Deerfield public meetings in 2022

Ad Hoc Senior Housing Committee

The committee approved the minutes from its December 15, 2022, meeting. Members discussed the status of a CPA application and market feasibility reviews, with further action deferred to future meetings.

• Approved 12-15-22 minutes (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board approved the meeting minutes from December 7, 2022. Members signed the FY 2023 Property Tax Warrants and Commitments. The board also processed motor vehicle excise abatements.

• Approved 12/07/2022 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Signed FY 2023 Property Tax Warrants & Commitments
• Processed motor vehicle excise abatements

Open Space Committee

The Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee will discuss a MassTrails grant application and finalize the Open Space and Recreation Plan. The meeting will also include approval of previous minutes and setting the next meeting date.

• Approve minutes from November 22, 2022 meeting
• OSRP (Open Space and Recreation Plan) wrap up
• MassTrails Grant Application discussion

The committee discussed letters of support for the newly submitted OSR Master Plan and reviewed a potential MassTrails Grant application. No formal votes were recorded for the minutes of the previous meeting or the grant proposal.

• Discussed letters to Town boards and committees supporting the OSR Master Plan
• Reviewed MassTrails Grant proposal (~$60k) with a February 1 due date; noted a 2024 application may be more realistic

Energy Conservation Committee

The committee unanimously approved a motion to bring a proposal for a climate revolving fund to the SelectBoard. This fund would dedicate approximately $87,000 per year from solar array PILOT payments to climate mitigation and adaptation. The committee also authorized a member to meet with the building inspector regarding stretch code enforcement.

• Approved minutes of Nov 17 meeting (Unanimous)
• Approved motion to bring climate revolving fund proposal to SelectBoard (Unanimous)
• Authorized Jason Curtis to meet with building inspector regarding stretch code enforcement (Unanimous)

Ad Hoc Senior Housing Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the December 8, 2022 meeting. Members discussed the status of a CPA application and the need for a one-page community outreach handout. The draft summary for the Select Board is on hold pending market feasibility results.

• Approved minutes from 12-08-22 (unanimous)

Community Preservation Committee

The commission approved the updated application process and materials to be sent to the Town Administrator for release in January. Members discussed the transition to electronic applications and the potential for funding shortages due to expected project requests.

• Approved November 16, 2022 meeting minutes as amended
• Approved the application process and materials for distribution in January

Selectboard / Board of Health

The Board dismissed a nuisance/dangerous dog complaint after finding the dog did not meet the legal definition of dangerous. The Board also approved a $953,393.56 sewer commitment collection and $109,736.78 in automatic sewer abatements.

• Dismissed nuisance/dangerous dog complaint for 357 Greenfield Road (3-0-0)
• Approved MOU with Franklin Regional Council of Governments for Mass in Motion initiative (3-0-0)
• Approved SDWWTP & Library Projects Funding Support Letter (3-0-0)
• Appointed Jason Curtis to the Energy Conservation Committee (3-0-0)
• Approved Telecommuting Policy (3-0-0)
• Approved annual liquor license renewals for various categories (3-0-0)
• Authorized collection of $953,393.56 for sewer commitment (3-0-0)
• Approved $109,736.78 in automatic sewer abatements for FY23 (3-0-0)

Open Space Committee

The Open Space Committee is holding a public forum to present the draft Open Space & Recreation Plan, including goals, objectives, and key findings, and to gather public input on the seven-year action plan, priorities, and future project ideas.

• Presentation of draft Open Space & Recreation Plan
• Public input on seven-year action plan
• Discussion of priorities and future project ideas

350th Anniversary Committee

The committee approved the date for the anniversary cake lighting ceremony and set dimensions for the town time capsule. Members discussed potential fireworks venues and a scheduling conflict with the June 10 parade, with further decisions postponed to January.

• Approved Jan. 1 at 4:30 pm for anniversary cake lighting ceremony
• Approved time capsule dimensions as 24” long x 18” wide x 18” deep
• Approved minutes from October 17, 2022 meeting (4-0, 3 abstentions)
• Tabled minutes from September 26, 2022 meeting
• Postponed decision on June 10 parade conflict to January 9 meeting
• Approved use of six history posters for Jubilee dinner
• Scheduled next meetings for Jan 9, Jan 30, Feb 27, March 27, and April 24

Connecting Community Initiative

The Connecting Community Initiative Committee and Selectboard held a joint meeting to receive updates on various municipal projects, including the library, senior center, and energy initiatives. No new policy decisions or funding approvals were recorded beyond the approval of previous minutes.

• Approved November 29th minutes (unanimous)

DEDIC

The board approved the annual accountant's fee and the Auditor's Annual Report. Members agreed to begin the process of obtaining a tax-exempt number and authorized the purchase of an external hard drive. A review of vendor competitive bids was tabled.

