Belchertown public meetings in 2021

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation held a special meeting on December 17, 2021, that included a site visit to the Industrial Zone. The board voted unanimously to move into executive session to discuss or negotiate terms and conditions of pending proposals, and did not resume the public meeting afterward.

• Site visit to Industrial Zone
• Executive session under MGL Chapter 30A, Section 21, Subsection 6
• Roll call vote 6-0-0 to enter executive session
• Guests included Mass Development, Select Board, Planning Dept, MDAR, MEEA, Conservation Works LLC

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation held a regular meeting, approving minutes and payments, discussing development status, and then moving into executive session to negotiate pending proposals. The board voted unanimously on all actions.

• Approved $250.00 invoice to Jim Kuc for boarding up openings in two buildings
• Approved storm water fee payment of $819.07
• Discussed Brisa proposal with MassDevelopment; Jennifer Cohen to take lead role
• Industrial Road bid plans submitted to Town Manager for approval
• Moved to executive session under MGL Ch. 30A Sec. 21(a)(6) to discuss pending proposals

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown EDIC voted to extend the letter of intent with Brisa to December 16, 2021, and discussed a potential large greenhouse project by Lufa Farm on EDIC land. The board agreed to continue discussions with Lufa Farm without commitment.

• Voted 6-0 to extend Brisa LOI to December 16, 2021
• Brisa LOI triggers $45,000 security deposit and 90-day due diligence
• Discussed Lufa Farm's proposed 400,000 sq ft greenhouse building with $50,000,000 investment
• Lufa Farm would use 62,000 gallons of water per day for hydroponic produce
• December meeting rescheduled from Dec 15 to Dec 8 at 7:00 p.m.

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation held a regular meeting covering security repairs, a visit from Secretary Kennealy about the power plant site, a presentation on electric vehicle charging, and a public hearing on a $650,000 EPA grant application. The board also discussed the status of the Industrial Road project, with MassDevelopment planning to go out to bid in December.

• Public hearing on $650,000 EPA grant application
• Secretary Kennealy visited power plant; $250,000 in commonwealth cleanup funds
• Discussion of electric vehicle charging stations at town locations and apartment complexes
• Security: breached openings at a building, suggested blocking due to rotted wood
• MassDevelopment finalizing bid docs for Industrial Road; bidding in December

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation held a regular meeting with five members present. They approved the minutes from September 15th and voted to pay a $2,102 liability insurance premium. MassDevelopment discussed the power plant's status, noting a $250,000 One Stop for Growth grant bringing total funding to $1,050,600 against an estimated cost of $1,600,000, with a new EPA Brownfield grant round in progress.

• Approved minutes of September 15th regular meeting
• Paid $2,102 Officers and Directors Liability Insurance premium to Bell & Hudson
• MassDevelopment reported $250,000 One Stop for Growth grant for power plant work
• Combined grant total for power plant is $1,050,600; estimated cost is $1,600,000
• EPA Brownfield grant round in progress, potential $650,000

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC) met to review development progress on the industrial site. MassDevelopment reported that the 90% design for the new road was circulated, the draft Purchase and Sale Agreement with Brisa is under legal review, and funding is being sought for demolition of the power plant. The board also discussed the feasibility of installing electric vehicle charging stations as part of the development, with MassDevelopment to explore the idea with the developer.

• 90% design for new road to industrial area circulated
• Draft Purchase and Sale Agreement with Brisa under review by MassDev attorneys
• MassDev investigating additional funding for demolition of power plant
• Discussion on electric vehicle charging stations for residential and community use
• No invoices presented for payment; D&O insurance premium due mid-October

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (BEDIC) met to discuss the Reflections event, the status of the Brisa development, and potential road improvements. No votes were taken on these items. The meeting adjourned with a unanimous vote.

• Brisa development presentation at Planning Board; paperwork to be submitted to DCAM
• 90% design of new Industrial spur road; comments due to Select Board by end of August
• Discussion of bus stop area near Carriage Drive; coordination with Town and DOT grants
• Parcel D: possibility of roughing out a road location for visibility and marketability
• Suggestion to consult ConCom and Planning Board regarding Parcel D

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation voted unanimously to accept a letter of intent from BRISA for Phase 1 development of 101 housing units and portions of the administration building at the former State School. The board also authorized the chairman to sign a purchase and sale agreement and proceed with negotiating a Land Disposition Agreement. Next steps include presenting the proposal to the Planning Board and issuing a press release.

• Vote 5-0 to accept BRISA LOI and authorize chairman to sign P&S agreement
• Phase 1 includes 101 housing units and portions of the administration building
• 24-month timeline for financing contingency and initial deposit
• BRISA likely to seek tax credits for Phase 1
• Planning Board to review consistency with Master Plan and Zoning Bylaws

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC) met to approve minutes, pay an invoice, and discuss development projects. They approved a $2,500 final payment to Carmen Angolini for overseeing lumber marking on Parcel D, and received a bid for fence removal. Updates were given on the power plant testing and the industrial spur road design, and the board entered executive session to discuss terms and conditions.

