Leyden, MA

Select Board Meeting

The Leyden Select Board will meet to handle routine administrative items, including signing an extension of the Complete Streets grant, signing the warrant for the October 6, 2026 election, and signing a contract with the Conway School of Landscape Design for the Woodlands Partnership grant. They will also consider appointments, a pole discussion, a first right of refusal on the Lotreck Property, and a town clerk appointment.

• Sign extension of Complete Streets grant
• Sign warrant for October 6, 2026 Election
• Sign contract with Conway School of Landscape Design for Woodlands Partnership grant
• Appoint Isabel Whiston to the COA
• Discuss Lotreck Property first right of refusal

Council on Aging

The Leyden Council on Aging is meeting to review the August minutes and FY2027 budget, discuss a proposal for new road signs, and plan the September and October community lunches. They will also address upcoming events including a Step Challenge, Foot Care Clinic, and Tai Ji Quan balance classes, and consider outreach to new members.

• Proposal for new road signs
• September community lunch review and October menu planning
• Step Challenge Event at Avery Field on Sept 27
• Foot Care Clinic on October 5
• Tai Ji Quan classes resume Oct 7; $10 donation request

Leyden Emergency Management Committee Meeting

Recreation Committee Meeting

The Leyden Recreation Committee is meeting to approve prior minutes and discuss upcoming events, including a Step Challenge, Trunk or Treat, and a cemetery tour. They will also address thefts from the pavilion and consider security measures, as well as discuss purchasing pickleball court equipment and possibly allowing the chair to buy supplies up to an agreed amount without a committee vote.

• Discuss theft from pavilion, folding table, benches, and security
• Discuss purchase of equipment for pickleball court
• Discuss allowing chair to purchase supplies up to an agreed amount without committee vote
• Upcoming events: Step Challenge, Trunk or Treat, Cemetery tour

Council on Aging Meeting

The Council on Aging will review the August minutes and financial report. Members will also plan upcoming community lunches, discuss the September 27 Step Challenge at Avery Field, and coordinate a foot care clinic scheduled for October 5.

• Review of September community lunch meals served
• Planning for October community lunch and menu
• Step Challenge Event at Avery Field on September 27
• Foot Care Clinic on October 5
• Tai Ji Quan for Better Balance classes starting October 7

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will review the draft Complete Streets recommended plan and receive a quarterly update from the Highway Superintendent. The meeting also includes updates on Colrain Ambulance, digital equity, and town coordination.

• Review of Complete Streets recommended plan draft
• Appointment of Anne Pratt as poll worker
• Appointment of Laure Van den Broeck Raffensperger to Cultural Council
• Discussion regarding MIIA insurance check deposit for stolen property at Avery Field
• Signing of bi-weekly warrants

Conservation Commission Meeting-special

The Conservation Commission will hold a special meeting to review the culvert replacement on Greenfield Road. This includes a site visit to address an enforcement order for the Cowan culvert project (DEP file 202-0030).

• Enforcement Order for Cowan culvert project on Greenfield Road
• Site visit for culvert replacement (DEP file 202-0030)

BOH Meeting Agenda

Attorney Mike Hugo from the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards will present on upcoming state regulations for battery energy storage systems (BESS). The presentation will cover the Board's role in local permitting, legal limitations, and enforcement tools regarding nuisances and emerging technologies.

• Presentation on battery energy storage systems (BESS) regulations effective October 1
• Discussion on Board of Health role in Energy Facilities Siting Board proceedings
• Review of statutory duties regarding nuisances, noise, light, and odors
• Discussion on data centers

Planning Board Agenda

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing regarding a special permit for Leyden Highway. The meeting also includes the review and acceptance of minutes from the August 19, 2026, meeting.