• Approved $2,500.00 for annual accountant’s fee (unanimous)
• Approved Auditor’s Annual Report (unanimous)
• Recommended using Scanlon’s Accounting Firm to apply for a tax-exempt number
• Approved purchase of external hard drive not to exceed $100.00 (unanimous)
• Approved 11-10-2022 and revised 9-8-2022 meeting minutes
• Tabled review of DEDIC vendors for competitive bids

Ad Hoc Senior Housing Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the December 1, 2022 meeting. Members discussed site work updates, potential zoning for a 40-B on the campus site, and the preparation of a Community Preservation Act (CPA) application.

• Approved minutes from 12-01-22 (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors held classification hearings to establish tax rates for the town and three local districts. The board also approved the minutes from the November 15, 2022 meeting and processed payables.

• Approved minutes from 11/15/2022 (3-0)
• Approved single tax rate of $14.97 for Town Classification
• Approved single tax rate of $1.00 for S. Deerfield Water District (3-0)
• Approved single tax rate of $0.56 for Deerfield Area Fire District (3-0)
• Approved single tax rate of $1.02 for S. Deerfield Fire District (2-0)
• Approved and signed payables

Selectboard / Board of Health

The Selectboard established a single tax rate for fiscal year 2024 following a joint hearing with the Board of Assessors. The board also approved several annual alcohol license renewals and a one-day license for the 350th Anniversary Jubilee.

• Set Single Tax Rate of $14.97 for FY24 (3-0-0)
• Approved one-day liquor license for 350th Anniversary Jubilee and waived fees (3-0-0)
• Approved All Alcohol On Premise Licenses (3-0-0)
• Approved All Alcohol On Premise Club License (3-0-0)
• Approved All Alcohol Off Premise Licenses (3-0-0)
• Approved Wine and Malt Off Permit Premises Licenses (3-0-0)
• Approved Berkshire Brewing Company Farmers Brewer Pouring Permit Premise Licenses (3-0-0)
• Approved Tree House Brewing Company Farmers Brewer Pouring Permit Premise Licenses (3-0-0)

Ad Hoc Senior Housing Committee

The committee reviewed updates on site work, zoning inquiries, and a CPA application. Members discussed potential sites for senior housing and the impact of the 1888 Building project on available funding.

• Approved minutes from 12-01-22 (unanimous)

Selectboard / Board of Health

The Board established the FY2023 sewer rate and maintained existing connection and consumption billing amounts. Additionally, the Board approved the Town Clerk job description and supported a Letter of Intent for electric vehicle charging stations.

• Set FY2023 Sewer Rate to $18.84 per 1000 gallons (3-0-0)
• Maintained FY22 amounts for connection and consumption billing (3-0-0)
• Approved Town Clerk job description as presented (3-0-0)
• Approved Letter of Intent for Universal Electric EV charging stations and authorized Chair to sign (3-0-0)

350th Anniversary Committee

The committee received updates on the June 10 anniversary parade and the status of fireworks permits for Mt. Sugarloaf. The Friends of Deerfield reported that fundraising is approximately $60,000 and about 140 tickets have been sold for the Jubilee Dinner and Dance.

• Tabled approval of October 17, 2022 meeting minutes
• Approved motion to adjourn (unanimous)

Open Space Committee

The Open Space Committee will review and discuss the full draft of the 2023 Deerfield Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP). They will also plan a public forum scheduled for December 13, 2022, and discuss a bike trail inquiry. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and setting the next meeting date.

• Discuss full draft of 2023 Deerfield OSRP
• Discuss public forum on 12-13-22
• Discuss bike trail inquiry

Energy Conservation Committee

The committee approved drafting a letter to the CCI group advising the Town Building Committee to hire an HVAC oversight expert. They also approved drafting a letter to MassDOT to prioritize bike lanes on the northern portion of Route 5 + 10. Other discussions focused on EV station demand charges and solar data collection.

• Approved minutes of Sept. 22 and Oct. 20 meetings (Unanimous)
• Approved drafting a letter to the CCI group regarding HVAC oversight for the Town Building Committee (Unanimous)
• Approved drafting a letter to MassDOT advocating for bike lane prioritization on northern Rte 5 + 10 (Unanimous)

Ad Hoc Senior Housing Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the November 10, 2022 meeting. Members discussed errors in a feasibility draft and coordinated upcoming site visits and potential CPC funding for building restoration.

• Approved minutes from 11-10-22 (unanimous)

Selectboard / Board of Health

The Selectboard approved a $40,352.63 change order for the SDWWTF and authorized paving at Deerfield Elementary School. The board also approved a liquor license manager change for Circle K and an entertainment license for Tilton Library.

