Robert Walden

The agenda for the Select Board meeting includes a review of an event request from the Northampton Cycling Club concerning the use of Tilton Field for an annual bike ride and picnic proposed for May 9, 2026. The Board will consider a request for a letter of support for the Williams-Boltwood House grant application for window repair. A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to the Highway Superintendent position, involving a follow-up discussion with finalist Cameron Lacey regarding next steps for hiring. Other key discussions involve ongoing staffing needs, specifically the Town Administrator position, and a review of draft audit reports from Fiscal Year 2024, including the management letter and financial statement, with plans to schedule a follow-up meeting with the Treasurer/Financial team. Administrative items cover the FY25 Accountant's Report, the draft Select Board Annual Report, a PVPC technical assistance update, and a letter from the Town of Ashfield proposing a discussion on regionalization opportunities. Further topics include reviews of Speed Feedback Signs opportunities and updates on various ongoing grant projects such as the MVP Communications Project, Bruhn grant for Town Hall Rehabilitation, and Rural Development Fund Planning grant.

The Select Board meeting agenda included an administrative staffing update concerning the interim Town Administrator, including a discussion and potential job offer compensation. Key discussions were scheduled for the Highway Superintendent position, including interviews with a candidate and subsequent discussion of candidates. Further agenda items involved an update from Clark & Green/Architects regarding the Town Hall, specifically concerning the Bruhn Grant proposal, door locks, and water seepage repairs. Administrative follow-up items covered the FY24 audit, Collector position and bond update, and grant process updates. Ongoing topics scheduled for potential discussion included updates on various repair projects, bylaw reviews, feasibility studies, grant planning, and administrative policy updates.

The meeting addressed various financial and operational matters, including authorizing the Treasurer to expend funds from the Capital Stabilization Account for loan payments on a plow/dump truck and a tractor. Transfers from MLP Certified Retained Earnings were approved to reduce the principle on the loan for Broadband services, and the Goshen MLP Enterprise Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2026 was approved. Additional transfers were made from Free Cash to cover bills of prior years, repair damaged stones in the Goshen Center Cemetery, and contribute to the OPEB Liability Trust Fund. The meeting also covered transfers for a financial audit, the Cell Tower Stabilization Account, and the purchase of a self-sustaining restroom at the Town Transfer Station. Discussions included the potential use of CPA funds for repairs to the Town Offices Building, and funds were allocated for purchasing fire department portable radios. The budget for FY 2026 was approved, along with authorizations for employee compensation, Community Preservation Act projects, and the purchase of a dump truck. Spending limits for Revolving Funds were set, and the Select Board was authorized to grant a sewer easement. The meeting concluded with announcements and adjournment.

The meeting included a moment of silence for deceased residents, a presentation on the operating budget, and votes on various articles. Key discussions involved the town budget, specifically amendments to the General Government and Pensions and Insurance sections. Other articles addressed bus transportation contracts, school roof borrowing, funding applications, fund transfers, vehicle purchases, equipment replacements, and the demolition of a town-owned structure. The meeting also included votes on local option adult-use marijuana excise tax, a bylaw amendment prohibiting public marijuana consumption, and zoning bylaw amendments regarding medical/adult-use marijuana.

The meeting addressed several financial matters, including authorizing expenditures from the Capital Stabilization Account for vehicle payments (Ford Super Duty F350, Mack single axle plow/dump truck, Police Ford K8A Interceptor Utility AWD, and Yanmar YT235 tractor) and transferring funds to the Capital Stabilization Account from Free Cash. Other key discussions included land acquisition for the Highway Department, tree removal to prevent utility service interruptions, and contributions to the OPEB Liability Trust fund. The meeting also involved the approval of budget revisions, debt rescissions, and the setting of spending limits for revolving funds. Finally, the meeting included setting compensation for town employees and elected officials, and allocating funds from Community Preservation Act revenues.