SB Notes

Select Board Meeting Notes

1/1/2027

DISCLAIMER
These notes are not meant as a substitute for the Select Board approved minutes, any errors or omissions are mine alone. Approved minutes are the final word. Because of Open Meeting Law, minutes have to be reviewed and approved at a subsequent meeting which delays the posting. Any text in brackets [ . . . ] are my additions to the notes and not part of the meeting. —Pat McGahan
[email protected]: Actively engaged in the Heath community: ongoing attendance at SB meetings for six years; former Vice President of Friends of the Heath Public Library, member of the Parks & Recreation Committee, retired member of the Heath Herald staff after 7 fun years; former member of the town Building Use Committee; ongoing membership in the Heath Agricultural Society for 11 years, 6 years as Premium Secretary, past producer of the Premium Book, and past maintainer of the Heath Ag website; part of the team that installed the pollinator garden by Community Hall; co-organizer of the Community Cafes with live music held at the Community Hall.

Notes for Tue Apr 7 2026

4/7/2026

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Agenda Items
➢ Call Meeting to Order, Review Agenda, Consent Agenda, Meeting Minutes: 03/31/2026
➢ Select Board Discussion/Decision Items
o Town Nurse – Discuss Next Steps & Position Posting – Vote Possible
The BoH has reviewed the position description and clarified that the nurse will report directly to the BoH, but also be under the general town employee policy. The nurse salary will be $31.25 per hour with the COLA increase. In looking at other nurses in the area no one receives less than $40 per hour.
o Annual Town Meeting Warrant

Review/Discuss Most Recent Draft; Select Board Recommendations – Vote Anticipated
The warrant article is close to being finalized.
The SB is waiting review by Finance Committee at their meeting this Thursday, April 10.

o FY ’27 Budget – Review/Discuss Most Recent Draft

Spoke of consolidating some items in the Highway Dept
Reviewed stipends and agreed to lower two.
Elissa pointed out that the two School Committee roles are quite different. MTRS committee work is extraordinary. The FCT school board is basically a monthly meeting. The time commitment of the two are not equivalent. Elissa suggests the FCT stipend be reduced from $1000 to $275 to reflect the time commitment and the MTRS member stipend remain as it is.
Elissa looked at the BoH stipends and, compared to Library Trustees, it is out of balance from a time commitment perspective due to state training requirements for BoH which are time consuming. SB recommended lowering Trustees.
SB recommended that BoH member stipends should be raised to within $25 of the chair.

o Office Assistant & Boards’ Clerk Positions – Review/Discuss Next Steps

There are 2 applicants for the office assistant (10 hours), none yet for boards clerk although interest was expressed in the position.

o Town of Colrain Surplus Police Cruiser – Review/Discuss Vehicle Information, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and Bill of Sale

SB needs more time to review. The MOU implies more coordination of shared activities rather than just the sale of the truck. There is an additional expense requirement of $6000, it is not clear which town will pay for this addition, but consensus was as part of the prep work, it should be done by Colrain.

o REVISED Colrain Ambulance Contract – Review/Approve – Vote Anticipated

SB voted to accept the revised contract, no significant changes from previous version.

o Tri-Town Landfill – Possible Contract Amendment for Post-Closure Monitoring; Mowing
Contract

Mia said this was specialized mowing and we are still waiting for bids. It's a 3- or 4-day job.
Someone is coming to look at it on Wed, April 8.

o Sand on Roads/Street Sweeping – Review/Discuss Complaint & Street Sweeping Options

Residents have complained about to amount of sand in the roads.
Will suggested we hire a street sweeping machine, but it is not in the budget.
Robyn wants to monitor the use of sand vs salt. Cleanup of sand needs to be budgeted, and Tyson needs to come up with a plan for the cleanup.
Pavement of Colrain Stage is scheduled for May 7 to 12, but need to make sure grant money is in place.
HWY Dept spent a day repairing a culvert collapse.
Robyn wants updated reports on what the Highway Dept is working on now that they have shifted to a 10-hour day, 4 days a week.

o Letter Against S2874, Discuss & Decide Whether to Sign – Vote Anticipated

An Act to Increase Opportunity by Ending Debt-Based Driving Restrictions
SB voted to sign the letter against the act because it removes the incentive to pay excise tax.

o Letter of Support, Franklin Land Trust, Heath and Colrain Conservation Effort

Discuss & Decide Whether to Sign – Vote Anticipated
SB is not ready to sign the letter as there are outstanding questions.

o Town Common Spring Clean-Up – Volunteer Work Bee Requesting Approval

Bob Gruen is seeking SB permission to clean up the common.
SB approved.

o Sabra Billings, Candidate for State Representatives - Brainstorm Topics of Discussion for Meeting with Town Coordinator

Mia does not feel she has been here long enough to understand all the issues
Sandra is now asking for an appt w the SB, wants to hear about Heath problems
Mia will schedule a meeting after ATM.

o Council on Aging Action Plan – Review/Discuss

Addresses key missions for Councils on Aging

o Community Hall Cupola – Discuss Repair/Replacement Options

Decorative pieces are falling off the cupola. Need to take the remaining two down for safety.
Would require a lift to reach the cupola safely.

➢ New Information/Updates
o Lease Agreement Next Steps – Hilltown Youth Performing Arts; Valerie Isaacs; Heath Historical
Society (HHS); Carin Freeman

Waiting to hear from Jonathan
Valerie is not ready to sign the lease
HHS, Freeman - Mia to work on

➢ Public Comment

Resident discussed the Parks & Rec proposed warrant article: "To see if the Town will vote to move $1152 from the Parks & Recreation Committee Stabilization Account, 83-630-3590-83010 with a balance of $2,152 to the General Fund to support park" and recreation "operations. This will leave $1000 in the Parks & Recreation Stabilization Account while allowing Parks & Rec to fund initiatives in a timely manner."
There was a lengthy discussion about the purpose of stabilization accounts. and the purpose of a Parks & Rec stabilization account.
The article will go to town Council.

