Conway, MA

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will approve July meeting minutes, receive a treasurer’s report, and hear activity updates from senior programs. Members will discuss finalizing details for Senior Citizen’s Day and evaluate a potential 2027 dance class contingent on a Cultural Council grant.

• Treasurer’s report including appropriations for foot clinics, yoga, and meals
• Request for community partner approval for MUSIC Dance.edu’s $380 grant proposal for senior dance classes
• Finalize details for Senior Citizen’s Day
• Consider hosting Hip Hop Chair, LINE, Tai Chi, or SQUARE dance classes in 2027

Franklin Conservation District Board of Supervisors Meeting

The Franklin Conservation District Board of Supervisors will meet to review and approve the June meeting minutes and receive updates on current grants, including a District Innovation grant, an MVP grant, and a 604(b) grant proposal. No votes on new business are listed.

• Review and approval of June 2026 meeting minutes
• Update on current District Innovation grant
• Update on MVP grant
• Update on 604(b) grant proposal

Planning Board

The Conway Planning Board will review routine minutes, hear public comments, and conduct non-binding reviews of two lot plans. The board will also discuss next steps for complying with state clean energy laws, including adopting a model battery energy storage system (BESS) bylaw ahead of a fall town meeting. Additionally, the board will consider a proposal to ban data centers and review the latest thoughts on an erosion zone overlay proposal.

• Non-binding review of two lot plans (Tom Caron and Fred Brown)
• Discussion on adopting model BESS bylaw for solar/wind/BESS projects
• Proposal to ban data centers in town (for fall town meeting)
• Review of erosion zone overlay proposal

Franklin County Tech School Building Task Force Committee

The Franklin County Technical School Building Task Force Committee is meeting to discuss updates from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) and public outreach efforts. The agenda includes approval of prior meeting minutes and setting the next meeting date. This is a routine update meeting with no specific decisions or proposals listed.

• Approval of minutes from July 16, 2026
• MSBA update
• Public outreach update
• Next meeting date to be determined

Frontier Community Access TV Board of Directors Meeting

The Frontier Community Access Television Board of Directors will meet to approve the FY-27 budget, receive updates on license negotiations and a student film project, and discuss a grant program for content creators. The board will also consider an outdoor screening and fundraiser for FCAT's 20th anniversary, installing electrical equipment at Frontier Regional School, and janitorial services.

• Approval of FCAT's FY-27 budget
• Update on license negotiations
• Discussion on setting up an account and grant for content creators
• Discussion on FCAT 20th Anniversary Celebration: outdoor screening and possible fundraiser
• Discussion on installing electricity in FCAT's closet at Frontier Regional School

Planning Board

The Conway Planning Board will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and resume a special permit hearing for the BlueWave solar farm proposed for Roaring Brook Road. No other substantive items are listed.

• Resume special permit hearing for BlueWave solar farm at Roaring Brook Road

Franklin County Tech School District Committee

The Franklin County Technical School District Committee will hold a regular meeting with an update from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). The agenda includes approval of prior minutes, public comments, and reports from the principal, superintendent, and chairperson. No specific decisions or proposals are detailed in the agenda.

• MSBA update on school building project or funding
• Approval of minutes from June 10, 2026
• Principal's report
• Superintendent's report
• Chairperson's report

Conservation Commission

The Conway Conservation Commission will meet on July 28, 2026, to review a draft Priority Habitat Map from MassWildlife. No financial items, permits, or hearings are scheduled. The meeting is open to the public at Town Hall.

• Review of MassWildlife Draft Priority Habitat Map

Open Space

The Conway Open Space Committee will meet to approve June minutes and discuss several meadow management items, including the 250th tree planting, signs for South River Meadow, mowing schedules, and invasive species treatment. Updates will also cover the budget, Boyden Farm Solar Project, and a joint meeting with all town committees.

• 250th Tree Planting with Chris Waldo
• South River Meadow signs
• South River and Bigelow Meadows mowing
• South River Meadow invasive treatment
• Boyden Farm Solar Project update

Festival of the Hills

The Festival of the Hills committee will meet to approve prior meeting minutes, check in on board and activity coordination, discuss a funds transfer to the town, and address any unanticipated concerns. Public comments will be taken.

