Belchertown public meetings in 2023
18 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Economic Development and Industrial Corporation
The Economic Development and Industrial Corporation discussed the status of the former State School property and the BRISA development project. The board approved a letter to the Planning Board regarding visual impacts and public trail access. The body also reviewed upcoming demolition and road acceptance plans.
- Approved $325.00 invoice for Jim Kuc for security work at the Power Plant building and a cruciform building
- Approved letter to Planning Board recommending limited West access to Carriage Drive and extensive plantings for BRISA project
- Recommended BRISA designate lanes for public access to the Town Trails Network
- Reported funding is in place for the 2024 demolition of the power plant
- Noted a new roadway will be presented at the Annual Town Meeting for acceptance as a Town Road
Economic Development and Industrial Corporation
The Economic Development and Industrial Corporation reviewed security costs for the industrial spur and discussed the demolition of a power plant. Members also discussed the impact of BRISA's proposed housing project on town zoning and state compliance.
- Approved $375.00 invoice to Jim Kue for securing entrance points at the industrial spur
- Discussion of MassDev's plan to demolish a power plant in the Spring
- Review of BRISA's proposed housing project and its role in maintaining Chapter 40B zoning compliance
- Discussion of a potential land transfer to 'square' Parcel D requiring a Town Meeting vote
- Update on the Lake Wallace transfer and Conservation Restriction registration
Economic Development and Industrial Corporation
The Economic Development and Industrial Corporation discussed preventing unauthorized entry to two buildings near the new Industrial road. Members and MassDev representatives discussed options including concrete barriers, fencing, and demolition cost estimates.
- Discussion of securing two buildings at the rear of the new Industrial road to prevent unauthorized entry
- Request for MassDev to provide cost estimates for demolition and removal of two cruciform buildings
- Report from MassDev regarding upcoming funding rounds for Commonwealth projects with awards after January 2024
- Search for a broker to market portions of the Master Plan
Economic Development and Industrial Corporation
The Economic Development and Industrial Corporation reviewed development plans with MassDev, including proposed apartments and industrial use. The board also approved payments for property maintenance and storm water fees.
- Payment of $2,250.00 to White Oak Farm for mowing
- Payment of $498.95 for Storm Water fee and filing for an abatement
- Discussion of Phase 1 apartments (108 units) and Phase 1a Administration Building re-use
- Report of executed LOI with A & D Machine
- Proposed future phases including 60 senior independent living rentals and 40 affordable ownership condominiums
Economic Development and Industrial Corporation
The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation met to authorize the signing of a Letter of Intent with A & D Tool. The board also received updates on a potential 4,000 sq. ft. facility for ShedWorks, Inc. in Carriage Grove.
- Authorized Bill Terry to sign the LOI with A & D Tool
- Discussion of a 4,000 sq. ft. facility inquiry from ShedWorks, Inc. in Carriage Grove
- Preparation of Right Of Entry and Purchase and Sale Agreements for A & D Tool regarding 1.5 acres of lot 4
- Update on amendments #2 and #3 sent to BRISA
Economic Development and Industrial Corporation
The Economic Development and Industrial Corporation discussed building security and development updates for BRISA. The board voted on several payments for property maintenance and a donation of materials for a local memorial garden.
- Approved $4,500 bid from White Oak Farm for mowing
- Approved $1,115.00 payment to Mr. Kuc for securing and boarding
- Voted to donate broken granite steps from the Theater building to Christopher Heights for a memorial garden
- Reported BRISA site plan submission to Planning Board with a public hearing scheduled for August 22
- Discussed masonry and rebar security estimates of $750.00 per opening
Economic Development and Industrial Corporation
The Economic Development and Industrial Corporation discussed security measures for BEDIC property and reviewed development status for several projects. The body also approved a payment for property securing services.
- Approved payment to Jim Kuc for securing and boarding openings and installing a sign, not to exceed $600.00
- Discussed Letter of Intent (LOI) from A & D tool for 1.3 acres requiring an ANR plan for the Planning Board
- Reviewed cold water demand for BRISA apartment proposal calculated at 17,500 gallons/day for apartments and 2,000 for other uses
- Discussed unauthorized use of BEDIC property by Day School students and building tours along Berkshire Drive
Economic Development and Industrial Corporation
The board discussed the near-completion of Industrial Road and potential ribbon cutting events. Members also reviewed progress on BRISA timelines and preparations for a Site Readiness Grant Application for Parcel D.
- Status update on Industrial Road completion
- Discussion of Site Readiness Grant Application for Parcel D
- June 1 deadline for Expression of Interest regarding Parcel D
- Discussion of future uses for the Administration Building on Berkshire Drive
Town Meeting Warrants, Motions, Minutes, and Certifications
Town Meeting approved the FY24 budget across multiple departments, including $32.6M for schools and $5.4M for public safety. Voters also authorized the Select Board to petition the General Court to create a Town Manager position. Additional approvals included personnel compensation updates and various fund appropriations.