• Approved SDWWTF Change Order #8 for $40,352.63 (3-0-0)
• Authorized paving at Deerfield Elementary School via year-end transfer (3-0-0)
• Approved change in manager for Circle K liquor license (3-0-0)
• Approved invitation for residents to join Human Rights Ad Hoc Committee (3-0-0)
• Approved annual Entertainment License for Tilton Library (3-0-0)
• Approved minutes from Oct 7, Nov 17, Nov 18, Nov 19, and Dec 2, 2020 (each 2-0-1)

South County Emergency Medical Services Board of Oversight

The meeting scheduled for November 15, 2022, was cancelled. No decisions were made.

Town Buildings Advisory Committee

The committee reviewed initial layout plans for the 1888 building and discussed barriers to town building maintenance. No final decisions were made regarding the building plans, as the meeting served as a designer update and feedback session.

• Approved minutes from 10/18/22 (Unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors approved several Department of Revenue (DOR) reports and the FY 2022 Auditor’s Questionnaire. The board also signed off on payables and Motor Vehicle Excise Commitment #6. Abatement requests were handled in executive session.

• Approved minutes from 11/01/2022 (2-0)
• Approved and signed payables
• Approved LA-3 Sales Report for DOR
• Approved LA-4 Classification Report for DOR
• Approved LA-13 New Growth Report for DOR
• Approved and signed FY 2022 Auditor’s Questionnaire
• Approved and signed Motor Vehicle Excise Commitment #6

Personnel Board

The Board approved the October 17 minutes and discussed strategies to increase workforce diversity, including potential internships and training. No final decisions were made on COLA percentages or job descriptions, with further action deferred to December 12.

• Approved October 17 minutes (4-0-0)

DEDIC

The Board unanimously approved a 50% deposit for a contract with Fitzgerald Fence Company. Members discussed a sewer tie-in request from Pioneer Valley Growers and a development plan for Lot #10.

• Approved 9-8-2022 Open Session minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 50% deposit to Fitzgerald Fence Company (unanimous)
• Tabled discussion on Worthington Assembly development plans for Lot #10

Ad Hoc Senior Housing Committee

The committee discussed the status of the Fire Flow or Site contract and the Berkshire Design contract. Members reviewed a feasibility draft and discussed the applicability of the project's study area. No formal votes were taken.

• Tabled draft summary for the Selectboard
• Discussed Berkshire Design contract currently under review
• Reviewed Feasibility Draft for subsequent discussion with Alyssa LaRose

Selectboard / Board of Health

The Selectboard approved a one-day liquor license for beer and wine for the Tilton Library for events occurring between November 30 and December 2, 2022. The board also discussed the formulation of a Human Rights Ad Hoc Committee with the Deerfield Inclusion Group.

• Approved one-day liquor license (Beer & Wine) for Tilton Library for 11/30/22 through 12/2/2022 (3-0-0)

Connecting Community Initiative

The committee approved the October 13th meeting minutes. Members provided status reports on various town projects, including sewer updates, solar planning, and the Open Space Master Plan draft. No other substantive votes were recorded.

• Approved October 13th minutes

Ad Hoc Senior Housing Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the October 27, 2022, meeting. Members discussed the status of the Site feasibility Task #2 contract and a draft market report from LDS Consulting.

• Approved minutes from 10-27-22 (unanimous)

South County Senior Center Board of Oversight

The Board of Oversight voted unanimously to support the town of Deerfield's environmental assessment of the North Main Street church site. Members also discussed the potential for a community support organization and rebranding for the senior center.

• Approved proceeding with the environmental study for the North Main Street church site (3-0)

Selectboard / Board of Health

The Selectboard approved a Special Permit Expedited Permit Project Application for NUPRO and a liquor license transfer for 242 Conway Road Neighbors. The board also approved an anti-hate statement for the town website and authorized several personnel and grant-related actions.

• Approved Special Permit Expedited Permit Project Application for NUPRO (3-0-0)
• Approved Liquor License Transfer for 242 Conway Road Neighbors (3-0-0)
• Approved Anti-Hate Statement for website and Municipal Offices (2-0-1)
• Approved one-day liquor licenses for Yankee Candle Village on 11/17 and 12/08 (3-0-0)
• Accepted job descriptions for Assistant Town Clerk and Assistant Town Administrator (3-0-0)
• Accepted temporary pay adjustments for staffing shortages (3-0-0)
• Accepted Jennifer Remillard's resignation from Ad Hoc Senior Housing & CCI Committee (3-0-0)
• Approved Board of Health Intern Temporary Hire (3-0-0)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors approved the minutes from the October 25, 2022 meeting. The board reviewed October deeds, plans, and building permits and entered an executive session to handle motor vehicle excise abatements.

