Belchertown public meetings in 2022

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC) met to discuss development status, including progress on Industrial Rd. construction, power plant demolition funding, and the potential development of Parcel D. They also approved minutes, discussed insurance and financial matters, and appointed board members as liaisons to the Select Board and Lampson Brook Farm Board. No votes were taken on Parcel D, which remains in discussion.

• Approved minutes from November 16 regular meeting (5-0-0)
• Discussed Director's and Officer's Insurance paperwork delivered to Bell & Hudson
• Construction on Industrial Rd. will cease over winter; Kendall supervising for Mass Development
• BRISA not selected for January DHCD funding round
• Appointed Stephens as BEDIC representative to Select Board (5-0-0) and Spiegel as liaison to Lampson Brook Farm Board (4-0-1)

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown EDIC met to approve minutes, handle payables, and receive updates on development projects. MassDevelopment reported progress on the Industrial Rd. construction, Brisa is resubmitting a housing application, and the power plant awaits final legislative funding. The board also discussed a potential land transfer for Parcel D and the Lampson Brook Farm management plan.

• Approved minutes from September 21 and October 19 meetings
• Voted to pay Jim Kuc $100 for securing an access point in the Administration building
• Industrial Rd. construction progressing under MassDevelopment supervision
• Brisa resubmitting application to DHCD for January funding round
• Power plant to receive $500,000 from Legislature for demolition

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC) met to handle payables, including stormwater fees and building security work, and approved a payment for officer and director's insurance. They also discussed the status of town-owned buildings on Berkshire Drive, security at Industrial Rd, and ongoing development at the former state school property, including a spur road expected to be completed by June 2023.

• Approved payment of $628.16 to Town of Belchertown for stormwater fee
• Approved payment of $525.00 to Jim Kuc for securing breached buildings
• Approved payment not to exceed $2,000 to Bell and Hudson for 3-month insurance extension
• Discussed forming a committee to maintain #6 and #8 Berkshire Drive
• Roadwork on Industrial Rd spur road expected completion June 2023

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation met and voted to approve minutes and pay an invoice for securing breached building openings. They also received updates on development projects including ARC Point brewing, Industrial Road construction, and a power plant grant, plus BRISA's housing plans.

• Approved payment to Mr. Kuc for securing windows and doors after three buildings were breached
• ARC Point brewing: LOT signed, financing in motion, will present to Planning Board once committed
• Industrial Road pre-construction meeting scheduled, work to begin shortly
• Power plant: Tighe and Bond to seek additional grant funding; program will require $2,455 annual fee
• BRISA: Mass Dev reviewing Phase 1 documents; presenting to DHCD for winter funding

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation approved a $5,500 mowing bid from Ed Go for the Industrial Road site and authorized accepting the lowest bid for additional mowing. The board also approved a Sept. 10 fundraiser by Friends of the Belchertown State School. Mass Development reported the Industrial Road construction bid of $1,740,000 to Mass West Construction and provided updates on the BRISA project, including increased housing unit counts in Phases 1, 2, and 5.

• Approved $5,500 mowing bid from Ed Go for Industrial Road site
• Approved Sept. 10 fundraiser by Friends of the Belchertown State School
• Industrial Road construction bid awarded to Mass West Construction for $1,740,000
• BRISA Phase 1 units increased from 101 to 107; Phase 2 from 60 to 102 rental units; Phase 5 from 40 to 60 home ownership units
• Funding requests: $500,000 for power plant demolition shortfall, $250,000 for water district extension

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation met to approve a $275 payment for building prep work, authorize accepting the lowest bid for brush hogging, and allow the Friends of Belchertown State School to install and maintain a flag. They also received updates on MassDevelopment funding for Industrial Road improvements and state amendments for Carriage Grove.

• Approved $275 payment to Jim Kuc for building prep and securing openings
• Authorized accepting lowest bid for brush hogging at the site
• MassDevelopment secured $420,000 toward Industrial Road and infrastructure improvements; current bid $1.74M valid until August
• State amendments: $900,000 for Power Plant demo and $250,000 for water supply infrastructure at Carriage Grove
• Authorized Friends of Belchertown State School to install and maintain a flag at the Administration building

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation met to approve minutes, discuss a mural proposal for town property, and hear updates on the Rail Trail. The mural proposal was approved for contract signing, pending final review. The meeting was largely procedural with one substantive action.

