Monson public meetings in 2025

Select Board

The Monson Select Board, acting as the Board of Health, will hold a public hearing on December 30, 2025 at 10:00 AM. The hearing will consider the appeal by Dawn Carey of a Notice of Violation of the Sanitary Code issued for the property at 12 Aldrich Road. No decision is indicated; the agenda item is for discussion and review.

• Appeal of Dawn Carey – Notice of Violation of Sanitary Code – 12 Aldrich Road

Board of Health

The Monson Select Board, acting as the Board of Health, will hold a public hearing on December 30, 2025 at 10:00 AM in the Large Conference Room at 110 Main Street. The hearing will consider the appeal submitted by Dawn Carey regarding a Notice of Violation of the sanitary code for the property at 12 Aldrich Road. No other items are listed on the agenda.

• Appeal of Dawn Carey's sanitary code violation for 12 Aldrich Road

The Board upheld the original correction deadline of Jan 14 2026 for all health‑code violations at 12 Aldrich Road. A motion to extend the deadline for structural and non‑critical repairs to Jan 31 2026 was approved unanimously. The hearing was then closed and the meeting adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Uphold Jan 14 2026 correction deadline for all violations (vote not specified)
• Extend structural and non‑critical repair deadline to Jan 31 2026 (2‑0 unanimous)
• Close public hearing (2‑0 unanimous)
• Adjourn meeting (2‑0 unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will elect officers and review an Open Meeting Law complaint. The board will also continue a public hearing for a special permit to conduct earth removal on Stafford Road.

• Election of ZBA officers (Chair, Vice-Chair, Clerk)
• Review of Attorney General's determination on Open Meeting Law complaint
• Continued public hearing for Equestrian Hills Estates LLC earth removal permit
• Approval of meeting minutes from August through November 2025
• Approval of 2026 ZBA meeting schedule

National Grid Notices of Public Hearings

The Department of Public Utilities will hold a public hearing on December 18, 2025, to review National Grid's 2022-2024 Three-Year Energy Efficiency Plan Term Report. The Department will determine if the company accurately reported savings and costs and if programs were implemented correctly.

• Public hearing on National Grid's 2022-2024 energy efficiency plan
• Deadline to submit written comments: December 19, 2025
• Deadline to file petition to intervene: December 11, 2025
• Hearing via Zoom on December 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
• Department to review program savings, benefits, and costs

School Committee

The School Committee will discuss the FY2026 financial update and the kindergarten early acceptance process. The body is deciding on several policy revisions regarding student conduct, including drug use, smoking, and harassment.

• Vote to adopt revision to JICFA - Prohibition of Hazing Policy
• Vote to repeal JBA - Student-to-Student Harassment
• Vote to repeal JICG - Tobacco Use, Vaping, and/or Possession
• First read of revisions to ADC (Smoking on School Premises), JICH (Drug and Alcohol Use), and JICK (Harassment of Students)
• FY2026 Financial Update

The committee approved the October, November, and December subcommittee meeting minutes, each passing unanimously with four votes in favor and one member abstaining. The committee voted to move the ADC – Smoking on School Premises policy to a second reading, approving the amendment to include vaping products with a unanimous 5‑0 vote. A motion to repeal the JICG – Tobacco Use, Vaping, and/or Possession policy was withdrawn and deferred pending the adoption of the revised smoking policy.

• Approved Oct 16 2025 Finance Subcommittee minutes (4-0, Peterson abstained)
• Approved Nov 17 2025 Finance Subcommittee minutes (4-0, Peterson abstained)
• Approved Nov 19 2025 Regular Business minutes (4-0, Peterson abstained)
• Approved Dec 4 2025 Curriculum Subcommittee minutes (4-0, Peterson abstained)
• Moved ADC – Smoking on School Premises policy to second read (5-0)
• Deferred repeal of JICG – Tobacco Use, Vaping, and/or Possession policy (motion withdrawn)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will determine next steps for a Bukowski Construction LLC surety bond and discuss first right of refusal for parcels on Lower Hampden Road. The board will also consider an amendment to operating hours for a site plan on Bliss Street. General discussions regarding bylaws, subdivision rules, and the Master Plan are scheduled.

• Surety Bond for Bukowski Construction LLC at Quaboag Heights
• First right of refusal for Lower Hampden Road Parcel # 077-003A (Lot 4)
• First right of refusal for Lower Hampden Road Parcel # 077-001 (Lot 3 & 4)
• ANR Plan for Lot #3B Lower Hampden Road
• Request by Bradford Medeiros to amend hours of operation on Bliss Street site plan

The Planning Board unanimously waived the town’s right of first refusal for Parcel 077-003A and Parcel 077-001 on Lower Hampden Road. It also approved the ANR plan for Lot 3B, extended Bliss Street storage facility hours to 5 AM‑8 PM, and adopted the 2026 meeting schedule.

• Waived right of first refusal for Parcel 077-003A (5‑0 unanimous)
• Waived right of first refusal for Parcel 077-001 (5‑0 unanimous)
• Approved ANR plan for Lot 3B (unanimous endorsement)
• Approved revised Bliss Street hours 5:00 AM‑8:00 PM (5‑0 unanimous)
• Approved 2026 Planning Board meeting schedule (5‑0 unanimous)

Memorial Hall Renovation Committee

The Memorial Hall Renovation Committee will approve the minutes from the 11/18/25 meeting and receive a resignation letter from Reed Coles. The committee will discuss next steps for the hall renovations, review the status of brick fundraising and consider additional fundraising ideas. They will also explore grant opportunities before scheduling the next meeting and adjourning.

• Approve minutes from 11/18/25
• Receive resignation letter from Reed Coles
• Discuss next steps for Memorial Hall renovations
• Review brick fundraising status and consider other fundraising ideas
• Consider grant opportunities

Select Board

The Select Board is holding a community meeting to discuss the redevelopment project for the Former Monson Developmental Center. No other business is listed on the agenda.

• Community meeting regarding the Former Monson Developmental Center Redevelopment Project

The board voted to open the meeting and later voted to adjourn it. No other decisions, approvals, or denials were recorded.

School Committee

The Monson School Committee Finance Subcommittee will review the FY2026 budget update. It will consider draft versions of the FY2027 level‑service budget and the proposed budget timeline. The committee will also receive an update on the invitation for transportation service bids.

• FY2026 Budget Update
• Draft FY2027 Level Service Budget
• Draft FY2027 Proposed Budget Timeline
• Update on Transportation Invitation for Bids

The finance subcommittee reviewed the FY2026 budget variance and reported that the district remains on target with no new unanticipated expenses. A potential transportation budget shortfall of about $35,000 was noted, along with the need for an additional special‑education van and changes to out‑of‑district placements. A draft FY2027 budget was presented, showing an estimated $570,000 increase over the prior year. No formal votes or approvals were recorded during the meeting.

School Committee

The Monson School Committee Policy Subcommittee will examine several policy drafts, including a proposed prohibition of hazing and updates on tobacco, drug, substance, pregnancy, search, and harassment policies. The committee may compare the Student-to-Student Harassment draft to the district’s existing Harassment of Students policy. The agenda notes that not all items may be discussed at the meeting.

• JICFA – Prohibition of Hazing
• JICG – Tobacco Use, Vaping and/or Possession
• JICH – Drug and Alcohol Use by Students
• JICHA – Substance Use Prevention and Education Policy
• JBA – Student-to-Student Harassment (compared to MASC’s JICK Harassment of Students)

Conservation Commission

The Monson Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on several Notices of Intent for residential construction and building demolition. The body will also consider a request from the Highway Department regarding soil removal for line-of-sight improvements.

• Notice of Intent for a new home, well, septic, and driveway at Lot#4 Lower Hampden Road
• Notice of Intent for a new home and dock at Lot#15 Lakeshore Drive
• Request for Determination of Applicability for soil removal at 126 Bumstead Road
• Notice of Intent for building abatement and demolition at 175 State Ave
• Enforcement orders for wetlands violations at 57 Carpenter Road and Silver Street

The Conservation Commission voted 7‑0 to issue an invalid Certificate of Compliance for Lot 15 Lakeshore Drive. It also voted 7‑0 to close the public hearing on that lot and issue an Order of Conditions. Additionally, the commission voted 7‑0 to continue the hearing on Lot 4 Lower Hampden Road until the Jan 28, 2026 meeting and to issue a Negative #2 determination for 126 Bumstead Road.

• Issued invalid Certificate of Compliance for Lot 15 Lakeshore Drive (7‑0)
• Closed public hearing and issued Order of Conditions for Lot 15 Lakeshore Drive (7‑0)
• Continued hearing for Lot 4 Lower Hampden Road to Jan 28, 2026 (7‑0)
• Issued Negative #2 determination for 126 Bumstead Road (7‑0)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to approve or deny various tax exemptions and abatements. The board is also scheduled to discuss warrants for collecting FY26 actuals and a solar agreement.

• FY25 Abatement approval for 14 Macomber Rd
• Right of First Refusal for Lower Hampden Rd
• Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise Abatements
• Chapterland 61, 61A, and 61B approvals/denials
• Revised Assessment Solar Agreement/Warrant to Collect

The Board of Assessors approved several routine items, including minutes corrections, abatements and tax warrants. It also approved veteran personal exemptions and FY27 Chapter 61 land applications. The Board unanimously recommended that the Select Board exercise its Right of First Refusal for the Lower Hampden Rd property. The FY27 Assessor’s Notice was adopted.

• Amended Oct 29, 2025 minutes to correct 60% reduction wording (unanimous approval)
• Approved Nov 17, 2025 minutes and executive minutes (unanimous approval)
• Approved 2024 & 2025 Motor Vehicle & Trailer abatements totaling $691.01 (unanimous approval)
• Approved FY26 tax collection warrants totaling $9,383,672.83 (unanimous approval)
• Approved FY26 veteran personal exemptions totaling $14,937.50 (unanimous approval)
• Approved FY27 Chapter 61, 61A & 61B land applications (unanimous approval)
• Recommended Select Board exercise Right of First Refusal on Lower Hampden Rd property (unanimous recommendation)
• Approved FY27 Assessor’s Notice (unanimous approval)

Select Board

The Select Board and School Committee are holding a joint meeting to interview and consider a candidate for the School Committee. The proposed appointment would be effective immediately through June 8, 2026.

• Interview and consideration of Kathryn Peterson for appointment to the School Committee

The joint Monson Select Board and School Committee voted to appoint Kathryn (Kate) Peterson to the vacant School Committee seat, effective immediately until the June 8, 2026 election. The motion was made by Chair Alison Morgan, seconded by Karen Nothe‑Valley, and repeated by Patricia Oney with a second from John Morrell; a roll‑call vote recorded all members voting aye. Both the School Committee and Select Board meetings were then closed by unanimous motions.

• Appointed Kathryn (Kate) Peterson to vacant School Committee seat (unanimous aye vote)
• Closed School Committee meeting (unanimous)
• Closed Select Board meeting (unanimous)

Select Board

The Monson Select Board will consider several routine items, including approval of minutes from recent open sessions. The board will also vote on a response to an Open Meeting Law complaint filed on November 17, 2025. Additional actions include designating approval authority to the Town Administrator for a limited period, reviewing a cost‑of‑living increase for non‑union employees for FY27, and deciding on the closure of town offices on December 26, 2025.

• Approve minutes of November 17, 2025; November 19, 2025; December 3, 2025; May 5, 2025 ARPA Committee; June 5, 2025 ARPA Committee
• Review, consider and vote on response to Open Meeting Law complaint filed November 17, 2025 by Laurent McDonald
• Designate approval authority to Town Administrator from December 10, 2025 through January 13, 2026
• Non‑union employees cost‑of‑living increase for FY27
• Town offices closure for December 26, 2025

The board unanimously approved $2,000 from the Gifts to the Town fund for the annual toy drive and $4,000 for the Palmer Youth Football and Cheerleading program. It appointed Dominique Batiste to the Conservation Commission and to the Zoning Board of Appeals, and also appointed David Beaudoin and Sean Crookes to the Zoning Board of Appeals. A 1.5% cost‑of‑living increase for non‑union employees was approved, and the town offices will be closed on Dec 26, 2025. The board also designated the Town Administrator to approve certain requests through Jan 13, 2026 and approved several liquor license renewals.

• Approved $2,000 Gifts to Town for annual toy drive (unanimous)
• Approved $4,000 Gifts to Town for Palmer Youth Football & Cheerleading (unanimous)
• Appointed Dominique Batiste to Conservation Commission (unanimous)
• Appointed Dominique Batiste to Zoning Board of Appeals (unanimous)
• Appointed David Beaudoin to Zoning Board of Appeals, term extended to June 30 2029 (unanimous)
• Appointed Sean Crookes to Zoning Board of Appeals (unanimous)
• Approved 1.5% cost‑of‑living increase for non‑union employees FY27 (unanimous)
• Closed town offices on December 26 2025 (unanimous)

School Committee

The Monson School Committee meeting on December 9, 2025 will interview and consider appointing Kathryn Peterson to the committee. If approved, the appointment would be effective immediately and run through June 8, 2026.

• Interview and consider appointment of Kathryn Peterson to School Committee (effective immediately through June 8, 2026)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission will meet to discuss updates regarding the ice rink, pool, and winter sports. The meeting also includes a review of accounts receivable and a report from the director.

• Ice rink
• Pool
• Winter sports
• Accounts receivable

Cemetery Commission

The Monson Cemetery Commission will meet to review the status of equipment, walls, fences, grounds, and buildings. The agenda includes accepting minutes, a student speaker, and routine business such as signing bills and deeds.

• Acceptance of minutes
• Student speaker
• Wreaths Across America
• Jacob Thompson House Use
• Review status of equipment, walls, fences, grounds, and buildings

The commission unanimously accepted the November 6, 2025 minutes. It confirmed the Wreaths Across America ceremony schedule for December 13, 2025 at Hillcrest and Hillside Cemeteries and a second ceremony at Bethany Cemetery. Members agreed to coordinate with the Historical Society for the 2026 Jacob Thompson House walk. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Accepted November 6, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Confirmed Wreaths Across America ceremony dates and locations (no vote recorded)
• Agreed to coordinate with the Historical Society for the 2026 Jacob Thompson House walk (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

School Committee

The Monson School Committee Curriculum Subcommittee is meeting to discuss academic planning. The body will review a draft implementation plan for health standards and receive updates on curriculum and grants.

• Review of draft plan for implementation of 6-8 health standards
• Update on ELA curriculum selection process
• Update on upcoming grant opportunities

The subcommittee reviewed the draft plan for implementing grades 6‑8 health standards and discussed the Massachusetts curriculum framework. It provided an update on the ELA curriculum selection process and outlined upcoming grant opportunities for applied learning and math programs. No votes or formal approvals were recorded.

Select Board

The Monson Select Board will hold a public hearing to consider modifying, suspending, or revoking the alcohol license of Echo Hill Orchards & Winery, LLC. The hearing concerns alleged violations of state building codes and safety regulations at the business's location on Wilbraham Road.

• Public Hearing: Echo Hill Orchards & Winery, LLC license status
• Alleged violations: MGL Ch. 138 § 23 or 64, state building code, CMR 204-2.05
• Location: 101 Wilbraham Road, Monson, MA
• Location: 198 Main Street, Monson, MA (Memorial Hall)
• Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 6:00 PM

The Select Board conducted a public hearing on December 3, 2025 regarding the Farmer Pouring Permits for Echo Hill Orchards & Winery LLC. Various town officials and the business owners presented evidence of code violations and past agreements. The Board did not vote on modifying, suspending, or revoking the permits. No formal decision was recorded.

Hampden County Regional Retirement Board

The Hampden County Regional Retirement Board will vote on an accidental disability application for Jeffrey Hitchborn and review several retirement applications. The board will also reaffirm warrants for payments and transfers, including monthly retirement allowances.

• Vote to consider accidental disability application for Jeffrey Hitchborn (Agawam Police)
• Reaffirmation of monthly retirement allowances totaling $4,927,319.43
• Reaffirmation of a $6,000,000.00 transfer from PRIT to Berkshire M.M.
• Review of 12 new applications for retirement from various municipalities
• Acceptance of a new injury notice for Stephen Ricardi (Ludlow Police)

Community Preservation Committee

The Monson Community Preservation Committee will consider approving the September 3, 2025 meeting minutes, approve the bill schedule, review the recent Town Meeting, set deadlines for preservation applications and review those applications, and discuss open projects. The meeting may also include other items before adjournment.

• Review and approve minutes from September 3, 2025
• Bill schedule approval/correspondence
• Review of Town Meeting
• Set application deadline dates and review applications
• Open projects

Electronic Voting System Committee

The Electronic Voting System Committee will approve the minutes from its October 21 and November 3 meetings. It will then discuss data supplied by the Town Clerk regarding the town’s electronic voting system and consider next steps. The committee will also set the date for its next meeting.

• Approve minutes of 10/21 & 11/3 meetings
• Discussion of data provided by Town Clerk
• Determine next steps for the electronic voting system
• Set next meeting date

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the October 21 and November 3, 2025 meetings. Members reviewed a spreadsheet showing Meridia as the primary provider of voting clickers. Town Clerk Mary Watson said she will submit a $50,000 capital item to fund the clickers through the town’s capital planning process. A virtual meeting with a Meridia representative is to be scheduled for early January 2026.

• Approved October 21, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved November 3, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Cultural Council

The Monson Cultural Council will review its 2025 programs and finances, and consider applications for 2026 funding. Agenda items include a new community input ruling, affiliation status, and unanticipated items. The council will also address publicity, correspondence, and the Monson Guidelines.

• Review of 2025 programs
• Finances
• Discuss 2026 applications — allocate monies
• New Community Input ruling
• Review of Monson Guidelines

Historical Commission

The Monson Historical Commission will meet on November 21, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Clerk’s office at 110 Main Street. The agenda includes reviewing the previous meeting’s minutes, receiving an update from the Memorial Hall Committee, a GAR item, and any new business that may arise. No specific actions or votes are listed in the agenda.

• Review minutes
• Memorial Hall Committee update
• GAR item
• New business

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on a special permit application from Equestrian Hills Estates, LLC to conduct an Earth Removal operation on a Rural Residential parcel on Stafford Road (Map 101, Parcel 007). The hearing is scheduled for Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Select Board meeting room at Town Hall, 110 Main Street. The board will consider whether to grant the permit under §6.6 of the Monson Zoning Bylaws.

• Special permit application (Case ZBA2025-04) for Earth Removal on Stafford Road, Parcel 007 (Rural Residential) by Equestrian Hills Estates, LLC

The Zoning Board of Appeals opened at 7:00 p.m. but announced there was no quorum. Because a quorum was not present, no hearing was held. The meeting was closed at 7:03 p.m. No decisions were made.

Select Board

The Monson Select Board will hold an adjudicatory public hearing to consider whether to modify, suspend, or revoke the all‑alcohol license of Echo Hill Orchards & Winery, LLC. The hearing addresses alleged violations of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 138 §§ 23 or 64, failure to comply with the state building code, and CMR 204‑2.05(2) regarding an illegality on the premises. The meeting is scheduled for 6:00 PM on November 19, 2025 at the Select Board Meeting Room, 110 Main Street, Monson, MA.

• Adjudicatory public hearing for Echo Hill Orchards & Winery, LLC, 101 Wilbraham Road, Monson, MA
• License issue: possible modification, suspension, or revocation of the restaurant’s all‑alcohol license
• Alleged violations: MGL Ch. 138 §§ 23 or 64, state building code non‑compliance, CMR 204‑2.05(2) illegality
• Hearing time: 6:00 PM, November 19, 2025; location: Select Board Meeting Room, 110 Main Street, Monson, MA

Select Board

The Monson Select Board announced that the hearing scheduled for November 19, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. to consider suspension or revocation of liquor licenses for Echo Hill Orchards & Winery, LLC has been cancelled. The hearing will be rescheduled and a new notice will be issued. No decision was made at this meeting.

• Cancellation of the hearing on suspension/revocation of Echo Hill Orchards & Winery liquor licenses (originally set for Nov 19, 2025)
• Rescheduling of the hearing to be announced later

Conservation Commission

The Monson Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on two Notice of Intent applications for single‑family homes within wetland buffer zones. The first concerns Lot #4 on Lower Hampden Road (Parcels 077‑001 & 077‑003A) owned by Anthony Patalano. The second concerns Lot #15 on Lakeshore Drive (Parcel 004‑005) owned by Yevgen Tsykynovskyy and Trang Nguyen. Additional agenda items include requests for certificates of compliance and enforcement orders for wetlands violations.

• Notice of Intent – Lot #4 Lower Hampden Road (Map‑Parcel IDs 077‑001 & 077‑003A) – new single‑family home in wetland buffer zone; owner Anthony Patalano
• Notice of Intent – Lot #15 Lakeshore Drive (Map‑Parcel ID 004‑005) – new single‑family home near wetlands and dock on Pulpit Rock Pond; owners Yevgen Tsykynovskyy & Trang Nguyen
• Request for Certificate of Compliance – 56 Margaret St (DEP File# 228‑436); owners Stephany & Kyle Reilly
• Request for Certificate of Compliance – 325 Main St (DEP File# 228‑441); owner Donna Bourguignon
• Enforcement Order – 57 Carpenter Road – wetlands violation for unpermitted vegetation clearing and tree cutting; owner Mathew Biron

The Conservation Commission held a public hearing on a Notice of Intent for a single‑family home on Lot #4 at Lower Hampden Road. After discussion about the required 50‑foot wetland buffer and the Right of First Refusal process, the Commission voted to continue the hearing. The continuance moves the hearing to the December 10, 2025 meeting to allow the applicant to revise the plan, submit an Approval Not Required plan, and complete the Right of First Refusal.

• Continuance of Lot #4 hearing to Dec 10, 2025 approved (6-0)

School Committee

The Monson School Committee will hold its regular business meeting on November 19, 2025. Items include approval of the July 9 and October 22, 2025 meeting minutes, a financial update for FY2026, discussion of Title I funding, and a second reading and vote on revisions to the JICFA – Prohibition of Hazing Policy. Subcommittee reports, public comment, and other announcements will also be addressed.

• Approve July 9, 2025 Regular Business Meeting minutes
• Approve October 22, 2025 Regular Business Meeting minutes
• FY2026 financial update
• Discussion of Title I funding
• Second read and vote to approve revisions to JICFA – Prohibition of Hazing Policy

The committee voted to approve the Regular Business Meeting minutes from July 9, 2025, and from October 22, 2025 with minor amendments. Both motions passed unanimously with a 3-0 vote. No other substantive actions or votes were taken during the meeting.

• Approved July 9, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous 3-0)
• Approved October 22, 2025 meeting minutes with amendments (unanimous 3-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board meeting scheduled for November 18, 2025, has been cancelled. The next public hearing is scheduled for December 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM.

The Monson Planning Board meeting on November 18, 2025 was cancelled because no agenda was submitted. Consequently, no actions were approved, denied, or tabled.

Memorial Hall Renovation Committee

The committee will meet to review paint updates for the Main Hall and discuss reorganizing the committee. The meeting also includes the approval of previous minutes.

• Main Hall paint updates
• Committee reorganization

The committee approved the minutes from the October 21, 2025 meeting. Mary Watson was appointed chair of the committee. Alan Morin was appointed secretary/clerk. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved minutes of Oct 21, 2025 (unanimous)
• Appointed Mary Watson as chair (unanimous)
• Appointed Alan Morin as secretary/clerk (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board will consider and vote on the employment contract for Nicholas Gasperini as Chief of Police. A public hearing on the FY26 Tax Classification will be held with Assessor Pehoviak. The Board will also discuss waiving fees for Memorial Hall rentals, approve minutes from recent meetings, and consider a Christmas Eve early closure.

• Vote to approve employment contract for Nicholas Gasperini, Chief of Police
• FY26 Tax Classification Hearing – Assessor Pehoviak (public hearing)
• Discussion of waiving fees for Memorial Hall rentals
• Christmas Eve early closure
• Open Meeting Law complaints filed on Sep 24, Oct 14, Oct 15 2025

The board unanimously adopted a residential factor of 1 for the FY26 tax rate and voted against both a residential exemption and a small‑commercial exemption. It also approved the minutes from the October 28 and November 10 meetings, ratified the employment contract for Chief Nicholas Gasperini through June 2029, and voted to close the town office building at noon on Christmas Eve.

• Adopt residential factor of 1 for FY26 tax rate (unanimous)
• Reject residential exemption for FY26 tax rate (unanimous)
• Reject small‑commercial exemption for FY26 tax rate (unanimous)
• Approve October 28, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approve November 10, 2025 executive‑session minutes (unanimous)
• Approve employment contract for Chief Nicholas Gasperini (Sept 25 2025 – June 30 2029) (unanimous)
• Approve early closure of town office building at noon on Christmas Eve (unanimous)

Select Board

The Monson Select Board is meeting as the Board of Health to address public health and administrative matters. The board will consider an emergency condemnation order for a specific property and a representative appointment.

• Emergency condemnation order for 64 Margaret St
• Nomination and vote to appoint Jennifer Wolowicz to the Shared Services Advisory Board

Board of Health

The Monson Board of Health will consider a nomination and vote to appoint a representative to the Shared Services Advisory Board. The meeting also includes public comment, routine business such as reviewing correspondence, approving the October 14, 2025 minutes, and signing bill schedules, licenses, permits, abatements, or warrants.

• Nomination and vote to appoint a Shared Services Advisory Board representative
• Review correspondence (routine business)
• Approve minutes from October 14, 2025
• Signing bill schedules, licenses, permits, abatements, or warrants

The Board appointed Jennifer Wolowitz as Monson's representative to the Shared Services Advisory Board. It approved an emergency condemnation order for 64 Margaret Street. The Board accepted a $1,600 Recycling Dividends Program grant. Review of the October 14 minutes was tabled for a future meeting.

• Approved appointment of Jennifer Wolowitz to Shared Services Advisory Board (unanimous)
• Approved emergency condemnation of 64 Margaret Street (unanimous)
• Accepted $1,600 Recycling Dividends Program grant (unanimous)
• Tabled review of October 14, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved motion to close the meeting (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will review various tax abatements, exemptions, and solar policy. The meeting includes a public hearing regarding FY26 tax classifications.

