South Hadley public meetings in 2025

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a virtual public hearing to consider a Site Plan Review application. The applicant, Jennifer Caisse, proposes to construct a detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) at 373 Granby Road.

• Site Plan Review for detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) at 373 Granby Road

The South Hadley Planning Board voted to issue Site Plan Approval for a detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on 373 Granby Road. The motion was approved unanimously by all five board members (5-0). The board also voted unanimously to close the public hearing.

• Approved Site Plan for detached ADU at 373 Granby Road (5-0)
• Approved motion to close the public hearing (5-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings regarding three residential projects. These include a request for an accessory dwelling unit and two larger multi-unit developments.

• Site Plan Review for a detached Accessory Dwelling Unit at 373 Granby Road
• Special Permit and Stormwater Management for 6 duplexes and 2 single-family homes at 136 East Street
• Site Plan Review and Stormwater Management for a 7 duplex (14 unit) townhouse community at 506 Granby Road

The board approved the meeting minutes unanimously. It found the 136 East Street project met special‑permit and stormwater standards, and approved a partial sidewalk waiver, a road‑width waiver, and closed the public hearing. All motions passed with a 5‑0 vote.

• Approved meeting minutes (5-5)
• Continued public hearing for 506 Granby Road to Jan 26 (4-0)
• Found 136 East Street project satisfied Special Permit standards (5-5)
• Found 136 East Street project satisfied Stormwater Management standards (5-5)
• Issued partial waiver from sidewalk requirements for 136 East Street (5-5)
• Issued waiver from roadway width requirements for 136 East Street (5-5)
• Closed public hearing for 136 East Street (5-5)
• Adjourned meeting (5-5)

Historical District Study Committee

The Attorney General approved the Local Historic District bylaw. The committee voted unanimously (5-0) to approve the current signage plan. The committee also voted unanimously (5-0) to adjourn the meeting at 11:23 am.

• Attorney General approved Local Historic District bylaw
• Approved current signage plan (unanimous 5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 11:23 am (unanimous 5-0)

Redevelopment Authority

The Redevelopment Authority unanimously approved an edit to the November 18, 2025 minutes to list attendees. The board extended the submission deadline for the Falls Digest and set the next issue date for February 1, 2026. Other agenda items were discussed but no further actions were voted on.

• Approved edited minutes of 11/18/2025 (unanimous)
• Extended Falls Digest submission deadline; next issue set for Feb 1 2026

Planning and Conservation Department

The Planning and Conservation Department’s Advisory Committee will meet to consider proposed changes to South Hadley's Agricultural Uses Bylaw. The agenda includes a background presentation, a review of the draft amendments, and a discussion of next steps and timeline. No final decisions are indicated; the committee will discuss and plan further actions.

• Welcome and introductions of advisory committee members
• Background presentation on the proposed bylaw changes
• Review of draft Agricultural Uses Bylaw amendments
• Discussion of next steps and timeline for the amendments
• Other business

Public Schools

The South Hadley School Committee will hold an executive session to discuss its strategy regarding ongoing litigation. The discussion is authorized under M.G.L. c. 30A, section 21(a)(3) because an open meeting could be detrimental to the litigating position. No specific actions or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Executive session to discuss litigation strategy (potential Demand Letter) under M.G.L. c. 30A, sec. 21(a)(3)

Public Schools

The committee unanimously approved three warrants totaling $1,457,710.18 for payroll and other costs. It also accepted the Class of 1991 furniture donation and a $1,537.71 PTO picture‑fundraiser deposit. Updates to four policies—including student fundraising, parent relations, and Title IX procedures—were adopted without opposition.

• Approved Warrant #2026-133 for $35,824.42 (5‑0)
• Approved Warrant #2026-140 for $553,718.51 (5‑0)
• Approved biweekly payroll warrant for $868,167.25 (5‑0)
• Accepted Class of 1991 donation for furniture (5‑0)
• Accepted PTO picture‑fundraiser deposit of $1,537.71 (5‑0)
• Adopted updated Student Fund‑Raising policy JJE (5‑0)
• Adopted updated Relations with Parents Organization policy KBE (5‑0)
• Adopted updates to Title IX policies AC, AC‑R, ACA, ACAB (5‑0)

Conservation Commission

The South Hadley Conservation Commission will discuss an open public forum, approve the December 3 meeting minutes, and consider several requests for determination, including a garage at 35 Easy St, removal of eight mature oaks at 12 Upper River Rd, and boundary verification at New Ludlow Rd. The commission will also review a Notice of Intent for a 14‑unit condominium at 136 East St located within a buffer zone to vegetated wetlands and an intermittent stream, followed by the administrator’s report and any other new business.

• Request for determination for a 20’ × 24’ garage at 35 Easy St in the Riverfront Area
• Request for determination to remove eight mature oaks and provide mitigation plantings at 12 Upper River Rd, Riverfront Area
• Request for determination to verify resource‑area boundaries at New Ludlow Rd behind 785 New Ludlow Rd
• Notice of Intent for a 14‑unit condominium development at 136 East St, within a buffer zone to vegetated wetlands and an intermittent stream
• Approval of meeting minutes from December 3

The commission approved the December 3 meeting minutes (4‑0). It issued Positive Determinations for a garage at 35 Easy St with four mitigation plantings and for tree removal at 12 Upper River Rd (both 4‑0). It accepted the withdrawal of the New Ludlow Rd resource‑area filing (4‑0) and adopted an Order of Conditions for the 14‑unit condominium at 136 East St (4‑0). The meeting was adjourned (4‑0).

• Approved December 3 minutes (4-0)
• Issued Positive Determination for garage at 35 Easy St with four mitigation plantings (4-0)
• Issued Positive Determination for tree removal at 12 Upper River Rd (4-0)
• Accepted withdrawal of New Ludlow Rd resource‑area filing (4-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for 14‑unit condominium at 136 East St (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Elementary School Project Building Committee

The South Hadley Elementary School Building Project Committee will hold a remote meeting on Dec 17, 2025. The agenda includes a vote on the project update (Item 4) and review of subcommittee reports on the budget invoice process and communications. The committee will also consider approval of minutes from three prior meetings and set dates for future meetings.

• Vote on Project Update (Item 4)
• Invoice Subcommittee review of budget, including approval of invoices up to $75,000 (Item 5a)
• Communication Subcommittee update (Item 5b)
• Approval of minutes for 11/12/25, 12/03/25, and 12/10/25 (Item 3)
• Scheduling of next remote meetings for Jan 14 2026, Jan 28 2026, Feb 11 2026, Feb 26 2026 (Item 6)

The committee approved the minutes from the November 12, December 3, and December 10, 2025 meetings unanimously. It then voted unanimously to authorize Skanska to submit the Preliminary Design Program to the Massachusetts School Building Authority. The proposal for animated videos by Kartoon EDU was tabled pending further review of samples and demographic data.

• Approved minutes from Nov 12, Dec 3, Dec 10 2025 (unanimous)
• Authorized Skanska to submit Preliminary Design Program to MSBA (unanimous)
• Tabled communications video proposal pending review
• Adjusted Invoice Subcommittee meeting time to 12:00 PM
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Selectboard

The South Hadley Selectboard will discuss a Class 2 used‑car dealership license for 180 Willimansett. They will also review annual license renewals, a post‑closure contract with Tighe & Bond, municipal health‑insurance options, affordable‑housing updates, and a Budget Task Force listening session.

• 180 Willimansett Class 2 Used Car License
• Annual License Renewals
• Tighe & Bond post‑closure contract
• Municipal Health Insurance
• Affordable Housing Updates

The board approved the draft minutes from Dec. 2, 2025 and a Class 2 used‑car license for Diamond Tools & Equipment Inc. at 180 Willimansett Street. It also approved the 2026 municipal license renewals and authorized the Town Administrator to sign a contract with Tighe & Bond for landfill post‑closure services. No other actions were decided at this meeting.

• Approved draft minutes of Dec. 2, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved Class 2 used‑car license for Diamond Tools & Equipment Inc. at 180 Willimansett St. (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 municipal license renewals (unanimous)
• Approved contract with Tighe & Bond for landfill post‑closure services; authorized Town Administrator to sign (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet virtually to approve additional personal exemption applications for Fiscal 2026. The board will also discuss its meeting schedule.

• Approval of Fiscal 2026 additional personal exemption applications
• Discussion of meeting schedule

The Board accepted the minutes from the December 8, 2025 meeting by a 3‑0 vote. It then approved seven additional fiscal 2026 exemption applications, amounting to $2,783.86, also by a 3‑0 vote. The next meeting was set for January 26, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous 3‑0 vote.

• Accepted December 8, 2025 minutes (3-0)
• Approved 7 FY2026 exemption applications totaling $2,783.86 (3-0)
• Scheduled next meeting for Jan 26, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Tree Committee

The Tree Committee will meet to review hazard tree and Tree Warden reports. The committee is also discussing planning for Arbor Day on April 28, 2026.

