South Hadley public meetings in 2022

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors approved the fiscal 2024 budget narrative and three additional tax exemption applications. The board also approved a payment for offsite storage and the December Master Plan Implementation Committee update.

• Approved minutes from December 2, 2022 (3-0)
• Approved $116.00 payment to NewEngland Archives for offsite storage (3-0)
• Approved December Master Plan Implementation Committee (MPIC) update (3-0)
• Approved three additional fiscal 2023 exemption applications totaling $1,200.00 (3-0)
• Approved fiscal 2024 budget narrative as amended (3-0)

Conservation Commission

The Commission issued a three-year maintenance extension for Ledges Golf Course and a certificate of compliance for 4 Pershing Ave. A negative determination with special conditions was issued for vegetation removal at Stony Brook Village. One public hearing was continued to January 2023.

• Approved December 7, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Continued public hearing for 80 River Road walkway to January 4, 2023 (4-0)
• Issued Negative Determination #3 for vegetation removal at Stony Brook Village with special conditions (4-0)
• Approved 3-year extension to DEP File #288-0416 for Ledges Golf Course general maintenance (4-0)
• Issued certificate of compliance to DEP File #288-0271 for 4 Pershing Ave (4-0)

Selectboard

The Selectboard approved several administrative items including 2023 license renewals and Buttery Brook Park fees. The board also authorized new traffic signage at multiple locations and set the date for fireworks. Use of the Town Common for the Showcase South Hadley festival was approved.

• Approved One Day Beer & Wine License requests for Jan. 12 & Feb. 10 (Unanimous)
• Accepted 2023 license renewals (Unanimous)
• Accepted Buttery Brook Park 2023 fees (Unanimous)
• Approved fireworks for July 1 with rain date July 2 (Unanimous)
• Approved No Parking signs on Lithia Spring Road, No Outlet sign on Camden St., stop signs on Columbia St. and Stonegate Drive, and warning sign on Mosier St. (Unanimous)
• Approved use of Town Common for Showcase South Hadley festival on April 29, 2023 (Unanimous)
• Decided to participate in the St. Patrick's Day Parade
• Accepted resignation of Johnstone Campbell from the Commission on Disabilities (Unanimous)

Planning Board

The Board approved an Approval Not Required (ANR) plan for a property at 75 Brainard Street. A request for an illuminated sign at 459 Granby Road was continued, and the Board began preliminary discussions on a new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw.

• Endorsed ANR Plan to carve off property at 75 Brainard Street (4-0)
• Continued illuminated sign request for 459 Granby Road to Jan 9, 2023 (4-0)
• Approved November 7 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Determined a public hearing is required for Skinner Woods due to site condition violations

Public Schools

The School Committee approved the revised school improvement plan for Michael E. Smith Middle School and authorized several payment warrants. The committee also received progress reports on district-wide improvement plans and a first reading of the Employee Use of Technology Policy.

• Approved revised school improvement plan for Michael E. Smith Middle School (5-0)
• Approved warrant #2023-132 dated 12.6.22 for $179,466.95 (4-1 abstention)
• Approved warrant #2023-126 dated 11.29.22 for $82,283.61 (5-0)
• Approved biweekly payroll dated 12.8.22 for $770,769.18 (5-0)
• Approved minutes for December 1, 2022 (4-1 abstention)

Housing Authority

The South Hadley Housing Authority Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting to discuss the proposed budget, the Executive Director's report, and unfinished business regarding North Street. The board will also consider approval of bills and the Treasurer's report.

• Proposed Budget discussion
• Unfinished Business: North Street
• Approval of Bills 11/29/2022-12/15/2022
• Executive Director Report for December
• Treasurer's Report

Commission on Disabilities

The Town Council advised the Commission on Disabilities not to take any actions until a situation regarding the commission's bylaw and state acceptance is resolved. The commission may continue to meet and research items. No formal votes were taken on budget items or policy proposals.

