Colrain, MA

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Colrain Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on North River, LLC's application for a special permit and five variances to build a wastewater treatment facility serving 21 dwellings on a portion of 247 Main Rd. (Map 107, Lot 2.2). The board will also appoint a chair and clerk, approve May 27th minutes, and review recent changes to MGL Ch40A, Sections 5-11.

• Special permit under Section 4.2 for a Public Utility Facility (wastewater treatment) serving 21 dwellings
• Variance to reduce minimum lot size from 2 acres to 0.186 acres
• Variance to reduce frontage from 300 ft to 174 ft
• Variance to reduce front setback from 50 ft to 32 ft, rear setback from 50 ft to 8 ft, side setback from 50 ft to 31 ft
• Review of recent changes to MGL Ch40A, Sections 5-11

Zoning Board of Appeals Hearing & Meeting

The Board will consider a Special Permit application from North River, LLC for a wastewater treatment facility serving 21 dwellings. The application also includes requests for five dimensional variances at 247 Main Rd.

• Special Permit for a Public Utility Facility (Wastewater Treatment) for 21 dwellings
• 5 variances to reduce lot size, frontage, and setbacks at 247 Main Rd.
• Approval of May 27th minutes
• Review of MGL CH40A, Sections 5-11 changes

Library Board of Trustees Meeting

The Griswold Memorial Library Board of Trustees is meeting to handle routine business and vote on several policies, including the Building Use Policy, Public Comment Policy, Purpose of Land Acknowledgement, and Tech Help Policy. The board will also discuss strategic planning, a powerwashing update, and developing a library-specific website.

• Vote on Building Use Policy, Public Comment Policy, Purpose of Land Acknowledgement, and Tech Help Policy
• Discussion of supporting the Library of Things
• Strategic Planning updates
• Powerwashing update
• Developing a GML-specific website

Board of Health Meeting

The Board of Health will receive updates on several housing code and Title 5 compliance issues. The meeting includes discussions regarding a potential MOU with the MA Health Officers Association and an update on opioid settlement funds.

• Housing code and Title 5 updates for 2 Coombs Hill Rd., 6 Greenfield Rd., and 269 Heath Rd.
• Septic system updates for 107 Adamsville Rd., 257 Greenfield Rd., and 162 S. Green River Rd.
• Potential MOU with MA Health Officers Association regarding tobacco sales compliance checks
• Opioid Settlement presentation update
• Debris and violation updates for 22 Heath Rd. and 259 Ed Clark Rd.

Library Board of Trustees Meeting

The Griswold Memorial Library Board of Trustees is holding a hybrid meeting to receive reports from the director, treasurer, and committees, and to discuss ongoing business including strategic planning updates and a debrief of West County Fix-It Day. New business items include secretary duties and communications workflow, as well as power-washing. The meeting includes public comments and approval of previous minutes.

• Strategic Planning Updates
• West County Fix-It Day debrief
• Secretary duties and communications workflow
• Power-washing discussion

Board of Health meeting

The Board of Health will receive updates from the Health Agent regarding specific housing code violations and septic system statuses. The board will also discuss an update on the Opioid Settlement to be presented to the Selectboard.

• Housing code updates for 2 Coombs Hill Rd, 6 Greenfield Rd, 269 Heath Rd, and 116 Main Rd
• Septic and Title 5 updates for 107 Adamsville Rd, 257 Greenfield Rd, and 162 S. Green River Rd
• Debris and trash violation updates for 22 Heath Rd and 259 Ed Clark Rd
• Griswoldville Sewer District updates regarding the Amphidrome septic plan
• Opioid Settlement update for the Selectboard

The Colrain Board of Health met and discussed multiple housing and septic issues, planning condemnation hearings for 269 Heath Rd and 116 Main Rd in the fall. They also discussed potential regulations on Kratom, a synthetic product, but decided to wait for regional guidance from FRCOG. The board approved the minutes from the previous meeting and received updates on various ongoing cases.

• Approved minutes of 7/14 meeting (unanimous)
• Planned condemnation hearings for 269 Heath Rd and 116 Main Rd in the fall
• Discussed potential Kratom regulations but deferred to FRCOG regional approach
• Noted no update on 2 Coombs Hill Rd. order to correct
• Reported 6 Greenfield Rd. may face fees and fines as court deadline approaches

Conservation Commission meeting

The Conservation Commission will hold a hearing regarding a septic system replacement near the Green River. The board will also discuss potential violations concerning a trailer on Prolovich Rd.