• Public Hearing for Leyden Highway Special Permit
• Review/accept minutes of 8/19/26 meeting
• Correspondence regarding Greenfield ZBA hearing for 107 Main Street sign permit
• Correspondence regarding Greenfield ZBA hearing for 180 Laurel Street permit extension
• Correspondence regarding Greenfield Planning Board hearing for data center moratorium

Board of Health Meeting

The Board of Health will review August meeting minutes and receive updates from the health agent. The meeting includes a vote on the Nicotine Free Generation resolution and a hearing regarding property conditions at 581 West Leyden Rd.

• Vote to adopt Nicotine Free Generation resolution
• Hearing regarding property conditions at 581 West Leyden Rd
• Review of potential violations of Mass General Laws, State Sanitary Code, and State Environmental Code, Title V

Council on Aging Meeting

The Leyden Council on Aging is holding a special meeting to plan a Step Challenge event at Avery Field, co-sponsored with the Rec Committee, scheduled for September 27, 2026, from 1-3pm. The event aims to promote falls prevention awareness, walking path awareness, and cross-generational care and community. The agenda includes discussing activities, refreshments, and outreach methods, followed by public comments.

• Event date: September 27, 2026, 1-3pm at Avery Field
• Co-sponsored with the Rec Committee
• Falls Prevention Awareness – Statewide Step Challenge
• Activities include informational brochures, step poster, walk & talk conversation starters, silly step challenges, and music
• Discussion of signs and flyers for promotion

Library Trustees Meeting

The Leyden Library Trustees are meeting to review minutes, receive director updates, and discuss the State Aid/ARIS report. They will also talk about upcoming events and possible LCC grant ideas, and schedule future meetings. The agenda is routine and includes no major decisions or public hearings.

• Review of State Aid/ARIS report
• Discussion of LCC grant ideas
• Schedule upcoming meetings

Recreation Committee Meeting

The Leyden Recreation Committee is meeting to discuss routine business, including approving prior minutes, a resignation, and upcoming events. They will also address a reported theft from the Pavilion, the installation of a shed, and a newly received Woodlands Partnership Grant.

• Discuss resignation of Ella and committee secretary role
• Discuss theft from the Pavilion, including a folding table and benches, and security measures
• Shed is in place; discuss shelving and equipment transfer
• Received Woodlands Partnership Grant
• Plan upcoming events, including Trunk or Treat

Conservation Commission

The Leyden Conservation Commission is meeting to handle routine business and discuss an enforcement order related to the Cowan culvert project on Greenfield Road. The meeting includes time for correspondence, minutes approval, and other unanticipated topics.

• Enforcement Order for Cowan culvert project on Greenfield Road
• Review of mail, correspondence, and approval of minutes
• Other topics not anticipated may be added at chair's discretion

Select Board Meeting

The Leyden Select Board will meet to vote on the warrant for the September 1, 2026 Primary Elections, discuss the annual town report dedication, and consider hiring an administrative assistant. The board will also receive updates on the Digital Equity grant, town coordinator activities, and several regional meetings, including EMS, Mass in Motion, FCTS, and PVRSD School Committee. Public comment and agenda planning are scheduled.

• Vote and sign warrant for September 1, 2026 Primary Elections
• Discuss dedication for the annual town report
• Administrative assistant hire
• Update on Digital Equity grant
• Updates on EMS regionalization, Mass in Motion, FCTS, and PVRSD SC meetings

Mass in Motion Meeting

The Leyden Mass in Motion Committee and Select Board will hold a joint meeting to review completed projects and discuss new actions and initiatives to complete by May 30, 2027. The agenda includes a report on regional activity in Franklin County and approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Approve minutes from September 29, 2025 meeting
• Report on Mass in Motion activity in Franklin County by Rachel Stoler
• Review of completed projects
• Discussion of new projects and initiatives before May 30, 2027

Council on Aging Meeting

The Leyden Council on Aging will meet to discuss routine business including approving July minutes, a financial report, and planning the September community lunch. A key item is a proposed rate increase for foot care services from $25 to $35 per person, with options to split the cost with clients or absorb it fully. The council will also review FY26 goals, plan for FY27, and discuss updates on the Leyden Cafe and outreach for new members.