• Tabled approval of minutes to a later date
• Adjourned meeting at 6:32 pm (unanimous)

Recreation Commission

The Recreation Commission approved the October 11, 2022, meeting minutes and the bills payable. The board discussed the FY2024 budget, including proposed additions for events and sanitation cans, and reviewed a $400,000 grant application for Buttery Brook Park.

• Approved October 11, 2022 minutes (6-0)
• Approved bills payable (7-0)

Bike/Walk Committee

The South Hadley Bike-Walk Committee will meet virtually to approve minutes, review planned treks (including Leaping Well, Ledges Golf Course, and Earth Day events), discuss a brochure, the Mass Trails Grant for Lithia Springs/Robert Frost, town budget, DPW liaison, Lozier Farm funding, and kids summer races.

• Discussion of upcoming treks: Nov 6 Leaping Well, Feb 26 Ledges Golf Course, March maple syrup, April 22 Bynan (Earth Day)
• Brochure discussion with Rebecca Cornell
• Lithia Springs/Robert Frost Mass Trails Grant
• Town budget discussion
• Lozier Farm – fully funded

The committee approved the November 1, 2022 minutes and scheduled three treks for early 2023. Members received updates on the Master Trail Brochure, the Robert Frost Trail project, and a proposed mixed-use path on Main Street.

• Approved November 1, 2022 minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled Ledges Trek for February 26, 2023
• Proposed Maple Sugar Trek for March 5 or 12, 2023
• Scheduled Bynan Earth Day Trek for April 22, 2023

Board of Registrar of Voters

The Board certified the November election results and recommended adding a link to the Massachusetts Election Statistics PD43+ database to the Town Clerk website. Members discussed preparations for the April Town Election and the development of a future voter experience survey.

• Certified November election results
• Recommended adding Massachusetts Election Statistics PD43+ link to Town Clerk website
• Recommended reminding residents to sign up for Civic Plus election alerts

Conservation Commission

The Commission issued an Order of Conditions and a work waiver for the redevelopment of 459 Granby Rd following a notice of violation for unauthorized site work. The board also committed up to $40,000 for the Lauzier Farm APR. A public hearing for a project at 80 River Road was continued.

• Approved November 16 meeting minutes (6-0, 1 abstention)
• Continued public hearing for 80 River Road to December 21, 2022 (7-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for Delany’s Market at 459 Granby Rd (7-0)
• Issued waiver for work in the Conservation Zone for Delany’s Market (7-0)
• Committed up to $40,000 from Land Conservation fund to Lauzier APR (7-0)

Selectboard

The Selectboard adopted a tax classification factor of one for all property classes for FY23. The board also approved a 20(d) exemption for a special municipal employee and updated fees for Ledges Golf Course.

• Adopted factor of one for all property classes for FY23 (Unanimous)
• Approved multi-date Beer & Wine License for Stephen McCray (Unanimous)
• Approved 20(d) exemption for a special municipal employee (4-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved Ledges Golf Course fees as presented (4-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved petition for special legislation to remove police officers, sergeants and lieutenants from civil service (Unanimous)
• Approved Nov. 15, 2022 draft minutes (Unanimous)

Public Library

The Board of Library Trustees approved the payment of library bills and set two Saturday closures for the December holiday weekends. The Board also reviewed the Library Director's report regarding new carpeting and the FY24 Action Plan.

• Approved minutes from 11/15/22
• Approved payment of library bills (unanimous)
• Approved library closures on Saturday, Dec. 24 and Dec. 31

Planning Board

The Board approved the construction of two commercial buildings at 1 Conti Drive and a special permit for a car rental business at 510 New Ludlow Road. A wall-mounted sign for Delaney's Market was approved, while a freestanding sign request was continued. The Board also endorsed a lot reconfiguration for Mount Holyoke College.