• Determination of Applicability for tight tank septic replacement at 160-162 S. Green River Rd.
• Discussion of site visit findings for a trailer on Prolovich Rd. regarding potential violations
• Public comment notice from Division of Fish & Wildlife on draft Priority Habitat map

Board of Assessor's Meeting

The Board of Assessors will meet to approve minutes, personal property uncollectible, real estate and motor vehicle monthly lists, and a motor vehicle commitment warrant. They will also release a CH61B lien and approve a notice of non-applicability for 271 Thompson Rd, and review criteria for a Clause 18 exemption.

• Approve Real Estate & Personal Property Monthly Lists for June & July
• Approve Motor Vehicle Monthly Lists for June & July
• Warrant 2026 Motor Vehicle Commitment #4
• Release CH61B lien for 271 Thompson Rd [Griswold]
• Approve Notice of Non-Applicability for 271 Thompson Rd [Griswold]

Board of Health meeting

The Colrain Board of Health meets to review housing code violations, septic permit updates, and debris complaints. The board will also discuss public health initiatives and emergency preparedness plans.

• Griswoldville Sewer District septic plan decisions
• 2 Coombs Hill Rd. housing code compliance update
• 107 Adamsville Rd. condemned property with new owner
• 259 Ed Clark Rd. debris violation and neighbor impact
• Opioid Settlement update for Selectboard

The Board of Health approved the May 14 minutes and decided to pursue ICS 100 training. The board reviewed several ongoing housing and septic property updates and discussed emergency preparedness for seniors.

• Approved May 14 minutes (unanimous)
• Removed 61 Heath Rd from future agendas as project is complete
• Selected ICS 100 training over TRAIN modules
• Adjourned meeting at 8:05 PM (unanimous)

Select Board Meeting

The Colrain Select Board unanimously appointed Casey Chadwick to the Griswold Memorial Library Board of Trustees, filling the vacancy left by Nancy Turkle's resignation. The Board also unanimously approved FY27 Chapter 90 road paving activity, appointed Colleen Worden to the Fire Station Building Committee, and approved Warrant AP2650. A public listening session on potential Colrain Central School consolidation was held, with no votes taken.

• Appointed Casey Chadwick to Griswold Memorial Library Board of Trustees (3-0)
• Approved FY27 Chapter 90 road paving activity (3-0)
• Appointed Colleen Worden to Fire Station Building Committee for one year (3-0)
• Approved Warrant AP2650 (3-0)

Library Board of Trustees Meeting

The Griswold Memorial Library Board of Trustees will hold a joint meeting with the Colrain Select Board to consider the appointment of a trustee member, as authorized by Massachusetts General Law. The meeting is scheduled for June 23, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at the Highway Garage, with a remote option available.

• Joint meeting with Colrain Select Board to consider appointment of a library trustee member

Select Board Meeting

The Colrain Select Board unanimously appointed six members to the Hazardous Mitigation Planning Committee and accepted resignations from Russell Barnes (COA) and Nancy Turkle (Library Trustees). The board also approved the May 26 minutes, Warrant AP2649, and a July 7 special meeting, while deferring several reappointments pending legal review.

• Approved May 26, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Warrant AP2649 for $46,177.91 (unanimous)
• Appointed Diana Parsons, Nina Anzuoni, Nick Anzuoni, Chris Lannon, Nate Gilbert, and Barbara Griffin to Hazardous Mitigation Planning Committee (unanimous)
• Accepted Russell Barnes' resignation from Council on Aging (unanimous)
• Accepted Nancy Turkle's resignation from Library Trustees (unanimous)
• Approved providing Town Counsel letter on Sewer District collection system ownership to the Sewer District (unanimous)
• Scheduled July 7, 2026 special meeting in lieu of regular July meetings (unanimous)

Select Board Meeting

The Colrain Select Board approved a new Host Community Agreement with New England Craft Cultivators, contingent on the police chief receiving an updated security plan. The board also approved the Assistant Treasurer/Collector job description, amended the personnel policy to add a floating holiday, and made numerous annual reappointments to town boards and committees. Several items were tabled, including the executive assistant job description and a sewer district matter.

• Approved new Host Community Agreement for New England Craft Cultivators, contingent on security plan (unanimous)
• Approved Assistant Treasurer/Collector job description (unanimous)
• Amended personnel policy to add floating holiday for eligible employees (unanimous)
• Approved Juneteenth observance on Thursday for Highway Dept and Town Office (unanimous)
• Reappointed/appointed numerous town officials and board members for FY27 terms
• Tabled reappointment of electrical inspector pending legal opinion
• Tabled executive assistant job description
• Tabled sewer district collection system response

GML Board of Trustees Meeting

The Griswold Memorial Library Board of Trustees will meet to approve the agenda and previous minutes, receive reports from the director, treasurer, and committees, and discuss ongoing business including Fix-It Day, trustee positions, and building and grounds summer upkeep.