• FY26 Tax Classification Public Hearing
• Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise Abatements
• Personal Exemption Approvals/Denials
• Chapterland 61, 61A, 61B Approvals/Denials
• FY27 Crumbling Foundation Applications/Approvals

The Monson Board of Assessors approved the October 29, 2025 Executive Session minutes and the 2025 motor‑vehicle and trailer abatements totaling $3,918.96. It also approved the November 2025 accounting abatement report, FY26 personal exemption applications for veterans, blind and senior owners, FY27 Chapter 61A/61B land applications, and maintained 60% value reductions for two crumbling‑foundation properties. Finally, the board adopted a residential solar exemption policy.

• Approved October 29, 2025 Executive Session Minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 Motor Vehicle & Trailer Abatements totaling $3,918.96 (unanimous)
• Approved November 2025 Accounting Abatement Report totaling $3,918.96 (unanimous)
• Approved FY26 veteran, blind and senior personal exemption applications totaling $51,000 (unanimous)
• Approved FY27 Chapter 61A & 61B land applications (unanimous)
• Approved 60% building‑value reduction for 183 Wales Rd and 22 Country Club Dr due to crumbling foundations (unanimous)
• Approved Residential Solar Exemption policy (unanimous)

Keep Homestead Museum Board of Directors

The Keep Homestead Museum Board of Directors will review old business items including programming, bathroom painting, signage, and the Liberty Mutual volunteer program. New business will cover volunteer hours and any unanticipated items. The meeting will conclude with an adjournment.

• Programming discussion
• Bathroom painting
• Museum signage
• Liberty Mutual volunteer program
• Volunteer hours

The board unanimously approved a $100 purchase to replace the bent sign at the intersection of Ely and High Street. They also unanimously accepted the minutes from the October 20, 2025 meeting with corrections. The financial report showing a balance of $8,339.36 was accepted unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved $100 sign replacement at Ely & High Street (unanimous)
• Accepted minutes of Oct 20, 2025 meeting with corrections (unanimous)
• Accepted financial report showing $8,339.36 balance (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Keep Homestead Museum Board of Directors

The Keep Homestead Museum Board of Directors will review items on its agenda, including museum programming, bathroom painting, and new signage. It will also discuss the Liberty Mutual volunteer program and report on volunteer hours. Any unanticipated items will be considered before adjournment.

• Programming
• Bathroom painting
• Signage for Museum
• Liberty Mutual Volunteer Program
• Volunteer Hours

The board accepted the minutes of the October 20, 2025 meeting with corrections, unanimously. They approved the financial report showing a balance of $8,339.36, unanimously. They approved purchasing a new sign for $100 at the intersection of Ely and High Street, unanimously. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 7:26 p.m.

• Accepted October 20, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved financial report showing $8,339.36 balance (unanimous)
• Approved $100 sign purchase for Ely and High Street intersection (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

School Committee

The Monson School Committee Finance Subcommittee will meet to receive an update on the FY2026 budget. The meeting will also cover updates on budget forecasting and planning, as well as capital planning. No specific actions or dollar amounts are listed.

• FY2026 budget update
• Budget forecasting and planning update
• Capital planning update

The committee reviewed the FY2026 budget, noting a $136,394 drop in rural aid and a $448,911 circuit‑breaker surplus. It reported a rise in special‑education enrollment to 28% and presented four‑year service‑budget forecasts of 2.9%–3.6% growth. A draft five‑year capital plan was started, with intent to apply for E‑Rate funding for technology infrastructure. No motions, votes, or approvals were recorded.

Select Board

The Select Board will first vote to enter an executive session to discuss strategy for upcoming non‑union police chief contract negotiations. After the session, the board will vote to approve the employment contract for Nicholas Gaspereni as the town’s Chief of Police. No other items are on the agenda.

• Vote to enter executive session for police chief contract negotiation strategy
• Vote to approve employment contract for Nicholas Gaspereni as Chief of Police

The board entered an executive session to discuss the police chief contract, then returned to open session. After reviewing revisions, the board approved the employment contract for Nicholas Gasperini as Police Chief, effective September 25, 2025 through June 30, 2029. The motion to approve the contract passed unanimously among those voting.

• Approved move to executive session (3-0)
• Approved new police chief employment contract (2-0)
• Approved return to open session (2-0)
• Approved adjournment of meeting (2-0)

Cemetery Commission

The Monson Cemetery Commission will accept the previous meeting minutes and receive updates on the cemetery walk, labor matters, and a student speaking opportunity. They will review the status of equipment, walls, fences, grounds, and buildings. The commission will also handle routine business such as signing bills, deeds, and necessary correspondence.

• Acceptance of minutes
• Cemetery walk update
• Labor update
• Review status of equipment, walls, fences, grounds, and buildings
• Commissioners to sign bills, deeds, and correspondence

The commission voted to accept the minutes from the October 2, 2025 meeting, with all members in favor. Later, the commission voted to adjourn the November 6, 2025 meeting at 7:46 pm, also unanimously.

• Accepted October 2, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:46 pm (unanimous)

Hampden County Regional Retirement Board

The Board will vote on the 2026 budget, 2026 meeting dates, and new Medicare rates. The meeting includes approvals for monthly retirement allowances and the processing of new member applications and retirement requests.

• Vote to reaffirm monthly retirement allowances of $4,998,174.77
• Vote to reaffirm a $6,000,000.00 transfer from PRIT to Berkshire M.M.
• Vote to approve the 2026 Budget
• Vote to review and decide on new MIIA Medicare rates
• Acceptance of injury notices for employees including Ludlow Police and Monson Highway

Fire Department Building Assessment Committee

The Monson Fire Department Building Assessment Committee will meet to approve previous meeting minutes, review project timelines and budgets, and discuss change orders including temporary power for outbuildings.

• Review project update and timeline
• Review budget update
• Discuss change orders: Temp power to out buildings ($6,000)
• Vote on any necessary change orders
• Set next meeting date

The Fire Department Building Assessment Committee voted to approve $6,000 for temporary power to two rear buildings, a $2,227.32 change order, and an $18,500 designer request. All motions passed unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved $6,000 temporary power expense (unanimous)
• Approved $2,227.32 change order (unanimous)
• Approved $18,500 designer request (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Electronic Voting System Committee

The Electronic Voting System Committee will vote to approve the minutes from the October 21, 2025 open session. It will hear a presentation of research delivered by Town Clerk Mary Watson. The committee will also decide on the date for its next meeting.

• Approve Minutes — October 21, 2025 Open Session
• Presentation of research by Town Clerk Mary Watson
• Set next meeting date

The Electronic Voting Clicker Committee reviewed a spreadsheet of about 36 towns and discussed next steps. The committee scheduled its next meeting for Monday, November 24 at 6:00 p.m. A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and approved unanimously. No formal decisions or approvals were made.

• Reviewed spreadsheet of ~36 towns (no vote)
• Scheduled next meeting for Nov 24 at 6:00 p.m. (no vote)
• Motion to adjourn approved (unanimous)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Monson Parks & Recreation Commission will discuss CPC projects, consider Pool Act 39 (1005 G/SA), and review plans for fall sports. The meeting also includes a report on accounts receivable, a director's report, approval of the previous meeting minutes, and setting the next meeting date.

• CPC projects discussion
• Pool Act 39 (1005 G/SA) review
• Fall sports planning
• Accounts receivable report
• Director's report

Conservation Commission

The Monson Conservation Commission will review several requests for Certificates of Compliance for properties on Upper Hampden Road, Palmer Road, Main Street, and Thompson Street. It will also consider two enforcement orders related to wetlands violations at 57 Carpenter Road and Silver Street. The commission may discuss any of these items, though not all listed items are guaranteed to be addressed.

• Request for Certificate of Compliance – 186 Upper Hampden Road (DEP File# 228-439, Map‑Parcel ID: 011‑010A) – owner Hedge Hog Industries Corporation
• Request for Certificate of Compliance – 46 Palmer Road, Unit #28 (DEP File# 228‑235, Map‑Parcel ID: 112‑828) – owner Gerald Franklin Kane Trustee
• Request for Certificate of Compliance – 325 Main St (DEP File# 228‑441) – owner Donna Bourguignon
• Enforcement Order – 57 Carpenter Road – wetlands violation for unpermitted vegetation clearing and tree cutting – owner Mathew Biron
• Enforcement Order – Silver Street (Assessors Map‑Parcel ID: 002‑006) – wetlands violation for unpermitted clearing in priority habitats – owner On the Mark, LLC (East Longmeadow, MA 01028)

Board of Assessors

The Monson Board of Assessors will discuss a range of property and tax matters, including abutting parcels on East Hill Road and the approval of September 10, 2025 meeting minutes. They will consider motor vehicle and trailer excise abatements, Chapterland 61, 61A, and 61B approvals or denials, and a crumbling foundation policy. An executive session will be held to review exempt entity applications and related confidential documents.

• Abutting parcels – East Hill Rd (per sign‑up sheet)
• Minutes for approval – September 10, 2025
• Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise Abatements
• Chapterland 61, 61A, 61B approvals/denials
• Executive session to discuss exempt entity applications (confidential)

The Board of Assessors approved the 2023‑2025 Motor Vehicle and Trailer Abatements, totaling $5,978.95, with a unanimous vote. It also approved the October 2025 Accounting Abatement Report for the same amount, the Accounting Commitment Report for Motor Vehicle Commitment 2025‑5 for $48,838.72, and the FY27 Chapter 61, 61A, and 61B land applications. Additionally, the Board voted to keep the 60% crumbling‑foundation value reductions for 127 Bumstead Rd and 245 Hovey Rd.

• Approved 2023‑2025 Motor Vehicle & Trailer Abatements totaling $5,978.95 (3‑0)
• Approved October 2025 Accounting Abatement Report $5,978.95 (3‑0)
• Approved Accounting Commitment Report for Motor Vehicle Commitment 2025‑5 $48,838.72 (3‑0)
• Approved FY27 Chapter 61, 61A, 61B land applications (3‑0)
• Approved 127 Bumstead Rd to remain at 60% reduced value (3‑0)
• Approved 245 Hovey Rd to remain at 60% reduced value (3‑0)
• Approved minutes of September 10, 2025 (3‑0)

Select Board

The Monson Select Board will approve the minutes from the October 14 and October 21 meetings. It will review and vote on its written responses to three Open Meeting Law complaints filed by Gretchen Neggers and Roxanne Gunther. The board will also receive the Town Administrator’s report and handle routine items such as initialing bills and warrants.

• Approve minutes of the October 14, 2025 Open Session
• Approve minutes of the October 21, 2025 Executive Session
• Review, consider and vote on response to Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Gretchen Neggers (October 14, 2025)
• Review, consider and vote on response to Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Roxanne Gunther (October 15, 2025) – two identical agenda entries
• Select Board to initial all bills and warrants

The Board voted to appropriate $250 from the Gifts to the Town account for a Veterans Day lunch. It also approved the October 14 and October 21 meeting minutes and directed three open‑meeting‑law complaints to Town Counsel for response. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved $250 appropriation for Veterans Day lunch (motion passed)
• Accepted minutes of October 14, 2025 open session (motion passed)
• Accepted minutes of October 21, 2025 executive session (motion passed)
• Sent October 14, 2025 open‑meeting‑law complaint to Town Counsel (motion passed)
• Sent October 15, 2025 open‑meeting‑law complaint (first) to Town Counsel (motion passed)
• Sent October 15, 2025 open‑meeting‑law complaint (second) to Town Counsel (motion passed)
• Adjourned the meeting (motion passed)

Finance Committee

The Monson Finance Committee will review and accept the previous meeting minutes, consider correspondence and pending bills, receive town financial updates, and vote on articles 6, 11, and 29. They will also set the date for the next meeting before adjourning to the Town Meeting at 7:00 p.m.

• Review and acceptance of minutes
• Review correspondence
• Bills to pay or appropriate
• Vote on articles 6, 11, and 29
• Set next meeting date

The Finance Committee considered Articles 6, 11, 15 and 29. Article 6 was passed. Article 29 was deferred to the floor. Motions on Articles 11 and 15 were made and seconded, but no vote outcome is recorded in the minutes.

• Article 6 passed (motion by Maureen)
• Article 29 deferred to the floor (motion by Maureen)
• Motion on Article 11 to rescind previous vote made and seconded (no vote recorded)
• Motion on Article 11 to set amount $2,422.50 made and seconded (no vote recorded)
• Motion on Article 15 to accept as written made and seconded (no vote recorded)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Monson Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for October 23, 2025 was cancelled. The notice was issued by the Town Clerk. The next meeting is scheduled for November 20, 2025 at 7:00 PM in the public meeting room of the Town Office Building, 110 Main Street.

The Zoning Board of Appeals cancelled its scheduled meeting on October 23, 2025. No agenda items were considered. The next meeting is set for November 20, 2025 at 7:00 PM in the public meeting room of the Town Office Building.

School Committee

The Monson School Committee will consider several items, including acceptance of two Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) grants totaling $14,000, and votes on policy revisions and other matters. Members will also discuss the FY2026 financial update, a petition concerning the fiscal crisis, and the district's graduation date.

• Accept Targeted Tiered Math Academy Off Ramp Grant from DESE ($9,000)
• Accept FY26 Innovation Career Pathways Planning Grant from DESE ($5,000)
• Second read and vote on Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy
• Second read and vote to approve revisions to Prohibition of Hazing Policy
• Vote to approve Superintendent Evaluation Goals and Timeline for 25-26

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the June, September and October subcommittee meetings. It also voted to accept a $9,000 Targeted Tiered Math Academy Off‑Ramp Grant and a $5,000 FY26 Innovation Career Pathways Planning Grant from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. An update was given on the interim school‑committee member interview process scheduled for December 9. No other motions were taken.

• Approved June 11, 2025 regular business meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved September 17, 2025 finance subcommittee minutes (4-0)
• Approved October 7, 2025 curriculum subcommittee minutes (4-0)
• Accepted Targeted Tiered Math Academy Off‑Ramp Grant – $9,000 (3-0)
• Accepted FY26 Innovation Career Pathways Planning Grant – $5,000 (3-0)

Select Board

The Select Board will vote on entering an executive session to develop a strategy for negotiating the police chief contract with nonunion personnel. The session is requested under M.G.L. c. 830A, Sec 21(2) because an open meeting could harm the town's bargaining position. After the vote, the board will not return to open session and will adjourn.

• Vote to enter executive session to plan police chief contract negotiations

The board entered an executive session to discuss strategy for the police chief contract, with all three members voting aye. They approved a one‑time supplemental payment of $2,275 to Police Chief Michael Gasperini for the period September 25‑October 17. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Entered executive session for police chief contract strategy (aye, aye, aye)
• Approved $2,275 supplemental pay to Police Chief Gasperini (aye, aye, aye)
• Adjourned meeting (aye, aye, aye)

Electronic Voting System Committee

The Electronic Voting System Committee will discuss its internal organization, review its charge, and schedule the next meeting. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Organization of Committee
• Review Committee Charge
• Set Next Meeting Date

The Electronic Voting System Committee elected John Morrell as chair, Peter Matrow as vice chair, and Alice Davey as clerk, each by unanimous vote. The committee set its next meeting for Monday, November 3, 2025 at 6 p.m. in the Small Meeting Room at the Town Office Building. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote at 6:20 p.m.

• John Morrell elected chair (unanimous vote)
• Peter Matrow elected vice chair (unanimous vote)
• Alice Davey elected clerk (unanimous vote)
• Next meeting scheduled for Nov 3, 2025 at 6 p.m. in Small Meeting Room
• Meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m. (unanimous vote)

Memorial Hall Renovation Committee

The committee is meeting to review paint updates and punch list items for the Main Hall. Members will also discuss pricing and vendors for brick fundraising and plan a future tavern event.

• Main Hall paint updates and punch list items
• Brick fundraising pricing and vendor selection
• Tavern fundraising date
• Public Safety Night Out coordination
• Lighting updates

The committee unanimously approved the September 16 and September 30 meeting minutes. It also unanimously selected Brick Markers, USA as the vendor for the brick fundraising project. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously at 5:05 p.m.

• Approved September 16 & September 30 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved selection of Brick Markers, USA for brick fundraiser (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:05 p.m. (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Monson Planning Board meeting set for October 21, 2025 was cancelled. The next public hearing is scheduled for November 18, 2025 at 7:00 PM in the public meeting room of the Town Office Building, 110 Main Street, Monson. No other agenda items were listed.

The Monson Planning Board meeting scheduled for October 21, 2025 was cancelled because an agenda was not prepared. As a result, no items were discussed, voted on, or decided. This record serves only to note the cancellation.

Keep Homestead Museum Board of Directors

The Keep Homestead Museum Board will review its upcoming programming, consider painting the museum bathrooms, and evaluate new signage. The meeting will also address volunteer hour reporting and any unanticipated items that arise.

• Programming
• Bathroom Painting
• Signage for Museum
• Volunteer Hours
• Unanticipated Items

The board approved the September 15, 2025 meeting minutes and the financial report, both by unanimous vote. No other substantive actions were decided. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Accepted September 15 minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted financial report showing $9,955.99 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Select Board

The Monson Select Board will first vote to enter an executive session to discuss strategy for negotiating a non‑union police chief contract, citing M.G.L. c. 830A Sec 21(2). After the executive session, the board will vote to approve the employment contract for Nicholas Gaspereni as Chief of Police.

• Vote to enter executive session for police chief contract strategy (M.G.L. c. 830A Sec 21(2))
• Vote to approve employment contract for Nicholas Gaspereni as Chief of Police

School Committee

The Monson School Committee will meet to review the FY2026 budget, budget forecasting, and capital planning updates. The Finance Subcommittee will present these items.

• Finance Subcommittee meeting
• FY2026 budget update
• Budget forecasting/planning update
• Capital planning update

The committee reviewed the FY26 budget update, noting revenue sources, expenditures on track, and unanticipated costs such as a cybersecurity incident and a plumbing issue. They also discussed salary projections through FY30 and outlined a multi‑year capital plan for FY27‑FY30, including potential E‑Rate funding. No formal actions or votes were taken.

School Committee

The Monson School Committee Policy Subcommittee will discuss four agenda items. They will consider a Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy, a JICFA proposal to prohibit hazing, a CBEBD initiative for crowdfunding, and an ongoing policy review. No decisions are recorded in this agenda.

• Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy
• JICFA – Prohibition of Hazing
• CBEBD – Crowdfunding
• Ongoing Policy Review

Select Board

The Monson Select Board will consider several items, including a vote to adopt updated Trash Hauler Regulations, continued discussion of the Swap Shop and Property Maintenance Regulation, and a proposal to set the town’s 2026 trash collection rate. The board will also hear a health director’s report, nominate an advisory board representative, and approve recent meeting minutes. Routine business includes reviewing correspondence and signing permits.

• Vote to accept updated Trash Hauler Regulations
• Continued discussion of the Swap Shop
• Continued discussion of Property Maintenance Regulation
• Advisory board representative nomination
• Setting the trash rate for 2026

Select Board

The Select Board will consider the process for filling a vacant seat on the School Committee, including a special election or a joint appointment. The board will also ratify the Town Administrator’s action to advertise the vacancy. Additional items include approving September 22 and 23 minutes, reviewing policy revisions from Town Counsel, and addressing an Open Meeting Law complaint filed on September 24, 2025.

• Approve minutes of September 22, 2025 (executive session) and September 23, 2025 (open session)
• Decide on School Committee vacancy process: special election or joint appointment
• Ratify Town Administrator’s action to advertise the School Committee vacancy
• Review and vote on policy revisions from Town Counsel (personnel policies & procedures)
• Review and vote on response to Open Meeting Law complaint filed September 24, 2025 by Laurent McDonald

The Board approved $1,300 for the Monson Athletic Hall of Fame, adopted the September 22 executive‑session and September 23 open‑session minutes, and voted unanimously to fill the school committee vacancy through a joint appointment process, with the appointment lasting until the June 2026 election. It also ratified the advertisement of the vacancy, approved a letter of support for House Bill 2432 on pancreatic cancer, and authorized Town Counsel to respond to an open‑meeting‑law complaint.

• Appropriated $1,300 for Athletic Hall of Fame (unanimous)
• Approved September 22, 2025 executive‑session minutes (unanimous)
• Approved September 23, 2025 open‑session minutes (unanimous)
• Selected joint appointment process for school committee vacancy (unanimous)
• Ratified advertisement of school committee vacancy (unanimous)
• Approved letter of support for House Bill 2432 on pancreatic cancer (unanimous)
• Authorized Town Counsel to respond to open‑meeting‑law complaint (unanimous)
• Decided only one December meeting, scheduled for Dec 9 (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Monson Board of Health will review the Health Director's report, discuss updated trash hauler regulations, and set the 2026 trash rate. The meeting will also include the approval of previous meeting minutes.

• Vote to accept updated Trash Hauler Regulations
• Setting the trash rate for 2026
• Review Trash Hauler Regulations continued discussion
• Property Maintenance Regulation continued discussion
• Approval of June 24, 2025, and September 9, 2025, minutes

The Board accepted updated trash hauler regulations and set the FY2026 trash rate at $374 per single‑family household. It approved donating the swap shop shed to town departments, postponed appointing a health‑director representative to the advisory board, and formally accepted the June 24 and September 9, 2025 meeting minutes. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Accepted updated trash hauler regulations (unanimous)
• Approved FY2026 trash rate of $374 per single‑family household (all in favor)
• Agreed to donate swap shop shed, offering it first to town departments
• Decided to wait for the next health director to appoint an advisory board representative
• Accepted June 24, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted September 9, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Monson Conservation Commission will review several requests for Certificates of Compliance for properties on Upper Hampden Road, Main Street, Munn Road, Palmer Road, and Boston Road West. It will also hold informal discussions about Bumstead Road and a lot on Lakeshore Drive. The commission will consider two enforcement orders addressing wetlands violations at 57 Carpenter Road and Silver Street. Old business includes a Certificate of Compliance request for 29 Thompson Street, and the meeting will conclude with approval of minutes.

• Certificate of Compliance request – 186 Upper Hampden Road (Hedge Hog Industries Corporation)
• Certificate of Compliance request – 325 Main St (Donna Bourguignon)
• Enforcement Order – 57 Carpenter Road (wetlands violation, unpermitted vegetation clearing)
• Enforcement Order – Silver Street (wetlands violation, unpermitted land clearing)
• Informal Discussion – Bumstead Road (Ben Murphy, Highway Surveyor)

School Committee

The Curriculum Subcommittee is meeting to discuss the review process and timelines for various academic subjects. The body will focus on curriculum mapping and decision points for science and health education.

• Review of 6-8 Health Curriculum Frameworks process and timeline
• Discussion of ELA curriculum review process
• Discussion of Science curriculum decision points
• Discussion of formative assessments
• Updates on curriculum mapping and 9-12 Health curriculum mapping

The subcommittee reviewed the current PE & Health, ELA, and Science curricula for grades 6‑8, identified gaps, and considered new resources. It also examined formative assessment tools and curriculum mapping plans. No formal approvals or votes were recorded; the committee outlined several follow‑up actions.

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Parks & Recreation Commission will meet to discuss department projects and seasonal programming. The agenda includes reviews of the pool, fall sports, and upcoming classes.

• CPC projects
• Pool
• Fall Sports
• Upcoming Classes
• Accounts receivable

Commissioner Chris Howard moved to accept the minutes from the last meeting and Jan Demaio seconded the motion. The motion was adopted. The commission noted the tentative next meeting date of November 3. No other substantive actions were decided.

• Accepted previous meeting minutes (motion passed)

Cemetery Commission

The Monson Cemetery Commission will accept the minutes from the previous meeting. Commissioners will discuss the planned 2025 Cemetery Walk and receive labor updates. They will review the status of equipment, walls, fences, grounds, and buildings. Routine business includes signing bills, deeds, and correspondence.

• Acceptance of minutes
• Continued discussion on 2025 Cemetery Walk
• Labor updates
• Review status of equipment, walls, fences, grounds, and buildings
• Signing of bills, deeds, and correspondence

The Monson Cemetery Commission unanimously approved the September 4, 2025 minutes and then unanimously adjourned the meeting. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Accepted September 4, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Hampden County Regional Retirement Board

The Hampden County Regional Retirement Board will consider accidental‑disability claims submitted by Kelly Miller of Southwick and Sean Burt of Ludlow. It will vote to reaffirm warrants issued on September 30, including salary, compensation, refunds, expenses and retirement allowances totaling $5,581,601.06, and to accept reconciled bank balances for August 31, 2025. The agenda also includes review of new retirement allowances, new retirement applications, and a PRIT fund update.

• Vote on accidental‑disability claims for Kelly Miller (Southwick) and Sean Burt (Ludlow)
• Reaffirm warrants issued Sept 30: Salary $30,485.86, Board Member Compensation $2,833.33, Refunds $572,372.95, Monthly Expenses $23,409.79, Monthly Retirement Allowances $4,952,499.13 (total $5,581,601.06)
• Accept reconciled balances as of Aug 31, 2025 for Berkshire Bank and Peoples Bank (total assets over $5 million)
• Reaffirm new retirement allowances for listed retirees (e.g., Rosalie Palmer, Kim S. Monson, etc.)
• Consider new retirement applications for listed members (e.g., Deborah J. Bradway, Lynn M. Kaczman, etc.)

Fire Department Building Assessment Committee

The Fire Department Building Assessment Committee will meet on Oct 1, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in Monson. The agenda includes approving minutes from previous meetings, receiving project and budget updates, and discussing change orders such as a water line, interior bay opening to add alternate, ceiling fans, and truss/insulation. The committee will vote on any needed change orders and set the date for the next meeting.

• Approve minutes from previous meetings
• Project update and timeline
• Budget update
• Change order discussions: water line, interior bay opening, ceiling fans, truss/insulation
• Vote on change orders and set next meeting date

The committee approved six change requests, including water line, interior bay opening, soils, windows, and truss/insulation, with all motions passing unanimously. The project is reported to be under budget and the move‑in date extended by eight days. The meeting was adjourned at 7:18 p.m.