• Funds transfer to the town

Board of Health

The Conway Board of Health is meeting to handle routine business: approve prior minutes, review mail and invoices, discuss FRCOG inspections, and receive updates from board members. No votes on ordinances, fees, or public health actions are listed on this agenda.

• Approve minutes of June 22, 2026 meeting
• FRCOG inspections/report
• Health and wellness report
• CPHS meeting update

Select Board

The Conway Selectboard will vote to appoint Marjorie Held as the new Home Services Coordinator for a $1,500 stipend. They will also discuss and vote on several FY27 contracts, including the Animal Control contract, Franklin County Solid Waste Management District contracts, and a Grant Central contract for a new grader. Additionally, the board will vote to sign the State Primary Warrant.

• Vote to appoint Marjorie Held as Home Services Coordinator with a $1,500 stipend
• Discuss and vote to sign FY27 Animal Control contract
• Discuss and vote to sign FY27 Franklin County Solid Waste Management District contracts
• Discuss and vote to sign Grant Central contract for a new grader
• Discuss and vote to sign State Primary Warrant

Sustainability

The Sustainability Committee will meet to discuss a proposed solar array on Roaring Brook Road following a public hearing, and review recommendations for the school including a potential lighting project. The agenda also includes updates on streetlights, Green Community/Climate Leader applications, and a Clean Energy Extension survey.

• Proposed solar array, Roaring Brook Road - report from public hearing; discussion
• CBA school recommendations and potential lighting project, fall 2026
• Green Community/Climate Leader decarbonizing roadmap applications
• Clean Energy Extension meetings, survey, reports, updates from Beth/Jody
• Streetlights update

Forest and Trails Committee

The Forest & Trails Committee will review and approve June 24 minutes, receive a public comment period, and discuss an update on a camera move and Jaime McGuigan. The main new business is a discussion of next steps regarding Conservation Restrictions with Veronique.

• Review and approval of June 24, 2026 meeting minutes
• Update on camera move and Jaime McGuigan
• Discussion of next steps with Conservation Restrictions (CRs) with Veronique

Planning Board

The Conway Planning Board will continue a public hearing for the BlueWave solar farm on Boyden Farm land off Roaring Brook Road. The board will also discuss next steps for new state Clean Energy Law guidelines and possible local data center regulation. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and time for unanticipated new business.

• Continue special permit/site plan review public hearing for BlueWave solar farm on Boyden Farm land off Roaring Brook Road
• Discuss next steps for new state Clean Energy Law guidelines
• Discuss possible local data center regulation
• Review and approve minutes of June 25 and 30, 2026

Frontier Community Access Television - Board of Directors

The Frontier Community Access Television Board of Directors will vote on the FY-27 budget and discuss several operational items, including license negotiations, a student film project, a grant program for content creators, and plans for a 20th anniversary picnic. The board will also consider installing electricity in a closet at Frontier Regional School and will enter executive session to discuss the general manager's salary.

• Approval of FCAT's FY-27 budget
• Update on license negotiations
• Discussion on setting up a grant account for content creators
• Discussion on FCAT 20th Anniversary Celebration Picnic
• Executive session for general manager salary discussion

Mass-In-Motion / Age Friendly Conway

The Mass-In-Motion / Age Friendly Conway committee will meet to accept prior meeting notes, review last year's accomplishments, and receive an update on the home repair project. New business includes further discussion of the village project and other ideas, as well as participation in other town events.

• Update on home repair project
• Discussion of village project
• Review of last year's accomplishments
• Participation in other town events

Franklin County Tech Building Task Force Committee

The Franklin County Technical School Building Task Force Committee is meeting to discuss an update from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) and plans for public outreach. The agenda also includes approval of prior meeting minutes and setting a future meeting date.

• Approval of minutes from April 8, 2026
• MSBA update
• Public outreach plans
• Next meeting date to be determined

Newsletter Committee

The Conway Newsletter Committee is meeting to review submissions for the July issue of Conway Currents. Members will also discuss adding an article about Conway Emergency Responders.

• Review of submissions for the July issue of Conway Currents
• Discussion of adding an article about Conway Emergency Responders

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to approve minutes, review and sign motor vehicle excise abatements and a bill schedule, and discuss Chapter Land applications for fiscal year 2027, including a final notice and potential deadline for non-compliant parcels. The meeting includes public comment and will adjourn with the next meeting scheduled for August 19, 2026.

