Jim Hawkins

Key discussions included the upcoming 2026 Trustee elections, with current trustees Chris Condit and Joan Godsey planning to run for reelection. The Grounds Project issues were resolved, and work continues with the Friends group on a plaque fundraiser. The board reviewed the FY27 budget process, noting that a Level Funded budget and a 2.5% budget were submitted following a budget hearing on January 13, 2026. The Personnel Committee recommended an increase of five Library Assistant hours. A motion passed to keep the library closed during the Town Meeting on May 2nd for budget approval. The Friends reported fundraising success and are focusing on plaques. Director reports detailed financials (47% through the year) and circulation statistics showing significant increases year-over-year, particularly attributing growth to open hours on Fridays. Staff updates noted Peggy's absence due to injury and Sarah's return. The Building segment addressed a high electric bill and plans to review electricity usage minimization. The Annual Report deadline is March 20th.

Key discussions included a continued hearing for the Friends of North Leverett Sawmill Notice of Intent (NOI), where agreement was reached on a revised fee, contingent upon receiving the fee, and the need for an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) plan for the level spreader. Business items covered the Friends of Leverett Pond report, including plans for milfoil treatment and a potential permit extension request. Updates were provided on the Hicks/Botta land donation, noting a boundary corner issue was resolved pending a final survey. The culvert replacement project on Shutesbury Road was continued due to heavy snow cover preventing a site visit. The commission approved a request from an Amherst College student to place trail cameras on 4H land, subject to specific caveats regarding camera direction, liability, and sharing results. Extensive discussion occurred regarding the Woodard's Corner Drivable Trail to King Meadow Proposal, focusing on engineering design requirements for a 70-year road standard, vehicle handling capacity, necessary fill quantities, safety measures like guardrails, and required formal engineering surveys, with plans to approach engineer Chris Stoddard. Regarding legal bills, the commission authorized the use of the large Donations account to cover these fees. Administratively, the commission expressed a desire for a current member to remain on the commission and agreed to follow up on interest from a potential new member.

Key discussions included the unanimous approval to issue a Certificate of Compliance for project 200-0205, relating to bridge anchors installed in the winter of 2025. The Commission also unanimously approved signing Certificates of Compliance to close out two previously opened Orders of Conditions (200-111 and 200-131) for a sold property where no work had begun. A public hearing on Notice of Intent 200-0208 concerning improvements to the North Leverett Sawmill site, including building renovations and a sewage system, was left open to resolve technical questions regarding fee categorization and stormwater reporting requirements. Business items included a review of the 2025 Whole-Pond Aquatic Weed Survey results for Leverett Pond, noting fluctuations in invasive species abundance, and a decision to investigate using the Blueberry Donation account to fund legal expenses related to the Evans-Marlowe right-of-way dispute.

This Community Preservation Report and Plan aims to inform the citizens of Leverett about the Community Preservation Act (CPA). It details the town's needs, possibilities, and resources regarding open space, historic preservation, community housing, and recreation. The plan seeks to enhance these opportunities by outlining the procedures of the Leverett Community Preservation Committee and encouraging community proposals that align with CPA guidelines and existing town plans.

The meeting addressed several Requests for Determination of Applicability (RDA). For 142 Depot Road, a proposed septic design in the pond buffer zone was discussed regarding erosion control and timing, resulting in the issuance of a Negative 3 Determination after confirming no Board of Health variance was required. For 8 Ryans Hill Road, an RDA for new home construction and grading in a stream buffer zone was reviewed, focusing on well placement, setback compliance, and erosion control, also resulting in a Negative 3 Determination. The Commission reviewed a request for a Certificate of Compliance for 119 Long Plain Road, noting insufficient information to close an open Order of Conditions. Business included an update on Kestrel Land Trust's planning for Eversource and National Grid easement work on the Heronemus Conservation Restriction, specifically seeking approval for a 37-foot widening of the National Grid right-of-way, with potential construction timelines extending to 2027. Other business involved planning for a site visit for the Dudleyville Road Drainage Improvements Project, continued discussion on boundary clarification and parking for the Hicks/Botta land donation, and deliberation on permitting pathways and estimated costs for a new vehicle-accessible road to a blueberry patch, potentially involving stream crossings.