Monson public meetings in 2022

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit for an accessory apartment at 53 Butler Road and granted a variance and special permit for a garage expansion at 23 Main Street. A hearing regarding a zoning enforcement appeal for 218 Cedar Swamp Road was continued to January 2023.

• Approved special permit for 780 sq. ft. accessory apartment at 53 Butler Road (5-0)
• Approved variance for garage expansion at 23 Main Street, conditioned on Conservation Commission approval (5-0)
• Approved special permit for garage expansion at 23 Main Street, conditioned on Conservation Commission approval (5-0)
• Continued hearing for 218 Cedar Swamp Road appeal to January 26, 2023 (5-0)
• Approved October 27, 2022 minutes (5-0)
• Approved November 17, 2022 minutes (5-0)
• Signed three bill schedules for Turley Publications, Inc. for $130.72, $115.87, and $90.41

Select Board

The Select Board waived the right of first refusal for a property at 129 Upper Hampden Road. The Board also approved 12 REDO grant applications totaling $9,100.

• Waived right of first refusal for 129 Upper Hampden Road (Unanimous)
• Approved 12 REDO grant applications totaling $9,100 (Unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Commission issued a Negative Determination for tree removal at 55 Margaret St and approved a plan to correct a non-compliant rain garden at 2 Whitney Ave. The board also approved the 2023 meeting schedule and two bill payments.

• Issued Negative Determination #3 for tree removal at 55 Margaret St (6-0)
• Approved letter for rain garden and swale corrective work at 2 Whitney Ave (6-0)
• Approved $342.57 payment to Turley Publications
• Approved $3,200.00 payment for Land Appraisal
• Accepted 2023 meeting schedule (6-0)

Select Board

The Select Board accepted the findings of an independent investigation into allegations of unprofessional conduct by Select Board member Mary Hull toward Town Administrator Jennifer Wolowicz. The Board voted to adopt several recommendations from the report, including nullifying a specific performance review. The investigation report was approved for public release subject to redaction.

• Accepted findings of the investigation report by Jean Haertl (2-0)
• Approved nullifying the Town Administrator's March 8, 2022, performance review (2-0)
• Approved updating the Town Administrator's review process and job description (2-0)
• Approved considering outside mediation and the use of meeting recesses (2-0)
• Approved considering training on respectful workplace communications and ethics (2-0)
• Approved offering employee assistance and mentoring to the Town Administrator (2-0)
• Approved considering outside counsel for guidance on board service limits (2-0)
• Approved public release of the November 30, 2022, investigation report subject to redaction (2-0)

Select Board

The Select Board approved a $500 request for the Monson Toy Drive and adopted a new application for Veterans’ Field use. The Board also declared three pieces of equipment as surplus and voted to maintain current fee schedules without increases.

• Approved $500 from gifts to the town account for Monson Toy Drive (Unanimous)
• Rescinded Oct 11, 2022 vote and re-appointed James Duggan to Community Preservation Committee with term expiring June 30, 2023 (Unanimous)
• Approved new application for the use of Veterans’ Field (Unanimous)
• Declared 2008 Chevy Silverado snowplow, Fisher Minute Mount plow, and Parks and Recreation line painting machine as surplus property (Unanimous)
• Voted to leave Select Board fee schedule as is and not increase fees (2-0, 1 recused)
• Approved annual license renewals for 1/1/2023 through 12/31/2023, excluding the auctioneer license pending zoning verification (2-0, 1 recused)
• Approved meeting minutes from Nov 16, Nov 22, Nov 29 (Executive and Joint), and Dec 1 (Unanimous or 2-0 with 1 recusal)

General Bylaw Committee

The committee discussed potential changes to Article 33 regarding the denial of licenses for non-payment of taxes and fees. Members also discussed the removal of Article 27 (Recycling) and the need for a new recycling bylaw. No formal votes on bylaw changes were recorded during this meeting.

