Alisa Ayres

The meeting agenda included Old Business items concerning Church Street properties. New Business items involved a Finance Committee visitation regarding the FY2024 Budget Discussion, review of previous minutes (from October 10 through December 19), appointments including one for the Council On Aging, approval of the renewal for Class III Leo Tamkus, and an update on the Solitude Lake management contract. The board also planned for a discussion and/or vote on ARPA funding, committee reports, miscellaneous correspondence review, the Town Administrator Report, and a Selectmen Roundtable.

The Ware Community Development Authority will conduct a Public Hearing regarding a proposed FY2022/2023 application by the Towns of Ware and Hardwick to the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development for Community Development Block Grant funds. The projects under consideration include the Pleasant Street Parking Lot Improvement Design/Build Project, Park Avenue Infrastructure Design/Build Project, Summit Road Infrastructure Design/Build Project, Mechanic Street Infrastructure Design/Build Project, Housing Rehabilitation, Aging in Place, and Public Social Services.

The meeting included discussions on water loss in Hardwick Center, the status of borrowing for a new fire truck, and the presentation of a Certificate of Appreciation to Benjamin Metcalf for his service project on the rail trail. The board approved the Special Event application for the Hardwick Fair, reappointed members to the Conservation Commission, and appointed a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator and an Assistant Treasurer/Collector. A tree bid award for the Cemetery Commission was approved, as well as fiscal year fuel bids. The Town Administrator reported on public buildings, bids, financial matters, human resources, and various meetings and events. The Select Board discussed reimbursement for emergency equipment and the relocation of emergency gear. Additionally, a motion was passed to hire an investigator.

The board discussed and voted to reconsider the FY26 municipal budget for potential revisions before submission to the Town Meeting. Key points included adjustments to debt numbers, final property and casualty insurance figures, and the allocation of costs to the sewer Enterprise Fund. There was also discussion about a highway hire, the Town Clerk position, and the review of the Town Clerk position. The board also discussed the town copier and its associated costs.

The Hardwick Select Board and Finance Committee convened to discuss several key items, including a review of the FY26 budget process, budget discrepancies, and the use of overlay funds. They also discussed the Reserve Fund, a Special Town Meeting Warrant, free cash, and the snow and ice deficit. A dangerous dog hearing was held, resulting in a decision for humane euthanasia due to a severe attack. The board reviewed local option taxes, the West Brookfield EMS contract, a National Grid easement, and the Kearsarge Solar LLC lease. Updates were provided on the Paige Building sale, copier expenses, capital planning, and the police department building. Additionally, an appointment was made to the Youth Commission, and scholarship awards were granted.