Paul McLatchy

The Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Resiliency Plan for the Towns of Ashfield and Conway summarizes findings from a Community Resilience Building Workshop held in April 2018. It identifies top local natural and climate-related hazards, including extreme water, wind, temperatures, and dam failure, as well as community strengths and vulnerabilities. The plan outlines prioritized actions and recommendations to enhance community resilience, mitigate potential risks, and adapt to climate change impacts, focusing on infrastructure, natural resources, and public well-being.

The Planning Board meeting included discussions on solar bylaw revisions, with ongoing feedback from Town Counsel and the Green Communities perspective. The board addressed old business, including the Spruce Corner cell tower and Borrego, with updates on pending actions. Mail was reviewed, and upcoming meetings were scheduled.

The meeting addressed the relocation of structures by Eversource, focusing on the replacement of 16 structures along Right-of-Way 312, with specific attention to work in or near BVWs using construction mats to maintain a buffer. Concerns about previous ROW maintenance exceeding limits near Hawley Road were postponed for later review. The commission also discussed and approved a request for an Order of Conditions extension for the Ashfield Lake Dam Repair Project, aimed at raising the dam's height for climate resilience. Additionally, a request for a Certificate of Compliance for work on North Warger Road was noted, with plans to schedule a site visit.

The meeting addressed a new Massachusetts law requiring town health departments to coordinate with agricultural commissions on regulations affecting the agricultural community, particularly concerning farmer's markets and livestock. The commission discussed a proposed biomass to biochar operation by Lennie Roberts and the related concerns from a local group, deciding to remain neutral until a clear presentation of the project is provided. Additionally, the commission discussed future direction and potential new members.

The meeting included discussions about creating a pollinator planting in the spring of 2023, including looking for funds and dedicating the planting to Nancy Garvin. Additionally, there was a discussion about the Franklin Land Trust buying Edge Hill golf course and the possibility of the Ag commission holding the restriction for the town of Ashfield.