Northfield, MA

Recreation Commission

The Northfield Recreation Commission is meeting to discuss several upcoming programs and activities, including an out-of-school program, pool advisory group updates, adult sports, a summer road race, and fall sports. The board will also review minutes from July 1, 2026, and hear the treasurer's and director's reports.

• Out of school program discussion (15 min)
• Pool advisory group update (5 min)
• Summer road race planning (5 min)
• Fall sports discussion (10 min)
• Great river challenge update (5 min)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a special permit application for the BWC Ashuela Brook Solar Array on multiple parcels. The board will also enter executive session and handle any late-breaking business.

• Public hearing on special permit for BWC Ashuela Brook Solar Array on Assessor Map 55 Block A4 Lot 1, Map 55 Block A5 Lot 1, Map 55 Block A7 Lot 1, and Map 72 Block A1 Lot
• Executive session scheduled

Board of Sewer Commissioners

The Board will review and possibly void prior billing documentation entered in error, discuss the status of several capital projects including the Siphon and the Ridge expansion, and receive context on FY26 delinquent accounts. The meeting is posted in compliance with Massachusetts Open Meeting Law.

• Void prior billing documentation entered in error and note in official minutes
• FY26 context for delinquent accounts as of July 31, 2026
• FY27 status of Search Grant and One Stop Grant for Engineering/Expansion on Ridge
• FY28 and FY29 cross-department project coordination with Highway and Grandin Water
• Stabilization Fund research

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing regarding a special permit application for a residential accessory vehicle repair shop. The board may also discuss zoning regulations for data centers.

• Public hearing for special permit for vehicle repair shop at 34 Ashuelot Road
• Discussion of Data Center Zoning Regulations
• Review and approval of July 23, 2026 minutes

Energy Committee

The Energy Committee will meet to review minutes from June and July 2026. The body will discuss a comprehensive building assessment and street light updates. The meeting also includes a follow-up on a Green Communities site visit and scope development with Expeditor.

• Comprehensive Building Assessment
• Green Communities site visit and scope development with Expeditor
• Street lights information and next steps

Board of Sewer Commissioners

The Northfield Board of Sewer Commissioners will meet to review and approve the minutes from the previous meeting and discuss billing commitments. The board will also set the date for the next meeting.

• Review and approval of previous meeting minutes
• Discussion of billing commitments

Select Board

The Select Board will consider two special event permits for Northfield Mountain Recreation Area, vote on Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreements with two LLCs, and discuss the Fire Department building project and the FY25 audit. The meeting also includes approval of payroll and vendor warrants, and several committee appointments.

• Kilowatt Cross special permit request for 9/25-9/26/26, 7am-6pm at Northfield Mountain Recreation Area
• All of the Above Trail Fest permit request for 8/29/26, 8am-4pm at Northfield Mountain Recreation Area
• Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreements with BWC Merriam Brook LLC and BWC Pine Meadow Brook LLC
• 7/22 Payroll warrant $112,404.26; FY26 vendor warrants $100,779.93; FY27 vendor warrants $229,?96.78
• Fire Department update on building/OPM, job descriptions, and Standard Operating Guidelines

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Northfield Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a business meeting to discuss possible data center zoning regulations and review a notice of decision for WTF Customs LLC. The meeting includes public forum and approval of past meeting minutes.

• Review and sign Notice of Decision for WTF Customs LLC Daniel Whitney
• Discussion of possible data center zoning regulations
• Public forum
• Review/approve minutes from June 22, 2026 and July 15, 2026

Grandin Water District

The Grandin Water District Commission will hold a meeting to welcome a new member, elect a chair, and discuss the East Northfield Water Company in executive session. The agenda includes procedural items such as future meeting dates and topics not anticipated in advance.

• Executive session to discuss East Northfield Water Company property negotiations
• Election of a new chair for the commission

Conservation Commission

The Northfield Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on a Notice of Intent for an Ecological Restoration Project at Sisson Pond. The agenda also includes updates on a Pierson Road campground, stewardship committee mapping software, and the appointment of a new Stewardship Committee Chair.