• Approved $7,200 water line change (unanimous)
• Approved $30,961.13 interior bay opening change (unanimous)
• Approved $29,376.26 soils change (unanimous)
• Approved windows pre‑fitted at mill change (unanimous)
• Approved $15,243.52 truss/insulation change (unanimous)
• Approved change request 9 R2 truss/insulation (unanimous)
• Approved change request 11 windows pre‑fit (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:18 p.m. (unanimous)

Memorial Hall Renovation Committee

The Memorial Hall Renovation Committee will discuss paint updates for the Main Hall, continue talks on brick fundraising, review a fundraising contribution from Main Street Tavern totaling $405 ($300 plus $105) recorded on 9/18, and consider a Public Safety Night Out event. The meeting will also set the date for the next session.

• Main Hall – paint updates
• Brick fundraising – further discussion
• Fundraising from Main Street Tavern: $300 plus $105 (9/18)
• Public Safety Night Out

The Memorial Hall Renovation Committee adjourned the September 30 meeting by unanimous vote. No other formal approvals or denials were recorded. The committee scheduled its next meeting for October 21 at 4 p.m. and discussed upcoming tasks such as lighting fixture selection, plaque re‑installation, and inspections.

• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing, continued from earlier dates, on a special permit application by Equestrian Hills Estates, LLC to conduct an Earth Removal operation on a Rural Residential parcel on Stafford Road (Map 101, Parcel 007). The hearing is set for September 25, 2025 at 7:00 PM in the public meeting room of the Town Office Building, 110 Main Street. Other agenda items include a brief correspondence item and a notice of the Citizen Planner Training Collaborative Western MA Conference.

• Continuation of public hearing for special permit (Earth Removal) – case ZBA2025-04 – Stafford Road, Rural Residential (Map 101, Parcel 007)
• Correspondence item (unspecified)
• Notice of Citizen Planner Training Collaborative Western MA Conference

The Zoning Board of Appeals heard the application for earth removal at Equestrian Hill Estates on Stafford Road and discussed driveway grade, erosion controls, traffic impacts, and stormwater management. Chair Ronald Fussell decided not to vote and called for a continuance to allow further due diligence, which the applicant accepted. The board also approved a motion to adjourn the meeting unanimously.

• Continuance of public hearing on Equestrian Hill Estates earth removal application (no vote)
• Motion to adjourn meeting adopted 5-0

RePlanting Monson Tree Committee

The Replanting Monson Tree Committee will review the minutes from its April 2, 2025 meeting. It will discuss a reorganization of the committee. The committee will consider approving CPC funds for constructing a kiosk. Additional items include a fall program and a cemetery and Keep Chestnut Roast discussion.

• Review and approve minutes of the April 2, 2025 meeting
• Committee reorganization
• Approval of CPC funds for kiosk construction
• Fall program discussion
• Cemetery and Keep Chestnut Roast discussion

Flynt Park-Keep Museum Trails Committee

The committee will meet to reorganize its board and review current plans. Members will also continue discussions regarding grants.

• Reorganization of the Board
• Update on current plans
• Discussion on grants

Select Board

The Select Board will first vote to enter executive session for a strategy session on upcoming contract negotiations with nonunion police chief personnel. If approved, the board will then vote on the employment contract for Nicholas Gaspereni as Chief of Police. Both items will be decided in the open session after the executive session.

• Vote to enter executive session for strategy session on Police Chief contract negotiations
• Vote to approve employment contract for Nicholas Gaspereni as Chief of Police

Select Board

The Monson Select Board will consider several approvals, including borrowing funds for a fire station renovation and a retirement agreement for Chief Steve Kozloski. The board will also create a committee to study an electronic voting system and approve a special town meeting warrant. Additional items include a proclamation for Chief Kozloski and a request to use Veterans Field for Halloween festivities.

• Approve Borrowing for Fire Station Renovation — Sherri Roberson
• Approve Retirement Agreement for Chief Steve Kozloski
• Create Committee to Research the Use of an Electronic Voting System
• Approve Special Town Meeting Warrant
• Proclamation for Chief Steve Kozloski

The Select Board unanimously approved the retirement agreement for Police Chief Stephen Kozloski and authorized the Lions Club to use Veterans Field for a Halloween parade and festivities. Alice Davey was unanimously appointed to the Quaboag Valley Business Assistance Corporation board with a term ending June 30, 2027. A motion to create a committee to research an electronic voting system was rejected by a 2‑1 vote, while John R. Morrell was appointed to the committee and later an amendment to its membership was approved (two ayes, one abstention). The Board also unanimously approved the minutes of four recent sessions; no vote on the proposed fire‑station borrowing was recorded.

• Approved retirement agreement for Chief Stephen Kozloski (unanimous)
• Authorized Lions Club use of Veterans Field for Halloween festivities (unanimous)
• Appointed Alice Davey to Quaboag Valley Business Assistance Corp board (term to 6/30/27) (unanimous)
• Rejected creation of committee to research electronic voting system (2-1)
• Appointed John R. Morrell to electronic voting research committee (approved, 2 ayes, 1 abstain)
• Amended committee appointments adding Alice Davey, removing Reed Coles (approved, 2 ayes, 1 abstain)
• Approved minutes of Sep 5, Sep 9, Sep 11, Sep 16 sessions (unanimous)
• No decision recorded on borrowing for fire‑station renovation (pending)

Select Board

The Select Board is meeting in executive session to conduct a strategy session for contract negotiations with nonunion personnel. The session specifically concerns the Police Chief Contract.

• Strategy session for Police Chief Contract negotiations

The board voted to enter an executive session to discuss the police chief contract, with both members voting aye. The board agreed to keep outside detail payments in the contract and to discuss the chief’s responsibility for officer coverage of town details. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous aye vote.

• Motion to enter executive session approved (Ms. Oney – aye, Mr. Warren – aye)
• Agreed to retain outside detail payments in the police chief contract
• Agreed to discuss the chief’s responsibility to have officers cover town details
• Motion to adjourn the meeting approved (Ms. Oney – aye, Mr. Warren – aye)

Finance Committee

The Monson Finance Committee will meet on September 22, 2025 to conduct routine business. Items include electing a chair and vice‑chair, accepting a resignation, appointing a new member, reviewing a FY25 Water/Sewer Reserve Fund transfer request, and reviewing the FY27 budget calendar. The committee will also receive town financial updates and consider articles for STM.

• Vote on Chair and Vice Chair positions
• Acceptance of Cynthia Lynch’s resignation
• Vote on appointment of a new committee member
• FY25 Water/Sewer Reserve Fund Transfer Request
• Review of FY27 Budget Calendar

The committee elected Peter as Chair and Ken as Vice Chair. It accepted Cindy Lynch’s resignation, added Peter Matrow as a new member, and approved water and sewer reserve fund transfers of $13,837 and $5,880. The committee awarded the lowest and best offer for the fire‑station renovation borrowing, with funds expected on September 29, 2925. It also passed numerous STM articles.

• Peter appointed Chair (unanimous)
• Ken appointed Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Accepted Cindy Lynch’s resignation (unanimous)
• Accepted Peter Matrow as FinCom member (unanimous)
• Approved $13,837 water reserve fund transfer (unanimous)
• Approved $5,880 sewer reserve fund transfer (unanimous)
• Awarded fire station renovation borrowing (no vote recorded)
• Passed multiple STM articles (recorded as passed)

Conservation Commission

The Monson Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on three matters: a Request for Determination of Applicability for a tile drain repair at 61 Wales Road, an amendment to an Order of Conditions for dam repairs at Pulpit Rock Lake, and a determination for tree removal at 109 Lakeshore Drive. The meeting also includes several continued Certificate of Compliance requests and enforcement orders.

• Public hearing: RDA for tile drain repair at 61 Wales Road
• Public hearing: Amendment to Order of Conditions for dam repairs at Pulpit Rock Lake
• Public hearing: RDA for tree removal at 109 Lakeshore Drive
• Enforcement Order for unpermitted vegetation clearing at 57 Carpenter Road
• Open Space and Recreation Plan 3-Year Extension

The Conservation Commission approved an amended Order of Conditions for the Pulpit Rock Pond dam (5‑0, 1 abstention). It also issued Negative Determinations for work at 61 Wales Road and 109 Lakeshore Drive (both 5‑0, 1 abstention). Several Certificate of Compliance requests were continued to future meetings, and a complete Certificate was issued for 96 Stafford Hollow Road. The board approved updates to the Open Space and Recreation Plan to secure a three‑year extension.

• Issued Negative Determination #2 for 61 Wales Road (6‑0)
• Continued Certificate request for 186 Upper Hampden Road to Oct 29 (6‑0)
• Approved amended Order of Conditions for Pulpit Rock Pond dam (5‑0, 1 abstain)
• Issued Negative Determination #2 for 109 Lakeshore Dr (5‑0, 1 abstain)
• Continued Certificate request for 325 Main St to Oct 8 (6‑0)
• Issued complete Certificate of Compliance for 96 Stafford Hollow Rd (6‑0)
• Continued Certificate request for 221 Munn Rd to Oct 8 (6‑0)
• Approved updates to Open Space and Recreation Plan for 3‑year extension (6‑0)

School Committee

The School Committee will hold a business meeting to discuss the Superintendent's entry plan and induction program. The body will also conduct first readings of policies regarding middle school pathways and hazing prohibitions.

• Vote on IXF Graduation and Competency Determination Policy
• Vote on GBEBD Crowdfunding policy
• First read: Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy
• First read: Revision to JICFA - Prohibition of Hazing
• Presentation of Superintendent's Entry Plan

School Committee

The Monson School Committee Finance Subcommittee meeting will provide an update on the FY 2026 budget, consider a Mini‑Triboard, and discuss a five‑year financial forecast. No specific decisions are listed in the agenda.

• FY 2026 budget update
• Mini‑Triboard
• Discussion of five‑year forecast

The Finance Subcommittee presented the new monthly Monson Public Schools Budget Variance report for FY26, showing an approved budget of $11,144,619 and a current working budget surplus of $52,505. Committee members discussed recent unbudgeted expenses, Mini‑Triboard items related to park projects, and the development of a five‑year financial forecast. No formal approvals, denials, or votes were recorded during the meeting.

Select Board

The Select Board will vote to enter executive session. The session is intended for a strategy discussion on negotiations for the Police Chief’s contract and retirement agreement with nonunion personnel. The request cites M.G.L. c. 380A, Sec 21(2) because an open meeting could harm the town’s bargaining position.

• Vote to enter executive session for police chief contract and retirement negotiations

The Select Board entered executive session unanimously to discuss the police chief contract. They agreed to remove the probation period from the contract. The Board unanimously approved the retirement agreement for Police Chief Stephen Kozloski. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved entry into executive session (3-0)
• Agreed to remove probation period from the police chief contract
• Approved retirement agreement for Police Chief Stephen Kozloski (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Memorial Hall Renovation Committee

The committee is meeting to review paint updates for the Main Hall. Members will also discuss brick fundraising and an event at Main Street Tavern on September 18.

• Main Hall paint updates
• Brick fundraising discussion
• Fundraising event at Main Street Tavern on 9/18

The committee unanimously approved the minutes of August 19 (amended) and August 26. It also approved a $100 fee for 4x8 bricks and a $500 fee for 8x8 bricks for businesses. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved minutes of August 19 (amended) – all in favor
• Approved minutes of August 26 – all in favor
• Approved brick pricing: $100 for 4x8 bricks, $500 for 8x8 bricks – all in favor
• Adjourned meeting at 5:00 p.m. – all in favor

Planning Board

The Monson Planning Board meeting on September 16, 2025 will consider several planning matters. The board will discuss 132 Bethany Road (Case PB2025-04) as it relates to a prior approved special permit and site plan. It will also review the next steps for updating the Master Plan, the Subdivision Rules & Regulations (1988), and the fee schedule. Additional agenda items include upcoming bylaw changes and other business.

• Discussion of 132 Bethany Road (Case PB2025-04) concerning a prior special permit and site plan
• Review of next steps for updating the Master Plan
• Review of next steps for updating Subdivision Rules & Regulations (1988)
• Review of next steps for updating the Planning Board fee schedule
• Consideration of upcoming bylaw changes (Map zoning district, Commercial Recreation Development, Accessory Dwelling Unit amendments)

The board unanimously approved three minor plan changes for 132 Bethany Road. It authorized Ken Comia to research grant funding and begin a master plan update, to locate the 2019 subdivision‑rules draft and outline next steps, and to review the current fee schedule. The board also supported preparing an updated zoning map for the 2026 Town Meeting, correcting the commercial recreation bylaw, and sending ADU suggestions to the Attorney General for review.

• Approved three minor plan changes at 132 Bethany Road (5-0)
• Authorized Ken Comia to research grant funding for a master plan update (5-0)
• Tasked Ken Comia to locate the 2019 subdivision‑rules draft and outline next steps (5-0)
• Agreed to review the Planning Board fee schedule in conjunction with subdivision update (5-0)
• Supported preparation of an updated zoning map for the 2026 Spring Town Meeting (5-0)
• Approved corrections to the Commercial Recreation Development Bylaw to reference the ZBA and delete Section 6.11.4.12 (5-0)
• Directed sending ADU bylaw suggestions to the Attorney General’s Municipal Law Unit for review (5-0)

Keep Homestead Museum Board of Directors

The Keep Homestead Museum Board of Directors will meet on September 15, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at 35 Ely Road. The agenda includes reviewing minutes from August 19, 2025, a financial report, and correspondence. Old business items cover programming and several project updates such as parking lot brush, bathroom painting, barn repairs, and museum signage. New business will address volunteer hours and any unanticipated items.

• Parking lot brush work
• Bathroom painting
• Barn miscellaneous repairs
• Museum signage
• Volunteer hours discussion

Select Board

The Select Board will consider a motion to enter executive session. The session would be used to develop strategy for negotiating a contract and separation agreement with the nonunion police chief. The board will vote on the motion during the meeting.

• Vote to enter executive session for police chief contract and separation agreement strategy

The board voted to go into executive session to discuss strategy for the police chief contract negotiations. Later they voted to adjourn the meeting. They scheduled a follow‑up meeting for September 16 at 1:30 p.m. to continue the discussion.

• Approved motion to enter executive session (aye, aye)
• Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (aye, aye)
• Scheduled follow‑up meeting for September 16 at 1:30 p.m.

School Committee

The Policy Subcommittee is meeting to discuss and review specific district policies. The session includes a final review of graduation requirements and the introduction of a new middle school policy.

• Discussion of GBEBD - Crowdfunding policy
• Final review of IKF - Graduation Requirements
• Review of new Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy
• Ongoing policy review

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review motor vehicle and trailer excise abatements and the September 2025 Abatement Report. The board will also discuss FY26 value increases provided by Bishop Associates and a partial lien release for 29 Aldrich Rd.

• FY26 Value Increases (Bishop Associates)
• Partial Lien Release Discussion for 29 Aldrich Rd
• Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise Abatements
• Chapterland 61, 61A, 61B Approvals/Denials
• Monson Developmental Center

The Board approved the 2023‑2025 motor vehicle and trailer abatements and the September 2025 accounting abatement report. It adopted a new policy for public comments that requires advance sign‑up and limits speakers. The Board also approved FY27 Chapter land applications for Chapters 61, 61A and 61B, and directed Roy Bishop to adjust assessed values to 95% of market value. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved 2023‑2025 Motor Vehicle & Trailer Abatements (Bressette Jr., Haley, Jenkins Yes)
• Approved September 2025 Accounting Abatement Report (Bressette Jr., Haley, Jenkins Yes)
• Approved New Public‑Comment Policy (Bressette Jr., Haley, Jenkins Yes)
• Approved FY27 Chapter land 61B applications (Bressette Jr., Jenkins Yes; Haley abstained)
• Approved FY27 Chapter land 61 and 61A applications (Bressette Jr., Haley, Jenkins Yes)
• Advised Roy Bishop to bring assessed values up to 95% of market value (Bressette Jr., Haley, Jenkins Yes)
• Approved July 30, 2025 meeting minutes (Haley, Jenkins, Bressette Jr Yes)
• Adjourned the meeting (Bressette Jr., Haley, Jenkins Yes)

Hampden County Regional Retirement Board

The Board will consider an accidental disability application for a Southwick police officer and review numerous new retirement applications. The meeting includes voting on warrants totaling over $5.3 million and approving bank balances as of July 31, 2025.

• Accidental disability application for Kelly Miller (Town of Southwick Police)
• Reaffirmation of warrants including $4,914,907.06 for monthly retirement allowances
• Reaffirmation of a $10,000,000.00 transfer to the PRIT fund
• Approval of reconciled bank balances for Berkshire Bank and Peoples Bank
• Review of new retirement applications for 19 individuals

Board of Health

The Monson Board of Health will consider a vote to adopt updated trash hauler regulations. The board will continue discussion of the Swap Shop and the Property Maintenance Regulation. New business includes appointing a representative to the Shared Services Advisory Board and reviewing permit fees. The meeting also includes public comments, routine business, and approval of the June 24, 2025 minutes.

• Vote to accept updated Trash Hauler Regulations
• Swap Shop continued discussion
• Property Maintenance Regulation continued discussion
• Appointing a representative to the Advisory Board for the Shared Services Agreement
• Review of permit fees

The Board approved a new fee schedule for permits, raising rates for food establishments, food trucks, frozen dessert manufacturers, residential kitchens, camps and trailer parks, pools and beaches, rubbish haulers, tobacco sales, and tanning salons. The motion was made by Pat Oney, seconded by Peter Warren, and both members voted to approve. The meeting also noted that the health department is now fully staffed and that demolition at 268 Palmer Road is nearly complete.

• Approved new permit fee schedule (both members voted to approve)
• Adopted motion to adjourn meeting (both members voted to approve)

Select Board

The Monson Select Board, acting as the Board of Health, will consider several items. They will vote to accept updated Trash Hauler Regulations and discuss ongoing swap shop and property maintenance regulations. New business includes appointing a representative to the Shared Services Advisory Board, reviewing permit fees, and a letter of interest to serve on the Board of Health.

• Vote to accept updated Trash Hauler Regulations
• Swap Shop continued discussion
• Property Maintenance Regulation continued discussion
• Appoint representative to the Advisory Board for the Shared Services Agreement
• Review of permit fees

Select Board

The Monson Select Board will hold a public hearing on a seasonal liquor license application from Tin Cup Family Golf, Inc d/b/a River Hollow Family Golf Center. The board will also ratify the Town Administrator's approval of four one‑day beer and wine licenses for No Malt Extract, LLC d/b/a One Way Brewing scheduled for September 6, 18, 20, and 27. A citizen petition to increase the Select Board membership from three to five members will be discussed, and the board will approve the minutes from recent open and executive sessions.

• Seasonal Liquor License Application – Tin Cup Family Golf, Inc d/b/a River Hollow Family Golf Center
• Ratification of Town Administrator's approval of four one‑day beer and wine licenses for No Malt Extract, LLC d/b/a One Way Brewing (Sept 6, 18, 20, 27)
• Citizen petition to increase Select Board size from three to five members
• Approval of minutes for August 12, 2025 open session; August 27, 2025 executive session; September 3, 2025 executive session
• Public hearing items: Lion’s Club 70% anniversary proclamation and several gifts‑to‑the‑town requests

The Select Board unanimously ratified the Town Administrator’s approval of four one‑day beer and wine licenses for No Malt Extract LLC d/b/a One‑Way Brewing at Sunsetview Farm on September 6, 13, 20, and 27. It also approved $2,000 from the Gifts to the Town account for the Council on Aging picnic, a free handbell concert, and a cemetery historical walk, each vote unanimous. Additionally, the Board appointed two members to the Flynt Park‑Keep Homestead Museum Trails Committee through June 30, 2028 and ratified the chair’s direction to advertise a committee researching electronic voting.

• Ratified four 1‑day beer and wine licenses for One‑Way Brewing (unanimous)
• Approved $2,000 for Council on Aging annual picnic (unanimous)
• Approved $2,000 for free handbell concert on Dec 7 (unanimous)
• Approved $2,000 for cemetery historical walk on Oct 11 (unanimous)
• Appointed Jeannie Quaglietti and Toni Uliana to Trails Committee (unanimous)
• Ratified chair’s direction to advertise electronic‑voting research committee (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of Aug 12, 2025 open session (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of Aug 27, 2025 executive session (unanimous)

Agriculture Commission

The Agricultural Commission will discuss and finalize plans for the 2025 Fall Farmer’s Market scheduled for September 13 at Dave Grieve Park. The commission will also review and approve the minutes from the July 22, 2025 meeting and set topics, agenda, date, and time for its next meeting. A public comment period is included.

• Discussion and final planning for 2025 Fall Farmer’s Market – Dave Grieve Park, Sep 13, 2025
• Review and approval of meeting minutes from July 22, 2025
• Establish topics, agenda, date, and time for the next Agricultural Commission meeting
• Public comment period

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Monson Parks & Recreation Commission will meet to receive updates on fall sports, the Flynt parking situation, and pool operations. The meeting will also cover ongoing CPC projects, accounts receivable, and director’s report. Public input is scheduled as part of the session.

• Fall sports updates
• Flynt parking discussion
• Pool operational update
• CPC projects review
• Public session

The Parks & Recreation Commission approved the JV softball field project, the Veteran’s Field JV baseball field, and an associated walking trail. A motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting was also approved. No vote counts were recorded in the minutes.

• Approved JV softball field project
• Approved Veteran’s Field JV baseball field
• Approved walking trail project
• Approved the previous meeting minutes

Select Board

The Monson Select Board will meet in executive session on September 5, 2025, to conduct a strategy session for contract negotiations with nonunion personnel, specifically the Police Chief. The agenda contains no other public items, as the meeting consists solely of the vote to enter closed session and subsequent adjournment.

• Vote to enter executive session for Police Chief contract negotiations

The Select Board voted to enter executive session (Ms. Oney and Mr. Warren each voted aye). The board discussed police staffing and contract issues, agreed to hold a follow‑up meeting on September 11 at 11:00 a.m., and then voted to adjourn (Ms. Oney and Mr. Warren each voted aye).

• Entered executive session (motion approved, vote: Oney aye, Warren aye)
• Scheduled follow‑up meeting for September 11 at 11:00 a.m.
• Adjourned meeting (motion approved, vote: Oney aye, Warren aye)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will meet to discuss updates regarding the Memorial Hall Committee and review Community Preservation Committee (CPC) applications.

• Memorial Hall Committee update
• Review of CPC Applications

Cemetery Commission

The Monson Cemetery Commission will meet to accept minutes and discuss ongoing maintenance items including the 2025 Cemetery Walk, headstone repairs, and Hillside Vault damage. The group will also review the status of equipment, walls, fences, grounds, and buildings.

• Continued discussion on 2025 Cemetery Walk
• Headstone Repair
• Hillside Vault Damage
• Review of equipment, walls, fences, grounds, and buildings

The commission accepted the August 7, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. It decided that Mat Wawrzyk and October Boots will appeal to the Select Board on September 9 for a town gift to support the cemetery walk. The commission voted unanimously to have the Highway Department remove the bushes beside the Hillside Arch. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Accept August 7, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Wawrzyk and Boots will appeal to Select Board for town gift (no vote recorded)
• Remove bushes from sides of Hillside Arch; Highway Department to perform removal (unanimous)
• Adjourn meeting (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board is meeting in executive session to conduct a strategy session. The discussion concerns contract negotiations with nonunion personnel regarding the Police Chief contract.

• Strategy session for Police Chief contract negotiations

The Board approved a motion to go into executive session to discuss the Police Chief contract (2 ayes). Board members agreed to ask Lt. Gasperini to negotiate an immediate sick‑leave buyout and to reduce the maximum payout to 150 days. The proposed three‑year contract includes a salary of $115,315.20, a 20% education incentive, $1,550 longevity pay, $1,100 uniform allowance, and a 1% salary increase in the second and third years. The meeting was adjourned by a second motion (2 ayes).

• Motion to enter executive session approved (Ms. Oney aye, Mr. Warren aye)
• Agreed to request immediate sick‑leave buyout with reduced maximum payout
• Decided to cap sick‑leave buyout at 150 days (consensus)
• Offered three‑year contract with $115,315.20 salary and 1% raises in years 2‑3
• Prepared written summary of contract offer for Lt. Gasperini
• Motion to adjourn approved (Ms. Oney aye, Mr. Warren aye)

Fire Department Building Assessment Committee

The committee will review project timelines and budget updates. Members will discuss and vote on several change orders for the building project.

• Vote on gas line options
• Discussion of interior bay opening add alternate
• Discussion of ceiling fans and water lines change orders
• Budget and project timeline updates

The Fire Department Building Assessment Committee approved a time‑and‑material change order for the gas line costing $330,267.02, with unanimous support. No vote was required for the interior bay opening proposal. Ceiling fan and water line items remain pending. The next meeting was scheduled for October 1, 2025.

• Approved gas line change order $330,267.02 (unanimous)
• Set next meeting date 10/1/2025

Community Preservation Committee

The Monson Community Preservation Committee will meet to discuss and potentially approve funding applications for several community projects. The meeting includes a review of previous minutes and a discussion of open projects.

• Quarry Hill Project #2 application
• Veteran’s Field Baseball Field/ADA Compliant Walking Trail application
• Memorial Hall Renovation application
• Bellman Museum application
• Silver Street Chapel and Monson Community Cupboard applications

The committee unanimously approved funding from budget reserves and historic preservation for five capital projects, including $34,147 for Quarry Hill 2 softball field and $86,951 for Veteran’s Field improvements. It also approved $100,000 for continued restoration of Memorial Hall (with $20,000 from historic preservation and $80,000 from reserves), $68,100 for a new HVAC system at the Bellman Museum, and $21,093.14 for preservation of the Silver Street Chapel, each contingent on Historic Commission approval. Additionally, the committee closed the 28 Bridge Street project, returning its funds, and approved several payments totaling $19,387.39 to vendors and individuals.