➢ Mail - not already covered

Jacobs Road sign on 8A is being worked on but there is some confusion on the timeframe. The design will be sent to the SB possibly as soon as next week.
Resident submitted a parking proposal for the oval at Jacobs Road.
Letter from Franklin Tech Superintendent regarding special town meeting in the fall to vote on construction project. Cost is estimated at $80,000 a year for 30 years but SB needs the exact detail. It should be raised at the ATM but is not a warrant article.

➢ New business that could not be anticipated 48 hours

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Notes for Tue, March 24 2026 at 4:30 PM

3/23/2026

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➢ Call Meeting to Order, Review Agenda, Consent Agenda, Meeting Minutes: 03/17/2026
o Accounts Payable & Payroll Warrants
➢ Appointments
o 4:30PM Mia Francesconi, Town Coordinator – End of Probationary Period; Employee
Evaluation – SB: had very positive feedback, felt Mia was a very fast learner and very responsive. Mia: is content with learning as she goes and feels supported by the SB. Salary was discussed; the position is a grade 18. Entry salary is $35.10, and $39 is mid. SB voted to add a $1 raise per hour to bring Mia to $36.10 until end of the fiscal year.
o 5:00PM Liam Cregan, Franklin Land Trust – Heath & Colrain Conservation Effort

Applied for a Forestry Legacy Grant which ended up bought by the Audubon Society
Seeking a grant to create a 500-acre contiguous parcel using private and conservation land. Bob and Janet Delise wish to put land into conservation, the Sumner family wishes to sell 11 land-locked acres to Fish & Game which will connect other conservation parcels. FLT has a grant to buy the Griswald land and barn.

➢ Select Board Discussion/Decision Items
o Highway Department – Discuss Paving Options

Robyn would like more clarification on the different types of road reclaiming.
Number 9 Road: "new work chip seal" technique recommended that as a cost saving but still produces a product that is a good option, 6 to 8 year est. life.
Colrain Stage Road: same process with the addition of a black top binder, 8 to 10 year est. life.
Tyson would like to apply for a STRAP grant
Will expressed concern that there are some areas on Number 9 Road where the road is completely gone. He would rather do part of it right then do a "band aid."
Tyson will need to fill the holes on Jacobs Road. Hope to get some unused money from the salt shed.
Will to speak to Tyson tomorrow regarding Jacobs Road and more information on the approach to Number 9 Road repairs.

o Animal Inspector Nomination – Elissa and Will voted to nominate Aimee Jarvis
o Annual Town Meeting Warrant – Review/Discuss 03/24/2026 Draft

School Article: discussed that capital improvement projects for Colrain School are included in the Mohawk budget. The building is owned by the Town of Colrain.
Rowe bus: we can't seem to get a number for Heath students that ride the bus
Revolving Fund: money is taken in for a project and expended to pay for the project. Should we have that kind of account, we need to be sure there is a way to follow how money is spent. Robyn would like to put in a warrant article to eliminate the two revolving accounts. This is to be brought up with FinComm which is meeting on Thursday.
Put in an article for highway and fire garage overhead doors ($30,000)

o FY ’27 Budget – General Discussion; Review/Discuss 03/24/2026 Draft
Certain line items were looked at to verify the amount budgeted. It is best to listen to the tape for this area.

Looking at what an additional 80 hrs for the Police Dept will cover
Discussion of an additional 8 hrs per week for Building Maint Coordinator. This is tied to the mowing contract as Tim is paid to mow by the Highway Dept.
Discussion of the cost of the copier and maintenance.
Discussion of the town paying for police coverage at the Heath Fair. Is it quid-pro-quo where the town benefits from the fair and the fair benefits from the coverage?

➢ New Information/Updates
o Town of Colrain Surplus Police Cruiser

Robyn would like a list of the work that was done on the vehicle. Nick knows the vehicle.
The MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) from Colrain has more detail than simply the purchase and needs to be looked at.

o Lease Agreement Next Steps

Hilltown Youth Performing Arts; lease has been sent out
Valerie Isaacs; Sawyer Hall- lease has been sent out
Heath Historical Society; paid the rent, amenable to current license
Carin Freeman; amenable to current license

o Boards’ Clerk & Office Assistant Job Postings

No update. Mia has not been able to find the previous posting.

➢ Public Comment

Resident objected to the wording in meeting minutes regarding eliminating one road crew member. Robyn said the minutes will be looked at and corrected.
Priorities are warped with focus on Jacobs Road.
Felt the best interest of the town is not being addressed by the town government.
Could not follow all that was said, it's best to listen to the tape to catch it all accurately.

➢ Mail

COA was awarded a grant of $3000 toward an outdoor patio outside the Senior Room
FRCOG is accepting requests for a traffic counting program.
MTRSD letter on a calculating error indicating a Heath underpayment of $13, 991.
Letter announcing a fund FRCOG fund raiser in August, Deerfield Dirt Road Randonnee)
Letter from the Choice Power Supply Program, I'm not sure what it indicated.