• Notice of Intent hearing for Ecological Restoration Project at Sisson Pond
• Pierson Road campground update
• Appoint Craig Hefner as Stewardship Cmte Chair
• New PermitEyes app update
• 24 acre andlocked property discussion

Board of Sewer Commissioners

The Northfield Board of Sewer Commissioners will meet to review and approve minutes, receive an operator report, and discuss billing commitments, delinquent accounts, and FY26 end-of-year financial updates. Items include updates on East Street house status, Ridge homes sewer billing, and the MCC project schedule.

• Review and approval of minutes
• Billing commitment update from Michele Turner
• Delinquent account list and EOY fees review
• FY26 financial update and preparation for end-of-year
• East St house status update from Isaac Golding

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet on July 22, 2026 at Town Hall to sign a motor vehicle excise commitment and warrant, then enter executive session to discuss litigation strategy regarding Firstlight/Northfield Mountain LLC. The open session will conclude at the start of the executive session.

• Sign Motor Vehicle Excise Commitment & Warrant
• Executive session under M.G.L. c.30A, §21a(3) to discuss litigation strategy with respect to Firstlight/Northfield Mountain LLC

Board of Health

The Northfield Board of Health will review invoices, discuss how future building permits shall be handled, and receive an update on the search for a permanent Health Inspector. The meeting also includes review of minutes, permit applications, and various reports.

• Review building permits submitted to Board from FRCOG
• Discuss how future building permits shall be handled
• Update from Partnership on search for permanent Health Inspector
• Review 2026 Food Permit, Septic Hauler, Well, Camp, Special Event applications
• Review various Title V reports, water tests, and perc test results

Council on Aging

The Northfield Council on Aging will hold a meeting at the Senior Center to approve June minutes, receive financial updates, and discuss senior center operations including a new part-time position and volunteer coordination.

• Review and approval of June 16, 2026 draft meeting minutes
• Treasurer’s report and financial updates
• Discussion of new part-time position at the senior center
• Update on Senior Tax Work Off program
• Coordination of additional volunteers for senior center

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a special permit application for the BWC Ashuela Brook Solar Array on Pine Meadow Road, remanded to address floodplain issues. The meeting also includes routine procedural items like call to order and adjournment.

• Public hearing for special permit for solar array on Assessor Map Parcels 55 A4 1, 55 A5 1, 55 A7 1 & 72 Al 1, also known as 0 Pine Meadow Road
• Remand hearing to address all floodplain-related issues

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on a special permit application by WTF LLC for gunsmithing and sporting goods at 456 Pine Meadow Road. The board will also discuss a data center matter, consider a new special permit application from Ethan Miner at 34 Ashuelot Road, and hold a public forum.

• Public hearing on special permit for gunsmithing at 456 Pine Meadow Road (Assessor map 54-A12)
• Discussion of data center (old business)
• New special permit application by Ethan Miner at 34 Ashuelot Road
• Public forum for resident input
• Review and approval of June 22, 2026 meeting minutes

Open Space Committee

The Open Space Committee will receive updates on the Hobo Falls property and trail marking, review a list of projects, and discuss adding QR codes to information about DCR property. The committee will also set its summer and fall meeting schedule and consider a stewardship plan for annual reporting and stewardship awards.

• Update on Hobo Falls property and trail marking
• Discussion of QR code addition to information about DCR property
• Review of list of projects
• Stewardship plan for annual reporting
• Stewardship awards discussion

Board of Health

The Northfield Board of Health will meet to review invoices, building permits submitted through FRCOG, and housing updates. They will also receive an update on the search for a permanent Health Inspector and review various permit applications and reports. No public hearings or major decisions are scheduled; the agenda consists of routine business and administrative items.

• Review building permits submitted to Board from FRCOG
• Update on search for permanent Health Inspector
• Review 2026 Food Permit, Septic Hauler, Septic Installer, Well, Camp, and Special Event applications
• Review various Title V reports, water test results, and percolation test results
• Review invoices and minutes from June 24, 2026

The Board appointed Mr. O’Brien as Health Inspector starting August 1, 2026. The Board also approved a special event permit for Trailfest and tabled building permit reviews due to technical access issues.