• Director's report
• Treasurer's report
• Cornerstone Committee report
• Governance Committee report
• Discussion of building and grounds summer upkeep and powerwashing

Board of Assessor's Meeting

The Colrain Board of Assessors will meet to approve minutes, warrant the Fiscal Year 2027 preliminary real estate and personal property tax bills for the Town and Fire District #1, and approve monthly motor vehicle and property lists. The meeting also includes approving a motor vehicle commitment for 2025.

• Warrant Fiscal Year 2027 Preliminary Real Estate & Personal Property bills for Town of Colrain and Colrain Fire District #1
• Approve Real Estate & Personal Property Monthly List for May
• Approve Motor Vehicle Monthly List for May
• Warrant 2025 Motor Vehicle Commitment #3
• Approve minutes of 4/28 and release executive session minutes from earlier dates

The Board of Assessors approved the preliminary Fiscal Year 2027 tax bills and warrants to collect. The board also approved monthly lists for real estate, personal property, and motor vehicles.

• Approved FY2027 Warrants to Collect for Real Estate ($2,056,817.34), Personal Property ($235,042.41), Real Estate Fire District ($12,454.47), and Personal Property Fire District ($2,470.22) (Unanimous)
• Approved May RE/PP Monthly List of $0 (Unanimous)
• Approved May MV Monthly List of $121.28 (Unanimous)
• Approved 2026 MV Commitment #3 for $12,442.65 (Unanimous)
• Approved April 28th minutes (Majority)
• Released Executive Minutes for Jan 28, Feb 24, April 2, and April 28 (Unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting & Hearings

The Colrain Zoning Board of Appeals will hold two public hearings on May 27, 2026. One hearing concerns a variance request to place a solar array closer to a property line, and the other reviews a special permit renewal for a heavy-equipment repair shop. The board will also consider approving minutes from a prior meeting.

• Variance for Catherine Korby’s solar array at 20 Stetson Bros. Rd. (10 ft setback reduction)
• Special permit renewal for Nathan Gilbert’s shop at 92 East Colrain Rd. (fabrication, heavy equipment, truck repair)
• Approval of March 19 meeting minutes

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board unanimously voted to reorganize its leadership, appointing Katie Korby as Chair, Ben Eastman as Vice Chair, and Emily Thurber as Clerk. The Board also approved calling a Special Town Meeting for June 23, 2026 at 6 PM to revote the school assessment and establish an elder and disabled tax relief fund. A motion to have Town Counsel draft a letter to the sewer district failed for lack of a second, but a subsequent motion to request the district officially take ownership of the collection system passed unanimously. The Board rescinded a previous surplus declaration for a 2001 International fire truck to allow town reuse, and authorized the Town Administrator to apply for a One Stop for Growth community planning grant.

• Reorganized Select Board: Katie Korby as Chair, Ben Eastman as Vice Chair, Emily Thurber as Clerk (unanimous)
• Approved joint letter supporting legislative remedy for MTRSD assessment error (unanimous)
• Approved motion to ask counsel to draft letter requesting Colrain Sewer District take ownership of collection system (unanimous)
• Rescinded previous surplus declaration for 2001 International fire truck for town reuse (unanimous)
• Called Special Town Meeting for June 23, 2026 at 6 PM (unanimous)
• Tabled review of Assistant Treasurer/Collector position to next meeting
• Accepted and signed two ethics disclosures from Police Chief Christopher Lannon (unanimous)
• Authorized Town Administrator to apply for One Stop for Growth community planning grant (unanimous)

Board of Health Hearing & Meeting

The Board of Health will hold a hearing on Barnhardt's request for a variance to reduce the required size of nitrogen reducing technology for a proposed sewer system on Main Rd. A vote is anticipated following the hearing. The board will also discuss questions and concerns with the Colrain Sewer District and approve prior meeting minutes.

• Public hearing on Barnhardt's variance request under 310 CMR 15.000 for a smaller nitrogen reducing system on Main Rd.
• Anticipated vote on the variance request.
• Discussion with Colrain Sewer District to address questions and concerns.
• Approval of minutes from the May 6 meeting.

The Board of Health unanimously approved a variance to reduce the required size of a nitrogen-reducing tank from 9,000 to 6,500 gallons for the Colrain Sewer District's proposed system on Main Road. The smaller tank was deemed more efficient and cost-effective. The board also approved minutes from May 6 and noted a change in regional health planning representation.