➢ New business that could not be anticipated 48 hours prior to the meeting

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Notes Tue Mar 17 2026

3/17/2026

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Call Meeting to Order – THIS MEETING MAY BE AUDIO RECORDED
➢ Review Agenda
➢ Consent Agenda
o Meeting Minutes: 03/10/2026
o Accounts Payable & Payroll Warrants
➢ Select Board Discussion/Decision Items
o Annual Town Meeting Warrant – Review/Discuss 1st draft

Article 9: Late Bus - not recommended by FinCom. Unable to determine how many, if any, heath students ride the late bus
Article 11: Requirement of Boards & Committees to give SB a heads up if a grant application needs monies from the town. Elissa to look into the history of the article.
Discussed where lease monies for each building should go: currently there are no Jacobs Rd and Sawyer Hall rental accounts. Monies from HYPA do not go into a building account.
Need to review revolving funds regarding needs and requirements. Revolving Funds are listed in Mass General law.
Robyn would like to close accounts where the requirements are complete and there are no expenses.
Budget for office assistant

o FY ’27 Budget – General Discussion

This was truly a general discussion. A lot of line items were entered as placeholders. If I get a copy of the draft budget, I will send it out.
Discussion of the Police coverage at the Heath Fair paid by the Town. Per Elissa it is a benefit to many town organizations: Heath Union Church supper, the Firemen's barbecue, Friends of the Library book tent, the Historical Society raffle, and the Highway Dept which stores vehicles there over the winter.
The Fire Dept is dropping its request for turnout gear from 2 down to 1.
There was a discussion of stipends. FinComm had recommended eliminating some stipends entirely, but the Select Board has reservations. Review of the criteria for stipends, one of which was how often a board or committee meets.
An issue was raised that the MPL Manager position was supposed to end with the buildout, but continues on. Question was raised as to why the 5 members could not handle the role.
The Town Coordinator grade was raised, but here will be a discussion later with Mia.

o Lease Agreement Next Steps

Hilltown Youth Performing Arts - Mia will be doing edits to the lease agreement
Valerie Isaacs - rental of former meeting room in Sawyer Hall. Elissa has worked on a lease agreement which the SB will review when edits are done. Valerie plans to take possession by April 1 of this year.
Historical Society has not paid rent for space in Sawyer Hall due to some lease confusion. The $1200 rent due will be paid once a treasure transition which is taking place has been done.

o Highway Department – Discuss Paving Options

The two options for reclaiming the roads are binder and chip sealing
Colrain Stage Rd is targeted to have both done as it has heavier traffic and is an emergency route. The chip sealing cost for CSR is different from that proposed for the other roads. It is possible to do the binder this year and chip seal next year.
Will downloaded guidelines from DOT for roads. He is concerned about culvert replacement. He also spoke with the Road Boss in Northfield who spoke about the possibility of doing binder and chip seal on the worst parts of the road and other parts the following year.
Robyn investigated new work chip seal over gravel which is proposed for Number 9 Rd and Sumner Stetson—Conway uses it frequently. Robyn wants to know the life expectancy of this method.
Elissa brought up the condition of Jacobs Road. Something needs to be done as soon as weather permits.

o Board’s Clerk Resignation – Discussion & Acceptance – Vote Anticipated

Elissa and the Boards Clerk met and the clerk is willing to continue with only the BoH until the end of the year at 5 hours a week. The SB voted to create a temporary position for 5 hours a week at the current rate.
SB voted to accept the resignation and the position will need to be posted.

o Office Assistant Position – Discuss Position/Tasks

SB voted to post for the job at 10 hours a week.

o MIIA Rewards – Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association, a different kind of insurance provider

There is a way to accrue credits which can turn into money

Heath Community Resource Fair – Select Board & Town Coordinator Participation

SB discussed what they might offer, perhaps talk about open volunteer positions. Taking place on April 18.

o CodeRED Alerts Not Delivering – Update from Support Team

CodeRED has responded that the cause is at the number for a number of possible reasons. The messages coming back from the attempted call is "Busy". OOMA may be the source of the problem.

➢ New Information/Updates

None

o Town of Colrain Surplus Police Cruiser
➢ Public Comment

New seating arrangement has improved the audio and a resident expressed appreciation.

➢ Mail

Resident noted mud season has made for impassable road conditions on Underwood Hill Rd and Sumner Stetson. Looking for speedy action to correct the situation.
Building Use Committee (BUC) would like to advertise rental space in the buildings.

➢ New business that could not be anticipated 48 hours prior to the meeting
➢ Meeting Adjournment
Posted in accordance with the provisions of MGL C. 30A §§ 18-25 by Mia Frances

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Notes for Tue March 10 2026

3/14/2026

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Call Meeting to Order – THIS MEETING MAY BE AUDIO RECORDED
Will Emmet not present
➢ Review Agenda - moved to later in the meeting
➢ Appointments - moved to later in the meeting
5:00PM
Highway Superintendent, Tyson Howard – Budget Hearing w/ Finance

Priority for road repair with Chapter 90 money: (1) Colrain Stage Road (CSR) from town line to Bray Rd since it is a route for emergency vehicles (est. $541,000), (2) Number 9 Road (est. $417,000), and (3) Sumner Stetson Road (est. $140,000). Discussion around whether work will be binder and/or chip seal in an effort to spread coat over more than one year. Tyson would like to wait on Sumner Stetson Road until next year.

Recycling Dividend Program (RDP) Project Ideas; FY ’27

Consensus is to use the dividend to replace the platform to the recycling bin.
Tyson suggests wood because the platform is in constant need of repair due to damage by trucks picking up the bin. When Tyson calls about the damage the response is "what are you gonna do?" indicating that there is nothing they can do about the problem. Tyson is not in favor of a metal ramp or one with wheels because these are problematic in their own way.

Power and lights to the Salt Shed and power to the Fire Garage (?).

Robyn to call Palmieri. Unable to trench to the propane tanks until the earth thaws.