• Approved appointment of Mr. O’Brien as Health Inspector starting August 1, 2026
• Approved June 24, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Special Event Permit for Trailfest on August 29, 2026
• Accepted Title V Inspection report for 748 Mt. Hermon Station Road
• Signed emergency beaver permit for Slate Road
• Tabled building permits due to inability to access Permiteyes site
• Required resident to provide well pump test for potential Accessory Dwelling Unit connection

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will review a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement with BlueWave P.LL., discuss motor vehicle excise abatements, review recent property sales, and receive an update on the Mayflower valuation process. The meeting also includes an executive session for collective bargaining strategy regarding FirstLight/Northfield Mountain LLC.

• Review and discussion of PILOT agreement with BlueWave P.LL.
• Motor vehicle excise abatements received to date
• Property sales review and current market conditions
• Mayflower valuation update and revaluation process
• Executive session for collective bargaining strategy with FirstLight/Northfield Mountain LLC

Select Board

The Select Board will consider signing a $90,000 state loan note for an Emergency Services Response Vehicle and discuss next steps for the EMS building project. Appointments include a part-time summer counselor and several board/committee reappointments and new members. The board will also review warrants, minutes, and end-of-year account transfers.

• Vote on Serial State House Loan Note for emergency vehicle, $90,000
• Update on Owners Project Manager contract for EMS building project with PMA
• Fire Department update on building, job descriptions, and standard operating guidelines
• Appointment of Noah Gamache as additional Part-Time Summer Program Counselor
• Reappointments: Bill Llewelyn to Agricultural Commission and Conservation Commission

The Select Board approved a contract with PMA for the EMS building project and a $90,000 loan for an emergency response vehicle. The board also approved several payroll and expense warrants and multiple end-of-year account transfers.

• Approved $90,000 serial State House loan note for EMS response vehicle
• Approved EMS Building contract with PMA
• Approved 89-acre Conservation Restriction at 757 Old Wendell Road
• Approved Noah Gamache as Part-Time Summer Program Counselor ($18.38/hr)
• Approved FY26 payroll warrant ($95,896.02) and FY27 payroll warrant ($25,088.90)
• Approved FY26 warrant for $403,500.46 and FY27 warrant for $142,068.72
• Approved 8 end-of-year account transfers, including $94,093.16 for road maintenance
• Declared four doors and one hand sanitizer stand from Dickison Memorial Library as surplus

Energy Committee

The Northfield Energy Committee will meet via Zoom on July 7, 2026, to review minutes, receive updates on street lights and solar assessment, follow up on a building assessment call with Eversource, discuss a library update, and plan next steps for Green Communities.

• Update on Street Lights information and next steps
• Update on Solar assessment and next steps
• Comprehensive Building Assessment follow up on Eversource Call
• Green Communities—Next Steps and scope development--Expeditor

Board of Library Trustees

The Dickinson Memorial Library Board of Trustees will discuss the HVAC project, back door project, and paving as building business. The board will also review the June 2026 meeting minutes, the FY2026/FY2027 budget changeover, and the meeting room policy. The director will report on June circulation, attendance, and programs.

• Review of June 2026 minutes
• FY2026/FY2027 budget changeover
• HVAC project, back door project, and paving
• June circulation/attendance and programs
• Review of meeting room policy

Finance Committee

The Northfield Finance Committee will meet to reorganize the board, make appointments to classification, CPA, and EMSB committees, and review the recent Annual Town Meeting. They will also discuss transfers, future forums, and receive updates from the Town Administrator.

• Reorganize board and make appointments to Classification, CPA & EMSB
• Review minutes from 03/23/2026, 03/30/2026 & 04/06/2026
• Discuss transfers (Reserve Fund & Line to Line)
• Annual Town Meeting review
• Future forums on duties of Finance Committee

Recreation Commission

The Recreation Commission will hold a regular meeting to discuss and potentially decide on several operational items, including an out-of-school program, a pool advisory group, adult sports updates, a summer road race, athletic fields, and new program ideas. The meeting also includes standard procedural items like approving prior minutes and the treasurer's report.