• Arbor Day 2026 planning for April 28, 2026
• Hazard Tree Reporting
• Tree Warden Report

The committee unanimously approved the meeting minutes with clarifications. It set Arbor Day 2026 for April 28 and assigned tasks to investigate two hazard trees on Upper River, to determine the invitee list for the event, and to add the event to the town calendar. Rebekah will also contact Dan about Channel 15 coverage.

• Minutes approved with clarifications (unanimous)
• Arbor Day 2026 scheduled for April 28, 2026
• Rebekah assigned to investigate two hazard trees on Upper River
• Pat assigned to investigate invitee list for Arbor Day
• Rebekah assigned to contact Dan about Channel 15 and add event to Town Calendar

Housing Authority

The Board of Commissioners will meet to review the 2026 budget. The board will also consider the approval of bills and tenant write-offs.

• CPA-2026 Budget Review
• Approval of bills for 11/13/2025-12/16/2025
• Vacated Tenant Write-offs

Housing Authority

The South Hadley Housing Authority Board will consider and vote on the acceptance of the November 12, 2025 meeting minutes. It will hear the Executive Director’s December report, approve bills covering the period 11/13/2025‑12/16/2025, and review the CPA‑2026 budget. The Treasurer will present a report on vacated‑tenant write‑offs, and unfinished business will be addressed.

• Acceptance of minutes from the November 12, 2025 meeting
• Executive Director’s December report
• Approval of bills for 11/13/2025‑12/16/2025
• CPA‑2026 budget review
• Treasurer’s report on vacated tenant write‑offs

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council will meet to finalize grant decisions for fiscal year 2026. The body will also discuss the 2026 meeting schedule and the use of the Trustees Room.

• Finalization of FY 2026 local cultural council grant decisions
• Review of 2026 Trustees Room use and meeting schedule

The council approved the minutes from the December 1 meeting. Council members assigned follow‑up actions: Dien will contact Joe Rodio to extend the Trustees room meeting duration to 1.5 hours, and Gerry will enter the final grant decisions into the grant portal. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes from 12/1 meeting
• Dien will contact Joe Rodio to extend Trustees room meeting duration to 1.5 hours
• Gerry will enter final grant decisions in the grant portal

Fire District 1

The Fire District 1 Board of Water Commissioners will meet to sign warrants, approve minutes, and discuss a water warrant presentation, a step raise for Leslie Baran, an Alvord Street tank update, and a cybersecurity grant update.

• Signing of warrants and monthly analysis
• Approval of minutes from October 20, 2025
• Water warrant presentation, discussion, and possible vote
• Step raise for Leslie Baran
• Alvord St. Tank update

Elementary School Project Building Committee

The South Hadley Elementary School Building Project Committee will review meeting minutes, discuss community outreach materials, and set a bi-weekly meeting schedule. The meeting is a virtual session.

• Review of meeting minutes
• Discussion of community outreach materials
• Approval of meeting schedule
• Public comment period
• Review of community meeting recap

Elementary School Project Building Committee

The Elementary School Building Subcommittee will review and consider approval of invoices related to the school construction project. Members discussed forming a group authorized to approve invoices up to $75,000, with Skanska providing a cost‑tracking mechanism. The agenda also includes a budget‑tracking overview and a schedule for future monthly meetings.

• Invoice Review for Approval (agenda item 3)
• Budget Tracking Overview (agenda item 2) – link provided
• Proposal to create a group to approve invoices up to $75,000
• Skanska to develop a tracking mechanism for all costs
• Monthly meeting schedule on the 15th (or next business day if weekend/holiday) for 24 months

The committee reviewed Skanska invoice #8 and Mount Vernon Group invoice #4. Both invoices were approved unanimously. The invoices were billed to the “Other” line item, which now shows $740 of a $519,465 allocation.

• Approved Skanska invoice #8 (unanimous)
• Approved Mount Vernon Group invoice #4 (unanimous)

Budget Task Force

The Budget Task Force will discuss project updates regarding education, history, and data. The meeting includes a review of the Stoneham Override report and MMA Fiscal Report, as well as school budget scenarios and community engagement efforts.

• Review of Stoneham Override report
• Review of MMA Fiscal Report
• Discussion of school budget scenarios
• Review of community meetings and survey

Sustainability & Energy Commission

The South Hadley Sustainability & Energy Commission will hold a Zoom meeting to discuss updates to the sustainability sections of the town’s Master Plan. Topics include potential Green School Works funding, broad energy‑efficiency goals, possible educational events, website updates, and a book club. No formal decisions are indicated; the agenda items are for discussion.

• Update SEC sections of Master Plan
• Green School Works Funding
• Big picture goals
• Possible educational events
• Updating website – what you can do list and federal incentives

Sustainability & Energy Commission

The South Hadley Sustainability & Energy Commission will hold a Zoom meeting on Dec 15, 2025. Commissioners will approve minutes, hear public comments, and receive updates from the prior meeting. New business includes updating the SEC sections of the town Master Plan, reviewing Green School Works funding, considering a more direct role in town sustainability issues, discussing the climate action plan, and reviewing the SHELD Vision 2050. The meeting will conclude with scheduling the next session.

• Update SEC sections of the Master Plan
• Green School Works Funding
• More direct role in town sustainability issues
• Climate action plan
• SHELD Vision 2050

Fire District 2

The South Hadley Fire District No. 2 Prudential Committee will consider and vote on review warrants and the November 13, 2025 meeting minutes. The committee will also hear the Fire Chief and Ambulance Report and discuss items such as an engineering study, HVAC updates, health‑insurance matters, and B. Miller's retirement.

• Review of warrants (votes may be taken)
• Approval of November 13, 2025 minutes (votes may be taken)
• Fire Chief & Ambulance Report (votes may be taken)
• Discussion of engineering study, HVAC, and health‑insurance issues
• Discussion of B. Miller retirement

Fire District 2

The South Hadley Fire District No. 2 Water Commissioners will approve the previous meeting minutes and review financial warrants, balances, charts, and overdue bills. They will discuss the retirement of B. Miller and K. LaBlanc, consider matters related to the Park Street Tank Road, and address a leak on Amherst Road. Additional items include a project update and other business before adjourning.

• Approval of Minutes
• Warrants, Balances, Charts, Overdue Bills
• Retirement discussion for B. Miller and K. LaBlanc
• Park Street Tank Road
• Leak on Amherst Road

Electric Light Department

The Board of Commissioners will review the 2026 budget and September 2025 financials. The meeting includes a vote on a spatial needs assessment and a non-binding resolution for a new building.

• 2026 Budget review
• Vote on Spatial Needs Assessment
• Non-binding resolution for a new building
• Update to DG (Formerly PV) Metering and Interconnection Policies
• Executive session regarding real property, IBEW 455 collective bargaining, and fiber projects

Human Rights Commission

The South Hadley Human Rights Commission will consider approving the draft minutes from its October 22, 2025 meeting. It will receive an update from the event sub‑committee and discuss the commission’s charge and role, including the MPIC list. The commission will also review a draft awareness‑programming calendar. Public comment will be accepted and the meeting will be recorded.

• Approve draft minutes from 10/22/25 meeting
• Event sub‑committee update
• Discussion of commission charge and role (incl. MPIC list)
• Review draft awareness‑programming calendar
• Public comment period (self‑identify with name and address)

The commission convened, heard public comments, reviewed updates, discussed new and old business items, and adjourned. No approvals, denials, or votes were documented in the minutes.

Elementary School Project Building Committee

The South Hadley Elementary School Building Project Committee will accept public comments, approve minutes from 11/12/25 and 12/03/2025, and discuss the project update including the draft PDP submission. Members will review the projected total project cost range of $80,000,000 to $120,000,000 and consider upcoming votes and timeline milestones. The meeting also sets dates for the next public outreach and remote vote sessions.

• Review of draft Project Development Package (PDP) submission, due Dec 18 2025 (deadline Feb 23 2026)
• Projected total project cost range of $80,000,000 to $120,000,000
• Invoice Subcommittee proposal to approve invoices up to $75,000
• Upcoming vote on preferred solution scheduled for Dec 2026; special town vote set for Sept 2027
• Next meeting dates: public outreach Dec 11, vote Dec 17 (fully remote, 30 minutes), and remote meetings Jan 14 & Feb 11 2026

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to review the Director's report and address several items of old business. The meeting includes discussions on specific substance and environmental regulations.

• Kratom Regulation
• Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides
• Noisome Trade Regulation
• Regulation of the Restriction of the Sale of Nitrous Oxide
• PFAS Articles

Board of Assessors

The South Hadley Board of Assessors will review several fiscal items for the upcoming year, including a tax rate update and the status of tax billing. It will vote on the November monthly abatement reports and decide on the personal exemption for Fiscal 2026. The board will also discuss the departmental budget for Fiscal 2027 and set future meeting dates.

• Fiscal 2026 tax rate recapitulation update
• Approve November monthly abatement reports
• Fiscal 2026 tax billing status
• Fiscal 2026 personal exemption approval
• Fiscal 2027 departmental budget

The Board accepted the November 24 minutes and approved the November abatement reports. It voted 3‑0 to approve fiscal 2026 exemption applications (216 applications, $154,314.26). The Board also concurred with the FY 2027 budget, set the next meeting for Jan 26 2026, and approved additional office support staffing.