• Proposed changing Article 33 Section A to allow municipal discretion on the timeframe for license denial
• Recommended extending Viewpoint software access to the Town Administrator Assistant
• Agreed to revisit and implement a new recycling bylaw after gathering more information

Water / Sewer Commission

The Monson Water & Sewer Commission will meet to approve minutes from November 16 and 29, 2022, and discuss old business including the meter replacement project, staffing, and Water Management Act registration. New business includes department activity and any topics not anticipated 48 hours before the meeting.

• Meter Replacement Project
• Staffing
• Water Management Act Registration
• Department Activity

Select Board

The Select Board approved a new contract for the Police Lieutenant. The agreement includes salary increases, pay scales for unfilled shifts, and compensation for serving as Acting Chief.

• Approved Police Lieutenant contract
• Approved salary increase of $2.60 per hour (6%)
• Agreed Lieutenant can work unfilled patrol shifts at Sergeants 1.5 OT hourly scale after IBPO officers decline
• Agreed Lieutenant can work Monson schools or Town elections extra jobs at Sergeants 1.0 OT hourly pay scale if IBPO members decline
• Agreed pay increases to Chief's contracted salary (with Lieutenant's educational incentive) if serving as Acting Chief for over 21 consecutive days
• Approved use of the car during shifts per Chief's contract language
• Approved removal of Article 9D regarding unused compensatory time

Conservation Commission

The Commission approved restoration plans for 440 Boston Road West and a home reconstruction at 53 Butler Road. It also issued a negative determination for a solar array at 283 Wales Road and a utility pole project on Lakeside Drive.

• Issued Order of Conditions for restoration and invasive species management at 440 Boston Road West (5-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for single-family home reconstruction at 53 Butler Road (5-0)
• Issued Negative Determination for solar array installation at 283 Wales Road (5-0)
• Issued complete Certificate of Compliance for work at State Hospital Road (5-0)
• Issued Negative Determination for utility pole work at Lakeside Drive R.O.W. (5-0)
• Issued Partial Certificate of Compliance for driveway crossing repair at May Hill Rd (5-0)
• Waived Right of First Refusal for 129 Upper Hampden Rd (5-0)
• Approved tentative 2023 meeting schedule

Water / Sewer Commission

The Water & Sewer Commission will hold a joint meeting with the Select Board to discuss staffing needs for the water and sewer department. The meeting is scheduled for November 29, 2022, at 4:00 p.m. in the Small Conference Room at 110 Main Street.

Select Board

The Select Board voted to assign the duties of Human Resources Director to Town Administrator Jennifer Wolowicz, excluding payroll and benefits. The Board also approved a $15,000 annual salary increase for the Town Administrator to compensate for these additional responsibilities.

• Appointed Town Administrator as Director of Human Resources, excluding payroll and benefits duties (2-1)
• Approved $15,000 annual salary increase for the Town Administrator (2-1)
• Voted to enter executive session (3-0)
• Voted to return to open session (3-0)
• Voted to adjourn meeting (3-0)

Select Board

The Select Board appointed Jennifer Wolowicz to the additional duties of Human Resources Director for one year. The Board also approved an additional $15,000 annual salary increase for the Town Administrator for this work.

• Appointed Jennifer Wolowicz to additional duties of Human Resources Director for one year (2-1)
• Approved $15,000 additional annual salary for the Town Administrator for HR Director work (2-1)

General Bylaw Committee

The committee discussed revisions to the Right to Farm and Brush Fire Permit bylaws. No final votes were taken on the bylaw language, though the October 24 meeting minutes were accepted.

• Accepted October 24 meeting minutes
• Proposed removing Section 4 of Right to Farm bylaw as it was approved by the attorney general
• Proposed grammatical corrections to Section 2 and Section 3 of Right to Farm bylaw
• Proposed alterations to Fire Department Chief Brian Harris's section on recreational fires

Select Board

The Select Board voted to place a proposal for a two-story fire station addition (Option E) on the annual town meeting warrant. The board also approved several fee increases for building permits and food vendors, and appointed two police officers.

