since it is mainly seasonal use.
• Long discussion regarding the 4 generators in Town all of which are old. We must at least replace one.

Mail
Unsafe driver communication with police chief.
Political comment.
Deerfield watershed requests a letter of support from Towns for a grant from the Woodlands Partnership
​

Agenda Items
5:00 p.m. Call Meeting to Order, Review Agenda, Review Minutes: 4/8/25
Public Comment - There was concern expressed that the promised remediations regarding the spools used by Hilltown Youth had not been done.  It was pointed out the small spool was well passed the point of safe use and needs to be replaced.
Other Business

• Highway Road Signs—road signs will be replaced (87). There is grant money available to purchase the signs, but not clear if there is enough for the posts. 
• National Grid/Feb. Storm update--National Grid response to complaints regarding the response. The report of the meeting is attached below.  Rep. Blais asked town representatives to report on the extraordinary costs incurred from the storm and emergency measures that were taken. 
• Salt Shed update—Drawings of the design were reviewed. Shed size is  52 x 72, Tyson to review.  Snow load and wind tolerance are within spec.  SB voted to approve the proposed design by Calhoun with Tyson's  approval.  Iron Horse Construction can proceed with the foundation design.  $23,900 in excavation cost estimate from Hillman was approved.  Asbestos samples have been taken in former EOC (Emergency Control Center) which is required for the demolition.
• Sawyer Hall—A portion of the carpet destroyed by the freeze up will be replaced. The vestibule carpeting is back ordered and will be replaced at a later date. Cost of the replacement is $2318 which is reimbursable through insurance.   The dumpster cost for 2 weeks is $1035.  Need someone to repair the sheetrock.  Robyn to contact the jail about painting.
• Proposed Changes to Zoning Bylaws—Multifamily Dwellings and Street designations.  WiFi changes are on hold. See March 18 for detail.
• ATM Warrant Discussion—Continuing review of all the warrant articles including Article 3 (the budget). As soon as this is ready for distribution, I will send it out.  Some items discussed:
  • Ten computers need to be replaced by Northeast IT, don't have a final cost yet. Money will come from two accounts one of which is IT Stabilization ($8000), I did not catch the other account. 
  • SB upped the FinComm recommendation for the Town Coordinator transition period from $15,000 to $17,500 for when Hilma retires this year.
  • All current articles are recommended by the SB  (except Article 3 which has some updates).
  • Building Maintenance Coordinator report:
    •  Robyn to add to Tim Lively's list and produce an updated maintenance spreadsheet. One plus is that 80% of the lighting has been replaced with LEDs.  Will Emmet would like to see a metal roof  on Jacobs Road—would likely need to be done in sections. Solar panels can be put on metal roofs.
  • MTRSD FY2026 Budget Discussion—There has been a request for the Select Board to sponsor a talk by Ken Rocke and Budge Litchfield to explain the school budget prior to Town Meeting. 
• Speeding in Heath
  • People are driving too fast and driving dangerously.
  • Robyn would like some plan of action to curb this.
  • Will Emmet will be meeting with the Police Chief on Thursday
  • Robyn would like to understand why there needs to be so many office hours in Heath.  There needs to be more presence of the police during commuting hours and less time in the office.  
  • People need to start getting warnings for speeding.
• COA would like to hold a bake sale by donation at ATM (annual Town Meeting). SB approved.
• There had been a discussion about raising excise tax. Treasurer said it is in the purview of the Select Board not the treasurer to raise it.
• Need to meet with Tax Collector Elizabeth Nichols, and Treasurer Kris Nartowicz to determine process for collecting delinquent takes.

5:00 p.m. Call Meeting to Order, Review Agenda
5:05 p.m. Highway Road Signs—Highway Supt. & Parks & Recreation chair, Mike Cucchiara

• Mike C. to work with Tyson Howard, Ken Gilbert, and Hilma on the placement of road signs. Mike to use grant money appropriate for this purpose.   
• P &R business: Mike seeking permission to hire a firm to cut a trail thru Trowbridge land and Jamie Gay to cut trees.​

 Long Hill Road Beaver Dam

• The highway dept spent part of Sunday getting the road visible and Monday the water was back  over the road. Tyson called beaver control for a solution.  Some type of deterrent will be installed, not sure if beaver family will be removed.