• Allocate $34,147 from Budgeted Reserves to renovate Quarry Hill 2 softball field (unanimous)
• Allocate $86,951 from Budgeted Reserves to rehabilitate Veteran’s Field and add ADA walking trail (unanimous)
• Allocate $100,000 for Memorial Hall restoration ($20,000 Historic Preservation, $80,000 Budget Reserves) pending Historic Commission approval (unanimous)
• Allocate $68,100 for Bellman Museum HVAC replacement ($20,000 Historic Preservation, $48,100 Budget Reserves) pending Historic Commission approval (unanimous)
• Allocate $21,093.14 from Historic Preservation for Silver Street Chapel preservation pending Historic Commission approval (unanimous)
• Close 28 Bridge Street project and return funds to appropriate accounts (unanimous)
• Approve payment of $100.00 to Leona Brahen for clerical services (unanimous)
• Approve payment of $2,837.39 to GMH Fence Company (Cushman Field) (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Monson Zoning Board of Appeals will continue two public hearings started in June. One concerns a special permit for earth removal at a Stafford Road property; the other is an appeal of a zoning enforcement decision at a Cedar Swamp Road home. The board will also hold an informal discussion on bee-keeping regulations.

• Earth removal special permit hearing continued for Equestrian Hills Estates, LLC on Stafford Road (Case ZBA2025-04)
• Appeal hearing continued for Melissa Blackburn at 222 Cedar Swamp Road regarding zoning enforcement decision (Case ZBA2025-05)
• Informal discussion requested by Roxanne Gunther on Select Board’s bee-keeping regulations

The board continued the special permit hearing for Equestrian Hills Estates to the September 25 meeting after the petitioner agreed. It also denied Melissa Blackburn’s appeal to remove a fence at 222 Cedar Swamp Road, voting unanimously. No other actions were taken.

• Continued Equestrian Hills Estates special permit hearing to Sep 25 (petitioner assented)
• Denied fence removal appeal at 222 Cedar Swamp Road (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Monson Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on a septic system repair within a wetlands buffer zone at 4 Thayer Road. The commission will also discuss informal updates on Hovey Road and Cedar Swamp Road culvert replacement, review enforcement orders for wetlands violations at 57 Carpenter Road and Silver Street, and consider old and new business including a Certificate of Compliance for 29 Thompson Street.

• Public hearing on septic system repair at 4 Thayer Road (Buffer Zone of Bordering Vegetated Wetlands)
• Enforcement order for wetlands violation at 57 Carpenter Road (unpermitted vegetation clearing and tree cutting)
• Enforcement order for wetlands violation on Silver Street (unpermitted clearing in Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program habitats)
• Informal discussion on Cedar Swamp Road culvert replacement over Sawmill Brook
• Request for Certificate of Compliance for 29 Thompson Street (property owner: Town of Monson)

The Commission voted unanimously to close the public hearing on the 4 Thayer Road septic system notice and issue an Order of Conditions. It also voted to continue the certificate of compliance request for 325 Main Street until September 17. Additionally, the Commission determined a Comcast fiber‑line proposal violates the existing conservation restriction. The minutes from May 14, 2025 were approved and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved Order of Conditions for 4 Thayer Rd septic project (6-0)
• Continued Certificate of Compliance request for 325 Main St until Sep 17 (6-0)
• Determined Comcast fiber line proposal violates Conservation Restriction
• Approved May 14, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Select Board

The Select Board will meet to vote on entering an executive session to discuss strategy for contract negotiations with nonunion personnel, specifically the Police Chief Contract. The meeting is scheduled for August 27, 2025, at 1:30 PM at 110 Main Street.

• Vote to enter executive session for Police Chief contract negotiations
• Meeting location: 110 Main Street — Small Meeting Room
• Meeting time: August 27, 2025, at 1:30 PM

The board voted to hold an executive session for a strategy discussion on the upcoming police chief contract. Members reviewed a draft contract for Lieutenant Nicholas Gasperini, who will become chief on September 26, 2025, and discussed salary and benefit recommendations. Additional meetings were scheduled for early September. The session was then adjourned.

• Entered executive session for police chief contract strategy (2 aye)
• Adjourned the meeting (2 aye)

Memorial Hall Renovation Committee

The Memorial Hall Renovation Committee will meet to discuss a potential reallocation of funds from the CPC Fund for renovation purposes. The meeting is procedural and will take place at the Small Conference Room in Town Hall.

• CPC Fund reallocation for Memorial Hall renovation

The committee decided to prepare a new grant application to re‑allocate the $100,000 leftover from the 2024 Community Preservation Grant for needed projects in Memorial Hall. A motion to accept the amended application and submit it to the Community Preservation Committee passed unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved submission of amended grant application for $100,000 to the Community Preservation Committee (unanimous)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

School Committee

The Monson School Committee will hold a regular business meeting on August 20, 2025, starting with building visits at 5:00 p.m. and the meeting at 6:00 p.m. The agenda includes votes on a sick leave bank for a non-bargaining employee, a revised graduation policy, and the 2025-26 Program of Studies and Student Handbook. Public comment and subcommittee reports are also scheduled.

• Vote to approve sick leave bank for non-bargaining employee
• First reading and vote on revised graduation and competency determination policy
• Review and vote on Monson High School Program of Studies for 2025-26
• Review and vote on Student and Families Handbook 2025-26
• Second reading and vote on Crowdfunding policy

Keep Homestead Museum Board of Directors

The Keep Homestead Museum Board of Directors will meet on August 19, 2025, to discuss programming updates, project progress, and volunteer hours. The board will also review financial reports and correspondence.

• 2025 Programming Updates
• Project Updates: Shades Parking Lot, Brush and Fence, Bathroom Floor and Painting, Barn Miscellaneous Repairs
• Volunteer Hours discussion
• Unanticipated Items

The board unanimously accepted the corrected minutes from July 21, 2025 and the financial report. The Select Board’s omission was corrected and Deborah Harris and Moira Hatton were officially reappointed to the board. Payments were approved for the parking‑lot fence and the bathroom‑floor cleaning invoices. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Accepted July 21, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted financial report (unanimous)
• Reappointed Deborah Harris and Moira Hatton to board (official appointment)
• Paid parking lot fence invoice (completed 8/4/25)
• Paid bathroom floor cleaning invoice (after issue)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

School Committee

The Monson School Committee’s Policy Subcommittee will hold a final review of proposed changes to several district policies, including crowdfunding guidelines, graduation requirements, student conduct on school buses, student publications, and dress code. No decisions are listed; this is a discussion-only meeting.

• Final review of GBEBD - Crowdfunding policy
• Review of IKF - Graduation Requirements changes
• Review of JICC - Student Conduct on School Buses
• Review of JICE - Student Publications policy
• Review of JICA - Dress Code policy

Memorial Hall Renovation Committee

The Memorial Hall Renovation Committee will review minutes from the July 15 meeting, discuss paint updates for the main hall, and further deliberate on brick and other fundraising efforts. The group will also set the date for the next meeting.

• Approve minutes from July 15 meeting
• Main Hall paint updates (optional walkthrough)
• Brick fundraising further discussion
• Fundraising other initiatives

The Memorial Hall Renovation Committee approved the July 15, 2025 minutes unanimously. They established September 9 as the deadline for receiving brick‑fundraising quotes. The meeting was adjourned at 5:13 p.m. with unanimous consent.

• Approved July 15, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Set September 9 deadline for brick fundraising quotes
• Adjourned meeting at 5:13 p.m. (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings regarding proposed amendments to zoning bylaws for solar installations, battery storage, and stormwater management. The board will also discuss a lot consolidation plan for properties on Oak Street and Main Street.

• Public hearing on amendments to § 6.23 Large-Scale Ground-Mounted Photovoltaic Installations
• Public hearing to add § 6.26 Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and prohibit tier 2 & tier 3 systems in the Water Supply Protection District
• Public hearing on amendments to § 6.19 Stormwater Management
• Discussion of lot consolidation for Parcel # 117-17 & 117-12 at Oak Street & Main Street

The Planning Board approved the withdrawal of the Sherman Frydryk parcel plan and waived the re‑application fee. It voted 5‑0 to recommend that Town Meeting approve amendments to the solar‑installation, battery‑energy storage, and storm‑water management bylaws. The Board also referred minor design changes for the 132 Bethany Road project to a third‑party reviewer and will not reopen the hearing if the reviewer approves them.

• Approved withdrawal of Sherman Frydryk plan and waived re‑application fee (5‑0)
• Recommended Town Meeting adopt solar‑installation bylaw amendment (5‑0)
• Recommended Town Meeting adopt battery‑energy storage bylaw (5‑0)
• Recommended Town Meeting adopt stormwater‑management bylaw amendment (5‑0)
• Referred 132 Bethany Road design changes to third‑party reviewer; no hearing if approved (5‑0)
• Closed each public hearing by motion (5‑0)
• Adjourning the meeting (5‑0)

Select Board

The Select Board will interview Lt. Nicholas Gasperini for Chief of Police and vote to ratify the appointment of the Acting Executive Director for the Council on Aging. The board will also discuss a special town meeting scheduled for October 27, 2025.

• Interview with Lt. Nicholas Gasperini for Chief of Police
• Transfer of Highway Truck #38 (2015 Chevy Silverado) to the School Department
• Discussion of Comcast programming and rates
• Bunyan Road Bridge Project update
• Call for Special Town Meeting on October 27, 2025

The Select Board unanimously appointed Lt. Nicholas Gasperini as Chief of Police, pending contract negotiations. It also approved two $4,000 allocations from the Gifts to the Town fund for a community pantry and a Public Safety Day event. Additional actions included approving the consent agenda, appointing election officers Tammy Goulet‑Warren and Nicole Morrell, and confirming several committee memberships.

• Appointed Nicholas Gasperini as Chief of Police (unanimous)
• Approved $4,000 from Gifts to Town for Monson Community Cupboard (unanimous)
• Approved $4,000 from Gifts to Town for Public Safety Day (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda, withholding names of Nicole Morrell and Tammy Goulet‑Warren (unanimous)
• Appointed Tammy Goulet‑Warren as election officer/teller (Mr. Warren recused, approved)
• Appointed Nicole Morrell as election officer/teller (Mr. Morrell recused, approved)
• Approved appointments to multiple committees (Memorial Hall Renovation, Tax Assistance, Keep Homestead Museum Board, Flynt Park‑Keep Museum Trails, Monson Historical, Scholarship) (unanimous)
• Ratified appointment of Joanne Castonguay as Acting Executive Director, Council on Aging (unanimous)

Cemetery Commission

The Cemetery Commission will meet to review labor updates and the status of cemetery infrastructure. The body will also discuss 2025 cemetery walks and a Scout project.

• Discussion on 2025 Cemetery Walks
• Cemetery Labor Update
• Scout Project Update
• Review of equipment, walls, fences, grounds, and buildings

The Monson Cemetery Commission unanimously approved the July 3, 2025 meeting minutes. A motion to adjourn the August 7, 2025 meeting was also passed unanimously. No other actions were voted on.

• Accepted July 3, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will review requests for Certificates of Compliance for three properties and address two enforcement orders regarding wetlands violations.

• Certificate of Compliance request for 148 Boston Road West
• Certificate of Compliance request for 27 Waid Road
• Certificate of Compliance request for 186 Upper Hampden Road
• Enforcement Order for unpermitted vegetation clearing at 57 Carpenter Road
• Enforcement Order for unpermitted clearing at Silver Street (Map-Parcel 002-006)

The Conservation Commission continued the compliance request for 186 Upper Hampden Road to allow vegetation to stabilize. It issued complete Certificates of Compliance for 148 Boston Road West and 27 Waid Road. The Commission also approved Dr. Eric Karlin’s request to collect sphagnum specimens in the Cedar Swamp Conservation Area and adopted the corrected minutes from the April 23, 2025 meeting. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Continued request for Certificate of Compliance – 186 Upper Hampden Road (6-0)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance – 148 Boston Road West (6-0)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance – 27 Waid Road (6-0)
• Allowed Dr. Eric Karlin to collect sphagnum specimens in Cedar Swamp (6-0)
• Approved corrected minutes from April 23, 2025 meeting (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Hampden County Regional Retirement Board

The Hampden County Regional Retirement Board will review the 12/31/2024 audit and vote on several financial warrants and transfers. The board will also consider new retirement applications and accept new member applications from Agawam, East Longmeadow, Ludlow, and Palmer.

• Vote to reaffirm $25,000,000.00 transfer from Money Market to PRIT
• Vote to reaffirm warrants totaling $5,175,798.46, including $4,812,314.60 for retirement allowances
• Vote to consider 11 new applications for retirement
• Vote on a $25.00 cost of living increase for Donna's Cleaning Service
• Review of new workers comp insurance rates from MIIA for 07/01/2025-06/30/2026

Fire Department Building Assessment Committee

The committee will discuss the project timeline and review specific change orders for the fire department building. The meeting includes potential votes on these change orders.

• Water line change order
• Interior bay opening to add alternate change order
• Ceiling fans change order
• Approval of previous meeting minutes

The board tabled approval of the prior meeting minutes. It approved a change order for water line and vent piping (CR3R2 and CRS 36536.79) and a change order for the highway‑shed fence (CR6 = 2249.10). A motion was made to have Tecton examine cleanup of duck work, but no vote was recorded. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.

• Previous meeting minutes tabled (no vote recorded)
• Approved water line and vent piping change order CR3R2 and CRS 36536.79 (motion by Brian Harris, second by Ken All, all in favor, none opposed)
• Approved fence by highway shed change order CR6 = 2249.10 (motion by Brian Harris, second by Jonathan Miller, all in favor, none opposed)
• Motion to have Tecton look into duck‑work cleanup (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (motion by Brian Harris, second by Fran Nothe, all in favor, none opposed)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Commission will meet to review summer programs and camps and the progress of hiring a new pool director. The body will also discuss a CPA application and an opening for a CPC representative.

• Summer programs and camps
• New Pool director progress
• CPA application
• CPC representative opening
• Accounts receivable

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to reorganize board leadership and review various tax warrants and abatement reports. The body will also discuss specific properties and the 2025 motor vehicle commitment.

• Reorganization of Board Members (Vice Chair & Clerk)
• Revised Warrants for FY25 Actual Real Estate & Community Preservation Act
• Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise Abatements
• Rollback Forms/Warrants for 193 Lower Hampden Rd
• Partial Lien Release discussion for 29 Aldrich Rd and discussion of 175 State Ave

The Board reorganized its leadership, appointing Dorothy P. Jenkins as Vice Chair and Russell A. Bressette Jr. as Clerk for FY26. It approved the revised FY25 real‑estate and CPA warrants, correcting the amounts to $8,538,729.52 and $187,646.25. The Board also approved motor‑vehicle and trailer abatements, a motor‑vehicle commitment, rollback and accounting warrants, and signed a partial lien release for 29 Aldrich Rd.

• Appointed Dorothy P. Jenkins as Vice Chair (unanimous yes)
• Appointed Russell A. Bressette Jr. as Clerk (unanimous yes)
• Accepted revised FY25 real‑estate warrant ($8,538,729.52) and CPA warrant ($187,646.25) (unanimous yes)
• Approved 2024 and 2025 Motor Vehicle & Trailer Abatements totaling $4,355.20 (unanimous yes)
• Approved Motor Vehicle Commitment 2025‑4 for $64,591.92 (unanimous yes)
• Approved Rollback warrant for 193 Lower Hampden Rd ($125.42) (unanimous yes)
• Approved Accounting Warrants totaling $64,717.34 (unanimous yes)
• Signed partial lien release for 29 Aldrich Rd (Chair decision)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a general discussion on proposed bylaw amendments to prepare for future public hearings.

• Proposed bylaw amendments for §6.23 Large Scale Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Installations
• Proposed bylaw amendments for Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
• Proposed bylaw amendments for §6.19 Stormwater Management

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a general discussion regarding proposed bylaw amendments. These discussions are in preparation for future public hearings.

• Proposed amendments to §6.23 Large Scale Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Installations
• Proposed amendments regarding Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
• Proposed amendments to §6.19 Stormwater Management

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission will review summer programs, camps, and the progress of hiring a new pool director. The body will also discuss a Community Preservation Act (CPA) application.

• Summer programs and camps
• New Pool director progress
• CPA application
• Accounts receivable

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Monson Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings regarding two special permit applications. The board will consider a request for an earth removal operation and a request to replace a sign.

• Public hearing for Equestrian Hills Estates, LLC on Stafford Road for an earth removal special permit (Case No: ZBA2025-04)
• Public hearing for First Church of Monson at 5 High Street for a 28 sq. ft. replacement sign (Case No: ZBA2025-06)

Agriculture Commission

The Agriculture Commission will conduct its annual reorganization and plan the 2025 Fall Farmer’s Market. The body will discuss vendor lists, logistics, and specific site locations.

• Annual Reorganization of Commission
• Finalization and approval of Fall Farmer’s Market vendor list
• Discussion of vendor sites at Dave Grieve Park and Memorial Hall Lawn
• Planning for Ag Service and Related Providers tabling
• Approval of meeting minutes from 5-22-25 and 6-17-25

Keep Homestead Museum Board of Directors

The Board of Directors will meet to swear in members and review financial reports. The session includes updates on 2025 programming and several facility maintenance projects.

• Parking lot brush and fence updates
• Sidewalk updates
• Bathroom floor and painting
• Barn miscellaneous repairs
• Art display at the House of Art

The board unanimously accepted the corrected minutes from June 16 and the financial report showing a balance of $11,345.98. It approved a $6,257 fence installation and a $990 brush‑cleanup contract with BB Landscaping. Additional unanimous actions included buying two standing fans, purchasing four $25 flags, and curating a House of Art display.

• Accepted June 16 minutes with corrections (unanimous)
• Accepted financial report (unanimous)
• Approved fence installation ($6,257) (unanimous)
• Approved BB Landscaping brush cleanup ($990) (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of two standing fans (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of four flags at $25 each (unanimous)
• Approved curating House of Art display (unanimous)
• Recorded 151.5 volunteer hours for June‑July period (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board is meeting in executive session to discuss strategy regarding collective bargaining for the International Brotherhood of Police Officers (IBPO).

• Collective bargaining strategy for International Brotherhood of Police Officers (IBPO) contract negotiations

The board voted 3‑0 to enter executive session under M.G.L. chapter 30A, section 21(3) to discuss IBPO contract negotiations. Members reviewed contract language, salary‑increase proposals, and body‑camera policy, agreeing officers will not receive extra compensation for wearing cameras. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous 3‑0 vote.

• Entered executive session (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Conservation Commission

The Monson Conservation Commission will hold public hearings regarding three residential projects. The body will also address two enforcement orders related to unpermitted land clearing and vegetation removal.

• Request for Determination of Applicability for a driveway at Brimfield Road (Map 170, Parcel 001)
• Notice of Intent for a home, driveway, well, and septic at 47 Silver St
• Notice of Intent for a septic system repair at 4 King Lane
• Enforcement Order for unpermitted vegetation clearing at 57 Carpenter Road
• Enforcement Order for unpermitted clearing at Silver Street (Map 002, Parcel 006)

The Monson Conservation Commission voted unanimously (4‑0) to issue a Negative #4, finding the Brimfield Road driveway work is not subject to the Wetlands Protection Act and attaching conditions for permanent markers, an as‑built plan, and a deed notation. The commission also voted 4‑0 to close the public hearings for 47 Silver Street and 4 King Lane and issue Orders of Conditions, allowing large boulders as markers at Silver Street and requiring site cleanup and deed notation at King Lane. Minutes from the March 12 and April 2, 2025 meetings were approved, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:59 PM.

• Issued Negative #4 for Brimfield Rd driveway request (4-0)
• Closed public hearing and issued Order of Conditions for 47 Silver St (4-0)
• Closed public hearing and issued Order of Conditions for 4 King Lane (4-0)
• Approved minutes from March 12, 2025 meeting (4-0)
• Approved minutes from April 2, 2025 meeting (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:59 PM (4-0)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging Board will meet to review the FY26 budget and federal Title III grants. The board will also discuss nominations for Chair and Secretary and a new vehicle for homebound meals.

• FY26 Budget
• Federal Title III grants
• Nominations for Chair and Secretary
• New Homebound Meal vehicle
• Salvation Army

Planning Board

The Planning Board will conduct a continued public hearing regarding a site plan and special permit application for National Grid. The board will also hold general discussions on several proposed bylaw amendments and the town's Master Plan.

• Public hearing for National Grid site plan and special permit at 132 Bethany Road
• Discussion of Master Plan
• Discussion of Stormwater Zoning Bylaw
• Discussion of General Zoning Bylaw amendments
• Discussion of Solar and Battery energy storage system Bylaw

The Board closed the public hearing and moved to grant Site Plan Approval and a Special Permit for National Grid’s project at 132 Bethany Road, with monitoring conditions. It also scheduled public hearings on the draft stormwater management bylaw and proposed solar zoning amendments for August 19, 2025. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Closed public hearing for 132 Bethany Road (5-0)
• Moved to grant Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for 132 Bethany Road (motion recorded, vote not recorded)
• Scheduled public hearing on stormwater bylaw update for Aug 19, 2025 (5-0)
• Scheduled public hearing on solar zoning bylaw amendments for Aug 19, 2025 (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Memorial Hall Renovation Committee

The Memorial Hall Renovation Committee is meeting to discuss the mobilization of a painter for the Main Hall and fundraising efforts. The body will also review updates from the Historical Commission and prepare quotes for the August CPC deadline.

• Main Hall painter mobilization
• Brick fundraising discussion
• CPC August deadline quotes
• Historical Commission update

The Memorial Hall Renovation Committee approved the minutes from the June 17, 2025 meeting. The committee discussed chandelier lighting, grant possibilities, and fundraising ideas but took no formal action on those topics. The meeting was adjourned at 4:40 p.m.

• Approved June 17, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 4:40 p.m. (unanimous)

School Committee

The Monson School Committee Policy Sub-Committee is meeting to continue the review of Policy GBEBD regarding crowdfunding.

• Review of Policy GBEBD - Crowdfunding

School Committee

The School Committee will meet to reorganize committees and approve several sets of meeting minutes. The body will discuss a search for principals, a preliminary entry plan, and a Travel Club trip for April 2027.

• Principals Search Update
• Preliminary entry plan overview
• Travel Club trip for April 2027
• Electric vehicle charging station update
• Fraud Risk assessment update

The committee kept the existing membership of all subcommittees. It reassigned Mrs. Murphy as the liaison to the Monson High School Council and Ms. Flynn as the liaison to the Wellness Advisory Committee. Several prior meeting minutes were approved unanimously. Approval of the June 11, 2025 Regular Business Meeting minutes was tabled for revision.

• Retained existing membership for all subcommittees (Curriculum, Facilities, Finance, Human Resources, Policy, etc.) – agreed, no vote required
• Assigned Mrs. Murphy as liaison to the Monson High School Council – approved
• Assigned Ms. Flynn as liaison to the Wellness Advisory Committee – approved
• Approved multiple prior meeting minutes unanimously (5‑0), including Finance Subcommittee minutes and various Working Meeting minutes – unanimous
• Tabled approval of the Regular Business Meeting Minutes from June 11, 2025 for further revision – tabled

Hampden County Regional Retirement Board

The Board will consider retirement applications, new member enrollments, and an accidental disability application for Teresa Turcotte. Members will also review budget breakdowns and vote on a new IT consulting service provider.

• Vote to request a medical panel for Teresa Turcotte's accidental disability application
• Vote to reaffirm a $3,000,000.00 transfer from PRIT to Money Market
• Review and vote on a new IT company following presentations from consulting services
• Vote to reaffirm warrants #26 through #30 B issued June 30, 2025
• Vote to consider retirement applications for 11 individuals including residents of Monson, Ludlow, and Palmer

Select Board

The Select Board will review the recruitment process for the Chief of Police and a response to an Open Meeting Law complaint. The board will also hear from the Westmass Area Development Corp regarding The Village at Sawmill Brook and Comcast regarding programming and rates.

• Request to Planning Board for public hearings on Commercial Solar Siting and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
• Recruitment process for Chief of Police
• Vote on response to Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Shirley Lamb on June 25, 2025
• Discussion on Comcast programming and rates
• Appointment of Lisa Hamill to Council on Aging through June 30, 2028

The board heard a presentation from Westmass about the former Monson Developmental Center site, including funding and future studies, but no approvals were made. The board noted state infrastructure grants and upcoming demolition plans. The board approved a motion to appoint Lisa Hamill to the Council on Aging (no vote tally recorded).

• Motion to appoint Lisa Hamill to Council on Aging (outcome not recorded)

Select Board

The Monson Select Board will meet to discuss the recruitment process for the Chief of Police and review requests for public hearings on solar and battery energy storage. The board will also vote on a response to an Open Meeting Law complaint.

• Recruitment process for Chief of Police
• Request for Planning Board public hearing on Commercial Solar Siting
• Request for Planning Board public hearing on Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
• Vote on response to Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Shirley Lamb
• Appointment of Lisa Hamill to Council on Aging

The Select Board meeting consisted mainly of a presentation by Westmass Area Development Corp. about the Village at Sawmill Brook project and a public comment period. No motions were voted on, and no approvals, denials, or tablings were recorded. The board noted a vacancy on the Finance Committee and discussed upcoming appointments, but no decisions were finalized.

Cemetery Commission

The Cemetery Commission will meet to reorganize the commission and review the status of grounds, buildings, walls, fences, and equipment. The body will also handle routine administrative tasks including signing bills and deeds.

• Reorganization of the Commission
• Review of equipment, walls, fences, grounds, and buildings
• Signing of bills and deeds

The commission accepted the June 5, 2025 minutes after a motion by Ms. Pedder, seconded by Dr. Smith, with Ms. Boots abstaining and the motion passing. The commission approved a reorganization naming Dr. Smith Chair, Ms. Pedder Vice Chair, and Ms. Boots Clerk, which passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote after a motion from Ms. Pedder, seconded by Dr. Smith.