• Approved placing Fire Station Option E ($5M estimated cost) on town meeting warrant (2-1)
• Appointed Paul Mayo as full-time police officer (unanimous)
• Appointed Mai Grover as police officer/School Resource Officer (unanimous)
• Accepted public property sign policy prohibiting signs at Memorial Town Hall and Civil War Memorial (unanimous)
• Approved $4,000 transfer from Gifts to the Town account for holiday lighting (unanimous)
• Approved Building Department inspection fee table increase (unanimous)
• Increased annual mobile food vendor/catering permit fee from $25 to $125 (unanimous)
• Declared two school vans as surplus property (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board granted a continuance for a special permit application to build a residence with an accessory apartment at 53 Butler Road. The Board also accepted the resignation of Associate member Autumn Bailey.

• Granted continuance for 53 Butler Road special permit application until December 22, 2022 (5-0)
• Accepted resignation of Associate member Autumn Bailey (5-0)

Water / Sewer Commission

The commission will open a regular meeting, accept minutes from October 12 and 26, 2022, and discuss old business including the meter replacement project and special town meeting articles. New business covers department activity and topics not anticipated 48 hours in advance. The agenda is largely procedural with no specific decisions or dollar amounts listed.

• Meter Replacement Project
• Special Town Meeting Articles
• Department Activity

Select Board

The Select Board held a tri-board meeting to review financial reports and budget processes. No new ordinances or contracts were voted on; the session focused on financial outlooks and departmental budget goals.

• Voted unanimously to open the Select Board meeting
• Voted unanimously to adjourn the Select Board meeting
• Proposed 5% budget reduction exercise for FY24 staff

Select Board

The Select Board held a special meeting to discuss and approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the IBPO contract. The approved changes include a 2.5% COLA for three years and incremental increases to Officer in Charge Pay.

• Approved IBPO contract MOU as presented

Select Board

The Select Board established a single residential tax rate of $16.00 per thousand and declined residential and small commercial exemptions. The Board also approved several ARPA fund allocations for emergency equipment and infrastructure repairs. Additionally, Shane Hope was appointed as a Career Firefighter/EMT.

• Approved single residential tax rate of $16.00 per thousand (unanimous)
• Voted not to use residential exemption (unanimous)
• Voted not to adopt small commercial exemption (unanimous)
• Appointed Shane Hope as Career Firefighter/EMT (unanimous)
• Appropriated $20,000 in ARPA funds for Quarry Hill School pool repair (unanimous)
• Appropriated $5,500 in ARPA funds for Conway School project (unanimous)
• Appropriated $19,000 in ARPA funds for pool scoreboard repair (unanimous)
• Appropriated $140,000 in ARPA funds for a new ambulance (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Commission issued a Negative Determination for soil work at Cushman Field and Orders of Conditions for a culvert repair on Pease Avenue and ecological restoration at 371 Wales Road. The board also approved a reimbursement and a grant contract.

• Issued Negative Determination #2 for sod removal and soil mix at Cushman Field (5-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for culvert repair on Pease Avenue (5-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for ecological restoration at 371 Wales Road (4-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved $55.00 reimbursement for Bob D’ Aquila
• Signed L.A.N.D. Grant Contract Agreement
• Tabled approval of 10/12/2022 meeting minutes until November 30

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board voted to require all applicants to produce proof of registration from the Registry of Deeds. The Board also approved the 2023 meeting schedule and the August 25, 2022 minutes.

• Required all applicants to produce proof of registration from the Registry of Deeds (5-0)
• Approved August 25, 2022 minutes with changes to page 3 (5-0)
• Approved 2023 Meeting Schedule with December 28, 2022 meeting moved to December 21, 2022 (5-0)
• Signed bill for Amazon in the amount of $19.98

Water / Sewer Commission

The Monson Water & Sewer Commission will meet to accept minutes from October 12, 2022, and discuss old business including the meter replacement project and Special Town Meeting articles. New business covers department activity and topics not anticipated 48 hours before the meeting.