• Out of school program discussion (15 min)
• Pool advisory group update (5 min)
• Adult sports/activities update (5 min)
• Summer road race planning (5 min)
• Athletic fields discussion (5 min)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors is meeting to enter executive session under state law to discuss strategy regarding Firstlight litigation. The board will also take a roll call vote and set the next meeting date. No other substantive business is on the agenda.

• Executive session to discuss strategy on Firstlight litigation
• Roll call vote on executive session

Historical Committee

The Northfield Historical Commission will review and approve prior meeting minutes, receive updates on the Battle of the Great Falls/King Philip's War project, and discuss possible changes to the Northfield Historical Society. The commission will also review a Community Preservation Committee (CPC) project for the American Youth Hostel fireplace and consider allocating funds from the NHC.

• Updates on Battle of the Great Falls/King Philip's War project (Joe G and David Brule)
• Discussion of possible changes to Northfield Historical Society (Lindsay)
• Review of CPC project for American Youth Hostel fireplace and possible NHC funds (Lindsay)

Board of Sewer Commissioners

The Board of Sewer Commissioners will review year-end budget account balances and discuss purchase priorities, delinquent accounts and end-of-year fees. They will also consider a vote to proceed with a waterline project on Meadow Street and receive updates on the MCC electrical schedule, sludge hauling, and two properties with billing issues.

• Vote on waterline project to proceed down Meadow St.
• MCC electrical project schedule and next steps with Weston&Sampson
• Sludge hauling update from Chief Isaac Golding
• East St. house status update and email to Building Inspector
• Discussion of second house on Ridge with no previous bill

The Board of Sewer Commissioners voted to move forward with a water line project down Meadow Street. The board also discussed grant timelines, budget encumbrances for equipment, and outstanding sewer connections.

• Approved motion to proceed with water line down Meadow Street (3-2)
• Approved motion to adjourn at 6:00 PM (unanimous)

Grandin Water District

The Grandin Water District Commission will hold an executive session to discuss a June 22 meeting with representatives of ENWC and Mass DEP regarding the transfer of ENWC assets to the district. The meeting also includes setting future meeting dates and other business.

• Executive session to discuss transfer of ENWC assets to GWD
• Discussion of June 22 meeting with ENWC and Mass DEP representatives
• Setting dates for future meetings

EMS Advisory Committee

The Northfield EMS Joint Advisory Committee will meet to approve prior minutes and receive updates on the EMS building project, staffing, and billing. The committee will also discuss the FY27 budget and operations.

• EMS Building Update
• Staffing update
• EMS billing
• FY27 Budget and operations

Board of Health

The Northfield Board of Health will meet to review invoices, building permits from FRCOG, housing updates, and opioid information forwarded by the Town Administrator. They will also consider various permit applications for food, septic, well, camp, and special events, as well as review pumping, Title V, and other reports.

• Review of building permits submitted from FRCOG
• Review of opioid information forwarded by Town Administrator
• 2026 Food Permit, Septic Hauler, Septic Installer, Well, Camp, and Special Event applications
• Perc test and septic system applications, well permit applications
• Review of pumping reports, Title V reports, water tests, and perc test results

The Board of Health approved a septic system permit for 459 Millers Falls Road and reviewed housing inspection progress on Strowbridge Road. Invoices and minutes from June 10 were approved. The board also noted an opioid settlement update and a baby formula recall.

• Approved invoice from Charles Kaniecki, Special Health Agent (unanimous)
• Approved septic system permit for 459 Millers Falls Road (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of June 10, 2026 (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Northfield Zoning Board of Appeals will discuss possible zoning regulations for data centers. The board will also consider a new application from WTF Cu Toms LLC Daniel Whitney. Other items include a public forum, review of new mail, and approval of minutes.

