Notes for Tue, Oct 7 2025

5:00 p.m. Call Meeting to Order (This meeting may be recorded.)
Review Agenda
5:05 p.m. Pole Hearing to set new pole on Bellor Road
    Purpose - new house on 29 Bellor Rd. SB voted to grant permission to install the pole.
Review Minutes: 9/23/2025
Public Comment

• Resident asked about the completion date for the remaining windows and will there be money left for storm windows.
• Hilma read a thank you note for the highway dept for the fine job they did grading Flag Hill Rd.
• Police Chief called to say that Friday, Oct 10, the 8A bridge where the work is being done will be closed intermittently for 10 or 12 minutes at a time  between 10 AM and 1 PM.

6:30 p.m. Appointment: Mike Cucchiara, Parks & Recreation update on projects

• P & R is working on the signs which were delayed due to an error.  
• P&R needs a warrant article adopted by Town meeting which is required by the PARC grant. 

7:00 p.m. Appointment: Hilltown Youth Performing Arts—review of lease—vote possible

• Lengthy discussion of lease and addendum. A vote was not taken on the lease.

Other Business
ATM 2025, Art. 21 (zoning bylaw changes)—determination of corrective action—vote possible
[This zoning change was voted on at the last ATM, but needs to revoted due to a procedural issue.]

• We need a  warrant article for spring ATM regarding the designation of all roads and ways as streets.
• SB voted for the Town to proceed with corrective action and request use of the FinComm funds to pay for additional cost of redoing the article..

Town Coordinator Transition Plan update

• Not sure if this was discussed, I had to leave to attend another meeting

Spyglass Telecommunications Analysis

• ​The company reviews current telecommunications services to determine is there can be savings.  We have Grant Communications for the majority of service, but still have some Verizon charges for some phones.  If no problems are found, there is no charge. If there are problems the savings is split between the Town and Spyglass for a predetermined time.

Highway Dept. Updates

• The Highway Dept is going back to a 5-day week starting the day after Columbus Day.
• Robyn asked that other SB members and Hilma to look over the project costs for the Salt Shed.
• Police Chief, John McDonough,  and Tyson Howard, Highway Superintendent, need to contact residents that park on the road side to remind them about winter plowing.

JRMC Gym Roof Update

• Tim Lively is getting quotes for various roof repairs in targeted areas.
• Robyn is looking into a full roofing/repair plan. Will will get  square footage for this.

Other Business 

• Police Chief  noted that companies are starting to cut trees on Avery Brook Road on Wednesday, Oct 8. The work may last up to 3 weeks.
• Robyn requested the companies turn their signs parallel to the road when the work is done as signs are facing drivers are misleading once the work day is over.
• Trunk or Treat will be from 4 to 5 PM and the indoor activities will go on after.

Incident Report

• An employee felt threatened in the workplace on Friday when someone was verbally abusive.  The Police Chief was called into the SB meeting to consult on the matter.   He noted that persons being abusive  can be asked to leave. There is also the issue on 1st Amendment Rights.
• It was stated that the person was asked to leave and refused, so the employee left rather than call the police.
• SB must be sure employees feel safe in their work environment. 
• There will be an in-person follow up by the Police Chief.
• There needs to be a Code of Conduct.  Robyn to speak with legal.

Security Camera

• There are  security cameras outside the building but not inside the building.
• One option is Blink . Hilma and Will to look into it.

Mail

• Colrain is looking for a representative regarding shared services.
• Email from resident regarding the dirt on the gym floor and damage to pads.
• Communication regarding ticketing and speeding in town. There has been some concern about speeding, especially in the center.
• Communication on Tech school regarding long bus trips for Heath school kids [19 attend Tech] some of whom are picked up 2 miles from their home and then have an hour and a half ride. Robyn to follow up.
• Senator Mark office hours.
• Bulky waste day is coming up.