Robert D. Graves

This non-voting meeting focused on completing and mailing out acceptance letters to the 2026 Mass Cultural Council Grantees. The council also plans to meet in the late summer or early fall to discuss ideas for possible Local Cultural Council sponsored event(s).

The Committee reviewed the Accountant's report, noting several accounts trending high for expenditure, including Winter Roads and the Veteran's account, which is partially reimbursed later in the fiscal year. The report also indicated that the Town Buildings heating account was trending lower than expected due to mild weather. A key update was that the Road Superintendent is now a Licensed Water Operator and is managing the Water plant, having completed most upgrades. The previous low bid for the old Nursing Home auction was voided due to an issue with the previous owner; this property will be re-auctioned with a minimum bid that includes all past fees and taxes. A $900K grant application for work on the Plunkett Lake Dam, which requires a $100K town contribution, was submitted. Engineering has commenced on New Windsor Road, with Creamery Road planned next for road upgrades. The committee also discussed the Country Road Coop's failing septic systems, for which they have hired a consultant. Finally, the Committee Chair is preparing the Budget schedule.

Key discussions included the current winter lake level of Plunkett, which is at a good level following a drawdown. The committee reviewed the Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) position regarding winter bubblers in response to a Conservation Commission appeal, noting that the required permitting (RDA) depends on the size of the bubbler device. A potential solution involves a town bylaw, pending the Conservation Commission's interpretation of the DEP decision. The committee also reviewed Solitude Lake Management's Year End Report, finding it underestimated phragmites proliferation at Ashmere and failed to address lily pads at Ashmere. Steps will be taken to request comprehensive water quality testing for both lakes and assess funding for phragmites treatment. Progress on the grant proposal for the Plunkett dam project was noted, and the committee began the review of a draft letter to Camp Taconic.

The Executive Session focused on strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel. Key discussions included reviewing a draft Memorandum of Understanding for an Inter-municipal Agreement for Police Chief Services between the Town of Peru and the Town of Hinsdale, effective until the return of Hinsdale's Police Chief from administrative leave. The agreement detailed cost-sharing for services, equipment, and liability. Further discussion addressed Police Department coverage, noting that two officers are covering first and second shifts while State Police cover overnight shifts. Specific compensation adjustments were discussed for Officer Tarjick, who is serving as a temporary sergeant, and directives were given regarding the cruiser and departmental access for the Police Chief currently on administrative leave.

Key discussions included financial matters, where the board voted to round up Christmas Party donations to $200 and allocate them to the Hinsdale Food Pantry, and noted the receipt of grant money from the Berkshire County Community Foundation intended for a creative and mindful craft series for seniors. Old business concerning the newsletter was tabled due to an absence. New business featured a presentation from the assistant Superintendent of the Central Berkshire School System regarding connecting students with the community through shared experiences. Additionally, a licensed mental health Councilor presented a free 6-week program of creative and mindful crafts for seniors, funded by grants, set to begin February 2nd. Plans and menus for upcoming luncheons, including topics on maple sugaring and choking prevention, were reviewed. Home improvement money for seniors was noted for the next agenda.