• Accepted November 24 minutes (3-0)
• Approved November abatement reports (3-0)
• Approved FY 2026 exemption applications: 216 apps totaling $154,314.26 (3-0)
• Board concurred with FY 2027 budget as presented
• Scheduled next meeting for Jan 26, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom
• Approved additional office support staffing (2 days/week, 4 hrs/day)
• Noted nomination papers now available at Town Clerk's office
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Planning Board

The South Hadley Planning Board will continue a public hearing for two accessory dwelling units on Ludlow Road and discuss revisions to sign and subdivision bylaws. The meeting will be held at the Senior Center and streamed live.

• Public Hearing: Site Plan Review for two ADUs at 0 & 27 Ludlow Road
• Discussion: Sign Bylaw Revisions
• Discussion: Subdivision Regulation Amendments
• Discussion: Skinnerwoods Flexible Development Special Permit modification
• Discussion: Authorizing Director of Planning & Conservation to sign decisions virtually

The Planning Board approved the existing location and orientation of the Skinner Woods development entrance median and approved relocation of required plantings, each by a 3‑0 vote. The Board also approved the Site Plan for two detached accessory dwelling units at 0 & 27 Ludlow Road with special conditions, also by a 3‑0 vote. No action was taken on authorizing the Director to sign permits during virtual winter meetings. The meeting was adjourned by a 3‑0 vote.

• Approved Skinner Woods entrance median location and orientation (3-0)
• Approved relocation of required plantings at Skinner Woods median (3-0)
• Approved Site Plan for two ADUs at 0 & 27 Ludlow Road with conditions (3-0)
• No action on authorizing Director to sign permits during virtual winter meetings
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Affordable Housing Trust

The Affordable Housing Trust will meet to review its bylaws, strategic plan, and budget. The body will also discuss the current status of affordable housing in South Hadley and a potential application for a technical assistance program.

• Election of Trust Officers
• Review of Affordable Housing Trust Bylaw
• Review of Strategic Plan and Budget
• Discussion of MHP Affordable Housing Trust Fund Intensive Technical Assistance Program application

The Affordable Housing Trust unanimously elected officers and adopted its Declaration of Trust. Members also unanimously authorized the Planning Director to apply for a technical assistance program to leverage the Trust’s seed funds. No other decisions were made.

• Elected Ken LeBlanc Chair, Naomi Darling Vice Chair, Sara Harper Treasurer, Carol Constant Clerk (unanimous)
• Adopted the Declaration of Trust prepared by JM Goldson LLC (unanimous)
• Authorized Planning Director Anne Capra to apply for MHP Affordable Housing Trust Fund Intensive Technical Assistance Program (unanimous)

Public Schools

The South Hadley School Committee will meet to approve biweekly payroll, minutes, and policy updates. The meeting will also include reports on the elementary school building project and student representatives.

• Approval of Warrants: $898,809.27
• Policy Updates: KHA, KHB, & GBEBC (Vote)
• First Reading: Policy JJE - Student Fund-Raising
• First Reading: Policy KBE - Relations with Parents Organization
• School Choice Enrollment In and Out of South Hadley Public Schools

The committee voted 4‑0 to adopt revisions to policies KHA, KHB, and GBEBC concerning public solicitations and staff gifts. It also approved a biweekly payroll warrant for $898,809.27 and the minutes from the October 16 and November 20 meetings, each by a 4‑0 vote. The public meeting was then adjourned and moved to an executive session.

• Approved biweekly payroll warrant of $898,809.27 (4‑0)
• Approved minutes from 10/16/2025 and 11/20/2025 (4‑0)
• Approved policy updates and reaffirmations for KHA, KHB, GBEBC (4‑0)
• Adjourned public meeting and entered executive session (4‑0)

Conservation Commission

The South Hadley Conservation Commission will hold an open public forum and vote on the minutes from its November 19 meeting. It will also review a Notice of Intent filed by Nicholas Moynihan of Quality Fleet Services, Inc. to remediate unpermitted fill and vegetation removal in a bordering vegetated wetland at 550 New Ludlow Rd. The meeting includes an administrator’s report on ongoing projects, violations, and upcoming dates, followed by any other new business.

• Open public forum discussion
• Approval of meeting minutes – November 19
• Consider Notice of Intent for restoration at 550 New Ludlow Rd (wetland remediation)
• Administrator’s report on projects, violations, and next meeting dates
• Other new business

The commission approved the November 19 meeting minutes unanimously (5‑0). It adopted an Order of Conditions for DEP File #288-0503, granting a waiver for work in the 50‑foot conservation zone and requiring a pre‑construction meeting and an updated construction phasing plan. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously (5‑0).

• Approved November 19 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for DEP File #288-0503 with waiver for 50’ conservation zone (5-0)
• Required a pre‑construction meeting for the wetland restoration project (5-0)
• Required submission of an updated construction phasing plan before work begins (5-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (5-0)

Elementary School Project Building Committee

The South Hadley Elementary School Building Project Committee will receive an overview of design options and associated cost estimates for the project, which may range from $80,000,000 to $120,000,000. The meeting includes approval of minutes from 11/12/2025, updates from subcommittees, and setting dates for upcoming sessions, including a remote vote on December 17. No final decisions on design or budget are scheduled; items are for discussion and scheduling.

• Review of design options with cost estimates ($80M‑$120M)
• Approval of minutes from 11/12/2025
• Invoice Subcommittee budget review update
• Scheduling next meetings: Dec 10 draft PDP, Dec 11 public outreach, Dec 17 remote vote
• Open public comment period

The South Hadley Elementary School Building Project Committee set dates for upcoming meetings, approved a project insert for the next tax‑bill mailing and outreach for the Dec 11 community session, and unanimously moved to adjourn the meeting. No design alternatives were voted on.

• Adjourned meeting unanimously (motion passed)
• Scheduled next meetings: Dec 10, 2025 (in‑person); Dec 17, 2025 (virtual vote); Jan 14, 2026 (virtual); Feb 11, 2026 (virtual); additional meetings to be planned
• Invoice Subcommittee to review budget on Dec 15 and Jan 15 (estimated dates)
• Communication Subcommittee will include a project insert in the next tax‑bill mailing
• Community session on Dec 11 will be advertised via The Reminder, Facebook, press release, and stakeholder outreach

Selectboard

The Selectboard will hold a FY 2026 tax classification hearing. They will also consider one‑day beer and wine license requests for Chapin Auditorium and Gaylord, and discuss proposed fee changes for Buttery Brook Park. A Certificate of Vote for Ethan Circle will be presented, and the board will approve minutes from the November 18 meeting.

• One‑day beer & wine license request from Mike McKenna for 12/20 at Chapin Auditorium
• One‑day beer & wine license requests from Kathleen Van Winkle for 12/12 and 1/9 at Gaylord
• FY 2026 tax classification hearing at 7:05 p.m.
• Proposed fee schedule for Buttery Brook Park
• Certificate of Vote for Ethan Circle

The board unanimously adopted a factor of one for all property classes for FY26 tax classification. It also voted unanimously to acquire the Ethan Circle parcel by eminent domain as authorized by the November 5, 2025 Special Town Meeting. The board approved the meeting minutes, consent agenda (including one‑day beer and wine licenses), and accepted two council resignations. Discussion of extending Buttery Brook Park fees was tabled for a future meeting.

• Approved draft minutes of Nov. 18, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda, including one‑day beer & wine licenses (unanimous)
• Adopted FY26 tax classification factor of one for all property classes (unanimous)
• Adopted eminent‑domain acquisition of Ethan Circle parcel (unanimous)
• Tabled further discussion of Buttery Brook Park fees (postponed)
• Accepted resignation of Ann‑Marie Mahnken from Cultural Council (unanimous)
• Accepted resignation of Gerald Judge from Historical Commission (unanimous)

Fire District 1

The South Hadley Fire District 1 will conduct a public hearing to consider tax rate options available under property tax classification regulations. After the hearing, the Prudential Committee will vote on the district's tax rate classification. The meeting is scheduled for Dec. 2, 2025, at 7:05 p.m. at the South Hadley Senior Center, 45 Dayton Street. A note states that not all listed topics may be discussed.

• Public hearing on tax rate options for the fire district
• Prudential Committee vote on the district tax rate classification
• Call to order
• Motion to adjourn

Fire District 1

The Prudential Committee will meet to review financial reports and discuss the FY27 budget. The board will also consider the approval of a Special Meeting Warrant.

• Vote on acceptance of Ambulance Adjustments
• Vote on acceptance of Chief’s Report
• Vote on acceptance of Treasurer’s Report
• Approval of Special Meeting Warrant
• FY27 Budget Discussion

Capital Planning Committee

The South Hadley Capital Planning Committee meeting will open with a call to order, approve any pending minutes, receive an update on capital projects, and get a report from the Budget Task Force. No specific projects, contracts, or ordinances are detailed in the agenda.

• Call to order
• Approval of pending minutes
• Capital projects update
• Budget Task Force update
• Adjournment

The Capital Planning Committee approved the minutes from meetings held between January 2024 and November 2025. A motion to adjourn the meeting was made, seconded, and passed unanimously. No other substantive actions were decided.