• Approved mural contract for 6 Berkshire Ave., a town property
• Design workshop dates discussed: June 29 or July 13
• Rail Trail officially opened, with remaining work to connect to Foley Field
• Minutes of May 18, 2022 meetings adopted

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC) met to approve minutes, discuss building security, and review development status. They voted to accept an amended Site Readiness Grant agreement and authorize the chair to sign. The board also discussed the ongoing bid process for the new Industrial Road, with bids due May 26, and considered creating vehicular access to Parcel D for prospective developers.

• Approved amended Site Readiness Grant agreement, authorizing Chair Terry to sign (6-0 vote)
• Industrial Road bid process underway; bids due May 26, 2022
• Discussed opening gravel roadway to Parcel D for developer access
• Noted door found ajar near Industrial Road entrance; secured by Jim Kuc
• Directors Terry, Maroney, and Spiegel to be re-appointed

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC) met to approve minutes, discuss building security, and review development status. They voted to accept an amended Site Readiness Grant agreement and authorize the chair to sign. They also discussed the ongoing bid process for Industrial Road, with bids due May 26, and considered creating vehicular access to Parcel D for prospective developers.

• Approved amended Site Readiness Grant agreement, authorized Bill Terry to sign (6-0 vote)
• Industrial Road bid process underway, bids due May 26, 2022
• Discussed opening gravel roadway to Parcel D for developer access
• Noted door found ajar near Industrial Road entrance, secured by Jim Kuc
• Directors Terry, Maroney, and Spiegel to be re-appointed

Town Meeting Warrants, Motions, Minutes, and Certifications

The Belchertown Annual Town Meeting voted on the FY24 budget, including appropriations for general government, public safety, schools, and other departments. It also approved a new wastewater weekend stipend, updated the town's compensation plan, and authorized a petition to the state legislature to create a town manager position.

• Approved $32,597,863 for the Town School Department
• Approved $5,409,789 for Public Safety, including $1,240,000 from Ambulance Receipts
• Authorized petition for special legislation to create a Town Manager position
• Added $75 weekend stipend for Wastewater Treatment Plant employees
• Updated town compensation plan with new salary ranges for management positions

At the Annual Town Meeting on May 9, 2022, voters approved the FY23 town budget, including a $31,134,612 appropriation for the Town School Department and other departmental budgets. They also passed zoning amendments for dog day care, accessory apartments, nonconforming structures, and commercial solar installations, while referring a proposed Agricultural Value-Added District back to the Planning Board. Several articles were approved unanimously, including appropriations for community preservation projects and a land acquisition.

• Approved $31,134,612 for Town School Department (unanimous)
• Approved $2,315,850 for General Government (unanimous)
• Approved $5,096,057 for Public Safety (unanimous)
• Approved $1,356,918 for Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School District (unanimous)
• Approved $2,059,978 for DPW-Highways (unanimous)
• Approved $6,022,330 for Pensions and Insurance (unanimous)
• Referred Agricultural Value-Added District zoning article back to Planning Board (majority vote)
• Approved $663,525 for land acquisition off Gulf Road (2/3 vote)

Town Meeting Warrants, Motions, Minutes, and Certifications

This is a certification of appropriations from a Special Town Meeting held May 9, 2022. The town approved transferring a total of $164,920 between various departmental accounts to cover expenses such as wages, overtime, and building maintenance. The meeting was dissolved at 7:15 PM.

• $25,000 from Law Account to Highway Overtime
• $12,500 from Police Wage to Select Board Expense
• $35,500 from Veterans' Benefits to Snow & Ice
• $10,000 from General Insurance to Fire Overtime
• $5,000 from Lawrence Memorial Hall to Fire Station

Town Meeting Warrants, Motions, Minutes, and Certifications

The Special Town Meeting, with 194 registered voters present, unanimously approved a single article transferring a total of $171,420 between various town accounts to cover expenses including highway overtime, fire overtime, snow and ice, and wage adjustments. The meeting was brief, lasting about 11 minutes, and was led by a Moderator Pro Tempore due to the elected moderator's absence.

