SB Notes, September 9, 2021

My notes, my errors, my omissions.
 
The main focus of the meeting was the report by the Heath Regionalization Study Team, HRST. It was a thorough presentation that addresses the question:
 
“Is it in the interests of Heath to regionalize with Hawlemont (K-6) or is it better to remain a full K-12 member of Mohawk Trail?”
 
These findings represent a tremendous amount of work and will allow us to make an informed decision at town meeting.
 
Robyn had an unplanned absence, so items put on hold are listed below. ]
 
Notes:
Hawlemont Regionalization Study Team Findings, Budge Litchfield, Barbara Rode, Bob Gruen, Ken Rocke, Sarah Carleton (working with HRST).
Guests: Evelyn Locke, Suzanne Crawford, Martha Thurber, Beth Clarity of Hawlemont-Heath Study Committee
[Rather than try to capture this effort accurately, I suggest you view the video on the HRST page,  https://townofheath.org/g/81/Heath-Regionalization-Study-Team]
Items on hold

• COVID-19 Municipal Protocol, Concerns, Review
• Protocol review
• Hold for next meeting
• Office relocation
• Fire House mold and mildew issue

Review of BoH mask requirement

• Previously exempted private party renting a public space must now mask per new mandate
• No other changes for town buildings, masking still required

Updates:

• Filling BoH member vacancies – need to complete resume review.
• Salt Shed - Robyn waiting on figures from one of the contractors.
• Hilltown Theatre long-term lease request - still under review and negotiation
• Green Communities Update
  • Brian meeting scheduled with Roger Harris from Rise Engineering needed to be canceled due to Carson Ovitt not being available.
  • Payment of bill for solar feasibility study needs to be submitted [to the state?]

Town Coordinator’s Report

• Kris Nardowicz started at Treasurer position.
• NE IT – quote for central server equipment and installation reviewed, all covered under IT grant. SB accepted the quote.
• IT began installation of proper equipment for broadband hookup in town buildings.
• New mapping program available for transportation infrastructure (status of roads, can use for grant applications, has reporting capability.
• Robyn and Hilma met with J Diamond. More discussion and negotiation needed.
• Attended MVP kickoff meeting went well. Promoters would like involvement by many persons, open to anyone, looking for broad cross-section participation. Would like to involve school-age youth.
• Hilma to attend a SAM? (System for Award Management), conferencehttps://federalcontractorregistry.com/sam-ccr-status-check/) conference with primary focus on American Recovery Plan funding.
• Charlene has no mask concerns, people are coming in masked.
• Vehicle idling regulation, state law prohibits idling vehicles.
• Assessed value of Ledge Road. HHS rental or lease agreement needs to be worked out. What is in best interest of town?

Mail & Email

• State guidance on mask policy
• MTRSD rural round table with Senator Hynes and Representative  Natalie Blay, Co-chairs of Mass Rural Commission to highlight issues facing rural schools, September 23. Hilma to see if anyone from HRST would like to go.
• The foot clinic grant of $1500 starts Oct 1, 2021. Sue volunteered to attend.
• Building Use Policy, Requirements, Division of Responsibilities approved.
• Planning to continue the two-week meeting cycle.