• Approved variance for tank size reduction from 9,000 to 6,500 gallons (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of May 6 meeting (unanimous)

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board received a presentation on the 60% design for removing the Greenfield Road Lower Reservoir Dam, with total project costs estimated at $530,000 before contingency. The project is entirely grant-funded with no town funds anticipated. The Board also approved three warrants totaling $88,573.53, signed a letter of support for a Deerfield River Watershed Association grant, and authorized the chair to sign a POST attestation for the police chief's recertification.

• Approved warrants AP2643 ($23,058.32), AP2644 ($22,168.46), and PR2621 ($43,346.75) unanimously
• Signed letter of support for Deerfield River Watershed Association Woodlands Partnership Grant application unanimously
• Authorized Chair Thurber to sign POST Attestation for Police Chief recertification unanimously
• Tabled action on financial disclosure (268A §19 and §23(b)(3)) to next meeting

GML Board Of Trustees Meeting

The GML Board of Trustees will convene a hybrid meeting on May 11 at 6:00 p.m. to approve the previous month’s meeting minutes, hear routine reports from directors and committees, and receive public comments. No substantive decisions are listed on the agenda.

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss a personnel matter. In open session, the Board discussed coverage during Town Administrator Diana Parsons' medical leave, including using stabilization funds for a temporary assistant and transferring highway email duties. No formal votes were taken on these items.

• Entered executive session to discuss personnel (3-0)
• Discussed using stabilization fund for temporary administrative assistant (no vote)
• Discussed transferring highway email to Superintendent Nate (no vote)
• Discussed prioritizing Community on Aging grant (no vote)
• Decided to delay public statement on Parsons' absence until after neurology appointment (no vote)

Board of Health Meeting

The Board of Health will review updates on several housing code and septic system cases, including properties at 2 Coombs Hill Rd., 6 Greenfield Rd., and 269 Heath Rd. They will also discuss a condemned property at 107 Adamsville Rd., a campground permit at 61 Heath Rd., and a tight tank application at 162 S. Green River Rd. Additionally, the board will receive updates from a regional health district meeting, a multi-town senior services meeting, and a measles outbreak tabletop exercise, and will schedule condemnation hearings.

• 2 Coombs Hill Rd. – Order to Correct issued for egress, smoke detectors, and no heat.
• 6 Greenfield Rd. – Barn knocked down; debris mostly removed; multiple Orders to Correct issued.
• 269 Heath Rd. – Letter sent; possible case for housing court.
• 107 Adamsville Rd. – Condemned; new owner.
• Schedule condemnation hearings.

The Board of Health scheduled a hearing for May 14 to consider a variance reducing the pretreatment tank size from 9,000 to 6,000 gallons for the Griswoldville Sewer District project. Several housing and septic cases were discussed, including a court date for 6 Greenfield Rd. and a possible receivership for 107 Adamsville Rd. The board also agreed to meet on the second Tuesday of the month starting in July, with no meeting in June.

• Approved minutes of April 7 meeting unanimously
• Scheduled variance hearing for May 14 at 5 PM to reduce pretreatment tank size from 9,000 to 6,000 gallons for Griswoldville Sewer District
• Agreed to meet on second Tuesday of the month starting July, with no June meeting

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board finalized the FY27 budget, which balances to the levy limit using stabilization funds and results in an estimated $325 average tax bill increase. The board also approved a letter of support for a 805-acre conservation project, renewed the veterans' services district agreement, and amended the personnel policy to cover retiree spouse health insurance at 50%.

• Approved letter of support for Stone Mountain Landscape Conservation Project (unanimous)
• Approved warrants AP2638-2640 and PR2619-2620 (unanimous)
• Approved March 10 and March 24, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved one-day liquor license for Colrain Central School PTO (unanimous)
• Renewed intermunicipal agreement for Upper Pioneer Valley Veterans' Services District through June 30, 2028 (unanimous)
• Amended personnel policy to pay 50% of retiree and dependent health insurance (unanimous)
• Finalized FY27 budget with $325 average tax increase
• Agreed to change warrant article to $90,000 for fire truck conversion

Board of Assessor's Meeting

The Colrain Board of Assessors will meet to conduct routine administrative business, including approving minutes, lien approvals, and monthly property lists. The board may also enter an executive session under state law for undisclosed reasons.

• Vote to enter executive session under MGL CH 30A, Section 21(a) reason #7
• Approve the Minutes of 4/2
• Approve CH61B lien
• Approve Real Estate & Personal Property Monthly List for April
• Approve Motor Vehicle Monthly List for April

The Board of Assessors approved the April real estate and motor vehicle monthly lists and updated Chapter Land liens for three properties. The board also entered executive session under state law and returned to regular session before adjourning.

