Belchertown public meetings in 2025

Board of Health

The board reviewed a septic system replacement and variance request for 366 Allen St., noting multiple setbacks, a water feature that may be a pond, and non‑compliance with Title V requirements. Members said a vote could not be taken without Conservation Commission approval. No formal approval, denial, or waiver was recorded at this meeting.

Board of Assessors

The Belchertown Board of Assessors will vote on and sign FY2027 Chapter 61 and Chapter 61B applications. The board will also hold an executive session to review FY2026 property tax exemption applications and FY2027 Chapter 61A applications. The meeting is scheduled for December 22, 2025, at 2:30 PM in Meeting Room 104 at Lawrence Memorial Hall, with virtual access provided.

• Vote and sign FY2027 Chapter 61 and Chapter 61B applications
• Executive session for FY2026 property tax exemption applications
• Executive session for FY2027 Chapter 61A applications

The Board approved the FY27 Chapter 61A applications for dozens of landowners, approved a Chapter 61 application for Jason LaFleur, and approved multiple Chapter 61B applications. The Chapter 61 application for the Trustees of Amherst College was tabled due to errors. FY26 exemption applications for four property owners were also approved, and a motion to enter executive session passed.

• Approved FY27 Chapter 61A applications (e.g., Adzima Family Farm Trust, Biodynamic Farmland, Brittingham‑Foreman, etc.)
• Approved Chapter 61 application for Jason LaFleur, Hamilton St (parcel 239-19.3)
• Approved Chapter 61B applications for several owners (e.g., James A. Barry, Belchertown Land Trust, Louise M. Butler, etc.)
• Tabled Chapter 61 forestry application for Trustees of Amherst College due to location and parcel ID errors
• Approved FY26 exemption applications for Cheri Close, Kenneth Close, Scott McAllister, and Galen Wilson
• Motion to move into executive session approved
• Motion to adjourn approved

School Committee and School Councils

The SRE School Council is meeting virtually to review November meeting notes, receive updates on curriculums, and review the Belchertown Strategic Plan. The meeting includes an open forum for members before adjournment.

• Review of November meeting notes
• Update on curriculums
• Review of the Belchertown Strategic Plan
• Open forum for members

Energy and Sustainability Committee

The Belchertown Energy and Sustainability Committee will meet to review reports from subcommittees and discuss a solar roof proposal and Cultural Council grant spending. The meeting will be held in-person at Town Hall.

• Solar Roof Proposal discussion
• Cultural Council Grant Spending review
• Reports from Transportation subcommittee
• Reports from BCEC subcommittee
• Reports from Public Outreach/Education subcommittee

Recreation Committee

The Recreation Committee will review ongoing items from previous meetings, including program feedback from a recent survey, grant matters, and Little League updates. New business will focus on the proposed use of space shared with the American Legion. The Directors will also present the town’s capital improvement budget overview.

• Review program results from community survey
• Consider grant applications and allocations
• Discuss Little League program status
• Evaluate space sharing proposal with the American Legion
• Present capital improvement budget overview

The Recreation Committee voted 3-0-0 to accept the November 20, 2025 minutes. A motion to adjourn was also passed 3-0-0. No substantive grant approvals or policy decisions were made.

• Accepted November 20, 2025 minutes (3-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0-0)

Misc

The Department of Public Utilities will hold a public hearing to review National Grid's 2022-2024 Three-Year Energy Efficiency Plan Term Report. The Department is evaluating if program savings, benefits, and costs were reported accurately and in accordance with statutory requirements. This review determines the final recovery of costs and performance incentive payments.

• Public hearing on December 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. via Zoom
• Review of National Grid's 2022-2024 Three-Year Energy Efficiency Plan Term Report
• Deadline for written comments: December 19, 2025, by 5:00 p.m.
• Deadline for petitions to intervene: December 11, 2025, by 5:00 p.m.

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging Advisory Board will meet to review the Executive Director's report and receive an update from the BSCCA. The board will also discuss the Giving Tree under old business.

• Approval of October 22, 2025 minutes
• Executive Director's report from Jessica Langlois
• BSCCA update from December 1, 2025
• Discussion of the Giving Tree

The board unanimously approved the October 22, 2025 advisory board minutes (5-0-0). They then unanimously accepted the executive director’s report (5-0-0). A motion to close the meeting was also passed unanimously (5-0-0). No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved October 22, 2025 minutes (5-0-0)
• Approved executive director’s report (5-0-0)
• Closed meeting (5-0-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a continuance hearing on an appeal by Kayla Busse dba Kayla & Co., Inc. regarding a zoning enforcement decision. The appeal concerns an alleged violation of Town by‑law §145‑24 A (5), which requires a minimum 40,000‑square‑foot lot for breeding, raising or keeping animals, while the applicant’s lot is 12,529 sq ft at 11 Sunny Crest Lane in Zoning District AGA. The board will also discuss a Letter of Interest from a ZBA applicant.

• Continuance hearing on appeal of Zoning Enforcement Officer’s decision §145‑68 A (1) for Kayla Busse dba Kayla & Co., Inc.
• Alleged violation of Town by‑law §145‑24 A (5) requiring 40,000 sq ft minimum for animal breeding; applicant’s lot is 12,529 sq ft at 11 Sunny Crest Lane, Map 271 Parcel 50, Zoning District AGA
• Discussion of Letter of Interest from a ZBA applicant

The Zoning Board of Appeals voted 3‑0‑0 to deny the special permit and variance for 11 Sunny Crest Lane and to uphold the Zoning Enforcement Officer’s decision on the animal‑bylaw violation. The board approved Darlene Willey Sliwa as a full member and Donna‑Rae Kenneally as an associate member. A motion to close the meeting was unanimously adopted.

• Denied special permit and variance for 11 Sunny Crest Lane; upheld enforcement decision (3-0-0)
• Approved Darlene Willey Sliwa as full member of Zoning Board of Appeals
• Approved Donna‑Rae Kenneally as associate member of Zoning Board of Appeals
• Adopted motion to close the meeting (unanimous)

Belchertown Overcoming Adversity Together

The Belchertown Overcoming Adversity Together (BOAT) group will meet to discuss community health initiatives and recent events. The meeting includes a presentation on alcohol policy and updates on drug-free community grants and recovery programs.

• Alcohol Policy Roadshow presentation by Alexis Podoloff
• Discussion of DFC Grant due 1/31/2026
• Update on Opioid Settlement Fund Committee
• Planning for 5th Annual Umbrella of Wellness on 5/16/2026
• Review of recent outreach events including Winter Night Lights and local craft fairs

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Town of Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation meeting scheduled for December 17, 2025 was cancelled. No agenda items were considered. The next meeting is planned for January 2026 and will be posted when scheduled.

Taxation Aid Committee

The Taxation Aid Committee will meet to discuss public outreach and determine upcoming meeting dates. The body will also review and accept previous meeting minutes.

• Discussion of public outreach
• Discussion of upcoming meeting dates

Capital Improvement Planning Committee

The Capital Improvement Planning Committee will meet on December 17, 2025 at 2 Jabish Street. The agenda includes routine items such as calling the meeting to order, approving minutes, and opening comments. The primary discussion item is the FY27 capital needs requests from the Schools, Public Works, and Buildings & Grounds departments. The committee will also set the date for its next meeting before adjourning.

• Call meeting to order
• Approve outstanding minutes
• Opening comments
• Discuss FY27 needs requests from Schools, Public Works, Buildings & Grounds
• Confirm next meeting date

The committee approved the November 19, 2025 minutes with a 3‑0 vote. No FY27 capital projects were approved; the items were discussed and will be reviewed at a later date. The next mini‑meeting is set for January 14, 2026, and the full meeting for January 21, 2026. The meeting was adjourned with a 3‑0 vote.

• Approved November 19, 2025 minutes (3-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Select Board

The Select Board will meet with the Finance Committee and School Committee to discuss the FY27 budget process. The board will also discuss the formation of a formal strategic planning committee.

• Discussion on FY27 Budget Process with Finance and School Committees
• Formation of a Formal Strategic Planning Committee

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School Committee will meet with the Selectboard and Finance Committee to review the FY26 and FY27 budget. Items include a discussion of the budget itself, the timeline for its adoption, and any emergency agenda additions. The meeting also provides time for public comment before adjourning.

• FY26/FY27 Budget Discussion
• Budget Timeline
• Public comment
• Tri-Board meeting participation with Selectboard and Finance Committee
• Emergency agenda additions (with majority consent)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee met on December 16, 2025 at Belchertown Town Hall. After routine business and a strategic planning discussion, the committee voted to recommend creating a task force to examine the town's changing demographics, including possible school department options and regionalization. The meeting will adjourn after completing all agenda items.

• Vote to recommend forming a committee to investigate demographic changes and school regionalization

Energy and Sustainability Committee

The Energy and Sustainability Committee will meet with the Selectboard during the Selectboard meeting. The agenda includes introducing a new committee member and discussing alignment of the committee's projects. No formal decisions or votes are listed for this meeting.

• Appointment: Meet with Selectboard during their meeting
• New committee member introduction
• Committee project alignment discussion

Select Board

The Belchertown Select Board will approve the minutes from the December 1, 2025 meeting and consider several appointments, including a new deputy tax collector. Members will discuss community surveys, a FY27 budget update, health‑insurance information, and will endorse Town Warrant #2622 for $1,432,147.65 and Warrant #2623 for $878,876.63. The board will also endorse the certification form for 2026 liquor licenses before moving to an executive session on collective‑bargaining strategy.

• Approve minutes from the December 1, 2025 meeting
• Endorse Town Warrant #2622 for $1,432,147.65
• Endorse Town Warrant #2623 for $878,876.63
• Endorse certification form for 2026 liquor licenses
• Appoint Deputy Tax Collector

The board approved the minutes from the Dec. 1, 2025 meeting (4‑0‑1). It endorsed the Certification Form for 2026 liquor licenses (5‑0‑0) and reappointed Arthur P. Jones as Deputy Tax Collector for the 2026‑2027 term (5‑0‑0). Other items, such as the DEI Pledge Program and Family Center space, were discussed but no formal decisions were recorded.

• Approved Dec. 1, 2025 minutes (4‑0‑1)
• Endorsed 2026 liquor license certification (5‑0‑0)
• Reappointed Deputy Tax Collector Arthur P. Jones for 2026‑2027 (5‑0‑0)
• Discussed DEI Pledge Program (no vote recorded)
• Discussed Family Center space plan (no decision)

Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Committee

The Opioid Settlement Funds Advisory Committee will discuss a possible policy on requests for OSF funding from for‑profit organizations. It will receive updates on the Community Wellness program at the Clapp Library and a funding request for adults and youth to attend the February 2026 CADCA National Forum. Additional items include updates on the Family Overdose Support Fund, a Social Worker program model, and Mobile Harm Reduction services with QHSUA and neighboring towns.

• Potential policy on OSF funding requests from for‑profit organizations
• Community Wellness program update at Clapp Library
• Funding request for adults and youth to attend February 2026 CADCA National Forum
• Discussion of Family Overdose Support Fund
• Mobile Harm Reduction services collaboration with QHSUA and neighboring towns

Family Center Committee

The Family Center Committee will attend the Select Board meeting. Their purpose is to present an interim proposal for the use of space in the family center. No other agenda items are listed.

• Present interim proposal for family center space to Select Board

McPherson Sensory Garden Committee

The McPherson Sensory Garden Committee will meet to review available funds, approve invoices, and discuss winter preparation and spring planning.

• Review of available funds and invoices
• Discussion on CPA Grant funds for a bench
• Planning for spring garden work
• Winter preparation tasks

Communications Committee

The committee will discuss the use of AI in Belchertown government and the creation of digital roles within committees. The meeting also includes updates on the town newsletter, website, and communication plan.

• AI in Belchertown Government
• Creating a Digital Role in Committees
• Enhanced Town Warrant
• Gateway Sign
• Belchertown.org

The committee voted 5‑0‑0 to approve the November 24, 2025 meeting minutes and later voted 5‑0‑0 to adjourn. Chris Martin will email Town Manager Steve Williams about adding a digital role to town committees. Members will send feedback on the AI‑generated Community Plan summary to Chris. The Town Manager will email department heads about the new enhanced warrant packet format.

• Approved November 24, 2025 minutes (5-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)
• Chris to email Town Manager on feasibility of a digital committee role (action assigned)
• Committee members to send feedback on AI‑extracted Community Plan data to Chris (action assigned)
• Town Manager to email department heads about enhanced warrant packet (action assigned)
• Kate to gather vendor estimates for gateway signage (pending)
• Branding committee noted ~$5,000 needed for seal design (budget shortfall noted)
• BCTV manager to draft Select Board resolution supporting state streaming‑service tax bill (proposed)

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School Committee will meet at the Chestnut Hill Community School to vote on entering an executive session for collective bargaining with three employee units. The meeting is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on December 10, 2025.

• Vote to enter executive session for collective bargaining
• Collective bargaining with Unit B (Administrative Assistants)
• Collective bargaining with Unit C (Custodians)
• Collective bargaining with Unit D (Food Service)

School Committee and School Councils

The Cold Spring School Council will meet to discuss school updates and review progress report cards for kindergarten and preschool students.

• Kindergarten Progress Report Card
• Preschool Conferences/Progress Reports

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will review and vote on outstanding meeting minutes. It will discuss topics from the December 8 Joint Leadership Meeting, including input from the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools. The committee will consider adding public comment at the start of future meetings, review the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust status, and begin strategic planning for the upcoming budget season.

• Review and vote on outstanding Finance Committee meeting minutes
• Discuss topics from the Joint Leadership Meeting (12/8/2025) with the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools
• Consider inclusion of public comment at the beginning of future meetings
• Follow‑up on the current state of the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust
• Begin strategic planning as the budget creation season starts

The committee approved the November 6 minutes with a 4‑0 vote. It also approved a proposal for the Select Board to create an exploratory committee for the town school district, again 4‑0. A motion to allow two‑minute public comments at future meetings was adopted unanimously. The strategic planning discussion was tabled for future consideration.

• Approved November 6 minutes (4‑Yes, 0‑No, 0‑Abstain)
• Approved proposal to create a school district exploratory committee (4‑Yes, 0‑No, 0‑Abstain)
• Approved public comment rule for future meetings (4‑Yes, 0‑No, 0‑Abstain)
• Tabled strategic planning discussion (no vote recorded)

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School District Curriculum & Instruction Subcommittee will meet to review teaching and learning updates. The body will also discuss competency determination.

• Teaching & Learning Update
• Competency Determination

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School District Finance & Budget Subcommittee will meet on December 9, 2025 to consider the FY26 and FY27 budgets. The meeting also includes approval of the October 28, 2025 minutes and a period for public comment on agenda items. No other decisions are listed.

• Approval of October 28, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion and action on FY26 and FY27 budget
• Public comment on agenda items

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School Committee will approve minutes from four prior meetings and several financial warrants. The committee will discuss the potential closure of Cold Spring School and consider the first reading of a Competency Determination Policy. Additional items include a possible increase in the adult meal charge for food service and budget development for FY26/FY27.

• Approve minutes from Nov 18, Sep 11, Sep 29, and Oct 23 2025
• Approve accounts payable warrants # S120825 and # 120825SA and payroll warrant # 2622
• Discuss Cold Spring School closure
• First reading of Competency Determination Policy (discussion/action)
• Discuss adult meal charge increase for food service

The School Committee approved the adult meal price increase to $5.50 inclusive of taxes starting January 1 2026. It also approved the Competency Determination Policy after waiving the first reading. Consent items, including approval of prior meeting minutes and warrants, were adopted. The Committee voted to enter executive session to discuss collective‑bargaining matters.

• Adult Meal Charge increase to $5.50 inclusive of taxes approved (5-0-0)
• Competency Determination Policy approved after waiving first reading (5-0-0)
• Consent items (approval of prior minutes and warrants) approved (5-0-0)
• Entered executive session to discuss collective‑bargaining strategy (unanimous vote)
• Cold Spring School Closure discussion continued – no decision taken

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown Personnel & Policy Subcommittee is meeting to discuss the Competency Determination Policy. The group will also address unfinished business regarding the cell phone policy.

• Discussion of Competency Determination Policy
• Review of Cell Phone Policy

Planning Board

The Planning Board will meet to discuss modifications to site plans for two properties. The meeting includes reviews for the Cutchins Program for Children and 122 Federal St. Inc.

• Modification of Site Plan – Old Bay Road #52 Cutchins Program for Children
• Modification of Site Plan Approval for 122 Federal Street – 122 Federal St. Inc.

The Planning Board voted 3‑1‑1 to approve a minor amendment to the existing site plan for 122 Federal St., allowing the display cars to be parked on the west side with a 4‑6 inch concrete curb and a snow‑blocking barrier. Len Bilodeau opposed and Elizabeth Pols abstained. The board also approved the November 18, 2025 minutes and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved minor amendment to Federal St. site plan (3-1-1)
• Opposition recorded from Len Bilodeau
• Abstention recorded from Elizabeth Pols
• Approved November 18, 2025 minutes (5-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)
• Noted cancellation of the Dec 23, 2025 Planning Board meeting

Cultural Council

The Belchertown Cultural Council will consider and vote on a grant application. It will also approve the minutes from the December meeting. Additional items include any topics the chair deems unexpected and scheduling the next meeting.

• Approve December meeting minutes
• Vote on grant application
• Discuss topics not reasonably anticipated by chair
• Set date for next meeting

The Cultural Council approved a series of grant applications ranging from $200 to $1,500. Each motion was passed, with vote counts of 7‑0 or 6‑0 when a member abstained. No proposals were denied or tabled.

• Approved $1,500 Community Arts Festival grant (7-0)
• Approved $1,080 Belchertown Community Band/Concerts grant (7-0)
• Approved $1,000 Sugarfest 2026 grant (7-0)
• Approved $1,000 Kelos Trio grant (6-0)
• Approved $900 Celebrate Juneteenth grant (6-0)
• Approved $850 Family Music concert with Grumpy Time Band grant (6-0)
• Approved $800 Traveling Makers Space grant (7-0)
• Approved $750 Lake Wallace Fall Fest grant (7-0)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will vote to approve several warrants and commitments, including the FY2026 real estate tax of $37,145,752.83 and related tax items. Items on the agenda also include discussion of an assessor vacancy and a Chapter 61 appeal. The meeting will conclude with an executive session to consider FY2026 property tax exemption applications and FY2027 Chapter 61A applications.

• Warrant + Commitment – FY2026 Real Estate Tax - $37,145,752.83
• Warrant + Commitment – FY2026 Personal Property Tax - $972,103.63
• Warrant + Commitment – FY2026 CPA Surcharge - $428,940.77
• Monthly List of Exemptions EX26-1 $106,890.86
• Executive Session on FY2026 Property Tax Exemption Applications

The Board approved the November 25, 2025 meeting minutes by a 2‑0 vote and signed the Chapter 61A penalty rollback tax for parcel 260‑34 on Cold Spring St. It set the next meeting for December 22 at 2:30 p.m. The Board also unanimously approved FY27 Chapter 61B applications and, in executive session, unanimously approved FY27 Chapter 61A applications for numerous properties.

• Approved November 25, 2025 minutes (2-0)
• Signed Chapter 61A penalty rollback tax for parcel 260‑34
• Set next meeting for Dec 22 at 2:30 p.m.
• Approved FY27 Chapter 61B applications (unanimous)
• Approved FY27 Chapter 61A applications (unanimous)
• Moved to executive session to discuss confidential applications (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet at 5:00 PM and, if a quorum is present, will attend the Select Board and Joint Leadership Group meeting. The purpose is to participate in a presentation and discussion with the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools (MARS). The Committee may also address any other business before the Select Board before adjourning.

• Call meeting to order if a quorum is present
• Attend Select Board/Joint Leadership Group meeting for MARS presentation
• Participate in any other business before the Select Board
• Adjourn

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School Committee will join the Select Board and Joint Leadership Group meeting to present and discuss matters with the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools (MARS). No public comment is scheduled. The meeting will conclude with a vote to adjourn.

• Attend Select Board/Joint Leadership Group meeting for presentation and discussion with Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools (MARS)
• Public comment: none scheduled
• Vote to adjourn

Select Board

The Select Board will hold a special meeting to discuss school regionalization. The discussion will involve the Finance Committee and the School Committee. No formal votes or actions are listed on the agenda.

• Call meeting to order
• Public comment
• Discussion with Finance Committee and School Committee regarding school regionalization
• Adjournment

The Board heard presentations from MARS consultants about school regionalization and noted the School Committee had previously voted against it. After discussion, the Board decided to form an exploratory committee, to be considered at a future Tri‑Board meeting. A motion to adjourn the meeting passed unanimously with a 5‑0‑0 vote.

• Form exploratory committee on school regionalization – decided
• Motion to adjourn – passes 5-0-0

Conservation Commission

The Belchertown Conservation Commission will meet to review a Notice of Intent for a single-family home at 111 Old Sawmill and a subdivision on Meeshie Moon Path. The body will also discuss a DPW Turnaround expansion at the South Gulf Conservation Area and approve bills totaling $5,055.64.

• Review construction of single-family home at 111 Old Sawmill
• Review subdivision on Meeshie Moon Path
• Discuss DPW Turnaround expansion at South Gulf Conservation Area
• Approve bills: $5,000.00 Gulf survey and $55.64 Amazon
• Review Certificates of Compliance for Bardwell/N. Washington and 442 State Street

The Conservation Commission voted all in favor to issue a Negative Determination Box 3 and a Negative Determination Box 6 for the proposed 50’ × 50’ turn‑around expansion on South Gulf Road, stating the work does not require a Notice of Intent. It also approved an Order of Conditions for 111 Old Sawmill Road and a full Certificate of Compliance for 442 State Street, and authorized payment of two bills totaling $5,055.64.

• Issued Negative Determination Box 3 for South Gulf turn‑around (all in favor)
• Issued Negative Determination Box 6 for South Gulf turn‑around (all in favor)
• Approved Order of Conditions for 111 Old Sawmill Road (all in favor)
• Issued full Certificate of Compliance for 442 State Street (all in favor)
• Authorized payment of bills: Upper Gulf Conservation Area Survey $5,000 and Amazon $55.64 (all in favor)
• Continued Meeshie Moon Path subdivision hearing to Jan 12 2026 (all in favor)
• Postponed Bardwell/North Washington Streets compliance issue until spring site inspection (all in favor)
• Adopted 2026 draft meeting schedule to meet once in December (all in favor)

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force

The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force will meet to welcome a new member and discuss ideas for an event on January 27th. The body will also discuss a two-year DEI action plan.

• Two year DEI action plan
• January 27th event ideas
• Welcoming new member

The DEI taskforce voted unanimously to organize a flag‑raising ceremony on January 27, National Holocaust Remembrance Day. Approval of the prior meeting's minutes was postponed and will be reconsidered at the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 5:23 pm.

• Approved flag‑raising ceremony for Jan 27 (unanimous)
• Tabled approval of minutes from previous meeting
• Adjourned meeting at 5:23 pm (unanimous)

McPherson Sensory Garden Committee

The McPherson Garden Committee will discuss the town's available funds and recent invoices. Members will consider whether CPA grant money can be used for a garden bench. The group will outline needed work for winter preparation and set priorities for spring planting.

• Review of available funds
• Review of invoices and reimbursements
• Consideration of CPA Grant funds for a bench
• Discussion of future work and winter preparation
• Planning for spring garden activities

Animal Control Advisory Board

The Animal Control Advisory Board will hold two public hearings on complaints filed by an Animal Control Officer, one involving Wayne Conant and another involving Jennifer St. Peter. The board will also review and approve the minutes from its April 11, 2025 meeting. Additionally, the board will consider potential new members before adjourning.

• Public hearing on complaint against Wayne Conant
• Public hearing on complaint against Jennifer St. Peter
• Review and approve minutes from April 11, 2025 meeting
• Review potential new board members
• Members time before adjournment

The Animal Control Advisory Board required a 6‑foot fence for Wayne Conant’s dog Rocco by May 2026 and mandated tethering, muzzling, and leashing when the dog is outside the house. It also required Jennifer St Peter to have a fenced backyard by May 2026, with her dogs leashed or using a Halo collar when not in a fenced area, and warned that violations will bring additional restrictions. The board tabled approval of the April 11, 2025 minutes and instructed the Town Manager to continue searching for a vacant board member.

• Rocco must be tethered, muzzled and leashed when out of house; 6‑foot fence required by May 2026
• Jennifer St Peter’s dogs must be leashed or wear Halo collar when not in fenced yard; backyard fence required by May 2026
• Violations of the above conditions will trigger additional restrictions
• April 11, 2025 meeting minutes were tabled
• Town Manager to be notified to continue search for vacant board member
• Motion to adjourn approved at 7:10 pm

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School Committee will meet on December 3, 2025 at the Chestnut Hill Community School. The agenda includes a vote to go into executive session under M.G.L. c. 30A, s. 21(a)(2) to conduct collective bargaining with Unit A (Teachers) and Unit E (Paraprofessionals). The meeting will also cover public comment, correspondence review, and an adjournment vote.