 Salt Shed Update

• Cleaning out the old EOC building has started.  Only a little fire dept. equipment is left to bring over to Jacobs Road. 
• There is a quote of  approx. $1650 for taking down the EOC and doing an env sample from Hoosic Environmental.  Hilma is waiting on asbestos testing  before the  EOC can be taken down.   SB voted to accept the quote from Hoosic.
• Fuel tanks will not need to be moved for the salt shed demolition.  Tyson is changing from Osterman to George for propane for highway and fire. Osterman is not providing the services we need and charging two separate prices for the fuel. There are several propane tanks in town, some under contract with Osterman which may be changed if possible.
• Ledge behind the shed has been hammered out, trees still need to be taken down.

Review Minutes: 4/1/25
Public Comment

• Bill Fontes: Surging of the lights in Sawyer Hall generator may be a regulator problem.  

6:30 p.m. FY 2026 Budget Discussion with Finance Committee
Other Business
Sawyer Hall—repair update and discussion - repair is covered by insurance

• Heat  is fixed and back on.
• Hilma to purchase new carpet and walk-on mats
• Drywall repairs are needed
• There is a significant cleanup needed on all floors, Robyn wants a dumpster brought in to get rid of rubbish, and then the building needs a thorough cleaning.

Proposed Changes to Zoning Bylaws—vote possible

• ​Bylaws for new "Street" designation, accessory dwelling units, wireless. More detail in March 18 notes.  The ZBA voted to remove the the WiFi changes from the warrant at this time.

Hilma - NGRID

• NGRID has a plan to go up Avery Brook Road which they will present to a small town group before having a public meeting.
• NGRID heard of or saw an unflattering article in the recorder and will meet with designated persons from Heath, Rowe, and Charlemont.

​ATM Warrant Discussion
The Finance Committee made some recommendations discussed with the SB
1. Dept 151 - Legal Fees - $35,000  - amt the SB had already set
2. Dept 760 –  Broadband Debt - $100,000 -  Up this amt by $5000.
3. Dept 914 & 915 – Health Insurance and FICA/Medicare Empl. Match

• Ensure this is budgeted enough for new hires to choose family plan; good to budget for an extra family plan in case of more turnover

4. Add a warrant article to get a loan for a new F550 truck; we cannot use Chap 90 money if it will be used for road maintenance.  Chapter 90 money will be used for roads.
5. Add a warrant article to raise and appropriate $15,000 for Town Coordinator position transition (anticipating Hilma's retirement).
The SB reviewed  Article 3 (the budget) and the remaining articles in the Warrant.

• A lot of time was spent on the Highway Dept salaries.
• It is premature to send out Article (3) and the other warrant articles, but the recording is available if you wish to hear the discussion. I found it pretty dull.

Mail

• Much already covered above
• Resignation from the 8T2D School Sustainability study
  

​

5:00 p.m. Call Meeting to Order, Review Agenda, Review Minutes: 3/25/25
Public Comment - none
Other Business
1) AAR Storm Incident Report Discussion

• After Action Report of the Town of Heath EMT response to the State of Emergency from Feb 16-19.  

Summary Goals of the report

1. Improve Communications/Notifications (for staff and residents).
2. Preplanning (before an event) and following response Plan (during event).
3. Improve EOC use and operations.
4. Establish local shelter operations plan.
5. Redundancy (of emergency personnel and electric power).

2) Proposed Changes to Zoning Bylaws--See the  March 18 SB notes for specifics

• Changes were sent to Counsel who has responded.  
• Street: Counsel suggested changes which ZBA can choose to accept or not
• Accessory Dwelling Units:  Changes just need to be accepted
• Wireless:   Compliance with Mass Gen Law which would require research on the part of counsel which will add legal fees.

​FY 2026 Budget Discussion - Line by line review of the draft budget

• There will be a significant increase in legal fees
• Special projects proposed to go from $5000 to $10,000
• There is a proposed 3% Cost of Living increase 

ATM Warrant Discussion
​Town Report - the SB portion was sent out by Elissa  for comment. Very few changes suggested.
Mail

• Comment from resident regarding last week's SB meeting
• Other items already discussed or just informational

Meeting time change for next week to 5:30

Verified as 3/18
5:00 p.m. Call Meeting to Order, Review Agenda
5:05 p.m. Appointment: MTRSD Administration Officials & School Committee presentation of 2D8T
The presentation was well attended by Heath residents, and Colrain school committee members, and the Colrain Town Administrator.   The proposal seeks to be proactive in enriching the school experience of our students and creating cost savings for the districts.  There is a link to the presentation on the Town Mohawk Trail School Committee Page as well as more info and links to the 
6:30 p.m. Proposed Changes to Zoning Bylaws—discussion with Planning Board, votes possible
Streets:

• Starting with 3.4.2 the board is recommending  defining a street to be a public way, a private way or a statutory private way in all sections going forward.