• Approved minutes from 1/4/24, 2/8/24, 3/28/24, 4/4/24, 5/6/24, 9/11/24, 10/15/24, 1/7/25, 2/4/25, 3/4/25, 4/1/25, 10/1/25, 11/4/25 (unanimous)
• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously

Fire District 2

The Prudential Committee will hold a hybrid meeting to conduct a tax classification hearing. The session is scheduled for Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 7:05 p.m. in the South Hadley Senior Center Multi-purpose Room.

• Tax Classification Hearing
• Hybrid meeting (South Hadley Senior Center and Zoom)
• Prudential Committee meeting
• Audio and/or visual recording permitted

Board of Health

The South Hadley Board of Health will vote to approve minutes from previous meetings and receive reports on public health initiatives, including a CredibleMind update and a quarterly report. The agenda also includes a nurse's report and an inspectors' report.

• Vote on minutes from 7/28/25, 9/8/25, and 11/3/25
• CredibleMind update
• Quarterly Report
• Nurse’s Report
• Inspectors’ Report

The Advisory Board unanimously approved the minutes from the July 28, September 8, and November 3 meetings. The board scheduled the next meeting for January 5, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. The board also directed JR to move the large SAD light from the Chicopee Library to the COA and obtain a smaller light for the library, and asked L. Sanders and S. Hart to connect Fiona with nursing staff to explore vaccine‑record work in schools.

• Accepted minutes from 7/28/25, 9/8/25, and 11/3/25 (unanimous)
• Set next meeting for Jan 5, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
• JR will relocate large SAD light to COA and seek smaller light for Chicopee Library
• L. Sanders and S. Hart will connect Fiona with nursing staff to assess vaccine record work in schools

Public Library

The South Hadley Public Library Board of Trustees will vote to approve the minutes from prior meetings and dispose of pending bills. Trustees will hear the director's report, including an update on the Gaylord branch. The board will also set the date for the next meeting. Additional routine items such as correspondence, public comments, and committee reports are listed.

• Approval of minutes of previous meeting(s)
• Disposition of bills
• Director's report – Gaylord branch update
• Public comments
• Set next meeting date (Monday, January 5, 2026 at 7:00 pm)

The trustees approved the minutes from the November 3 meeting. A motion was approved unanimously to pay the library’s bills when they are in order. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved minutes from the 11/3/25 meeting (approval recorded, no vote tally provided)
• Approved unanimous payment of library bills if found to be in order (unanimous)

Elementary School Project Building Committee

The Communications Subcommittee is meeting to discuss public outreach strategies for the South Hadley Elementary School Building Project. The group will review community materials and digital communication plans.

• Recap of 12/11 Mosier Tour & Community Meeting
• Discussion of tax bill inserts for outreach
• Review of display boards, pamphlets, and handouts
• Website updates and monthly analytics
• Social media and email distribution plans

Cultural Council

The South Hadley Cultural Council will meet virtually on December 1, 2025. The agenda includes approval of October meeting minutes, a treasurer's report, and a discussion of parameters for grantee award amounts. The council will deliberate on applications for the FY 2026 local cultural council grants. The meeting also allows public comment and other business.

• Approve October meeting minutes
• Treasurer’s Report
• Set parameters on amounts awarded to grantees
• Deliberate FY 2026 local cultural council grant applications
• Public comment

The Cultural Council approved the October meeting minutes and authorized the use of $500 from its local fund. It also adopted a series of follow‑up actions to finalize grant awards, including agenda items for December and January meetings, setting a mid‑December deadline for final decisions, updating application language, and submitting the approved grants to the Mass Cultural Council by January 16.

• Approved October meeting minutes (no vote recorded)
• Approved use of $500 from local funds (unanimous)
• Agreed to add agenda item for 12/16 meeting to check grant decisions (Dien)
• Agreed to add agenda item for January meeting for appeals of unfunded applications (Dien)
• Agreed Gerry will enter final grant decisions around Dec 17 after confirming no objections at Dec 16 meeting
• Agreed Gerry will send finalized grant list to all members before Dec 16 meeting
• Agreed to update application language to emphasize support letters, possibly making it required
• Agreed to submit final approved grants to Mass Cultural Council by Jan 16

Budget Task Force

The South Hadley Budget Task Force will discuss project updates covering education and history, school benchmarks, the FY27 budget timeline, projections, a forum, and a survey. The meeting will also review draft minutes from the November 17, 2025 session. Subcommittee reports on data and finance and on public outreach will be presented. No final decisions are noted in the agenda.

• Review draft minutes from Nov. 17, 2025 meeting
• Project update: education and history
• Project update: school benchmark
• Project update: FY27 budget timeline and projections
• Subcommittee reports: data and finance; public outreach

The Budget Task Force unanimously approved the minutes from the November 17, 2025 meeting. Members discussed the school department’s budget data and asked questions, but no formal actions were taken on budget items. The group agreed to release a draft community budget survey at the next community meeting. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved November 17, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted plan to release draft community budget survey at upcoming community meeting (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will review Fiscal 2026 valuation updates, approve monthly abatement reports, and discuss the Fiscal 2027 budget and meeting schedule. The agenda includes a report from the Master Plan Implementation Committee.

• Approval of Fiscal 2026 Tax Rate Recapitulation for Town, Fire District #1, and Fire District #2
• Review of Fiscal 2026 Vertical Equity report
• Discussion of Fiscal 2027 Department budget and new growth estimate
• Approval of Fiscal 2026 Tax Classification Hearing packet
• Master Plan Implementation Committee November report update

The Board of Assessors accepted the minutes from the October 27, 2025 meeting. They approved a $118.00 storage bill and the October 2025 monthly abatement reports. The board approved the Fiscal 2026 Tax Classification Hearing packet after discussion. Members set the next meeting for December 8, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. and adjourned.

• Accepted October 27, 2025 minutes (3-0)
• Approved $118.00 New England Archive storage bill (3-0)
• Approved October 2025 monthly abatement reports (3-0)
• Approved Fiscal 2026 Tax Classification Hearing packet (3-0)
• Scheduled next meeting for Dec 8, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. (consensus)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Budget Task Force

The Budget Task Force Communications Subcommittee will consider three items: public forums, a survey, and reporting. These topics are listed as new business for discussion. No decisions are recorded in the agenda.

• Public Forums
• Survey
• Reporting

Planning Board

The South Hadley Planning Board will hold public hearings on several development applications. Items include a special permit for a secondhand car dealership, site‑plan reviews for a small solar array and two accessory dwelling units, and a flexible residential development with duplexes and single‑family homes. The board will also consider a landscape‑plan modification for the Skinner Woods project and receive a departmental update.

• Special Permit for Diamond Property Management, LLC to operate a secondhand car dealership at 180 Willimansett St
• Site Plan Review for a small‑scale ground‑mounted solar photovoltaic system at 17 Stanton Ave
• Site Plan Review for two detached accessory dwelling units on lots at 0 & 27 Ludlow Road
• Special Permit and Stormwater Management for a flexible residential development (6 duplexes, 2 single‑family homes) at 136 East Street
• Request to modify the landscape plan for the Skinner Woods Flexible Development on Amherst Road

The Planning Board endorsed an ANR plan to create a new lot at 0 New Ludlow Road (5‑5). It accepted four modifications to the Skinner Woods Flexible Development permit, requiring fire‑pit removal and a stop sign, waiving the pavilion, and approving a street‑name change (5‑5). The Board also continued two public hearings—one for the 136 East Street flexible development to Dec 22 and another for the ADU project at 0 & 27 Ludlow Road to Dec 8 (5‑5 and 4‑4 respectively). The meeting was adjourned at 10:09 PM.

• Approved September 22 public hearing minutes (5‑5)
• Endorsed ANR plan for new lot at 0 New Ludlow Road (5‑5)
• Accepted Skinner Woods permit changes: fire‑pit removal required, stop sign required, pavilion not required, street name/address alteration approved (5‑5)
• Continued 136 East Street flexible development hearing to Dec 22 (5‑5)
• Continued ADU project hearing at 0 & 27 Ludlow Road to Dec 8 (4‑4)
• Adjourned meeting (5‑5)

Planning Board

The South Hadley Planning Board will hold a hybrid public hearing on November 24, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. to consider a Site Plan Review application filed by Josh Abrams and Helen Fantini for a small‑scale ground‑mounted solar photovoltaic system at 17 Stanton Ave, a residential A‑1 zone property. The hearing will be in the senior‑center multipurpose room and also available via Zoom. The Board will review the application under Zoning Bylaw Chapter 255 Article XII and schedule 255‑48.

• Site Plan Review application for a small‑scale ground‑mounted solar photovoltaic system at 17 Stanton Ave (Residential A‑1 district)

The South Hadley Planning Board voted 5‑0 to issue a Site Plan Approval with special conditions for a small‑scale ground‑mounted solar photovoltaic system at 17 Stanton Avenue. The Board also voted 5‑0 to close the public hearing. No other actions were taken.

