​5:00 p.m. Call Meeting to Order (This meeting may be recorded.)
Review Agenda
5:10 p.m. Pole Hearing: No. # 31070899 Avery Brook Rd. & Taylor Brook Rd.—National Grid

• Questions on fees for attachment,  NGRID says their policy does not require a fee, Verizon does charge and poles are co-owned.
• Concern expressed on the time required to move our fiber to the poles.  NGRID reports the info needed has been communicated to the MLP Manager.
• Question on trees.  Town owned trees vs private tree. Private trees are separate agreements between the tree owner and NGRID.  Town owned trees are worked out with the Tree Warden, Steve Thane.  
• The tree plan is completed, but if a home  owner has an issue, it can be discussed, but may be too late to make a change does.  
• Trees along Avery Brook Road are in a runoff area.  NGRID follows Mass guidelines for environmental control and Mass is one of the most stringent.
• Concern expressed regarding bringing in fill that may carry invasive plants.  NGRID said plan does not currently require 
• Concern about erosion and future cost to the town to maintain, and guardrails. NGRID is cognizant of erosion issue. Tyson reports that he has no issues.  NGRID does not install guardrails, erosion is part of design process.
• NGRID can not cut down privately owned trees, will make an adjustment if needed.
• Concern about a pole being placed in a drainage ditch. NGRID will have to adjust within a 5 foot radius.
• If a pole has to be moved such that the fiber no longer reaches ones home, the homeowner is responsible for the cost to reconnect.
• The Select Board voted to approve with contingencies,, one of which was regarding tree concerns and another the potential repositioning of poles that could effect homeowners.

Review Minutes: 6/3/25
Public Comment

• ​Thank you to Robyn Provost-Carlson and Kyle Jarvis for spreading wood chips on the Jacobs Road playground.
• Question from resident as to why the Town has to pay for reattachments in perpetuity. One response is that this issue is larger than Heath and has been escalated to our representatives. 

Other Business
Salt Shed update

• Iron Horse (the contractor)  base setup needs further discussion—raised the issue about  how to finish around the structure (not landscaping).

Highway/Fire  Dept

• Fire door malfunctioned, may need to address other doors. Door has been repaired.
• Highway Dept has been using rain time to paint the inside of the building and do other tasks to upgrade the space.
• Jason Boutwell has had his 3 month review and SB voted to take him off his probation period.
•  Owen Heilman  of Evergreen Lawn and Landscaping, bidding for lawn and cemetery mowing for the Town was given the bid conditionally awaiting insurance certificate.

Delineation of Town Parks—Steve Thane—votes possible

• Tree Warden needs to have the park areas in Town clearly designated and delineated.
• Parks & Rec also has the some need as it is part of grant applications.

​Sawyer Hall Generator— The electrician, Palmieri, is coming Thursday to look at the generator at Sawyer Hall, the two generators at the Highway Dept and electrical work needed.   The Highway Dept has two services there now, would like to make it one.
Facilities repair report

• Robyn has someone coming to look at an overhang  on the Jacobs building near the tower by the playground end of the building.

Lemelin well water - delayed to gather more information
JRMC Location Sign

• ​A design was presented and discussed.
• A base coat will be applied to allow for future changes.

Annual Appointments—votes to appoint for FY 2026

• ​SB voted to approve the current filled appointments.

FY 2025 end-of-year financial reports

• Robyn seeking an appt with the Accountant for July 2.
• Bills need to be paid by July 15

Mail 
A resident has an issue with the new trail kiosk in center. The kiosk will be completed and later moved to a new location.

Agenda Items
5:00 p.m. Call Meeting to Order, Review Agenda, Review Minutes: 5/20/25
Public Comment
6:00 p.m. Appointment: Tax Collector and Treasurer to discuss regulations & timing of tax liens/takings

• Normally the tax collector gives homeowners a year to comply.
• If we accelerate tax collecting to before July 1 , then there would be hundreds of letters to send out.
• As of Nov 1, the state has added more posting requirements. 
• A compressed schedule would cause a lot of work for not much difference in free cash.
• September could be a good time for Bette to do the tax taking notices.
• Once there is a lien on a property, it goes immediately to the treasurer.
• SB voted to move demand notices up to 4 months after the tax due date.
• SB voted  to increase the demand fees from $10 to $25 effective July 1 2026.

7:00 p.m. Appointment: Hilltown Youth Performing Arts
[It is the Hilltown Youth Recovery Theatre (HYRT) which offers camps and recovery programming for the town's young people and the community  that is negotiating rents. Representatives for HYRT were Board Members Laura Iveson and Jonathan Diamond, and ardent supporter, Judith Roberts, former director of the Literacy Project.]