- Approved $32,597,863 for the Town School Department
- Approved $5,409,789 for Public Safety
- Authorized Select Board to petition for the creation of a Town Manager position
- Approved $2,376,376 for General Government
- Approved $2,230,896 for DPW-Highways
- Approved $200,000 appropriation from free cash to the Stabilization Fund
- Approved updated personnel compensation plans and a $75 wastewater weekend stipend
- Authorized Select Board to apply for Commonwealth of Massachusetts Highway Improvement Program grants
Town Meeting Warrants, Motions, Minutes, and Certifications
The town is considering various budget appropriations for departmental wages, equipment, and expenses. These items include funding for the Fire Department, Highway Department, and administrative salaries.
- $113,000.00 for Fire Department Wage
- $21,429.00 for FD Tanker Grant Match
- $50,000.00 for OPEB from Overlay Surplus
- Multiple appropriations for Road Machinery and Highway Wages
- Various allocations for Town Administrator, HR Director, and Treasurer Collector salaries
Town Meeting Warrants, Motions, Minutes, and Certifications
The provided documents consist of the Special Town Meeting Warrant, Motions, and Certification. The specific details regarding proposed actions or expenditures are contained within those linked PDF files.
The May 8, 2023 Special Town Meeting approved a series of fund transfers totaling over $300,000 between various town accounts, including shifting $113,000 from Police Salary to Fire Wage and $50,000 from Overlay Surplus to OPEB. Article 2 received no action. The meeting lasted 39 minutes with 240 registered voters present.
- Approved $113,000 transfer from Police Department Salary to Fire Department Wage
- Approved $1,600 transfer from Recreation Wage to Medicare-Town Share
- Approved $5,000 transfer from IT Wage to Highway Wage
- Approved $19,000 transfer from Conservation Salary to Police Station
- Approved $13,000 transfer from Maintenance Dept. Expense to Road Machinery
- Approved $50,000 transfer from Overlay Surplus to OPEB
- Approved $21,429 transfer from Overlay Surplus to Fire Tanker Grant Match
- Took no action on Article 2
Town Meeting Warrants, Motions, Minutes, and Certifications
The Town of Belchertown is presenting its annual budget and various fund allocations for Fiscal Year 2024. The document outlines funding for general government, public safety, schools, and community preservation projects.
- $32,597,863 for the Town School Department
- $1,435,064 for Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School District
- $2,230,896 for DPW Highways
- $27,000 for rehabilitating the historic McPherson Garden
- $71,000 for Chestnut Hill Community School football field improvements
Economic Development and Industrial Corporation
The board approved minutes from previous meetings and set a $1,500 limit for general liability insurance. Members discussed the role of the new Creative Economy Coordinator and reviewed progress on various development projects.
- Approved March 15 regular and executive meeting minutes
- Set a $1,500 limit for General Liability Insurance payment
- Introduced Maude Haak-Frendscho as Creative Economy Coordinator
- Discussed Power Plant site readiness application
- Discussed Industrial Road binder coat application
Economic Development and Industrial Corporation
The Economic Development and Industrial Corporation discussed the feasibility of building a road to unlock the value of Parcel D. The board also received an update on the Industrial Road project, which is scheduled to resume in early June.
- Approved $1,500 payment to Scanlon Associates CPA for 2020, 2021, and 2022 financial reports
- Discussion of appraisal and road construction feasibility for Parcel D
- Update on Industrial Road project resuming in early June
Economic Development and Industrial Corporation
The Economic Development and Industrial Corporation reviewed revised design documents for the BRISA project, including housing types and site orientation. The board also discussed the financial feasibility and roadway access requirements for the development of Parcel D.
- Review of BRISA design documents including townhouses, market rate workforce housing, and affordable components
- Discussion of Parcel D direct sale options versus Mass Development bidding for roadway construction
- Discussion of state grants for mixed-use projects in the Legislative Budget
Economic Development and Industrial Corporation
The Board reviewed proposed zoning designations for land along State Street and Front Street. Members also approved a Site Readiness Grant application to assist with power plant demolition and discussed ongoing site redevelopment.
- Approved zoning changes for land along State St. and Front St.
- Approved $425.00 payment to Mr. Kuc for building repairs and fencing
- Approved Site Readiness Grant application for power plant demolition
- Reviewed current year financial budget of $23,451.00
Economic Development and Industrial Corporation
The Economic Development and Industrial Corporation discussed a museum plan by the Friends of the Belchertown State School. The board approved several financial matters including building repairs, signage prevention, and insurance coverage. Members also reviewed development status regarding BRISA plans and Parcel D.
- Museum proposal by Friends of the Belchertown State School
- Approval of up to $200.00 for door and window repairs by Jim Kuc
- Approval of up to $1,200.00 for signage/anti-tagging measures by Jim Kuc
- Approval of $2,434.00 for 15 months of Directors and Officers insurance via Bell and Hudson
- Discussion regarding BRISA plans and Parcel D land adjustments
Agricultural Commission
The commission will discuss updates regarding Lampson Brook and a farmer meet and greet event. The meeting also includes discussion of letters of interest for commission appointments.
- Lampson Brook update
- Farmer meet and greet speaker fees and USDA outreach
- April event planning
- Letters of interest for commission appointments