• Approved Site Plan and Stormwater Permit for two commercial buildings at 1 Conti Drive (5-0)
• Approved Special Permit amendment for car rental business at 510 New Ludlow Rd (5-0)
• Approved wall-mounted illuminated sign for Delaney's Market (5-0)
• Continued Delaney's Market freestanding sign request to December 19, 2022 (5-0)
• Endorsed ANR to create a new lot from 79 College Street (4-0)
• Approved October 17 meeting minutes as revised (5-0)

Cultural Council

The South Hadley Cultural Council reconsidered a previously rejected grant. The council voted to offer funds to Music for the Soul contingent on the confirmation of a venue.

• Approved $150 grant to Music for the Soul from Council reserves, contingent on venue confirmation (passed by majority)

Board of Assessors

The Board approved November abatement reports for motor vehicle and boat excises. Members approved the Fiscal 2023 Tax Classification Hearing packet and 218 exemption applications totaling $135,053.90.

• Approved November 2021 motor vehicle excise abatements for 2 transactions totaling $70.28 (3-0)
• Approved November 2022 motor vehicle and 2023 boat excise abatements for 34 transactions totaling $2,696.88 (2-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved Fiscal 2023 Tax Classification Hearing packet (3-0)
• Approved 218 fiscal 2023 exemption applications totaling $135,053.90 (3-0)
• Approved November 14, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)

Public Schools

The School Committee approved several operational contracts, including transportation agreements with Van Pool and Five Star. The committee also ratified the AFSCME custodial contract and approved the SHHS Program of Studies for the 2023-24 school year.

• Approved warrant #2023-18 for $346,504.39 (3-1)
• Approved warrant #2023-112 for $274,607.19 and payroll for $768,611.50 (4-0)
• Approved SHHS Program of Studies for 23-24 school year (3-0)
• Reaffirmed district policy for mutual respect and civility (3-0)
• Approved transportation contract with Van Pool (3-0)
• Approved transportation contract with Five Star Transportation (3-0)
• Approved district bullying prevention policy (3-0)
• Ratified AFSCME custodial contract (3-0)

Master Plan Implementation Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the November 3, 2022 meeting. Members discussed updates from the Conservation Commission and Sustainability & Energy Committee, as well as feedback from the November Forum. No other formal votes were taken.

• Approved Nov. 3, 2022 meeting minutes (approved by all with one abstention)

Housing Authority

The South Hadley Housing Authority will hold a special meeting to approve a warrant for expenses from October 26 to November 29, 2022, and to select a low bidder for a repair project on North Street. Other correspondence and unanticipated business may also be discussed.

• Approval of warrant covering 10/26/2022-11/29/2022
• Approval of low bidder for North St. Repair

Cultural Council

The South Hadley Cultural Council reconsidered a previously rejected grant. The council voted to offer $150 from its reserves to Music for the Soul, provided the grantee confirms a venue.

• Approved $150 grant to Music for the Soul contingent on venue confirmation (majority vote)

Board of Registrar of Voters

The Board worked to finalize the official tally sheet for readability and results sharing. Members discussed potential improvements for the Town Clerk website and early voting accessibility for the April election. The Board also planned a resident survey to gather feedback on election experiences by mid-December.

• Finalized official tally sheet for readability and sharing
• Scheduled review of overseas ballots for 11/23

Board of Health

The Board of Health approved revised regulations for glyphosate and glufosinate use and minimum standards for keeping animals. The Board also ratified two emergency orders to vacate properties due to sanitary concerns. Additionally, the Board accepted the October 18, 2022, meeting minutes.

• Approved glyphosate and glufosinate regulation (unanimous)
• Approved revised Regulation for the Minimum Standards for the Keeping of Animals (unanimous)
• Ratified emergency order to vacate 38 Bridge St First Floor (unanimous)
• Ratified emergency order to vacate 10 Helms St (unanimous)
• Accepted October 18, 2022, meeting minutes (2-0, 1 abstention)

Planning Board

The Planning Board issued a special permit for a dentist office and site plan approval for a home massage business. The Board also granted a site plan review waiver for a commercial building expansion and scheduled further discussion on accessory dwelling unit bylaws.