Salt Shed "door"

Iron Horse claims that the building is not designed for a door, but Robyn has been given plans for one.
After discussion, the decision is to not go forward with a door at this time

5:30PM
Finance Committee – Budget Hearings w/ Highway Superintendent

Revisiting the roads discussion with FinComm. Alice W sees CSR as a priority since it is an EMS route. Tyson is ok with doing just the chip seal on CSR and then do all 3 roads.
Culverts were discussed as something that needs to be addressed when the road work was done
Highway Garage and Fire Garage doors- FinComm feels they should be replaced but money should come from free cash. Motors are $18,000 each for Fire Dept doors. Highway dept only needs doors not motors.
Capital request for mower: Tyson withdrawing the request, going to try other things
Capital request for a truck: had one truck down in the last storm. Another truck has no heater and has to go back to the dealer. FinComm favored waiting one more year before buying a truck. Tyson is ok with waiting a year.
Lengthy discussion of summer vs winter help and what accounts they should go under. It is pretty dull nit-picky stuff and my mind wandered.

6:00PM Police Chief, John McDonough – Budget Hearing w/ Finance Committee

Getting complaints about traffic. It would be helpful to get these in email or as a phone message.
Ticking has its issues since it requires an officer to go to court if the ticket is appealed. Ths costs the town, so it is hard to say if ticketing is a loss or gain for the town.
Spoke of putting in for grants for more solar powered roadside speed signs.
Chief is doing all required maintenance on the police vehicle
Chief is budgeted at 14 hours per week.
Asking for 80 additional hours for part time officers (not sure of time period)
Heath Fair comes out of the Chief's budget. Ag Society does not pay for this detail. Dena B feels a police presence at the fair is a good thing and supports more hours for the police dept. Elissa to take back to Ag Society to determine any public safety issues. Alice W feels we need to have a written detail rate for services. Elissa mentioned the Ag Society quid-pro-quo arrangement where the Fire Dept holds their chicken BBQ at no charge and the Highway Dept stores vehicles over the winter in return for work on the pulling track.
Mohawk Estates makes a donation to the Fire Dept when they hold their fireworks.
An admin would not reduce much time for the chief as a lot of his admin work is with firearms permits which has to be done by him.

COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) discussion

I didn't see this on the agenda, but maybe the admin discussion led into it.
I believe FinComm agreed to the current % which was 2.5 or 2.8.

➢ Review and consent to Agenda
Approve Meeting Minutes: 01/13/2026 (ES); 02/24/2026; 02/24/2026 (ES)
o Accounts Payable & Payroll Warrants
➢ Select Board Discussion/Decision Items
o Citizen’s Petition – “Resolution in Support of “Act Establishing Medicare for All” –
Review/Approval for Inclusion on Annual Town Meeting Warrant – Vote Anticipated
o Liquor License – Decide if an Event needs a One-Day Special Permit
o Route 8A Over Underwood Brook Culvert/Small Bridge Project – Discussion re.
Easements
o Appointment of Library Substitutes – Molly A. Lane and Caitlyn Irene Semanie
o Board’s Clerk Resignation – Discussion & Acceptance – Vote Anticipated
o FY ’26 Department of Ecological Restoration (MassDER) Culvert Assessments –
Review Proposal to Evaluate Culvert Conditions in Heath; Letter of Support
➢ New Information/Updates
➢ Public Comment
➢ Mail
➢ New business that cou

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Notes for Tue, Feb 24 2026 at 5:30 PM

2/24/2026

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Agenda 
This meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 5:30PM.
JACOBS ROAD MUNICIPAL CENTER – CAFETERIA - 18 JACOBS ROAD HEATH, MA
➢ Call Meeting to Order – THIS MEETING MAY BE AUDIO RECORDED
➢ Review Agenda
➢ 7:00PM Appointment: Budge Litchfield – MTRSD Discussion & Updates

Logged into last week's budget hearing
Budget "is really ugly"
Heath's assessment is moderate, other towns not so lucky. Heath has a 1.31 percent increase; other towns have considerably more.
The largest piece of budget is assessments. Chapter 70 has been stable, but costs have gone up.
Operating assessment is basis of towns assessment which comes $15,000,000 which is a 7% increase.
Biggest increases: utilities, special education transportation ($500,000), general transportation, salary increases and insurance benefits.
To keep assessments down 6.5 teacher positions have been eliminated, para positions have been eliminated.
The School Committee is making significant changes to the regional agreement for ATM.

➢ Review Minutes: 01/13/2026; 02/17/2026
➢ Public Comment - none
➢ Other Business
o Planning Board – Proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendment(s) Language – Vote Anticipated

SB voted to approve 3 articles for the planning board regarding, (1) ADUs ( Additional Dwelling Units), (2) cleanup and consolidation of definitions, and (3) moratorium on battery backups with the caveat that they be reviewed by Town council.

o Burnt Hill-Catamount Trail Enforcement Order – Review Scope of Work & Cost

SB voted to approve the estimate to repair the culvert for under $3000

o Sawyer Hall Rental Proposal – Discuss Lease Agreement Details - on hold as lease is not ready
o Green Communities Grant Project – Heat Pump/Mini Splits for JRMC Front Offices –

The SB voted to approve the installation of heat pumps in the two front offices.
There is grant money to cover the cost.
Robyn expressed concern that the two rooms can be isolated and the operation does not increase cost.

o JRMC Security Camera System – Discussion/Review – Vote Anticipated

NE Security System quote indicates it will not affect our ongoing coverage on monitoring
It is for interior cameras that will focus on the 2 main entries for $8625 to be paid from JRMC revolving fund.
SB voted to approve.

o FRTS Proposed New School Building – Discussion/Update
o Northeast IT Annual Review – Next Steps/Budget Planning
o Printer/Copier Replacement Proposal – Discussion

Bill Baker to provide quotes for different copiers

Highway Dept Overview/Discussion
o Recycling Dividend Program (RDP) Fund – Discussion on Project Ideas

Would like to use the RDP money used to replace the platform that accesses the recycling bin.
Will would like a wheeled metal platform

o Truck Discussion

Robyn wants to look at the highway dept as a whole before we purchase more equipment
This will not be done before ATM.
Robyn to look at logs. She still feels it is a 3-man job with the exception of winter plowing being a 4-man job. Needs to understand how much time the superintendent spends on paperwork verses being out on the roads.
On-call plowers will not plow as their unemployment benefits are impacted
The F550 truck has had some problems - defroster not working, heater not working.
Need to eliminate the vehicles that we are not using

Roads

Tyson to get quotes on road repairs and resurfacing
Plowing has gone well overall considering the storms we have had. People are driving more carefully or staying home which helps get the plowing done.