• Approved Site Plan for small‑scale ground‑mounted solar array at 17 Stanton Ave (5‑0)
• Closed public hearing (5‑0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a hybrid public hearing to consider a Special Permit application from Diamond Property Management, LLC. The applicant seeks to add secondhand car sales to the existing automotive repair facility at 180 Willimansett Street.

• Special Permit application for secondhand car dealership at 180 Willimansett Street (Assessor’s Map 7 Parcel 67)

The South Hadley Planning Board voted five out of five members in favor of issuing a Special Permit to Diamond Property Management, LLC for secondhand car sales at 180 Willimansett Street, with conditions on signage, lighting changes, and a maximum of 12 cars on site. The Board also voted five out of five members to close the public hearing.

• Approved Special Permit for secondhand car sales at 180 Willimansett St (5-0)
• Closed the public hearing (5-0)

Public Schools

The South Hadley School Committee will meet on November 20, 2025 via Zoom. Members will consider approval of four warrants for $93,849.04, $270,616.55, $262,417.78, and $848,453.06, as well as minutes from the October 2 meeting. The agenda also includes a vote on an updated MESMS Honor System and a vote to reaffirm policies AA, BB, and BBA. Additional reports from SHEA, the superintendent, and DESE staff attendance will be presented.

• Approve Warrant #2026-111 for $93,849.04 (October 28, 2025)
• Approve Warrant #2026-119 for $270,616.55 (November 4, 2025)
• Approve Warrant #2026-127 for $262,417.78 (November 11, 2025)
• Approve Biweekly Payroll warrant for $848,453.06 (November 20, 2025)
• Vote on Proposal for Updated MESMS Honor System

The committee voted to approve three warrants totaling $626,983.37 and a biweekly payroll of $848,453.06, passing each motion with either unanimous support or one abstention. It also approved the meeting minutes from October 2, 2025, adopted a new GPA‑based honor system for MESMS, and updated three district policies. All motions were adopted, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:10 pm.

• Approved warrant #2026-111 for $93,849.04 (3 Aye, 1 Abstain)
• Approved warrant #2026-127 for $262,417.78 (3 Aye, 1 Abstain)
• Approved warrant #2026-119 for $270,616.55 and biweekly payroll $848,453.06 (4 Aye)
• Approved minutes from 10/02/2025 (4 Aye)
• Approved updated MESMS honor system with GPA tiers (4 Aye)
• Approved update and reaffirmation of policies AA, BB, BBA (4 Aye)
• Adjourned meeting (4 Aye)

Board of Health

The South Hadley Board of Health will meet to discuss new regulations on nitrous oxide sales and second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides. The agenda also includes updates on Kratom regulation and liquor licenses.

• Acceptance of October 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion of Nitrous Oxide sales regulation
• Review of Kratom regulation
• Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides
• Liquor licenses

The Board accepted the minutes from the October 14 and October 28, 2025 meetings with unanimous votes. No other substantive actions were taken; new and old business items were deferred to the December meeting. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Accepted minutes from 10-14-2025 (unanimous)
• Accepted minutes from 10-28-2025 (unanimous)
• Motion to adjourn passed (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will discuss an open public forum, approve the October 15 meeting minutes, and hold public hearings on two development proposals: a seven‑building, 14‑unit project at 506 Granby Road and a 14‑unit condominium at 136 East Street, both within wetland buffer zones. The commission will also hear from a MassDEP circuit rider and receive an administrator’s report on ongoing projects and violations.

• Public hearing on Notice of Intent by SAI SHYAM, LLC for seven multifamily buildings (14 units) at 506 Granby Rd, buffer zone to vegetated wetlands
• Public hearing on Notice of Intent by Gerald Coderre, 136 East St LLC for a 14‑unit condominium at 136 East St, buffer zone to vegetated wetlands
• Discussion and consideration of an open public forum
• Approval of meeting minutes from October 15
• Guest discussion with MassDEP Circuit Rider Mark Stinson

The Conservation Commission unanimously approved the October 15 meeting minutes. It voted 6‑0 to continue the public hearing on the 506 Granby Road multifamily project to January 7, 2026, and also 6‑0 to continue the hearing on the 136 East Street condominium project to December 17, 2025. The meeting was then adjourned with a unanimous vote.

• Approved October 15 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Continued 506 Granby Rd public hearing to Jan 7, 2026 (6-0)
• Continued 136 East St public hearing to Dec 17, 2025 (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Board of Registrar of Voters

The Board of Registrars will review the 2026 Annual Town Census. It will discuss planning for the 2026 Annual Town Election and the needs for the 2026 State Elections. The meeting will also consider a master election cycle schedule outlining anticipated needs for each election type.

• Approval of minutes
• 2026 Annual Town Census
• Planning for 2026 Annual Town Election
• Review needs for 2026 State Elections
• Master Election Cycle Schedule outline

The Board of Registrars approved the September 17, 2025 meeting minutes with a unanimous vote. The board reported that the 2026 annual town election calendar is posted online and that voting by mail and early in‑person voting will be available. Staff are preparing for the 2026 state primary on September 1 and the general election on November 3.

• Approved September 17, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Budget Task Force

The South Hadley Budget Task Force Finance Subcommittee will meet to discuss department operations, capital and debt, revenue, and override options. The meeting will be held virtually on November 19, 2025.

• Department operations
• Capital and debt
• Revenue
• Override options
• Virtual meeting via Zoom

Selectboard

The Selectboard will hold two public hearings on applications for new alcohol licenses: a TTB distillery license for GG’s and a wine and malt with cordials license for Violet. The meeting also includes a consent agenda for one‑day beer and wine licenses, a budget task force public comment period, updates on town business, and an executive session for police union collective bargaining.

• Public hearing – GG’s new TTB distillery license (7:05 P.M.)
• Public hearing – Violet new wine & malt with cordials license (7:10 P.M.)
• Consent agenda – one‑day beer & wine license request from Mike McKenna for Dec 6 at Blanchard
• Consent agenda – one‑day beer & wine license requests from Mike McKenna for Dec 4 and Dec 5 at MHC art museum
• Consent agenda – one‑day all‑alcohol license request from Trysten McCray for 25 dates at McCrays

The board unanimously approved a TTB Distillery License for Good ’Nuff Distillery at 785 New Ludlow Rd and a Wine & Malt with Cordials License for Violet at 20 Main St. It also approved one‑day beer and wine licenses for Mike McKenna and 25 one‑day all‑alcohol licenses for Trysten McCray. The contract with Pioneer Valley Planning Commission for the FY24 Massachusetts Community Development Fund Program Administration was extended through June 30, 2026. The board entered executive session for collective bargaining with the Police Union.

• Approved minutes of Nov. 4, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including one‑day beer & wine licenses for Mike McKenna and 25 one‑day all‑alcohol licenses for Trysten McCray (unanimous)
• Approved TTB Distillery License for Good ’Nuff Distillery at 785 New Ludlow Rd (unanimous)
• Approved Wine & Malt with Cordials License for Violet at 20 Main St (unanimous)
• Extended contract with Pioneer Valley Planning Commission for FY24 Community Development Fund Program through June 30, 2026 (unanimous)
• Entered executive session for collective bargaining with Police Union (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Redevelopment Authority

The South Hadley Redevelopment Authority will review minutes from the 10/825 meeting and receive the treasurer's report. The board will discuss outreach for the DeToma Fund and consider the Falls Business Improvement Grant. Additional items include newsletter distribution plans and updates on other redevelopment projects. No specific decisions are indicated in the agenda.

• Minutes from 10/825 meeting
• Treasurer’s Report
• DeToma Fund Outreach
• Falls Business Improvement Grant
• Quarterly Newsletter distribution and assignments

Tree Committee

The South Hadley Tree Committee will review the previous meeting minutes, receive reports on hazardous trees and the Tree Warden, and consider new business including a bike‑walk collaboration presented by Mike Lamontagne. The committee will also continue old business on public outreach for a spring tree‑planting effort. Meeting dates for December 2025 and 2026 will be set.

• Approval of Minutes
• Hazard Tree Reporting
• Tree Warden Report
• Bike Walk Collaboration – Mike Lamontagne
• Public Outreach Effort – Spring Tree Planting

Tree Committee

The Tree Committee will review hazard tree and Tree Warden reports. The body will discuss a bike walk collaboration and public outreach efforts regarding spring tree planting.

• Hazard Tree Reporting
• Tree Warden Report
• Bike Walk Collaboration with Mike Lamontagne
• Public Outreach Effort for Spring Tree Planting

The Tree Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the October 23, 2025 meeting. No other formal actions were adopted. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous motion.

• Approved 10/23/25 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Elementary School Project Building Committee

The Elementary School Project Communications Subcommittee will approve the minutes from its previous meeting. It will discuss outreach efforts, including a tax‑bill insert, distribution of materials at local offices and community centers, and various digital and print communications. The committee also set its bi‑weekly meeting schedule and noted upcoming dates, including the Dec 11 Mosier Tour and community meeting.

• Approval of meeting minutes
• 12/11 Mosier Tour & Community Meeting
• Tax bill insert for community outreach
• Materials distribution at local offices and community centers
• Digital and print communications: display boards, pamphlets, email, website, social media

Elementary School Project Building Committee

The Elementary School Building Subcommittee will review and approve invoices and provide a budget tracking overview. The committee discussed creating a group to approve invoices up to $75,000 and noted that Skanska will develop a tracking mechanism for all costs.

