Notes Tue, Mar 18, 2025

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

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

Section 4.7 Standards for Multi-Family Dwellings:

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

​Wireless Bylaw Draft

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

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

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

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

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