• Vote to enter executive session for collective bargaining with Unit A (Teachers) and Unit E (Paraprofessionals)

Agricultural Commission

The Belchertown Agricultural Commission will review the October 1 and November 5 meeting minutes, discuss social‑media outreach, plan a winter farmer‑meet event and volunteer roles, begin work on the Agricultural Disposal By‑Law, receive an update on Lampson Brook, and consider any new business items.

• Review notes for meeting minutes from October 1 & November 5
• Social Media discussion (Lori – November) – Tammy
• Discuss winter event: farmer meet – volunteer roles
• Work on the Agricultural Disposal By‑Law
• Lampson Brook update

The commission tabled approval of the October and November meeting minutes. It decided that all members must be copied on any email sent to the commission’s address. The Annual Farmer Meet and Greet was set for Jan 24, 2026, 1–3 pm in the Town Hall auditorium. The proposed agricultural disposal bylaw will apply only to livestock and poultry, not to cats or dogs.

• Minutes of October and November meetings were tabled
• All members to be copied on any emails sent to the commission’s email
• Annual Farmer Meet and Greet scheduled for Jan 24, 2026, 1–3 pm in Town Hall Auditorium
• Ag Disposal Bylaw limited to livestock and poultry; cats and dogs excluded
• No new business presented

Lampson Brook Farm Board of Directors

The Board of Directors will meet virtually to approve previous meeting minutes and discuss strategies for moving the organization's mission forward.

• Approval of past meeting minutes
• Discussion of the Board's mission

Cultural Council

The Belchertown Cultural Council will approve the November supplementary minutes and review correspondence. Members will discuss upcoming grantee events, the Winter Light Night retrospective, and other topics raised by the chair. The council will then review and vote on grant applications. The meeting is held virtually.

• Approve November supplementary minutes
• Review upcoming grantee events and liaison discussion
• Review grant applications
• Vote on grant applications
• Winter Light Night retrospective

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to discuss an assessor vacancy and review specific applications in executive session. These sessions involve FY2026 property tax exemptions and FY2027 Chapter 61A applications.

• Assessor vacancy
• FY2026 Property Tax Exemption Applications
• FY2027 Chapter 61A Applications

Select Board

The Belchertown Select Board will consider several actions, including appointments, property right‑of‑first‑refusal decisions, and votes on licensing matters. It will vote to waive the hearing requirement for Class III licenses and to renew liquor licenses for 2026. The board will also endorse two warrants totaling $3,859,141.36.

• Appointment of Gail Gramarossa, Chair, to the Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Committee (approval request).
• Right of First Refusal – Fry, Cold Spring Street, Assessors Map 260, Lot 34, .943 acres (Lot 8).
• Right of First Refusal – Lyme Quabbin LLC, Amherst Road, Assessors Map 215, Lot 17, 18,081 sq ft (Parcel 2).
• Vote to waive hearing for Class III licenses.
• Endorse Warrant #2620 for $1,526,665.68 and Warrant #2621 for $2,332,475.68.

The Select Board approved the minutes from the November 17, 2025 meeting (3‑0‑1). It authorized $14,530 from the Opioid Settlement Fund for a national prevention conference (4‑0‑0). The Board also voted not to exercise its Right of First Refusal on two parcels and waived the hearing for Class III licenses (each 4‑0‑0). Additional approvals included designating Animal Control Advisory Board members as Special Municipal Employees and endorsing 2026 liquor and other business licenses (each 4‑0‑0).

• Approved minutes of Nov 17 2025 meeting (3-0-1)
• Approved $14,530 Opioid Settlement Fund use for conference (4-0-0)
• Approved Animal Control Advisory Board members as Special Municipal Employees (4-0-0)
• Voted not to exercise Right of First Refusal on Fry parcel (Assessors Map 260, Lot 34) (4-0-0)
• Voted not to exercise Right of First Refusal on Lyme Quabbin LLC parcel (Assessors Map 215, Lot 17) (4-0-0)
• Waived hearing for Class III licenses (4-0-0)
• Endorsed 2026 liquor licenses for listed businesses (4-0-0)
• Approved 2026 Common Victualler’s, Used Car Dealer’s, Public Entertainment Sunday, and Amusement Device licenses (4-0-0)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will review and sign bills payable and motor vehicle excise abatements. The body will vote on FY2026 Senior/Veteran Tax Work-Off Program applications and FY2027 Ch. 61 and Ch. 61B applications.

• Schedule of Bills Payable for $144.00
• Motor Vehicle Excise Abatements for 11/19/2025 ($121.96) and 11/20/2025 ($121.96)
• FY2026 Senior/Veteran Tax Work-Off Program Abatement Applications
• FY2027 Ch. 61 and Ch. 61B Applications
• Executive Session regarding FY2026 Property Tax Exemption and FY2027 Chapter 61A Applications

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will meet to discuss a Community Preservation Committee update regarding a 16.9% match. The body will also receive updates on trails, signage, cemetery projects, and the historic theater.

• CPC update from Stuart Saginor (CPA) regarding a 16.9% match
• Trails and signage updates
• Cemetery projects update
• Historic theater updates

The commission voted to approve the minutes from the October 28th meeting. No other motions were adopted, denied, or tabled during the session.

• Approved October 28th meeting minutes

Communications Committee

The Communications Committee will approve the previous meeting minutes, hear public comments, receive education and training reports, and discuss the Community Partners Policy and its next steps. Updates from the BCTV Manager and Communication Manager will also be presented. The committee will consider scheduling for the next meeting before adjourning.

• Approval of minutes
• Public comment period
• Report on Community Partners Policy and next steps
• BCTV Manager update
• Communication Manager update

The committee approved the November 13 minutes with a correction (vote 4-0-1). It adopted a comment period on the community events calendar policy that will remain open until close of business on January 21, 2026 (vote 5-0-0). The comment period was opened to all employees, residents, businesses, and nonprofits (vote 5-0-0). The meeting was adjourned (vote 5-0-0).

• Approved November 13 minutes with correction (4-0-1)
• Opened comment period on calendar policy until Jan 21, 2026 (5-0-0)
• Allowed comment period participants: employees, residents, businesses, nonprofits (5-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)

School Committee and School Councils

The SRE School Council will review its goals and priorities for the 2025‑26 school year. It will examine the district’s strategic plan, receive a curriculum update, and set the meeting schedule for the upcoming school year.

Board of Health

The Belchertown Board of Health will vote to appoint John Prenosil as a back‑up Animal Inspector. The board will hold a hearing on Tables on the Green at 330 Chauncey Walker St., reviewing inspection reports from October 2025 and a 2026 food establishment permit renewal. Members will discuss approval of a Massachusetts Sensor Grant. The board will also review and approve minutes from 8/25/25 and 9/22/25 and sign the warrant.

• Appoint John Prenosil as back‑up Animal Inspector
• Hearing on Tables on the Green, 330 Chauncey Walker St., with inspection reports dated 10/01/2025, 10/03/2025, 10/23/2025 and 2026 Food Establishment Permit renewal
• Discussion of Massachusetts Sensor Grant approval
• Review and approve meeting minutes from 8/25/25 and 9/22/25
• Sign warrant

The Board discussed installing four DEP‑funded air‑quality sensors and planned to place them with DPW assistance, but no vote or formal action was recorded. A public hearing was opened for the Green Restaurant at 330 Chauncey Walker Street to consider its 2026 food‑permit renewal, but the board did not vote on the renewal during this meeting.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will continue hearings on a single-family home project and a wetland delineation request. The body will also discuss deed acceptance for land on North Washington Street and improvements to the South Gulf Conservation Area.

• Notice of Intent for single-family home construction at 111 Old Sawmill
• Request for Determination of Applicability for wetland delineation at Lot A West Street
• Deed acceptance for 5.7 acres on North Washington Street (Map 261-10)
• Discussion of parking lot and trailhead improvements at South Gulf Conservation Area
• Mileage bills totaling $86.10

Housing Authority

The Board of Commissioners will meet to review financial reports and the FY 2026 budget package. The meeting includes reports on unit vacancies, tenant account receivables, and facility capital updates.

• FY 2026 Budget package
• Warrant and Treasurers reports
• End of Year Reports
• Write-off Report
• Unit Vacancy Reports

Recreation Committee

The Recreation Committee will review updates on the Lake Wallace Sensory Trail survey and beach parking. The body will also discuss furniture, policies, and capital improvement budgets.

• Lake Wallace Sensory Trail survey update
• Beach parking lot discussion
• Capital Improvements budget
• Policy updates
• Suburban Basketball tryouts

The Recreation Committee accepted the October 16 minutes with a 4‑0‑0 vote (one abstention). The committee then adjourned the session with a 5‑0‑0 vote. No other formal actions or approvals were recorded.

• Accepted Oct. 16 minutes (4-0-0, Tilo abstained)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)

Animal Control Advisory Board

The Animal Control Advisory Board will hold a public hearing regarding a formal complaint filed by the Animal Control Officer against respondent Wayne Conant. The meeting will also include the review of prior minutes and the discussion of a potential new member.

• Public hearing on complaint against Wayne Conant
• Review of April 11, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion of potential new member

Energy and Sustainability Committee

The Energy and Sustainability Committee will hear reports from its Transportation, BCEC, Public Outreach/Education, and Events subcommittees. The committee will discuss the Smart 3.0 Solar Incentive Proposal. Additional items include a notice about the Selectboard meeting on Dec. 15 and the status of Cultural Council grant spending. The meeting will conclude with setting the next meeting date.

• Smart 3.0 Solar Incentive Proposal (discussion)
• Transportation subcommittee report (Patricia Krebs & Michael Potishnak)
• BCEC subcommittee report (John Piekara & Chris Bambacus)
• Public Outreach/Education subcommittee report (Reid Collins & John Piekara)
• Cultural Council Grant spending update

The Energy & Sustainability Committee approved the minutes from the October 2025 meeting after a motion by Kathleen Bernardin and a second by Chris Bambacas, with a unanimous vote. The committee also adjourned the November 20 meeting by unanimous vote. No other formal decisions or votes were recorded.

• Approved October 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging Advisory Board will consider approving the minutes from its October 22, 2025 meeting. The board will hear an executive director’s report from Jessica Langlois, a BSCCA update dated November 4, 2025, and comments from liaison Nicole Miner. Old business includes discussion of the Giving Tree program.

• Approve Advisory Board minutes of October 22, 2025
• Executive Director’s report presented by Jessica Langlois
• BSCCA update scheduled for November 4, 2025
• Comments from liaison Nicole Miner
• Old business: discussion of the Giving Tree program

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School Committee will vote to go into executive session under M.G.L. c. 30A, s. 21(a)(2). The session is intended to conduct collective bargaining with Unit B (Administrative Assistants), Unit C (Custodians), and Unit D (Food Service). The meeting also includes public comment and standard procedural items.

• Vote to enter executive session for collective bargaining with Unit B (Administrative Assistants), Unit C (Custodians), and Unit D (Food Service)

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation will hold its regular bi-monthly meeting at Town Hall to review payables, budget, and site activities. The board will also discuss the status of Parcel B & D and the progress of the Sydney Capital project.

• Review of payables and budget
• Site matters and security updates
• Parcel B & D status updates
• Sydney Capital development progress
• Executive Session for pending proposals

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Belchertown Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to consider an appeal by Kayla Busse dba Kayla & Co., Inc. regarding a decision that found the applicant in violation of a by-law restricting animal breeding to lots of at least 40,000 square feet. The hearing is a continuance of a previous session.

• Hearing: Appeal of animal-keeping violation at 11 Sunny Crest Lane
• Applicant: Kayla Busse dba Kayla & Co., Inc.
• Location: Lawrence Memorial Hall, Planning Board Meeting Room, 2 Jabish Street
• By-law: § 145-24 A (5) Breeding, raising or keeping of animals on less than 40,000 square feet minimum
• Lot Size: 12,529 square feet

The board voted to postpone the public hearing on the 11 Sunny Crest Lane appeal to December 17, 2025. The motion passed with all members in favor. The board then voted to close the meeting, also unanimously.

• Continuance of 11 Sunny Crest Lane hearing set for Dec 17, 2025 (all in favor)
• Meeting closed (all in favor)

Capital Improvement Planning Committee

The Capital Improvement Planning Committee will meet to approve prior minutes and review project forms and a five-year spreadsheet layout. The group will discuss requested projects for Fiscal Year 2027 across the School, Buildings & Grounds, and Public Works departments.

• Approve minutes of October 5, 2025
• Review project form and 5-year spreadsheet layout
• Discuss FY27 requested projects (School, Buildings & Grounds, Public Works)

The Capital Improvement Planning Committee approved the minutes from the October 5, 2025 meeting with a 3‑0 vote. Members discussed clarification of FY27 capital items and requested FY28 needs be compiled for the town manager. The committee scheduled its next meetings for December 17, 2025 and January 21, 2026.

• Approved October 5, 2025 minutes (3-0 vote)
• Scheduled December 17, 2025 meeting at 4:00 pm
• Scheduled January 21, 2026 meeting for department heads

Belchertown Overcoming Adversity Together

The Belchertown Overcoming Adversity Together (BOAT) group will meet to review recent and upcoming community events. The body will discuss updates regarding public health, recovery, and the Opioid Settlement Fund Committee.

• Review of Red Ribbon Week activities, including a Drug Take Back Day
• Discussion of the Belchertown Resource Pop-Up on 11/21
• Planning for the 5th Annual Umbrella of Wellness on 5/16/2026
• Updates on the Opioid Settlement Fund Committee
• Notice of an Alcohol Policy Presentation at the 12/17 meeting

The board approved the meeting minutes dated January 21, 2026. They also scheduled the next meeting for Wednesday, December 17, 2025. No other substantive actions were recorded.

• Approved meeting minutes (January 21, 2026)
• Scheduled next meeting for December 17, 2025

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School District Curriculum & Instruction Subcommittee will accept the June 10, 2025 minutes, hear public comment on agenda items, and receive a teaching and learning update. No formal decisions or votes are listed on the agenda.

• Acceptance of June 10, 2025 minutes
• Public comment on agenda items
• Teaching & Learning Update

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School Committee will approve the October 28, 2025 meeting minutes and several financial warrants. It will discuss the possible closure of Cold Spring School and review the upcoming budget timeline. The committee will also vote on moving part of the meeting into executive session to discuss collective bargaining and litigation strategy.

• Approval of minutes from the October 28, 2025 meeting
• Approval of accounts payable warrants # S111025 and 111025SA and payroll warrant # 2620
• Discussion of Cold Spring School closure
• Discussion and action on the budget timeline
• Vote to enter executive session to plan collective bargaining and litigation strategy

The committee approved the October 28, 2025 meeting minutes and related warrants. Members voted 5‑0‑0 to accept funding from the Opioid Task Force and also 5‑0‑0 to approve a senior field trip to the CADCA National Convention. No final decisions were made on the Cold Spring school closure or the budget timeline.

• Approved October 28, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved warrants #111025, #111025SA, and payroll warrant #2620 (unanimous)
• Approved acceptance of Opioid Task Force funds (5-0-0)
• Approved CADCA National Convention field trip for seniors (5-0-0)
• Discussed Cold Spring school closure (no decision)
• Discussed budget timeline (no decision)
• Discussed communication committee town‑meeting packet (no decision)
• Moved to executive session to discuss collective‑bargaining strategy

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council will review and vote on grant applications. The body will also approve the minutes from the November meeting.

• Review of grant applications
• Vote on grant applications

The council approved the November meeting minutes unanimously (7‑0). It then voted to decline a list of 18 grant applications, with the motion passing 5‑0. No other actions were taken.

• Approved November minutes (7-0)
• Declined 18 grant applications (5-0)

Board of Assessors

The Belchertown Board of Assessors will discuss and vote on the FY26 tax rate approval process. It will also consider a warrant and commitment for a Chapter 61A penalty rollback tax with lien release on North Liberty Street for $2,337.23, and an affidavit and lien for The Trustees of Reservations covering multiple map lots. Additional items include motor vehicle excise abatements totaling $301.13 and $94.64, and a vacancy for the assessor position.

• Warrant + Commitment for Chapter 61A penalty rollback tax with lien release – North Liberty Street (276-15.01) – $2,337.23
• Chapter 61 affidavit and lien for The Trustees of Reservations – numerous map lots listed
• Motor Vehicle Excise Abatements – $301.13 (11/3/2025) and $94.64 (11/4/2025, 11/5/2025)
• FY26 Tax Rate Approval Process
• Assessor vacancy

The Board accepted the minutes from the October 28 and November 3 meetings (2‑0). It unanimously abated a 2025 motor‑vehicle excise bill for a 100 % disabled owner (2‑0). It also unanimously approved all FY 2027 Chapter 61 and Chapter 61B assessment applications listed in the agenda (2‑0). The Board agreed to attend the December 15 Select Board meeting to interview candidates for the vacant assessor position.

• Accepted minutes of Oct 28 & Nov 3 meetings (2‑0)
• Abated 2025 motor‑vehicle excise bill for a 100 % disabled owner (2‑0)
• Approved FY 2027 Chapter 61 assessment for James & Amy Downing, 681 George Hannum St (2‑0)
• Approved FY 2027 Chapter 61 assessment for Paul R. McGrath, 76 North Liberty St (2‑0)
• Approved FY 2027 Chapter 61B assessments for multiple properties (2‑0)
• Agreed to attend Dec 15 Select Board meeting to interview candidates for vacant assessor position (no vote recorded)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will review requests for lot releases and special permit extensions. The body will also discuss new draft regulations for clean energy facilities and FY26 tax classification.

• Pepper Ridge subdivision request to release lots
• Special Permit extension for earth removal at Allen Road (Map 231, Lots 19.02-19.06)
• Site Plan Amendment for Cutchins Program for Children at 52 Old Bay Road
• Right of First Refusal removals for Cold Spring Street (.943 Acres) and Amherst Rd (18,081 square feet)
• Draft regulations for permitting clean energy facilities

The Planning Board approved the partial release of the Pepper Ridge subdivision, authorizing the release of all seven lots in exchange for a $10,000 cash guarantee (vote 5‑0‑0). The board also extended James Hayward’s special permit for earth removal on Allen Road until July 1 2026 (vote 5‑0‑0) and approved two ANR applications—for Shea Avenue (vote 4‑0‑1) and George Hannum Road (vote 5‑0‑0). Additionally, the board recommended that the Select Board not exercise the right of first refusal on parcels on Cold Spring Road and Lyme Quabbin (both vote 5‑0‑0).

• Approved release of all Pepper Ridge subdivision lots for $10,000 cash guarantee (5-0-0)
• Extended special permit for James Hayward earth removal on Allen Road until July 1, 2026 (5-0-0)
• Endorsed ANR for Shea Avenue, Lot 30 for Stebbins & Brunell (4-0-1)
• Approved ANR for George Hannum Road for Cathy Jo Champagne‑Hill (5-0-0)
• Recommended Select Board not exercise right of first refusal on Cold Spring Road parcel (5-0-0)
• Recommended Select Board not exercise right of first refusal on Lyme Quabbin parcel (5-0-0)
• Approved minutes of October 14, 2025 meeting (4-0-1)

School Committee and School Councils

The CHCS School Council will meet to discuss and review the CHCS School Strategic Plan. The meeting also includes time for member and visitor comments.

• Review and discussion of CHCS School Strategic Plan

Select Board

The Belchertown Select Board will approve minutes from October 27 and November 3, 2025, and consider several policy items including a revised host community agreement, a mobile food vehicle policy, and a health‑insurance update. The board will review the Planning Board’s definitive subdivision plan for Meeshy Moon Path (between Aldrich Street and Jason’s Way) and endorse acceptance of a deed for the Glenn Smith property donation. Finally, the board will endorse two warrants totaling $3,372,899.94.

• Approve minutes for 10/27/2025 and 11/03/2025
• Endorse Warrant #2618 for $1,632,328.30 and Warrant #2619 for $1,740,571.64
• Review Planning Board’s definitive subdivision plan – Meeshy Moon Path (Aldrich St to Jason’s Way)
• Endorse acceptance of deed for Glenn Smith property donation
• Review and approve Mobile Food Vehicle Policy/Application

The Select Board approved the revised Host Community Agreement Policy, Social Equity Plan, and Grading Matrix with a 3-1-0 vote. The Board also accepted a 5.7‑acre land donation from Glenn and Gail Smith (4-0-0) and added program instructors to the Special Municipal Employee Designation list (4-0-0). Minutes from October 27 and November 3, 2025 were approved, and no other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved revised Host Community Agreement Policy, Social Equity Plan, and Grading Matrix (3-1-0)
• Accepted 5.7‑acre land donation (lot 40D North Washington Street) from Glenn and Gail Smith (4-0-0)
• Added program instructors to Special Municipal Employee Designation list (4-0-0)
• Approved minutes from October 27, 2025 (4-0-0)
• Approved minutes from November 3, 2025 (3-0-1, 1 abstention)

Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Committee

The Opioid Settlement Funds Advisory Committee will discuss drafts of the revised Grant Application Form, Budget Template, and Grant Overview documents and solicit feedback. The meeting will also include updates on the Community Wellness program at Clapp Library, the RIZE/Mosaic Municipal Matching Funds Grant with Ware and the Recovery Center of HOPE, and the Art Pharmacy program. Additional project considerations such as the Family Overdose Support Fund, social‑worker program options, mobile harm‑reduction services, and transportation options will be reviewed.

• Review drafts of revised Grant Application Form, Budget Template, and Grant Overview documents
• Update on November 21, 2025 Community Wellness program at Clapp Library
• Update on RIZE/Mosaic Municipal Matching Funds Grant application with town of Ware and Recovery Center of HOPE
• Discussion of Art Pharmacy program and possible guest speaker from Franklin
• Consideration of Family Overdose Support Fund, social‑worker program model, mobile harm‑reduction services, and transportation options

The committee voted unanimously to accept and adopt the proposed changes to the grant‑application form, budget template, and grant overview documents. They decided not to invite a guest speaker from Franklin for the Art Pharmacy program at this time. The next committee meeting was scheduled for December 15, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in Town Hall (online option).

• Adopt revised grant‑application form, budget template, and grant overview (unanimous vote)
• Decline to invite Franklin guest speaker for Art Pharmacy program (postponed)
• Schedule next Opioid Settlement Funds Advisory Committee meeting for Dec 15, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
• Adjourn meeting at 11:30 a.m.

Communications Committee

The Belchertown Communications Committee will meet to discuss updates on AI in government, the Enhanced Town Warrant, and a policy request regarding third-party information on the town's website and Facebook feed. The meeting will also cover the integration of the Recreation Department and Clapp Memorial Library on Belchertown.org.

• Request for Select Board policy on third-party information sharing
• Update on Enhanced Town Warrant progress
• Discussion on AI in Belchertown Government
• Integration of Rec Department and Clapp Memorial Library on Belchertown.org
• Town Newsletter November update

The committee approved the October 23, 2025 meeting minutes with a 3‑0‑1 vote and then adjourned with a 4‑0‑0 vote. Members agreed to research a policy for third‑party information on the town website and social media. Chris volunteered to develop tactical communication plans, and the revised AI policy will be circulated to members.

• Approved October 23, 2025 minutes (3-0-1)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0-0)
• Decided to research third‑party information sharing policy further
• Chris volunteered to develop tactical communication plans
• Ed to circulate revised AI policy from Town Counsel

Taxation Aid Committee

The Taxation Aid Committee will meet to finalize guidelines and an application for the website. The committee will also discuss public outreach and a treasurer update regarding Unipay.

• Finalization of guidelines and application for the website committee page
• Discussion of public outreach
• Treasurer update on Unipay
• Proposed addition of public comment

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force

The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force will meet to review an ICE response update and a collaboration for Holocaust remembrance. The body will also consider a new template for meeting minutes.

• ICE Response Update
• Holocaust Remembrance Collaboration
• New Minutes Template

Lake Committee

The Lake Committee will consider a proposal to add information about the committee to the town website. Members will receive the Treasurer's Report and updates on the Tri-Lakes project, the closure of Lake Holland, and the CPA grant agreement. The meeting includes a vote on the minutes from the previous session.

• Proposal for the Lake Committee on the town website
• Treasurer's Report
• Tri-Lakes Update
• Lake Holland Closure Update
• CPA Grant Agreement Update

The committee unanimously approved the October 14, 2025 meeting minutes and approved adding the Lakes Committee description to the town website. The treasurer reported $4,870 and $1,040 in the gift account and a $140 e‑coli test cost. Lake Holland was reopened and closure signs will be removed. The CPA grant agreement was signed and sent to Water & Wetlands.