• HYRT paid $6000  to cover Jan, Feb, and March at the meeting.
• HYRT has been seeking many grants for programs.  Some grants do not come until the summer.
• One HYRT board member feels that the value of the program justifies asking for minimal payment or no fee at all. [ As a municipality, I don't believe the Town can donate space.]
• HYRT would like to continue to use rooms if there is no response to the RFP.
• In consideration for the contribution HYRT has made to the town and hilltown youth, the SB proposed a  reduced rent going forward until the August performance. 
• Not clear but I think this is the current plan: 
  • To pay $500 per month for April, May, and June for 3 rooms which was paid at the meeting. HYRT to free one room by July 1. 
  • To pay $500 in July and August for 2 rooms and gym storage closet and stage area (depending on response to the RFP).  
  • Going to the block system as of June 4 for the shared space.  
  • Have  the right to shared space thru July and August plus current storage. 
  • I don't think there was a vote.
• There may be some changes based on any responses to the RFP.

[Excerpts from subsequent feedback provided by an HYRT board member. ]

• The $6,000 paid on 6/3/25 by Hilltown Youth Recovery Theatre (HYRT) to the Town of Heath, brought the total HYRT has paid in rent to the town of Heath to $90,000 over 3 years and 3 months. 
• HYRT agreed to a $30,000 lease 3 years ago because the Axion Corporation, a real estate and cannabis company from MI, entered into an Host Community Agreement (HCA) with the town that would be paid to HYRT to cover the rent. 
• The BOS, initially, negotiated an HCA for $20,000 but I asked Axion’s CEO if they could increase their contribution to $30,000 as I knew the town was wanting to generate $30,000 in rents to help with the utilities and overhead. Axion agreed to the increase.
• In 2024, In an effort to make the rent more sustainable without the HCA and thus possible for the program to remain in Heath, HYRT requested the rent be reduced from $30,000 to $20,000 and then reduced again to $15,000 the following year. 
• The BOS voted to reduce our rent from $30,000 per year to $24,000 (or $2,500 to $2000). Robyn, suggested HYRT track our building use during the coming year so we could revisit our request in 2025.  
• During those deliberations in 2024, HYRT asked the town to advertise the space as we felt we were paying considerably above market value but they said they were not permitted to do this. 
• Last summer, the town’s attorney informed the BOS that their lease with HYRT was improper, it needed to be a “license”. The town spent 6 months trying to sort out how to license the space so they could be in compliance. 
• During that 6 months period, HYRT was without a lease but continued to pay the full rent without one. 
• In January 2025, our current lease expired, and HYRT was still without a new one. HYRT assumed they would be negotiating a new agreement that would be retroactive to January, which, given our last deliberations and based on the data we collected on our building use, we were hoping would be reduced again. 
• In a meeting with the BOS on 2/11/25, HYRT was informed that, as a result of moving from the lease to the licensing process, an RFP would be circulated no later than April. In the same meeting, the BOS agreed that March would be HYRT’s last rent payment to the town prior to the RFP posted no later than April and gave HYRT additional time to make it. 
• The BOS put the RFP process on hold until after the ATM.  
• On 5/27 HYRT received an invoice from the BOS for $12,000, the implication being that HYRT was expected to continue paying $2000 per month until the RFP was sent out, which ignored nearly everything agreed to in the meeting on 2/11. This is what resulted in the meeting earlier this week. 
• In both the 2/11 and 6/3 meetings, HYRT board chair Laura Iveson was present. So was one of HYRT’s consultants, Judith Roberts, former director of the Literacy Project, who said the Literacy project paid 1/3 less for an entire floor in Greenfield. 
• Both advocated strongly for a rent reduction and that HYRT, a nonprofit that benefits the town and its young people and their families, was paying well above market value. The licensing agreements and RFP will allow the BOS to find out what the space is actually, worth (i.e., what individuals and/or other entities will pay). 
• Board chair, Laura, asked the BOS not to leave rooms empty for two months while our free summer programs were in full sail and the RFP process was playing out. The $1,500 paid on 6/11 was for April, May, and June when the BOS was supposed to have put the RFP out to bid but wasn’t able to meet their deadline.

Other Business
Facilities repair report
Sawyer Hall Generator—review quotes with vote possible.

• Need further clarification on quotes from Palmieri and Kingsley.  Will to also contact Current Electric.   
• Options for generators are Generac or Kohler depending on contractor chosen.