Salt Shed front door - waiting on feedback from Iron Horse on possible heights
o Town of Colrain Surplus Police Cruiser – Discussion/Updates
➢ Mail Not Already Covered

Friends of the Heath Free Public Library turned over $8,543.24 to the Library Trustees. This money had been held by the Friends of the Library in a "building fund" The funds resulted from fund-raising efforts led by the Heath Board of Library Trustees.
Community Resource Fair being put on by the Boh, Library, and COA is requesting the SB to participate.
Letter from FinComm member recommending the removal of the pay phone in Sawyer Hall which costs $1188 a year for under 20 calls and no income from the phone.

➢ New business that could not be anticipated 48 hours prior to the meeting
Snow Day Payment

Town needs to have a policy in place regarding payment for snow days.

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Agenda Tue, Feb 17 2026 at 5 PM

2/15/2026

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➢ Call Meeting to Order , Review Agenda
➢ Welcome Finance Committee – FY ’27 Budget Planning
➢ 5:00PM Budget Hearing: Highway Department – Tyson Howard, Highway Superintendent

Sidearm mower parts needed for John Deere tractor which would eliminate need for two passes Currently there is a cutter pass followed by a blower pass. Former mowing equipment would be sold as surplus.
Doors for Highway garage and Fire Dept. Had two quotes, the better quote has been updated. Considered a high need.
Pickup truck replacement needed as the current truck is not adequate for plowing. Tyson spec'ed a pickup with an 8-foot bed with a sander and plow for $89,730 This truck does not require a special license to drive which is important when hiring contract plowers. This pickup has the same equipment as the 550 so Tyson could keep fewer parts on hand. The existing truck could go to the Fire Dept which needs a new pickup.
Tyson' has a goal to standardize the fleet as much as possible in order to use the same parts
Paving:
- Number 9 Road: Chapter 90 is not sufficient to do Number 9 road properly. Something must be done on the road. Shim and top coat will buy some time at cost of $242,550 from Chapter 90. Possible to get a STRAP grant for $1 mil this year and $1 mil next year, then that would free up money to pay someone to do needed culvert work. There was discussion of doing Number 9 properly in two parts.
- Colrain Stage Rd is a priority as safety vehicles use this road to come to Heath (emergency evacuation road). Cost of $839,187 Chapter 90 money available.
- Sumner Stetson Road - on the list, needs to be done properly, [not clear from the meeting that it will be tackled this fiscal year.]
- East Main Street—drainage by Community Hall lower door will be part of this project when done
- Jacobs Road—on the list of needs [again I was not sure what the plan/schedule will be]
Crack Filling: State will do 8A from town line to state line. May not be done until next year. $20,000 has been allocated for other roads in town.
Culvert work needed on 8A and Burrington Road which will come to approx. $200,000. Can use 2 different grants to get the work done.
Last year's budget items
- Tyson has gone over the winter salt and sand budget of $110,000.
- Tipping budget and winter maintenance will stay the same budget amount.
- Went up 2% in salary
- Summer temp help went up
- Parts and equipment went up between 2% and 7%

➢ 5:45PM Budget Hearing: Fire Department – Nicholas Anzuoni, Fire Chief

There is a lot of turn out gear in the Jacobs attic that is expired.
Nick needs two sets; people cannot take training without compliant gear.
The UTV purchased with a Trail grant is now in service and is able to access areas previously inaccessible.
Elissa asked about dry hydrants in Town which are only plastic and need to be protected. Costs are covered for that. There are two that don't work and are currently in wetlands. The one in the center is protected. [Search Assistant results: "A dry hydrant is a non-pressurized pipe system installed in a water source, such as a pond or lake, that allows firefighters to easily withdraw water for fire suppression in areas without traditional fire hydrants. It provides a reliable water source for fighting fires in rural locations."]

➢ 6:30PM Budget Hearing: Board of Health – Sheila Litchfield, Member

Focus is on Town Nurse position. Currently budgeted at 8 hrs a week for $12,000. Hourly rate is $29.51
Priority is anything that could prevent hospitalization and focuses on the entire population.
Aides the emergency services by knowing who is alone and who is at risk.
Nursing is the number 1 trusted profession. Doctors appreciate when a town nurse is in the community.
FRCOG is an augmentation of public health nursing. Cooperative Public Health Service (CPHS ). There are 5 nurses serving 15 towns. It is a collaboration with the rural town nurses.
Sheila spoke of rural health inequity. Doctors rely on nurses to report on patients at home and their support system. Isolation is a number 1 issue. There are 44 people at risk in Heath.
State does not want to see towns lower their public health budget.
Robyn asked about stipends and required training for BoH members (36 hours a year training per member). There are also several meetings the BoH members have to attend.
We are running out of credits for the mosquito testing that has been done the past years. Testing is done to determine what mossies can turn into carriers. The next step is to treat those mossies before they can grow into carriers.
CodeRED cost is on the BoH budget. The CodeRED system limits how many calls we can make, but there are other reverse 911 companies. There is now a quote for unlimited calls from Code RED. Should be in the Emergency Management budget.