• Approved minutes from Oct 14, 2025 (4-0-0)
• Approved Lakes Committee website description (4-0-0)
• Reported gift account balances: $4,870 and $1,040; e‑coli test cost $140
• Reopened Lake Holland; John S. to remove closure signs
• Signed CPA Grant Agreement and sent to Water & Wetlands

Family Center Committee

The Family Center Committee will meet to approve minutes and review the treasurer's report. The agenda includes discussions on community aid planning, Q4 events like the Community Closet Launch and Winter Farmers’ Market, and an update on a proposal for the SelectBoard.

• Approve minutes from a prior meeting
• Review Community Closet Launch plans
• Review Winter Farmers’ Market plans
• Discuss proposal for SelectBoard
• Review upcoming Selectboard appointment

Conservation Commission

The Belchertown Conservation Commission will consider three notices of intent and a request for determination of applicability for proposed single‑family homes on specific parcels. It will also discuss utility comment deadlines, an amendment request for additional tree removal at 47 Metacomet Street, and various enforcement and certificate of compliance items. The meeting includes routine business such as minutes, bills, and mail items.

• Notice of Intent BCC #25-10 (DEP #104-1124) – 111 Old Sawmill (Map 244-156.33) – single‑family home, applicant Vitaliy Anisimov
• Request for Determination of Applicability BCC #25-17 – Lot A West Street (Map 275-19), applicant Joseph Miller
• Notice of Intent BCC #25-18 (DEP #104-1127) – Lot F Jensen Street (Map 249-27) – single‑family home, applicant M&G Land Development
• Amendment request: 47 Metacomet Street – additional tree removal
• Utility comment deadlines: Eversource MEPA comments due 11/21; National Grid comments due 12/8

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School Committee will vote to go into executive session under M.G.L. c.30A, s.21(a)(2) to conduct collective bargaining with Unit A (teachers) and Unit E (paraprofessionals). The meeting also includes standard items such as a pledge of allegiance, public comment, agenda correspondence, and a vote to adjourn. No other substantive actions are listed on the agenda.

• Vote to go into executive session for collective bargaining with Unit A (Teachers) and Unit E (Paraprofessionals)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will discuss the School Committee's transfer of health insurance funds from school allotments to other line items. The body will also address board organization and outstanding meeting minutes.

• Review of School Committee health insurance fund transfers from the 10/28/25 meeting
• Board organization
• Vote on outstanding Finance Committee meeting minutes

The committee voted to make Brian Gibbons the Finance Committee Chair, effective November 7, 2025. The motion passed with four votes in favor, one abstention, and no votes against. The committee also approved the minutes from the October 8, 9, and 27, 2025 meetings. No action was taken on the School Committee's health‑insurance fund transfer.

• Appointed Brian Gibbons as Chairman (vote 4‑Yes, 0‑No, 1‑Abstain)
• Approved Finance Committee minutes for 10/08/25, 10/09/25, 10/27/25 (vote 5‑Yes, 0‑No, 0‑Abstain)

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation will hold its bi‑monthly regular meeting on November 5, 2025. Board members will review payables and the budget, receive updates on parcels B and D, discuss communication planning, development status, and the extension of the MOA with MassDevelopment and BEDIC. The meeting may move to an executive session to negotiate pending proposals. No specific contracts, rezoning actions, or fee changes are listed on the agenda.

The board voted 5-0-1 to adopt the October 29, 2025 meeting minutes. A voice vote of 5-0-1 moved the meeting into executive session. The regular meeting was then adjourned by a 6-0-0 vote.

• Adopted October 29, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0-1)
• Moved to executive session (5-0-1)
• Adjourned regular meeting (6-0-0)

Capital Improvement Planning Committee

The Capital Improvement Planning Committee will conduct routine business, including approving minutes and confirming the next meeting date. The primary discussion item is a review of the project form and the five‑year spreadsheet layout. No decisions on contracts, rezoning, or funding are on the agenda.

• Approve outstanding minutes
• Review project form and 5‑year spreadsheet layout
• Confirm next meeting date

The Capital Improvement Planning Committee voted 3-0-0 to approve the minutes from the October 22, 2025 meeting. Later, the committee voted 3-0-0 to adjourn the November 5 meeting. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved October 22, 2025 minutes (3-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0-0)

Agricultural Commission

The Belchertown Agricultural Commission will meet in-person at Town Hall to review October meeting minutes and discuss winter events. The agenda includes a review of an Agricultural Disposal By-law and a potential update on Lampson Brook.

• Review notes for October 1 meeting minutes
• Discuss winter events and volunteer roles
• Review Agricultural Disposal By-law
• Update on Lampson Brook
• Discuss social media coordination

Scholarship Committee

The Belchertown Scholarship Committee will meet to welcome a new member and review the scholarship account balance. Members will reflect on the prior year and the scholarship process. They will discuss the award amount and how many recipients will receive scholarships. The meeting will also cover new ideas and set the date for the next meeting.

• Welcome new committee member
• Review scholarship account balance
• Reflection on last year and process
• Discuss scholarship award amount and recipient number
• Consider new ideas for the scholarship program

Cultural Council

The Belchertown Cultural Council meeting on Nov 4, 2025 will be held virtually. The council will approve the October minutes, consider correspondence, and discuss artist payments. Key decisions include a vote on changing the date for the Sister Detectives program, a budget review and reconciliation, and preliminary votes on grant applications. Additional items cover Winter Light Night planning, a June FTF date, and review of applicants for an open position.

• Approve October minutes
• Vote on date change for Sister Detectives
• Budget review and reconciliation
• Preliminary votes on grant applications
• Winter Light Night planning

The Cultural Council approved the October meeting minutes unanimously. It extended the Sister Detectives grant to 2026 and voted to decline sixteen grant applications. The council also approved funding for free glitter tattoos at Winter Light Nights and allowed the Stone House to sell tickets for its candlelight vigil. Finally, members recommended Ruthie Sterling for the open council position.

• Approved October minutes (5-0)
• Extended Sister Detectives grant date to 2026 (5-0)
• Declined 16 grant applications (5-0)
• Approved use of BCC sponsorship money for free glitter tattoos at Winter Light Nights (5-0)
• Approved Stone House to advertise and sell tickets for candlelight vigil (5-0)
• Recommended Ruthie Sterling for open BCC position (5-0)

Lampson Brook Farm Board of Directors

The Board of Directors will meet to discuss moving the organization's mission forward with DCAMM. The meeting includes a scheduled executive session to discuss a Request for Proposals.

• Discussion with DCAMM regarding the Board's mission
• Executive session to discuss Request for Proposals

Board of Assessors

The Belchertown Board of Assessors will review the FY2026 recap and gateway requirements, consider a schedule of bills payable totaling $285, and receive the monthly motor vehicle excise abatements list. The meeting will also include the Director of Assessments report before recessing to attend a classification hearing with the Select Board.

• Schedule of Bills Payable – $285.00
• Monthly List of Motor Vehicle Excise Abatements (11/3/2025)
• New Business: FY2026 Recap/Gateway Requirements
• Director of Assessments Report
• Recess to attend Classification Hearing with the Select Board at 6:50 PM

The Assessors Board reviewed the FY26 tax classification, noting an average single‑family tax bill increase of about $600, of which $400 is from the tax override and that $559,900 of override revenue will be withheld in FY26. The Board then moved to recommend that the Select Board adopt a “factor of 1,” creating a single uniform tax rate for the town. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously, 2‑0.

• Recommended adopting a single uniform tax rate (2‑0)

Board of Assessors

The Select Board and Board of Assessors will hold a public hearing to discuss the residential factor for fiscal year 2026. The Board of Assessors will present information to help the Select Board decide whether to set the residential factor at one (1) or shift a percentage of the residential tax levy to the commercial, industrial, and personal property classes.

• Public hearing on residential tax factor for FY2026
• Discussion on shifting residential tax levy to CIP classes
• Meeting location: Lawrence Memorial Hall, 2 Jabish Street
• Meeting date: November 3, 2025 at 6:50 p.m.
• Public comment opportunity on property tax rate

Select Board

The Belchertown Select Board will vote to endorse two warrants—Warrant #2616 for $2,903,776.26 and Warrant #2617 for $1,228,462.38. The board will also consider a request for municipal matching funds for the Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Committee (grant from RIZE). A right‑of‑first‑refusal for the Spellman property on North Liberty Street (Lot 15.01, 1.277 acres) will be discussed, along with an executive‑session on real‑estate matters such as the Cold Spring School property and related MOU extensions.

• Endorse Warrant #2616 – $2,903,776.26
• Endorse Warrant #2617 – $1,228,462.38
• Request for municipal matching funds for Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Committee (grant from RIZE)
• Right of First Refusal – Spellman, North Liberty Street (Map 276, Lot 15.01, 1.277 acres)
• Executive session to consider purchase/lease of Cold Spring School property, 6 & 8 Berkshire Ave, Tadgell, and MOU extension with Mass Development and EDIC

The Select Board approved the October 20 meeting minutes and adopted a tax classification factor of one for FY26. It approved holiday office closures, a seasonal meatball‑sub sale sign request for the Lion’s Club, and declined to exercise a right of first refusal on the Spellman property. The Board also authorized the Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Committee to apply for a $50,000 RIZE grant.

• Approved October 20 minutes (4-0-0)
• Adopted FY26 tax classification factor of one (4-0-0)
• Authorized $50,000 RIZE grant for opioid settlement fund (4-0-0)
• Approved holiday office closures on Nov 26, Dec 26, Jan 2 (4-0-0)
• Approved Lion’s Club meatball‑sub sale signs May‑Aug 2026 (4-0-0)
• Denied exercise of Right of First Refusal for Spellman property (4-0-0)

Housing Authority

The Belchertown Housing Authority board will review and approve meeting minutes, financial reports, and property manager updates. It will vote to accept the certificate of completion and the $7,224 administration fee payment to Amherst Housing Authority for Project #024048‑East Walnut Site Repairs. The board will also adopt an affirmative action goal and update the fair housing marketing plan with new goals.

• Approve administration fee of $7,224 to Amherst Housing Authority for Project #024048 East Walnut Site Repairs
• Accept certificate of completion for Project #024048 East Walnut Site Repairs
• Adopt affirmative action goal
• Update fair housing marketing plan with new goals
• Review unit vacancy reports and tenant account receivables

Taxation Aid Committee

The Taxation Aid Committee is meeting to establish its internal organization and operational guidelines. The body will discuss its charge, eligibility criteria, and meeting schedule.

• Assignment of Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk roles
• Review of committee charge and responsibilities
• Discussion of eligibility criteria
• Establishment of meeting schedule

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation will meet on Oct. 29, 2025 at Town Hall. The agenda covers routine items such as introductions, budget review, site matters, and communication planning, and includes discussions on extending the MassDevelopment/BEDIC/Town memorandum of agreement and on Sydney Capital progress. Items may be moved to an executive session for confidential negotiation.

• Review of payables and budget matters
• Status update on Parcel B & D site activities
• Communication planning for the community
• Discussion of MassDevelopment/BEDIC/Town MOA extension
• Discussion of Sydney Capital progress

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School District Finance & Budget Subcommittee will meet on October 28, 2025 at Chestnut Hill Community School, Library. The committee will discuss and potentially act on FY26 budget transfer proposals. A discussion will also be held on the status of the upcoming Special Town Meeting. Public comment will be limited to agenda items.

• FY26 Budget Transfers – action/discussion
• Special Town Meeting Update – discussion
• Approval of September 23, 2025 minutes

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School Committee will approve the minutes from the October 14, 2025 meeting and the payroll warrant #2616. It will discuss the potential closure of Cold Spring School and the development of a new policy manual. Additional discussion topics include MCAS results and enrollment trends. A collective‑bargaining strategy discussion is scheduled but will be held in closed session.

• Approval of October 14, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approval of payroll warrant #2616
• Discussion of Cold Spring School closure
• Discussion of Policy Manual development
• Discussion of MCAS update

The committee voted 3‑0‑0 to approve the consent items, which included the October 14, 2025 meeting minutes and the accounts payable and payroll warrants (payroll warrant #2616). A motion to adjourn the meeting was also passed unanimously. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved October 14, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0-0)
• Approved accounts payable warrant (3-0-0)
• Approved payroll warrant #2616 (3-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous yes votes)

Historical Commission

The Belchertown Historical Commission will approve the September 23rd meeting minutes and discuss recent interactions with state agencies. It will review feedback on the Lake Wallace Festival and receive updates on trails, signage, cemetery projects, and the historical theater. The commission will also consider letters of support for the Stone House restoration map project and the Clapp Memorial Library window replacement project.

• Approval of September 23rd meeting minutes
• Feedback on Lake Wallace Fest
• Trails and signage updates
• Letter of support for Stone House project (historic map restoration)
• Letter of support for Clapp Memorial Library (window replacement)

The Historical Commission approved the September 23 meeting minutes. It approved a letter of support for the Stone House restoration project and unanimously approved a letter of support for the Clapp Memorial Library window‑replacement project. Commissioners assigned tasks to gather information for a One Square inquiry and to attend a Massachusetts preservation meeting on November 19.

• Approved September 23 meeting minutes (no vote tally recorded)
• Approved letter of support for Stone House project (approved in prior September meeting)
• Unanimously approved letter of support for Clapp Memorial Library window replacement
• Assigned Ange to gather information for One Square inquiry and forward to Susan
• Assigned Michael to attend Massachusetts preservation meeting on Nov 19

Board of Assessors

The Belchertown Board of Assessors meeting on Oct. 28, 2025 will consider several financial and property‑tax matters. Items include voting on a $3,851.45 schedule of bills payable, liens for Rural Street (241‑22) and 92 Mill Valley Road (249‑56), and motor‑vehicle excise exemption applications. New business will discuss the FY26 Overlay Account, and an executive session will review FY2026 property‑tax exemption applications. The board will also address old business such as the FY26 tax‑rate process and an assessor vacancy.

• Schedule of Bills Payable – $3,851.45 (vote and sign)
• Affidavit and Revised Chapter 61B Lien for Rural Street (241‑22) (vote and sign)
• Revised Chapter 61 Lien for 92 Mill Valley Road (249‑56) (vote and sign)
• Motor Vehicle Excise Exemption Applications (HERO Act) – 2024 Bill #810; 2025 Bill #18630 (vote and sign)
• FY26 Overlay Account (new business)

The Board approved the FY27 Chapter 61 applications for multiple properties, voting unanimously 2‑0. It also signed new liens for Rural Street (241‑22) and 92 Mill Valley Rd (249‑56). The Board approved a $3,622 attorney invoice for a Chapter 61 appeal and abated two 2025 motor‑vehicle excise bills for disabled owners. The executive session meeting was tabled for a later date.

• Approved FY27 Chapter 61 applications for listed properties (2‑0)
• Signed new liens for Rural Street (241‑22) and 92 Mill Valley Rd (249‑56)
• Approved attorney invoice of $3,622 for Chapter 61 appeal
• Abated 2025 MVE bills for Henry Whidden and Suzanne Barnett (2‑0)
• Approved minutes of October 9, 2025 regular and executive sessions (2‑0)
• Tabled executive session meeting, next meeting set for November 3
• Motion to adjourn adopted

Planning Board

The Planning Board meeting scheduled for October 28, 2025, has been cancelled. No items were decided or discussed.

School Committee and School Councils

The SRE School Council will meet virtually to review updates on supplemental curriculums and district assessments. The body will also discuss the new district Strategic Plan and STEM initiatives.

• Update on ECRI & SRSD supplemental curriculums
• District assessment goals and initiatives
• Makerspace and STEM week update
• Discussion on the new district Strategic Plan

Select Board

The Select Board will hold a special meeting to discuss articles for a Special Town Meeting. No specific articles or proposals are listed in the agenda.

• Discussion of articles for Special Town Meeting

The Select Board decided which members would read each article at the upcoming Special Town Meeting. The Finance Committee will read Articles 1‑3, Chair Lesa Lessard Pearson will read Article 4, Jonathan Ritter will read Article 5, Whitney Jorns Kuhnlenz will read Article 6, and Nicole A. Ming will read Article 7. The board also voted to adjourn the meeting, with the motion passing 4‑0‑1. No other actions were taken.

• Assigned reading duties for Special Town Meeting articles (Finance Committee: Articles 1‑3; Chair Lessard Pearson: Article 4; Jonathan Ritter: Article 5; Whitney Jorns Kuhnlenz: Article 6; Nicole A. Ming: Article 7)
• Motion to adjourn passed 4‑0‑1

Town Meeting Warrants, Motions, Minutes, and Certifications

The Belchertown Town Meeting will consider and approve health insurance appropriations for town employees and the school department for fiscal year 2026. The appropriations total $602,627 and include amounts from various department wages, expenses, General Insurance, and an Overlay Surplus account. No other agenda items are listed.

• Approve $110,000 town health insurance from General Insurance
• Approve $63,024 town health insurance
• Approve $262,003 school department health insurance
• Approve $100,000 school department health insurance from Overlay Surplus account
• Total health insurance appropriations $602,627 for FY 2026

Town Meeting Warrants, Motions, Minutes, and Certifications

The Special Town Meeting approved several financial transfers, including $63,024 from the Stabilization Fund and $262,003 from the same fund to the School Department for health‑insurance costs, and $100,000 from the Overlay Surplus for the same purpose. Voters authorized the acquisition of a 2.2‑acre parcel off State Street (Assessor’s Parcel 250‑11.01) for passive and active recreation. The meeting amended Chapter 42, §42‑1 to change Finance Committee appointment rules and adopted a new fire‑protection reporting bylaw with associated penalties.

• Transfer $63,024 from Stabilization Fund to Health Insurance‑town share account and $262,003 to Town School Department for health‑insurance costs
• Transfer $100,000 from Overlay Surplus to Town School Department for health‑insurance costs
• Authorize acquisition of 2.2‑acre parcel off State Street (Assessor’s Parcel 250‑11.01) for recreation
• Amend Chapter 42, §42‑1 to modify Finance Committee appointment terms and eligibility
• Adopt Fire Protection and Life Safety Reporting bylaw with fines up to $300 per violation

Town Meeting Warrants, Motions, Minutes, and Certifications

The Special Town Meeting will consider motions to transfer various sums to the Health Insurance‑town share account and to the School Department, to authorize the Select Board to buy land off State Street for recreation, to amend Chapter 42 §42‑1 of the town code, to convey property at 1 Berkshire Street, and to add a fire protection reporting provision. It also includes a motion to dissolve the meeting.

• Transfer $7,300.00 Police Department Wage to Health Insurance‑town share
• Transfer $110,000.00 General Insurance to Health Insurance‑town share
• Transfer $63,024.00 from Stabilization Fund to Health Insurance‑town share and $262.03 to School Department
• Authorize acquisition of land off State Street for passive and active recreation (Article 4)
• Amend Chapter 42 §42‑1 of the town code (Article 5)

Town Meeting Warrants, Motions, Minutes, and Certifications

The Town will vote on several budget transfers for fiscal year 2026 and the acquisition of land for recreation. The meeting includes proposals to amend Finance Committee appointment terms and establish new fire protection reporting requirements.

• Acquisition of 2.2 acres off State Street (Parcel 250.11.01) for recreation
• Transfer of property at 1 Berkshire Street from School Committee to Select Board for conveyance
• New Fire Protection and Life Safety Reporting bylaw with fines up to $300
• Budget transfers for FY2026 from the Stabilization Fund and Overlay Surplus
• Amendment to Chapter 42, §42-1 regarding Finance Committee appointment terms

Board of Health

The Belchertown Board of Health meeting scheduled for October 27, 2025 has been cancelled. No agenda items will be considered or discussed at this time. Residents should note that there will be no public hearing or decision-making at this meeting.

Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Committee

The Opioid Settlement Funds Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss grant application updates and funding requests. The body will review several active projects and the potential creation of a subcommittee.

• Request for $14,530.00 to send 5 students and 3 adults to the CADCA National Leadership Forum
• Updating grant application forms for MDPH and AG reporting
• Discussion of Drug Free Communities funding for Year 6
• Review of Honest Beginnings application and 10/20/25 Select Board meeting outcome
• Discussion of potential opioid fund coverage for Clapp Library resource meeting costs

The advisory committee formed a subcommittee of Jill, Emma, and Kris to explore a local HALO program. It approved funding for Honest Beginnings' driveway reconstruction, pending a second quote. The committee voted 5-0-1 to fund a $14,530 trip for five students and three adults to a national anti‑drug forum. It also voted 6-0-0 to forward a RIZE/Mosaic grant proposal to the Select Board.

• Form subcommittee (Jill, Emma, Kris) to explore local HALO program – approved
• Approve funding for Honest Beginnings driveway reconstruction, contingent on a second quote – approved
• Approve $14,530 to send 5 students and 3 adults to national anti‑drug forum – vote 5-0-1 (Hoag abstained)
• Forward RIZE/Mosaic grant proposal to Select Board – vote 6-0-0 approved

Town Meeting Warrants, Motions, Minutes, and Certifications

The Belchertown Special Town Meeting will consider and approve Articles 5 and 7 that were presented at the October 27, 2025 meeting. The Attorney General’s Office has confirmed that these articles meet the posting and publishing requirements under G.L. c. 40, § 32 before they can take effect. No further details about the content of the articles are provided in the agenda.

• Approval of Article 5 from the Oct 27, 2025 Special Town Meeting
• Approval of Article 7 from the Oct 27, 2025 Special Town Meeting

Communications Committee

The Communications Committee will discuss several initiatives, including AI use in town government, a new communication plan, and updates to the town warrant and signage. It will also review the town newsletter, website, and branding efforts. A key item is a formal request for the Select Board to adopt a policy governing third‑party information posted on the town website and Facebook feed.

• AI in Belchertown Government
• Communication Plan
• Enhanced Town Warrant
• Gateway Signage
• Request for policy on third‑party information for town website and Facebook

The Communications Committee approved the September 25 and October 9 meeting minutes. It decided to limit the gateway signage project to updating only the existing "Welcome to Belchertown" sign on Route 9. The committee also scheduled a Town Counsel meeting on October 24 to discuss the town’s AI policy and began planning an enhanced Town Warrant for the May 2026 Annual Town Meeting.

• Approved September 25, 2025 meeting minutes (4‑0‑0)
• Approved October 9, 2025 meeting minutes (3‑0‑1)
• Scaled back gateway signage project to update only the Route 9 entrance sign (no vote recorded)
• Scheduled Town Counsel meeting for Oct 24, 2025 at 10 AM to discuss AI policy
• Decided to develop template and workflow for an enhanced Town Warrant for May 2026 meeting
• Agreed to move the communications plan to a webpage (volunteer action)
• Motion to adjourn passed (4‑0‑0)

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School Committee meeting will include a collective bargaining session with paraprofessional staff, as required by M.G.L. c. 30A, s. 21(a)(2). The agenda also provides time for public comment, a review of correspondence for the October 23, 2025 agenda, and any emergency items added by members. The meeting will conclude with a vote to adjourn.

• Collective bargaining session with paraprofessionals (M.G.L. c.30A, s.21(a)(2))
• Public comment period
• Correspondence: review agenda for Oct 23, 2025
• Emergency issues added by committee members (if any)
• Vote to adjourn

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School Committee will meet for a special session. The primary purpose of the meeting is to conduct a collective bargaining session with teachers.

• Collective bargaining session with teachers

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force

The Belchertown Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force will meet on Oct. 23, 2025 at Town Hall. The agenda lists discussion of Native American Heritage Month, an update on Human Resources DEI pledges, a status report on the MCC grant submission, and a letter introducing a new committee member. No formal decisions are indicated on the agenda. The meeting will end with adjournment.

• Discussion of Native American Heritage Month
• Update on Human Resources DEI pledges
• Update on MCC grant submission
• Presentation of new committee member letter

School Committee and School Councils

The Cold Spring School Council will consider and vote on the approval of the meeting minutes from June 4, 2025. The council will also discuss the CSS Strategic Plan and review its goals. Additional items include member/public comments, school updates, and routine procedural matters.

• Call to order
• Member/Public Comments
• Discussion and approval of meeting minutes (6/4/2025)
• CSS Strategic Plan discussion and review of goals
• School updates

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School Committee will meet for a special session focused on negotiations. The primary purpose is to conduct a collective bargaining session with Administrative Assistants.

• Collective bargaining session with Administrative Assistants

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School Committee will conduct a collective bargaining session with the custodial union, as authorized by M.G.L. c.30A, s.21(a)(2). The meeting also includes public comment and routine agenda items. No other specific contracts or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Collective bargaining session with custodial staff (per M.G.L. c.30A, s.21(a)(2))

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School Committee is meeting for a special session focused on negotiations. The primary purpose of the meeting is to conduct a collective bargaining session with Food Service.