• Approved 10/25/2022 meeting minutes (2-0)
• Removed Map 122 Lot 23 ownership question from agenda
• Processed motor vehicle excise abatements via signature stamp

Ad Hoc Senior Housing Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the October 20, 2022 meeting. Members discussed the status of the Berkshire Design contract and the review of a draft market report from LDS Consulting.

• Approved minutes from 10-20-22 (unanimous roll call vote)

Open Space Committee

The Deerfield Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee will review the second draft of Section 5: Inventory of Lands and discuss comments from the Community Compact Initiative (CCI). The committee will also set a timeline for final edits and a public forum.

• Discuss second draft of Section 5: Inventory of Lands
• Discuss comments from the Community Compact Initiative (CCI)
• Discuss project timeline including final edits and public forum

Selectboard / Board of Health

The Selectboard scheduled a Special Election for December 6, 2022, to seek voter approval for debt exclusions under Proposition 2 ½ for the Tilton Library project. The board also approved a sewer rate proposal and a senior housing site survey contract.

• Called Special Election for December 6, 2022, to vote on debt exclusions for Tilton Library construction and renovation (3-0-0)
• Approved DPC Sewer Rate Proposal as presented (3-0-0)
• Set sewer hearing date for November 30th (3-0-0)
• Approved $18,700 contract for Task 2 site survey and resource area delineation for senior housing, pending counsel review (3-0-0)
• Appointed Meagan Washburn to the Recreation Committee (3-0-0)

Board of Assessors

The Board approved the minutes from the October 4, 2022 meeting. Motor vehicle excise abatements were processed via signature stamp. A question regarding ownership of Map 122 Lot 23 remains pending a legal opinion.

• Approved October 4, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Processed motor vehicle excise abatements per attached list
• Held Map 122 Lot 23 ownership question pending legal opinion

Selectboard / Board of Health

The Selectboard, Board of Health, Sewer Commissioners, and Finance Committee met jointly to review Special Town Meeting warrant articles. They voted unanimously to revise Warrant Article 15 language to cap the town's sewer project debt payment at no more than 25%. Extensive discussion was held on the Tilton Library Project, including fiscal numbers and grant funding, but no decision was made on that item.

• Revised Warrant Article 15 language to reflect town's sewer project debt payment cap of 25% (3-0)

Ad Hoc Senior Housing Committee

The Ad Hoc Senior Housing Committee met remotely on October 6, 2022, and approved the previous meeting's minutes unanimously. No substantive decisions were made; the committee reviewed survey results showing 144 respondents interested in senior housing, discussed site feasibility and a consultant proposal awaiting town administrator action, and noted a warrant article remains on the town warrant. The meeting adjourned without any votes on proposals or contracts.

• Approved minutes from September 29, 2022 (unanimous roll call)

Open Space Committee

The committee is reviewing Section 9: Seven-Year Action Plan for the open space project. Members will also discuss the project timeline, including final edits and a public forum.

• Review of Section 9: Seven-Year Action Plan
• Discussion of project timeline and public forum

Open Space Committee

The committee is reviewing updates to the Deerfield Open Space and Recreation Plan. Discussion topics include Section 5 regarding lands of conservation and recreation interest, as well as the Open Space Map.

• Review of Section 5: Lands of Conservation and Recreation Interest
• Discussion of Open Space Map

Open Space Committee

The Open Space Committee is meeting to discuss Section 3: Community Setting of the Deerfield Open Space and Recreation Plan Update Project. The committee will also review minutes from the March 21, 2022, meeting.

• Review of Section 3: Community Setting
• Approval of March 21, 2022, meeting minutes

Open Space Committee

The Open Space Committee is meeting to continue the Deerfield Open Space and Recreation Plan Update Project. Members will review survey results and discuss Section 3: Community Setting.

• Approval of March 2, 2022 meeting minutes
• Discussion of survey results
• Discussion of Section 3: Community Setting

Open Space Committee

The Open Space Committee is meeting to discuss the Deerfield Open Space and Recreation Plan Update Project. The session focuses on reviewing survey results and scheduling future meetings.

• Discussion of survey results for the Open Space and Recreation Plan Update Project

Open Space Committee

The committee is meeting to discuss updates regarding the town's open space and recreation plan. The agenda includes a survey update, stakeholder outreach, and a review of goals from the 2014 Section 8 document.

• Survey Update
• Stakeholder Outreach
• Review of 2014 Section 8: Goals and Objectives

Open Space Committee

The committee is meeting to discuss the Deerfield Open Space and Recreation Plan Update Project. The session includes a survey update and a review of the 2014 Section 8 goals and objectives.

• Survey update
• Review of 2014 Section 8: Goals and Objectives