Longmeadow public meetings in 2022

Tree Committee

The committee approved the November minutes. Members discussed a draft of the Davey Tree Report and Management Plan, and noted ongoing work on American Chestnut tree signs and a Tree City application.

• Approved November minutes (rollcall vote, one abstention)

Select Board

The Longmeadow Select Board will hold a continuation of a public hearing on a Verizon petition for work on Longmeadow Street, discuss a proposed warehouse at 330 Chestnut Street in East Longmeadow, and consider an updated ARPA prioritization list. The board will also make appointments to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and vote on a request to waive facility rental fees from the Longmeadow Democratic and Republican Committees.

• Continuation of hearing on Verizon petition job #1A5VV8M on Longmeadow Street
• Discussion of proposed warehouse at 330 Chestnut Street, East Longmeadow, including whether to join a pending Land Court case
• ARPA prioritization list discussion with revised December 2022 plan
• Request from Longmeadow Democratic and Republican Committees to waive facility rental fee
• Request for extension of hours from Longmeadow Country Club

The Select Board appointed seven members to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and approved a one-time liquor license extension for the Longmeadow Country Club. A hearing regarding a Verizon utility pole on Longmeadow Street was deferred to explore alternatives to guy-wires crossing the street. The Board also re-categorized local political committees as municipal users to waive facility rental fees.

• Appointed Christopher Morris, Tammy Erb, Linda Preston, Saul Finestone, Anne Marie Martinez, Stephan Platzer, and Beverly Sager to the DEI Committee (3-1)
• Deferred hearing on Verizon petition #1A5VV8M to seek alternatives to guy-wires (4-0)
• Approved Longmeadow Country Club liquor license extension to 12:30 am on January 1, 2023 (4-0)
• Re-categorized Democratic and Republican Committees as category 'a' municipal use to waive rental fees
• Approved December 5, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Delegated Chair Josh Levine as voter for MIIA Annual Business Luncheon

Select Board

The Select Board will hold an executive session to discuss strategy regarding anticipated litigation related to natural gas matters. The meeting includes only procedural items: open session, recording announcement, vote to enter executive session, and adjournment. No other substantive decisions or discussions are listed on the agenda.

• Vote to enter executive session under MGL Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(3) for litigation strategy on natural gas matters

Council On Aging Board of Directors

The Board approved the November meeting minutes and voted to change the start time of their meetings to 9:30 AM. Members agreed to form a volunteer group to review options for the medical equipment loan program.

• Approved November meeting minutes
• Approved changing meeting start time to 9:30 AM
• Formed volunteer group (Rose Morace, Candice Serafino, MaryAnn Squire) to review medical equipment loan program options

Energy & Sustainability Committee

The committee discussed the use of a $5,000 Mass Save Educational Grant for lawn signs. No formal motions were made during the meeting because a quorum was not present.

• November 3rd minutes not voted on due to no quorum
• Discussed spending $5,000 Mass Save Educational Grant on lawn signs
• Planned email to planning or building regarding Armatas construction

School Committee

The council met to review the principal's report on enrollment and staffing. No new business was introduced. The only formal action taken was the approval of the previous meeting's minutes.

• Approved November minutes (unanimous)

Community Preservation Committee

The committee reviewed four funding applications for senior home modifications, Storrs House windows and painting, and chestnut tree kiosks. No final votes were recorded on these requests. The committee also agreed to prioritize updating the CPC plan this year.

• Approved minutes from December 8, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
• Agreed by consensus to make the CPC plan update a committee priority for the year

Hampden County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls

The commission held a hybrid meeting featuring a guest speaker from Allianza. Members discussed the 2023 work plan and grant proposals. The record does not list specific votes or outcomes for the items on the agenda.

Historic District Commission

The Commission decided to submit written comments to the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board regarding the Eversource pipeline. The HDC will focus specifically on the 'blue route' and its potential impact on old buildings and archaeological sites within the Historic District.