• Approved $2,500 final payment to Carmen Angolini for lumber contract on Parcel D
• Received $500 bid from Ed Go of White Oak Farm for green fencing removal
• Power plant testing results expected from Tighe and Bond
• Industrial spur road design at 90% completion
• Discussed Lampson Brook Farm remediation and financing

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC) voted to approve the Reflections public art event honoring former Belchertown State School residents, pending a certificate of insurance, and approved an amendment to the Site Readiness grant. They also discussed development status, including industrial roadwork bidding and a potential $250,000 Community OneStop grant, and received bids for site mowing and fence removal.

• Approved Reflections art event starting Aug. 14, with $3,000,000/$1,000,000 insurance certificate
• Approved amendment to Site Readiness grant; payback applies to Power Plant and Industrial Area
• Discussed $250,000 Community OneStop grant application by MassDevelopment
• Received mowing bids: $5,450 from Mr. Kuc (includes $650 fence removal) and $4,500 from White Oak Farm (no fence removal)
• Paid $100 invoice to Mr. Kuc for securing two access points at Power Plant

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC) held a regular meeting, approving the minutes of the previous meeting and a $22,500 budget for MassDevelopment review. Members also discussed a 25% annual reduction in storm water fees, which amounts to $604.80 this year, and agreed to review the calculation basis annually.

• Approved minutes of May 19 regular meeting (5-0 vote)
• Approved $22,500 budget for MassDevelopment review (5-0 vote)
• Discussed 25% reduction in storm water fees, $604.80 this year
• No payables at this time

Town Meeting Warrants, Motions, Minutes, and Certifications

The Annual Town Meeting will vote on the FY22 town budget totaling $58,591,551, including a $30.8M school appropriation and a $1.7M platform/ladder fire truck. Voters will also consider capital projects, Community Preservation Act-funded initiatives, and several transfers from free cash and enterprise funds.

• Appropriation of $1,700,000 for a platform/ladder truck for the Fire Department
• Capital projects totaling $1,626,000, including $525,000 for fire radio equipment and $250,000 for fire station living quarters
• Town Hall Parking Lot reconstruction funded at $450,235, with $410,235 from tax levy and $40,000 from unused borrowing
• Community Preservation Act funds for affordable housing restriction at Sportshaven Mobile Home Park ($100,000) and Old Town Hall roof/chimney ($75,000)
• Transfer Station funded with $106,392 from landfill receipts and $202,615 from landfill receipts plus $95,376 from landfill enterprise free cash

Town Meeting Warrants, Motions, Minutes, and Certifications

This is the certified record of actions taken at the Special Town Meeting on June 12, 2021. Voters approved a series of fund transfers between town accounts, added Juneteenth as a paid holiday for town employees, and took no action on prior-year unpaid bills because none existed.

• Transferred $60,000 from Health Insurance-Town Share to Fire Department Wage
• Transferred $25,000 from Human Resources Salary to Streets/Construction
• Transferred $13,500 from Snow Removal to Street Lighting
• Added Juneteenth Independence Day (June 19th) as a holiday under Chapter 91 Personnel
• Inserted Grade 8 for the Stormwater Coordinator/Assistant Conservation Administrator position

The Special Town Meeting approved Article 1, transferring a total of $113,725 between various town accounts, including $60,000 to the Fire Department Wage account and $25,000 to Streets/Construction. It voted to take no action on Article 2, as there were no unpaid bills from the prior year. Article 3 was approved, amending the Town Code to add Juneteenth Independence Day as a holiday and inserting Grade 8 for the Stormwater Coordinator/Assistant Conservation Administrator position.

• Approved $113,725 in transfers across multiple town accounts, including $60,000 to Fire Department Wage and $25,000 to Streets/Construction
• Voted to take no action on transferring funds for prior year unpaid bills, as none existed
• Approved adding Juneteenth Independence Day (June 19th) to the Town Code's employee holiday list
• Approved inserting Grade 8 for the Stormwater Coordinator/Assistant Conservation Administrator position

Town Meeting Warrants, Motions, Minutes, and Certifications

The Belchertown Annual Town Meeting on June 12, 2021, voted on the FY22 town budget, including appropriations for general government, public safety, schools, and other departments. Voters also approved amendments to the town's personnel code, zoning bylaws, and a new bylaw requiring reflective gear on horses and riders at night. The meeting was attended by 187 registered voters, exceeding the quorum of 75.

• Approved $30,798,060 for the Town School Department and $1,147,827 for the Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School District.
• Approved $4,925,570 for Public Safety, including $900,000 from the Ambulance Receipts Reserved for Appropriation Account.
• Amended Chapter 91 Personnel to add 'Fire Chief' to exempt positions and updated the salary schedule for FY22.
• Added new bylaw §129.5 requiring reflective material on equine riders and horses from ½ hour before sunset to ½ hour after dawn, with fines up to $300.
• Amended Zoning By-Law Article X to reduce common drive length from 600 to 400 feet and limit serving to three lots.

The Annual Town Meeting approved the FY22 town budget, including major appropriations for General Government, Public Safety, Schools, and other departments. Voters also authorized borrowing for capital projects, including a new fire truck and various building and equipment upgrades. A citizen petition to dissolve the Stormwater Management Fund was rejected.