• Transferred $25,000 from Law Account to Highway Overtime
• Transferred $35,500 from Veteran's Benefits to Snow & Ice
• Transferred $10,000 from General Insurance to Fire Overtime
• Transferred $20,000 from Human Resources Salary to Unemployment
• Transferred $12,500 from Police Wage to Select Board Expense

At the May 9, 2022 Special Town Meeting, voters unanimously approved a single article transferring $164,420 between town accounts to cover various expenses, including highway overtime, fire overtime, snow and ice, and other departmental needs. The Finance Committee endorsed the transfers 5-0-0. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved $164,420 in FY22 fund transfers (unanimous yes)
• Approved transfer of $25,000 to Highway Overtime from Law Account
• Approved transfer of $7,500 to Highway Overtime from IOD
• Approved transfer of $7,500 to Highway Overtime from Workers Comp
• Approved transfer of $10,000 to Fire Overtime from General Insurance
• Approved transfer of $10,000 to Fire Overtime from Health Insurance Town Share
• Approved transfer of $35,500 to Snow & Ice from Veteran's Benefits
• Approved transfer of $3,520 to Inspection Services Wage from Veteran's Benefits

Town Meeting Warrants, Motions, Minutes, and Certifications

The Belchertown Annual Town Meeting on May 9, 2022, considered and certified a $55.6 million FY23 budget, including appropriations from tax levy, borrowing, free cash, stabilization, and other funds. The agenda lists numerous departmental budgets, special appropriations, and community preservation projects. This is the main annual budget-setting meeting for the town.

• Appropriation of $31,134,612 for the Town School Department
• Appropriation of $1,356,918 for Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School District
• Appropriation of $663,525 for purchase of land off Gulf Rd and S. Gulf Rd (30.034 acres)
• Appropriation of $80,000 for creation of two pickleball courts at Chestnut Hill Community School
• Appropriation of $20,000 for window replacement at 29 Main St. (Hope United Methodist Church)

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC) met to handle routine business and discuss funding for the power plant project. The board approved minutes and paid an insurance invoice. They also discussed potential funding sources, including the One Stop for Growth grant and the Housing Choice Program, to cover a funding shortfall for the power plant.

• Approved minutes of March 16, 2022 meeting
• Paid $6,016.52 to Bell & Hudson for annual liability insurance
• Discussed One Stop for Growth funding for power plant project
• Discussed Housing Choice Program as potential funding source (up to $250,000)
• Considered using ARPA funds for the project

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation met to approve minutes and payables, discuss a pollinator-friendly demonstration project with the Mass Pollinator Network, and review the status of the BRISA LLC purchase and sale and power plant demolition. No final decisions were made on the main discussion items.

• Approved minutes of February 16, 2022 meeting (6-0-0)
• Approved $410 invoice payment to Jim Kuc for work on Feb 14 and Feb 25 (6-0-0)
• Discussed pollinator-friendly landscape demonstration project at demolition sites, including power station
• Reviewed BRISA LLC purchase and sale status and upcoming Phased Development Amendment
• Noted BRISA has not yet executed P&S with Town of Chicopee

Town Meeting Warrants, Motions, Minutes, and Certifications

At the March 7, 2022 Special Town Meeting, voters approved funding for a feasibility study for Jabish Brook Middle School and made several budget transfers. The meeting also added a salary range for the Human Resource Director to the Personnel By-Law.

• Appropriated $990,000 for Jabish Brook Middle School feasibility study (90 yes, 18 no)
• Added Human Resource Director salary range $75,311-$96,139 to Personnel By-Law
• Transferred $80,964 to Interest on Debt Service Account
• Transferred $50,000 to Retirement of Debt Account
• Transferred $21,434 for new Cardiac Monitor for Fire-Rescue

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC) met and discussed the status of the Brisa development project, including the executed purchase and sale agreement for Phase 1 and the upcoming preliminary master plan design review. The board also addressed minor security breaches and deadfall cleanup at the site, and heard a report on public comments favoring the Nipmuc Nation for management of Lampson Brook Farm.

• Brisa executed P&S for Phase 1 development; 6-month due diligence period begins
• Preliminary Master Plan design review meeting scheduled for late May
• Mass Development pursuing EPA grant for power plant demolition
• Lake Wallace trail system outreach to be led by Michelle Moon with Civic Spaces Collaborative
• Lampson Brook Farm received over 200 identical public comments supporting Nipmuc Nation for management

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation met and voted to authorize the chair to sign off on the final design of the Industrial Road, moving the project toward bidding and construction. The board also approved minutes from prior meetings, received updates on site security and development status, and discussed the Lampson Brook Farm management plan.

• Voted 6-0 to authorize chair to sign final Industrial Road design
• Industrial Road to go out to bid, construction expected early March, 3-4 months
• Two small buildings near roundabout to be removed for road construction
• Tighe and Bond to oversee construction
• Lampson Brook Farm management plan review scheduled for Jan 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m.