• Approved Special Permit for Baltazar Dental office at 2078 Memorial Drive (5-0)
• Approved Site Plan for home massage therapy business at 19 Ashfield Lane (3-0)
• Issued Site Plan Review waiver for building expansion at 459 Granby Road (5-0)
• Approved October 3 regular meeting minutes as revised (5-0)
• Scheduled December 19 meeting to discuss Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw

Public Schools

The School Committee unanimously approved the renaming of Plains Elementary School and the adoption of a new high school vaping curriculum. The committee also approved several warrants and budget transfers. Public comment and reports focused on teacher contract disputes and staffing shortages.

• Renamed Plains Elementary School to Henry J. Skala Elementary School (Unanimous)
• Approved South Hadley High School vaping curriculum (Unanimous)
• Approved Warrant #2023-98 for $361,156.14 (4-1 abstention)
• Approved Warrant #2023-106 for $111,309.05 and bi-weekly payroll for $735,665.20 (Unanimous)
• Approved $9,790 budget transfer from High School Therapeutic Contracted Services to Plains Therapeutic Services (Unanimous)
• Approved $69,989 budget transfer from homeless transportation to system wide transportation (Unanimous)
• Approved November 3, 2022 minutes with edits (Unanimous)
• Accepted $100 donation for Paws Café from Jessica DeFlumer (Unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission determined that removing damaged boardwalk sections at Bicentennial Canal Park is an exempt activity for public safety. Two other public hearings regarding riverfront and retail developments were continued to December 7, 2022.

• Affirmed removal of two boardwalks at Bicentennial Canal Park as an exempt activity (5-0)
• Approved November 2 meeting minutes as revised (4-0, 1 abstention)
• Continued public hearing for 80 River Road elevated walkway to December 7, 2022 (5-0)
• Continued public hearing for 459 Granby Rd redevelopment to December 7, 2022 (5-0)

Selectboard

The Selectboard approved the dissolution of the Veterans' District with Easthampton for Fiscal Year 2024 and the creation of a new town position for veterans. Other actions included accepting a deed for River Lodge Road and approving the removal of the Canal Park boardwalk.

• Approved dissolution of Veterans' District with Easthampton for FY2024 and creation of a 32-40 hour per week veterans position (Unanimous)
• Accepted the deed to River Lodge Road (Unanimous)
• Approved removal of the boardwalk at Canal Park (Unanimous)
• Endorsed the PBE as amended to increase department accessibility (Unanimous)
• Approved change of manager and ownership for Sok’s Bar and Grill (Unanimous)
• Approved Multi-Day Beer & Wine License for Steven McCray (Unanimous)
• Approved draft minutes of Nov. 3, 2022 (Unanimous)

Public Library

The meeting for the Annual Inspection of the Building & Grounds was held on November 15, 2022. No business was taken because there was no quorum of Library Trustees.

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors approved the October monthly abatement reports for 2021 and 2022 motor vehicle excise. Members agreed to electronically sign valuation and new growth reports for submission to the Division of Local Services.

• Approved October monthly abatement reports (3-0)
• Approved minutes from October 24, 2022, as amended (3-0)

Council on Aging

The Board approved the gambling policy as written and agreed to support a $100,000 WestMass ElderCare grant to provide mental health services. The Board also approved the October meeting minutes with one amendment regarding Bingo prizes.

• Approved October minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Approved gambling policy as written (unanimous)
• Agreed to support EMHOT mental health program funded by $100,000 grant

Planning Board

The Board approved the September 19 meeting minutes and scheduled a public hearing for February 6 to discuss draft short-term rental bylaws. A public hearing for a commercial project at 1 Conti Drive was continued to December 5. The Board also rescheduled its February 20 meeting to February 27.

• Approved September 19 regular meeting and public hearing minutes (4-0)
• Continued 1 Conti Drive Site Plan Review and Stormwater Management public hearing to December 5, 2022 (4-0)
• Scheduled short-term rental bylaw public hearing for February 6
• Rescheduled February 20 meeting to February 27

Public Library

The Board of Library Trustees voted unanimously to join the ALA-affiliated Unite Against Book Bans group. The board also approved the payment of library bills and the minutes from the October 3, 2022 meeting.