• Review and sign motor vehicle excise abatements
• Review and sign bill schedule
• Discussion of Chapter Land applications for FY2027, including final notice and deadline for non-compliant parcels
• Signing and notarizing of Chapter Land lien and lien release
• Signing of Forest Management Plan

Cemetery Commission

The Conway Cemetery Commission will discuss a potential expansion of Cricket Hill Cemetery and recruiting volunteers to clean and straighten headstones in town-owned cemeteries. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and setting the next meeting date.

• Discussion of potential expansion of Cricket Hill Cemetery
• Discussion of recruiting volunteers to clean and straighten headstones in town-owned cemeteries
• Approval of minutes from April 7, 2026 meeting

Conservation Commission

The Conway Cemetery Commission will discuss a potential expansion of Cricket Hill Cemetery and recruiting volunteers to clean and straighten headstones in town-owned cemeteries. The meeting will also include approval of prior minutes and setting the next meeting date.

• Discussion of potential expansion of Cricket Hill Cemetery
• Discussion of recruiting volunteers to clean and straighten headstones in town-owned cemeteries
• Approval of minutes from the April 7, 2026 meeting

Franklin Conservation District

The Franklin Conservation District Board of Supervisors will meet to approve June meeting minutes and receive an update on current District Innovation grant activities. No new business or public hearings are listed. The meeting is largely procedural.

• Update on FCD projects and activities, including the current District Innovation grant

Franklin County Tech School Building Task Force Committee

The Franklin County Technical School Building Task Force Committee will meet on July 8, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. in Turners Falls to review the minutes from its April 8 meeting, receive an update from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), and discuss public outreach plans. The meeting may be held remotely under the state’s Open Meeting Law suspension order.

• Approval of April 8, 2026 meeting minutes
• MSBA update
• Public outreach plans discussion

Woodlands Partnership

The Education, Outreach, and Research Committee of the Woodlands Partnership will meet remotely to elect a committee chair and discuss ongoing projects including the Voices for The Forest project and a USFS Forest Stewardship grant. The meeting also includes member introductions and discussion of future priorities.

• Election of committee chair
• Update on Voices for The Forest project and Ethan Tapper Videos
• Update on USFS Forest Stewardship for NW MA grant
• Discussion of future projects and priorities
• Public comment period

Cemetery Commission

The Conway Cemetery Commission will meet to discuss a potential expansion of Cricket Hill Cemetery and recruiting volunteers to clean and straighten headstones in town-owned cemeteries. The meeting will also include approval of minutes from the previous meeting and setting the next meeting date.

• Discussion of potential expansion of Cricket Hill Cemetery
• Discussion of recruiting volunteers to clean and straighten headstones in town-owned cemeteries
• Approval of minutes from April 7, 2026 meeting

Festival of the Hills

The committee approved the minutes from June 9 and June 25. Members coordinated food vendor commitments and the placement of a trolley museum information table. Sue MacDonald reported seeking pro-bono legal assistance for the dissolution of the non-profit and transfer of funds to the town.

• Approved June 9 and June 25 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved placement of Shelburne Trolly Museum information table near the pie booth
• Confirmed food vendors Only Kabob, Las Tres Hermanos, Cliffs BBQ, Duck Pond vintage candy cart, and Spuds with Love

Council on Aging

The Conway Council on Aging will discuss the relationship between the Congregate Meals program and the COA, including reasons for and against ending the separation. The council will also finalize details for Senior Citizen's Day, receive reports on finances and activities, and hear a report from the Age-Friendly Conway Committee.

• Discussion on whether to end the separation between the Congregate Meals program and the COA
• Finalizing details for Senior Citizen's Day
• Treasurer's Report and appropriation for meals
• Reports on foot clinics, healthy bones and balance, senior meals, walking group, and yoga
• Update on the Disability Committee and Tai Chi instructor search

Planning Board

The Conway Planning Board will meet to review and approve minutes from a prior meeting and discuss a draft river protection zone bylaw with consultants from GZA engineering. The agenda also includes old business and unanticipated new business.

• Review and approve minutes of June 25, 2026
• Discussion of draft river protection zone bylaw with GZA engineering consultants

The Planning Board discussed a draft river protection overlay bylaw with consultant GZA, but several issues remain unresolved, including setbacks, special permit authority, and treatment of ADUs. With the consultant's grant expired and no funding to continue, the board tabled the proposal indefinitely.