• Accepted June 5, 2025 minutes (passed, one abstention)
• Reorganized commission: Dr. Smith Chair, Ms. Pedder Vice Chair, Ms. Boots Clerk (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Fire Department Building Assessment Committee

The committee is meeting to approve previous minutes and discuss the timeline for the fire department building project. Members will review specific change orders regarding the water line and interior bay openings.

• Project update and timeline
• Change order for water line
• Change order for interior bay opening to add alternate

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the March and June meetings. Members agreed to keep the watch‑room window to the apparatus bays. A motion to have the design team obtain pricing for two new openings in the new apparatus bay was passed. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved March and June meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Decided to keep the watch‑room window to the bays (unanimous)
• Motion passed to have design team obtain pricing for two new openings in the new apparatus bay (unanimous)
• Motion to adjourn the meeting passed (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board is meeting in executive session to discuss the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property. This discussion concerns the Bunyan Road Bridge Project.

• Executive session regarding real property for the Bunyan Road Bridge Project

Select Board

The Select Board is holding a special meeting to make appointments to the Fire Station Building Committee.

• Appointment of Brian Harris to Fire Station Building Committee (term ends June 30, 2028)
• Appointment of Stephen Kozloski, Jr to Fire Station Building Committee (term ends June 30, 2028)
• Appointment of David Siniscalchi to Fire Station Building Committee (term ends June 30, 2028)
• Appointment of Jonathan Miller to Fire Station Building Committee (term ends June 30, 2028)

The board unanimously appointed Brian Harris, Stephen Kozloski Jr., David Siniscalchi, and Jonathan Miller to the Fire Station Building Committee, effective immediately through June 30, 2028. Each appointment was approved by a unanimous vote. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Appointed Brian Harris to Fire Station Building Committee (unanimous)
• Appointed Stephen Kozloski Jr. to Fire Station Building Committee (unanimous)
• Appointed David Siniscalchi to Fire Station Building Committee (unanimous)
• Appointed Jonathan Miller to Fire Station Building Committee (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Monson Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings regarding special permits and a zoning enforcement appeal. The board will also discuss administrative assistance for Planning Board meetings.

• Special permit application for earth removal operation on Stafford Road by Equestrian Hills Estates, LLC
• Appeal by Melissa Blackburn regarding a Zoning Enforcement Officer determination for 222 Cedar Swamp Road
• Continued public hearing for a special permit to keep an existing sign at 494 Boston Road West
• Discussion on administrative assistance needed for Planning Board meetings

The board unanimously approved a special permit allowing a sign on Boston Road West to remain 14.5 feet from the curb, despite the 15‑foot setback requirement. The hearings on the Stafford Road earth‑removal permit and the fence appeal at 222 Cedar Swamp Road were each continued to future dates. The minutes from the May 22, 2025 meeting were also approved unanimously.

• Grant special permit for Boston Road West sign (5-0)
• Continue hearing on Stafford Road earth removal permit; next hearing July 24, 2025
• Continue hearing on fence appeal at 222 Cedar Swamp Road; next hearing August 28, 2025
• Approve May 22, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)

Conservation Commission

The Monson Conservation Commission will hold public hearings regarding two residential construction projects. The body will also address wetlands violations and a grant application for Fiscal Year 2026.

• Public hearing for driveway construction at Brimfield Road (Map 170, Parcel 001)
• Public hearing for a new home, driveway, well, and septic at 47 Silver St
• Enforcement Order for unpermitted vegetation clearing at 57 Carpenter Road
• Enforcement Order for unpermitted clearing at Silver Street (Map 002-006)
• Certificate of Compliance request for 29 Thompson Street

The Conservation Commission approved a motion to apply for the FY2026 LAND grant for natural biodiversity. It also authorized the Conservation Agent to sign remaining FY2025 bills, and continued public hearings on the Brimfield Road driveway and the 47 Silver Street project pending further review. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved continuation of Brimfield Rd hearing to revise wetland lines (5-0)
• Authorized Agent to sign remaining FY2025 bills (5-0)
• Approved continuation of 47 Silver St hearing pending site visit and turtle plan (5-0)
• Approved application for FY2026 LAND grant (5-0)
• Approved minutes from February 19, 2025 (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Board of Health

The Monson Select Board acting as the Board of Health will review reports and continue discussions on local health policies. The board will also consider permits for Farmer's Market vendors.

• Policy for Property Maintenance discussion
• Trash Hauler Regulations discussion
• Farmer’s Market Permit for vendors
• Health Department webpage updates

The Board adopted a $500 penalty for each repeat health violation, passing the motion unanimously. It also waived the $50 temporary food event permit fee for seven vendors at the September 13 farmers market, also unanimously. Additionally, the Board agreed to revise the property‑maintenance policy draft, consider public review, and inspect the Swap Shack before any further action.

• Set $500 fine for repeat health violations (unanimous)
• Waive $50 permit fee for seven farmers market vendors (unanimous)
• Agree to revise property‑maintenance policy draft and consider public review
• Agree to inspect the Swap Shack before further decisions
• Approve May 8, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Continue advertising for Board of Health candidate positions
• Add Event Planning Guide and Nuisance Complaint Form to Health Dept webpage
• Report collection of 16,334 lbs textiles generating $1,143.38 revenue

Select Board

The Select Board, acting as the Board of Health, will review the Health Director's report and continue discussions on property maintenance and trash hauler regulations. The board will also consider permits for Farmer's Market vendors and a recycling dividends grant.

• Policy for Property Maintenance discussion
• Trash Hauler Regulations discussion
• Farmer’s Market Permit for vendors
• Smart Materials Recovery Program (SMRP) Recycling Dividends Program (RDP) grant information
• Health Dept webpage updates

Select Board

The Select Board will conduct a public hearing regarding a utility pole petition and vote on a grant application for the Conservation Commission. The board will also handle board reorganization and staff introductions.

• Public hearing: National Grid Pole Petition # WR 31037248 on Silver Street
• Vote for Conservation Commission to apply for FY 2026 LAND Grant
• Appointment of Ben Murphy to Keep Homestead Board of Directors
• Quaboag Connector Use Report by Jen Healy
• Designation of summer approval authority for Town Administrator regarding banners, licenses, gifts, and gazebo use

The Monson Select Board reorganized its leadership, approved a National Grid pole petition, appointed a Keep Homestead board member, and gave the Conservation Commission permission to apply for the FY26 Natural Diversity grant. It also approved the June 10 meeting minutes, fiscal year‑end transfer requests, and designated the Town Administrator to handle banner, one‑day liquor, gift, and gazebo requests during the summer schedule. All actions were approved by unanimous vote.

• Reorganized Board: Peter Warren Chair, Patricia Oney Vice Chair, John Morrell Clerk (unanimous)
• Approved National Grid pole petition #WR 31037248 on Silver Street (unanimous)
• Appointed Ben Murphy to Keep Homestead Board of Directors through June 30, 2028 (unanimous)
• Approved Conservation Commission permission to apply for FY26 Natural Diversity (LAND) grant (unanimous)
• Approved June 10, 2025 open‑session meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved fiscal year‑end transfer requests (unanimous)
• Designated Town Administrator authority for banner requests, one‑day beer & wine licenses, gifts to town account, and gazebo use during summer (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Monson Parks and Recreation Commission will meet to discuss several facility and staffing updates. The agenda includes reviews of summer programming and specific project progress.

• Bleacher project
• Veteran’s Field (JV)
• New Pool director progress
• Summer programs/camps
• Accounts receivable

The Selectboard gave approval to bring back the JV baseball field at Veteran’s Field, with work to be shared among the Selectboard, the Parks & Recreation Commission, and CPC. The commission minutes could not be approved because Jan Demaio was absent. Jenna Berry moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:50 pm, and the motion was adopted. Plans were announced to start a new commission group chat and to switch the online registration platform from Unipay to myrec.com.

• Selectboard approved restoring the JV baseball field at Veteran’s Field
• Commission minutes not approved due to Jan Demaio’s absence
• Jenna Berry motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:50 pm – motion adopted
• Kim Uliana will start a new commission group chat this week
• Transition from Unipay to myrec.com registration platform scheduled to begin tomorrow
• Financial meeting scheduled for July 23
• Tim will check pickleball net heights for correct compliance
• New Sports Tots program for fall discussed (proposal not decided)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet to review bills for payment and discuss end-of-year transfers. The body will also receive town financial updates.

• Review of bills to pay or appropriate
• End of year transfers
• Town and financial updates
• Discussion on changing meeting start time from 7pm to 6pm for next year

Historical Commission

The Monson Historical Commission will meet to review previous minutes and receive an update from the Memorial Hall Committee. The agenda also includes a section for new business.

• Minutes of May 15, 2025
• Memorial Hall Committee update

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review motor vehicle and trailer excise abatements and warrants for preliminary billing. The board is also scheduled to discuss the Monson Developmental Center at 175 State Ave.

• Discussion of 175 State Ave (Monson Developmental Center)
• Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise Abatements
• Warrants for Preliminary Billing (RE, PP, CPA)
• Rollback Forms, Warrants, and Liens
• DOR Form (Omitted & Revised Assessment Report)

The Board reorganized its leadership for FY2026 and approved several financial items, including motor vehicle and trailer abatements and the FY26 preliminary tax commitments for real estate, personal property, and CPA taxes. It also approved the FY26 inspection budget and agreed to seek involvement in the 175 State Ave development by drafting a letter to the Select Board. The Board decided to post upcoming inspection information publicly on Facebook and the town website.

• Reorganized Board leadership for FY2026 (Chair Christopher W. Haley, Assessors Russell A. Bressette Jr. and Dorothy P. Jenkins) – approved
• Approved 2023 and 2025 Motor Vehicle & Trailer abatements ($157.94 and $3,741.10) – approved
• Approved FY26 Preliminary Real Estate Tax commitment $8,414,933.73 – approved
• Approved FY26 Preliminary Personal Property Tax commitment $329,398.92 – approved
• Approved FY26 Preliminary CPA Tax commitment $176,010.62 – approved
• Approved FY26 inspection budget: $7,500 for inspections, $2,500 for cyclical inspections, $20 for additional inspections – approved
• Decided to draft a letter requesting Board of Assessors involvement in the 175 State Ave development – decided
• Decided to publicly post upcoming inspection information on Facebook and the town website – decided

Planning Board

The Planning Board will conduct a public hearing regarding a site plan and special permit for an industrial facility. The board will also discuss site plan revisions and project completion for two other properties.

• Public hearing for National Grid site plan and special permit at 132 Bethany Road
• Discussion of proposed site plan revision and special permit for 10 Bliss Street
• Discussion regarding project completion at 46 Palmer Road
• Discussion of Master Plan, Stormwater Zoning Bylaw, and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)

The Planning Board unanimously approved a $6,500 contract for a third‑party review with Comprehensive Environmental Inc. It also voted 5‑0 to continue the public hearing for 132 Bethany Road to July 15, 2025. The board conditionally approved the site‑plan modifications for 10 Bliss Street, pending revised plans, and then adjourned the meeting.

• Awarded $6,500 contract to Comprehensive Environmental Inc. (unanimous 5‑0)
• Granted continuance of 132 Bethany Road public hearing to July 15, 2025 (5‑0)
• Conditionally approved site‑plan modifications for 10 Bliss Street pending revised plans (5‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (5‑0)

Memorial Hall Renovation Committee

The committee is meeting to discuss the renovation of Memorial Hall. Key topics include a signed contract for the Main Hall and upcoming deadlines for the Community Preservation Committee.

• Contract signed with Scholar for Main Hall totaling $88.32K
• Lighting and gear removal
• Pricing ideas for 'Buy a Brick' program
• Quotes required for August CPC deadline

The Memorial Hall Renovation Committee approved the amended May 6 minutes and the April 15 minutes, each with all members in favor. No other formal actions were taken. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved May 6 minutes (all in favor)
• Approved April 15 minutes (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor)

Agriculture Commission

The Agriculture Commission will review and vote on approved vendors for the 2025 Fall Farmer’s Market. Members will also plan vendor sites at Memorial Hall Lawn and Dave Grieve Park.

• Vote on approved vendors for 2025 Fall Farmer’s Market
• Planning vendor sites at Memorial Hall Lawn and Dave Grieve Park
• Updates on Board of Health permitting process for Farmer's Markets
• Updates on Farmland of Local Importance

Keep Homestead Museum Board of Directors

The Board of Directors will review financial reports and updates on 2025 programming. The meeting includes discussions on various building maintenance projects and volunteer hours.

• Project updates for pole lights, shades, and parking lot brush
• Building inspection and sidewalk updates
• Bathroom floor and barn miscellaneous repairs
• Track lighting and upstairs printer updates
• New business regarding parking lot fencing and volunteer hours

The board accepted the $5,605 fence replacement quote from K.E. Y Property Services and approved the purchase of seven 24x36 red "Slow Down" signs for $175. Both motions passed unanimously. The board also accepted donated items, excluding a punch bowl, and formally approved the minutes and financial report, all with unanimous votes.

• Accepted May 9, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted June 10, 2025 annual meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted financial report showing $15,947.97 balance (unanimous)
• Approved fence replacement quote $5,605 ± $500 from K.E. Y Property Services (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of seven 24x36 red signs at $25 each, total $175 (unanimous)
• Accepted donated items except punch bowl (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

School Committee

The School Committee will meet to reorganize its officers and review several operational items. Discussion topics include the FY 26 school calendar, preschool organization, and kindergarten early acceptance.

• Election of committee officers
• FY 26 School Calendar
• School choice numbers for SY 25/26
• Electric vehicle charging station
• Fraud Risk assessment update

The committee elected Alison Morgan as chair, Karen Nothe-Valley as vice chair, and Peter Wiggins as secretary, each by a 5‑0 vote. It approved the Summerfest Committee’s request to use Quarry Hill Community School on June 21‑22, 2025, and gave the superintendent and Mr. DeMaio authority to approve any needed rain‑date extensions. The board adopted a new Pre‑K organization with three full‑day integrated classrooms, one part‑day classroom and a separate special‑education classroom. Finally, school‑choice slots were approved for Kindergarten (6 slots, conditional), 1st grade (6), 2nd grade (2), 3rd grade (6) and 4th grade (3) for the 2025‑26 year.

• Alison Morgan elected chair, vote 5-0
• Karen Nothe-Valley elected vice chair, vote 5-0
• Peter Wiggins elected secretary, vote 5-0
• Approved Summerfest use of Quarry Hill Community School June 21‑22, 2025, vote 5-0
• Authorized superintendent and Mr. DeMaio to approve extended rain‑date(s), vote 5-0
• Adopted Pre‑K structure: 3 full‑day integrated, 1 part‑day, 1 separate special‑ed classroom, vote 5-0
• Approved 6 Kindergarten school‑choice slots (conditional), vote 5-0
• Approved 2 second‑grade school‑choice slots, vote 4-1

Hampden County Regional Retirement Board

The Board will vote on retirement applications, accidental disability claims, and the reaffirmation of several financial warrants. Members will also discuss new IT consulting services, office camera installation, and banking proposals from three different institutions.

• Vote on accidental disability application for Anthony Barbuti (Town of Ludlow)
• Reaffirmation of warrants totaling over $4.9 million, including $4,705,455.17 for monthly retirement allowances
• Reaffirmation of a $4,000,000.00 transfer from PRIT to Money Market
• Review of banking proposals from Peoples Bank, Berkshire Bank, and Easthampton Savings Bank
• Vote on new IT Consulting Service and office camera installation

Keep Homestead Museum Board of Directors

The Keep Homestead Museum Board of Directors will hold an annual meeting to elect officers. The meeting is scheduled for June 10, 2025, at Francesco’s Restaurant.

• Election of officers

The board elected Mary Ann Meacham as Chairperson, Tod Beall as Vice Chairperson, and Jan Macon as Clerk/Recording Secretary. All three elections were approved unanimously. The board also appointed Carol Strum as the Financial Liaison. No other actions were taken.

• Elected Mary Ann Meacham as Chairperson (unanimous)
• Elected Tod Beall as Vice Chairperson (unanimous)
• Elected Jan Macon as Clerk/Recording Secretary (unanimous)
• Appointed Carol Strum as Financial Liaison (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board will meet to vote on several board appointments and discuss the Veterans’ Field Baseball Diamond Refurbishment Project. The board will also determine the summer meeting schedule.

• Appointment of Mead, Talerman & Costa as Town Counsel
• Planning Board appointments for Craig Sweitzer and Prescott “Scott” Watson
• Zoning Board of Appeals appointments for Tere Hrynkiw and Michael Morgan
• Board of Registrar appointment for Patricia Smith
• Veterans’ Field Baseball Diamond Refurbishment Project discussion

The board unanimously approved the Veterans Field baseball diamond refurbishment project and will seek CPC grant funding. It also unanimously appointed six individuals to various town boards and committees, approved the May 27, 2025 meeting minutes, and set summer meeting dates for July 8 and August 12. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved Veterans Field baseball diamond refurbishment and CPC grant pursuit (unanimous)
• Appointed Mead, Talerman & Costa as Town Counsel through June 30 2026 (unanimous)
• Appointed Craig Sweitzer to the Planning Board through June 30 2028 (unanimous)
• Appointed Prescott “Scott” Watson to the Planning Board through June 30 2028 (unanimous)
• Appointed Tere Hrynkiw to the Zoning Board of Appeals through June 30 2030 (unanimous)
• Appointed Michael Morgan as associate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals through June 30 2028 (unanimous)
• Appointed Patricia Smith to the Board of Registrars through June 30 2028 (unanimous)
• Approved May 27 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

American Rescue Plan Act Committee (ARPA)

The American Rescue Plan Act Committee is meeting to approve minutes from five previous meetings dating between January 2022 and August 2024. No other substantive items are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from January 10, 2022
• Approval of minutes from January 24, 2022
• Approval of minutes from March 21, 2022
• Approval of minutes from November 1, 2022
• Approval of minutes from August 15, 2024

The committee voted to approve the minutes from five previous meetings dated Jan. 10 2022, Jan. 24 2022, Nov. 1 2022, Mar. 21 2022 and Aug. 15 2024. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote.

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

Cemetery Commission

The Cemetery Commission will meet to approve previous minutes and review Memorial Day activities. The body will also assess the status of equipment, walls, fences, grounds, and buildings.

• Review of Memorial Day activities
• Status review of cemetery equipment, walls, fences, grounds, and buildings
• Signing of bills, deeds, and correspondence

The commission voted unanimously to accept the minutes from the May 1, 2025 meeting. A motion to adjourn the June 5 meeting also passed unanimously. No other formal actions or votes were recorded during the session.

• Accepted May 1, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Monson Conservation Commission will hold public hearings regarding resource area delineations and pool replacement. The body will also address enforcement orders for unpermitted land clearing and vegetation removal.

• ANRAD application for High St (Map-Parcel ID: 094-019) by Baldwin Street LLC
• RDA for pool and deck replacement at 67 Upper Hampden Rd
• Enforcement Order for unpermitted vegetation clearing at 57 Carpenter Road
• Enforcement Order for unpermitted land clearing on Silver Street (Map-Parcel ID: 002-006)
• Certificate of Compliance request for 29 Thompson Street

The Monson Conservation Commission reviewed the revised ANRAD application for the High Street parcel (Map‑Parcel ID 094‑019), focusing on wetland boundaries, hydrologic connections, and potential impacts of future development. No formal approval, denial, or vote on the ANRAD was recorded; the commission noted concerns and said engineering analysis will be needed later. The commission also granted a request to video‑record the meeting.

• Granted permission to video‑record the meeting (Chairman Glenn Colburn)

Fire Department Building Assessment Committee

The Monson Fire Department Building Assessment Committee will hold a public meeting to discuss a building update and meet contractors. The group will also review and approve minutes from previous meetings and set the next meeting date.

• Review building update
• Meet contractors
• Approve minutes from previous meetings
• Set next meeting date

The committee approved the minutes from previous meetings. It set the next meeting for July 24. No other actions or approvals were recorded.

• Approved minutes from previous meetings
• Scheduled next meeting for July 24

Community Preservation Committee

The committee will review the results of the Town Meeting and discuss the approval of applications. The meeting also includes a review of open projects and the approval of April 1, 2025, minutes.

• Review of Town Meeting
• Application discussion and approval
• Review and approval of April 1, 2025 minutes
• Bill schedule approval
• Review of open projects

The Monson Community Preservation Committee approved the minutes from the April 1, 2025 meeting. No other substantive actions were taken; the 28 Bridge Street project was discussed but not decided. The next committee meeting was scheduled for September 3, 2025.

• Approved April 1 meeting minutes

National Grid Notices of Public Hearings

The Department of Public Utilities will hold a virtual public hearing to discuss a capital investment project to allow solar and other distributed generation facilities to connect to the electric grid. If approved, the project would involve upgrades to the Thorndike and Five Corners substations.

• Total project cost of approximately $39.1 million pretax
• Proposed $13.9 million cost share for ratepayers
• Estimated monthly bill increase of $0.08 in the first year for typical residential customers
• Upgrades to Thorndike and Five Corners substations
• Virtual public hearing on May 30, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.

Town Clerk

The Monson Town Clerk's office will conduct testing of ImageCast voting machines. The event is open to the public.

• Testing of ImageCast voting machines per 950 C.M.R. 54:02 (4)(c)

School Committee

The School Committee is holding a working meeting for the sole purpose of approving the Superintendent contract.

• Approval of Superintendent contract

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Commission will discuss updates regarding spring sports and summer programming. The meeting also includes a review of accounts receivable and a report from the director.

• Spring sports review
• Summer program updates
• Accounts receivable review

School Committee

The Monson School Committee will hold a working meeting to approve the contract of Roland Joyal, the interim superintendent of schools. The meeting is scheduled for May 28, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. in the School Committee Room at Quarry Hill Community School.

• Approval of Superintendent Roland Joyal's contract

Select Board

The Monson Select Board will hold its regular meeting on May 27, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Public Meeting Room at 110 Main Street. The agenda includes routine procedural items, appointments to town boards, and new business such as liquor license renewals and a discussion on electric vehicle charging stations.

• Renewal of Farmer Series Pouring Permit (19H) for Echo Hill Winery at 101 Wilbraham Road
• Renewal of Farmer Distillery Pouring Permit for Echo Hill Orchards & Winery at 101 Wilbraham Road
• Discussion on End of Year Transfers
• Proposal for Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations by Justin Larivee
• Appointments to Fence Viewer and Conservation Commission with term expirations

The board confirmed several appointments, including a Parking Fines Clerk and two fence viewers, all by unanimous vote. It approved a $4,000 grant from the gifts‑to‑the‑town fund for the Monson Memorial Classic Road Race and waived the Memorial Hall use fee for that event. The board also gave temporary approval for Echo Hill Winery’s farmer series pouring permit and Echo Hill Orchards & Winery’s farmer distillery pouring permit, each unanimously.

• Appointed Sherri Roberson as Parking Fines Clerk – unanimous approval
• Appointed Justin Larivee as fence viewer (term to 6/30/2026) – unanimous approval
• Appointed Ben Murphy as fence viewer (term to 6/30/2026) – unanimous approval
• Appointed Marty Gilmore to Conservation Commission (through 6/30/2028) – unanimous approval
• Approved $4,000 grant for Monson Memorial Classic Road Race – unanimous approval
• Waived Memorial Hall use fee for Monson Memorial Classic Road Race – unanimous approval
• Approved temporary farmer series pouring permit (19‑H) for Echo Hill Winery – unanimous approval
• Approved temporary farmer distillery pouring permit for Echo Hill Orchards & Winery – unanimous approval

Finance Committee

The Monson Finance Committee will convene on May 23 at 3:00 p.m. in the Large Conference Room at 110 Main Street to review and accept prior meeting minutes, discuss correspondence, and act on bills to pay or appropriate. The committee will also consider end-of-year transfers and receive updates from the Finance Director/Treasurer-Collector.

• Review and acceptance of prior meeting minutes
• Bills to pay or appropriate
• End-of-year transfers
• Finance Director/Treasurer-Collector update

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Monson Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on a special permit application to keep an existing sign at 494 Boston Road West. The board will also address an Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Jeffrey Allard and consider reappointments for two members.

• Public hearing on special permit for existing sign at 494 Boston Road West (ZBA2025-03)
• Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Jeffrey Allard
• Reappointment recommendation for Tere Hrynkiw (5-year term)
• Reappointment recommendation for Michael Morgan (3-year term)
• Approval of Bill Schedule for Turley Publications Inc. ($147.28) and meeting minutes

In the May 22 meeting, the board continued the 494 Boston Road West special permit hearing to June 26, accepted delegation of an Open Meeting Law complaint to town counsel, and reappointed two members. In the August 28 meeting, the board denied the appeal concerning the retaining wall at 222 Cedar Swamp Road and agreed to continue the Equestrian Hills Estates special‑permit hearing to September 25. All actions were approved unanimously where votes were recorded.

• Continue 494 Boston Road West special permit hearing to June 26, 2025 (unanimous)
• Accept delegation of Open Meeting Law complaint to town counsel (unanimous)
• Reappoint Tere Hrynkiw and Michael Morgan as board members (unanimous)
• Approve minutes from Feb 27, Mar 27, Apr 24, 2025 (unanimous)
• Deny appeal for 222 Cedar Swamp Road retaining wall (unanimous)
• Continue Equestrian Hills Estates special permit hearing to Sep 25, 2025 (petitioner assented)

Agriculture Commission

The Agriculture Commission will discuss the planning for the 2025 Fall Farmer’s Market. The meeting also includes an update on the Board of Health permitting process for farmer's markets.

• Update on Farmer’s Markets and BOH Permitting Process
• Planning for 2025 Fall Farmer’s Market
• Review and approval of April 29, 2025 meeting minutes

School Committee

The Superintendent Negotiations Subcommittee will meet to conduct a strategy session. The meeting includes an executive session to discuss contract negotiations with nonunion personnel regarding the Superintendent.

• Executive session for Superintendent contract negotiations

Pioneer Valley Planning Commission

The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission Executive Committee will meet to approve minutes, authorize payments, and endorse two state transportation plans. Members will also vote on a $50,000 contract with the Town of Granby to update zoning bylaws and maps.