• Approved minutes for 10/3/22 meeting
• Approved payment of library bills (unanimous)
• Voted to join Unite Against Book Bans campaign (unanimous)

Master Plan Implementation Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the October 6, 2022 meeting. Members provided status updates on meetings with various town entities and discussed the draft of the committee's bylaws.

• Approved Oct. 6, 2022 meeting minutes (Approved, Larry abstained)

Public Schools

The committee approved a letter to state legislators regarding a projected $268,000 increase in out-of-district tuition costs. It also approved several field trips for 5th and 6th grade students. Much of the meeting focused on ongoing contract disputes and the impact of teachers' 'work to rule' action.

• Approved letter to state legislation regarding $268,000 tuition budget impact (unanimous)
• Approved 6th grade trip to Cape Cod (unanimous)
• Approved 5th grade trips to Boston Science Museum and Plymouth Plantation (unanimous)
• Approved Warrant #2023-85 (4-1 abstention)
• Approved Warrant #2023-93 and 10.27.22 Payroll (unanimous)
• Approved minutes for 10.20.22 and 9.15.22 (unanimous)

Selectboard

The Selectboard approved the Special Town Meeting warrant and supported the creation of a veterans council. The board also approved a one-day liquor license and a contract for the dog park. Additionally, the board supported updates to the Wetland Bylaw and Regulations regarding Tree Replacement Performance Standards.

• Approved Oct. 18, 2022 draft minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved one-day beer and wine license for Karen Franz for Nov. 4 (Unanimous)
• Approved support for establishment of a veterans council (Unanimous)
• Approved support for Conservation Commission updates to Wetland Bylaw and Regulations Tree Replacement Performance Standards (Unanimous)
• Approved Special Town Meeting warrant (Unanimous)
• Accepted dog park contract as written (Unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Commission issued an enforcement order to the owner of 5 Ethan Circle for filling stormwater management basins. It also approved a mitigation planting plan for 513 Newton Street and continued a public hearing for 80 River Road.

• Continued public hearing for 80 River Road walkway and dock to Nov 16, 2022 (5-0)
• Approved mitigation planting plan for enforcement action at 513 Newton Street (5-0)
• Issued Enforcement Order to 5 Ethan Circle for filling detention and infiltration basins (5-0)
• Approved October 5 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved October 19 meeting minutes (3-0, 2 abstentions)

Bike/Walk Committee

The South Hadley Bike-Walk Committee will approve October meeting minutes, review upcoming treks including a November 22 event and a February 26 Ledges Golf Course walk, and discuss a brochure and the Lithia Springs/Robert Frost trail. New business includes a presentation from Renee Sweeny of MPIC and a Board and Committee Handbook discussion.

• November 6: Leaping Well trek
• February 26: Ledges Golf Course trek
• April 22: Bynan (Earth Day) trek
• Brochure Discussion
• Renee Sweeny - MPIC (new business)

The committee approved the minutes from the October 11, 2022 meeting. Members discussed the schedule for upcoming community treks through April 2023 and coordinated with the Master Plan Implementation Committee on reporting and member handbooks.

• Approved October 11, 2022 minutes (unanimous)

Cultural Council

The Council approved the September 19 minutes and the Treasurer's report. Members revised the grant evaluation rubric to specify priority groups and established a funding strategy for the 2023 cycle. Several grantees were permitted to postpone their events to 2023.

• Approved September 19 meeting minutes
• Approved Treasurer's report showing balance of $5,325.40 as of September 30, 2022
• Revised grant rubric to specify BIPOC, seniors, and independent artists under communities affected by Covid-19
• Agreed to start 2023 grant funding at 50 percent of budgeted amounts
• Approved event postponements to 2023 for Musical the Musical and All Together Drumming

Housing Authority

The South Hadley Housing Authority will hold a special meeting to discuss routine administrative items including approval of minutes, an executive director report, and approval of bills. New business includes a treasurer's report, a budget revision, an AUP plan, and holiday meals. The agenda is largely procedural with no major policy decisions or financial commitments specified.