• Foot care cost increase: Piper's rate rises from $25 to $35/person; options include asking clients for $5 more (about $390/year) or absorbing the full cost (about $780/year).
• Foot Care Clinic scheduled for Monday, October 5; must reserve space with Town Administrator, use Historical Room due to Tai Chi conflicts.
• Community Lunch: review August meals served (in-person, pickup, delivery) and plan September menu.
• Review COA goals for FY26 and discuss goals for FY27.
• Leyden Cafe update and outreach for new COA members.

Board of Assessor's Meeting

The Leyden Board of Assessors is meeting to handle routine administrative business, including approving minutes, monthly real estate and motor vehicle lists, and motor vehicle abatements. They will also review building permits and discuss criteria for Clause 18 hardship applications. The meeting is scheduled for August 17, 2026, at 5:00 PM at the Leyden Town Offices.

• Approve Real Estate & Personal Property Monthly List for August
• Approve Motor Vehicle abatements
• Approve Motor Vehicle Monthly List for August
• Review Building Permits
• Approve criteria for Clause 18 Hardship

Select Board Meeting

The Leyden Select Board is meeting to conduct routine business including signing warrants and approving minutes, interviewing two candidates for the Administrative Assistant position, and preparing for upcoming meetings. The board is also expected to decide and sign a contract hiring Gill Engineering as project managers for West Leyden Road, and will receive updates on the police advisory meeting and other town matters.

• Interview candidates Eloise Tuell and Kathleen Garmalo for Administrative Assistant position
• Decision and sign contract for hiring Gill Engineering as project managers for West Leyden Road
• Working session to prepare for Warwick tuition subcommittee meeting
• Working session for Digital Equity grant
• Update on police advisory meeting

Select Board Orientation for Town Officials

The Leyden Select Board is meeting to conduct an orientation session for town officials. The agenda contains only this single item, with no other business listed. This appears to be a procedural meeting focused on training or onboarding.

• Orientation for town officials

MLP Advisory Board Meeting

The Leyden Municipal Light Plant (MLP) Advisory Board will meet to review a financial template, discuss a debt payment plan, and consider the manager's report. The meeting is scheduled for August 13, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the Leyden Town Offices.

• Review of financial template
• Discussion of debt payment plan
• Review of manager's report
• Review of May meeting minutes

Planning Board Meeting

The Planning Board will discuss a plan request for George Lamb Road and an update for 581 West Leyden Road. The board is also considering moratoriums on AI data centers and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

• Approval Not Required plan request for George Lamb Road
• Update regarding 581 West Leyden Road
• Special Permit application for Leyden Highway
• Discussion of BESS and AI Data Center moratoriums
• Review of draft Priority Habitat Map from Fisheries and Wildlife

Building Needs Study Committee

The Leyden Building Needs Study Committee will assess town buildings to identify general maintenance needs and potential capital improvements. The meeting is held at Leyden Town Hall, DPW and Fire Department at 16 W. Leyden Rd.

Police Services Advisory Meeting

The Leyden Police Services Advisory Committee will hear an update from Chief Palmeri, discuss regional merger efforts with Bernardston Fire, review a financial workbook, and consider revisions to the Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA). The meeting includes public comment and scheduling of future meetings.

• Police services report and update from Chief Palmeri
• Bernardston Leyden Fire and other regional merger efforts
• Review of financial workbook
• Committee review of proposed IMA revisions

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will vote on authorizing Attorney Adam Costa to proceed with litigation if needed at 581 West Leyden Road. They will also receive an update on EMS regionalization and weighted options, finalize orientation for town officials, continue FY27 appointments, and discuss municipal representation in the PVRSD negotiation process.

• Vote on Attorney Adam Costa to proceed with litigation if needed at 581 West Leyden Road
• Update on EMS regionalizing and weighted options
• Discuss using Gill Engineering as project managers for West Leyden Road
• Continue FY27 appointments
• Discuss municipal representation in PVRSD negotiations

Board of Health Meeting

The Leyden Board of Health will review and approve July 2026 meeting minutes and hear updates from the health agent, including the status of remedies at 581 W Leyden Road. The board will also discuss a mold issue in town offices, naloxone cabinet placements, and debrief a July 13 permethrin event. A presentation on nicotine-free generation from a prior meeting will be noted.