• Authorization for Commission Chair Walter Gunn to endorse FFY 2026 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) at May 27 MPO meeting
• Authorization for Commission Chair Walter Gunn to endorse FFY 2026–2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) at May 27 MPO meeting
• Authorization to negotiate and execute a $50,000 contract with the Town of Granby for zoning bylaw and map update

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings regarding special permits and site plan approvals for two properties. The board will also discuss member reappointment, open meeting law complaints, and an Attorney General decision on accessory dwelling units.

• Public hearing for Monson Housing Authority to expand parking at 31 State Street
• Public hearing for National Grid for facility improvements and a new stormwater system at 132 Bethany Road
• Discussion of reappointment for members Craig Sweitzer, Prescott “Scott” Watson, and alternate Marilyn Gorman Fil
• Review of Attorney General’s Office decision regarding Article 28, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s)
• Payment of bills for Turley Publications ($118.84 and $158.33) and The Republican ($581.60)

The Board approved the Monson Housing Authority's request for a special permit and site‑plan approval to add sixteen parking spaces within the Water Supply Protection District, voting 5‑0. It also approved a third‑party engineering review of National Grid's stormwater design and a continuance of that application to the next meeting, each by a 5‑0 vote. Additional actions included endorsing an ANR subdivision plan, reappointing board members, and approving draft responses to two Open Meeting Law complaints.

• Granted special permit for housing authority parking expansion (5-0)
• Approved third‑party stormwater design review for National Grid (5-0)
• Approved continuance of National Grid application to next meeting (5-0)
• Endorsed ANR subdivision plan for Macomber/Hospital Road (5-0)
• Reappointed Craig Sweitzer to Planning Board for three years (5-0)
• Reappointed Marilyn Gorman as PVPC representative for one year (5-0)
• Approved draft response to Open Meeting Law complaint by Karen King (5-0)
• Approved draft response to Open Meeting Law complaint by James Griffin (5-0)

Keep Homestead Museum Board of Directors

This is a routine board meeting covering procedural items: roll call, approval of minutes, financial report, and correspondence. Old business includes updates on programming and various maintenance projects (pole light, shades, sculptures, barn basement, bathroom floor, security cameras). New business adds discussion of an upstairs printer and volunteer hours. The agenda contains no major policy decisions, ordinances, or contracts with dollar amounts.

• Financial report and April 2025 minutes approval
• Project updates: pole light, shades, sculptures, barn basement foundation, sidewalk, bathroom floor, security cameras
• Discussion of 2025 programming updates
• New business: upstairs printer and volunteer hours

The board unanimously accepted the minutes from the April 21 meeting and the financial report showing a balance of $18,469.59. It also unanimously approved asking Sheryl Faye to present her program next year and approved Sirois Home Solutions to repair the windowsills, back door, and replace the bathroom woodwork.

• Accepted April 21, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted financial report showing $18,469.59 balance (unanimous)
• Approved asking Sheryl Faye to present program next year (unanimous)
• Approved Sirois Home Solutions to repair windowsills, back door, and bathroom woodwork (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet to review bills for payment and discuss end-of-year transfers. The committee will also receive town and financial updates from the Finance Director/Treasurer-Collector.

• Review of bills to pay or appropriate
• Discussion of end-of-year transfers
• Financial updates from Sherri Roberson, Finance Director/Treasurer-Collector

School Committee

The School Committee will review a budget update for fiscal year 2026. The meeting includes an executive session to conduct strategy and contract negotiations for the Superintendent.

• FY 26 budget update
• Superintendent contract negotiations

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will meet to review minutes from March 20, 2025. The body is scheduled to receive an update from the Memorial Hall Committee and discuss demolition delays.

• Memorial Hall Committee update
• Discussion of demolition delay

Conservation Commission

The Monson Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on several notices of intent, including a continued hearing for a new home on Bumstead Rd, an ANRAD on High St, and a new hearing for National Grid’s renovations at 132 Bethany Rd. They will also discuss an enforcement order for unauthorized vegetation clearing at 57 Carpenter Road and consider administrative approvals and reappointments.

• Public hearing for Notice of Intent by National Grid for renovations to warehouse, parking, stormwater at 132 Bethany Rd (Riverfront Area)
• Continued public hearing for Notice of Intent by Gary Depace for new single-family home on Bumstead Rd
• Continued public hearing for ANRAD by Baldwin Street LLC on High St
• Enforcement order for wetlands violation at 57 Carpenter Road (unpermitted vegetation clearing by Mathew Biron)
• Administrative approval for changes to building footprint at 11 Highland Ave (Andrew Pehoviak)

The commission closed the public hearing on the Bumstead Rd Notice of Intent and issued an Order of Conditions (5‑0). It approved the revised plan for 11 Highland Ave without requiring an amendment, directing that changes appear on the final as‑built plan (5‑0). The ANRAD hearing for High St was continued to June 4 at Granite Valley Middle School (5‑0). Commissioners recommended reappointing Marty Gilmore, Bob D’ Aquila, and Matt Cranham for another term (5‑0).

• Closed Bumstead Rd public hearing and issued Order of Conditions (5‑0)
• Approved 11 Highland Ave plan changes; no amendment needed, require as‑built showing (5‑0)
• Continued High St ANRAD hearing to June 4 at Granite Valley Middle School (5‑0)
• Recommended reappointment of Marty Gilmore, Bob D’ Aquila, and Matt Cranham (5‑0)

Board of Health

The Monson Select Board, acting as the Board of Health, will meet on May 13, 2025. They plan to continue discussions on a Property Maintenance policy and review Trash Hauler Regulations. Other items include a Health Director's report and an update from the Medical Reserve Corps.

• Continued discussion on Policy for Property Maintenance
• Review of Trash Hauler Regulations
• Medical Reserve Corps update from Liz Manley
• Health Director's report by Finn McCool
• Approve minutes from March 11, 2025

The Board approved the March 11, 2025 meeting minutes and then voted to adjourn. It decided to continue discussion of the proposed property‑maintenance policy until the Health Director can attend in person. The Board also tabled the proposed revision to the trash‑hauler regulations, deferring further action to the next meeting.

• Approved March 11, 2025 Board of Health minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
• Continued discussion of property maintenance policy pending Health Director attendance
• Tabled trash‑hauler regulation revision for further review at next meeting

Select Board

The Monson Select Board, acting as the Board of Health, will meet on May 13, 2025. Agenda items include a health director's report, continued discussion on a property maintenance policy, and a review of trash hauler regulations. Routine business such as approving minutes and signing bills is also scheduled.

• Health Director's report from Finn McCool
• Continued discussion on Policy for Property Maintenance
• Review of Trash Hauler Regulations with Denise Kennedy Buck
• Medical Reserve Corps update from Liz Manley
• Approve minutes from March 11, 2025

Select Board

The Select Board will review several municipal appointments and personnel promotions. The board is scheduled to discuss the town Master Plan update and a potential land purchase on Reimers Road.

• Sign Richmond Land Purchase and Sale Agreement for Reimers Road (pending Town Meeting approval)
• Promotions of Sherri Roberson to Director of Finance & Budget and Kate Baker to Town Accountant
• Vote on response to Open Meeting Law Complaint filed by James Griffin
• Discussion of Made In Monson Host Community Agreement Extension
• Opt-in for in-person voting dates from May 31 to June 8, 2025

The board gave $300 from the Gifts to the Town account to the Patriotic Celebration Committee for the Memorial Day veterans lunch. It approved an in‑person early‑voting schedule for May 31–June 6, 2025, and set the Farmers Market for September 13, 2025. The board also authorized the Town Administrator to ask the Planning Board to begin a Master Plan update and to review the storm‑water zoning bylaws, with a report due at a July meeting.

• Approved $300 gift to Patriotic Celebration Committee for Memorial Day lunch (unanimous)
• Approved early in‑person voting schedule May 31–June 6, 2025 (unanimous)
• Set Farmers Market date for September 13, 2025, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (unanimous)
• Appointed members to multiple committees and boards, including Agricultural Commission, Community Preservation Committee, Council on Aging, Fire Station Building Assessment Committee, Historical Commission, Keep Homestead Museum Board, Memorial Hall Renovation Committee, Monson Cultural Council, Monson Scholarship Committee, Replanting Monson Tree Committee, Tax Assistance Committee, and others (unanimous)
• Authorized Town Administrator to request Master Plan update and storm‑water bylaw review from Planning Board (unanimous)
• Approved minutes for April 22 and May 5, 2025 open sessions (unanimous)
• Appointed Finn McCool as Title V Inspector through June 30, 2026 (unanimous)
• Appointed Justin Larivee as Flood Plain Administrator through June 30, 2026 (unanimous)

School Committee

The Monson School Committee will discuss and vote on appointing a representative to negotiate with the Superintendent on behalf of the committee. Following that vote, they will enter executive session for strategy and contract negotiations with the Superintendent, who is nonunion personnel, and will not return to open session.

• Vote on appointment of School Committee representative to negotiate with Superintendent
• Executive session for contract negotiations with Superintendent (nonunion personnel)

School Committee

The Superintendent Negotiations Subcommittee of the Monson School Committee will meet to enter executive session under state law for strategy sessions and contract negotiations with the Interim Superintendent, who is nonunion personnel. No other business is scheduled.

• Executive session pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, section 21(a)(2) for negotiations with nonunion personnel (Interim Superintendent)

General Bylaw Committee

The General Bylaw Committee will hold a discussion on proposed revisions to the town's general bylaws. No votes or public hearings are scheduled; this is a working session to review draft language.

• Discussion of proposed General Bylaws

Finance Committee

This is a routine monthly meeting. The committee will review and approve prior minutes, discuss correspondence and bills, and vote on any needed warrant articles. Members will also decide who will present each article at the upcoming Special Town Meeting. The meeting will adjourn to join the Special Town Meeting at 7:00 p.m.

• Vote on warrant articles for Special Town Meeting if needed
• Assignment of Finance Committee members to read specific articles at Special Town Meeting
• Review of bills to pay or appropriate
• Review of meeting attendance by members

School Committee

The Monson School Committee is holding a working meeting to interview three candidates for the superintendent position. The interviews are scheduled for Michael Morris at 5:00 PM, Joanne Menard at 6:15 PM, and Paul Foster at 7:30 PM. No other business is on the agenda.

• Interview of superintendent candidate Michael Morris at 5:00 PM
• Interview of superintendent candidate Joanne Menard at 6:15 PM
• Interview of superintendent candidate Paul Foster at 7:30 PM

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review motor vehicle and trailer excise abatements and personal exemptions for veterans, seniors, and the blind. The board will also discuss specific parcel issues and FY26 Chapterland values.

• Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise Abatements and Denials
• Personal Exemptions for Veterans, Seniors, and the Blind
• Parcel Issues (002-006, 092-015)
• FY26 Chapterland Values
• Town Meeting Articles

The Board approved the March 26 open‑session and executive‑session minutes, each motion passing with unanimous yes votes. It approved $5,975.27 in motor vehicle and trailer excise abatements and denied a separate motor vehicle excise abatement. The Board also approved $1,184.50 in FY25 real‑estate exemptions and denied other real‑estate exemption applications. Finally, the Board agreed to reclassify parcels 092‑015 (Country Club Heights) and 002‑006 (Silver Street) as buildable.

• Approved March 26 open‑session minutes (Bressette Yes, Haley Yes)
• Approved March 26 executive‑session minutes (Jenkins Yes, Bressette Yes, Haley Yes)
• Approved $5,975.27 motor vehicle and trailer excise abatements
• Denied a motor vehicle excise abatement (no amount specified)
• Approved $1,184.50 FY25 real‑estate exemption applications
• Denied FY25 real‑estate exemption applications (no amount specified)
• Deemed parcel 092‑015 (Country Club Heights) buildable
• Deemed parcel 002‑006 (Silver Street) buildable

Hampden County Regional Retirement Board

The Hampden County Regional Retirement Board will receive the 12/31/2023 audit from CBIZ, vote on warrants and transfers, and approve new retirement allowances and applications. The board will also discuss whether off-duty K-9 care is pensionable for Michael Whitney and review banking services from four local banks. Several routine items including injury notices, new members, and expense breakdowns are on the agenda.

• Presentation of the 12/31/2023 audit by CBIZ (Rebecca Gamsby)
• Vote to reaffirm warrants totaling $5,896,864.56 issued April 30, 2025
• Vote to reaffirm transfer of $3,500,000.00 from PRIT to Money Market account
• Discussion and vote on whether off-duty care of K-9 by Michael Whitney should be pensionable
• Banking services presentations from four local banks for HCRB fiduciary responsibilities

School Committee

Monson School Committee's Policy Subcommittee will meet to discuss two proposed policies: crowdfunding (GBEBD) and student cell phones and electronic devices. This is a subcommittee working session; no votes are expected.

• Discussion of policy GBEBD on crowdfunding
• Discussion of policy on student cell phones and electronic devices

School Committee

The Monson School Committee will hold a regular business meeting to approve several sets of minutes from previous meetings and discuss policy, food service, and school choice. Key agenda items include a third reading of the GBEBD crowdfunding policy, a food service update from Director Tracy Blanchard, and a discussion on school choice. The committee will also review its meeting calendar for the year.

• Third reading of Policy GBEBD: Crowdfunding
• Food Service update by Tracy Blanchard
• Discussion of School Choice
• Review of School Committee calendar meeting days
• Approval of minutes from December 2024, January, March, and April 2025 meetings

Memorial Hall Renovation Committee

The Memorial Hall Renovation Committee will discuss and potentially award a contract for the Main Hall renovation based on apparent low bids, with Apiary at $68,000 being the lowest. The committee will also consider a resignation from Glenn Colburn and a 'Buy a Brick' fundraising program.

• Apparent low bid results for Main Hall: Apiary $68,000, Scholar $88,320, Village Green $198,600, Trafford $225,000, completion by September 1, 2025
• Presentation by Shawn Gundersen of Norseman AV Systems
• Committee appointments and resignation of Glenn Colburn
• Discussion of 'Buy a Brick' pricing and rollout strategy

The Memorial Hall Renovation Committee accepted Glen Colburn's resignation. The committee invited Shawn Gunderson of Norseman AV Systems to tour the hall and assigned Peter Warren and Alan Morin to escort him after the meeting. A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and approved unanimously. The next meeting is set for June 17.

• Accepted Glen Colburn resignation (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
• Invited Shawn Gunderson to tour Memorial Hall
• Assigned Peter Warren and Alan Morin to escort Shawn after meeting

Select Board

The Select Board will meet to discuss the promotion of two town employees. Both proposed appointments are for three-year terms effective May 26, 2025.

• Promotion of Sherri Roberson to Director of Finance & Budget
• Promotion of Kate Baker to Town Accountant

The board approved Sherri Roberson's promotion to Director of Finance & Budget for a three‑year term starting May 26, 2025. The board also promoted Kate Baker to Town Accountant for a three‑year term effective the same date. Both motions passed unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Appointed Sherri Roberson as Director of Finance & Budget (unanimous)
• Promoted Kate Baker to Town Accountant (unanimous)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board will meet to consider the promotion of two town employees. Both proposed appointments are for three-year terms effective May 26, 2025.

• Promotion of Sherri Roberson to Director of Finance & Budget
• Promotion of Kate Baker to Town Accountant

The board unanimously approved Sherri Roberson's appointment as Director of Finance & Budget for a three‑year term starting May 26, 2025. The board also unanimously promoted Kate Baker to Town Accountant for a three‑year term effective the same date. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Appointed Sherri Roberson as Director of Finance & Budget (unanimous)
• Promoted Kate Baker to Town Accountant (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The Monson Finance Committee will meet to review minutes, correspondence, and bills. They will finalize voting warrant articles for an upcoming town meeting and discuss end-of-year transfers. The agenda also includes a resolution of citation for Ken Parkes and other financial updates.

• Finalize voting warrant articles for town meeting
• Discuss end-of-year transfers
• Resolution of Citation for Ken Parkes
• Review bills to pay or appropriate
• Receive town/financial updates

American Rescue Plan Act Committee (ARPA)

The American Rescue Plan Act Committee is meeting to approve minutes from seven previous meetings dating from March 2022 to June 2023. No new business or funding decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from March 28, 2022, through June 6, 2023

The ARPA Committee unanimously approved the minutes from prior meetings and then unanimously adjourned the session.

• Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous vote)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous vote)

Cemetery Commission

The Monson Cemetery Commission will meet to handle routine administrative business, including approval of prior meeting minutes, signing of bills and deeds, and planning the placement of Memorial Day flags.

• Approval of minutes from April 3, 2025
• Placement of Memorial Day flags at town cemeteries
• Commissioners to sign bills and deeds

The commission unanimously accepted the minutes from the April 3, 2025 meeting. It also unanimously approved a motion allowing Mr. Wawrzyk and Mr. Murphy to determine volunteer duties for cemetery work. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Accepted April 3, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved motion allowing Mr. Wawrzyk and Mr. Murphy to determine volunteer duties (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

School Committee

The Monson School Committee is holding a public budget hearing on April 30, 2025. This is the only item on the agenda; no specific budget figures or proposals are listed in the agenda document. The hearing is open in-person and via Zoom.

• Public Budget Hearing for Monson Public Schools

Agriculture Commission

The Monson Agricultural Commission will discuss updates on farmer's market permitting with the Board of Health and plan the 2025 Fall Farmer's Market. The commission will also review minutes from a previous meeting and set the agenda for the next meeting. Public comment will be taken.

• Update on Farmer's Markets and BOH Permitting Process with Bob Skalbite & Bret Douty
• Discussion and Planning for 2025 Fall Farmer's Market
• Review and Approval of Meeting Minutes from 3-18-25

The commission agreed that Dave Grieve Park and the Memorial Hall lawns will be used for the fall 2025 farmer's market and will request permission at the upcoming select board meeting. The vendor application form was updated and will be sent out by September 13, with Mike Moore handling distribution. The minutes from the March 18, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously, and the agenda for the next meeting on May 18 was adopted.

• Agreed to use Dave Grieve Park and Memorial Hall lawns for fall 2025 farmer's market (agreement)
• Will request use of those areas at upcoming select board meeting (action)
• Approved updated vendor application form to be sent by Sep 13 (agreement)
• Mike Moore assigned to send vendor applications (assignment)
• Approved March 18, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously (unanimous)
• Adopted same agenda for next meeting on May 18 at 7 PM (agreement)
• Motion to adjourn approved unanimously (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The Monson Finance Committee will review and vote on warrant articles for the upcoming town meeting, including Community Preservation Committee (CPC) articles. The agenda also includes routine business such as approving minutes, reviewing bills to be appropriated, and receiving town financial updates.

• Review of CPC articles with Glenn Colburn
• Review of warrant articles with Drew Pehoviak from Assessor's Office
• Bills to pay or to appropriate
• Review of correspondence and meeting attendance

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings regarding two property applications. The board will consider a variance for a sign setback and a special permit for earth removal operations.

• Public hearing for Strum’s Construction Service regarding a sign setback variance at 494 Boston Road West
• Public hearing for Ronald Florek regarding a special permit for earth removal at 149 Stafford Road
• Approval of February 27, 2025, meeting minutes
• Approval of March 27, 2025, meeting minutes

The board voted 3‑1 to deny the variance request for a sign at 149 Stafford Road, citing lack of a permit and zoning violations. The board then voted 4‑0 to approve a special permit for Donald Frydryk's earth‑removal project. Both actions were recorded before the meeting adjourned at 7:41 PM.

• Denied sign variance (3-1 vote)
• Approved special permit for earth‑removal project (4-0 vote)
• Motion to adjourn meeting passed (4-0 vote)

Conservation Commission

The Monson Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on multiple applications under the Wetlands Protection Act, including a Notice of Intent for National Grid's warehouse renovations with stormwater management at 132 Bethany Rd (Riverfront Area). Other items include a continued hearing for a new single-family home on Bumstead Rd, an ANRAD on High St, and Requests for Determination of Applicability for a deck replacement at 3 Lakeside Drive and test pits at Bunyan Road and 70 Palmer Rd. Old business covers an update on Pulpit Rock Lake dam repairs, a certificate of compliance for 29 Thompson Street, and an enforcement order for unpermitted vegetation clearing at 57 Carpenter Road.

• Public hearing on Notice of Intent for National Grid's warehouse renovations, parking, and stormwater management within Riverfront Area at 132 Bethany Rd
• Continued hearing for new single-family home, driveway, well, and septic on Bumstead Rd (Map 099, Parcel 049, applicant Gary DePace)
• Request for Determination of Applicability for test pits and soil borings in flood zone on Bunyan Road ROW and 70 Palmer Rd (applicant Fuss & O'Neill, owner Golf Two Enterprises)
• Enforcement order for unpermitted vegetation clearing and tree cutting at 57 Carpenter Road (owner Mathew Biron)
• Update on dam repairs at Pulpit Rock Lake (owner Pulpit Rock Pond Preservation Trust)

The Conservation Commission continued three pending hearings until May and issued Negative Determinations for three work requests, including the 3 Lakeside Drive deck replacement. It also ratified an emergency water‑main certification and adjourned the meeting. All motions were approved unanimously except one 4‑1 vote.

• Continued Bumstead Rd Notice of Intent hearing until May 16 (5‑0)
• Continued High St ANRAD hearing until May 14 (5‑0)
• Issued Negative #3 for 3 Lakeside Drive deck work with erosion‑control conditions (5‑0)
• Issued Negative #2 for Bunyan Rd ROW and 70 Palmer Rd test pits (4‑1)
• Issued Negative #2 for CSX Railroad wetland boundary request (5‑0)
• Ratified Emergency Certification for water main break at 14 Bethany Road
• Adjourned the meeting (5‑0)

Select Board

The Select Board will discuss and potentially vote on a contract award for the Fire Station Renovation Project and approve the FY26 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Other items include a Fraud Risk Assessment Report, an update on the Nieske Road Bridge Grant, and a letter of support for a land purchase on Margaret Street. The board will also consider a Cannabis Social Equity Policy and authorize the Town Administrator to negotiate an employment offer for a Finance Director.

• Fire Station Renovation Project Contract Award
• FY26 Annual Town Meeting Warrant Approval
• Update on Nieske Road Bridge Grant from DER CRMA
• Letter of Support for Department of Fish & Game purchase of 67+/- acres on Margaret Street
• Authorize Town Administrator to select and negotiate employment offer for Finance Director/Town Accountant

The Board considered a motion to ask the Finance Committee to consider allocating an additional $300,000 of free cash to the school department, on top of the $207,000 already recommended. The motion was voted down with one vote in favor (Morrell) and two against (Warren, Oney). No other substantive actions were taken.

• Motion to ask Finance Committee to consider adding $300,000 to school budget denied (1-2)

Keep Homestead Museum Board of Directors

The Keep Homestead Museum Board of Directors will hold a regular meeting covering roll call, approval of previous minutes, a financial report, and correspondence. Old business includes program updates and various project updates (pole light, shades, sculptures, barn basement foundation, parking lot brush, Liberty Mutual volunteer day), while new business covers a Summerfest advertisement and volunteer hour tracking.

• Project updates: barn basement foundation, parking lot brush, pole light, shades, sculptures, excess goods
• Liberty Mutual Volunteer Day planning
• Summerfest advertisement discussion
• Volunteer hours tracking
• Approval of March 17, 2025 minutes

The board unanimously approved several expenditures, including a $1,600 contract with Floor Mart to replace the barn bathroom and hall flooring and a $500 contract with Pascale to level two entrance stones. It also approved a $150 full-page Summerfest advertisement and accepted the minutes and financial report. Additional actions included keeping the old kitchen cabinet doors and assigning volunteers for the May 13 Liberty Mutual Volunteers’ Day.

• Accepted March 17, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted financial report showing $20,288.16 balance (unanimous)
• Approved $150 full-page Summerfest ad (unanimous)
• Approved $1,600 Floor Mart contract to replace barn bathroom and hall floor (unanimous)
• Approved $500 Pascale contract to level entrance stones (unanimous)
• Decided to keep cabinet doors from the old kitchen
• Assigned town manager to manage disposal of excess goods
• Agreed to hire FrozenRed for the ice‑cream social

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Commission will discuss spring sports, summer camps, and department budget updates. The meeting includes reviews of the pool, fields, and Flynt Playground.

• Department budget review
• Pool update
• Flynt Playground discussion
• Summer camps planning
• CPC update

The commission voted to amend the minutes to remove the salary range language; the motion passed unanimously. No other formal actions were taken, though staff agreed to explore program age changes, new benches, and a dugout project. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Amended minutes to delete salary range language (motion passed)
• Meeting adjourned (motion passed)

Board of Registrars

The Board of Registrars will meet to discuss early voting and vote-by-mail options for the Annual Town Election. The board will also consider the re-appointment of Patricia Smith.

• Early voting and Vote by Mail discussion for Annual Town Election
• Re-appointment of Patricia Smith
• Approval of minutes from 2/21/23, 5/13/24, and 11/15/24

School Committee

The committee will discuss new business items including the transportation budget, the 2025-2026 school calendar, and 9-12 health curriculum standards. Additionally, several policies are up for third readings (therapy/comfort dog, student dress code, graduation requirements) and a second reading (crowdfunding). The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and public comment.

• Transportation budget discussion
• 2025-2026 school calendar discussion
• 9-12 health curriculum standards discussion
• Third readings of policies: therapy/comfort dog (IMGB), student dress code (JICA), graduation requirements (IKF)
• Second reading of crowdfunding policy (GBEBD)

School Committee

The School Committee is holding a working meeting to review a report from the superintendent search committee. The body will also discuss the next steps in the process of hiring a superintendent.

• Report of the superintendent search committee
• Next steps in the superintendent search

Fire Department Building Assessment Committee

The committee will review bids and vote on a specific bid to be presented at the April 22 Select Board meeting. The meeting also includes the approval of previous minutes.