Section 4.7 Standards for Multi-Family Dwellings:

• Add a definition: Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). A self-contained housing unit, inclusive of sleeping, cooking, and sanitary facilities on the same Lot as a Principal Dwelling, subject to otherwise applicable dimensional and parking requirements, that maintains a separate entrance, either directly from the outside or through an entry hall or corridor shared with the Principal Dwelling sufficient to meet the requirements of the Building  and Fire Code for safe egress. ADUs may be detached, attached, or internal to the Principal Dwelling. [General references to ADUs in this by-law include both Protected Use ADUs and Local ADUs.]
• Raise the required square footage from 800 to 900 to comply with new state requirements.
• Remove the requirement that the property owner must reside in one of the two residences to comply with new state requirements.

​Wireless Bylaw Draft

• This draft  contains significant updates to SECTION 6.3 – PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICE FACILITIES and 6.10 FIXED WIRELESS BROADBAND FACILITIES.  

Review Minutes: 3/4/25
Public Comment - None 
Other Business
FY 2026 Budget Discussion

• Robyn  created a spreadsheet showing the effects of a 3% COLA on current salaries. 
• The grading system itself is antiquated and needs to be reviewed
• Robyn to send out an updated Highway Dept spreadsheet showing step by step how to complete the Salt Shed project.
• Some salary adjustments started last year are still needed to bring people to mid-grade based on job performance and longevity

Appointment to Board of Health—SB voted to appoint Jason Erali to vacant position
New Business

• Request for a Town Conservation Commission email and a Town Planning Board email.
• Hilma can reassign the FinCom and Library email accounts.

5:00 p.m. Call Meeting to Order, Review Agenda, Review Minutes: 3/4/25
Public Comment 
5:10 p.m. Kurowski/Wecker Dog Hearing deliberation

• Elissa has recused herself from the dog hearing due to a potential conflict of interest.
• The Kyle Dragon, Animal Control Officer,  responded by email to Robyn's questions to clarify different scenarios.
• The  Animal Control Officer attending the meeting expressed that a nuisance dog should be physically restrained at all times.
• SB decision is that Shamus is  a nuisance dog and must be on property at all times unless being walked on a leash by a responsible adult.

6:00 p.m. Proposed Changes to Zoning Bylaws—discussion with Planning Board, Doug Mason, Chair

• The proposed wireless  bylaw changes are in the PDF below, but the state is making changes that may impact these.
• The changes involve Section 4.7 (Accessory Dwelling Unit), Section 6.1.2.1 (Private Ways), Section 6.3 (Personal Wireless Facilities) and Section 6.10 (Wireless Broadband Facilities), Section 9 (Definitions)

7:00 p.m. Appointment: Greg Rode—Agreements with 11 Bellor Road entities

• Hilma to write a letter to the parties that the agreements are terminated due to non fulfillment of the agreement.
• SB voted to terminate both the developer and the farmer agreements.

Other Business
Sawyer Hall water/heat issues—vote anticipated - An insurance rep has visited the hall and the Town will file a claim.
Rental Space RFP/Appraisal Update - 
FY 2026 Budget Discussion

• Robyn is working on a spreadsheet to cover all the financial regarding the highway department will include equipment and building maintenance. 
• Responsibility levels must be factored into any increases.
• The method used for salary increases is now outdated
• It is  becoming  increasingly  difficult and costly to get a CDL to drive heavy equipment which makes it hard to find a person with the license willing to work for the salary advertised.
• Robyn to look at the salary structure.
• Hilma: Utility expenses are convoluted due to trying to allocate these costs to each building and/or department. She would like to  consolidate  all the utilities in one account. 
• The Building Use Committee is looking into how to promote short term rentals.
• Need to look carefully at Town Coordinator transition when Hilma retires. How much time is needed for an office assistant.

​Update
​Community Hall - window work will start within the next 2 weeks.
Mail

• Per request by Harry Hallman, the SB voted to close the road in front of Community Hall  for the art exhibit