➢ Review Minutes: 02/10/2026
➢ Public Comment

Resident expressed concern about Mass solar initiative and wants to make sure the town was tied into anything needed.
Resident expressed appreciation that there was a Greenfield Recorder reporter attending the SB meetings.

➢ Other Business
Planning Board – Proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendment(s) Language – on hold
Parks & Recreation Committee – Enforcement Order; PARC Grant FY ’26 Next Steps

Mia attended the ConComm meeting. Engineer said there was a simple solution which the ConComm liked.
SB voted to not accept the PARC grant . It was not a right fit for the Town due to the requirement to set aside the land as a park in perpetuity.

Fire Department Fee Schedule – Inspection Fee Increase – SB voted to adopt FD inspection fee of $50.
Sawyer Hall Rental Proposal – Discuss Draft Lease Agreement Details
Green Communities Grant Project - Heat Pump/Mini Splits for JRMC Front Offices – Robyn to review grant and where any additional monies will come from.
Board/Committee Email Addresses – Discussion; Email addresses; Post Office and Boards Clerk
Alice W is not in favor of the Boards Clerk handling some email at this time because we are in a lawsuit.
Post Office wants an email address, but does not have a laptop.
Community Hall Storm Windows - Replacement Updates

Robyn called a supplier that already said no to revisit replacing the storm windows.
Mia had asked if the grant manager would at least reimburse for the window restoration portion. No response yet.
Elissa wanted to know what the deadline was for using the grant.

JRMC Security Camera System – Discussion/Review - no notes
MTRSD/HRSD 2D8T Plan of Action – Discussion/Update - no notes
FRTS Proposed New School Building – Discussion/Update - no notes
➢ Mail - not already discussed.

Letter from resident for a proposal for Flag Hill Road Branch - Tyson to do a follow-up for the SB
Letter from FCSWM regarding costs and return of money from RDP (Recycling Dividends Program). SB to see about using the money to improve the transfer station area.
Mass-Care letter re. HCGIT (Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust) Financial Crisis

➢ New business that could not be anticipated 48 hours prior to the meeting

Town of Colrain surplus vehicle offer. Robyn is not comfortable until she understands all the needs.
ATM Report - Liz Canali, who does the report is requesting information. Needs to know who the report is dedicated to.

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Notes Tue, Feb 10 2026

2/9/2026

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Call Meeting to Order – THIS MEETING MAY BE AUDIO RECORDED
➢ Review Agenda
➢ 5:00PM Appointment: Planning Board Chairman – Warrant Article Deadline

Deadline for the warrant article agreed on by the SB and FinComm has caused a compressed schedule for the planning board. A public hearing is required for Planning Board changes to the bylaw, March 11 was proposed.
There is a wording on accessory dwelling units that needs to go into the warrant
Planning Board plans to add a 6% tax on short term rentals
Will hold off on wireless bylaws

➢ 7:00PM Appointment: Hilltown Youth Performing Arts (HYPA) Rental Updates; Discussion

HYPA expressed concern that P&R badminton area might interfere with the Hilltown Youth summer program.
Pat McGahan assured that P &R will not interfere with HYPA's [not stated, but there will not be badminton during the HYPA summer program]
The current lease terminates on March 31, HYPA wants to continue to lease spaces in the building.
HYPA payments are up to date.
If there is a 6-month lease, HYPA would like it to be a rolling lease.

➢ Review Minutes: 01/27/2026
➢ Public Comment - Will Emmet spoke in praise of the Highway department during a difficult winter.
➢ Other Business
➢ Parks & Recreation Committee – Enforcement Order; PARC Grant FY ’26 Discussion;
Enforcement Order

Someone has been contacted to give a quote on the work to proceed on correcting the culvert on the Burnt Hill Trail. Feels it will be simple to be fixed. The Conservation Committee has a meeting on the Enforcement Order that Robyn feels that Mia should attend as Mia is knowledgeable on conservation issues.
Communication should be between ConComm and the SB, P & R should not be involved.

Kiosk

Kiosk in the center will be moved out of line of sight of any neighbors, next to the existing sign by Community Hall

Basketball/Pickleball Court

The requirement to have the court designated as a park in perpetuity is a significant obstacle
The SB will keep it on the agenda for another week, but it is likely that the project can't go forward due to this requirement

Delegate Signatory for Woodlands Partnership FY ’26 Contract – SB voted for Robyn to sign
➢Fire Department Fee Schedule – Inspection Fee Increase – Vote Anticipated

Will Emmet to follow up with questions for Ken Gilbert

➢ Sawyer Hall Rental Proposal – Discuss Draft Lease Agreement Details

Eliss and Mia to get together for further discussion

➢ Green Communities Grant Project - Heat Pump/Mini Splits for JRMC Front Offices – Vote Anticipated

There has been an increase in cost which is over the grant money amount
Robyn and Mia to meet to go over accounts to see if there any money that may be available
New costs need to be paid: door hardware, work by Palmieri
Need to make a decision soon as the rebate will go down over time

➢Municipal Light Plant – Fund Transfer – Vote Anticipated

SB voted to accept the $60,000 from the MLB (Municipal Light Board)

➢ Office Assistant/Town Coordinator Transition – Discussion; Chief Procurement Officer

Need to determine Hilma's role going forward
Mia has progressed enough that Hilma and Mia feel not as much office time is needed
SB can do a part time temp employee, and this is acceptable to Hilma
Chief Procurement Officer (the town must have one) – SB voted to appoint Mia
A second sort needs to be done on the files
SB voted to bring Hilma back as a non-benefited part time employee and on call for reminder of the existing transition fund

➢ Board/Committee Email Addresses – Discussion; Post Office Email Address

An email address was suggested, [email protected], to cover ConComm, Planning Board, BoH, Zoning Board of Appeals
Elissa to reach out to the different boards to determine their feeling on the email addresses
Request by Charlene for a Post Office email address. This would be a budget conversation.