• Review of bids
• Vote on bid for presentation to Select Board on 4/22

Planning Board

The Monson Planning Board will hold three public hearings: on a special permit for parking lot expansion at 31 State Street, on amendments to the Home Occupation bylaw, and on a proposed new zoning district allowing Residential Single-Family Cluster housing. The board will also approve meeting minutes from March 18, 2025.

• Public hearing on Monson Housing Authority's special permit for expanding the parking lot at 31 State Street within the Water Supply Protection District
• Public hearing to amend §3.0 Schedule of Use Regulations and §1.7 Definition related to Home Occupation
• Public hearing to add a new zoning district for Residential Single-Family Cluster (RSFC) housing
• Approval of minutes from March 18, 2025 meeting

The Planning Board voted 5‑0 to accept the applicant’s withdrawal of the residential single‑family cluster housing zone‑change request without prejudice. The Board also voted 5‑0 to grant a continuance of the 31 State Street project hearing, moving it to May 20, 2025. No vote was recorded on the Home Occupation bylaw amendment, which remained under discussion.

• Accepted withdrawal of residential single‑family cluster housing zone‑change request without prejudice (5‑0)
• Granted continuance of 31 State Street project hearing to May 20, 2025 (5‑0)
• No vote taken on Home Occupation bylaw amendment (discussion continued)

Memorial Hall Renovation Committee

The Memorial Hall Renovation Committee will consider apparent low bids for Main Hall work, with bids from Apiary ($68k), Scholar ($88.32k), Village Green ($198.6k), and Trafford ($225k), completion by September 1, 2025. The committee will also discuss appointments to the Community Preservation Committee and a "Buy a Brick" fundraising campaign. Minutes from March 18 are to be approved.

• Apparent low bid for Main Hall: Apiary $68,000, Scholar $88,320, Village Green $198,600, Trafford $225,000
• Committee appointments to the Community Preservation Committee (CPC)
• Discussion of 'Buy a Brick' pricing and rollout strategy
• Approval of minutes from March 18 meeting
• Jim Finnegan — mason for south tower prior work

The committee approved the amended minutes from February 18, 2025 with unanimous support. It rejected the first $68,000 plastering bid because the bidder had no prior experience. The meeting was adjourned unanimously. No other actions were decided.

• Approved amended minutes (all in favor)
• Rejected $68,000 plastering bid due to lack of experience
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor)

School Committee

The Monson School Committee's Policy Subcommittee will meet to discuss a crowdfunding policy (GBEBD) and the creation of an additional crowdfunding policy. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the item is listed for discussion only.

• Discussion of crowdfunding policy GBEBD
• Discussion of creating an additional crowdfunding policy

Finance Committee

The Monson Finance Committee will meet to review and recommend the town budget and begin reviewing warrant articles. They will also consider bills, attendances, and receive financial updates.

• Review and recommend budget
• Begin reviewing/voting on warrant articles
• Review bills to pay or appropriate
• Receive town/financial updates
• Review correspondence and minutes

Select Board

The Select Board will meet in executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy. The discussion concerns contract negotiations with the International Brotherhood of Police Officers (IBPO).

• Collective bargaining strategy for International Brotherhood of Police Officers (IBPO)

The Board voted to go into executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy for the International Brotherhood of Police Officers contract. No formal decision was made on body‑camera policy or other contract items. The meeting was then adjourned by a second motion.

• Entered executive session to discuss IBPO contract strategy (aye, aye)
• Adjourned meeting (aye, aye)

School Committee

The Monson Superintendent Search Committee will meet to enter executive session for the purpose of reviewing semi-finalist candidates for the superintendent position, citing state law allowing closed-door interviews to avoid deterring qualified applicants. The committee will not return to open session after the executive session.

• Executive session to review semi-finalist candidates for superintendent under MGL Ch. 30A, Sec. 21, purpose 8

School Committee

The Monson Superintendent Search Committee is meeting to discuss semi-finalist candidates for the superintendent position. The committee will enter executive session under state law to consider applicants and will not return to open session. This is the only substantive item on the agenda.

• Executive session to review semi-finalist superintendent candidates under MGL Ch. 30A, Sec. 21, purpose 8

School Committee

The Monson School Committee holds a regular business meeting with old business focused on reviewing the FY26 budget and action items. The agenda includes public comment, but no specific proposals or votes are listed beyond these reviews.

• Review of the FY26 budget under old business
• Review of action items under action items
• Public comment period

Select Board

The Select Board will hold a public hearing on a National Grid pole petition on Beebe Road and consider approving the FY26 budget and closing the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. They will also vote on a seasonal liquor license for Pavilion at TJ's Tavern at 143 Palmer Road and a Farmland of Local Importance designation. Routine approvals include minutes, bills, and correspondence.

• Public Hearing: National Grid Pole Petition #31115128 on Beebe Road
• Approval of FY26 Budget
• Close Annual Town Meeting Warrant
• Seasonal Liquor License for Pavilion at TJ's Tavern, LLC at 143 Palmer Road
• Farmland of Local Importance Designation

The Board voted unanimously to authorize the Agricultural Commission to pursue a state designation of Monson farmland as locally important. It also approved a $4,000 contribution from the Gifts to the Town fund to support Aida’s Food Truck capital campaign, and unanimously accepted National Grid’s pole petition for a smart‑meter antenna on Beebe Road. Additionally, the Board approved the minutes from the March 24 and March 25 meetings and granted a seasonal liquor license to TJ’s Tavern at 143 Palmer Road.

• Authorized Agricultural Commission to pursue farmland of local importance designation (unanimous)
• Approved $4,000 Gifts to the Town contribution for Aida’s Food Truck capital campaign (unanimous)
• Approved National Grid pole petition for Beebe Road smart‑meter antenna (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of March 24, 2025 Tri‑Board meeting (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of March 25, 2025 Open Session meeting (unanimous)
• Approved seasonal liquor license for TJ’s Tavern, LLC at 143 Palmer Road (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet to recommend the budget and begin reviewing and voting on warrant articles. The body will also receive town and financial updates.

• Budget recommendation
• Review and voting on warrant articles
• Town and financial updates

School Committee

The Monson Superintendent Search Committee will meet to enter executive session under state law to review semi-finalist candidates for the superintendent position. The committee will not return to open session after the closed discussion.

• Meeting to go into executive session to review semi-finalist candidates for superintendent

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission will review spring sports programs and other seasonal updates. They will discuss the department budget, a Community Preservation Committee update, and the Flynt Playground project. The meeting also includes a public session and approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Spring sports program updates
• Pool update
• Department budget discussion
• CPC (Community Preservation Committee) update
• Flynt Playground project status

Cemetery Commission

The Monson Cemetery Commission will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes from March 6 and discuss the summer work program. Other routine business includes signing bills, deeds, and correspondence.

• Discussion on summer work program
• Approval of minutes from 3-6-25
• Commissioners to sign bills
• Commissioners to sign deeds
• Sign necessary correspondence

The Cemetery Commission accepted the March 6, 2025 minutes by unanimous vote. The board discussed summer labor options, possible private mowing services, liability concerns, and suggested changes to the cemetery price list, but no formal actions were taken. Members agreed to draft wording for cremation‑burial pricing and will review it at the May regular meeting. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Accepted March 6, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging Board will meet to review the FY26 budget and the Nutrition Program. The board will also receive updates on Federal Title III grants and current services.

• FY26 Budget
• Nutrition Program
• Federal Title III grants

Conservation Commission

The Monson Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on three wetland-related applications: a continued Notice of Intent for a new single-family home on Bumstead Rd, a new Notice of Intent for driveway grading within a buffer zone at 56 Munn Rd, and a continued Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation for High St. The Commission will also discuss a Certificate of Compliance request for 29 Thompson Street and an enforcement order for unauthorized vegetation clearing at 57 Carpenter Road.

• Public hearing (continued from Dec 2024) on Notice of Intent for new home, driveway, well, and septic on Bumstead Rd (Map 099-049), applicant Gary Depace
• Public hearing (continued from Jan 2025) on Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation for High St (Map 094-019), applicant Baldwin Street LLC
• Public hearing on Notice of Intent for driveway construction including grading within buffer zone at 56 Munn Rd (Map 137-004), applicant Craig Baskin
• Request for Certificate of Compliance for 29 Thompson Street (DEP File# 228-395), property owner Town of Monson
• Enforcement order for wetlands violation at 57 Carpenter Road — unpermitted vegetation clearing and tree cutting, property owner Mathew Biron

The Conservation Commission voted to continue pending hearings for the Bumstead Road NOI and the High Street ANRAD, moving both to April 23, 2025. It closed the public hearing for the 56 Munn Road driveway NOI and issued an Order of Conditions. The commission also approved a letter of support for the Flynt Mountain purchase and decided to apply for a FY2026 Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness grant for the Cedar Swamp Restoration Project. All motions passed unanimously (4‑0).

• Continue Bumstead Rd NOI hearing to April 23, 2025 (4-0)
• Continue High St ANRAD hearing to April 23, 2025 (4-0)
• Close 56 Munn Rd public hearing and issue Order of Conditions (4-0)
• Continue Certificate of Compliance request for 29 Thompson St until debris removed (4-0)
• Approve letter of support to Select Board for Flynt Mountain purchase (4-0)
• Approve December 11, 2024 minutes (4-0)
• Apply for FY2026 Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness grant for Cedar Swamp Restoration (4-0)
• Adjourn meeting (4-0)

Hampden County Regional Retirement Board

The Board will vote on granting a cost of living increase for eligible retirees and survivors. Members will also consider new retirement applications and approve various financial warrants and fund transfers.

• Vote on cost of living increase (COLA) for eligible retirees and survivors
• Reaffirmation of warrants totaling $5,468,234.73, including $4,708,506.03 for monthly retirement allowances
• Reaffirmation of a $3,500,000.00 transfer from PRIT to Money Market
• Vote to consider accidental disability benefits for Sean Burtt (Town of Ludlow)
• Review and vote on the 1/1/2024 Actuarial Valuation and 12/31/2023 GASB 67 and 68

RePlanting Monson Tree Committee

The RePlanting Monson Tree Committee will review and approve minutes from its March 6, 2025 meeting and discuss spring and seasonal plans. The agenda is largely procedural, with the only substantive item being a general discussion of spring activities.

• Review and approve minutes of March 6, 2025 meeting
• Discuss spring and seasonal plans

The committee approved the March 6, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. Members discussed the removal of trees in front of the Town Office building, noting the committee had not been consulted. Valerie Bogacz‑Beaudoin agreed to appear before the Selectboard to obtain information about the tree removal. The group also discussed plans for a volunteer kick‑off day for the season opener.

• Approved March 6, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Valerie to present inquiry to Selectboard regarding tree removal (planned)

School Committee

The Monson School Committee will consider approval of past meeting minutes, receive public comment, and discuss policy subcommittee recommendations on a therapy/comfort dog policy, student dress code, graduation requirements, and crowdfunding. The committee will also review the FY26 budget, discuss surplus equipment at Monson High School, and explore schedule options for the 2025-2026 school year.

• Approval of minutes from Feb 4, Feb 26, Feb 27, and Mar 19 meetings
• Policy subcommittee second read on therapy/comfort dog policy (IMGB)
• Policy subcommittee on student dress code (JICA)
• Review of FY26 budget
• MHS schedule options for 2025-2026 SY

Community Preservation Committee

The committee will review applications for the Quarry Hill School playground, Flynt Park dugouts, and a project at 290 Main Street. Members will also discuss the Clerk's salary and approve previous meeting minutes.

• Quarry Hill School Early Child Development Playground application
• Flynt Park dugouts application
• 290 Main Street application (Monson Housing Authority)
• Review of Clerk Salary

The Monson Community Preservation Committee unanimously approved funding for six projects, including a playground, park dugouts, a housing foundation, a historic church, a chapel roof, and historic paintings. The committee rejected the Memorial Hall application due to a late submission, voting 2‑4 against it. Members also unanimously voted to raise the clerk’s hourly wage from $15 to $20.

• Approved $25,000 Quarry Hill School Playground (unanimous)
• Approved $8,084 Flynt Park Dugouts (unanimous)
• Approved $16,480 290 Main Street foundation restoration (unanimous)
• Approved $131,125 Methodist Church stained‑glass restoration (unanimous)
• Approved $20,000 Silver Street Chapel roof and window repairs (unanimous)
• Rejected Memorial Hall application (2‑4 vote)
• Approved $5,600 Monson Historical Society painting restoration (unanimous)
• Approved clerk salary increase from $15/hr to $20/hr (unanimous)

School Committee

The Monson School Committee's Superintendent Search Committee will meet to discuss topics for semi-finalist interviews. The committee will then enter executive session to review semi-finalist candidates, citing state law allowing closed meetings for preliminary screening. The session will not return to open meeting.

• Discussion of topics for semi-finalist interviews
• Executive session to review semi-finalist candidates under MGL Ch. 304A, Sec. 21, purpose 8
• Meeting will not return to open session

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing regarding a sign setback variance. The board will also hold an informal discussion about the Commercial Recreation Bylaw.

• Public hearing for Strum’s Construction Service regarding a sign variance at 494 Boston Road West (Case No: ZBA2025-01)
• Informal discussion on the Commercial Recreation Bylaw requested by Robin Carpenter
• Approval of February 27th, 2025, meeting minutes

The board voted 5‑0 to close the public portion of the hearing on the 494 Boston Road West sign variance. No vote was taken on the meeting minutes. The board then voted 4‑0 to adjourn the meeting at 8:43 PM. Discussions on the sign variance and a campground proposal continued, but no formal decisions were made on those items.

• Closed public part of hearing (5-0)
• No vote on minutes (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)
• Agreed to attempt a follow‑up meeting in one week (agreement, no vote)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will hold a public meeting to conduct routine business, including approval of minutes, discussion of motor vehicle excise abatements, and consideration of an article for the spring town meeting. The board will also enter executive session to discuss seven abatement applications and confidential documents. Items such as applications under Chapter 58 Section 8 and an office policy regarding acreage discrepancies at 167½ Palmer Rd are on the agenda.

• 8 applications pursuant to Chapter 58 Section 8
• Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise Abatements
• Article (Hero’s Act) for Spring Town Meeting
• Office policy regarding acreage discrepancies at 167½ Palmer Rd
• Executive session to discuss 7 abatement applications and confidential documents

The Board approved the $173,449 motor vehicle and trailer excise commitment and the $173,449 accounting report, and approved $14,702.22 in motor vehicle and trailer excise abatements. It also approved requests to abate interest and collection fees for parcels 93-1K on Margaret St. and 094-123 on Pleasant St. The Board decided to send a letter, rather than attend a meeting, to state legislators on April 29, and approved one FY25 real‑estate exemption application while denying another.

• Approved $173,449 Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise Commitment (Bressette Jr, Haley: Yes)
• Approved $173,449 Accounting Report (Bressette Jr, Haley: Yes)
• Approved $14,702.22 Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise Abatements (Bressette Jr, Haley: Yes)
• Approved abatement of interest and fees for Parcel 93-1K (Bressette Jr, Haley: Yes)
• Approved abatement of interest and fees for Parcel 094-123 (Bressette Jr, Haley: Yes)
• Decided to send a letter to state legislators instead of attending the April 29 meeting
• Approved FY25 Real Estate Exemption Application (Jenkins, Haley: Yes)
• Denied FY25 Real Estate Exemption Application (Jenkins, Haley: Yes)

Select Board

The Select Board will hold a public hearing regarding the Community Development Block Grant. The body will also discuss a revised Host Community Agreement for Holistic Industries and a zoning bylaw amendment for residence districts.

• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Hearing
• Zoning Bylaw Amendment Proposal 2.1 — Residence Districts
• Holistic Industries Revised Host Community Agreement
• Lion’s Club request for a shed on town property
• Appointments for Agriculture Commission and Inspector of Animals

The Board unanimously approved the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission to submit a FY25 Community Development Fund grant application for up to $850,000 to fund water, sewer, roadway and drainage work on Harrison Avenue. They also authorized the Chair (or his representative) to sign all required grant documents. Additionally, the Board appointed three new officials and approved the minutes from the March 11 meeting.

• Authorized PVPC to submit FY25 grant application up to $850,000 – unanimous vote
• Authorized Chair (or representative) to sign all grant forms – unanimous vote
• Appointed Michael Kubaska to Agriculture Commission (term through June 30, 2026) – unanimous vote
• Appointed Finn McCool as Inspector of Animals (term through April 30, 2026) – unanimous vote
• Appointed Paul Morrissey as Alternate Inspector of Animals (term through April 30, 2026) – unanimous vote
• Approved minutes of March 11, 2025 – unanimous vote

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will review minutes, bills, and correspondence, then hold a Tri-Board meeting with the Select Board and School Department for a budget presentation. They will also receive town/financial updates and set the next meeting date.

• Tri-Board Meeting (Select Board, School Department, Finance Committee) for budget presentation
• Review and approval of bills to pay or appropriate
• Review of meeting attendance
• Town/financial updates
• Open session for topics not anticipated 48 hours in advance

The committee noted a $132,000 shortfall in the FY26 budget. Lloyd motioned to apply $196,000 of free cash to offset the shortfall; the motion was seconded and approved unanimously. The next meeting is scheduled for April 7, 2025.

• Approved use of $196,000 free cash to offset FY26 budget shortfall (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet to review bills for payment and receive town financial updates. The meeting includes a Tri-Board session with the Select Board and School Department to present the budget.

• Tri-Board Meeting budget presentation with Select Board and School Department
• Review of bills to pay or appropriate
• Town and financial updates

The committee discussed a $132,000 shortfall in the FY26 town budget. Lloyd motioned to apply $196,000 of free cash to offset the deficit; the motion was seconded and approved unanimously. No other actions were taken. The next meeting is scheduled for April 7, 2025.

• Approved use of $196,000 free cash to offset budget shortfall (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board, School Committee, and Finance Committee will hold a joint meeting to review the FY26 final budget. The agenda also includes a recognition of a student athlete and legislative updates from state representatives.

• Recognition of Olivia Chrzan, Monson High School girl's basketball Western Mass Player of the Year
• Legislative updates from Senator Ryan Fattman, Representative Brian Ashe, and Representative Angelo Puppolo
• FY26 Final Budget Review
• Meeting location changed to Granite Valley School Auditorium (29 Thompson St.)

The March 24, 2025 Select Board meeting focused on the town's school budget shortfall, enrollment trends, and potential capital projects. Representatives from the Finance and School Committees, state legislators, and the interim superintendent presented information and concerns. No motions, votes, or formal approvals were recorded during the meeting.

School Committee

The Monson School Committee is meeting to discuss and update the FY 2026 budget. This is a working session with no votes or public hearings listed.

• FY 2026 Budget update discussion

School Committee

The Select Board, School Committee, and Finance Committee hold a joint regular meeting. They will recognize a student athlete, hear legislative updates from state senators and representatives, and conduct a final review of the FY26 budget.

• Recognition of Olivia Chrzan as Monson High School Girl's Basketball Western Mass Player of the Year
• Legislative updates from Senator Ryan Fattman, Representative Brian Ashe, and Representative Angelo Puppolo
• FY26 Final Budget Review

General Bylaw Committee

The General Bylaw Committee will vote on final approval of the Proposed 2025 General Bylaw changes. The committee will also approve minutes from March 19, 2024, and discuss any other business.

• Approval of minutes from March 19, 2024
• Final approval of Proposed 2025 General Bylaw changes
• Any other business to come before the Committee

Historical Commission

The Monson Historical Commission will meet on March 20, 2025, to consider approval of prior minutes, receive an update from the Memorial Hall Committee, and discuss a demolition delay for property at 96 Main Street. New business may also be brought forward.

• Approval of minutes from November 24, 2024
• Memorial Hall Committee update
• Demolition delay discussion for 96 Main Street

General Bylaw Committee

The General Bylaw Committee will hold a meeting to receive resident questions and comments regarding proposed changes to the General Bylaws. These discussions occur prior to the Annual Town Meeting.

• Public comment on proposed General Bylaw changes
• Approval of February 24, 2024 minutes

The Monson Bylaw Committee voted unanimously to amend Chapter 4, Article 13 to add the phrase "after adoption by the State of Massachusetts," and to amend Chapter 3, Article 3, Section 4 regarding the Finance Committee's duty to provide recommendations for the Annual Town Report. The committee also approved the minutes from February 21 and March 12, 2025, and scheduled the next meeting for March 24.

• Approved amendment to Chapter 4, Article 13 adding 'after adoption by the State of Massachusetts' (unanimous)
• Approved change to Chapter 3, Article 3, Section 4 regarding Finance Committee duties for Annual Town Report (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of Feb 21, 2025 as presented (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of Mar 12, 2025 as presented (unanimous)

School Committee

The Monson School Committee will receive an update on the FY 2026 budget and vote to approve the Finance Subcommittee meeting minutes from March 17, 2025. No substantive decisions are listed on this procedural agenda.

• FY 2026 Budget update
• Finance Subcommittee Meeting Minutes approval

School Committee

The Monson School Committee Curriculum Subcommittee is meeting to receive updates on curriculum adoption and mapping, technology, and competitive grants awarded for the 2025-2028 school years. They will also consider approving minutes from a previous meeting and receive a departmental update on Title I, English Language Learners, and mentoring/induction programs. No votes on policy or expenditures are scheduled.

• Update on competitive grants awarded to MPS for the 2025-2028 school years
• Curriculum Adoption & Mapping Update
• Technology Update
• Curriculum Dept. Update: Title I, ELL, Mentoring & Induction
• Approval of Curriculum Subcommittee meeting minutes

School Committee

The Monson School Committee will hold a regular business meeting to discuss subcommittee reports, new business including athletic fee determination and a food services update, and a review of the FY26 budget. Old business includes an update on the MASC superintendent search and MHS schedule options for the 2025-2026 school year. No votes are scheduled; items are for discussion and review.

• Review of FY26 budget
• Athletic fees determination
• MHS schedule option ideas for 2025-2026 SY
• MASC superintendent search update
• Tracy Blanchard - Food Services Update

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing for a special permit for an estate lot on Paradise Lake Road (continued from February), discuss multiple bylaw amendments, and hold informal discussions on a possible new residential cluster zone and commercial recreation bylaw. The agenda also includes a legal notice for a Zoning Board of Appeals hearing on a sign variance at 494 Boston Road West.

• Public hearing for special permit (estate lot) for Clark Zelazo at Paradise Lake Road, Map 74 Parcel 23A (case PB2025-01)
• Discussion of bylaw changes: definitions, zoning map, parking, commercial recreation, enforcement, housekeeping, and site plan/special permit process
• Informal discussion on adding a Residential Single-Family Cluster Housing zone (requested by Fitzgerald Law)
• Informal discussion on Commercial Recreation Bylaw (requested by Robin Carpenter)
• ZBA legal notice: public hearing March 27 for sign variance at 494 Boston Road West (Strum's Construction Service, case ZBA2025-01)

The Planning Board closed the public hearing and approved the estate lot on Paradise Lake Road for Clark Zelazo, with conditions. The board also voted to move proposed changes to the home occupation bylaw forward to a public hearing, including a 33,000-pound vehicle weight limit and removal of a transition period for non-conforming home occupations. Additionally, the board agreed to hold a public hearing next month on a proposed cluster housing bylaw amendment.

• Approved estate lot special permit for Clark Zelazo on Paradise Lake Road (5-0)
• Closed public hearing for Paradise Lake Road estate lot (5-0)
• Approved amended motion for estate lot with previously approved conditions (5-0)
• Voted to bring proposed home occupation bylaw §6.26 to public hearing with changes (5-0)
• Voted to bring proposed home occupation definition forward as written (5-0)
• Approved minutes for February 18, 2025 (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Memorial Hall Renovation Committee

The Memorial Hall Renovation Committee will consider approving February minutes, discuss theatrical uses of the hall, and deliberate on bidding and executing paint and repair work for the Main Hall. The committee will also review pricing and rollout strategy for the Buy a Brick fundraising initiative. No decisions or dollar amounts are listed beyond the agenda items.

• Main Hall — paint and repair bidding and execution
• Buy a Brick pricing and rollout strategy
• Discussion of theatrics (hall's use for performances)
• Approval of minutes from February 18

The committee approved the February minutes and heard that bids for the Memorial Hall painting and plastering project are due April 2, with bids opened April 3. They discussed a $300 consultation fee from Tech Spec Consulting for theater work, deeming it pricey and deciding to research other options. The brick fundraiser was discussed, with brick costs at $20 each and pricing varying by placement. No formal votes were taken on these items.

• Approved February 18, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned at 4:45 p.m. (unanimous)

Agriculture Commission

The Agriculture Commission will discuss and vote on the designation of Farmland of Local Importance in Monson. The body will also plan for the 2025 Fall Farmer’s Market and review Board of Health permitting for markets.

• Vote on Farmland of Local Importance in Monson
• Planning for 2025 Fall Farmer’s Market
• Discussion of Board of Health permitting process for Farmer’s Markets

The Monson Agriculture Commission unanimously approved a motion to recommend that the Select Board allow the town to pursue a Farmland of Local Importance designation, which could help farms access preservation programs. The commission also set September 13, 2025, as the target date for the fall farmer's market and planned next steps, including vendor applications and coordination with town departments.

• Approved motion to recommend Select Board support for Farmland of Local Importance designation (unanimous)
• Set September 13, 2025, as target date for fall farmer's market
• Agreed to accommodate up to 25 vendors inside Memorial Hall for the market
• Approved minutes from January 21, 2025, meeting (unanimous)
• Scheduled next meetings for April 22 and June 17, 2025

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet to review minutes, correspondence, and bills. New business includes discussion of the Pathfinder Budget. The committee will also receive town financial updates and set the next meeting date.

• Discuss Pathfinder Budget
• Review department draft budgets not yet received
• Receive town financial updates
• Set next meeting date

The Finance Committee met and discussed the FY26 budget, including using $68,000 of free cash for vehicle leases and earmarking $75,000 for the school budget. Members raised concerns about the school's $1 million budget increase request, noting it lacks backup and cannot be funded with reserve funds. No formal votes or decisions were recorded; the meeting was informational and procedural.

