Emily Riehl-Bedford

The meeting included a presentation from the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission regarding the town's draft open space and recreation plan, which details the community's vision for future conservation and resource management and enables the town to apply for grant programs. The Selectboard also conducted a review of property conditions at 750 Daniel's Road, focusing on outstanding health and safety issues including inadequate electric service, accumulation of household waste, and the use of a generator. Discussion explored potential future enforcement actions, such as seeking professional receivership to manage the property's remediation.

The Select Board held a meeting to conduct official organization, including the swearing-in of members for the Select Board, School Board, and Planning Board, and the election of a chair and second chair. The board reviewed a data collection project contract for FY27 assessment updates, discussed the possibility of an accelerated completion incentive, and reviewed various board appointments including the library board of trustees, agricultural commission, conservation commission, council on aging, and election workers. There was a discussion regarding a vacancy on the board of health and the potential for the Select Board to serve in that capacity.

The board reviewed and accepted the resignation of the Town Assessor. A joint session was held with the Finance Committee to review and approve the FY27 budgets for the town, school department, and McCann Tech, along with the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Discussions regarding the budget highlighted specific increases for snow and ice removal and school adjustments, as well as the utilization of free cash.

The meeting included operational updates from the DPW forum regarding equipment status, Chapter 90 road project funding, chip sealing schedules, and tree damage repairs on Henderson Road. The board discussed moving forward with bidding for North Eagle Sewer manhole installations to address state mandates. Additionally, a request to address traffic safety at the Henderson Road intersection by exploring the installation of warning signage was reviewed. Finally, the board addressed property code and housing concerns at 750 Daniels Road, focusing on the occupant's use of a generator, temporary housing in a pop-up camper, and the presence of animals, with an agreement to develop a priority list to bring the property into compliance.

The meeting covered several key topics including the approval of a water and sewer connection request, a public hearing for a Community Development Block Grant application, and a discussion regarding a proposal for a YMCA summer camp at the Town Field. The Board approved the fourth quarter sewer and water commitment, reviewed the warrant for the upcoming town election, and passed a new stipend pay plan for various municipal departments. Additionally, the Board discussed generator installation at the Town Hall, reviewed the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget with the Finance Committee, received updates on infrastructure projects including a culvert replacement, and acknowledged the resignation of a long-serving Board of Assessors member.