Town of New Braintree

The meeting addressed old business regarding the retention of a house number for 869 Moore Road. New business included the approval of Motor Vehicle Excise Commitments for 2025 and 2026, as well as various warrants, abatements, and correspondences. During the executive session, the board studied real estate exemptions, including veteran and senior exemptions, and approved Personal Property Applications for the 2027 fiscal year, while tabling Real Estate and Personal Property Abatements for the 2026 fiscal year.

The commission reviewed financial reports and planned for potential expenditures including photo storage and archival supplies. Discussions focused on the extension for the National Register nomination consultant, ongoing oral history interviews, and the inventory form for the Cusky Pond Dam. Extensive planning took place for an upcoming event featuring the Air Force Band, covering logistics for the pavilion construction, security, and advertising efforts. Additionally, the commission discussed the cataloging of the Whipple papers, the policy for library patrons viewing photo albums, obtaining copies of local historical plays, and participation in a community gathering.

The Commission discussed the status of the National Register Nomination consultant search, ongoing oral history interviews, and concerns regarding the Cusky Pond Dam pending the completion of an archaeological report. Planning for the organization of the town vault was initiated, with dates set for January. Additionally, the commission prepared for an upcoming meeting with the Selectmen regarding the 2026 Anniversary event and finalized edits to the 2024 Annual Town Report.

The Commission discussed several administrative and project-related matters. These included the treasurer's report and a warrant for payment, the preparation of documentation for a National Register Nomination including an upcoming meeting to coordinate with the Selectboard, and the approval of a letter and consent form for an oral history project. Additionally, the Commission reviewed cemetery maintenance needs at Webb Road, specifically concerning the cleaning of gravestones and the procurement of cleaning supplies, and planned outreach to the Massachusetts Historical Commission regarding the Cusky Pond Dam project and the handling of confidential archaeological site information.

The commission reviewed requests for quotations regarding the National Register Nomination for the New Braintree Town Center. It was noted that no bids were received in response to the solicitation, and the commission decided to contact the Massachusetts Historical Commission to determine the appropriate next steps.