• Meter Replacement Project
• Special Town Meeting Articles
• Department Activity

Council on Aging

The board approved the minutes of the June 29, 2022 meeting based on a verbal summary. Members discussed funding shortages for the Nutrition Program and a projected $10,000 annual increase in the Formula Grant due to 2020 census data. The Board of Health discussed coordinating assistance for seniors to move new barrels to the road.

• Approved June 29, 2022 minutes as mentioned (motion by Alan Curtis, seconded by Mel)
• Voted Lisa Hamel as new Chairperson
• Voted Marie Bren to remain as Secretary

Select Board

The Select Board approved a $2,000 grant for the Monson Memorial Classic Road Race and appointed Tyler Mullen as a career firefighter/EMT. The Board also authorized the use of Memorial Hall for theater events in March 2023 and approved a manager change for Main Street Tavern.

• Approved $2,000 from Gifts to the Town account for Monson Memorial Classic Road Race (Unanimous)
• Appointed Tyler Mullen as career firefighter/EMT (Unanimous)
• Approved use of Memorial Hall for Monson Against Violence Everywhere on March 1, 8, 15, 22, and 24, 2023 (Unanimous)
• Approved manager change from Kimberly Calvanese to Dana Gahres for Bellasophia LLC d/b/a Main Street Tavern (2-0, 1 recused)
• Approved October 11, 2022 open session minutes (Unanimous)

General Bylaw Committee

The Bylaw Committee approved Article 29 (Stretch Energy Code) with updated language removing specific dates and referencing the most current state code. Discussion of Article 28 (Right to Farm) was tabled for further research on minimum acreage, boundaries, and grievance procedures. The committee also discussed brush fire permits and gendered language in bylaws, and scheduled the next meeting for November 28.

• Approved Article 29 (Stretch Energy Code) with removal of dated references and inclusion of current MGL (unanimous)
• Tabled Article 28 (Right to Farm) discussion for further research (unanimous)
• Approved September 26 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for November 28 (unanimous)

Fire & Emergency Services

The Fire Department Building Assessment Committee presented its findings to the Select Board and Finance Committee. After questions, the Select Board voted 2-1 to place option E, the preferred option of both the fire department and building committee, on the Town Warrant for May.

• Select Board voted 2-1 to put option E on the Town Warrant in May

Water / Sewer Commission

The Monson Water & Sewer Commission is meeting to approve minutes from August 23, 2022, and discuss old business including the meter replacement project, lead and copper rule revisions, and Palmer WWTP capital improvements. New business includes department activity and topics not anticipated 48 hours before the meeting.

• Meter Replacement Project
• Lead and Copper Rule Revision
• Palmer WWTP Capital Improvements
• Special Town Meeting Articles

Water / Sewer Commission

The Monson Water & Sewer Commission will meet to review department activity and old business. The agenda includes discussions on the Siemens Energy Savings Performance Contract and the Meter Replacement Project.

• Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) — Siemens Project
• Meter Replacement Project

Cemetery Commission

The commission will discuss the public closure of Hillside Cemetery for paving work and review the status of equipment, walls, fences, grounds, and buildings. The agenda also includes a summary of gravestone preservation workshops.

• Public closure of Hillside Cemetery for paving
• Summary of Gravestone Preservation Workshops
• Review of equipment, walls, fences, grounds, and buildings

Water / Sewer Commission

The Monson Water & Sewer Commission will meet to review department activity and old business. Discussions include an energy savings performance contract and infrastructure overhauls.

• Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) — Siemens Project
• Meter Replacement Project
• Hospital Road Pump Overhaul

Cemetery Commission

The Commission will conduct a board reorganization and review the status of equipment, walls, fences, grounds, and buildings. The meeting also includes the acceptance of previous meeting minutes.