• Approved November 8, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Decided to submit written commentary to EFSB by January deadline instead of verbal comments
• Decided to focus comments on the 'blue route' alternative
• Cancelled December 13 meeting
• Cancelled December 28 special meeting in favor of electronic coordination

Select Board

The Select Board voted to maintain a single tax rate for all property classes for FY2023. Other actions included renewing annual liquor licenses and designating a special municipal employee position. The board also held a discussion with Waste Management regarding missed collection routes.

• Adopted factor of one to maintain single tax rate for FY2023 (3-1)
• Approved 2023 annual liquor license renewals (4-0)
• Abated liquor license fee for the Bottle Shop (4-0)
• Approved 2023 Seasonal Population Increase Estimate for ABCC (4-0)
• Designated Community Preservation Administrative Assistant as special municipal employee (4-0)
• Approved two one-day liquor licenses for Longmeadow Adult Center Community Fund (4-0)
• Approved 2023 Annual Town Meeting Warrant schedule (4-0)
• Approved November 21, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)

Western Massachusetts Emergency Communications Committee

The board established a Building Committee to oversee the regional project and approved the A/P and payroll warrants. Staffing updates included the hiring of a Human Resources Director and a part-time Treasurer.

• Approved minutes from 11/4/2022 (3-0)
• Established Building Committee consisting of John Beaulieu, Jamie Farnum, Tracy Meehan, Daniel Stamborski, and Steven Kozloski (3-0)
• Approved payment of A/P & Payroll Warrants (3-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a finding of adequate off-street parking for the reconstruction of the plaza at 901 Shaker Rd. The board based its decision on the projected needs of Armata’s Supermarket, leaving a surplus of parking spaces for future tenants.

• Found 58 parking spaces required for Armata’s Supermarket retail space (5-0)
• Determined 52 parking spaces are surplus for future tenant assignments (5-0)
• Approved finding of adequate off-street parking for 901 Shaker Rd. (5-0)
• Approved plaza reconstruction based on submitted documents and testimony (5-0)
• Approved October 19th, 2022 public hearing minutes (4-0)

Board of Assessors

The Board approved several months of processed motor vehicle excise tax abatements and authorized the Chairperson to sign future ones. The Board also voted to support a corrected recreation land classification application for a property at 172 Crestview Circle / Mill Rd. Additionally, KRT Appraisal was authorized to submit FY 2023 tax rate documents to the DOR.

• Approved May 9, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved November 3, 2022 regular meeting minutes (2-0-1)
• Approved November 3, 2022 executive session minutes (2-0-1)
• Voted 3-0 to approve a corrected recreation land classification application for 172 Crestview Circle / Mill Rd
• Approved MVET abatements processed from June 2022 through October 2022 (3-0)
• Authorized Ken Rodgers of KRT Appraisal to submit FY 2023 tax rate documents to the DOR (3-0)
• Authorized Chairperson to sign/approve future MVET abatements (3-0)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Commission approved the minutes from the October 24, 2022 meeting. No other substantive actions were taken, though the board received updates on the Longmeadow Youth Football Association and the Wolf Swamp complex.

• Approved October 24, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled sport standards topic

Select Board

The Select Board approved a new collective bargaining agreement for Police Local 406 and granted a liquor license to BBQ Billy’s LLC. The Board also set the date for a Special Town Election for March 7, 2023. A joint meeting with the School and Finance Committees was held to present FY2024 budget assumptions.

• Approved union contract with Massachusetts Coalition of Police Local 406 (4-0)
• Approved new liquor license for BBQ Billy’s LLC (4-0)
• Scheduled Special Town Election for March 7, 2023, with preliminary election Feb 7 (4-0)
• Approved renumbering of traffic regulations into e-code with updates due by Feb 28, 2023 (4-0)
• Authorized Chair to send letter to EFSB regarding pipeline hearing dates (4-0)
• Approved November 7, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Continued Verizon pole petition hearing to a later date (4-0)

Council On Aging Board of Directors

The Board approved the minutes from September and October. Members discussed senior housing availability and the transition of Assistant Director Ed Sullivan. The board also adjusted its meeting start time to 9:00am on a trial basis.