• Collective bargaining session with D (Food Service)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging Advisory Board will approve the September 24, 2025 meeting minutes. The board will hear an Executive Director’s report from Jessica Langlois, an update from the BSCCA dated October 7, and comments from liaison Nicole Miner. The meeting will also address the old‑business item “The Giving Tree.”

• Approve Advisory Board minutes from September 24, 2025
• Executive Director Jessica Langlois report
• BSCCA update (October 7)
• Comments from liaison Nicole Miner
• Old business: The Giving Tree

The board approved the minutes from the prior meeting after a motion by Ms. Brill and a second by Ms. Plante. Members accepted the Director's Report following a motion by Ms. Overly and a second by Ms. Brill. The meeting was formally closed after a motion by Ms. Duroshea, seconded by Ms. Brill.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (approved by members present)
• Accepted Director's Report (approved by all members present)
• Closed meeting (approved by all members present)

Select Board

The Select Board is convening for a special meeting to enter into executive session. The session is designated to discuss personnel matters and will not return to open session.

• Executive session regarding the reputation, character, physical condition, or mental health of an individual, or discipline/dismissal of a public officer or employee

Hazard Mitigation Committee

The Hazard Mitigation Committee will discuss the final draft of the Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP). The meeting covers risk analysis, the impact of climate change, and specific mitigation strategies for the town.

• Review of natural hazard risk analysis and primary concerns in Belchertown
• Discussion of climate change impacts on natural hazards
• Review of new and carried-over mitigation strategies
• Public comment period for attendees

Age & Dementia Friendly Implementation Group

The Age & Dementia Friendly Implementation Group will approve the July 23, 2025 meeting minutes. They will receive updates on the AARP Community Challenge Grant and the Memory Café. New business includes discussion of a new grant opportunity and a topic labeled "Beaver Deceivers."

• Approve minutes from July 23, 2025
• AARP Community Challenge Grant update
• Memory Café update
• New grant opportunity discussion
• Beaver Deceivers item

Capital Improvement Planning Committee

The Capital Improvement Planning Committee will meet to review project forms and the layout of a 5-year spreadsheet. The agenda includes approving minutes from the previous meeting and confirming the next meeting date.

• Review project form and 5-year spreadsheet layout
• Approve minutes of October 15, 2025
• Confirm next meeting date

The committee approved the minutes from the October 15, 2025 meeting by a 3‑0 vote. The Capital Request Form process was discussed and modified to require a form and tracking number for all requests, with more detail for near‑term needs. The committee noted that administrative support will be needed to compile data and create spreadsheets. A motion to adjourn the meeting passed 3‑0.

• Approved minutes of October 15, 2025 (3-0)
• Modified Capital Request Form process (no vote recorded)
• Motion to adjourn passed (3-0)

McPherson Sensory Garden Committee

The committee will discuss available funds, including CPA Grant funds, and review invoices and reimbursements. The meeting includes updates on CPA Grant requirements and planning for winter preparation.

• CPA Grant funds availability
• Invoices and reimbursements
• Benches
• Donation to Stone House Historical Association Yuletide Fundraiser
• Winter preparation work list

School Committee and School Councils

The CHCS School Council meeting on Oct 20, 2025 will conduct standard business. Items include a call to order, visitor and member comments, approval of the previous meeting minutes, a strategic plan update, and news and updates. No specific policy decisions or contracts are listed.

• Call to order
• Visitor and/or member comments
• Approval of minutes
• Strategic plan update
• News and updates

Conservation Commission

The Belchertown Conservation Commission will consider a Notice of Intent for the construction of a single‑family home at 111 Old Sawmill (Map 244‑156.33). The meeting also includes discussion of bill payments, recent meeting minutes, site‑plan review for 122 Federal Street, deed acceptances for two parcels, and the close‑out of the Lake Wallace Sensory Trail. Additional items cover enforcement matters, certificate requests, and a ratification of tree removal at Lake Wallace/Foley Field.

• Notice of Intent: BCC #25‑10, DEP #104‑1124 for construction at 111 Old Sawmill
• Bills: PVPC $14,031.00; S. Sansoucy mileage $80.50
• Deed acceptance: 285 Rockrimmon Street rear, 37 acres (Map 263‑83.02)
• Deed acceptance: 255 Amherst Road, .73 acres (Map 218‑63)
• Lake Wallace Sensory Trail close out

Fair Committee

The Fair Committee is meeting to handle post-event administrative tasks and winter preparations. The body will discuss ideas for 2026 improvements and the disposition of a retired 30’x60’ tent.

• Submission of unpaid bills and cash slips
• Planning for 2026 improvements
• Disposition of retired 30’x60’ tent
• Winter securing of items stored in the shed
• Rodent control for the Fair Hall wagon

Select Board

The Select Board will consider a conservation restriction for 1,050 acres and review applications for the Opioid Settlement Fund. The board will also discuss a site plan for 978 Federal Street and endorse two town warrants totaling over $2.6 million.

• Conservation restriction for 1,050 acres sold by WD Cowls to Lyme Quabbin LLC
• Review of Planning Board Site Plan Application for 978 Federal Street, LLC.
• Endorsement of Warrant #2614 ($1,809,935.96) and Warrant #2615 ($791,183.69)
• Review of Mass Trails Grant for Trestle Bridge ($86,010)
• Executive session to discuss real estate regarding Cold Spring School

Family Center Committee

The committee will review the Fall Fest recap and plan Q4 events, including a Community Closet launch and a Winter Farmers’ Market. It will receive an update on a proposal for the Selectboard and note an upcoming appointment at the Selectboard meeting. No formal decisions are listed, only discussion items.

• Fall Fest recap
• Community Closet launch (Q4 event)
• Winter Farmers’ Market (Q4 event)
• Update on proposal for Selectboard
• Upcoming appointment at Selectboard meeting

Veterans' Services Advisory Board

The Veterans' Services Advisory Board will meet to discuss old and new business. The primary new business item is the planning and coordination for Veterans' Day.

• Veterans' Day planning/coordination

Recreation Committee

The Belchertown Recreation Committee meeting on October 16, 2025 will review several agenda items. Topics include the Lake Wallace Fall Fest, a survey update, beach parking lot considerations, and upcoming capital improvements. The committee will also address new business items such as furniture, CPC, and the Little Voters Lounge. No specific decisions are detailed in the agenda.

• Lake Wallace Fall Fest
• Beach parking Lot
• Suburban Basketball Try outs
• Capital Improvements
• Little Voters Lounge

The committee approved the September 18 minutes with a 4‑0 vote. It confirmed the acquisition of a donated conference table, standing desks, chairs, office desks and whiteboards for the Recreation Department. The committee arranged staffing of the Little Voters lounge for the special town meeting on October 27 using high‑school volunteers. The meeting was adjourned by a 4‑0 vote.

• Accepted September 18 minutes (vote 4-0)
• Acquired donated office furniture (conference table, desks, chairs, whiteboards)
• Staffed Little Voters lounge for Oct 27 special town meeting with high‑school volunteers
• Adjourned meeting (vote 4-0)

Energy and Sustainability Committee

The Energy and Sustainability Committee will hear reports from its Transportation, BCEC, Public Outreach/Education, and Events subcommittees. Members will also discuss items such as the Lake Wallace Fall Fest booth, a library grant support letter, clean‑energy site permitting sessions, and cultural council grant spending. The meeting will conclude with setting the next meeting date for November 20, 2025.

• Transportation subcommittee report
• BCEC subcommittee report
• Public Outreach/Education subcommittee report
• Lake Wallace Fall Fest Energy & Sustainability booth
• Library grant support letter

The committee voted to approve the minutes from the September 18, 2025 meeting, with a 5‑0‑0 vote. A motion to adjourn the meeting was also carried. No other formal actions or votes were recorded.

• Approved September 18, 2025 minutes (5-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Belchertown Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on October 15, 2025 at 6:15 p.m. in the Planning Board’s meeting room at Lawrence Memorial Hall, 2 Jabish Street. The hearing concerns an appeal by Kayla Busse dba Kayla & Co., Inc. of a Zoning Enforcement Officer’s decision that the property at 11 Sunny Crest Lane, Map 271 Parcel 50, violates town by‑law §145‑24 A(5) because the lot is 12,529 sq ft, below the 40,000 sq ft minimum for breeding, raising or keeping animals. The board will consider whether to uphold or overturn the enforcement decision, and members of the public may appear to be heard.

• Appeal of Zoning Enforcement Officer’s decision §145‑68 A(1) regarding by‑law §145‑24 A(5) animal‑breeding violation
• Property: 11 Sunny Crest Lane, Map 271 Parcel 50, Zoning District AGA, 12,529 sq ft
• Applicant: Kayla Busse dba Kayla & Co., Inc.
• Public hearing scheduled for Oct 15 2025, 6:15 p.m. at Lawrence Memorial Hall, 2 Jabish Street
• No monetary amounts cited in the agenda

The Zoning Board of Appeals denied Robert Barry's application for lot 214‑2 at 240 Munsell Street. The Board granted a continuance for the 11 Sunny Crest Lane appeal, extending the review deadline to November 19, 2025. The Board approved Chair Jennifer Sharrow as the designee to approve all future meeting minutes. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Denied application for lot 214‑2 at 240 Munsell Street (all in favor)
• Approved continuance for 11 Sunny Crest Lane appeal until Nov 19, 2025 (all in favor)
• Approved Chair Jennifer Sharrow as designee for future minutes (all in favor)
• Closed the meeting (all in favor)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold hearings on two property disputes. The board will review appeals regarding a denied building permit and a zoning enforcement decision.

• Appeal by Robert J. Barry regarding legal road frontage for a building lot at 240 Munsell Street
• Appeal by Kayla Busse dba Kayla & Co., Inc. regarding animal keeping on a 12,529 square foot lot at 11 Sunny Crest Lane
• Vote to allow the chair or designee to approve future meeting minutes

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will consider a fund transfer and review financially related warrant articles for the October 27 Special Town Meeting. The body will also discuss a Fiscal Crisis Action Letter.

• Request for $50,000 transfer from FinCom Reserve Fund for health insurance costs
• Vote on financially related warrant articles for STM 10/27/25
• Discussion of Fiscal Crisis Action Letter

The committee unanimously approved a $50,000 transfer from its Reserve Fund for town employee health benefits. It also unanimously approved three warrant articles to transfer $176,250, $63,024, $262,003 and $100,000 for health‑insurance costs at the upcoming Special Town Meeting. The committee voted unanimously to support the Massachusetts Teachers Association Fiscal Crisis Action Letter, and approved the outstanding minutes from September meetings.

• Approved $50,000 transfer from Finance Committee Reserve Fund to health benefits (unanimous)
• Approved Article 1 warrant to transfer $176,250 for employee health insurance (unanimous)
• Approved Article 2 warrant to transfer $63,024 from stabilization fund and $262,003 to School Dept for health insurance (unanimous)
• Approved Article 3 warrant to transfer $100,000 from Overlay Surplus Account to School Dept for health insurance (unanimous)
• Approved support for the Fiscal Crisis Action Letter from the Massachusetts Teachers Association (unanimous)
• Approved outstanding minutes from September 2, 8 and 9, 2025 meetings (unanimous)

Capital Improvement Planning Committee

The committee will discuss the status of FY27 project forms and schedule detailed reviews. Members will also review and critique the 5-year spreadsheet.

• Status of FY27 project forms
• Review of 5-year spreadsheet

The Capital Improvement Planning Committee approved the September 17, 2025 meeting minutes with a 3‑0‑0 vote. No substantive items were decided; the meeting was then adjourned by a 3‑0‑0 vote. FY27 capital needs request forms were distributed but not discussed. The next meeting is scheduled for October 22, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.

• Approved September 17, 2025 minutes (3-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0-0)

Belchertown Overcoming Adversity Together

The Belchertown Overcoming Adversity Together (BOAT) group will review attendance and distribution data from recent recovery events. The body will also discuss updates regarding public health, the Opioid Settlement Fund Committee, and Drug Free Communities.

• Review of recovery event data including Narcan and fentanyl test strip distribution
• Planning for Red Ribbon Week events from October 23-31
• Drug Take Back Day scheduled for October 25
• Resource Pop-Up event scheduled for October 17
• Updates on the Opioid Settlement Fund Committee

The board approved the minutes from the January 21, 2026 meeting. No other items were formally approved, denied, or tabled. The next meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, November 19, 2025.

• Approved January 21, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for November 19, 2025

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School District Personnel & Policy Subcommittee will meet to discuss three policy items: the Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy, a Policy Manual Development Proposal, and a Cell Phone Policy. The meeting will also include public comment on agenda items, acceptance of the September 23, 2025 minutes, and routine correspondence. No decisions are recorded in the agenda; the items are listed for action or discussion.

• Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy
• Policy Manual Development Proposal
• Cell Phone Policy

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School Committee will approve minutes from September 9 and 23, 2025 and approve several warrants. The committee will discuss the potential closure of Cold Spring School. Additional discussion items include a policy manual development proposal, a fiscal‑crisis action letter, school strategic plans, the Child Internet Protection Act, ERATE funding, and a Stronger Connections Grant award.

• Approve minutes from September 9, 2025 and September 23, 2025
• Approve accounts payable warrant # S/092925 and payroll warrant # 2612
• Discuss possible closure of Cold Spring School
• Discuss proposal for Policy Manual Development
• Discuss Stronger Connections Grant award

Lake Committee

The Belchertown Lakes Committee will meet on October 14, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the town recreation department conference room. The agenda includes a vote on the previous minutes, a CPA grant agreement, a treasurer’s report, updates on the Tri‑Lakes program, aquatic‑plant management, mat removal at Lake Metacomet, and a discussion of closing Lake Holland.

• Consider CPA grant agreement
• Review treasurer’s report
• Update on Tri‑Lakes program
• Discuss mat removal at Lake Metacomet
• Discuss closure of Lake Holland

The Lakes Committee unanimously accepted the September 9, 2025 minutes. It also approved that K. Smith sign the CPA Grant Agreement to fund treatment for Lake Acadia and Lake Holland. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Accepted September 9, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved K. Smith to sign CPA Grant Agreement for lake treatment (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Belchertown Planning Board will consider a site‑plan review for 978 Federal Street, LLC. It will also hear several Area Neighborhood Revitalization (ANR) applications, including parcels on George Hannum Street and Cold Spring Road. Additional items include a request to release lots in the Pepper Ridge subdivision, a zoning‑by‑agreement recommendation for Sunny Crest Lane, and a right‑of‑first‑refusal removal request for a lot on North Liberty Street.

• Site Plan Review – 978 Federal Street, LLC (Map 216, Lot 146)
• ANR – Commonwealth of Mass. for George Hannum St, Jackson St., Boardman St., Hamilton St. (Maps 238, 239 & 243, Lots 1, 8, 1 & 178.01)
• Pepper Ridge subdivision – request to release lots
• ZBA Recommendation – Sunny Crest Lane #11 (Map 271, Lot 50) – Applicant: Busse
• ANR – Cold Spring Road (Map 260, Lot 34) – Applicants: The David J. Fry 2005 Revocable Trust & The Valthea M. Fry Revocable Trust

The board approved the site plan for 978 Federal Street, LLC (Map 216, Lot 146) with a 3‑0‑0 vote. It also approved the ANR creating sixteen parcels on the 437‑acre Lampson Brook farm (Maps 238, 239 & 243) with a 3‑0‑0 vote. Additional actions included approving an ANR for Cold Spring Road (Map 260, Lot 34) to create two lots, recommending the Select Board release a Right of First Refusal on a 1.277‑acre lot, and adopting the September 23 minutes, all by unanimous votes.

• Approved 978 Federal St. site plan (Map 216, Lot 146) – vote 3-0-0
• Approved ANR for Lampson Brook farm, creating 16 parcels (Maps 238,239,243) – vote 3-0-0
• Approved ANR for Cold Spring Road (Map 260, Lot 34) subdividing into Lot 8 and Estate Lot 9 – vote 3-0-0
• Recommended ZBA uphold enforcement on Sunny Crest Lane chicken house – vote 3-0-0
• Recommended Select Board release Right of First Refusal on North Liberty St. Lot 15.01 – vote 3-0-0
• Approved September 23, 2025 minutes – vote 3-0-0
• Adjourned meeting – vote 3-0-0

Branding Belchertown Committee

The Branding Belchertown Committee will review the results of its town seal presentation to the Select Board on 10/6/2025 and decide how to proceed with digitizing the seal. The meeting also includes routine items such as approving minutes, public comment, and setting the date for the next meeting.

• Town Seal Digitization – review presentation results and decide next steps
• Approval of minutes from the previous meeting
• Public comment period for residents
• Deliberation on the date and time of the next committee meeting
• Discussion of any topics not reasonably anticipated by the chair

Communications Committee

The Communications Committee will discuss several items, including AI use in town government, the communication plan, an enhanced town warrant, gateway signage, and a request for a Select Board policy on sharing third‑party information on the town’s website and Facebook feed. The meeting also includes updates from the BCTV and Communication Managers and a branding committee report.

• AI in Belchertown Government
• Communication Plan
• Enhanced Town Warrant
• Gateway Signage
• Request for Select Board policy on third‑party information sharing

The committee postponed approval of the September 25, 2025 meeting minutes to a later time. The next Communications Committee meeting was scheduled for October 23, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 7:41 p.m.

• Tabled approval of September 25 minutes
• Set next meeting for October 23, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
• Adjourned meeting at 7:41 p.m.

Board of Assessors

The Belchertown Board of Assessors will consider and vote on FY2027 Chapter 61 and 61B applications. It will also review the schedule of bills payable, motor vehicle excise abatements, and accept minutes from the September 30 meeting. Additional items include discussion of an assessor vacancy and an executive‑session review of FY2026 property tax exemption applications.

• Schedule of Bills Payable – $3,161.57
• Monthly List of Motor Vehicle Excise Abatements – $120.00
• FY2027 Chapter 61 and 61B Applications – vote and sign
• Accept minutes of 9/30/2025 meeting
• Executive session: FY2026 Property Tax Exemption Applications

The Board approved all FY27 Chapter 61B applications with a unanimous 2‑0 vote. It also approved all FY26 exemption applications unanimously. Two exemption requests were denied: Kenneth Trabert (Clause 22) and Jean Mellin (Clause 17D), each by a 2‑0 vote. The September 30 regular session minutes were approved 2‑0.

• Approved FY27 Chapter 61B tax applications (2‑0)
• Approved FY26 exemption applications (2‑0)
• Denied Clause 22 exemption for Kenneth Trabert (2‑0)
• Denied Clause 17D exemption for Jean Mellin (2‑0)
• Approved September 30 regular session minutes (2‑0)
• Moved to executive session to discuss FY26 exemptions and FY27 Chapter 61A applications (2‑0)
• Noted vacancy on Board of Assessors (no action)
• Reviewed formation of Taxation Aid Committee (no vote)

Cultural Council

The Belchertown Cultural Council will approve the September and supplemental meeting minutes. It will review the budget and reconciliation for the 2025‑2026 grant cycle. A vote will be taken on a sponsorship for the Winter Light Night carriage ride. Additional agenda items include a BCA funds transfer, discussion of upcoming grantee events, and a recap of the Lake Wallace Fall Festival.

• Approve September and supplemental minutes
• Sara Moroney – BCA funds transfer
• Budget review and reconciliation for 2025‑2026 grant cycle
• Winter Light Night carriage ride sponsorship vote
• Upcoming grantee events and liaison discussion

Select Board

The Select Board will review and approve warrant articles for an upcoming Special Town Meeting. The board will also consider a conservation restriction for 1,050 acres and discuss the annual winter parking ban.

• Review/Approve Warrant Articles for Special Town Meeting on October 27, 2025
• Kestrel Land Trust request to sign off on Conservation Restriction for 1,050 acres
• Review Zoning Board of Appeal application for 11 Sunny Crest Lane
• Request to set Annual Winter Parking Ban 2025-2026
• Town Manager endorsement of Warrants #2611 ($1,038,266.03) and #2612 ($2,831,131.61)

The Select Board approved the warrant articles for the October 27 Special Town Meeting, removing Article 7. It also approved signage and a resolution for Quabbin Days, set the 2025‑2026 winter parking ban, and remanded a Zoning Board of Appeals appeal. The board entered executive session to discuss real‑estate matters and approved Red Ribbon Week signs.

• Endorsed Special Town Meeting warrant articles, excluding Article 7 (5-0-0)
• Approved Quabbin Days signage request (5-0-0)
• Approved Quabbin Days Resolution 2025 (5-0-0)
• Remanded ZBA appeal for 11 Sunny Crest Lane back to the ZBA (4-0-0)
• Set Annual Winter Parking and Impediment Ban for Nov 1 2025‑Apr 1 2026 (4-0-0)
• Approved Red Ribbon Week signs for Kristen Hoag (4-0-0)
• Moved Gold Cane Policy discussion to Oct 20 meeting (no vote)
• Entered executive session for real‑estate matters (4-0-0)

School Committee and School Councils

The JBMS School Council will review the assessment of the school start date for the 2025‑2026 academic year. The council will also discuss the district’s realignment plan for grades 6‑8 at Jabish Brook Middle School for the 2026‑2027 school year. No decisions are recorded in the agenda.

• 2025‑2026 School Start Assessment
• District Realignment for JBMS Grades 6‑8 for 2026‑2027

Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Committee

The Opioid Settlement Funds Advisory Committee will meet to discuss and vote on a funding application. The request is for driveway repairs at a sober house in Belchertown operated by Honest Beginnings.

• Vote on funding application for Honest Beginnings sober house driveway repair

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force

The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force will meet on October 2, 2025 at Town Hall Auditorium. The agenda includes approving the previous meeting minutes and discussing three action items: Native American Heritage Month, Human Resources DEI pledges, and an ICE response outline. No decisions beyond the approval of minutes are indicated.

• Approval of meeting minutes
• Discussion of Native American Heritage Month
• Discussion of Human Resources DEI pledges
• Discussion of ICE response outline

Quabbin Health District

The Board of Directors will discuss and vote on the proposed 2026 budget and the job description for a Public Health Community Nurse. The board will also reorganize by voting for a new Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary.

• Vote on proposed 2026 Budget
• Code Enforcement Officer salary step increase
• Increase of Administrative Assistant hours from 18 to 30 hours
• Vote on Public Health Community Nurse title, starting salary, and hours
• Election of new Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary

Agricultural Commission

The Belchertown Agricultural Commission will review and approve minutes from its June 4 and September 3, 2025 meetings. It will receive an update from the Lampson Brook Farm Board, discuss a social‑media volunteer role, consider an agricultural education application, and plan a farmer meet‑and‑greet for January 2026. The agenda also includes discussion of a new Ag Disposal By‑Law.

• Approve meeting minutes from June 4, 2025 and September 3, 2025
• Lampson Brook Farm Board update presented by Tammy Ryan
• Discuss volunteer coordination for a Social Media page with Kate Nadeau (planned for November)
• Review Kayla Busse Agricultural Education Application
• Consider adoption of an Ag Disposal By‑Law

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation will discuss budget items, site updates for Parcel B and D, community communication plans, overall development status, and priorities of the Selectboard. The meeting may move to an executive session to negotiate pending proposals. No decisions are recorded in this agenda.

• Agenda Item #2 – Payables, budget and other matters
• Agenda Item #3 – Site matters, security and upcoming site activities; Parcel B & D status
• Agenda Item #4 – Communication planning for the community and with the community
• Agenda Item #5 – Development status
• Agenda Item #9 – Discuss preparation for review of Sydney Capital (new assignee) progress

The board adopted the September 17 regular and executive meeting minutes. It approved payment of $432.01 for water fees and reimbursement of $89.15 for lock purchases. The meeting was moved to an executive session under MGL 30A, and the executive session was later adjourned.

• Adopted September 17 regular meeting minutes (6-0-0)
• Adopted September 17 executive meeting minutes (6-0-0)
• Approved payment of $432.01 for water fees (6-0-0)
• Approved reimbursement of $89.15 for lock purchase (6-0-0)
• Moved to executive session under MGL 30A (6-0-0)
• Adjourned executive meeting (6-0-0)

Branding Belchertown Committee

The Branding Belchertown Committee will discuss the status of digitizing the town seal and decide on next steps. The meeting also includes routine items such as call to order, approval of minutes, public comment, and setting the next meeting time. All agenda items are listed for public awareness.

• Town Seal Digitization – discussion of status and decision on next steps
• Approval of Minutes
• Public Comment
• Deliberate Next Meeting Time
• Call to Order

Board of Assessors

The Belchertown Board of Assessors will vote on several financial items, including a $91,330.96 motor vehicle excise warrant, a $492.02 schedule of bills payable, and a $85.93 Chapter 61B penalty rollback tax. It will also consider a Ch. 61 affidavit and revised lien for 12 Old Bay Road, and vote on a HERO Act motor vehicle excise exemption application (Bill #9767). Old business includes accepting prior meeting minutes and discussing the assessor vacancy, cyclical inspections, a Chapter 61 appeal, and an interim year valuation adjustment. An executive session will address FY2026 property tax exemption applications and FY2027 Chapter 61 applications.