• Approved the FY22 budget, including $30.8 million for the School Department and $4.9 million for Public Safety.
• Authorized $1.626 million in borrowing for capital projects, including fire station living quarters and radio equipment.
• Approved $1.7 million borrowing for a new fire platform/ladder truck.
• Approved amendments to the Personnel bylaw, updating the classification and compensation plan.
• Approved amendments to the Zoning Bylaw for common drive developments, reducing the maximum number of lots served from six to three.
• Approved $65,600 for Belchertown Community Channel operations.
• Rejected a citizen petition to dissolve the Stormwater Management Fund.
• Approved $99,273 to acquire an affordable housing restriction on Sportshaven Mobile Home Park.

Town Meeting Warrants, Motions, Minutes, and Certifications

This is a certification of appropriations from a Special Town Meeting held June 12, 2021. The town transferred a total of $123,825 between various departmental accounts, with no new funds raised. The meeting adjourned at 9:22 AM.

• $60,000 from Health Insurance-Town Share to Fire Department Wage
• $25,000 from Human Resources Salary to Streets/Construction
• $13,500 from Snow Removal to Street Lighting
• $10,000 from Board of Health Wage to Highway Department Wage
• $5,500 from Senior Center Wage to Police Station

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC) met to discuss routine business including minutes, payables, and property cleanup. They also reviewed development updates, including a potential $250,000 Brownfield remediation grant request, the 90% Industrial Road design, and a site readiness grant. The meeting was largely informational with no major votes taken.

• Storm water fee deposit of $604.80 discussed
• Request for $250,000 Brownfield remediation grant due June 4
• 90% Industrial Road design due in June, bid expected in fall
• Site readiness grant of $255,000 discussed
• Parcel D road and buildable area walkabout planned

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Economic Development and Industrial Corporation discussed a grant application for the Lake Wallace Trail system and noted the Select Board approved a construction contract. They also discussed the initial meeting of the new board for Lampson Brook Farm. The meeting adjourned with a unanimous vote.

• Grant application for Lake Wallace Trail system discussed
• Select Board approved a construction contract for the trail
• Lampson Brook Farm initial board meeting discussed

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Select Board held a virtual meeting and voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss "Terms and Conditions" under MGL Chapter 30A, Section 21, subsection 6. The board indicated it would not return to the regular meeting afterward.

• Vote to enter executive session (5-0-0)
• Discussion topic: "Terms and Conditions"
• Meeting held electronically via GoToMeeting

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation met electronically to discuss two housing development proposals, from Wayfinders and Brisa Developers, for a site that may include an admin building. Members compared the proposals' approaches to housing, amenities, and long-term commitments, but took no vote. They agreed to hear a third proposal from Suntwood before revisiting the discussion.

• Discussed Wayfinders proposal, which focuses on common areas and managed apartment housing without on-site services
• Discussed Brisa Developers proposal, which emphasizes density and ties to the Admin building
• Agreed to hear a third proposal from Suntwood before making a decision
• No vote taken on either proposal

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation met virtually to approve minutes, discuss development status including completed demolition and a 25% industrial spur road design, and hear a proposal for a Walk of Reflection memorial at Carriage Grove. No payables were reported, and the security report was deferred.

• Demolition complete; waiting for spring thaw to loam and seed
• Water line installed to front 7.5-acre piece along State St
• Industrial spur road design at 25% stage from Fuss and O'Neill
• MassDevelopment seeking funding for power plant demolition
• Walk of Reflection proposed for Carriage Grove with murals, poetry, historic photos

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC) held a regular meeting on February 11, 2021, via an online portal. The only action taken was a unanimous 5-0 vote to enter executive session under MGL Chapter 30A to discuss 'Terms and Conditions,' with no return to the regular meeting. The agenda contains no other substantive items.

• Voted 5-0 to enter executive session to discuss 'Terms and Conditions'
• Meeting held electronically via GoToMeeting
• Guests present: Claire O'Neill and Jen Cohen (MassDevelopment), Jen Turner (Select Board), Doug Albertson (Town Planner)

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The meeting opened with introductions and a virtual format announcement, then the chair moved to close the regular meeting and enter an executive session under MGL Chapter 30A to discuss terms and conditions. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote, and the board did not return to the regular meeting.

• Vote to enter executive session under MGL Chapter 30A, Section 2.1, subsection 6
• Executive session topic: terms and conditions
• Meeting held electronically via online portal
• Guests introduced: Claire O'Neill and Jen Cohen (Mass Development), Jen Turrier (Select Board), Doug Albertson (Town Planner)

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation met electronically to review the status of the Carriage Grove development, including demolition cleanup, roadway construction, and upcoming presentations. They also discussed a broker RFP and recent legislation affecting Lampson Brook Farm. The meeting was largely informational, with no major votes or financial decisions.

• Demolition cleanup and seeding at Carriage Grove
• Industrial spur roadway about 25% complete, with issues around truck turning radius and tree belt
• Discussion of broker RFP
• Recent legislation impacting Lampson Brook Farm
• Security concerns about ground floor windows in town-owned cruciform buildings on Berkshire Dr.