• No formal votes or decisions recorded
• Discussed using $68,000 free cash for vehicle leases
• Earmarked $75,000 for school budget
• Raised concerns about school's $1 million increase request

Keep Homestead Museum Board of Directors

The Board of Directors will review financial reports and provide updates on 2025 programs. The meeting includes discussions on facility projects and a grant application for the Community Preservation Act (CPC).

• Applying for CPC Grant
• Barn Foundation and parking lot brush updates
• Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce membership
• Upstairs computer and pole light projects
• Liberty Mutual discussion

The Keep Homestead Museum Board of Directors met on March 17, 2025, and unanimously approved the minutes of the November 18, 2024 meeting, the annual report, and the financial report showing $22,254.19. The board also approved a $275.00 membership fee for the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce. No other substantive decisions were made; remaining items were informational updates or discussions.

• Approved minutes of November 18, 2024 meeting with corrections (unanimous)
• Approved annual report (unanimous)
• Approved financial report showing $22,254.19 (unanimous)
• Approved $275.00 Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce membership (unanimous)

School Committee

The Monson School Committee will hold a working meeting featuring a presentation from the Rural Schools Committee on the needs of rural schools. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is solely for discussion and information.

• Rural Schools Committee presentation on needs of rural schools

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on an Ecological Restoration Notice of Intent to remove parts of the Church Manufacturing Company Dam and restore a segment of Chicopee Brook. The meeting also includes votes on two Certificates of Compliance and an enforcement order for a wetlands violation.

• Public hearing on Ecological Restoration Limited Project NOI for dam removal at Bethany Road & Route 32 (Map 111, Parcel 072A), applicant RJA Realty Holdings, Inc.
• Request for Certificate of Compliance at 152 Bethany Rd (DEP File# 228-420)
• Request for Certificate of Compliance at 29 Thompson Street (DEP File# 228-395)
• Enforcement Order at 57 Carpenter Road for unpermitted vegetation clearing and tree cutting, owner Mathew Biron

The Conservation Commission voted 5-0 to close the public hearing and issue an Ecological Restoration Order of Conditions for the Church Manufacturing Company Dam removal and Chicopee Brook restoration at Bethany Road & Route 32. The Commission also issued a Certificate of Compliance for 152 Bethany Rd (5-0) and continued a Certificate of Compliance request for 29 Thompson Street until remaining debris is removed. An enforcement order for a wetlands violation at 57 Carpenter Road remains on the agenda pending a response from the property owner.

• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 152 Bethany Rd (5-0)
• Closed hearing and issued Ecological Restoration Order of Conditions for Church Manufacturing Dam removal (5-0)
• Continued Certificate of Compliance for 29 Thompson Street until silt fence and debris removed (5-0)
• Approved Opacum Land Trust letterboxing event on conservation lands (5-0)
• Approved minutes from November 20, 2024 with correction (5-0)

General Bylaw Committee

The General Bylaw Committee is holding a public comment session for residents to ask questions and provide input on proposed bylaw changes prior to the Annual Town Meeting. No specific changes are listed in the agenda; the meeting is solely for public feedback.

• Public comment on proposed General Bylaw changes

The Monson Bylaw Committee met publicly and unanimously approved several revisions to the General Bylaws, including changes to Town Meeting attorney disclosure, bond amounts, article titles, index formatting, and wording for door-to-door solicitors. The committee also discussed but deferred a decision on standardizing the title for the Finance Director until the next meeting.

• Approved revision to Chapter 1, Article 1, Section 9 requiring attorney disclosure at Town Meetings (unanimous)
• Approved addition to Chapter 2, Article 5, Section 4 setting bond amount by bonding company (unanimous)
• Approved removal of 'The' from index and Chapter 5 articles 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 (unanimous)
• Approved hyphen insertion in 'Low-Level Waste' in index (unanimous)
• Approved spelling correction of 'interpretations' in index (unanimous)
• Approved indentation of second line in index of Chapter 2, Article 8 (unanimous)
• Approved adding 'federal, state or local elections' to warrant definitions (unanimous)
• Approved correcting MGL reference to c44 s53E 1/2 in Chapter 2, Article 7 (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Monson Select Board, acting as the Board of Health, will discuss several policy and operational matters. Key items include a proposal to reduce the board's membership from five to three members, a property maintenance policy, and allocation of opioid settlement funds. The board will also consider appointing Bob Norman as Alternate Septic Inspector and approve minutes from October 8, 2024.

• Discussion on changing Board of Health members from 5 to 3
• Discussion on policy for property maintenance
• Opioid settlement funds discussion
• Recommendation to appoint Bob Norman as Alternate Septic Inspector until health agent position is filled
• Approve minutes from October 8, 2024

The Monson Board of Health met and discussed several items but made no formal decisions. They discussed a property maintenance policy, received an update on opioid settlement funds, and talked about changing the board's membership from 5 to 3 members. The only formal action was approving the minutes from the October 8, 2024 meeting.

• Approved minutes from October 8, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Discussed property maintenance policy, no action taken
• Discussed opioid settlement funds, no action taken
• Discussed changing Board of Health membership from 5 to 3, no action taken

Select Board

The Select Board will hold a regular meeting including appointments, a town administrator performance evaluation, and discussions on the FY26 budget, the Bunyan Road Bridge project, and a proposal to reduce the Board of Health from five to three members. The board will also consider opening the warrant for the May 12 Annual Town Meeting and review public employee health insurance.

• Appointment of Bob Norman as Alternate Septic Inspector
• Ratification of Paul Morrissey as Alternate Animal Inspector (emergency nomination)
• Discussion on changing Board of Health membership from 5 to 3
• FY26 Budget Update presented by Director Farnum
• Bunyan Road Bridge Project discussion with Attorney Jay Talerman

The Monson Select Board voted to place an article on the May 12, 2025 Annual Town Meeting warrant to change the Board of Health membership from five to three members. The board also discussed the Bunyan Road bridge project, with the preferred option being a new road connecting to Palmer Road, and heard public concerns about surveyors on private property. The board approved appointments, ratified an emergency animal inspector nomination, and opened the warrant for the annual town meeting.

• Voted to place article on Town Meeting warrant to change Board of Health from 5 to 3 members
• Appointed Bob Norman as alternate septic inspector effective immediately through June 30, 2025
• Ratified emergency nomination of Paul Morrissey as alternate animal inspector effective immediately through April 1, 2025
• Approved minutes of February 25, 2025 open session
• Voted to open warrant for May 12, 2025 Annual Town Meeting
• Found Town Administrator's financial interest not substantial enough to affect integrity of services

School Committee

The Monson School Committee Finance Subcommittee will meet on March 11, 2025, with a single agenda item: an update on the FY 2026 budget. No specific proposals, dollar amounts, or detailed plans are listed in the agenda. The meeting is open to the public.

• FY 2026 Budget update — sole agenda item

Cemetery Commission

The commission will discuss removal of fallen trees from grave stones at Hillside Cemetery, along with website updates and a year-end report. Routine business includes signing bills, deeds, and correspondence.

• Discussion on fallen tree removal from grave stones at Hillside
• Year-end report discussion
• Website discussion
• Update on the volunteer fair

The Monson Cemetery Commission met on March 6, 2025, and unanimously approved the minutes from January 9, 2025. They reviewed the Year End Report, agreeing it was good except for minor spelling issues to be corrected. The commission discussed fallen trees from an abutting property at Hillside Cemetery, with no headstone damage but town cleanup costs incurred; they decided to seek guidance from the town attorney on whether to send a letter to the homeowner about costs. No formal votes were taken on these items.

• Approved meeting minutes from January 9, 2025 (unanimous)
• Agreed to correct minor spelling issues in Year End Report
• Decided to email town attorney for guidance on tree cleanup cost letter

RePlanting Monson Tree Committee

The Replanting Monson Tree Committee will review prior meeting minutes, discuss the annual town report, hear a report on a volunteer fair, and outline spring and seasonal plans. All items are routine administrative matters with no votes on funding or policy.

• Review and approve minutes of September 11, 2024 meeting
• Discuss annual town report content
• Report on volunteer fair
• Spring and seasonal planting plans

The RePlanting Monson Tree Committee approved the previous meeting's minutes and accepted the annual report for the Town Annual Report. They scheduled a volunteer work day for Saturday, May 10, with a rain date of May 11, from 10 a.m. to noon, including music and a picnic. The committee also discussed sourcing 81 fiberglass poles for tree row markers and individual tree tags.

• Approved September 11, 2024 minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted annual report for Town Annual Report without changes
• Set volunteer work day for May 10, 2025, with rain date May 11
• Agreed to seek donations for 81 fiberglass poles from National Grid, Eversource, and Ben Murphy

School Committee

The Monson School Committee's Finance Subcommittee will hold a meeting to receive updates on the proposed FY 2026 budget. No other items are listed on the agenda.

• FY 2026 Budget updates

Fire Department Building Assessment Committee

The Monson Fire Department Building Assessment Committee will meet to approve previous meeting minutes, review bid documents for a building project, receive project updates, and set the next meeting date. The meeting is routine and procedural in nature.

• Approve minutes from previous meetings
• Review bid documents for fire department building project
• Project updates

The Monson Fire Department Building Assessment Committee voted unanimously to approve the bid documents as recommended. The committee also discussed project updates, including roof material options and a pre-bid walkthrough scheduled for March 12. They plan to request the Select Board accept their recommendation and sign the contract on April 22.

• Approved bid documents as recommended (6 yes, 0 no).
• Set next meeting date for April 16 at 6:30 PM.
• Adjourned at 7:08 PM.

Hampden County Regional Retirement Board

The Hampden County Regional Retirement Board will vote on financial approvals including warrants totaling over $5.3 million, a $5.5 million transfer from the PRIT fund, and new retirement allowances for ten members. The board will also discuss setting a cost-of-living increase at the next meeting, consider interest charges on pension overpayments, and review new insurance premium rates.

• Vote to reaffirm warrants: $5,321,050.12 for salaries, refunds, expenses, and allowances.
• Reaffirm $5,500,000 transfer from PRIT fund to money market account.
• Accept 10 new superannuation retirements (Agawam, Longmeadow, Palmer, SWTRSD).
• Receive injury notices for police/fire personnel from Ludlow and Wilbraham.
• Discuss and vote on cost-of-living increase at April 2 meeting; consider interest charges on overpayments.

School Committee

The Monson School Committee's Policy Subcommittee will meet to discuss crowdfunding and continue a review of district policies. No specific proposals or decisions are listed; the agenda consists of these two discussion items only.

• Discussion of crowdfunding
• Continued review of policies

Community Preservation Committee

The Monson Community Preservation Committee will review seven funding applications for various community projects, including historical restoration, park improvements, and a land acquisition. They will also approve minutes from December 2024 and discuss open projects and bill schedules.

• Conservation Commission — Reimers Road Land Acquisition
• Monson Historical Society — Portrait Restoration
• Parks & Recreation — Dugouts at Flynt Park
• Methodist Church — Stained Glass Window
• Quarry Hill School — Early Child Development Playground

The Monson Community Preservation Committee reviewed applications for five projects but postponed all decisions until its April 1, 2025 meeting. The committee approved the December 3, 2024 minutes with corrections and approved a $7,200 bill schedule for First Church organ repairs. It also accepted the resignation of Karen King and discussed a possible clerical salary raise.

• Approved the December 3, 2024 meeting minutes with corrections.
• Approved a bill schedule of $7,200.00 for First Church organ repairs.
• Postponed all application decisions (Historical Society portraits, Flynt Park dugouts, Methodist Church windows, Quarry Hill playground, Silver Street Chapel roof, Memorial Hall renovation) to April 1, 2025.
• Accepted the resignation of Karen King from the committee.
• Agreed to review clerical salary and discuss a raise at the April 1 meeting.

Finance Committee

The Monson Finance Committee will meet to review and discuss draft budgets for the Water/Sewer, Trash, Parks and Recreation, and Finance departments. They will also consider bills to pay or appropriate, review correspondence and meeting attendance, and receive town/financial updates. The meeting includes acceptance of previous minutes and setting the next meeting date.

• Water/Sewer and Trash Department Draft Budget Review
• Parks and Recreation Department Draft Budget Review
• Finance Department Draft Budget Review
• Review of bills to pay or appropriate
• Review of meeting attendance and correspondence

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals is continuing a public hearing from January 23, 2025, on a Preliminary Plan Review application by Sunset View Farm Camping Area, Inc. The applicant proposes a new commercial recreation development on three parcels at 57 Town Farm Road, currently zoned Commercial Recreation. The board will also handle other business and correspondence.

• Continued public hearing for Preliminary Plan Review (Case #ZBA2024-09) by Sunset View Farm Camping Area, Inc. for a new commercial recreation development at 57 Town Farm Road (Map 148, Parcels 001A, 005, 007A).
• Property is zoned Commercial Recreation under Monson Zoning Bylaws Section 6.11.2.4.
• Application on file with Town Clerk and Zoning Board of Appeals offices.
• Agenda includes other business and correspondence items.

The Monson Zoning Board of Appeals voted 4-0 to deny the preliminary plan review application from Sunset View Farm Camping Area, Inc. for a commercial recreation development at 57 Town Farm Road. The denial was based on missing required information, including a precise engineered drawing and stormwater plan, and the plan's failure to comply with the bylaw's 200-campsite maximum and buffer requirements. The board also approved the minutes from the January 23, 2025 meeting.

• Denied preliminary plan review for Sunset View Farm Camping Area, Inc. (4-0)
• Approved minutes of January 23, 2025 (4-0)

School Committee

The School Committee will meet to review a report on stakeholder input and the district profile. The body is also scheduled to approve a position description.

• Review of stakeholder input report
• Review of district profile
• Approval of position description

School Committee

The Monson School Committee will meet to discuss the sharing of administrative functions between the town and the school. The body will also review new policies and consider approvals for student trips and fundraising.

• First read of policies IMG, JICA, and IKF
• Approval for Boosters fundraising banners on Softball and Baseball fields
• Approval for Winter 2026 Disney Trip
• Discussion on sharing Administrative Functions between Town and School
• Presentation from MASC’s Rural Schools Committee (RSC)

School Committee

The Monson School Committee's Facilities Subcommittee is meeting to discuss capital planning and the MSBA Statement of Interest (SOI) process. These items relate to long-term facility needs and potential state funding for school construction or renovation.

• Capital planning for school facilities
• MSBA-SOI (Massachusetts School Building Authority Statement of Interest) discussion

Select Board

The Select Board will discuss updates to the Social Equity Policy for Cannabis, consider sharing administrative functions between the town and school, and receive FY26 budget presentations from the Fire and Police chiefs. They will also approve minutes from prior meetings and handle routine business.

• Social Equity Policy for Cannabis updates (old business)
• Sharing of Administrative Functions between Town and School
• FY26 Budget Update with Fire and Police budget presentations
• Approval of minutes from February 11, 2025 Open Session and February 20, 2025 Executive Session
• Routine business: bills, warrants, correspondence

The Monson Select Board voted to authorize Town Counsel to petition to amend state Cannabis Control Commission regulations on the town's behalf, and approved sharing administrative functions between the town and schools, pending Town Meeting authorization. The board also approved minutes from prior meetings and received budget presentations from the fire and police chiefs. No final budget decisions were made; the full FY26 budget review was postponed to March 11.

• Authorized Town Counsel to petition to amend CCC cannabis regulations (2-0)
• Approved sharing administrative functions between town and schools (2-0)
• Approved minutes of Feb 11 open session (2-0)
• Approved minutes of Feb 20 executive session (2-0)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will review draft budgets for the Highway Department and Building/Facilities Department. They will also handle routine items like minutes, correspondence, bills to pay, and attendee reports. No final votes are on the agenda; this is a working session.

• Highway Department Draft Budget Review
• Building/Facilities Department Draft Budget Review
• Review of bills to pay or to appropriate
• Review of minutes and correspondence
• Receive town/financial updates

The Finance Committee met to review draft budget spreadsheets with department heads, discussing increases in facilities, building inspection, highway, and cemetery budgets. No formal decisions or votes were made; the meeting was informational only. The next meeting is scheduled for March 3, 2025.

• No formal decisions or votes taken during the meeting
• Reviewed Facilities/Maintenance and Building Inspection budgets with Justin Larivee
• Reviewed Highway and Cemetery budgets with Ben Murphy
• Discussed potential shared position between Highway, Cemetery, and Parks & Recreation

General Bylaw Committee

The General Bylaw Committee will approve minutes from a prior meeting, discuss the Annual Report, and review comments from Town Counsel on submitted General Bylaws. These discussions may shape future bylaw proposals but no final decisions are scheduled at this meeting.

• Approval of minutes from November 25, 2024
• Discussion on the Annual Report
• Review of Town Counsel comments on submitted General Bylaws
• Any other business as raised by the Committee

Select Board

The Select Board will meet in executive session to discuss strategy and conduct collective bargaining sessions regarding the police. These sessions are held privately pursuant to the Open Meeting Law.

• Collective bargaining strategy for police
• Collective bargaining sessions for police

Fire Department Building Assessment Committee

The Monson Fire Department Building Assessment Committee will hold a routine meeting to approve prior minutes, receive updates on the project schedule, planning/zoning/conservation/permitting, and the budget. No specific votes or decisions are listed; the agenda consists of standard administrative items and setting the next meeting date.

• Approve minutes from previous meetings
• Schedule update for building assessment
• Update on planning, zoning, conservation, and permitting
• Budget update

Fire Department Building Assessment Committee

The committee is meeting to provide updates and answer questions for abutters. This is the final meeting with abutters before construction begins.

• Final meeting with abutters prior to construction

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Monson Parks and Recreation Commission will discuss operational items including a draft sports registration policy, updates on the pool and winter sports, and spring sports registration. The meeting also covers afterschool gym availability, new program ideas, and routine business such as accounts receivable and meeting minutes.

• Review of draft sports registration policy
• Pool update and winter sports wind-down
• Spring sports registration update
• QH gym afterschool availability discussion
• New program ideas and accounts receivable report

The Monson Parks & Recreation Commission met and discussed several operational items but made no formal votes or final decisions. They reviewed the pool director hiring process, considered a tree committee request for a kiosk and event, and noted upcoming sports playoffs and program changes. The only formal action was approving the previous meeting minutes.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Discussed amending pool director job posting to include starting salary and program coverage
• Discussed Tree Committee request for double kiosk and free event with live music
• Decided that if enough players for two teams, there will be a draft for baseball/softball
• Commission agreed all First Start programs will be one hour

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a continued public hearing on a Notice of Intent for redevelopment within the riverfront area at 200 Main Street, including building expansion and stormwater improvements. They will also hold a hearing on a Request for Determination of Applicability for vegetation clearing at 149 Carpenter Road. Other items include an informal discussion on National Grid's proposed relocation to 132 Bethany Road, a wetlands violation at 57 Carpenter Road for unpermitted clearing, and adoption of rules for hiring outside consultants.

• Continued public hearing on Notice of Intent for building expansion and stormwater improvements at 200 Main Street (DEP File# 228-453)
• Request for Determination of Applicability for vegetation clearing in buffer zone at 149 Carpenter Road
• Informal discussion on National Grid's relocation of electrical operations facility to 132 Bethany Road
• Wetlands violation at 57 Carpenter Road for unpermitted vegetation clearing and tree cutting
• Adoption of Conservation Commission Rules for Hiring Outside Consultants/Peer-Reviews

The Commission closed the public hearing and issued an Order of Conditions for the fire station renovation at 200 Main Street, approving the project with conditions including permanent markers along Chicopee Brook and a 2-to-1 tree replacement. It also issued a Negative #3 for work at 149 Carpenter Rd, an Enforcement Order for 57 Carpenter Road, adopted rules for hiring outside consultants, and granted a Certificate of Compliance for 360 Boston Road West.

• Approved Order of Conditions for 200 Main Street fire station renovation (5-0)
• Issued Negative #3 for 149 Carpenter Rd with conditions (5-0)
• Issued Enforcement Order for 57 Carpenter Road (5-0)
• Adopted rules for hiring outside consultants/peer-reviews (5-0)
• Granted Certificate of Compliance for 360 Boston Road West (5-0)
• Approved minutes from October 9 and October 30, 2024 (5-0)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will hold a regular meeting with routine items including minutes, accounting, and exemptions. A key item is an executive session to discuss 13 property tax abatement applications and associated confidential documents. The board will also address a parcel issue at 167 Palmer Rd with a response from Tighe & Bond.

• Executive session per G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(7) to discuss 13 abatement applications and confidential documents
• Parcel issue at 167 Palmer Rd with response from Tighe & Bond
• Motor vehicle and trailer excise abatements
• Sign personal exemptions for veterans, seniors, and blind
• Annual town report and Hero Act (veteran's exemptions)

The Board of Assessors approved and signed accounting reports totaling $1,072,683.36, including motor vehicle commitments and abatements, and approved real estate exemption applications. They discussed a parcel acreage discrepancy at 167 Palmer Rd, deciding to check if a survey is required before making changes. The Board also decided to work on Clause 22J for the Hero Act, increasing veterans' exemptions by 25%, to be voted on at Spring Town Meeting.

• Approved January 8, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved accounting report totaling $1,072,683.36 (3-0)
• Approved January 2025 motor vehicle and trailer abatements of $281.47 (3-0)
• Approved FY25 real estate exemption applications (3-0)
• Discussed 167 Palmer Rd acreage discrepancy; will check policy on survey requirement
• Decided to pursue Clause 22J for Hero Act, increasing veterans' exemptions by 25%

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings regarding two special permit applications. The board will also discuss potential zoning bylaw changes and the appointment of a member to the Community Preservation Committee.

• Public hearing for Monson Fire Department special permit to expand fire station at 200 Main Street
• Public hearing for Clark Zelazo special permit for an Estate Lot on Paradise Lake Road
• Discussion of bylaw changes regarding home occupations, parking, and commercial recreation
• Discussion on appointing a board member to the Community Preservation Committee (CPC)

The Monson Planning Board approved a special permit for the Fire Department's expansion of the existing fire station at 200 Main Street, with a 5-0 vote. The board also continued a public hearing for a special permit for an estate lot on Paradise Lake Road to March 18, 2025, after requesting revisions to include a turnaround. Additionally, the board appointed Prescott "Scott" Watson to the Community Preservation Committee and discussed upcoming bylaw changes.

• Approved special permit for Fire Station expansion at 200 Main Street (5-0)
• Closed public hearing for Fire Station expansion (5-0)
• Continued public hearing for estate lot special permit on Paradise Lake Road to March 18, 2025 (5-0)
• Appointed Prescott 'Scott' Watson to Community Preservation Committee (5-0)
• Approved minutes for January 21, 2025 (5-0)

Memorial Hall Renovation Committee

The Memorial Hall Renovation Committee will consider approving January meeting minutes, receive updates on the Veterans Heritage Grant and a new Community Preservation Committee (CPC) grant, discuss a letter to the Massachusetts Architectural Commission (MAC) regarding the current situation, and review a Long Term Maintenance Plan for Memorial Hall.

• Approve minutes from January 21st meeting
• Veterans Heritage Grant update
• New CPC grant discussion
• Letter to MAC updating current situation
• Long Term Maintenance Plan review

The Memorial Hall Renovation Committee approved a motion to create a ten-year long-term maintenance plan for the building, covering upkeep of the boiler, floors, and buffing. They also discussed the status of the PVPC grant, which is delayed, and agreed to move forward with a CPC grant application requesting matching funds for the approved $16,000 Veteran's Heritage Grant, totaling $32,000. The projects for the grant include plaster repair and painting of the second-floor hallway, bronze memorial plaque restoration, and stained glass window repair. The committee also discussed obtaining additional quotes and a letter of support for the grant application.

• Approved motion to create a ten-year long-term maintenance plan for Memorial Hall (all in favor)
• Approved minutes of January 21, 2025 (all in favor)
• Agreed to proceed with CPC grant application for matching funds for Veteran's Heritage Grant
• Identified projects for grant: hallway plaster/painting, plaque restoration, stained glass repair
• Adjourned meeting at 8:05 p.m. (all in favor)

Historical Commission

The Monson Historical Commission will discuss Certificate of Appropriateness (CPC) applications for the Silver Street Chapel and the Methodist Church. The body will also receive an update from the Memorial Hall Committee and discuss a demolition delay regarding 96 Main Street.

• Silver Street Chapel CPC Application
• Methodist Church CPC Application
• Memorial Hall Committee update
• Demolition delay for 96 Main Street

The Monson Historical Commission reviewed and approved Community Preservation Committee (CPC) applications for the Silver Street Chapel and Methodist Church. Tamara Cabey will write approval letters for the CPC Committee. The commission also discussed the demolition delay procedure and noted that the GAR Hall ceiling leak will be addressed with a $16,000 grant.

• Approved CPC applications for Silver Street Chapel and Methodist Church
• Accepted minutes of November 21 meeting
• Noted $16,000 grant for GAR Hall upstairs restoration due to ceiling leak
• Discussed demolition delay procedure for next meeting

Cemetery Commission

The Cemetery Commission will meet to discuss the commission's website and year-end report. Members will also review the volunteer fair and continue discussions regarding tree removal at Hillside.

• Discussion on tree removal at Hillside
• Website discussion
• Year-end report discussion
• Volunteer fair update

School Committee

The Monson School Committee Policy Subcommittee will meet to review and discuss updates to Policy GBEBD, which governs crowdfunding activities in the district. This is a procedural meeting focused on a single policy item.

• Review of Policy GBEBD: Crowdfunding

Select Board

The Monson Select Board will hold a regular meeting on February 11, 2025, at 7:00 PM at 110 Main Street. Items on the agenda include discussion of a Social Equity Policy for Cannabis under old business, policy reviews for Soliciting Signatures and Property Maintenance Regulation, and a request to waive permit fees for Fire Department renovations. The board will also review and potentially release executive session minutes from several dates in 2024.

• Discussion of a Social Equity Policy for Cannabis
• Review of Soliciting Signatures policy
• Review of Property Maintenance Regulation policy
• Request to waive Fire Department renovation permit fees
• Release of executive session minutes from six dates in 2024