• Schedule of Bills Payable – $492.02
• Warrant + Commitment for Chapter 61B Penalty Rollback Tax – $85.93 (Rural St., Parcel B-1)
• Ch. 61 Affidavit and Revised Lien for 12 Old Bay Road (105-3) – vote and sign
• 2025 Motor Vehicle Excise Warrant + Commitment #5 – $91,330.96
• Motor Vehicle Excise Exemption Application (HERO Act) – Bill #9767 – vote and sign

The Board approved the regular and executive session minutes from August 26 and September 9, 2025. It denied a 2024 motor‑vehicle‑excise (MVE) abatement for Markysha Coppedge and approved a 2025 MVE abatement for Michael McMorrow. All FY27 Chapter 61 forestry applications were approved, and 24 FY26 exemption applications under Clause 22 were approved, while the exemption for Charles Kupras was denied. The Board set the next meeting for October 9, 2025.

• Approved regular and executive session minutes of Aug 26 & Sep 9, 2025 (2‑0)
• Denied 2024 MVE abatement for Markysha Coppedge
• Approved 2025 MVE abatement for Michael McMorrow (2‑0)
• Approved FY27 Chapter 61 Forestry applications (2‑0)
• Approved FY26 Clause 22 exemption applications for 24 owners (2‑0)
• Denied FY26 Clause 22 exemption for Charles Kupras (2‑0)
• Motion to adjourn regular session and move to executive session passed (2‑0)
• Set next Board meeting for Oct 9, 2025

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School Council will meet virtually to discuss the goals and priorities for the 2025-26 school year, review the strategic plan, and plan the meeting schedule for the upcoming academic year.

• Goals and Priorities for the 25-26 School Year
• Strategic Plan for Belchertown Public Schools
• Curriculum Update
• Plan meeting schedule for School Year

School Committee and School Councils

The CHCS School Council will meet to select a Co-Chair and Secretary. The body will also hold a discussion regarding the CHCS School Strategic Plan.

• Selection of Co-Chair and Secretary
• CHCS School Strategic Plan discussion

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School Committee will meet for a special session. The primary purpose of the meeting is to conduct a collective bargaining session with teachers.

• Collective bargaining session with teachers

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School Committee will meet for a special session. The primary purpose of the meeting is to conduct a collective bargaining session with paraprofessionals.

• Collective bargaining session with paraprofessionals

Communications Committee

The Communications Committee will review updates, reports, and proposals, including a formal request for the Select Board to adopt a policy on third‑party information shared on the town website and Facebook feed. Topics include AI use in town government, a new digital role for committees, the communication plan, enhanced town warrant, and gateway signage. The meeting also includes updates from the branding and wayfinding committees and other routine items.

• AI in Belchertown Government
• Creating a Digital Role in Committees
• Communication Plan
• Gateway Signage
• Request for Select Board policy on third‑party information for website and Facebook

The Communications Committee approved the July 15, 2025 meeting minutes with a 4‑0‑1 vote. It unanimously adopted a motion to adjourn the meeting (5‑0‑0). The committee decided to formally request that the Select Board adopt policies governing third‑party event information shared on the town website and Facebook, with Kate Nadeau and Allegra Giovine drafting the policies. No other actions were approved or denied.

• Approved July 15, 2025 Communications Committee minutes (4-0-1)
• Adopted motion to adjourn meeting (5-0-0)
• Will formally request Select Board set policy on third‑party website and social‑media content

Cultural Council

The Belchertown Cultural Council will meet virtually to discuss and vote on funding for the Lake Wallace Fall Festival.

• Funding vote for Lake Wallace Fall Festival

The Cultural Council allocated $500 from its remaining budget to fund the music tent at the Lake Wallace Fall Festival. The motion was moved by Heidi Brunell, seconded by Melissa Saunders, and passed unanimously with a 4‑0 vote. The council noted $17,973 remains available for other festival expenses.

• Approved $500 music tent funding (4-0)

Housing Authority

The Housing Authority will vote to adopt an affirmative action goal and to update its Fair Housing Marketing Plan. It will also approve the meeting minutes, review financial reports, and discuss property and facilities matters. The agenda includes a limited public comment period and a Local Tenants Organization comment period.

• Approval of meeting minutes (vote)
• Warrant report(s) (vote)
• Adoption of affirmative action goal (vote)
• Update of Fair Housing Marketing Plan (vote)
• Facilities capital and work order reports

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging Advisory Board will approve the July 23, 2025 meeting minutes and hear reports from the Executive Director and the BSCCA. New business includes discussion of an HDM stipend increase. Old business items such as the Tax Work Off Program, Giving Tree, and Pickle Ball will also be reviewed.

• Approval of July 23, 2025 Advisory Board minutes
• Executive Director’s report by Jessica Langlois
• BSCCA update for August 5 and September 2
• HDM stipend increase (new business)
• Tax Work Off Program, Giving Tree, Pickle Ball (old business)

McPherson Sensory Garden Committee

The McPherson Garden Committee will review available funds and consider grant requests for new trees, picnic tables, and benches. They will also address invoices, reimbursements, and CPA grant availability. Additional items include appointing Michael as signature, planning future work such as winter preparation and wood chips, and a booth for the Lake Wallace Fun Run.

• Vote on grant requests for trees, picnic tables, and benches
• Review available funds and CPA grant funds
• Approve invoices and reimbursements
• Vote to appoint Michael as signature
• Discuss Lake Wallace Fun Run booth

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School District Finance & Budget Subcommittee will review the TMS Memorandum for budget updates and consider FY26 budget transfers. The meeting will also include approval of the June 17, 2025 minutes and public comment on agenda items.

• TMS Memorandum – Budget Updates
• FY26 Budget Transfers (action/discussion)
• Approval of June 17, 2025 minutes

The Finance & Budget Subcommittee approved the June 17, 2025 minutes (2‑0‑0). It then approved a budget transfer moving funds from the School Psychologist salary line to Contracted Services (2‑0‑0). A second transfer was approved to consolidate grade‑level coordinator accounts into school‑wide buckets (2‑0‑0). The meeting was adjourned at 5:26 p.m.

• Approved June 17, 2025 minutes (vote 2‑0‑0)
• Approved budget transfer of School Psychologist salary to Contracted Service (vote 2‑0‑0)
• Approved consolidation of grade‑level coordinator accounts to school‑wide buckets (vote 2‑0‑0)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:26 p.m. (procedural)

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School District Property & Transportation Subcommittee will meet to discuss items regarding Cold Spring School and the Swift River Elementary School car line. The body will also address unfinished business regarding Tadgell.

• Cold Spring School discussion/action
• Swift River Elementary School car line discussion/action
• Tadgell unfinished business discussion/action

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School Committee will approve minutes from September 8 and 9, 2025, and approve several financial warrants. Members will discuss the Tadgell Vote and the potential closure of Cold Spring School. Additional topics include grant award notifications, budget transfers, school choice updates, and district‑wide job vacancies.

• Approve minutes for September 8 and 9, 2025
• Approve warrants: Accounts payable Warrant # S/091525, 091525SA and Payroll Warrant # 2610
• Discussion of Cold Spring School Closure
• Discussion and possible action on Budget Transfers
• Discussion and possible action on Grant Award Notifications

The committee approved the consent items, removing the September 9 minutes, with a 5‑0‑0 vote. It voted to close the Tadgell property and return it to the town, also 5‑0‑0. The board accepted entitlement grants and approved a budget transfer moving the school psychologist position from payroll to contracted services, each by unanimous vote. Afterward, the committee entered executive session by unanimous roll‑call vote.

• Approved consent items, removing September 9 minutes (5-0-0)
• Closed Tadgell property and returned it to the town (5-0-0)
• Accepted entitlement grants as presented (5-0-0)
• Approved budget transfer for school psychologist services (5-0-0)
• Entered executive session (unanimous roll‑call Yes)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:50 p.m.

Planning Board

The Belchertown Planning Board will meet to discuss a subdivision application for Aldrich Street and review town reports. The meeting will be held in-person at Lawrence Memorial Hall with limited elevator access.

• Subdivision application for Aldrich St. (Map 248, Lot 21.06)
• Town Planner Report
• Members Reports

The Planning Board voted 4‑0 to endorse the amendment of boundary lines (ANR) for Lafleur & Son on Aldrich Street, Map 248, Lot 21.06 as shown on the September 11, 2025 plan. The board also voted 4‑0 to approve the September 9, 2025 meeting minutes. The meeting was then adjourned by a 4‑0 vote.

• Endorsed ANR for Lafleur & Son, Aldrich St., Map 248, Lot 21.06 (4-0)
• Approved September 9, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Historical Commission

The Belchertown Historical Commission meeting on September 23, 2025 will consider several agenda items. The commission will approve the August meeting minutes and review updates on the Lake Wallace Fall Fest, a historic theatrical project, trail signage, cemetery grave projects, and 2026 priorities. No decisions are noted as pending beyond discussion.

• Approval of August meeting minutes
• Lake Wallace Fall Fest scheduled for October 4
• Historic theatrical project update
• Updates on trail signage
• Update on cemetery grave projects

The Historical Commission approved the August meeting minutes. A motion to provide a letter of support for the restoration and conservation of the 1727 Cold Spring Township historic map was unanimously passed. Other agenda items such as trail signage, theatrical project plans, and cemetery projects were discussed but no further actions were decided.

• Approved August minutes (unanimous)
• Passed motion to provide a letter of support for Cold Spring Township map restoration (unanimous)

Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Committee

The Opioid Settlement Funds Advisory Committee will discuss incoming settlement money from Purdue/Sackler manufacturers (deadline Sept 30) and secondary opioid manufacturers (deadline Oct 8). The meeting includes a guest speaker from the HALO program, updates to grant application forms, and reports on several funded community projects. The committee will also consider possible uses of funds for a Clapp Library resource meeting and review ongoing project ideas such as a social‑worker model and mobile harm‑reduction services.

• Review of new settlement dollars from Purdue/Sacklers (Sept 30 deadline) and secondary manufacturers (Oct 8 deadline)
• Guest speaker Brendan Little from the HALO post‑overdose death support program
• Updating grant application forms to match new MDPH and AG reporting formats
• Discussion of using opioid funds for a Clapp Library resource‑meeting activity
• Consideration of additional projects: social‑worker program model, mobile harm‑reduction services, and transportation options

The committee heard a presentation from Boston’s HALO program and discussed the idea of forming a smaller working group to draft a proposal for a similar local program, with several members expressing interest. The town has signed on to receive a portion of the Purdue/Sackler and secondary opioid manufacturers settlements. Updates were provided on the Drug Free Communities grant uncertainty, needed repairs to the sober‑house driveway, the return of $16,000 from an after‑school program, the committee website, and an upcoming library resource event. No formal decisions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to discuss Covid 19 Vaccine Approval and appoint a new Animal Inspector. The board will also review minutes from the August 25, 2025 meeting.

• Appointment of Sharon Kahl-Oey as New Animal Inspector
• Discussion on Covid 19 Vaccine Approval

The Board of Health appointed Sharon Kahl-Oey as the town’s Animal Inspector, with a term ending March 30, 2026. The motion was made by Colleen DuroShea, seconded by Gail Gramarossa, and passed unanimously. No other substantive actions were decided at this meeting.

• Appointed Sharon Kahl-Oey as Animal Inspector (term ends March 30, 2026) – all in favor

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will review two Notice of Intent applications to add single‑family homes at 34 Doe Hollow and 111 Old Sawmill. It will also discuss a site plan review for 122 Federal Street, enforcement matters on North Liberty Street, and fee items including a $14,031 PVPC bill and an $86.45 stormwater utility bill.

• Notice of Intent BCC #25-9 (DEP #104-1122) – addition to single‑family home at 34 Doe Hollow (Map 236‑54)
• Notice of Intent BCC #25-10 (DEP #104-1124) – construction of single‑family home at 111 Old Sawmill (Map 244‑156.33)
• Site Plan Review – 122 Federal Street
• Enforcement issue – North Liberty Street (Map 272‑4.01, across from 268 North Liberty)
• Bills – PVPC $14,031.00; Stormwater Utility $86.45

Veterans' Services Advisory Board

The Veterans' Services Advisory Board will meet to discuss old and new business. The agenda includes coordination for Veterans' Day and the Hometown Hero Award.

• Hometown Hero Award
• Veterans' Day planning and coordination

Energy and Sustainability Committee

The committee will meet to approve previous minutes and receive reports from subcommittees. Members will discuss upcoming events and identify future areas of focus.

• Transportation subcommittee report
• BCEC subcommittee report
• Public Outreach/Education subcommittee report
• Discussion of upcoming events
• Determination of areas of focus

The committee approved the August meeting minutes unanimously. Patricia Krebs and Kathleen Bernardin were appointed as Co‑Clerks of the Energy & Sustainability Committee by unanimous consent. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved August meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Appointed Patricia Krebs and Kathleen Bernardin as Co‑Clerks (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force

The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force will meet to approve previous minutes. The body will discuss and take action on items regarding Black History Month and Holocaust Remembrance.

• Discussion and action on Black History Month
• Discussion and action on Holocaust Remembrance

Recreation Committee

The Recreation Committee will meet to review updates on pickleball and the Lake Wallace Fall Fest. The body will also discuss a survey and basketball tryouts.

• Pickleball update
• Lake Wallace Fall Fest
• Survey update
• Basketball tryouts

The Recreation Committee accepted the minutes from the May 15 and July 17, 2025 meetings by unanimous vote. A motion to adjourn the September 18 meeting also passed unanimously. No other substantive actions or approvals were taken.

• Accepted May 15, 2025 minutes (4-0-0)
• Accepted July 17, 2025 minutes (4-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC) will hold its regular bi‑monthly meeting on September 17, 2025. Agenda items include introductions, payables and budget matters, site matters such as Parcel B status, a review of Parcel F brokerage activities, community communication planning, development status, a meeting with the Select Board, planning for a MassDevelopment/EDIC/Town MOA, and preparation for reviewing BRISA progress. Some items may be moved to an executive session to discuss pending proposals.

• Payables, budget and other matters
• Parcel B status (site matters, security, upcoming activities)
• Review of Parcel F brokerage activities and analysis (SR Commercial)
• Planning for MassDevelopment/EDIC/Town MOA discussion
• Preparation for review of BRISA (new assignee) progress (possible executive session)

The board approved Jim Barry as a Special Assistant in a non‑voting role by a 6‑0‑0 vote. The September 3 minutes were accepted after correcting the insurance cost, with a 5‑0‑1 vote (one abstention). The board opened an Executive Session to discuss pending proposals, also approved 6‑0‑0. No votes were taken on Parcel D development or the $500,000 CDC funding request.

• Approved appointment of Jim Barry as Special Assistant (non‑voting) – vote 6‑0‑0
• Accepted corrected September 3 minutes – vote 5‑0‑1 (one abstention)
• Opened Executive Session under MGL 30A – vote 6‑0‑0
• No vote taken on Parcel D development status
• No vote taken on $500,000 CDC funding request for Family Center

Belchertown Overcoming Adversity Together

The Belchertown Overcoming Adversity Together (BOAT) board will review a series of upcoming recovery‑related events, including the Recovery Center of Hope Fair on September 17 at Granville Park Pavilion. The board will also receive updates from the Opioid Settlement Fund Committee, Public Health, and Drug‑Free Communities and Helping Hands programs. No formal actions or votes are listed on the agenda.

• SMART Recovery meetings – Wednesdays 7‑8 pm at the Recreation Center
• Recovery Center of Hope Recovery Fair – September 17, 2‑6 pm, Granville Park Pavilion
• Opioid Settlement Fund Committee update
• Public Health and Drug‑Free Communities/Helping Hands updates
• Community events such as the 9/20 Belchertown Parade sign‑up and 9/25 Save a Life Day at Belchertown Common Parking Lot

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Belchertown Zoning Board of Appeals announced that the September 17, 2025 meeting has been cancelled. No agenda items will be considered or decided at this time.

Capital Improvement Planning Committee

The Capital Improvement Planning Committee will approve the minutes from the August 27, 2025 meeting, examine the current status of capital projects approved for FY26, and evaluate the submission form used for future capital requests. The committee will also discuss the format for its five‑year planning and set the date for its next meeting.

• Approve minutes of August 27, 2025 meeting
• Review current status of approved FY26 capital projects
• Review submission form for capital requests
• Discuss five‑year planning format
• Confirm next meeting date

The Capital Improvement Planning Committee approved the minutes of the August 27, 2025 meeting by a 3‑0 vote. Departments were asked to submit FY27 project requests by October 6, 2025. The next meeting was scheduled for October 15, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. The committee adjourned by a 5‑0 vote.

• Approved August 27, 2025 minutes (3-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Lampson Brook Farm Board of Directors

The Lampson Brook Farm Board of Directors will meet to approve past minutes, discuss the status of a survey plan and the transfer of commercial farmland to the state, and review a One Stop Grant and Dairy Barn cleanup.

• Approval of past meeting minutes
• Status of survey plan approval
• Status of commercial farmland transfer to MDAR
• Discussion of One Stop Grant & Dairy Barn cleanup
• Public Comments

Select Board

The Belchertown Select Board will approve minutes from three recent meetings, consider several discussion items such as signage for the Lake Wallace Fall Feast, a request to disband the ADA Committee, and a Right of First Refusal for a parcel on Rural Street. The Town Manager will recommend endorsement of Warrant #2609 for $453,142.36 and Warrant #2610 for $1,807,809.81. Additional agenda items include appointments and updates on various projects.

• Approve minutes: August 11, 18 and September 2, 2025
• Endorse Warrant #2609 – $453,142.36
• Endorse Warrant #2610 – $1,807,809.81
• Right of First Refusal – Leyden, Rural Street, Parcel 241-22 (0.0348 acres)
• Request to place signs on town property for Lake Wallace Fall Feast

The Board approved several prior meeting minutes and passed a series of unanimous motions. It approved signage for the Lake Wallace Fall Fest, dissolved the Americans with Disabilities Act Committee, declined to exercise a Right of First Refusal on a Rural Street parcel, endorsed the town's CORI and SORI policies, and moved into executive session to discuss real‑estate matters.

• Approved August 11, 2025 minutes (4-0-0)
• Approved August 18, 2025 minutes (3-0-1)
• Approved September 2, 2025 minutes (4-0-0)
• Approved signage for Lake Wallace Fall Fest (4-0-0)
• Dissolved the ADA Committee (4-0-0)
• Declined Right of First Refusal for Parcel 241-22 on Rural Street (4-0-0)
• Endorsed CORI and SORI policies (4-0-0)
• Moved to executive session for real‑estate discussion (4-0-0)

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School Committee will meet at Chestnut Hill Community School to consider any emergency agenda items, hear public comments, review correspondence, and conduct a collective bargaining session with the teachers union. No specific actions or votes are listed beyond the agenda items.

• Collective bargaining session with teachers (per M.G.L. c.30A, s.21)
• Public comment period
• Review of correspondence
• Consideration of emergency agenda additions (with majority consent)
• Vote to adjourn

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School Committee will meet for a special session. The primary purpose of the meeting is to conduct a collective bargaining session with paraprofessionals.

• Collective bargaining session with paraprofessionals

Scholarship Committee

The Belchertown Scholarship Committee will discuss candidates for an open committee seat. It will also consider any new ideas for the committee and set the date for its next meeting.

• Review candidates for open committee seat
• Consider new ideas for the committee
• Determine next meeting date

Cultural Council

The Belchertown Cultural Council will approve the August meeting minutes and discuss several upcoming arts initiatives, including artist payments, food‑truck programming, and grant cycles for 2025‑2026. A specific vote will be taken to approve the budget for a plaque accompanying the Lake Wallace sculpture. Additional agenda items cover planning for the Lake Wallace Fall Festival and the Winter Light Night event.

• Approve August minutes
• Vote to approve budget for Lake Wallace sculpture plaque
• Food Truck Friday Bands/Grants discussion
• Winter Light Night planning
• 2025‑2026 grant cycle discussion

The council approved the August meeting minutes unanimously. They also approved a $550 allocation for signage for the Lake Wallace and Lake Heron sculptures. The Sensory Garden event was postponed until the fall.

• Approved August minutes (5-0)
• Allocated $550 for Lake Wallace/Heron plaque signage
• Postponed Sensory Garden until Fall

School Committee and School Councils

The Personnel & Policy Subcommittee is meeting to discuss and take action on a first reading of 36 different district policies. These reviews cover legal status, non-discrimination, and school committee operations.

• First read of Policy ACA-R regarding Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Sex Under Title IX
• First read of Policy ACE and ACE-R regarding Disability and ADA Grievance Procedures
• First read of Policy ADDA and ADDA-R regarding Background Checks and CORI Requirements
• First read of Policy BCA regarding School Committee Code of Ethics
• First read of Policy BEC regarding Executive Sessions

The Personnel & Policy Subcommittee approved the June 10, 2025 minutes with a 2‑0‑0 vote. The meeting was then adjourned at 5:55 p.m. with a 2‑0‑0 vote. No other policy actions were decided.

• Approved June 10, 2025 minutes (2-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:55 p.m. (2-0-0)

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School Committee will meet to discuss and take action on the closure of Cold Spring School. The body will also review the FY26/FY27 budget and the Healthy & Safer Schools initiative.

• Discussion and action on the closure of Cold Spring School
• Discussion of FY26/FY27 Budget
• Discussion and action on Healthy & Safer Schools
• MASC Dues for FY26 and MASC Conference/Delegate action items
• Athletic donation from the Marilyn Higgins Foundation

The committee accepted a Walmart donation for Cold Spring Schools and removed a prior Marilyn Higgins Foundation donation, each with a 5‑0‑0 vote. It also approved payment of the MASC dues and appointed Lamicko Magee as the MASC conference delegate, both unanimously. The meeting included enrollment data and cost information for district facilities.

• Approved Walmart donation to Cold Spring Schools (vote 5-0-0)
• Removed Marilyn Higgins Foundation donation from consent items (vote 5-0-0)
• Approved payment of MASC dues for FY26 (vote 5-0-0)
• Appointed Lamicko Magee as MASC conference delegate (vote 5-0-0)

Select Board

The Select Board will meet to discuss the FY26 and FY27 budgets and the potential closure of Cold Spring School with the School Committee.

• Discussion with School Committee regarding FY26 and FY27 Budget
• Discussion regarding the Closure of Cold Spring School

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is meeting to attend a School Committee meeting. The agenda contains only procedural items.

• Attendance at School Committee Meeting

The Finance Committee met at 6:01 PM and heard the School Committee’s presentation on school closures and consolidation due to health‑care insurance shortfalls for FY 2026‑27. No proposals or motions were presented to the Finance Committee. The meeting was adjourned at 7:34 PM.

Lake Committee

The Lake Committee will meet to review a CPA Grant Agreement and receive updates on aquatic plant management and TriLakes. The body will also discuss the closure of Lake Holland and mat removal at Lake Metacomet.

• CPA Grant Agreement
• Mat removal at Lake Metacomet
• Lake Holland Closure
• Aquatic Plants Management Update
• Open Positions on Lake Committee

The Lakes Committee unanimously approved the corrected minutes from June 10 and August 12, 2025. It also voted to test Lake Holland water for E. coli and cyanobacteria levels. Jeff Oldenburg was appointed to the committee and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved June 10, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved August 12, 2025 minutes with corrections (unanimous)
• Approved testing of Lake Holland water for E. coli and cyanobacteria (unanimous)
• Approved Jeff Oldenburg as new Lakes Committee member (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will vote on motor vehicle excise abatements and HERO Act exemption applications. The board will also discuss an assessor vacancy and a Ch. 61 appeal. An executive session is scheduled to review FY2026 property tax exemption applications.

• Bills Payable: $214.12
• Motor Vehicle Excise Abatements: $1,913.41, $697.67, and $559.46
• HERO Act Motor Vehicle Excise Exemption Applications
• Ch. 61 Appeal (257-41)
• FY2026 Property Tax Exemption Applications (Executive Session)

The Board of Assessors unanimously abated motor vehicle excise bills for six owners who are 100% disabled under the Hero Act. It also unanimously approved FY26 exemption applications for 28 listed properties. The regular session was moved to executive session to discuss the exemptions, and the meeting was then adjourned.

• Abated motor vehicle excise bills for six owners (unanimous 2-0)
• Granted FY26 exemption applications for 28 properties (unanimous 2-0)
• Moved regular session to executive session to discuss FY26 exemptions (unanimous 2-0)
• Adjourned executive session (unanimous 2-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will meet to discuss an Act 424 subdivision (ANR) and a right of first refusal request. The board will also discuss a previous site plan approval for 122 Federal Street.

