Joan Lewis

Key discussion items for the meeting include the review and potential approval of the FY26 Financial Statement and a reconciliation update for the FY27 budget process, involving collaboration with town financial officials and discussion of shared expenses percentages from recent joint committee meetings. The agenda also covers reports from the Principal and Assistant Superintendent on staffing, curriculum, and special education. The Superintendent will discuss virtual school enrollment communications from the state and provide an update on the North Berkshire Regional Study steering committee meetings. School Committee Business includes exploring options for a shared service food service agreement and reviewing a request from the administrative assistant regarding their employment agreement.

Key discussions included the closing of Town Hall for Presidents Day and the Tax Collector's scheduled absence. A zoom meeting was scheduled to discuss the Rowe/Tunnel Road over the Deerfield River. The board unanimously approved a permit allowing National Grid and Verizon to change out several poles. Discussions also covered an increase in KP Law rates for tax title legal services and the general tax title process. The Highway Department Supervisor reported on recent snow and wind damage, necessary truck maintenance, and ongoing Bliss Road maintenance. The Town Administrator reported on FedEx delivery handling, the receipt of tax/dog license payments, and initial budget requests.

Key discussions included a presentation from the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition regarding personal emergency preparedness kits and a potential community event to distribute them. The board also reviewed information about a regional study concerning school district efficiency among nine North Berkshire towns due to funding cuts and declining enrollment, with the board agreeing to volunteer a representative for the study committee. The public health nurse submitted a request for a 4% annual pay increase for the next three years, which the board approved. The Highway Department Supervisor reported on snow cleanup efforts, trailer rebuilding, a potential purchase of sea containers, and damage to a guard rail. Additionally, the board approved payment for damages resulting from a town vehicle backing into a resident's car. The Town Administrator noted that census mailings and dog licenses are being processed.

Key discussions during the meeting included the presentation of tax rate options, resulting in the approval of a tax shift rate of $8.28 per unit. National Grid provided an update on the Spectrum internet installation and utility pole progress, noting the FCC funding structure and the completion deadline of December 31, 2026. Business licenses for several entities were approved. The Highway Department Supervisor reported on cleanup efforts following severe weather, the posting of the OSHA 300A form, and the submission of a Savoy bridge grant application and inspection report. The Town Administrator noted the approval of the MVP Grant, the need to resubmit the HMP grant, and the repair of the emergency light at town hall. A request was made to install a deadbolt on the town hall door for safety. The board was also informed that the KP Law rate had increased and that a representative from the North Berkshire Coalition sought to discuss hosting an emergency preparedness workshop. A resident planned to address the board regarding the dangerous dog label.

The Selectmen meeting involved several administrative and departmental updates. Key discussions included the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) purchasing land from a Florida landowner for conservation purposes, the need for battery replacement in four out of five town defibrillators, and a review of Town Policy Manual updates, specifically agreeing on a parental leave policy that ensures the town continues to pay the employee's health insurance share while on leave. The Highway Department Supervisor reported on MassDOT grant opportunities for small bridges and a hydraulic leak on truck #18 requiring repair. The Town Administrator noted a lack of update from National Grid regarding the timeframe for meter replacement work.