• Review and approval of invoices
• Budget tracking overview
• Discussion on invoice approval group up to $75,000
• Skanska to develop cost tracking mechanism
• Monthly Zoom meetings scheduled for 24 months

The Finance Subcommittee reviewed Skanska invoice 7 and Mount Vernon Group invoices 2 and 3. Skanska explained the services covered base design and additional geotechnical borings. The subcommittee approved all three invoices unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 1:00 PM.

• Approved Skanska invoice 7 (unanimous)
• Approved Mount Vernon Group invoice 2 (unanimous)
• Approved Mount Vernon Group invoice 3 (unanimous)

Budget Task Force

The Budget Task Force will discuss project updates, including education/history items, operational information, property valuation, community survey results, capital plans, public‑forum planning, budget scenarios and financial projections. Subcommittee reports on data & finance and public outreach will be presented. The meeting may also cover the timeline for upcoming work. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Project update – education/history overview
• Operational information – department recaps
• Property valuation discussion
• Capital plan review – FY26 Capital Plan
• Subcommittee reports – data & finance, public outreach

The Budget Task Force unanimously approved the minutes from the November 3, 2025 meeting. The board then unanimously voted to adjourn the November 17, 2025 meeting. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved November 3, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Sustainability & Energy Commission

The Sustainability and Energy Commission will meet to discuss updates to the Master Plan and the town's climate action plan. The commission will also consider whether to take a more direct role in town sustainability issues.

• Update SEC sections of Master Plan
• Climate action plan
• SHELD Vision 2050
• Discussion on SEC's role in town sustainability issues

Fire District 2

The South Hadley Fire District No. 2 Prudential Committee will meet to review warrants and approve previous meeting minutes. The committee will also discuss an engineering study, health insurance via broker NFP, and the retirement of B. Miller.

• Review of warrants
• Approval of October 9 and October 21, 2025 minutes
• Fire Chief & Ambulance Report
• Engineering Study discussion
• Health insurance discussion with broker NFP

Housing Authority

The Board of Commissioners will meet to review the Executive Director's report and approve bills from September 23 to November 12, 2025. The board is scheduled to discuss a budget revision with the CPA and network upgrades for Project 275090.

• Budget revision with CPA
• Network upgrades for Project 275090
• Approval of bills from 9/23/25-11/12/25

Elementary School Project Building Committee

The committee will discuss project calendars, finance overviews, and MSBA meeting results. The architect will provide updates on wetlands, borings, and environmental testing, as well as educational vision sessions.

• Review of MVG additional services for geotech, hazmat, and site environmental testing
• Discussion of project options and documentation for decision-making
• Report from the Communication SubCommittee
• Estimated total project costs ranging from $80,000,000 to $120,000,000
• Upcoming December 17 vote

The committee unanimously approved a revised geotechnical proposal costing $48,000 that now includes both the Mosier and middle school sites. The October 8, 2025 meeting minutes were also approved unanimously, with one member abstaining. Members agreed to keep a comprehensive value‑engineering log that records both approved and rejected options and to continue public‑outreach preparations for the December 11 meeting.

• Approved October 8, 2025 minutes (unanimous, K. McAllister abstained)
• Approved geotechnical proposal $48,000 for two sites (unanimous)
• Agreed to maintain a value‑engineering log including rejected options
• Committed to continue public‑outreach preparation for Dec 11 meeting
• Planned architectural update to be presented by MVG
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Recreation Commission

The commission will receive updates on the BBP/Pickleball court project and the town budget. It will hear a parks department report on rental fees at Buttery Brook Park. Additional items include a sub‑committee update and a discussion of e‑bikes. The meeting ends with an open forum and adjournment.

• BBP/Pickleball Court update
• Budget update
• Parks update on Buttery Brook Park rental fees
• Sub‑committee update
• E‑bike discussion

The Recreation Commission accepted the October 14 minutes (4‑0, one abstention). It approved all listed bills payable (5‑0). It adopted the proposed 2026 rental fees for Buttery Brook Park (5‑0). The meeting was adjourned with a vote to skip a December session (5‑0).

• Accepted October 14 minutes (4-0, one abstention)
• Approved bills payable (5-0)
• Adopted proposed 2026 Buttery Brook park rental fees (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting and set no December meeting, next meeting Jan 13 (5-0)

Bike/Walk Committee

The Bike-Walk Committee will meet to discuss the Main Street shared path and sidewalks. The agenda also includes a review of the Community Seating Map and upcoming bike events.

• Main Street Shared Path and Sidewalks discussion
• Review of the South Hadley Community Seating Map identifying 150+ outdoor benches
• Upcoming treks: Upper River to Range (11/16/2025), Ledges (2/7/2025), and Buttery Brook Bike (5/16/2026)
• South Hadley 5K discussion
• Commemorative Bench Program

The committee approved the meeting minutes after a motion by Riley and a second by Lucia. A motion to adjourn was then approved unanimously at 7 p.m.

• Approved meeting minutes (motion by Riley, seconded by Lucia)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous approval)

Council on Aging

The South Hadley Council on Aging Board will hold a hybrid meeting on November 10, 2025. The agenda includes a call to order, open forum, approval of the October 20, 2025 minutes, and discussion of new business such as SNAP and fuel assistance updates and food drives. Old business items include updates from Friends of the South Hadley Seniors, staffing, and standards of participation. The Director’s Report will cover upcoming professional development, the annual report, and the Master Plan Annual Forum scheduled for December 12, 2025.

• SNAP & Fuel Assistance Updates
• Food Drives
• Friends of the South Hadley Seniors update
• Staffing update
• Director’s Report: Professional Development, Annual report, Master Plan Annual Forum

The board approved the October 2025 meeting minutes with edits, with all members in favor. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved October 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings regarding three separate residential projects. The board will also discuss subdivision regulation updates and the November 5 Special Town Meeting.

• Site Plan Review for an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) at 11 Brockway Lane
• Special Permit and Stormwater Management for 6 duplexes and 2 single-family homes at 136 East Street
• Site Plan Review and Stormwater Management for a 14-unit townhouse community at 506 Granby Road
• Discussion of Subdivision Regulation Updates

The Planning Board approved the August 25 and September 8 regular meeting minutes and the August 25 public hearing minutes by a unanimous 5‑0 vote. It then voted 4‑0 to continue the public hearing on the 506 Granby Road site‑plan to a virtual meeting on December 22 at 6:30 PM. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous 5‑0 vote.

• Approved Aug 25 & Sep 8 regular meeting minutes and Aug 25 public hearing minutes (5‑0)
• Continued 506 Granby Road site‑plan public hearing to Dec 22, 6:30 PM virtual (4‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (5‑0)

Planning Board

The South Hadley Planning Board will hold a hybrid public hearing on November 10, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. to consider a Site Plan Review application for a detached accessory dwelling unit on a parcel at 11 Brockway Lane. The 1‑acre property is zoned partly Agricultural and partly Residence A‑1 and already contains a single‑family home. Interested parties may attend in person at the South Hadley Senior Center or join virtually via Zoom.

• Site Plan Review application for an accessory dwelling unit at 11 Brockway Lane
• Parcel is about 1 acre with mixed Agricultural and Residence A‑1 zoning
• Hybrid hearing: in‑person at 45 Dayton Street (Senior Center) and online via Zoom
• Application on file in the Planning & Conservation Department and posted at southhadley.org

The Planning Board voted unanimously to issue a Site Plan Approval for a detached Accessory Dwelling Unit at 11 Brockway Lane, adding special conditions that require the Building Commissioner to verify the ADU’s gross floor area. The Board also voted unanimously to close the public hearing. No public comments were made during the hearing.

• Approved Site Plan for detached ADU at 11 Brockway Lane with special conditions (5-0)
• Closed the public hearing (5-0)

Planning Board

The South Hadley Planning Board will hold a hybrid public hearing on November 10, 2025 to consider a Special Permit and Stormwater Management application for a 14‑unit, 55‑and‑over residential flexible development called Deer Meadow Estates at 136 East Street. The proposal includes six duplexes, two single‑family homes, and site improvements such as stormwater management, open space, and landscaping on about 8.9 acres in the Residence A‑1 zoning district. The Board will review the application under Bylaw Chapters 200, 255, and 360.

• Special Permit application for Deer Meadow Estates (14‑unit 55+ community) at 136 East Street
• Stormwater Management application for the same project
• Proposed development of six duplexes and two single‑family homes on ~8.9 acres
• Required approvals under Bylaw Chapters 200 (Stormwater), 255 (Zoning), and 360 (Subdivision)
• Hybrid public hearing at South Hadley Senior Center, 45 Dayton Street, with Zoom link provided

The South Hadley Planning Board postponed further consideration of the 136 East Street Flexible Development to a continuation hearing on November 24 at 7:00 PM. The motion to continue was moved by Member Watchilla, seconded by Member Szklarz, and approved unanimously by all five board members. No other permits or applications were approved or denied at this meeting.

