Jason Haskins

The joint meeting focused primarily on the bidding results for the 5th Street Pedestrian Bridge project, noting that construction bids significantly exceeded expectations, resulting in a funding shortfall of $769,531 after applying recommended contingency funds. The Selectboard discussed various funding options, including appropriations from a Special Town Meeting, receipts reserved from the Sale of Real Estate, Town Capital Stabilization funds, FirstLight funds, and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant money. The Selectboard unanimously voted to allocate $491,493 of its available ARPA funding toward the project. Discussions also included preparation for the upcoming Special Town Meeting regarding the bridge article, emphasizing that the project scope covers more than just pedestrian and bicycle access. Additionally, updates were provided on COVID-19 case counts, the revised completion date for the General Pierce Bridge construction, and a preview of a sludge composting study potentially involving regional collaboration.

The meeting commenced with a legal update provided by the Board Attorney, covering recent cases concerning retiree insurance, pay for temporary staffing shortages, regular compensation issues (body camera pay, supplemental pay, paid family medical leave), and ongoing litigation with PT Across State Lines and Bay State Pension Software. The attorney also reviewed Accidental Disability cases and causation requirements and suggested the Board adopt bylaws. The Board subsequently approved the July 2025 Warrant #7 for $473,086.75, covering payroll, expenses, 3(8)(c) Payments, and AS Refunds & Transfers. They also approved the July 2025 Warrant #7A transfer to the PRIT fund amounting to $2,500,000.00. The Board approved one new member, Adam Tocci Jr., effective July 7, 2025. Furthermore, two separate AS refunds were approved: one for Holly Curtis totaling $14,439.63 and another for Teresa Underwood totaling $1089.88. An AS transfer of $21,492.38 to the Greenfield Retirement System for Lisa Hescock was also approved. Discussions regarding the review of the current meals expense regulation were tabled. Finally, travel expenses were approved for staff and Board members to attend the Administrator Training in Northampton on August 20, 2025, and the Emerging Issues Forum in Westborough on September 17, 2025. The May and June 2025 financial statements were reviewed.

The meeting included a Liquor License Hearing for the transfer of an All Alcoholic Beverages Liquor License from Hubie's Tavern to Shea Theater Arts. Personnel actions for the DPW included the appointment of a Truck Driver/Laborer, a Mechanic, and the approval of a cell phone stipend for an employee. The board approved two requests for the Use of Public Property: a 5K Fun Run and Walk organized by The Brickhouse Community Resource Center, LLC, and the Newt-Guilbault Baseball League Opening Day Parade. Approval was also granted for the September 1-3, 2023 RPM Festival. The board executed the May 16, 2003 Town Election Warrant. Personnel updates included an unsuccessful H1B Lottery Request for the Health Director candidate, the Town Nurse's resignation, and the appointment of a Qualifications Review Panel for the Town Clerk vacancy. Transportation discussions covered State TIP priorities for bridge replacements (South Street, North Leverett Road, and Canal District Megaproject) and regional priorities. The board reviewed survey data concerning Hybrid Town Meeting logistics and planned the finalization of the Annual Town Meeting warrant. Other items included discussions on continuing the hybrid meeting schedule, an ABCC extension for alcohol service, and the award of contracts for a Clean Water Facility generator ($89,000) and the Suction Lift Pump Station ($103,181). Authorization was granted to apply for the MassEVIP Fleets Incentives Grant for an EV van purchase. The Town Administrator provided updates on the FirstLight Settlement, the bid schedule for the Colle-Shea Roof, and the upcoming RFP for Trash and Recycling services.

The meeting featured an introduction and update from the Public Health Planner/FRCOG regarding the Emergency Dispensing Site (EDS) plan, emergency preparedness, the Western MA homeland security resource guide, and related training opportunities. The Board accepted the Director's Non-Reports for May, June, and July 2014, the Director's Report for July 2014, and the Health Inspector's Report for July 2014. The Board also accepted the Nurse's Report for July 2014. A request for local upgrade approval for Marko Packard and Jennifer Atlee concerning a well test at 87 East Taylor Hill Road was conditionally accepted, requiring retesting in three years. The Board discussed the potential reorganization of the Board of Health due to the Chair's potential future work schedule change. Furthermore, the resignation of the Town Nurse & Health Inspector, Carolyn Merriam, effective August 19, 2014, was accepted, along with a motion regarding the non-payment of her accrued vacation time, which was later legally overturned.

The meeting involved signing monthly reports for pre-posted exemptions issued in December 2019, totaling $58,498.61. The Board also signed a recommitment for MVE 2011 and 2012 per the Tax Collector's request, and signed FY2020 Warrants for various real estate, personal property, and lien taxes across the Town, Turners Falls Fire District, and Montague Center Fire District. A significant discussion focused on the past non-taxation of camps on FirstLight property, with the Director of Assessing confirming via DOR legal that these buildings should be taxed under M.G.L. Chapter 59 Sec. 2A. The Board signed a new Chapter 61 Lien for a Forest Plan submitted by WD Cowls Inc. Additionally, the Assessors reviewed and voted to deny several Chapter 61A Applications for FY2021. An update was provided regarding the shared appraisal costs for the next FirstLight appraisal among Montague, Gill, Northfield, and Erving.