• Approved September minutes
• Approved October minutes
• Appointed Stephan Platzer as COA delegate to the steering committee
• Changed meeting start time to 9:00am on a trial basis
• Formed 5-member programming committee consisting of Ron Johnson, Candace Serafino, Julia Moulton, George Shea, and Sandra Macfadyen

Conservation Commission

The Commission approved updated wetlands regulations based on General Code recommendations and endorsed an informational brochure for Eagle Scout projects. Patrick Carnahan was appointed as the delegate for the Long Range Plan Steering Committee. The board also discussed a potential new combined Conservation Agent and Tree Warden staff position.

• Approved September 28, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Nominated Patrick Carnahan as delegate for the Long Range Plan Steering Committee (5-0)
• Approved updated Conservation Commission Land Rules & Regulations and wetlands regulations (5-0)
• Approved informational brochure for Eagle Scout/Gold Award Leadership Service Projects (5-0)

Tree Committee

The committee approved the October meeting minutes. Members discussed the status of American Chestnut tree signage and the receipt of new Tree City USA award signs.

• Approved October minutes (unanimous)
• Assigned 2022 Tree City USA application task to Pat

School Committee

The School Council approved the minutes from the October meeting. The School Improvement Plan update was tabled until the next meeting.

• Approved October meeting minutes
• Tabled School Improvement Plan update

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission approved two Certificates of Appropriateness for the Longmeadow Cemetery Association. The commission also discussed drafting comments regarding a proposed Eversource gas pipeline.

• Approved installation of directional signs at Longmeadow Cemetery (unanimous)
• Approved installation of granite posts and black chain fence along Western Driveway at Longmeadow Cemetery (unanimous)
• Approved September 13, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Community Preservation Committee

The committee reviewed seven grant applications totaling $850,195 and reached a unanimous consensus that all qualify under CPC guidelines. The committee also closed out four past projects and returned unspent funds to the CPC account. Members discussed the process for updating the CPC plan for a January public hearing.

• Approved September 1, 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Determined all seven 2023 grant requests qualify under CPC guidelines (Unanimous)
• Closed Blueberry School Playground project and returned $24,459 to CPC account (Unanimous)
• Accepted Bliss Park Guard Rails and Signage final report and returned $557.75 to CPC account (Unanimous)
• Accepted Bliss Park Open Space and Recreation final report and returned $1,000 to CPC account (Unanimous)
• Accepted Trees in Bliss and Laurel Parks Phase III final report and returned $2,830 to CPC account (Unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board approved the FY2024 budget calendar and a holiday trash amnesty allowing a second bag of trash from December 26, 2022, to January 6, 2023. The Board also appointed Dan Zwirko to the Long Range Plan Steering Committee and approved a one-day liquor license for the Adult Center. No action was taken on DEI committee appointments or the Energy & Sustainability Committee composition.

• Approved October 17, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Nominated Dan Zwirko as representative to the Long Range Plan Steering Committee (4-0)
• Approved FY2024 Budget Calendar (4-0)
• Approved one-day liquor license for Longmeadow Adult Center Community Fund (4-0)
• Approved holiday trash amnesty for second bag of trash Dec 26, 2022-Jan 6, 2023 (4-0)
• Decided not to formally oppose DEP water regulations as Springfield already did

Western Massachusetts Emergency Communications Committee

The Board approved a measure allowing any Board member to sign A/P warrants if Lyn Simmons is unavailable. The Board also nominated John Beaulieu to the new Building Committee. Other discussions included the FY 21 audit progress and upcoming interviews for a part-time Treasurer.

• Approved minutes from 8/5/22, 9/2/22, and 10/14/22 (5-0)
• Nominated John Beaulieu to the Building Committee (5-0)
• Approved allowing any Board member to sign A/P warrants in the absence of Lyn Simmons (5-0)

Historical Commission

The Commission appointed Tom King as the Long Range Planning Representative and designated Steve Weiss and Brett Lukezic to the Demolition Delay Committee. The body also decided to stop using Google Docs for meeting minutes.