• Approval of bills from 9/14/2022 to 10/25/2022
• Budget revision discussion
• AUP Plan (likely Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy)
• Holiday meals planning

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors approved monthly abatement reports for August and September and authorized two bills for payment. The board also reviewed updates regarding the Fall Town Meeting date and the Associate Assessor's performance goals.

• Approved minutes from August 29, 2022 (3-0)
• Approved bills for e CAI ($587.50) and Melissa Couture Rimbold ($100.00) (3-0)
• Approved August abatement reports for motor vehicle and boat excise (2-0)
• Approved September abatement reports for motor vehicle and boat excise (3-0)

Housing Authority

The Board of Commissioners will meet to review the Executive Director's report and approve bills from September 14 to October 18, 2022. The agenda includes discussions regarding a budget revision, an AUP plan, and holiday meals.

• Approval of bills from 9/14/2022-10/18/2022
• Budget Revision discussion
• AUP Plan discussion
• Holiday Meals discussion

Bike/Walk Committee

The committee is reviewing scheduled trek dates for the upcoming months and discussing a brochure. New business includes discussions regarding crosswalk lights at Route 202 and Route 116, e-bike legislation, and a report from the Conservation Commission.

• Upcoming treks: River to Range (Oct 16) and Leaping Well (Nov 6)
• Cross walk lights at Rt 202 and Rt 116
• E-Bike Legislation discussion

Housing Authority

The South Hadley Housing Authority is holding a public hearing to review its Proposed Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2023. This plan outlines operations and goals for state-aided public housing.

• Proposed 5-year Capital Improvement Plan
• Proposed Maintenance and Repair Plan
• Current Operating Budget
• Responses to Performance Management Review (PMR) findings
• List of waivers from Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) regulations

Bike/Walk Committee

The Bike-Walk Committee is meeting to review minutes and discuss a brochure. The body is also tracking a series of scheduled treks.

• Trek on Sept 10: COA
• Trek on October 16: River to Range
• Trek on November 6: Leaping Well
• Brochure discussion

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing regarding a petition by Tunde Gyorgy. The petitioner is appealing a decision by the Building Commissioner to cease and desist operating one unit as a short term rental or bed and breakfast at a three-family dwelling.

• Public hearing for 14 Hadley Street (Assessor’s Map 49 Parcel 64)
• Appeal of Building Commissioner cease and desist order for short term rental/bed and breakfast use

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a hearing and issue a decision on a petition from Tunde Gyorgy. The petition appeals a Building Commissioner's order to stop operating one unit of a three-family dwelling as a short-term rental or bed and breakfast.

• Hearing and decision on short-term rental appeal for 14 Hadley Street (Map 49 Parcel 64)

Bike/Walk Committee

The committee is meeting to review the status of the Master Plan and organize community seating. Members will also coordinate a schedule of treks for September, October, and November.

• Trek on Sept 10: COA
• Trek on October 16: River to Range
• Trek on November 6: Leaping Well
• Master Plan status update
• Mass Trails Conference

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider a new policy regarding administrative appeals. The board is discussing whether to allow applicants to waive the requirement for a stamped plan.

• Introduction of new associate member Robert Watchilla
• Discussion and potential approval of a policy waiving the 'stamped plan' requirement for administrative appeals

Bike/Walk Committee

The Bike-Walk Committee will meet to review the status of the Master Plan and discuss community seating. The body will also address ongoing items regarding Treks and Get Ready to Ride.

• Master Plan status update
• Community seating discussion
• Treks
• Get Ready to Ride

Housing Authority

The Board of Commissioners will meet to review reports and approve bills. The agenda includes discussions on an ARPA award, union negotiations, and a Non-Hostile Environment Policy.