RFP for Rental Spaces

• Went over the additions to the document and verified the RFP is ready to go.

Homeowner Paul Lemelin well water issue 

• The homeowner at 133 Branch Hill Road which is near the salt shed has a salt contamination issue with a new well he is digging. He is currently using spring water.  
• The SB will be contacting the person the homeowner is working with and Bill Lattrell to gather information to find the best solution.

Annual Appointments

• SB reviewed list of appointments with only definite change is Transfer Station Attendant.

Mail 

• Some topics already covered above.
• Notice of open house for Sheila Litchfield retiring as MLP manager (Broadband).
• Letter of resignation from the Veterans Memorial Committee as their task is complete.​
• Letter from resident regarding town meeting attendance, also stating civic classes are taught FCT school, and a thank you to Robyn for reading the Memorial Day Proclamation from the governor.
• Letter from Parks & Rec member wishing to clean up  structures and debris from the Jacobs ball field.

 Agenda Items
5:00 p.m. Call Meeting to Order, Review Agenda, Review Minutes: 5/6/25, 5/10/25
Public Comment - not offered
Annual Town Meeting: Review and after-action planning

• There were 66 attendees, Robyn would like to see more younger people
• Much discussion about how to attract and how a decision can be decided by 1 vote
• Hilma proposed that it not take place on Mother's Day weekend

5:30 p.m. Highway Department: Tyson Howard, Highway Supt.
Trucks update—borrowing for new truck (vote possible)

• Planned on delivering in early June, waiting on one plow blade
• Will be billed in mid-July

Summer schedule and plans

• Working a 4 day week in summer with 10 hour days, more efficient for jobs that take a lot of setup time.

Salt Shed updates and plans—(vote possible)

• All construction documents are in and reviewed  Robyn wants to see a chronological list of dependencies. 
• Iron Horse wants to start next week, but  the Town is not ready. There is electrical work scheduled and we need to move the propane tanks.  Tyson has lined the contractors up and their work will begin soon. 
• NGRID part is difficult logistically, hard to contact and schedule.

Snows is no longer contracting for mowing, too much work and not enough manpower
No word yet on road signs.
​Bridge work is preceding well.
6:00 p.m. Appointment: Representative Natalie Blais

• Agriculture Committee has written 60 bills
• Chapter 90 bill before the legislature is using the existing model, but there is an additional sum being allocated that will benefit western Mass communities.
• Looking at the Chapter 90 formula going forward.
• Working to get $10 mil set aside for unpaved roads.
• Able to get $100,000 for the Heath Fair
• Proposed a formula for protected land western Mass towns are not being fairly reimbursed for publicly-owned land. This is currently being worked.
• Having ongoing conversations with NGRID regarding cost impacts from the storm.
• Robyn asked for $50,000 for generators.
• Changes in Federal funding will impact what the state can do.
• Will brought up a Town quick-response vehicle that can not get registered due to Registry issues. Natalie is going to take this on.
• Police recruiting (?) fee passed the house at $3200, but the senate changed it to $6000.
• Resident asked if there is anything being done to protect the civil rights of legitimate non residents. Response is that the legislature acts with urgency on this type of issue  while still respecting the democratic reprocess.

Other Business
Sawyer Hall Generator—review quotes with vote possible

• Looking at Generac vs Kohler, Will says the quality is about the same
• Noise matters as there are neighbors close to Sawyer Hall.
• https://sourcewell.org/about  is a competitive pricing program that Kingsley uses 
• Kingsley services Heath generators already and there are no issues.  
• SB voted to accept the Kingsley proposal.

RFP for Rental Spaces

• Listed places to send out the RFP for Heath rentable spaces
• Minimum amount for each space is $500.
• SB approved the RFP produced by Hilma

Transfer Station - SB accepted Lee Lively's  resignation as of July 1.
Other 

• Proclamation  stating Memorial Day as May 26, 2026  received from the Governors Office
• Invitation to the Hawlemont School  celebration on May 29 from 4:30 to 7 PM
• Hilma attended a legislative lunch at the Franklin County Tech school to celebrate the opening of the new veterinarian tech program.  
• Mulching for Jacobs play ground and some playground repairs will be covered by previous donation  money.

Mail - [I did not have copies of the email]

• Update on the CH windows
• Update on grant funds from the Woodlands Partnership
• D28T update
• Update on grants from the HHC
• NGRID update
• BoH tick prevention shoe spray on June 7, 10 AM to 1 PM​

• 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