• ANR for Old Bay Road #12, Map 105, Lot 3 (Applicant: Boyce)
• Right of First Refusal for Rural Street Map 241, Lot 22 to remove 0.0348 Acre (Gary & Roxanne Leyden)
• Discussion of previous site plan approval for 122 Federal Street (122 Federal St. Inc.)

The Board endorsed the application to divide Lot 3 on Old Bay Road into Lot 1 and the remaining land for Gordon W. Boyce, voting 5‑0‑0. It also voted 5‑0‑0 to recommend that the Select Board not exercise the town’s right of first refusal on the Leyden parcel. The minutes of the August 12, 2025 meeting were approved and the meeting was adjourned.

• Endorsed ANR to split Lot 3 on Old Bay Rd. into Lot 1 and remaining land (5-0-0)
• Recommended Select Board not exercise right of first refusal on Leyden parcel (5-0-0)
• Approved minutes of August 12, 2025 meeting (5-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School Committee will meet to discuss the FY26 and FY27 budgets. The meeting will be held in-person at Lawrence Memorial Hall with remote access available.

• Discussion of FY26 and FY27 budgets
• Public comment period
• Vote to adjourn

The Committee voted to move $244,349 to address the current fiscal year's insurance deficit, using funds from the Finance Committee reserve, the stabilization fund, and departmental overages. The motion was made by Ruby Bansal, seconded by Jake Hulseberg, and passed unanimously (4‑0‑0). The meeting was then adjourned at 8:03 p.m.

• Approved $244,349 transfer for insurance deficit (vote 4-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:03 p.m.

Family Center Committee

The Belchertown Family Center Committee will meet to approve minutes, review the treasurer’s report, and discuss storage updates, upcoming events, and a plan for a Selectboard request. The committee will also vote on a letter of interest for Morgan McKee.

• Vote on letter of interest for Morgan McKee
• Storage update and launch of Community Closet
• Discussion of Q3 and Q4 events including Lake Wallace Fall Fest, Winter Swap Event, and Winter Farmers’ Market

Fair Committee

The Fair Committee is meeting to discuss operational needs and scheduling for an upcoming event. Discussions include supply orders, volunteer coordination, and site preparations.

• Review of soda and water supply levels
• Ordering of a dumpster for the weekend
• Delivery of grease containers
• Discussion on increasing fence posts at the end of the common
• Tent assembly scheduled for Saturday the 13th at 10:00am

Select Board

The Select Board will meet with the Finance and School Committees to discuss the financial impacts and budgeting options for healthcare insurance. The board will also determine the date and time for a Special Town Meeting and the deadline for warrant articles.

• Discussion on healthcare insurance financial impacts and budgeting options
• Setting the date and time for a Special Town Meeting
• Setting the deadline for Special Town Meeting warrant articles

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet with the Select Board and School Committee to discuss budgeting options and financial impacts of healthcare insurance. The committee will also determine the date and warrant deadline for a Special Town Meeting.

• Discussion on Healthcare Insurance Financial Impacts and Budgeting Options
• Setting the date and time for a Special Town Meeting
• Setting the deadline for Special Town Meeting Warrant Articles

The committee voted unanimously to transfer $50,000 from its discretionary account and $244,349 from the School Committee to cover health‑insurance costs. An amended Option 5 and a three‑year payback plan were also approved unanimously. The special town meeting was scheduled for Monday, October 27, 2025 at 6:30 PM, with a deadline of 9:00 AM on September 15, 2025 for warrant articles.

• Transfer $50,000 from Finance Committee discretionary account to health‑insurance deficit – passed unanimously
• Transfer $244,349 from School Committee to health‑insurance costs – passed unanimously
• Approve amended Option 5 using various committee funds – passed unanimously
• Adopt three‑year payback plan for transferred funds – passed unanimously
• Set special town meeting for Oct 27, 2025 at 6:30 PM at Belchertown High School – passed unanimously
• Establish September 15, 2025 9:00 AM deadline for warrant‑article submissions – decided

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will review several Notices of Intent and Requests for Determination of Applicability for residential projects. The body will also discuss bills and enforcement matters.

• Notice of Intent for home addition at 34 Doe Hollow
• Notice of Intent for single-family homes at 111 Old Sawmill, Lot 6 Jensen Street, and Lot 7 Jensen Street
• Request for Determination of Applicability for a duplex at Lot 117 Amherst Road and tree removal at 51 Lake Drive
• Payment of bills including $14,031.00 to PVPC
• Enforcement discussion regarding North Liberty Street (Map 272-4.01)

The Conservation Commission continued two pending hearings to the September 22, 2025 meeting. It approved Order of Conditions for single‑family homes on Lot 6 and Lot 7 Jensen Street. It issued Negative Determinations for a duplex on Lot 117 Amherst Road and for a tree‑removal request on 51 Lake Drive. It also approved several Certificates of Compliance and authorized payment of mileage and dues.

• Continued hearing for Doe Hollow (BCC#25-9) to 9/22/25 – motion passed all in favor
• Continued hearing for 111 Old Sawmill Road (BCC#25-10) to 9/22/25 – motion passed all in favor
• Approved Order of Conditions for single‑family home on Lot 6 Jensen Street (BCC#25-13) – motion passed all in favor
• Approved Order of Conditions for single‑family home on Lot 7 Jensen Street (BCC#25-14) – motion passed all in favor
• Issued Negative Determination Box 1 and Box 6 for duplex at Lot 117 Amherst Road (BCC#25-15) – motions passed all in favor
• Issued Negative Determination Box 3 and Box 6 for tree removal at 51 Lake Drive (BCC#25-16) – motions passed all in favor
• Approved Certificates of Compliance for 35 Lake Drive, 50 Green Ave, 8 Pheasant Run, and 460 George Hannum Street – motions passed all in favor
• Approved payment of SS Mileage ($110) and FY26 MSMCP Dues ($20) – motion passed all in favor

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation will review meeting minutes, payables, and security matters. It will also discuss development status, including BRISA progress, marketing, and parcel updates, with a possible executive session for pending proposals.

• Review of payables and budget matters
• Discussion of security issues
• Development status update: BRISA progress against milestones, Marketing, Parcel B, Parcel D, Power Plant removal
• Possible executive session under MGL Chapter 30A, Section 2.1 Subsection 6

The board adopted the minutes from the August 6 executive meeting (5‑0‑0), the August 20 regular meeting (4‑0‑1), and the August 20 executive meeting (4‑0‑1). It approved a $5,500 payment to Ed Go for brush‑hogging work, with a unanimous 5‑0‑0 vote. The meeting was then adjourned at 7:04 p.m. by a 5‑0‑0 vote.

• Adopted minutes from August 6 executive meeting (5‑0‑0)
• Adopted minutes from August 20 regular meeting (4‑0‑1)
• Adopted minutes from August 20 executive meeting (4‑0‑1)
• Approved $5,500 payment to Ed Go for brush‑hogging (5‑0‑0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:04 p.m. (5‑0‑0)

Agricultural Commission

The Agricultural Commission will meet to coordinate winter events, including a 'Farmer meet Great' event, and discuss the Ag Disposal By-Law. The body will also consider a letter of support for Kayla Busse Agricultural Education.

• Discussion of Ag Disposal By-Law
• Letter of Support for Kayla Busse Agricultural Education
• Planning for winter event 'Farmer meet Great'
• Coordination of a social media page with the Town’s Media Director
• Review of June 4th, 2025 meeting minutes

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School Committee will meet to attend a Selectboard meeting. The primary agenda item is a discussion with Joe Shea, the Trust Administrator from the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust.

• Discussion with Joe Shea, Trust Administrator from Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust

The committee met on September 2, 2025 at Lawrence Memorial Hall. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. and adjourned at 8:02 p.m. No formal actions, approvals, or denials were recorded; only a presentation on insurance claim costs was discussed.

Select Board

The Select Board will discuss the potential closure of Cold Spring School and review a one-day liquor license application for McCarthy’s Pub. The board will also hear from the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust regarding premium increases.

• Potential closure of Cold Spring School
• One-day liquor license application for McCarthy’s Pub
• Warrant #2607 for $1,861,911.57 and Warrant #2608 for $2,092,391.31
• Discussion on signage placement on town property
• Executive session regarding real estate at 6&8 Berkshire Ave, Tadgell, and Cold Spring School

The Board voted 5‑0‑0 to grant McCarthy’s Pub a one‑day liquor license for the Fair weekend, September 18‑20, 2025, from 3 PM to midnight each day. A motion allowing the Chair to approve just‑in‑time signage for six months passed 4‑0‑1. The Board also adopted the temporary sign‑placement form by a 5‑0‑0 vote and entered executive session to discuss real‑estate matters, also 5‑0‑0.

• Approved one‑day liquor license for McCarthy’s Pub (5‑0‑0)
• Authorized Chair to approve just‑in‑time signs for six months (4‑0‑1)
• Adopted temporary sign‑placement form (5‑0‑0)
• Entered executive session to consider real‑estate matters (5‑0‑0)

Finance Committee

The Belchertown Finance Committee will hold an in-person meeting with remote access options due to elevator maintenance at Town Hall. The committee will attend the Select Board meeting and then adjourn. No substantive decisions or discussions are listed on the agenda.

The committee heard a presentation on rising medication costs and financial strain at the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust. Members asked questions about reserves, audit timing, and accounting methods. No formal actions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

Housing Authority

The Belchertown Housing Authority will meet to approve minutes, review financials, and discuss a proposal to change its regular meeting schedule from monthly to quarterly. The meeting will also include reports on property management and facilities, along with a tenant organization session.

• Approval of minutes
• Review of financials and warrants
• Proposal to move meetings to quarterly
• Property manager and vacancy reports
• Tenant organization session

McPherson Sensory Garden Committee

The McPherson Sensory Garden Committee will meet to review available funds, discuss and vote on grant requests for trees, picnic tables, and benches, and plan future work. The meeting is procedural with no major policy decisions expected.

• Vote on grants for trees, picnic tables, and benches
• Review of available funds and invoices/reimbursements
• Discussion of CPA Grant funds
• List future work needed for the garden

Capital Improvement Planning Committee

The Capital Improvement Planning Committee will meet to approve past minutes, reorganize seat assignments, and review the status of approved FY26 capital projects. The group will also discuss revising the capital request submission form and the 5-year planning format.

• Approve minutes from June 20 and July 16, 2025
• Re-organize committee seat assignments
• Review status of approved FY26 capital projects
• Revise capital request submission form
• Discuss 5-year planning format

The committee approved the amended June 18 minutes (2‑0‑1) and the July 16 minutes (2‑0‑1). Members voted to reorganize the committee, keeping Eric Weiss as Chair, Eric Bernardin as Vice‑Chair and Mike Hofler as temporary Clerk (3‑0‑0). Weiss was tasked with revising the Capital Request Form and submitting it to the Town Manager within a week. Review of FY26 capital projects was deferred to a future meeting.

• Approved amended June 18 minutes (2-0-1)
• Approved July 16 minutes (2-0-1)
• Reorganized committee: Weiss Chair, Bernardin Vice‑Chair, Hofler Clerk (3-0-0)
• Assigned Weiss to revise and submit Capital Request Form
• Deferred FY26 capital project review

Planning Board

The Planning Board will meet to discuss two Acting Noticing of Record (ANR) applications for land subdivisions. The meeting also includes standard reports and the approval of minutes and bills.

• ANR review for George Hannum Road #494, Map 242, Lot 3 (Applicant: Champagne-Hill)
• ANR review for Old Bay Road #12, Map 105, Lot 3 (Applicant: Boyce)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and provide a conflict of interest update. The body will hold a round table discussion regarding priorities for fiscal year 2026.

• Round table discussion on FY 2026 priorities
• Approval of July 23rd meeting minutes

The commission approved the July 23rd meeting minutes. Heidi Christen was assigned to lead a task force and contact the Historical Association for a proposed Belchertown Music Festival. Jill will submit a list of endangered historic monuments that need renovation or preservation. The commission decided to have John Freeman’s name carved on the town War Memorial this fall, with a contractor identified and a ceremony date to be set.

• Approved July 23rd meeting minutes
• Heidi Christen tasked to lead music‑festival task force and contact Historical Association
• Jill assigned to submit list of endangered historic monuments for preservation
• John Freeman’s name to be carved on the town War Memorial this fall

Board of Assessors

The Belchertown Board of Assessors will vote on several tax-related items, including a supplemental tax bill, preliminary FY2026 real estate tax bill, and lien releases for two properties. They will also review motor vehicle excise abatements and exemptions, and discuss new business such as a FY26 valuation update and a request to release overlay funds.

• Schedule of Bills Payable: $578.69
• FY2025 Supplemental Tax Bill #02: Real Estate $4,929.28, CPA $72.32
• Apportionment of Prelim. FY2026 Real Estate Tax Bill #5574
• Ch. 61 Lien Release – 285 Granby Road
• Revised Ch. 61B Lien – 423 Rockrimmon Street

The Assessors voted 2‑0 to release $100,000 from the town’s overlay account for fiscal year 2026. They also unanimously (2‑0) approved motor‑vehicle excise abatements for four owners who are 100% disabled under the Hero Act and denied a separate abatement request for Honda Lease Trust. In executive session the Board unanimously (2‑0) granted FY26 exemption applications to a list of qualified residents.

• Released $100,000 from overlay account for FY26 (2‑0)
• Approved motor‑vehicle excise abatements for four disabled owners (2‑0)
• Denied Honda Lease Trust motor‑vehicle excise abatement (2‑0)
• Approved FY22 July 22 meeting minutes (2‑0)
• Granted FY26 exemption applications to listed residents (2‑0)

Communications Committee

The Communications Committee will meet to discuss the use of AI in Belchertown government and the creation of digital roles within committees. The body will also review the town newsletter, the Belchertown.org website, and the town warrant.

• AI in Belchertown Government
• Creating a Digital Role in Committees
• Communication Plan
• Gateway Sign
• Town Newsletter and Belchertown.org

Board of Health

The Belchertown Board of Health will meet in person at Lawrence Memorial Hall to discuss health license violations and a public health nurse vacancy. The board will also review and approve past meeting minutes and sign warrants.

• Guest speaker: John C. Briggs, Pioneer Valley Mosquito Control District
• Non-compliance with frozen dessert license at Anthony D’Amato/Chubby’s (2 Stadler Street)
• Non-compliance with frozen dessert license at Ioannis Gertsios/Krispy’s (146 State Street)
• Public Health Nurse job vacancy and position review
• Review and approval of July 28, 2025 meeting minutes

The Board approved a motion to draft a proposal recommending that Belchertown join the Pioneer Valley Mosquito Control District with an annual membership fee of $5,250, with a unanimous 4‑0‑0 vote. The Board also accepted the July 28, 2025 meeting minutes and voted to adjourn the meeting at 7:35 PM, each by unanimous consent. Staff were instructed to correct a missing page on the online kratom regulations and to prepare a letter to Krispy’s Restaurant about pending bacterial testing requirements.

• Approved motion to draft proposal recommending town join Pioneer Valley Mosquito Control District, $5,250 fee (4-0-0)
• Accepted July 28, 2025 Board of Health meeting minutes (4-0-0)
• Approved adjournment of meeting at 7:35 PM (4-0-0)
• Directed staff to correct missing page on kratom regulations website (no vote recorded)
• Planned staff letter to Krispy’s Restaurant regarding frozen dessert permit pending bacterial test results (no vote recorded)

Fair Committee

The Fair Committee is meeting to discuss preparations for the fair weekend, including security coordination with police and fire chiefs. The body will review equipment needs, setup schedules, and decorations for the Common and Main Street.

• Meeting with police and fire chiefs regarding the Common and Parade
• Purchase of a metal detector
• Setup schedule for post holes at the north end of the pulling area
• Food options for DPW on September 17
• Procurement of corn stalks and hay for fair weekend

Finance Committee

The Belchertown Finance Committee will meet to decide whether to add Richard Kowal as a member and discuss healthcare premiums for county employees. The group will also organize its internal structure and review minutes from a prior joint meeting.

• Vote on Richard Kowal’s LOI to join the Finance Committee
• Review Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust healthcare premiums

The committee voted unanimously to add Richard Kowal to the Finance Committee for a three‑year term. A motion was presented to appoint Ms. Shea as Chair, Mr. Mike McMorrow as Vice Chair, and Mr. Kowal as Secretary, but the minutes do not record a vote outcome. The committee also discussed the projected $915,000 increase in town employee health‑care premiums and school facility issues, with follow‑up planned for future meetings.

• Added Richard Kowal to Finance Committee for a three‑year term (unanimous)

Family Center Committee

The Belchertown Family Center Town Committee will meet to discuss a storage update and launch of a community closet, plan Q3/Q4 events, and outline an approach to request support from the SelectBoard and Town Manager. The meeting includes standard procedural items like approving minutes and a treasurer’s report.

• Storage Update/Community Closet Launch
• Events for Q3 and Q4: Farmers’ Markets, Lake Wallace Fall Fest, Kids’ Craft Fair, Halloween Costume Swap, Winter Swap Event
• Plan for Approach to SelectBoard and Town Manager: Support from Town Staff, Facilities and Space, Support from Community

Energy and Sustainability Committee

The committee will meet to receive reports from subcommittees focused on transportation, BCEC, and public outreach and education. The meeting also includes time for appointments and upcoming events.

• Transportation subcommittee report
• BCEC subcommittee report
• Public Outreach/Education subcommittee report

The Energy & Sustainability Committee approved the minutes of the July meeting by unanimous vote. A motion to adjourn the August 21 meeting also passed unanimously. No other formal votes or approvals were recorded; the remaining items were discussion or planning actions.

• Approved July meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation will review prior meeting minutes, discuss payables and a MassDev memorandum of agreement, and hold elections for officers. A public update on the BRISA project, including Parcel D and power plant removal, is scheduled with Hammad Graham.

• Review of prior meeting minutes and additions to agenda
• Discussion of payables, budget, and MassDev MOA review
• Election of officers for the corporation
• Public update on BRISA progress, Marketing, Parcel D, and Power Plant removal with Hammad Graham

The meeting adopted the corrected minutes from August 6 (5‑0‑0). Members voted to reorganize leadership, naming Stephens as Chairperson (4‑0‑1) and Spiegel as Vice‑Chairperson (4‑0‑1), with Maroney continuing as Treasurer. The board approved a survey of an approximately 30,000 sq ft parcel from Parcel 250‑58 (5‑0‑0). The regular meeting was adjourned by voice vote (5‑0‑0).

• Adopted corrected August 6 minutes (5-0-0)
• Nominated Kirk Stephens as Chairperson (4-0-1)
• Nominated Jonathan Spiegel as Vice‑Chairperson (4-0-1)
• Confirmed Beth Maroney continues as Treasurer
• Approved survey of ~30,000 sq ft lot from Parcel 250‑58 (5-0-0)
• Adjourned regular meeting (voice vote 5-0-0)

Belchertown Overcoming Adversity Together

The Belchertown Overcoming Adversity Together (BOAT) group will review recent community outreach and plan upcoming events. The body will discuss updates regarding the Opioid Settlement Fund Committee and public health initiatives.

• National Fentanyl Prevention Pop-Up on 8/21/2025 at Belchertown Common
• IOAD Candle Light Vigil on 8/28/2025 at Belchertown Common
• Recovery Fair on 9/17/2025 at Granville Park Pavilion
• Updates on Opioid Settlement Fund Committee
• Updates on Drug Free Communities and Helping Hands action planning

The Belchertown Overcoming Adversity Together (BOAT) meeting was held on August 20, 2025 at Town Hall. Attendees reviewed recent and upcoming community events, health updates, and committee reports. No formal actions, approvals, or votes were recorded; the meeting concluded with scheduling the next meeting for September 17, 2025.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a hearing regarding a building permit denial. The board will also review meeting minutes from March 19, 2025.

• Hearing for Robert J. Barry regarding a building permit appeal for 240 Munsell Street (Map 214 Parcel 1)

The Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to continue the appeal of the 240 Munsell Street permit decision to October 15, 2025. The board also unanimously approved the minutes from the March 19, 2025 meeting. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved continuance to Oct 15, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved March 19, 2025 minutes (unanimous)

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School Committee will hold a retreat to discuss School Committee goals, the FY26 budget, and consolidation or regionalization. The meeting will be held in-person at Chestnut Hill Community School.

• School Committee Goals (Discussion/Action)
• FY26 Budget (Discussion)
• Consolidation/Regionalization (Action/Discussion)
• FY27 Budget (Discussion)
• Public comment period

Select Board

The Select Board will discuss healthcare insurance budgeting and review a Zoning Board of Appeal application for 240 Munsell Street. The board is also considering the endorsement of final documents for the sale of the Franklin School property.

• Endorsement of final documents for sale of Franklin School property
• Endorsement of Warrants #2605 ($658,351.99) and #2606 ($849,247.02)
• Review of Zoning Board of Appeal application for 240 Munsell Street
• Draft Complete Streets Policy presentation
• Executive session regarding real estate at 6&8 Berkshire Ave, Tadgell, and Cold Spring School

The Board unanimously endorsed four Community Preservation grant agreements, approved the Complete Streets Policy, appointed election workers, adopted a mileage reimbursement policy, and authorized several community actions including a fire department parade donation, fair signage, and the sale of the Franklin School property to Robert Mileski. It also upheld a zoning appeal decision, appointed a member to the Willard Stebbins Trust Fund, supported a DAR proclamation, and accepted the town’s Goals and Objectives.

• Endorsed four Community Preservation grant agreements (McPherson Garden, Tri‑Lakes Aquatic Restoration, Firefighters Museum, New England Small Farm Institute) – 4-0-0
• Approved the Belchertown Complete Streets Policy – 4-0-0
• Appointed election workers for Sep 2025‑Aug 31 2026 term – 4-0-0
• Adopted employee Travel Mileage Reimbursement Policy effective July 1 2025 – 4-0-0
• Allowed Belchertown Fire Department to solicit donations and parade participation Sep 20 2025 – 4-0-0
• Authorized Fair Committee to place 25 flyer signs, electronic signs, and a 4 × 8 sign on Town property – 4-0-0
• Uphold Planning Board’s decision not to grant appeal for 240 Munsell Street – 4-0-0
• Endorsed final documents for sale of Franklin School property to Robert Mileski – 4-0-0

Cultural Council

The Belchertown Cultural Council will meet to determine funding priorities for 2026 grants. The body will also receive updates on the Creative Economy, Radically Rural, and the Functional Sculpture Project.

• 2026 Grant Funding Priorities
• Functional Sculpture Project
• Belchertown Creative Economy Update
• Winter Light Night Planning
• Food Truck Fridays

Planning Board

The Belchertown Planning Board will hold an in-person meeting at Lawrence Memorial Hall to review two petitions: a zoning bylaw amendment recommendation for 240 Munsell Street and an ANR (Approval Not Required) petition for George Hannum Road #494. The meeting will also include routine items such as minutes approval, bills, and reports from the Town Planner and members.

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment recommendation for 240 Munsell St., Map 214, Lot 1
• ANR petition for George Hannum Road #494, Map 242, Lot 3

The board voted 5‑0‑0 to recommend that the Zoning Board of Appeals deny Robert Barry’s appeal regarding parcel 214‑1 on Munsell Street. It also approved the July 8, 2025 minutes by a 5‑0‑0 vote and then adjourned the meeting.

• Recommend ZBA deny Robert Barry appeal (5-0-0)
• Approve July 8, 2025 minutes (5-0-0)
• Adjourn meeting (5-0-0)

Lake Committee

The Lake Committee will meet to vote on previous minutes and review a CPA Grant Agreement. The body will discuss aquatic plant management, including mat removal at Lake Metacomet and the closure of Lake Holland.

• CPA Grant Agreement
• Mat removal at Lake Metacomet
• Lake Holland Closure
• TriLakes Update
• Open positions on Lake Committee

The Lakes Committee unanimously accepted the minutes from the June 10, 2025 meeting. It approved the CPA Grant agreements to be signed by Chair K. Smith and forwarded to the selectboard. The committee also accepted Water & Wetland's cost estimates for treatment of all three lakes next year. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Accepted June 10, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved CPA Grant agreements for Chair signature and forwarding to selectboard (unanimous)
• Accepted Water & Wetland treatment cost estimates for all three lakes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The Belchertown Finance Committee will meet to discuss the financial impacts of healthcare insurance and budgeting options with the Select Board, Finance Committee, and School Committee. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School Committee will meet in-person at Belchertown High School to discuss healthcare insurance financial impacts and budgeting options with the Finance Committee and Selectboard. The meeting will also include a public comment period.

