Notes Tuesday, April 15 2025

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.

post-storm_meeting_with_ngrid_04.14.2025.pdf
File Size:	169 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

---