• ARPA Award
• Union negotiations
• Non-Hostile Environment Policy
• 275064 Bonding
• Approval of bills from 4/5/2022-6/23/2021

Democratic Town Committee

The South Hadley Democratic Town Committee is holding a virtual caucus to identify three Democratic candidates. These names will be submitted to the Selectboard for consideration in filling vacancies on the Board of Registrars.

• Election of three candidates for the Board of Registrars

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will meet to elect a Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk. The board will also consider a minor change to the Application for Administrative Appeal.

• Election of officers (Chair, Vice Chair, Clerk)
• Proposed minor change to Application for Administrative Appeal

Bike/Walk Committee

The committee will review previous minutes and discuss several ongoing projects. Discussion topics include Google Maps trail heads, the Get Ready to Ride event at Buttery Brook, and a Master Plan discussion with Renee Sweeney.

• Get Ready to Ride event on May 15 at Buttery Brook
• Master Plan Discussion with Renee Sweeney
• Google Maps – Trail Heads discussion
• Walk Mass Challenge discussion
• Committee Organization Discussion

GRO South Hadley

The GRO Board is meeting to coordinate garden activities and scheduling for the new season. The board will also discuss policies regarding financial constraints for residents.

• General garden ideas and seasonal tasks
• Scheduling of board meetings, gardener meetings, and work days
• Policies regarding resident financial constraints
• Volunteer hour requirements
• Voting date and process via Zoom

Bike/Walk Committee

The committee will review previous minutes and discuss several ongoing projects. Discussion topics include a proposed path grant application and the upcoming Bike Month event.

• Andrew Neil – Proposed Path: Grant application discussion
• Bike Clinic/Rodeo on May 15 at Buttery Brook
• Master Plan Discussion

Fire District 2

Voters will elect a Moderator, a Prudential Committee person, and a Water Commissioner on April 12, 2022. The election takes place at the South Hadley High School cafeteria.

• Election of one Moderator (one-year term)
• Election of one Prudential Committee person (three-year term)
• Election of one Water Commissioner (three-year term)

Fire District 2

The South Hadley Fire District 2 held an election on April 12, 2022. The document provides the final vote tallies for the Moderator, Prudential Committee, and Water Commissioner positions.

• Moderator election: Carlene Hamlin received 19 votes
• Prudential Committee election: Kenneth C. LeBlanc received 120 votes
• Water Commissioner election: Katharine M. Bedard received 132 votes

Housing Authority

The Board of Commissioners will meet to review monthly reports and approve bills. The agenda includes discussions on landscaping and paving quotes, as well as updates on specific projects.

• Approval of bills from 3/2/2022 to 4/5/2022
• Review of landscaping quotes
• Discussion of paving
• Update on Project #275069-NM Bathroom
• Update on Project 275064

Fire District 2

The Prudential Committee will review warrants and approve minutes from March 15, 2022. Discussion items include budget planning, the Annual District Meeting, and a Prudential Committee vacancy.

• Review of warrants
• Approval of March 15, 2022 minutes
• Fire Chief & Ambulance Report
• On-Call FF/EMT and Poll Worker Disclosure Forms
• Treasurer's old laptop declaration

Fire District 2

The Water Commissioners will meet to conduct a budget discussion and address other business. The meeting includes a determination of the next meeting date.

• Budget Discussion

Bike/Walk Committee

The committee is reviewing old business including a grant application for a proposed path by Andrew Neil and the FY23 Budget. New business includes a discussion of ideas for National Bike Month in May.

• Andrew Neil – Proposed Path: Grant application
• FY23 Budget
• National Bike Month discussion

Fire District 2

The Water Commissioners will meet to review previous minutes, financial warrants, and overdue bills. The agenda includes discussions regarding COVID-19, the Water Supply Protection District, Elmer Brook, and a preliminary budget.

• Approval of February 3, 2022 minutes
• Review of warrants, balances, charts, and overdue bills
• Preliminary Budget Discussion
• Water Supply Protection District discussion
• Elmer Brook discussion

Democratic Town Committee

The South Hadley Registered Democrats will hold a virtual caucus on March 2, 2022, to elect delegates for the 2022 Massachusetts Democratic Convention. The body is electing 10 delegates and four alternates to participate in the state convention held at the DCU Center.