• Decided to stop using Google Docs for minutes
• Appointed Steve Weiss and Brett Lukezic to the Demolition Delay Committee
• Appointed Tom King as representative on the Long Range Planning committee
• Requested Tom King to spear-head the Pre-1911 Homes survey

Energy & Sustainability Committee

The committee approved the October 6th meeting minutes with amendments. Members discussed outreach strategies for home energy audits and reviewed data regarding electric vehicle charging stations.

• Approved October 6th minutes with amendments (5-0)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors elected a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Clerk. The Board approved a request to write off uncollected taxes for 161 Birch Rd and voted to withdraw two Appellate Tax Board cases involving MCI Communication Services, LLC.

• Elected Michael Zeller as Chairperson (2-0)
• Elected Katya Berezovskaya-Magee as Vice Chairperson (2-0)
• Elected Rich Foster as Clerk (2-0)
• Approved Clause 58 of Section 8 request to write off uncollected taxes for 161 Birch Rd for FY 21 ($108.60) and FY 22 ($110.35) (2-0)
• Approved withdrawal of Appellate Tax Board FY 16 and FY 17 cases involving MCI Communication Services, LLC (2-0)

School Committee

The committee discussed the implementation of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) at Blueberry Hill. Members reviewed student assessment data and results from the BHS Family/Caregiver Survey. No formal votes were recorded.

• Discussed MTSS and UDL implementation stages
• Reviewed BHS Family/Caregiver Survey results
• Proposed review of homework policy
• Requested update on playground resurfacing status

Town Meeting

The Town approved funding for a school feasibility study and adopted a new Outdoor Water Use Bylaw. Voters also authorized several budget increases, legal expense transfers, and updates to the Town's General Bylaws and Zoning Bylaw.

• Approved $1.6M for Glenbrook Middle School feasibility study (300-36)
• Adopted Outdoor Water Use Bylaw with one amendment (82-22)
• Approved $50,000 increase for Code Enforcement salaries (163-131)
• Approved $60,000 increase for Human Resources salaries and expenses (225-52)
• Approved $132,304 for Municipal Opioid Abatement Fund (260-20)
• Approved $200,000 for legal expenses regarding DPW facility litigation (216-24)
• Approved $140,000 for legal expenses regarding a natural gas facility (200-48)
• Approved charter amendments to Housing Authority composition (68-3)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Commission approved the September 12, 2022 meeting minutes unanimously. Presentations were heard from the Longmeadow Girls and Boys Lacrosse Associations on their programs, field needs, and challenges. Director Jarvis reported that an ice-skating rink at Bliss Park is not feasible due to DPW staffing. Henry Robinson was sworn in as a new Commissioner.

• Approved September 12, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Selected a rotating member for the Long Range Plan Initiative

Board of Health

The Board of Health approved a variance to allow an internal degreaser installation at the former Rinaldi's location. The board also reviewed high school substance use data and discussed guidelines for therapy dogs in schools.

• Approved minutes of 6/27/22 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved grease trap variance for former Rinaldi's site (unanimous, contingent on DPW approval)

School Committee

The Longmeadow School Council met on October 24, 2022, to review the Williams School Improvement Plan and discuss the upcoming Middle School Feasibility Vote at Town Meeting. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was primarily informational and procedural.

• No formal votes or decisions recorded

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee will meet to review the FY 22 Audit Progress Report from Melanson. The body will also discuss budget updates and the flow of ARPA and ESSER funds for 2023 and 2024.

• FY 22 Audit Progress Report by Melanson
• ARPA and ESSER money flows and plans for 2023, 2024
• Report on performance of regional entities
• Budget Update
• Reorganization of Committee

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee is meeting to plan the FY22 audit with Tanya Campbell of Melanson. The body will also discuss pension obligations and the Hampden County Regional Retirement Board fund performance.

• FY22 Audit Planning Session with Tanya Campbell, Melanson
• Adding Community Preservation Act Surcharge to ACFR statistical series
• Hampden County Regional Retirement Board Fund Performance regarding 2036 state funding deadline
• Pension Obligations Funding
• Availability of Regional Entities Financial Reporting