• Review and approve July 2026 meeting minutes
• 581 W Leyden Road status update — remedies
• Mold issue in town offices
• Naloxone cabinets
• Permethrin event July 13 — debriefing

Library Trustees Meeting

The Leyden Library Trustees will meet to discuss the FY26 and FY27 budgets, as well as upcoming summer reading events. The meeting includes routine items such as approving prior minutes and scheduling future meetings. No votes or final decisions are noted on the agenda.

• Discussion of FY26 and FY27 budget
• Discussion of Summer Reading and upcoming events
• Review and approval of previous meeting minutes

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will discuss and vote on the annual renewal of the Animal Control Officer and dog shelter contract. They will also consider the start date for a Digital Equity grant and continue appointments for fiscal year 2027. Other items include planning an orientation for town officials and receiving updates from the Town Coordinator and Select Board.

• Vote on yearly renewal for Animal Control Officer and animal dog shelter
• Discussion on when to start the Digital Equity grant
• Continuing FY27 Appointments
• Planning orientation for elected and appointed town officials

Conservation Committee Agenda

The Conservation Commission will discuss Order of Conditions violations for the Cowan culvert project on Greenfield Road. They will also read mail, review correspondence, approve minutes, and draft a paragraph for the town's Annual Report.

• Order of Conditions violations for Cowan culvert project on Greenfield Road
• Draft paragraph for Commission's inclusion in town Annual Report

Council on Aging Meeting

The Council on Aging will decide whether to absorb a $780/year cost increase for foot care services or split the cost with clients, and will discuss starting a Leyden Cafe.

• Foot care cost increase: provider raising rates from $25 to $35/person; Council to decide between absorbing full $780/year or splitting cost with clients
• Discussion of starting up a Leyden Cafe

Select Board Meeting

The Leyden Select Board will discuss a new policy on housing, review the town accountant's performance, and consider signing a special permit application for highway work. The board will also continue FY27 appointments and plan orientation for elected officials.

• Policy on new housing
• Angelica DesRoches - Town Accountant Annual Review
• Discuss and sign special permit application for highway
• Continue FY27 Appointments
• Permission for Michele to sign agreement with Mead, Talerman & Costa

Board of Assessor's Meeting

The Board of Assessors will meet to approve minutes, monthly property and motor vehicle lists, a motor vehicle commitment warrant, review building permits, and consider criteria for Clause 18 hardship applications.

• Approve Real Estate & Personal Property Monthly List for July
• Approve Motor Vehicle Monthly List for July
• Warrant 2026 Motor Vehicle Commitment #4
• Review Building Permits
• Consider criteria for Clause 18 Hardship

The Board of Assessors approved the monthly real estate and motor vehicle lists (both $0) and the 2026 MV Commitment #4 for $4,264.81. They also decided on eligibility criteria for the Clause 18 Hardship exemption: age 70 or older, income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, and liquid assets no more than $5,000. Alice Wozniak will draft the criteria for approval at the next meeting.

• Approved June 29 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved July RE/PP Monthly List at $0 (unanimous)
• Approved July MV Monthly List at $0 (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 MV Commitment #4 for $4,264.81 (unanimous)
• Set Clause 18 Hardship criteria: age 70+, income ≤150% Federal Poverty Level, liquid assets ≤$5K

Select Board Meeting

The Leyden Select Board will meet to review and finalize its calendar for fiscal year 2027, continue appointments, and discuss town clerk hiring and training. The meeting includes updates from the Town Coordinator and Select Board members, with a public comment period.

• Finalize Select Board Calendar for FY27
• Continue FY27 Appointments
• Update on Town Clerk hiring, training, and Assistant Town Clerk job posting
• Town Coordinator updates
• Public Comment period