• Approved minutes of April 2nd meeting (2-0)
• Approved April RE/PP Monthly List totaling $663.75 (2-0)
• Approved April Motor Vehicle Monthly List totaling $532.00 (2-0)
• Updated Chapter Land liens for three properties due to transfers

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board unanimously approved and signed the FY27 Annual Town Meeting warrant, which includes a $4,000 budget increase (0.1%) over the prior year and adjustments for fire truck wiring and hoses. The board also approved two warrants totaling $413,453.82 and deferred a police chief recertification form to the next meeting. Other discussions included a Woodlands Partnership grant application, a Colrain Central School reuse grant, and updates on shared EMS services.

• Approved FY27 Annual Town Meeting warrant unanimously
• Approved Warrant AP 2641 ($378,912.83) and Warrant PR 2620 ($34,540.99) unanimously
• Tabled POST recertification attestation form for Police Chief to next meeting

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board finalized the FY27 budget, which balances to the levy limit using stabilization funds and results in an estimated $325 average tax bill increase. The board also approved a letter of support for a 805-acre conservation project, renewed the veterans' services district agreement, and amended the personnel policy to cover retiree spouse health insurance at 50%.

• Approved letter of support for Stone Mountain Landscape Conservation Project (unanimous)
• Approved warrants AP2638-2640 and PR2619-2620 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of March 10 and March 24, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved one-day liquor license for Colrain Central School PTO (unanimous)
• Renewed intermunicipal agreement for Upper Pioneer Valley Veterans' Services District through June 30, 2028 (unanimous)
• Amended personnel policy to pay 50% of retiree and dependent health insurance (unanimous)
• Agreed to change warrant article to $90,000 for fire truck conversion to highway vehicle
• Finalized FY27 budget with $325 average tax increase

Board of Health Meeting

The Colrain Board of Health will meet on March 12, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Highway Department Meeting Room. The agenda includes a site plan review for a MA Craft Cultivation facility at 108 West Leyden Rd., updates on several housing and septic cases, and signature collection for the Harassment Policy.

• Site Plan Review for MA Craft Cultivation at 108 West Leyden Rd.
• Housing issues at 2 Coombs Hill Rd. (egress, smoke detectors, no heat) with a hearing on March 20th.
• Debris/trash violations at 22 Heath Rd. with a Notice of Inspection sent August 12, 2025.
• Septic (Title 5) update for 269 Heath Rd.
• Health District update from the March 26th CPHS oversight meeting.

The Board of Health unanimously approved minutes from February 3 and March 3, received updates on several housing and septic code enforcement cases (including a pending Housing Court hearing and condemnation hearings), noted a presentation on battery storage and budget approvals from the Franklin Regional Council of Governments Health District, and had no issues with a site plan review for 108 West Leyden Road.

• Approved minutes of February 3 and March 3 as written (unanimous)
• No issues with site plan review for 108 West Leyden Road
• Collected signed harassment policy receipt pages

GML Board Of Trustees Meeting

The Board of Trustees will meet Monday, April 6, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in a hybrid format. The agenda includes a follow-up from Police Chief Lannon on security cameras, public comments, and committee reports. No votes on new business are listed.

• Police Chief Lannon to follow up about security cameras
• Public comments period
• Board of Trustees elections under ongoing business
• Fix-It Day under ongoing business
• Candidate’s Night under new business

Board of Assessor's Meeting

The Board of Assessors will meet to vote on entering executive session under state law for abatements and exemptions, then return to open session. In open session, they will approve minutes from February 24, a Chapter 61 lien, the monthly Real Estate and Personal Property list for March, the Motor Vehicle Monthly Lists for March, and the 2026 Motor Vehicle Commitment #2 warrant.

The Colrain Board of Assessors met on April 2, 2026, with two members present. They approved minutes from February 24, 2026, and released executive session minutes from January 7, 2025. The board also approved the March 2026 real estate and personal property monthly list (no dollar amount), the March motor vehicle list ($652.73), and a motor vehicle commitment warrant ($16,996.04). A property lien was added for Logan Realty Trust. The meeting lasted from 10:01 to 10:48 AM.

• Approved minutes of February 24, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved and released executive session minutes of January 7, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved March 2026 real estate and personal property monthly list ($0) (unanimous)
• Approved March 2026 motor vehicle monthly list ($652.73) (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 motor vehicle commitment #2 ($16,996.04) (unanimous)
• Added/updated chapter land lien for Logan Realty Trust (Map 422, Lot 1)