• Tabled river protection overlay bylaw due to unresolved questions and expired grant (unanimous)

Select Board

The Conway Selectboard will meet on June 29, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Key items include a vote on a contract with Vermont Recreational Surfacing & Fencing for new pickleball courts, a vote on a contract with Bellino Engineering for the Brester Road culvert, and a discussion and vote on supporting the Climate Leader program and applying for a decarbonization grant. The board will also hear from a State Representative candidate and a Sheriff on a behavioral health program.

• Vote on contract with Vermont Recreational Surfacing & Fencing for new pickleball courts
• Vote on contract with Bellino Engineering LLC for Brester Road culvert work
• Discussion and vote on support for the Climate Leader program and a decarbonization grant
• Presentation by Sheriff on a program to bridge gaps in behavioral health services
• Visit with Amy Lavallee, candidate for State Representative

Open Space

The Conway Open Space Committee will discuss a watershed planning and resilience project with the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) and Franklin Land Trust, including mapping and analysis of the South River. They will also consider a letter of support for the Goddard Conservation Restriction and review updates on the Knotweed Symposium, mowing at South River and Bigelow Meadows, and the Boyden Farm Solar Project.

• Watershed planning/resilience FRCOG project with Alain Peteroy and Emily Boss of Franklin Land Trust
• Mapping and analysis done on the South River
• Goddard Conservation Restriction - letter of support
• South River Meadow Signs
• Boyden Farm Solar Project update

Historical Commission

The Conway Historical Commission is meeting to authorize payment of invoices and hold general discussion on commission-related events, site visits, and future projects. No appointments are scheduled.

• Authorize payment of Historical Commission invoice(s)
• General discussion and member reports on HC-related events and site visits
• Discussion of suggestions for future HC projects or action

Planning Board

The Conway Planning Board will meet to review and approve the minutes of the June 23 meeting. The board will discuss a draft bylaw for river protection zones with consultants from GZA Engineering. No decisions on zoning changes or contracts are scheduled.

• Discussion of draft river protection zone bylaw with GZA Engineering consultants

The board discussed the draft river protection zone bylaw with GZA consultants, noting the contract is expiring and unresolved issues remain. No decisions were made; the board considered seeking additional funding and meeting with the Conservation Commission.

• Approved minutes of June 11, 2026 (unanimous)

Festival of the Hills

The Festival of the Hills committee will meet on June 25, 2026, to discuss a funds transfer to the town, use of the Town Hall kitchen for fried dough, and a parade-related email from Steve Thomas. The agenda also includes check-ins with the board and activity coordinator, public comments, and scheduling of future meetings.

• Funds transfer to the town
• Fried Dough and Town Hall kitchen
• Parade Re: Steve Thomas email of concerns/ideas

Forest & Trails

The Forest & Trails committee will review minutes from May 27, 2026, receive public comments, and discuss next steps regarding conservation restrictions (CRs) with Veronique. Old business includes a stipend paid to Fitz and a donation to the Beaver Institute.

• Review and approve minutes from May 27, 2026
• Stipend to Fitz paid; donation to Beaver Institute / Mike Callahan
• Camera move and Jaime McGuigan update
• Discussion of next steps with CRs with Veronique

Conservation Commission

The Conway Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting to discuss three items: a proposal to add crushed stone to a gravel parking pad at 204 Bardwells Ferry Road, a request for a determination of applicability for a new well at 280 Maple Street, and a beaver dam issue at 388 Williamsburg Road. The meeting also includes approval of minutes, financial invoices, and building permit updates.

• Sam Stegeman, 204 Bardwells Ferry Road: top-dressing gravel parking pad with crushed stone
• Joe Zodroga, 280 Maple Street: RDA for new well installation
• Mary Lorenz, 388 Williamsburg Road: beaver dam repair/replace/other
• MACC FY27 dues invoice for $228.00
• Fee payment of $94.54 from George Forcier for Legal Notice 4454040

Planning Board

The Conway Planning Board will review and approve minutes from June 11, 2026, and hold a discussion on a draft river protection zone bylaw with consultants from GZA engineering. The meeting also includes old business and an opportunity for unanticipated new business.

• Discussion of draft river protection zone bylaw with GZA engineering consultants
• Review and approval of June 11, 2026 meeting minutes