Town of New Ashford

The meeting included discussions on civil project management and indemnification for church projects, and a report from the Road Commissioner on road maintenance, culvert cleaning, and building repairs. Updates were provided regarding ADA grant contract timelines for ramp repairs and sourcing furnace parts for the Town Hall. The Board addressed budget concerns for proposed tree work and finalized arrangements for the upcoming Annual Town Meeting and cemetery preparations.

The meeting included the appointment of a new member to the Historical Commission and a comprehensive report from the Fire Department regarding recent emergency calls, equipment servicing, and communication challenges. Discussions were held concerning liability issues regarding church repairs, the use of municipal funds for road infrastructure projects, and the scheduling of tree maintenance and cleanup efforts. Additionally, the board addressed municipal light plant updates, transfer station operations, cemetery preparations for upcoming burials, and the review and signing of the town warrant.

The meeting included the approval of a printer ink purchase and a discussion on the FY27 budget, which increased due to higher school enrollment and MLP expenses. The Assessor presented tax rate impact projections, and the Board authorized the purchase of propane tank meters and a wi-fi extender. Further discussions addressed the Annual Town Meeting warrant, including vegetation management for the MLP, potential use of Free Cash to offset the tax levy, and plans for basement and ramp repairs at the Town Hall. Additionally, the Board addressed damages to church windows, reviewed a ramp construction proposal, and considered a request to reschedule the Town Caucus.

The meeting focused on various town initiatives, including the status of the Community Development Block Grant application and the performance of the online tax payment system. Key discussions addressed contractual concerns regarding LiDAR services for the church and potential window replacement needs. Operational updates were provided by the Road Commissioner concerning road maintenance and infrastructure repairs. The board reviewed projects for fiscal year 2026, including the Town Hall ramp replacement, and decided against applying for the Mohawk Trails Woodland Partnership grant. Other topics included the distribution of a survey on transfer station usage, authorization for a new email subscription service, security camera budgeting, planning for a 250th-anniversary celebration, budget allocation for the Tree Warden, and the approval of a burial spot in the town cemetery. The warrant was reviewed and signed to conclude the business.

The board discussed a proposal for a Girl Scout Gold Award project involving the creation of an outdoor gathering space, provided updates on the Church restoration project, and reviewed and signed contracts with the Berkshire Public Health Alliance. The meeting included reports from the Road Commissioner regarding recent work on Ingraham Road and infrastructure adjustments required by upcoming bridge repairs. Furthermore, the board reviewed the annual budget and various warrant articles, authorized a purchase for the Town Clerk, and evaluated funding opportunities from the MBI Connected & Online program.