• Election of 10 delegates and four alternates
• Virtual caucus scheduled for March 2, 2022, at 6:30 p.m.
• State convention scheduled for June 4, 2022, at the DCU Center in Worcester

Housing Authority

The Board of Commissioners will review monthly reports and approve bills. The meeting includes discussions on the Executive Director contract and specific project updates.

• Vote to accept bid for Project #275069
• Change order for Project #275066
• Certificate of Completion for Project #275058
• Executive Director Contract
• Approval of bills from 1/27/2022 to 3/1/2022

Fire District 2

The Water Commissioners will meet to discuss payroll and salary matters. A vote may be taken regarding these topics during the meeting.

• Payroll/Salary discussion

Fire District 2

The South Hadley Fire District No. 2 Prudential Committee will meet to review warrants and approve previous minutes. The committee is scheduled to discuss the budget and an application for Town ARPA funds.

• Application for Town ARPA funds
• Budget discussion
• Review of warrants
• Approval of February 8, 2022 minutes

Bike/Walk Committee

The South Hadley Bike-Walk Committee is meeting to discuss a budget request for the 2023 fiscal year and a grant application for a proposed path. The committee will also review the town report and plan upcoming treks.

• FY23 Budget Request for Bike-Walk Committee ($1,000)
• Grant application for a proposed path by Andrew Neil
• Town Report covering July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021
• Google Maps trail heads

Fire District 2

The Prudential Committee is meeting to review warrants and approve minutes. The body will discuss the budget and designate the date and location for the SHFD2 election.

• Designation of SHFD2 election for April 12, 2022, at South Hadley High School
• Approval of Elmer Brook Committee members
• Budget discussion
• Review of warrants

Fire District 2

The Water Commissioners will meet to discuss the preliminary budget and water supply protection. The meeting includes reviews of warrants, balances, and overdue bills.

• Preliminary budget discussion
• Water Supply Protection District
• Elmer Brook
• Review of warrants, balances, and overdue bills

Housing Authority

The Board of Commissioners will review the Executive Director and Maintenance reports. The meeting includes a budget discussion with CPA Gary DePace and updates on specific housing projects.

• Budget discussion with CPA Gary DePace
• Project #275069 Reasonable Accommodation
• Newton Street Property
• Project #275066 LV Bathrooms

Fire District 2

The Water Commissioners of Fire District No. 2 will meet via remote access to discuss the 2022/2023 budget. The meeting also includes time for other business.

• 2022/2023 Budget Discussion

Bike/Walk Committee

The committee is meeting to review previous minutes and discuss ongoing business regarding trail heads and a grant application for a proposed path. The body is also planning upcoming treks for February, March, and April.

• Review of MHC Trek
• Google Maps trail heads
• Grant application for proposed path via MassTrails
• Planning of February Ledges trek
• Ethics training requirement due April 1

Fire District 2

The Water Commissioners and Prudential Committee are meeting to review warrants and the budget. The agenda includes discussions on water access and bridge proposals.

• Elmer Brook Lithia Springs Access Proposal
• Bridge Proposal Concept
• Budget discussion
• Treasurer OPEB Bond
• Fire Chief & Ambulance Report

Fire District 2

The Prudential Committee will review warrants and reports from the Fire Chief and Ambulance service. The body will discuss the budget and a proposal for bridge access at Elmer Brook Lithia Springs.

• Elmer Brook Lithia Springs Access Proposal Bridge Proposal Concept
• Budget discussion
• Treasurer OPEB Bond
• Review of warrants
• Fire Chief & Ambulance Report

Fire District 2

The Water Commissioners of Fire District No. 2 will meet to discuss the preliminary budget and employee matters. The commission will also review warrants, balances, and the status of Elmer Brook.

• Preliminary budget discussion
• Elmer Brook
• Employee discussions
• Review of warrants, balances, and overdue bills