• Continued public hearing to November 24, 7:00 PM (5‑0)

Public Schools

The South Hadley School Committee will vote to approve several warrants covering capital expenses and biweekly payroll for October and November, totaling more than $3 million. They will also approve the meeting minutes from September and consider reports from standing committees, the superintendent, and student representatives. Additional votes include the Targeted Tiered Math Academy Grants, SEL and Skills Capital Grant, and IDEA and ESSA Grants. Staffing needs and other informational items will be discussed but not voted on.

• Approve Warrant #2026-100 for $1,439,129.52 (Oct 14, 2025)
• Approve Warrant #2026-106 for $117,881.71 (Oct 21, 2025)
• Approve biweekly payroll $856,537.05 (Oct 23, 2025) and $849,979.62 (Nov 6, 2025)
• Vote on Targeted Tiered Math Academy Grants
• Vote on SEL Grant and Skills Capital Grant; vote on IDEA and ESSA Grants

Fire District 2

The South Hadley Fire District 2 Water Commissioners will meet to approve minutes, review financial warrants, and discuss projects including Park Street Tank Road and equipment purchases.

• Approval of minutes
• Review of warrants, balances, and overdue bills
• Discussion of Park Street Tank Road project
• Equipment purchase discussion
• Town Wide MOU Meeting Results

Selectboard

The South Hadley Selectboard will open the meeting, consider any relevant Town Meeting article amendments if appropriate, and then adjourn. No other agenda items are listed.

• Possible deliberation of Town Meeting article amendments

Appropriations Committee

The Appropriations Committee will meet at 6 p.m. in the South Hadley High School Auditorium. The agenda notes a possible deliberation on any relevant town‑meeting article amendments. No other specific items are listed.

Selectboard

The board will discuss two one‑day beer and wine license applications: one for a Nov 6 event at MHC Shattuck Hall and another for a Dec 9 event at Tower Theaters. They will also consider appointing a 40R monitoring agent and hear a public comment period for the Budget Task Force. The meeting includes approval of the Oct 21 minutes and notes the resignation of Michelle Cruz from the Budget Task Force.

• One‑day beer & wine license request from Bridget Carroll for Nov 6 at MHC Shattuck Hall
• One‑day beer & wine license request from Elizabeth Sawyer for Dec 9 at Tower Theaters (MHC)
• Appointment of a 40R monitoring agent
• Public comment period for the Budget Task Force
• Resignation of Michelle Cruz from the Budget Task Force

The Selectboard approved the October 21, 2025 meeting minutes and the consent agenda, which included two one‑day beer and wine license requests. They appointed Planning & Conservation Director Anne Capra as the 40R monitoring agent. The board amended Article 8 to reflect four on‑premise and two off‑premise licenses, and accepted the resignation of Michelle Cruz from the Budget Task Force.

• Approved Oct. 21, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda with two one‑day beer & wine licenses (unanimous)
• Appointed Planning & Conservation Director Anne Capra as 40R monitoring agent (unanimous)
• Amended Article 8 to reflect 4 on‑premise and 2 off‑premise licenses (3‑2)
• Accepted resignation of Michelle Cruz from Budget Task Force (unanimous)

Fire District 1

The Prudential Committee will meet to discuss a Memorandum of Understanding with Town Administrator Lisa Wong and vote on a consolidated contract with IAFF Local 5048. The board will also consider ambulance adjustments and reports from the Chief and Treasurer. Additionally, the committee will discuss dates for a Special Meeting to fund health insurance, the Annual Meeting, and the Annual District Election.

• Vote on consolidated contract with Union (IAFF, Local 5048)
• Discussion and possible vote on MOU between governmental entities serving South Hadley
• Vote on acceptance of Ambulance Adjustments
• Discussion of Special Meeting to fund health insurance
• Discussion of Annual District Election and Annual Meeting dates

Capital Planning Committee

The Capital Planning Committee will approve minutes from meetings held on May 6, August 5, September 2, and October 7, 2025. The board will introduce new member James Buckley. A Budget Task Force will provide an update on its work.

• Approval of minutes – 5/6/2025, 8/5/2025, 9/2/2025, 10/7/2025
• Introduction of new board member James Buckley
• Budget Task Force update

The Capital Planning Committee introduced new member James Buckley. It scheduled a tentative meeting for December 2, 2025. A motion to adjourn was made and passed unanimously. No project decisions or votes were taken.

• Introduced new member James Buckley (informational)
• Tentative meeting date set for December 2, 2025
• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously

Board of Health

The CPV PHD Advisory Board will meet to discuss updates from the Shared Service Coordinator, including CredibleMind and workplan updates. The board will also receive reports from regional nurses and health inspectors for South Hadley, Holyoke, and Chicopee.

• Vote on minutes from 7/28/25 and 9/8/25
• CredibleMind update
• FPHS FY25 Report discussion scheduling
• Nurse's reports for South Hadley, Holyoke, and Chicopee
• Inspectors' report

The board postponed (tabled) the vote on the minutes from the July 28 and September 8, 2025 meetings. Reports were given on the CredibleMind service, PHE monthly meeting updates, quarterly report feedback, and inspector activities. No other actions were approved or denied. The next meeting is scheduled for December 1, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.

• Tabled vote on July 28 2025 and September 8 2025 minutes (no vote tally provided)

Public Library

The South Hadley Public Library Board of Trustees will consider approval of the previous meeting minutes and disposition of bills. The agenda includes a director's report on the Gaylord branch, public comments, and other routine items. The board will also schedule the next meeting for December 1, 2025.

• Approval of minutes of previous meeting(s)
• Disposition of bills
• Director's report – Gaylord branch update
• Public comments
• Set next meeting date: Monday, December 1, 2025 at 7:00 pm

The board approved the minutes from the October 6 meeting. They unanimously approved paying library bills that are in order. They also unanimously designated the $10,000 Carnegie gift for the historical preservation of local history materials. No other business was taken up.

• Approved minutes from 10/6/25 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved payment of library bills if in order (unanimous)
• Approved designation of $10,000 Carnegie gift for historic preservation (unanimous)

Elementary School Project Building Committee

The Communications Subcommittee is meeting to coordinate public outreach and materials for the South Hadley Elementary School Building Project. Discussions include a community meeting on December 11 and various digital and print communication strategies.

• Planning for 12/11 Mosier Tour & Community Meeting
• Coordination of tax bill inserts
• Review of display boards, pamphlets, and handouts
• Website updates and social media analytics
• Establishment of bi-weekly meeting schedule

Budget Task Force

The South Hadley Budget Task Force will review project updates, including education/history and operational information. Members will examine FY2026 budget scenarios and financial projections. Subcommittee reports on data, finance, and public outreach will be presented. The meeting will also cover a timeline and the upcoming Nov. 5, 2025 Special Town Meeting.

• Project update – education/history and operational information
• Budget scenarios for FY2026
• Financial projections for FY2026
• Subcommittee reports – data and finance, public outreach
• Other business – timeline and Nov. 5, 2025 Special Town Meeting

The Budget Task Force approved the minutes from the October 20, 2025 meeting with a unanimous vote. Members reviewed a PowerPoint for the upcoming Special Town Meeting and expressed general support. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous motion.

• Approved October 20, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Budget Task Force

The South Hadley Budget Task Force Communications Subcommittee will meet virtually on October 31, 2025. The agenda lists new business items including a survey, public forums, website updates, a Special Town Meeting PowerPoint, and reports. The chair notes that not all listed topics may be discussed. The meeting may be audio and/or visually recorded.

• Survey
• Public Forums
• Website updates
• Special Town Meeting PowerPoint
• Reports

Public Schools

The South Hadley School Committee will hold an executive session to discuss strategy regarding ongoing litigation. The discussion is authorized under M.G.L. c.30A s.21(a)(3) and may involve a demand letter. No other agenda items are listed.

• Executive session to discuss litigation strategy (potential demand letter) per M.G.L. c.30A s.21(a)(3)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to discuss a liquor license increase. The meeting includes a 10-minute open forum for announcements.

• Discussion of liquor license increase

The Board of Health voted unanimously to postpone the Special Town Meeting vote on increasing liquor licenses until the May Town Meeting. It also voted to keep the number of off‑premise licenses unchanged and to hold off on any on‑premise license increases until more data are gathered. The next Board meeting was scheduled for November 19, 2025 at the South Hadley Public Library.

• Delay vote on liquor license increase until May Town Meeting – passed unanimously
• No increase in off‑premise liquor licenses – passed unanimously
• No increase in on‑premise liquor licenses until further information – passed unanimously
• Set next Board of Health meeting for November 19, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at South Hadley Public Library

Appropriations Committee

The South Hadley Appropriations Committee will hold a hybrid public hearing on appropriations. The committee will also hear Town Administrator Lisa Wong’s review of the articles from the November 5, 2025 special town meeting warrant. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 6 p.m. in the South Hadley Senior Center Large Conference Room and via Zoom.

