Town of Douglas

This document presents the Douglas, Massachusetts Hazard Mitigation Plan, updated in 2025, which serves as a strategic roadmap to reduce risks and protect the community from natural hazards. The plan outlines six overarching goals: protecting public health, safety, and welfare; minimizing social and economic losses; reducing property damage; fostering education and awareness; adapting to climate change for community resilience; and safeguarding cultural, historical, and natural assets. By identifying hazards, assessing vulnerabilities, and implementing mitigation actions, the plan aims to translate into fewer lives lost, less property destroyed, and reduced disruption to essential services, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and resilient community.

The meeting agenda included several ratification and approval items such as the MOA between the School and Van Pool Transportation, the Cedar Street Order of Taking, a Sign Waiver for Lindsey Sarah Realty Group, and the HCA for Matriline Farms. The Board also considered Common Victualler License Renewals for Douglas House of Pizza and Little Coffee Bean. A discussion was held regarding re-printing the Douglas 250th Commemorative Book for the 275th Anniversary, which included deferring a decision pending further information on cost and funding. The Board voted to open the Warrant for the May 3, 2021 Town Meeting and close it on March 16, 2021. Key administrative updates included the appointment of a new Economic Development Project Facilitator, plans for posting the replacement for the retiring Administrative Assistant, and consideration of recasting the Community Development Director position. The Town Administrator also announced authorization for deficit spending on the Snow & Ice Account due to recent storm activity, and provided updates on COVID-19 vaccine coordination efforts. The planned Executive Session regarding contract negotiations was ultimately passed over by consensus.

Key discussions during this budget workshop included a review of the FY22 Summary TA Budget Submission, resulting in a motion to approve the recommended budget. The Board also addressed the approval and signing of Warrants for the upcoming May 3, 2021, Special and Annual Town Meeting. Furthermore, the Board ratified the Town Administrator's designation of enforcement officials, Ken Frasier and Robert Sullivan, to oversee the North Village Project, which relates to a Comprehensive Permit originally issued in 2009.

Key discussions included a hearing on pole petitions for Walnut Street and Wallum Lake Road, resulting in the approval of the Wallum Lake Rd. petition and deferral of the Walnut St. petition pending engineering review. The board discussed the reprinting of the 250th Commemorative Book, with consensus to support the process. The execution of the contract for the Cedar Street Project with New England Building and Bridge Co., Inc. was approved. A request to the DCR to release Grant Funds resulted in approval to utilize $28,000 from the Douglas State Forest Trust for a Police Department Drone and $23,000 for Fire Department Turnout Gear. Job descriptions and postings for the Executive Assistant and the Director - Department of Community Development were approved. The board discussed and approved a significant increase to the Board of Selectmen and Chairman stipends, tying future increases to the Non-union COLA. The board also reviewed warrant articles for upcoming Annual and Special Town Meetings and received updates on COVID-19 status, E-Permitting progress, the IT transition to Microsoft 365, and the joint EDC project with Sutton and Uxbridge.

The agenda for the meeting includes several potential votes across various items. Key discussion points involve a possible reorganization, an Eagle Scout project for retired flag collection boxes, acceptance of a cannabis donation for guard rails at the public schools, and renewal of a junk license. The Board is scheduled to consider the acceptance of two grants: the Green Communities Douglas High School LED Lighting Upgrade and the FY24 Legislative Earmark DCR Grant for Recreation. Further items include authorizing the Town Administrator to sign an Inter-Municipal Agreement (IMA) for Local Public Health Services, a Letter of Support for a MassWorks Grant Application, signing a deed for donated land from Sutton/Douglas Development, and signing an easement for 75 NW Main Street. The agenda also calls for appointments to the Master Plan Committee and as CMRPC Regional Planning Representatives (Delegate & Alternate), a follow-up review of the Committee Handbook & Code of Conduct, review of meeting minutes, and reports from the Town Administrator concerning the Statewide Strategic Housing Plan Listening Sessions, goal updates, and ARPA updates. The meeting includes an Open Session for unanticipated topics and an Executive Session to discuss strategy related to collective bargaining (DESPA) and the potential acquisition of real property interests (Riedell Road & Chapter 61A 34 Hemlock Street).