6:05 p.m. Appointment: Greg Rode regarding construction by cannabis farmers

• Concern about violations at 11 Bellor Road.
• Flagrant ignoring of zoning bylaws—presence of the storage containers, not properly setback, fencing, electric.
• Concern about inaction on the part of FRCOG inspector, the Planning Board, and the Select Board.
• SB needs to consult legal and consult with the Planning Board.

Other Business

• Community forums follow-up
  • The SB has received some harsh communication from supporters of this effort that were characterized as divisive and not a good way to begin  dialogue.
  • Mick Comstock and Neil Stetson have offered to facilitate at the Heath Union Church and this was looked on favorably by the SB.
• Request for tax abatement on new town property
  • SB voted to abate tax for land purchased to extend the Shapiro trail off Flaghill Rd
• Excess equipment disposal
  • SB approved a request by Hilma to have the freedom to dispose of unused equipment valued under $1000. 
  • A resident requested the publicly be informed known so that residents would have an opportunity to take excess items if wanted. 
• Mileage [Reimbursement ] Rate—SB voted on an increase [missed the amount]
•  FRCOG materials bid service—SB voted to accept FRCOG bid [approx. $4000]
• HHS request for room in Sawyer Hall—no update from HHS. They may need to install climate control equipment.  Brian to contact Ned.
• Council on Aging—CORI checks
  • All person dealing with seniors must have a CORI check,
  • The town must implement a policy and provide a secure computer 
  • Victoria Burrington will administer 
• Salt Shed
  • There is money left in Chapter 90 ($200,000)  for surveys of salt shed, highway dept, and Bray Rd.  Need a topo survey.
• New Year’s letter to residents—completed and to be sent out to residents

I left the meeting at this point due to the executive session and did not return for the remainder of the meeting.

• Highway Foreman position
• DLTA Survey

Town Finances availability
Town Coordinator’s Report
Mail
7:30 p.m. Executive Session to discuss MTSD assessment error.

Hilltown Youth Performing Arts: Directors Jonathan Diamond, Laura Iverson, Zach Arfa, Larry Sampson discussed new requests to be included in the 2023 lease which were approved.

• a slop sink to be installed in the room where much of the artwork and painting is done. It was agreed that they would purchase the sink and the Town would have the installation completed.
• use of the freezer use - HYPA staff dropped their request for use due to the size of the freezer
• to cultivate two garden areas in locations that border the sports playing field. Hilma reported that she had seen the two areas that were unused. The gardens would be planted with perennial flowers.
• request to paint a section of each of the two long walls in the gymnasium a sky blue. They would also like to install a row of 2 x 4 boards across the top of the blue painted area on the wall opposite the bleachers. (There is already such a row of boards above the bleachers.) From the boards they will hang murals to provide background for the winter performance.

 
Mohawk Trail Woodlands Partnership Grant: This is a joint grant that was applied for by the towns of Heath and Rowe in the amount of $40,000. Funds will be used to engage services of FRCOG staff for the purpose of designing a through hiking trail and completing the legal agreements of private landowners for trail construction on private property. Grant approved on the condition that the Rowe Select Board also accept the grant and that no Town Coordinator hours be used for administration of the grant.
 
FY24 Budget Planning Process: Budget hearings for several departments to be scheduled by Hilma. The Board would like a FinComm member to attend with Hilma.  Hilma will research Covid-19 funds that are held by the Town or that could be applied for.
 
If there is need for a Special Town Meeting, it will include an article to transfer money for legal fees and to fund the feasibility study for a new salt shed. The need has not yet been determined.
 
Appointment with Sheila Litchfield: Sheila read a letter she had written and addressed to the Board. She expressed dismay over the divide in town and her hopes that something can be done to bring the town back together.  The Board also voiced concern that, perhaps, not everyone will accept their own responsibility for mending the division between some residents. Sheila responded that she thought the Select Board were responsible to facilitate communication. It was noted by the Board that a public comment time was held during almost every Select Board meeting.
 
Renaming of the Former Elementary School: The Board explained that the name chosen several weeks prior was selected from a list of suggestions. They picked a name that seemed the most suitable based on the usage of the building. There was never an intention to hurt, belittle or offend anyone in the name that was chosen. Nor was there a desire to chose a name that was pretentious. “Community Center” would be ideal except for the similarity to the Community Hall.
 
Letter to Residents: The Board Approved the idea of sending out a letter to town residents informing everyone of work and changes that had happened during the previous year. Areas such as status of the town buildings and facilities, the AT&T lawsuit, upcoming goals, and another invitation to offer suggestions for renaming the former elementary school building will be described in the letter. If the letter is prepared be mid-January, it can be mailed with the Town Clerk’s street census forms to save postage.
 
Rescission of Name: The Board voted to  retract the  renaming the former school due to concerns expressed by residents.
 
Salt Shed: A proposal for a feasibility study will be sent to the Highway Superintendent to get his thoughts on the possible use Ch. 90 funds. Hilma will check into the possibility of whether ARPA funds would cover such an expense.
 
CDBG Grant: The Board requested that Hilma reach out to Brian McHugh to ask about the possibility of applying for a grant to pay for a study of Sawyer Hall.

Town Coordinator’s Report: 

• Met with Bob Dean of FRCOG to discuss the Town’s priority needs. Bob explained that FRCOG is reaching out to each town to get information about their needs to find common areas with the intent of applying for grant funding to cover similar projects for several towns.
• Hilma spent time viewing a video and researching the process of applying for a Mass. Cultural Council grant to help fund renovations in the Community Hall.
• On January 6th a preconstruction meeting was held for the Route 8A bridge. Participating in the meeting were Carl Ayers, VHB engineer, Sara Kelley and Gary Palumbo of J.H. Maxymillian, Jeff Johnston, Highway Superintendent, Will Emmet, Fire Department, Brian of the Board and the Town Coordinator. Procedural expectations were discussed and clarified.