• Discussion with Finance Committee and Selectboard regarding Healthcare Insurance Financial Impacts and Budgeting Options
• Public Comment session
• Meeting location: Belchertown High School, Auditorium, 142 Springfield Road
• Meeting time: 6:00 p.m.
• Remote attendance available via GoToMeeting

The Belchertown School Committee held its regular meeting on August 11, 2025 at the Belchertown High School auditorium. The agenda listed vision and mission statements and a discussion with the Finance Committee and Selectboard on healthcare insurance impacts. The minutes do not record any approvals, denials, votes, or other formal decisions.

Select Board

The Belchertown Select Board will hold a special meeting to discuss the financial impacts of healthcare insurance and explore budgeting options with the Finance and School Committees.

The Select Board voted 4‑0‑0 to adjourn the special meeting at 8:01 p.m. No formal policy decisions were adopted; the board discussed healthcare insurance costs, school financing options, and a possible closure of Cold Spring School. The board agreed to continue the discussion at a Tri‑Board meeting on September 8 and asked the Town Communications Manager to prepare information for the town website and newspaper.

• Adjourn meeting (4-0-0)
• Continue discussion at Tri‑Board meeting on Sep 8 (decision)
• Request Town Communications Manager to prepare information for website and newspaper (decision)

Conservation Commission

The Belchertown Conservation Commission will meet in person at 7:00 PM on August 11, 2025, at the Lawerance Memorial Town Hall Auditorium to continue reviewing three Notices of Intent for residential construction and additions. The meeting also includes routine items such as bills, minutes approval, enforcement updates, and requests for Certificates of Compliance on several properties.

• Notice of Intent BCC #25-9 for 34 Doe Hollow (addition to single-family home)
• Notice of Intent BCC #25-10 for 111 Old Sawmill (construction of single-family home)
• Notice of Intent BCC #25-11 for 211 East Street (home addition)
• Requests for Certificates of Compliance for 24 Azalea Way, Norwottuck Rail Trail, 17 Tucker Lane, and 50 Green Ave
• Enforcement review for North Liberty Street (across from 268 North Liberty)

The Commission voted to approve the home addition at 211 East Street and to issue a partial Certificate of Compliance for 24 Azalea Way, a full Certificate of Compliance for the Norwottuck Rail Trail, and a partial Certificate of Compliance for 17 Tucker Lane. It also continued the hearings for the 34 Doe Hollow and 111 Old Sawmill Road projects to the September 8 meeting. The Commission authorized payment of the mileage bill and adopted the meeting minutes.

• Approved 211 East St home addition with Order of Conditions (all in favor)
• Issued partial Certificate of Compliance for 24 Azalea Way (vote 4-0-1)
• Issued full Certificate of Compliance for Norwottuck Rail Trail (all in favor)
• Issued partial Certificate of Compliance for 17 Tucker Lane (all in favor)
• Continued hearing on 34 Doe Hollow addition to next meeting (all in favor)
• Continued hearing on 111 Old Sawmill Road construction to next meeting (all in favor)
• Authorized payment of mileage bill $86.88 (all in favor)
• Adopted meeting minutes as amended (all in favor)

Fair Committee

The Fair Committee is meeting to discuss preparations for the upcoming fair weekend and the August 25 parade. The body will coordinate with police and fire chiefs and plan equipment and decoration logistics.

• Coordination with police and fire chiefs regarding the August 25 parade
• Procurement of corn stalks and hay for Fair weekend
• Purchase of a metal detector
• Setup schedule for post holes at the north end of the pulling area
• Food options for DPW on September 17

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School Committee is meeting for a special session focused on negotiations. The primary purpose is to conduct a collective bargaining session with Unit A (Teachers).

• Collective bargaining session with Unit A (Teachers)

Branding Belchertown Committee

The committee will meet to discuss the status of digitizing the town seal with the Town Clerk. Members will decide on next steps for the seal and discuss a potential plan to dissolve the committee.

• Town seal digitization status and next steps
• Committee dissolution plan

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Economic Development and Industrial Corporation will discuss budget reviews and the election of officers. The board will also review the status of several development projects and security.

• Budget review and payables
• Election of officers
• Development status of BRISA, Parcel D, and Power Plant removal
• Marketing review
• Security discussion

The board approved a motion requesting MassDevelopment to initiate a process to clarify the contract with SR Commercial Real Estate Agency because the board is dissatisfied with the agency's performance. The motion passed unanimously (5‑0‑0). The board also approved appointing William Terry as an associate member and Emeritus Chair Advisor (4‑0‑0) and approved a $5,500 quote for brush‑hogging services (4‑0‑0).

• Request MassDevelopment to clarify SR Commercial contract – approved 5-0-0
• Approve appointment of William Terry as associate member and Emeritus Chair Advisor – approved 4-0-0
• Approve $5,500 brush‑hogging quote from Ed Go – approved 4-0-0
• Adjourn regular session and enter executive session – approved 5-0-0
• Adjourn executive meeting – approved 5-0-0

Historic District By-Law Commission

The commission is meeting to approve minutes from the June 18, 2025, meeting. The agenda consists of procedural boilerplate regarding the approval of records.

• Approval of June 18, 2025, meeting minutes
• Approval of one person meeting minutes by the chairperson

The Historic District By‑Law Commission voted to approve the minutes from the June 18 meeting, passing 4‑0‑0. It also approved a change allowing future minutes to be approved by the chair alone, also passing 4‑0‑0. No other actions were taken.

• Approved June 18 meeting minutes (4-0-0)
• Approved chair‑only minutes approval (4-0-0)

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School Committee is meeting for a special session focused on negotiations. The primary purpose is to conduct a collective bargaining session with Unit B (Administrative Assistants).

• Collective bargaining session with Unit B (Administrative Assistants)

Select Board

The Select Board will hold a public hearing regarding the premises of Gold Big Kio LLC (Kansai) and vote on the sale of the Franklin School. The board is also reviewing a final plan for the Tax Work-Off Program and warrants totaling over $2 million.

• Endorsement of Purchase and Sales Agreement for sale of Franklin School
• Final plan approval for Tax Work-Off Program
• Warrants #2603 ($1,048,607.07) and #2604 ($975,060.62)
• Public hearing for alteration of premises for Gold Big Kio LLC d/b/a Kansai
• Endorsement of Order of Taking for Hickory Hill Subdivision Easements

The Board approved the purchase agreement to sell the former Franklin School at 720 Franklin Street to Robert Mileski for $150,300. It also approved a liquor‑license amendment for Gold Big Koi LLC, adopted a public‑comment period for future meetings, and denied a request for food‑truck use of public space. Additional actions included endorsing the Hickory Hill easement, approving fair‑lot usage, and setting policies for the Tax Work‑Off program.

• Approved sale of former Franklin School to Robert Mileski for $150,300 (5-0-0)
• Approved liquor‑license amendment for Gold Big Koi LLC d/b/a Kansai (5-0-0)
• Adopted public comment period limited to two minutes per person, ten minutes total (5-0-0)
• Endorsed order of taking and drainage easement for Hickory Hill Subdivision (5-0-0)
• Approved fair‑lot usage: lower lot for fair, upper lot for Mill Valley Snowmobile Club (5-0-0)
• Denied food‑truck vendor request until policy is developed (5-0-0)
• Approved Tax Work‑Off program proxies for family members (5-0-0)
• Approved limit of one Tax Work‑Off application per household, up to $1,000 (5-0-0)

Select Board

The Select Board is holding a special meeting to discuss and take action on goals and objectives for Fiscal Year 2026.

• Discussion and action on FY-26 Goals and Objectives

The Select Board reached consensus that Town Manager Williams will update the Goals & Objectives document quarterly. A motion to recess the meeting for 20 minutes passed 5‑0‑0. The board then moved to adjourn, which also passed 5‑0‑0. Remaining goals will be discussed at the August 4, 2025 meeting.

• Town Manager to update Goals & Objectives quarterly (consensus)
• Recess 20 minutes (5-0-0)
• Adjourn meeting (5-0-0)
• Continue discussion of remaining goals at August 4 meeting (consensus)

Branding Belchertown Committee

The Branding Belchertown Committee will meet remotely to review updates on the Branding Belchertown Project. The committee is also scheduled to discuss a plan for its own dissolution.

• Branding Belchertown Project updates
• Committee dissolution plan

Historic District By-Law Commission

The commission is meeting to review and approve minutes from a previous meeting and a one-person meeting.

• Approval of June 18, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approval of one person meeting minutes by the chairperson

School Committee and School Councils

The School Committee will meet to decide on enrollment projections, a TMS bid, and district goals. The body will also consider appointments for a school physician, harassment officer, and attendance officer.

• Discussion and action on enrollment projections
• Discussion and action on TMS Bid
• Appointments for Attendance Officer, Harassment Officer, and School Physician
• Review of school handbooks
• Acceptance of athletic donation from Marilyn Higgins Foundation

The committee approved the TMS bid and authorized the superintendent to sign the contract. Handbooks were adopted with a 4‑0 vote after requested changes. Appointments for a harassment officer, school physician, and attendance officer were approved. The committee also voted to uphold the existing school‑choice seat allocation, denying a special exception.

• Approved TMS bid and authorized contract signing (vote not recorded)
• Adopted revised handbooks (vote 4-0-0)
• Approved appointments: Dr. Shawn Fortin as Harassment Officer, Dr. Kim Dewey as School Physician, Jason Krol as Attendance Officer
• Held to original school‑choice seat vote, denying individual exception
• Discussed enrollment projections using district’s three‑year methodology
• Reviewed elementary class size scenarios for 2026‑27 staffing levels
• Reviewed secondary class size projections for 2026‑27

Board of Health

The Board of Health will discuss a community health needs assessment from Baystate Wing. The board will also address the resignation of Animal Inspector Janet Lipscomb.

• Baystate Wing Community Health needs assessment
• Resignation of Animal Inspector Janet Lipscomb
• Review of June 11, 2025 meeting minutes
• Warrant signed by K. Elstein on 6/30/25 for $146.23

The Board voted 3‑0‑0 to amend the June 11, 2025 minutes, changing the record to state Belchertown was the first town to enact Kratom regulations. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous 3‑0‑0 vote. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Amended June 11, 2025 minutes to say Belchertown was the first town to enact Kratom regulations (3-0-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (3-0-0)

Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Committee

The Opioid Settlement Funds Advisory Committee will discuss funding updates for various community programs and evaluate new project options. The body is also considering the appointment of a committee single signatory.

• Guest presentation by Emily Devlin from Art Pharmacy program
• Funding updates for Drug Free Communities, BOAT, BPS, and Honest Beginnings
• Report on Jabish Brook After School program funding from 9/24 to 5/25
• Discussion of anticipated costs for Clapp Library resource meeting activity
• Review of project options for social worker models, mobile harm reduction, and transportation

The Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Committee heard a presentation on the Art Pharmacy Program and reviewed updates on grant funding and existing projects. Members unanimously approved Gail Gramarossa as the single signatory for approving payments from the fund. The committee announced a free resource gathering at Clapp Memorial Library on August 15, and set the next meeting for September 22, 2025.

• Approved Gail Gramarossa as single signatory for fund payments (unanimous)
• Scheduled free resource gathering at Clapp Memorial Library for Aug 15, 3‑5 pm

Housing Authority

The Board of Commissioners will meet to review financial reports, including warrants and write-offs. The board will also discuss property manager reports on unit vacancies and tenant receivables.

• Approval of warrant reports
• Review of Write-off Report
• Unit Vacancy Reports
• Tenant Account Receivables
• Cancellation of RCAT

McPherson Sensory Garden Committee

The McPherson Sensory Garden Committee will meet to review available funds and CPA Grant funds. The body will discuss and vote on grant requests for trees, picnic tables, and benches.

• Vote on grant requests for trees, picnic tables, and benches
• Review of available funds and CPA Grant funds
• Review of invoices and reimbursements

Age & Dementia Friendly Implementation Group

The group will meet to approve minutes from April 23, 2025, and discuss the AARP Community Challenge Grant. The meeting will also include a discussion on new project ideas.

• AARP Community Challenge Grant
• Discussion of new project ideas

The Age & Dementia Friendly Implementation Group unanimously approved the April 25, 2025 minutes and then adjourned. Members were assigned follow‑up tasks, including Ms. Langlois contacting AARP about the grant and scheduling a memory café meeting with Fallon Health.

• Approved April 25, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will meet to welcome a new associate member and discuss priorities for fiscal year 2026. The body will also address a support letter request for Preservation Massachusetts.

• Welcome of Heidi Christen as an Associate member
• Preservation Massachusetts Support letter request
• Round table discussion on FY 2026 priorities

The Historical Commission approved the minutes from the June 24 meeting. A request for a Preservation Massachusetts support letter was approved, with Ange and Jill tasked to deliver it to Emily Dominijanni. Heidi Christen was welcomed as an associate member and the commission assigned members to work on document organization and trail‑wayfinding funding research.

• Approved June 24th minutes
• Approved Preservation Massachusetts support letter request (Ange & Jill to provide to Emily Dominijanni)
• Welcomed Heidi Christen as an associate member
• Assigned Susan, Ange, and Heidi to organize and retain Town Hall Historical Commission documentation
• Tasked Jennifer Turner with obtaining funding information for trail wayfinding signs

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will meet to approve previous minutes and receive reports from the Executive Director and the town liaison. The meeting includes an update regarding the BSCCA.

• Approval of June 25, 2025 Advisory Board minutes
• Executive Director's Report by Jessica Langlois
• BSCCA Update regarding July 1st
• Comments from Liaison Nicole Miner

The board approved the minutes from the previous meeting and accepted the director’s report. Members voted to include a request for holiday gift donations in the September newsletter as part of a Giving Tree fundraiser. The meeting was then formally closed.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (by members present)
• Accepted director’s report (by all members)
• Agreed to request Giving Tree holiday gifts in September newsletter
• Closed the meeting (by all members)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will vote on motor vehicle excise warrants, abatements, and tax bill apportionments. The body will also discuss an assessor vacancy and a Chapter 61 appeal. An executive session is scheduled to review FY2026 property tax exemption applications.

• 2025 Motor Vehicle Excise Warrant & Commitment #4 for $120,474.01
• Tax bill apportionments for Aldrich St., George Hannum St., and Boardman St.
• Chapter 61A Penalty Rollback Tax with Lien Release for Cold Spring Street ($1,253.51)
• Motor Vehicle Excise Exemption Applications under the HERO Act and Blind Exemption
• Discussion of Belchertown Day School amended PILOT agreement

The Board approved an amendment to the PILOT agreement with Belchertown Day School to shift the invoice date to January. It granted several motor‑vehicle‑excise abatements and a blindness exemption, each unanimously (2‑0). The Board agreed to hire Attorney Rose Crowley to appeal the Chapter 61 forest‑management classification of parcel 257‑41. In executive session, the Board unanimously (2‑0) approved FY26 tax‑exemption applications for a list of property owners.

• Approved amendment to PILOT agreement with Belchertown Day School (invoice date change)
• Approved minutes of June 24, 2025 meeting (2-0)
• Abated motor vehicle excise bills for disabled owners (unanimous 2-0)
• Granted MVE exemption to Mark Paquette (unanimous 2-0)
• Agreed to hire Attorney Rose Crowley to appeal Chapter 61 classification of parcel 257-41
• Granted FY26 tax exemption applications to listed owners (unanimous 2-0)
• Scheduled next Board meeting for August 26 at 5:30 p.m.
• Moved to executive session and adjourned (2-0)

Select Board

The Select Board will conduct public hearings regarding poles on Warren Wright Street, North Washington Street, Jabish Street, and North Liberty Street. The board will also consider endorsing three warrants for payments totaling $2,586,445.63. Other business includes discussing signs on the Town Common and goals and objectives.

• Pole Hearing #2026-01, Warren Wright Street
• Pole Hearing #2026-02, North Washington Street
• Pole Hearing #2026-03, Jabish Street
• Pole Hearing #2026-04, North Liberty Street
• Endorsement of Warrants #2554 ($280,991.50), #2555 ($436,371.19), and #2602 ($1,869,082.94)

The Select Board approved the minutes from the June 16 and July 7 meetings. It authorized new utility poles on Warren Wright Street, Jabish Street, and North Liberty Street, while taking no action on the North Washington Street request. The Board also approved a sign for the Belchertown Community Band on the Town Common. The meeting was adjourned at 7:42 p.m.

• Approved June 16, 2025 minutes (4-0-0)
• Approved July 7, 2025 minutes (3-0-1)
• Approved pole installation on Warren Wright Street (4-0-0)
• No action taken on North Washington Street pole request (tabled)
• Approved pole installation on Jabish Street (4-0-0)
• Approved pole installation on North Liberty Street (4-0-0)
• Approved Belchertown Community Band sign on Town Common for events (4-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0-0)

Recreation Committee

The Parks and Recreation Committee will meet to discuss ongoing projects and seasonal events. The agenda includes updates on pickleball, the Lake Wallace Fall Fest, and a survey.

• Pickleball update
• Lake Wallace Fall Fest
• Survey update
• Nominating Committee Positions
• Summer Program and Food Truck Friday reports

The committee could not approve the May 15, 2025 minutes because there was no quorum. It then elected new officers, with each nomination passing unanimously (3‑0‑0). The meeting was formally adjourned after a motion passed unanimously (4‑0‑0).

• May 15 minutes not approved (no quorum)
• Elected Tilo as Chairperson (3-0-0)
• Elected Bill as Vice Chairperson (3-0-0)
• Elected Josh as Clerk (3-0-0)
• Elected Donny as CPC Representative (3-0-0)
• Elected Bryan as Pickleball Liaison (3-0-0)
• Elected Josh, Bill, and Bryan to Conduct Board (each 3-0-0)
• Motion to adjourn passed (4-0-0)

Energy and Sustainability Committee

The committee will receive reports from its transportation, BCEC, and public outreach subcommittees. Members will also discuss potential projects, new membership submissions, and a Trash Gala.

• Reports from Transportation subcommittee
• Reports from BCEC subcommittee
• Reports from Public Outreach/Education subcommittee
• Discussion of new membership submissions
• Discussion of Trash Gala

The committee approved the June meeting minutes. It voted to recommend Sam Hunt and Rich Prater for associate member positions and forward the recommendation to the Select Board. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved June meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Approved recommendation to add Sam Hunt and Rich Prater as associate members (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous vote)

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Economic Development and Industrial Corporation will discuss the status of several development projects and financial matters. The board will also hold an initial discussion regarding the renewal of the MassDevelopment Agent agreement.

• Review of BRISA progress, Marketing, Parcel D, and Power Plant removal
• Initial discussion of MassDevelopment Agent agreement renewal
• Budget review and payables
• Membership reorganization
• Security

Belchertown Overcoming Adversity Together

The BOAT committee will meet to approve minutes and discuss upcoming community events. The group will receive updates on public health, recovery, and the Opioid Settlement Fund Committee.

• Youth Police Academy Training on July 18
• National Night Out on August 5
• Helping Hands Mural Reveal on August 8
• Belchertown Resource Wellness Pop-up at Clapp Library on August 15
• Opioid Settlement Fund Committee updates

Capital Improvement Planning Committee

The committee is meeting to discuss the system used for 5-year planning. Other agenda items are procedural.

• Discussion of system for 5-year planning

The committee approved the June 18, 2025 minutes with a 2‑0‑1 vote. Members reviewed the capital‑project request form and agreed that Mr. Gibbons will prepare a draft of the revised form for the next meeting. The committee also noted that it will reorganize its seats at the next meeting and that the Town Manager needs the finalized form by September for budgeting.

• Approved June 18, 2025 minutes (2-0-1 vote)
• Tasked Mr. Gibbons to draft revised capital‑project request form (no vote)
• Planned re‑organization of committee seats for next meeting
• Identified need to deliver finalized request form to Town Manager by September

Communications Committee

The Communications Committee will meet to discuss the use of AI in Belchertown government and the creation of digital roles within committees. The body will also review the town newsletter, branding, and the Belchertown.org website.

• AI in Belchertown Government
• Creating a Digital Role in Committees
• Communication Plan
• Enhanced Town Warrant
• BCTV Manager Update

The committee approved the May 29 and June 24, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously (5‑0‑0). The communication plan was tabled with no vote recorded. The next meeting was moved to Monday, August 25, 2025 at 7:00 PM and the session was adjourned unanimously (5‑0‑0).

• Approved May 29 2025 minutes (5‑0‑0)
• Approved June 24 2025 minutes (5‑0‑0)
• Tabled communication plan (no vote recorded)
• Rescheduled next meeting to Monday, August 25 2025 at 7:00 PM (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (5‑0‑0)

Fair Committee

The Fair Committee is meeting to coordinate logistics and equipment for the upcoming fair. The body is discussing site cleanup, signage, and facility requests.

• Appointment of Jonathan Ritter as new liaison
• Coordination with Snowmobile Club regarding Common cleanup
• Procurement of dumpsters, light towers, and road signs
• Request to use Old Town Hall
• Common repair and pulling area weights by Hodgen Landscape

The Fair Committee approved the minutes from the June meeting with a unanimous vote. The committee then moved to adjourn, which was also approved unanimously. No other formal votes were recorded during the session.

• Accepted June meeting minutes (unanimous approval)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous approval)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hear three Notices of Intent for residential construction and one Request for Determination of Applicability for tree removal. The body will also review certificates of compliance and utility maintenance notifications.

• Notice of Intent for home addition at 34 Doe Hollow
• Notice of Intent for single-family home construction at 111 Old Sawmill
• Notice of Intent for home addition at 211 East Street
• Request for Determination of Applicability for tree removal at 13 Metacomet Street
• Payment of MACC Dues in the amount of $665.00

The Conservation Commission postponed hearings on three Notice of Intent projects (34 Doe Hollow, 111 Old Sawmill Road, 211 East Street) to the August 11 meeting. It accepted the June 9 and June 23 minutes, approved payment of MACC dues, and issued Certificates of Compliance for 101 Chauncey Walker Street and 404 Allen Street. The commission also issued two Negative Determinations for a tree removal request at 13 Metacomet Street, stating no Notice of Intent is required.

• Continued hearing on BCC#25-9 (34 Doe Hollow) – unanimous
• Continued hearing on BCC#25-10 (111 Old Sawmill Road) – unanimous
• Continued hearing on BCC#25-11 (211 East Street) – unanimous
• Accepted minutes of 6/9/25 and amended minutes of 6/23/25 – unanimous
• Approved payment of MACC dues $665.00 – unanimous
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 101 Chauncey Walker Street – unanimous
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 404 Allen Street – unanimous
• Issued Negative Determination (box three and box five) for tree removal at 13 Metacomet Street – unanimous

Family Center Committee

The Belchertown Family Center Town Committee will meet to discuss operational updates and upcoming programming. The body is reviewing event ideas for the second half of the year and planning their approach to the SelectBoard and Town Manager regarding facilities and staff support.

• Planning for Q3 and Q4 events including Pop Up Playgroups, Farmers’ Markets, and Food Truck Fridays
• Discussion of potential partnership with CES
• Review of registration system and fundraising
• Update on Community Closet, storage, and donations
• Planning for requests to SelectBoard and Town Manager regarding facilities and space

The committee deferred approval of the meeting minutes to the next meeting. A motion to allocate up to $100 for programming materials was passed unanimously (5‑0). The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous motion (5‑0).

• Minutes approval deferred
• Allocate up to $100 for programming materials (5-0)
• Adjourn meeting (5-0)

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force

The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force will meet to approve previous meeting minutes. The body will discuss a recap of the June 1st Pride Event and address thank you letters.

• June 1st Pride Event recap
• Pride Event thank you letters

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will review and vote on requests to transfer reserve funds. The committee will also discuss and vote on appointing Brian Gibbons to the committee.

• Vote on Reserve funds transfer requests
• Vote on the appointment of Brian Gibbons to the Finance Committee

School Committee and School Councils

The School Committee will meet to discuss strategy regarding collective bargaining or litigation for five employee units. The meeting includes a period for public comment and emergency additions to the agenda.

• Strategy discussion regarding collective bargaining or litigation with Unit A (Teachers), Unit B (Administrative Assistants), Unit C (Custodian), Unit D (Food Service), and Unit E (Paraprofessional)
• Strategy sessions for negotiations with nonunion personnel

The Belchertown School Committee called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and then moved into an executive session. The motion to adjourn into executive session was seconded and approved unanimously with a 4‑0‑0 vote. No other substantive actions were recorded.

• Entered executive session (vote 4-0-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a continued public hearing regarding revised subdivision regulations. The board will also review three After-the-Fact (ANR) plan applications.