• Discussion of possible data center zoning regulations
• New application: WTF Cu Toms LLC Daniel Whitney
• Public forum
• Review of new mail
• Review and approval of minutes

The Board reorganized its leadership following a resignation. Members also discussed data center resources and scheduled public hearings for special permit applications.

• Appointed Jaworski as new chair (unanimous)
• Appointed Foster as new clerk (unanimous)
• Set Whitney special permit public hearing for July 15
• Set Ethan Miner special permit public hearing for August 17, 2026

Council on Aging

The Northfield Council on Aging will hold its annual meeting to elect officers, review the Senior Tax Work-off program, and discuss a new part-time position at the senior center. The agenda also includes updates on the Elder Senior Ceremony, a Volunteer Appreciation Event, and a micro-transit pilot program from the Franklin Regional Transit Authority.

• Review and vote for new Community Preservation Committee (CPC) member
• Next steps for advertising the Senior Tax Work-off program
• Form a subcommittee for a new part-time position at the senior center
• Annual elections for COA officers
• Presentation on the FRTA/FRCOG Micro Transit pilot program

The Council on Aging elected its annual leadership and voted to waive the retiring director's performance evaluation. The board also received a presentation on a new five-year state-funded micro-transit pilot program expanding ride services for seniors and the general public.

• Approved May 19, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted May treasurer's report (unanimous)
• Elected Meg Livingstone (chair), Jan Herlihy (vice chair), Chris Harris (secretary), and Harvey Noel (treasurer) (unanimous)
• Voted to forego annual performance evaluation for retiring director Colleen Letourneau (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board will conduct finalist interviews for an Owner's Project Manager (OPM) for the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) building project, then discuss, rank, and vote on the finalists. Other business includes appointing a new Assistant Town Clerk, voting on a Recreation Summer Program Director, and reimbursing Loaves and Fishes $3,704.70 for emergency aid. Several committee appointments and reappointments are also on the agenda.

• Interview OPM finalists CMS/Construction Monitoring Services, Inc. and PMA for EMS building project
• Vote on hiring Amanda Zellman as Recreation Summer Program Director from interim status
• Reimburse Loaves and Fishes $3,704.70 for emergency aid
• Appoint Larry Hansen to Zoning Board of Appeals from Alternate status
• Appoint Craig Hefner to Conservation Commission

The Select Board unanimously ranked PMA Consultants as the top finalist for Owner's Project Manager on the EMS building project, with Construction Monitoring Services second. The board also appointed Tara Miller as part-time Assistant Town Clerk at $22.92/hour starting July 20, 2026, and hired Amanda Zellman as Recreation Summer Program Director from interim status. Warrants totaling $1,377,173.49 were approved, and the board discussed road work, EMS updates, and follow-up with Eversource on tree trimming.

• Ranked PMA Consultants #1 and Construction Monitoring Services #2 as OPM finalists for EMS building project (unanimous)
• Appointed Tara Miller as part-time Assistant Town Clerk at $22.92/hour, grade 6 step 1, starting July 20, 2026 (5-0)
• Approved 6/10/26 Payroll warrant of $135,673.67 (5-0)
• Approved 6/10/26 Vendor warrant of $1,241,499.82 (5-0)
• Approved 5/26/26 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Hired Amanda Zellman as Recreation Summer Program Director from interim status (5-0)
• Assigned committee to negotiate OPM contract: Fire Chief Dunnell, EMS Chief Wolkenbreit, Jacque, Campbell, and Llamas

Board of Sewer Commissioners

The Northfield Board of Sewer Commissioners will meet to discuss several operational items, including the status of an East Street house, a second house with no previous bill, and the MCC project schedule. They will also review delinquent accounts, end-of-year fees, and prep for FY26 closeout, as well as coordinate with the Highway and Grandin Water departments for FY28. The plant remains under a consent order with frequent emergencies.

• East St house status update from Isaac Golding
• Second house with no previous bill — discuss next steps
• MCC project schedule and next steps with Weston&Sampson
• Delinquent account list and EOY fees from Division of Local Services
• FY28 cross-department project coordination with HWY and Grandin Water