➢ CodeRed – Update on Services [service has been restored, people may need to resubscribe]

Mia and Tim are the only people who will be authorized to send out alerts

➢Emergency Services Regionalization, Request for Meeting with Colrain Select Board re. Emergency Services

SB is backed up with budget hearings
Mia to ask if the Colrain SB could hold off until after Town meeting.

➢Town Nurse Position – New Information

There is a grant that helps fund health services—CPHS (Commission on Public Health System)

➢ Franklin County Technical School Budget Presentation – Superintendent

SB needs to schedule a time as it involves a significant financial assessment

➢ March/April Select Board Meetings – Schedule
➢ Community Hall Storm Windows - Replacement Updates

Town has not been reimbursed form the grant because part of the award was for storm windows
Mia to check into a partial payment for the work has been done

➢JRMC Security Camera System – Discussion/Review – Vote Anticipated

No vote: There is some holdup regarding the inclusion or lack of reference to prevailing wage

➢ Memorandum of Understanding – ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan – Vote Anticipated

SB voted to go forward with the plan

➢ ADA WCIG IT Grant – 15 Town Collaboration – Introduction & Discussion

There is a $200,000 grant for ADA compliance to be shared among 12 towns.
Shelburne is applying for the grant

➢ Route 8A Over Underwood Brook Culvert/Bridge – Engineering Next Steps

Project changed hands, but SB has not been kept up to date
Eligible for $1 mil as long as we do drainage work along with culvert work
Need easements
8A is supposed to be paved in 2028

➢Sustainable Purchasing Policy – Yearly Acceptance - SB voted to approve
➢MTRSD/HRSD 2D8T Plan of Action – Discussion/Update

Robyn attended a meeting where reps were there from all the towns except Colrain
Currently in Phase 3 looking at the one campus option
Looking at changes required to the regional agreement, how assessments will be made, and what will school committee representation will look like
The meeting chair was pushing the SB to start having meetings with resident
Robyn wants an update on where students are going, ages of the students, and how many are home schooled
Transportation is a significant issue

➢ Mail - not already discussed

Communication from Ken Rocke to MTRSD
Email from Tim regarding replacing door hardware on JRMC. SB voted to have the replacement done.
Communication between Will and Natalie Blaise, not sure of the topic.
Parking concern at JRMC

Not anticipated

Mail comes after 12 so Charlene would like to shift hours to 10 AM to 2 PM so she can get people's mail to them sooner that day

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Notes Tue, Jan 27

1/27/2026

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5:00PM Appointment: Council on Aging – Patio Discussion/Presentation

Margaret Freeman presented a grant proposal to put a patio in the area in front of the senior room
The grant is given by Lifepath. The Select Board (SB) asked for verification that there would be no cost to the town and were assured that was true.
The Select Board agreed that the application could be submitted.

6:00PM Appointment: Municipal Light Board & Municipal Light Plant– Financial Update & National Grid 3-Phase Project Discussion:. Board Chair, Art Schwenger, Members, Ann Emmet, David Peters. MLP Manager, Bailey Cole

The MLB is sending $60,000 back to the town
Baily Cole gave a status report that should be loud enough on the tape to hear.
Baily Cole is working on a one-time exemption for moving the wires from the old poles to the new poles. This cost would otherwise fall on the town.

7:00PM Appointment: Finance Committee – FY ’27 Budget Planning Initial Discussion

Concern was expressed that with CAF II [Connect America Funds] money going away and broadband costs to the town rising with inflation, this may impact the payment of the broadband debt.
It was not clear at Town Meeting when broadband was presented, that everyone with land would pay the premium for broadband whether or not they have the benefit.
Stipend review is on the FinComm agenda for this week.

Review Minutes: 12/09/2025, 01/13/2026
Public Comment - none
Other Business
➢ Parks & Recreation Committee – Discussion re. Grant(s) Status, Budget, Project(s) Status, & Burnt Hill-Catamount Trail Enforcement Order
Center Basketball/Pickleball Court

No documents can be signed until town meeting.
Land must be subdivided to designate the park area which would require a survey. P&R needs to propose how much space/what area would be included.
There would need to be a warrant article to designate the court as a park.
SB is concerned about using all the P& R funds on this one project.
There seems to be many obstacles to the project and the SB asked if P&R still wanted to move forward.
Pat to raise issue with P&R, but did state that the committee was committed to the project. P&R needs to suggest what space to designate as park area.

Culvert Enforcement Order

Not covered at this meeting.

Wayfinding Trail Kiosks

Kiosks placement in Town needs to be reviewed in relation to zoning bylaws. Bob Dane to get back to the SB on placement.
Kiosks were paid for by a grant which also paid for the new street signs in town.

➢ Sawyer Hall Rental Proposal - SB voted to rent the former meeting room to an artist for $350 a month the first year with the renter compensating the town for the lower rent with free classes desirable to residents. The rent to go up to $500 a month the following year.
➢ Warrant Article Submission Deadline

Alice would like to see the warrant posted 3 weeks before Town Meeting (3rd week of April)

➢ Green Communities Grant Project - Heat Pump/Mini Splits for JRMC Front Offices – Vote
Anticipated

Per Brian DeVries who has been working on the grant, this will save money by only heating and cooling these offices if the rest of the building is not in use.

➢ Northeast IT (NEIT) Annual Contract

The contract is up for renewal. An upgrade is required to the town's server. Instead of the upgrade NEIT proposed the town move to remote storage. More review is required to compare costs of a server upgrade verses online storage.
Some of the departments will need PC/laptop upgrades for Windows 11.