• Continued Public Hearing: Revised Subdivision Regulations
• ANR: 681 George Hannum Rd., Map 241, Lot 18.02 (Applicant: Downing)
• ANR: 577 No. Gulf Rd., Map 202, Lot 18.01 (Applicant: Woodcock)
• ANR: Rural St., Map 241, Lot 22 (Applicant: M & G Land Development, LLC)

The Board voted unanimously to adopt the revised subdivision regulations drafted on June 14, 2025. It also approved three amendment requests (ANRs) that reconfigure lots for James & Amy Downing, Hilary Woodcock, and M & G Land Development. The minutes from the June 24, 2025 meeting were approved, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved revised subdivision regulations (5-0-0)
• Approved ANR for James & Amy Downing – Map 241, Lot 18.02 (5-0-0)
• Endorsed ANR for Hilary Woodcock – Map 202, Lot 18.01 (5-0-0)
• Approved ANR for M & G Land Development – Map 241, Lot 22 (5-0-0)
• Approved minutes of June 24, 2025 (5-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)

Select Board

The Select Board will discuss the final DLS Financial Operations Review report and consider four land donations. The board will also review the Gold Cane Policy and a request to post signs on town property.

• Land donations: Granby Road, North Washington Street, Amherst Road, and Ware Road
• Right of First Refusal for 5 acres at Cold Spring Street
• Endorsement of Warrants #2551 ($4,039,690.79), #2552 ($1,411,491.07), and #2553 ($1,505,307.94)
• Review of Draft Subdivision Regulations
• Executive session regarding Fire Chief's Contract and sale of Franklin School

The Board accepted five donated parcels totaling 33.83 acres for conservation, removing them from the tax rolls. It voted not to exercise the town’s right of first refusal on a 5‑acre Fry property. The Board also approved hiring an Administrative Assistant and adopted a policy prohibiting signs on town property. All four motions passed unanimously (4-0-0).

• Accepted five donated parcels for conservation (4-0-0)
• Declined to exercise right of first refusal on Fry property (4-0-0)
• Approved hiring an Administrative Assistant to fill vacancy (4-0-0)
• Adopted policy prohibiting signs on town property (4-0-0)

Cultural Council

The Belchertown Cultural Council will meet to discuss the Lake Wallace Sculpture and the Belchertown Creative Economy. The body will also vote on storage space and expenditures.

• Lake Wallace Sculpture
• Belchertown Creative Economy Update
• Food Truck Fridays
• Vote on storage space and expenditure
• Discussion of artists to pay

The Cultural Council unanimously approved the June 2025 meeting minutes (5‑0). It also unanimously approved moving the Celebration of Brilliance event from June to September 2025 (5‑0). No other formal votes were recorded.

• Approved June minutes (5-0)
• Moved Celebration of Brilliance to September 2025 (5-0)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will review updates on the Belchertown State School Administration Building project and the Powerhouse chimney. The body will also discuss the potential appointment of associate member Heidi Christen and updates to trails signage.

• Potential new Associate member: Heidi Christen
• Letter of Support for Belchertown State School Administration Building project
• Powerhouse chimney update
• Historic district buildings and Franklin St school discussion
• Trails signage updates

The commission unanimously approved the May 27th meeting minutes. All members present signed in support of and approved the renewal of the commission's website. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved May 27th meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved website renewal (all members in attendance signed support)

Housing Authority

The Board of Commissioners will vote on the BHA Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2026. The meeting also includes reviews of financial reports, unit vacancies, and facility work orders.

• Vote on BHA Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2026
• Review of warrant reports and Treasurer's Report
• Unit Vacancy Reports
• Tenant Account Receivables
• Capital and work order updates

Branding Belchertown Committee

The committee is meeting to review updates on the Branding Belchertown Project and the qualified usage of the new logo. Members will also discuss a plan for the dissolution of the committee.

• Branding Belchertown Project updates
• Qualified usage of new logo
• Committee dissolution plan

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will meet to review the Executive Director's report and receive updates from the BSCCA. The board will also address old business regarding interns and a community-wide event.

• Approval of May 28, 2025 Advisory Board minutes
• Executive Director's Report from Jessica Langlois
• BSCCA update from June 3rd
• Discussion of Community Wide Tag Sale
• Discussion of Easterseals Interns

The board voted to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. A motion to accept the director’s report was also passed. The meeting was formally closed at 10:36 a.m. No new business was considered.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (members present)
• Accepted director’s report (all members)
• Closed the meeting at 10:36 a.m. (all members)

Communications Committee

The Communications Committee will meet to vote on committee roles and discuss the use of AI in Belchertown government. The body will also review the town newsletter, Belchertown.org, and updates from the Branding and Wayfinding committees.

• Vote on Committee Roles
• Discussion on AI in Belchertown Government
• Review of Communication Plan and Town Newsletter
• Updates on Belchertown.org
• Updates from BCTV and Communication Managers

The Communications Committee voted unanimously to appoint Chris Martin as Chair, Ed Comeau as Vice Chair, and Allegra Giovine as Clerk for the next fiscal year. It approved a $960 expenditure for brand‑color and logo updates through the IT budget. The committee also approved Stantec design version 1 for production of wayfinding signs and set the next meeting for July 15, 2025 in the Planning Board Room.

• Approved committee leadership (Chair Chris Martin, Vice Chair Ed Comeau, Clerk Allegra Giovine) unanimously (5-0-0)
• Approved $960 branding updates (brand colors and logos) via IT budget
• Approved Stantec design version 1 for wayfinding sign production
• Set next meeting for July 15, 2025 at Planning Board Room, Town Hall
• Formed AI work groups: short‑term (Chris Martin), long‑term (Lew Louraine, Allegra Giovine), research (Ed Comeau, Emily Laroche)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will vote on several motor vehicle excise warrants and abatements. The board is also scheduled to discuss an assessor vacancy and the FY26 Value Update.

• 2025 Motor Vehicle Excise Warrant & Commitment #3 for $150,594.65
• Revised Ch. 61A Lien for 491 North Liberty Street
• Schedule of Bills Payable for $5,906.24
• Motor Vehicle Excise Exemption Applications (HERO Act) for 2024 Bill #107, 316, 9613
• FY26 Value Update

The Board approved exemptions for Robert Amlaw, Warren Adams, and Scott McAllister from their 2024 motor vehicle excise bills because they are 100% disabled under the Hero Act. The motion to accept the June 10 meeting minutes passed 3‑0. The Board also agreed to adopt a summer meeting schedule, with the next meeting set for July 22 at 5:30 p.m.

• Accepted June 10, 2025 minutes (3-0)
• Exempted Robert Amlaw, Warren Adams, Scott McAllister from 2024 MVE bills (unanimous 2-0)
• Adopted summer meeting schedule; next meeting July 22, 5:30 p.m.

Planning Board

The Planning Board will conduct a continued public hearing regarding revised subdivision regulations. The board will also review a preliminary subdivision plan submitted by Jason Lafleur.

• Preliminary Subdivision Plan for Jason Lafleur
• Continued public hearing on revised subdivision regulations

The board approved the preliminary subdivision plan for Jason Lafleur’s Meeshie Moon Path project, requiring the center line to be shown at two roadway entrances. It also voted to continue the public hearing on revised subdivision regulations to July 8 at 7 p.m. The minutes from the June 10 meeting were approved, and the board adjourned.

• Approved preliminary subdivision plan for Meeshie Moon Path (5-0-0)
• Continued public hearing for revised subdivision regulations to July 8 (5-0-0)
• Approved June 10, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (5-0-0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will discuss the Stormwater Utility Impervious Area Minimum Square Footage and a 3-year OSRP extension. The body will also review requests for certificates of compliance and an emergency tree removal certificate.

• Stormwater Utility Impervious Area Minimum Square Footage discussion
• OSRP Extension for 3 years
• Enforcement action at 22 Clearbrook Drive
• Emergency Certificate for tree removal at 258 Allen St
• Certificates of Compliance for Old Springfield Road and 201 Springfield Road

The Conservation Commission voted unanimously to increase the minimum impervious area counted for the stormwater utility fee from 100 to 300 square feet. It also approved a three‑year extension of the Open Space and Recreation Plan, authorized the chair to sign bills without a quorum for the end of fiscal year 2025, and extended the Lake Arcadia vegetation‑management permit for two years. Certificates of Compliance were issued for three existing permits, and an Emergency Certificate was ratified for tree removal at 258 Allen Street.

• Increase stormwater utility minimum impervious area to 300 sq ft (all in favor)
• Approve three‑year extension of the Open Space and Recreation Plan (all in favor)
• Authorize Chair Edward Knight (or D. Haines) to sign bills without a quorum, temporary (all in favor)
• Extend Lake Arcadia vegetation‑management permit for two years (all in favor)
• Issue Certificates of Compliance for permits #104‑91, #104‑465, #104‑365 (all in favor)
• Ratify Emergency Certificate for tree removal at 258 Allen Street (all in favor)

Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Committee

The Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Committee will discuss the allocation of funds and potential project priorities. The body is deciding on a payment structure for Honest Beginnings and discussing the appointment of a committee single signatory.

• Vote to begin quarterly payments and tracking of funds with Honest Beginnings
• Discussion of Social Worker program model and options
• Review of Art Pharmacy and Mobile Harm Reduction services
• Discussion of local/regional transportation options and Uber availability
• Proposal for a local fund for post-death and other expenses

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force

The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force will meet to review the June 1st Pride event. The body will also discuss an invitation for a Dalai Lama event.

• Recap of June 1st Pride Event
• Discussion of Dalai Lama Event Invitation

Capital Improvement Planning Committee

The committee is meeting to discuss the system for 5-year planning. The meeting also includes the approval of outstanding minutes.

• Discussion of system for 5-year planning

The Capital Improvement Planning Committee approved the minutes from the April 30, 2025 meeting. The motion to approve the minutes was moved by Rick Kowal and passed unanimously with a 4-0 vote. The next meeting is scheduled for July 16 at 4:00 p.m. at Town Hall.

• Approved April 30, 2025 minutes (4-0)

Belchertown Overcoming Adversity Together

The Belchertown Overcoming Adversity Together (BOAT) group is meeting to discuss recent and upcoming community events. The body will also receive updates regarding the Opioid Settlement Fund Committee and various public health initiatives.

• Review of events including SMART Recovery and Community Naloxone Training
• Planning for International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31
• Farmer's Market participation from June 22 to Sept. 14
• Opioid Settlement Fund Committee updates from the MA Municipal Opioid Abatement Conference
• Updates on DART, Recovery, and Harm reduction

The meeting covered recent community events, opioid‑related trainings, and a staffing change with Kim Dewey stepping down and Angela assuming the role on July 1. No votes or formal approvals were documented.

• Kim Dewey stepping down; Angela assumes role effective July 1

Historic District By-Law Commission

The Historic District By-Law Commission will consider a Certificate of Non-Applicability for a property on Park St. The body will also discuss a plan for the commission's chairperson.

• Certificate of Non-Applicability for 32 Park St. submitted by Dakota Richards
• Discussion regarding a go forward plan for the commission chairperson

The Historic District By-Law Commission met on June 18, 2025 with no new applications. Members voted 5‑0‑0 to appoint Sharon Burdick as chair through December 2025. The meeting was then adjourned by a 5‑0‑0 vote on a motion by Sharon Burdick. The commission also assigned members tasks to coordinate printing and update the committee description.

• Appointed Sharon Burdick as chair (through Dec 2025) – approved 5-0-0
• Approved motion to adjourn the meeting – approved 5-0-0

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation

The Economic Development and Industrial Corporation will discuss financial matters and budget reviews. The board will review the progress of BRISA, Parcel D, and the removal of a power plant. The meeting may include an executive session to negotiate pending proposals.

• Budget review and payables
• BRISA progress review
• Parcel D development status
• Power plant removal and planning
• Security discussion

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School District Finance & Budget Subcommittee will meet to review budget updates and consider action on FY25 budget transfers. The meeting also includes the reorganization of the subcommittee.

• FY25 Budget Transfers
• TMS Memorandum- Budget Updates
• Re-Organization of Sub-Committee

The Finance & Budget Subcommittee voted 2-0-0 to nominate Ruby Bansal as chair. A motion to approve the March 18, 2025 minutes also passed 2-0-0. The meeting adjourned at 6:28 p.m.

• Ruby Bansal nominated as chair (vote 2-0-0)
• Approved March 18, 2025 minutes (vote 2-0-0)

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School Committee will meet to discuss regionalization, school consolidation, and school choice. The body will also consider action on environmental science instructional resources and a field trip to Washington D.C.

• Regionalization/School Consolidation (Discussion/Action)
• JBMS Washington D.C. out-of-state field trip
• Environmental Science Instructional Resources (Discussion/Action)
• Tadgell Cleanout scheduled for June 20, 2025
• Donation of surplus office supplies from Bindertek

Buildings & Grounds Committee

The committee will discuss the status of a feasibility study and roof grant for the Tadgell School. Members will also review properties recommended for reuse and renovations as approved by the Select Board.

• One Stop Grant award of $215,000
• Tadgell School feasibility study and roof grant status
• Recommended properties for reuse/renovations
• Appointment of new member volunteer Ed Kopec

Quabbin Health District

The Board of Directors will review and vote on the FY26 PHE Grant budget and the member town assessment formula. The meeting includes discussions on public health service survey results and updates to employee and job descriptions.

• Vote on Proposed PHE Grant FY26 Budget
• Vote on member town assessment formula and effective date
• Vote to amend Employee Handbook wording regarding vacation and personal time
• Vote to appoint a backup District Treasurer
• Vote on revisions to job descriptions for Administrative Assistant & Treasurer’s Agent and Director of Public Health

Select Board

The Select Board will meet to ratify appointments for the Town Accountant and Treasurer/Collector. The board will also discuss the right of first refusal for a property on Cold Spring Street and review the town's CORI/SORI policy.

• Right of First Refusal for Setkewich, Cold Spring Street (Map 259, Lot 29 and a portion of Lot 38)
• Endorsement of Warrant #2549 for $1,591,680.21
• Endorsement of Warrant #2550 for $546,871.35
• Ratification of Treasurer/Collector and Town Accountant appointments
• Discussion of CORI/SORI Policy

The Select Board approved the June 2 minutes and assigned liaisons for all town committees. It ratified the three‑year appointments of Sarah Mann as Treasurer/Collector and Jill Rossi as Town Accountant. The Board voted unanimously to decline its right of first refusal on the Setkewich parcel on Cold Spring Street. Afterwards the Board entered an executive session and adjourned at 8:03 p.m.

• Approved June 2, 2025 minutes (5-0-0)
• Assigned liaison duties for all committees and boards (5-0-0)
• Ratified appointment of Sarah Mann as Treasurer/Collector (5-0-0)
• Ratified appointment of Jill Rossi as Town Accountant (5-0-0)
• Forewent right of first refusal for Setkewich, Cold Spring St. parcel (5-0-0)
• Moved into executive session, not to return to open session (5-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:03 p.m. (no vote required)

Branding Belchertown Committee

The committee will review updates regarding the Branding Belchertown Project. Members will also discuss the qualified usage of the new logo.

• Branding Belchertown Project updates
• Qualified usage of new logo

The committee voted to approve the May 14, 2025 meeting minutes with a 4‑0‑2 vote. It also approved the May 19, 2025 meeting minutes with a 4‑0‑2 vote. The next regular meeting was set for June 25, 2025 at 12:00 PM. No other actions were formally adopted.

• Approved May 14, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0-2)
• Approved May 19, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0-2)
• Scheduled next meeting for June 25, 2025 at 12:00 PM

Energy and Sustainability Committee

The committee will receive reports from the Transportation, BCEC, and Public Outreach/Education subcommittees. Members will also discuss committee membership and potential projects.

• Reports from Transportation subcommittee
• Reports from BCEC subcommittee
• Reports from Public Outreach/Education subcommittee
• Discussion of committee reappointments and membership
• Trash Gala on June 13

Board of Health

The Board of Health will consider a request to reduce a wetland setback at 532 Franklin St. The board will also reorganize leadership and approve several staff and consultant appointments for FY26.

• LUA request for 532 Franklin St. to reduce bordering vegetated wetlands offset from 100’ to 72’
• FY26 appointments for Director of Public Health, Code Enforcement Officer, and other staff
• Proposed updates to the Quabbin Health District member town assessment formula
• Kratom update from Director Andrea Crete
• FY26 reorganization of Chair, Vice Chair, and Single Signatory

The Board voted to approve a local upgrade for the septic absorption system at 532 Franklin Street, allowing the system to be placed 72 feet from vegetated wetlands. Members unanimously changed the Board of Health meeting schedule to the fourth Monday of each month at 6:00 PM in the Select Board’s meeting room. The Board also elected Jim Potter as Chair, David Gottsegen, MD as Vice Chair, and Ken Elstein as Single Signatory, and approved the appointment of listed staff and consultants. The May 14, 2025 meeting minutes were approved and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved local upgrade for 532 Franklin Street SAS repair to 72' from vegetated wetland (All in Favor)
• Changed Board of Health meeting day to every fourth Monday at 6:00 PM (Unanimous)
• Elected Jim Potter as Chair (All in Favor)
• Elected David Gottsegen, MD as Vice Chair (All in Favor)
• Appointed Ken Elstein as Single Signatory (All in Favor)
• Approved appointment of listed staff and consultants (All in Favor)
• Approved May 14, 2025 meeting minutes as written (All in Favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:11 PM (All in Favor)

Lake Committee

The Lake Committee will meet to receive updates on water quality monitoring, TriLakes, and aquatic plant management. The body will also discuss potential projects for 2025-2026.

• Water Quality Monitoring Update
• Treasurer's Report
• TriLakes Update
• Aquatic Plants Management Update
• Projects for 2025-2026

The committee accepted the May 13 minutes unanimously and agreed to use the $3,253 town‑account balance for spot treatments of Lake Metacomet. It confirmed a $14,000 FY26 budget allocation, scheduled the Town Beach to open on June 6 and its parking lot to be repaired in fall 2025, and noted that the committee will not meet in July. Diane Plante submitted her resignation effective June 30, 2025.

• Accept May 13 minutes (unanimous 4‑0)
• Allocate $3,253 for spot treatments of Lake Metacomet (agreed)
• Committee receives $14,000 from FY26 budget (recorded)
• Town Beach to open Sunday, June 6, 2025 (announced)
• Town Beach parking lot repair scheduled for fall 2025 (planned)
• Committee will not meet in July (stated)
• Diane Plante resignation effective June 30, 2025 (submitted)
• Adjourn meeting (unanimous 4‑0)

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School District Curriculum & Instruction Subcommittee will meet to discuss teaching and learning updates. The primary action item is the approval of an environmental science textbook.

• Approval of Environmental Science Textbook
• Subcommittee reorganization

School Committee and School Councils

The Personnel & Policy Subcommittee is meeting to discuss the district's cell phone policy. The meeting also includes the reorganization of the subcommittee and the acceptance of previous minutes.

• Discussion of Cell Phone Policy
• Re-Organization of Subcommittee
• Acceptance of September 17, 2024 minutes

The Personnel & Policy Subcommittee accepted the minutes from the September 17, 2024 meeting with a 2‑0‑0 vote. Members discussed a proposed cell‑phone policy for elementary grades but took no formal action. The meeting was adjourned at 6:01 p.m. after a motion by the chair.

• Accepted September 17, 2024 minutes (vote 2‑0‑0)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:01 p.m.

School Committee and School Councils

The Belchertown School Committee will meet to discuss and potentially take action on the district's strategic plan and a bid for business management services. The committee will also review personnel updates and a Town Meeting update.

• Strategic Plan (Discussion/Action)
• Business Management Services Bid (Discussion/Action)
• Out-of-State Field Trip for BHS Boys Soccer Club
• Donations for Jabish Brook Middle School and Body Safety Board Game
• Approval of Accounts payable Warrant # 052725SA and Payroll warrants # 2547 and 2549

The School Committee approved several financial warrants, including payroll warrant #2549 after a separate motion. Members voted 5‑0‑0 to place the Business Management Services contract out to bid. The Curriculum & Instruction subcommittee voted to move the environmental sciences textbook from National Geographic to the regular session agenda.

• Approved Accounts Payable Warrant #052725SA and Payroll Warrant #2547 (5-0-0)
• Approved Payroll Warrant #2549 (4-0-1, Jacob Hulseberg abstained)
• Motion to rebid Business Management Services contract approved (5-0-0)
• Curriculum & Instruction subcommittee moved environmental sciences textbook to Regular Session (vote recorded as passed)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will vote on and sign several tax warrants and commitments for FY2026. The board will also discuss board reorganization, a vacancy, and the re-appointment of the Director of Assessments.

• FY2026 Preliminary Real Estate Tax Warrant: $16,865,621.71
• FY2026 Preliminary Personal Property Tax Warrant: $448,290.33
• FY2026 Preliminary Community Preservation Act Surcharge Warrant: $192,562.58
• Payment in Lieu of Taxes for Belchertown Day School, Inc.: $6,060.00
• Ch. 61 Penalty Rollback Tax for Cold Spring Street: $1,642.41

The Board reorganized for FY26, naming Mike Caney as Chair and Craig Tommila as Vice‑Chair, leaving the clerk position vacant. It re‑appointed John Whelihan for another term as Director of Assessments. The Board denied Alan Milkiewicz’s 2025 motor vehicle excise abatement application. It also tabled the summer meeting schedule and approved several past meeting minutes by a 2‑0 vote.

• Reorganized Board for FY26 (Mike Caney Chair, Craig Tommila Vice‑Chair, clerk vacant)
• Re‑appointed John Whelihan for another term as Director of Assessments
• Denied 2025 motor vehicle excise abatement for Alan Milkiewicz
• Tabled the summer meeting schedule
• Approved October 22, 2024 minutes (2‑0)
• Approved February 4, 2024 minutes (2‑0)
• Approved May 13, 2025 minutes (2‑0)
• Motion to adjourn adopted

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing to discuss revisions to subdivision regulations. The board will also review a right of first refusal and an ANR application.

• Public hearing to revise Subdivision Regulations
• Right of First Refusal for Cold Spring Street Map 260, Lot 34 (5 Acres)
• ANR for Jensen St & Aldrich St., Map 249, Lot 27 (M & G Land Development, LLC)

The board approved the ANR for M & G Land Development, creating seven building lots on Jensen and Aldrich Streets (vote 5‑0‑0). It also voted to continue the public hearing on the subdivision regulations for two weeks (vote 5‑0‑0). The board recommended the Select Board not invoke its right of first refusal on the Cold Spring Street parcel (vote 5‑0‑0). Minutes from May 27, 2025 were approved (vote 5‑0‑0).

• Approved ANR for M & G Land Development, creating seven lots (5-0-0)
• Continued public hearing on subdivision regulations for two weeks (5-0-0)
• Recommended Select Board not invoke right of first refusal on Cold Spring St. lot (5-0-0)
• Approved May 27, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will determine if specific home and septic projects require permits. The body will also discuss a land donation on Ware Road and review several certificates of compliance.

• Request for Determination: Home addition at 211 East Street
• Request for Determination: Septic replacement at 532 Franklin Street
• Request for Determination: Single family home construction at Lot E Woodland Lane
• Discussion of Richard Greene Land Donation at Ware Road Map 244-156.39 & 156.4
• Payment of bills including Amazon ($221.16), SF mileage ($184.38), and MACC SS training ($92.64)

The Conservation Commission voted to support the donation of a 6.4‑acre parcel on Ware Road and urged the Select Board to accept it. It issued a Positive Determination for the 211 East Street home addition, requiring a Notice of Intent, and Negative Determinations for the 532 Franklin Street septic replacement and the Lot E Woodland Lane home construction, stating no Notice is needed. The commission also approved payment of three bills, issued two Certificates of Compliance, and recommended the Select Board not exercise a Right of First Refusal on a Cold Spring Street parcel.

• Approved support for 6.4‑acre Ware Road land donation (all in favor)
• Issued Positive Determination (Box 5) for 211 East Street addition, requiring Notice of Intent (all in favor)
• Issued Negative Determination (Box 3) for 532 Franklin Street septic replacement, no Notice required (all in favor)
• Issued Negative Determination (Box 3) for Lot E Woodland Lane home construction, no Notice required (all in favor)
• Issued Negative Determination (Box 6) stating work not subject to Wetlands Protection Bylaw (all in favor)
• Approved payment of bills: Amazon $221.16, mileage $184.38, training $87.64 (all in favor)
• Issued complete Certificate of Compliance for 681 George Hannum Road (all in favor)
• Recommended Select Board not exercise Right of First Refusal on Cold Spring Street parcel (all in favor)

Misc

The FHWB is holding its annual meeting to elect officers and approve the 2025-2026 meetings calendar. The session includes leadership awards and a presentation of FY25 highlights from FHETC staff.

• Election of FHWB Officers
• Vote on proposed 2025-2026 Meetings Calendar
• Approval of March 6, 2025 meeting minutes
• Workforce Development Leadership Awards