• Reorganization of the Board
• Review of equipment, walls, fences, grounds, and buildings

Water / Sewer Commission

The Commission will reorganize the board and accept minutes from the May 25, 2022 meeting. Discussion includes updates on energy savings, meter replacements, and a pump overhaul.

• Board reorganization
• Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) — Siemens Project
• Meter Replacement Project
• Hospital Road Pump Overhaul

Cemetery Commission

The Cemetery Commission will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and review maintenance tasks. Discussions will include Memorial Day mowing and trees at Moulton Hill Cemetery.

• Review of Memorial Day mowing
• Trees at Moulton Hill Cemetery
• Status review of equipment, walls, fences, grounds, and buildings

Water / Sewer Commission

The commission will review previous meeting minutes and discuss ongoing department business. Discussion topics include an energy savings performance contract, pump station meter calibration, and a meter replacement project.

• Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) — Siemens Project
• Pump Station Flow Meter Calibration
• Meter Replacement Project
• Hospital Road Pump Overhaul

Cemetery Commission

The Commission will review work on the Hillside Arch and discuss the upcoming Annual Report for the Town. The meeting also includes discussions regarding spring cemetery clean-up and the status of grounds, equipment, and buildings.

• Review of continued work on the Hillside Arch
• Discussion of the Annual Report for the Town
• Discussion on Spring Clean-up of Cemeteries
• Review of status of equipment, walls, fences, grounds, and buildings

Water / Sewer Commission

The commission will meet to discuss the FY2023 budget and rates. The agenda includes updates on the Siemens Energy Savings Performance Contract and ARPA funding.

• FY2023 Budget / Rates
• Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) — Siemens Project
• American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA)
• Pump Station Flow Meter Calibration

Cemetery Commission

The Commission will review previous meeting minutes and consider a request for a transfer of funds. The agenda also includes a line-item addition and a status review of cemetery equipment, walls, fences, grounds, and buildings.

• Transfer of Funds Request
• Line-Item Addition
• Review of equipment, walls, fences, grounds, and buildings

Cemetery Commission

The Cemetery Commission will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and clarify the tree cutting account. The body will also review the status of cemetery equipment, walls, fences, grounds, and buildings.

• Clarification on the tree cutting account
• Review of equipment, walls, fences, grounds, and buildings
• Signing of bills and deeds

Water / Sewer Commission

The Commission will review previous meeting minutes and discuss ongoing business regarding energy savings and pump station calibration. The agenda also includes discussions on the American Recovery Plan Act and general department activity.

• Review of January 26, 2022, meeting minutes
• Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) — Siemens Project
• Pump Station Flow Meter Calibration
• American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA)

Cemetery Commission

The Monson Cemetery Commission will meet to review a proposal for arch restoration from Structures North. The body will also discuss maintenance tasks and the status of cemetery equipment and infrastructure.

• Structures North proposal for arch restoration
• Snow removal at Main Street Cemetery
• Bush removal at Hillcrest Cemetery
• CPC application
• Review of equipment, walls, fences, grounds, and buildings

Water / Sewer Commission

The Commission will review previous meeting minutes and discuss ongoing business including energy savings and water sampling. The agenda also includes discussions regarding the American Recovery Plan Act and an emergency response plan.

• Acceptance of November 17, 2021 meeting minutes
• Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) — Siemens Project
• Pump Station Flow Meter Calibration
• American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA)
• Water Sampling — PFAS (Waiver)

Cemetery Commission

The Cemetery Commission will discuss a bill from Structures North for a vault and crypt. The body will also review the status of cemetery equipment, walls, fences, grounds, and buildings.

• Structures North bill for vault and crypt
• Update on zoom meeting with CPC regarding the arch
• Cultural Council Grant Letter
• Review of equipment, walls, fences, grounds, and buildings