➢ CEC, Inc. (Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc) Change Order – Tri-Town Landfill

SB signed an updated contract for environmental testing of the former landfill on Burrington Road that was used by the towns of Heath, Charlemont, and Hawley.

➢ District Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) Request

FRCOG offers member towns technical assistance on a wide variety of priority issues. Municipal Resources – FRCOG
SB prioritizes what areas where they would like technical assistance.

➢ Community Hall Storm Windows - Replacement

Robyn been trying to get quotes for the storms but has not been successful yet.
SB needs to review the donation account for the window repair to determine what is left towards storm windows.

➢ JRMC Security Camera System – Vote Anticipated

I left the meeting so I don't know if this was discussed—the room was 60 degrees and I couldn't take it.

➢ File Sharing Software

Same as above

➢ Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)– ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan

The former Town Coordinator (Hilma) submitted a grant to have the town grounds and buildings evaluated for ADA coompliance.
Once the evaluation is done, the town can apply for a grant to have the work done.
The SB reviewed the plan for required additions and/or deletion

Mail Not Previously Discussed Above

CodeRED contract may not have been auto renewed which may explain why the link to it on the web page was broken. The Town Coordinator to check on the issue.
Concern about cars parking in front of the building on both sides making it difficult to get through.
Email from the Town of Buckland about affordability of Franklin Tech expansion

Extension of Hilma's agreement

Discussion regarding extending the transition agreement of the former Town Coordinator to assist the new Town Coordinator.

CodeRED

CodeRED contract may not have been auto renewed which may explain the broken link on the webpage
There was a data breach at the company which may have been something to do with the problem.

Meeting Adjournment
Posted in accordance with the provisions of MGL C. 30A §§ 18-25 by Mia Francesconi
HYPA

Half of the $1000 security deposit ($500) is still outstanding.
Must be paid by Feb 10 when HYPA meets with the SB

Parking at JRMC

Resident is concerned about congestion caused by persons parking on both sides of the driveway and that persons working in the building all day are taking up space for persons doing short term business.
SB discussed signs and will work on possible options to solve the problem.

Plowing

Wing plow is currently not in use
Discussion of the past use of the wings
SB member, Will Emmet, to speak with highway superintendent to determine why wings aren't in use.

Front Door Issues at JRMC and Sawyer Hall

Sawyer Hall doors have been fixed
Building Manager, Tim Lively, has called a locksmith and parts have been ordered for the JRMC doors.

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Notes for Tue, Jan 13 2026

1/12/2026

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5:00 p.m. Call Meeting to Order
Present: Robyn Provost, chair; Elissa Viarengo. Absent: Will Emmet
Review Agenda
5:00 p.m. Appointment: Parks & Recreation, Mike Cucchiara—update on activities
Parks & Rec Chair, Mike Cucchiara
PARC Grant discussion - the town just needs to acknowledge the Center Court's current status as a park.

The quote does not include shimming. Bob Dane said the court is level and has a good base.
Current Parks and Rec accounts total $5065.
Contingency is needed, say 10%, so that needs to be added on to price making a total of $26,290 instead of $23,900.

Regarding the Enforcement Action

Mike is concerned about the legal implications for the Town and feels that the EO should have been reviewed by the Town Council before being issued.
Felt it should have been addressed with a less adversarial process

Kiosks

Kiosks now have the signs on them, but the location does not meet zoning standards because it is not setback 50 feet.
Bob Dane to seek a compliant location for the kiosk and P & R will apply for a special permit for the location.

Other Activities

Badminton net is in the gym - I need to announce the availability of both badminton and re-announce ping pong.
Parks & Rec will be sending out color palettes for the CH facelift at the end of this week. We have gotten $200 towards the project from the the Heath Cultural Council.
[Pickleball is going strong, we have PB on Mon, Wed, and Fri]

Review Minutes: 12/09/2025, 12/16/2025
Public Comment

Praise for highway department on the condition of Avery Brook Road on stormy night.
Request for more timely posting of draft minutes. Draft minutes can only be provided by request.
Request for microphones to improve quality of audio recordings. Response: Would require speakers.

Other Business
Sawyer Hall Rental Proposal

Artist wants to rent the upstairs meeting room.
Looks promising, but SB wants to wait for Will to be present before voting on it.

Green Communities Grant Project—Heat Pump/Mini Splits for JRMC front offices. Brian DeVries.

Would save money by only heating and cooling spaces that are mainly used.
There is a quote for $27,655 from the JAMROD company, which is on the preapproved contractor list and does other work for the town.
All cost is covered by the grant.

NEIT (North East IT) Annual Contract

Town will need to upgrade some servers [I'm not sure if it is a HW or SW upgrade].

CEC (Civil and Environmental Consultants)

Former landfill contract change order. Seemed

Mileage Reimbursement Rate for 2026—vote anticipated
DLTA (District Local Technical Assistance) Request Form

SB needs to list their requests

Community Hall Storm Windows—replacement

One broken storm window needs to be replaced
SB would like to replace all storms, but Robyn has not found a contractor yet that wants to do it.

JRMC Security Camera System

SB is getting an updated quote for the interior of the building that will include prevailing wage.
Cameras to cover the main entrance and the long hallway.
NE Security Systems is charging a monthly fee. Mia to look into why we are being charged a fee.

Mail Not Previously Discussed

Office assistant proposal: Hilma would continue to consult during the transition time using money already approved for this purpose. Mia expressed that it would be very beneficial to her because a big part of the job is the historical knowledge.
ADA Memorandum of Understanding with FRCOG for an ADA evaluation needs to be signed. It requires a change (removal of the fairgrounds from the list as the grounds are not owned by the town. SB to be re-review after change(s).
The front doors need to be fixed, do not always lock. Robyn to look into.
Letter from resident regarding need for a grant policy.

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