• Appropriations Public Hearing (new business)
• Town Administrator Lisa Wong review of Nov. 5, 2025 Special Town Meeting warrant articles

Board of Assessors

The South Hadley Board of Assessors will meet virtually on October 27, 2025. The agenda includes discussion of interim year valuation adjustments for Fiscal 2026, covering sales data, an interim adjustment report, and proposed valuations with estimated new growth. An associate assessor will report on updates, training, meetings, and webinars. The board will also address the meeting schedule and any other business.

• Fiscal 2026 interim year valuation adjustments
• Discussion of sales data (LA3)
• Review of interim adjustment report (LA15)
• Proposed Fiscal 2026 valuations and estimated new growth (LA4, LA13)
• Associate assessor report on updates, training, meetings, and webinars

Budget Task Force

The Finance Subcommittee will consider several new‑business topics, including a community survey, upcoming public forums, updates to the town website, and a PowerPoint for the Special Town Meeting. It will also receive reports and review the town department budgets. The meeting may not cover all listed items.

• Survey
• Public Forums
• Website updates
• Special Town Meeting PowerPoint
• Town Department Budgets

Sustainability & Energy Commission

The Sustainability and Energy Commission will meet to approve minutes and discuss electric school buses, the climate action plan, and Vision 2050. The meeting is scheduled for October 27, 2025, at the South Hadley Public Library.

• Approval of minutes
• Electric school buses
• Climate action plan
• Vision 2050
• SEC book club

Tree Committee

The South Hadley Tree Committee will consider reorganizing its officer positions (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary). It will also review Massachusetts General Law Chapter 87. Additional items include approving minutes, discussing hazard tree reports, and updating the town's tree and shrub planting guide.

• Approval of Minutes
• Hazard Tree Reporting
• Tree Warden Report, including Tree Planting Dates
• Reorganization of Committee (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary)
• Mass General Law – Chapter 87 review

The committee approved an amendment to the Planting Guide that adds a recommended tree list to support the 10‑20‑30 diversity rule. Committee leadership was reaffirmed with Patrick Tracey re‑elected chair, Austin Ford as vice‑chair, and Genevieve Van de Merghel as secretary. Future meeting dates for November 18 and December 16 were set.

• Approved Planting Guide amendment (unanimously)
• Re‑elected Patrick Tracey as committee chair (unanimously)
• Approved Austin Ford as vice chair (unanimously)
• Approved Genevieve Van de Merghel as secretary (unanimously)
• Approved minutes from 8/21/25 (unanimously)
• Set future meeting dates: Nov 18 and Dec 16, 2025

Electric Light Department

The Board of Commissioners will meet to review August 2025 financials and receive updates on outages and Fiberspring. The meeting includes an executive session to discuss real property transactions and proprietary fiber project information.

• Executive session regarding purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property
• Discussion of trade secrets and proprietary information for fiber projects
• Review of August 2025 Financials
• Manager's report on outages
• Fiberspring update

Human Rights Commission

The Commission will discuss draft articles for the Town Meeting and a statement supporting the Housing Production Plan. Members will also consider a spring event for the LGBTQ+ community and the development of an awareness programming calendar.

• Draft articles for Town Meeting
• HRC Statement Supporting Housing Production Plan
• Proposed spring event supporting LGBTQ+ community
• Development of awareness programming calendar
• Discussion on sourcing an intern for programming

The Human Rights Commission approved the meeting minutes. It decided to combine the November and December meetings, scheduling a single session on December 10. The commission also agreed to work with an intern, coordinated through Tanya Wallace, for communications support.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjusted schedule: combined Nov/Dec meeting, set for Dec 10
• Approved collaboration with an intern for communications (via Tanya Wallace)

Selectboard

The South Hadley Selectboard meeting will review and possibly approve a proposed increase to the annual selectboard and liquor‑license fees. The board will also consider the integrated contract for AFSCME Unit A and B, the Town Administrator performance‑based evaluation (PBE) objectives for FY26, and the warrant for the November 5, 2025 Special Town Meeting. A date for the 2026 town fireworks (Friday, July 3 with a rain date of Sunday, July 5) will be approved.

• Selectboard annual & liquor license fee increase (document: ADMINISTRATION_SB_REC FEE INCREASES-10-15-25.PDF)
• AFSCME Unit A and B integrated contract for signature (document: AFSCME_INTEGRATED_SIGNED COPY.PDF)
• Nov. 5, 2025 Special Town Meeting warrant approval (document: 2025 FALL SPECIAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT.PDF)
• Town Administrator performance‑based evaluation objectives for FY26 (document: PBE OBJECTIVES FY26.PDF)
• Approval of 2026 fireworks date: Friday, July 3 with rain date Sunday, July 5

The board approved several items, including the October 7 meeting minutes, a change of manager for 2086 South Hadley Corporation, and appointments to two advisory committees. It also adopted the amended November 5 Special Town Meeting warrant, approved the town’s budget performance objectives, increased annual and liquor license fees, and set the 2026 fireworks date. All actions were approved unanimously except the minutes, which passed with four votes in favor and one abstention.

• Approved Oct. 7 draft minutes (4 in favor, 1 abstention)
• Approved change of manager/officers for 2086 South Hadley Corp (unanimous)
• Appointed James Buckley to Capital Planning Committee (unanimous)
• Appointed Ann Andras to Insurance Advisory Committee (unanimous)
• Approved amended Nov. 5 Special Town Meeting warrant (unanimous)
• Approved TA PBE objectives (unanimous)
• Approved annual & liquor license fee increase (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 fireworks date, July 3 with rain date July 5 (unanimous)

Bylaw Review Committee

The South Hadley Bylaw Review Committee will discuss a set of proposed special town meeting bylaws, including a Prudent Investor bylaw, a Special Education Reserve Fund bylaw, a Cryptocurrency ATM bylaw, and a Home Rule Petition for liquor licenses. The committee will also consider reorganizing the chair, vice chair, and clerk positions and reviewing draft warrant articles for the 2025 fall special town meeting. Items listed are those the chair expects may be reached for discussion.

• Prudent Investor bylaw
• Special Education Reserve Fund bylaw
• Cryptocurrency ATM bylaw
• Home Rule Petition for liquor licenses
• Reorganize chair, vice chair and clerk

Fire District 2

The Prudential Committee and Water Commissioners will meet to hold a pre-meeting discussion regarding a Special District Meeting.

• Pre-meeting discussion for Special District Meeting

Fire District 2

The South Hadley Fire District No. 2 meeting will consider four separate funding proposals. Voters will decide whether to appropriate or transfer $26,000 for the Prudential Committee operating budget, $23,000 for the Water Department operating budget, $7,500 for a building stabilization engineering design, and $50,000 for the Brock Way water‑main project. Each item includes a recommended amount that may be adjusted up or down.

• Article 1 – $26,000 (or adjusted) for Prudential Committee operating budget to cover unanticipated cost increases
• Article 2 – $23,000 (or adjusted) for Water Department operating budget to cover rising operational costs
• Article 3 – $7,500 (or adjusted) from the District Building Stabilization Fund for preliminary engineering design of adequate living quarters
• Article 4 – $50,000 (or adjusted) from the Water Systems Improvement Stabilization Fund for work on the Brock Way water main project

Cultural Council

The South Hadley Cultural Council will meet to review the treasurer's report and vote on the total amount available for granting. The body will also discuss previous festival funding and the usage of southhadleyarts.org.

• Vote on amount available for granting
• Discussion of previous festival funding commitment
• Update on southhadleyarts.org usage and plan
• Scheduling of grant decision-making meeting

The council approved the September meeting minutes. It unanimously reaffirmed the 2023 decision to move $2,000 from the Cultural Council’s local fund to the town fund. It also unanimously approved transferring an unclaimed $100 to the local fund for FY 2026 applicants. The council postponed a decision on website hosting costs and adopted a 0‑to‑3 ranking system for grant applications.

• Approved September meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Reaffirmed $2,000 transfer to town fund (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of unclaimed $100 to local fund (unanimous)
• Postponed decision on website hosting costs (to be decided later)
• Adopted 0‑to‑3 ranking system for grant application evaluation (agreed)

Fire District 1

The South Hadley Fire District No. 1 Board of Water Commissioners will meet on Oct 20, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. to consider several agenda items. Topics include a step increase for Russ Jerome, a cybersecurity discussion, a proposal for an Alvord Street water tank from Tighe and Bond that may be voted on, an office dumpster matter, and the district holiday schedule. The meeting may also include public comment and the signing of warrants.

• Step Increase for Russ Jerome
• Cybersecurity Discussion
• Alvord St. Tank proposal from Tighe and Bond and possible vote
• Office Dumpster discussion
• Holiday Schedule

Board of Assessors

The South Hadley Board of Assessors will discuss several agenda items, including September monthly reports, fiscal 2026 interim valuation adjustments, sales data, exemption updates, and a vote to release excess overlay for Fire District #2. The meeting also includes updates from the MPIC and the Associate Assessor, as well as a discussion of the meeting schedule. Not all listed topics may be reached for discussion.

• Vote to release excess overlay – Fire District #2
• Fiscal 2026 Interim Year Valuation Adjustments (sales data, interim adjustment report, proposed valuations, estimated new growth)
• Exemption discussion update for persons & property
• MPIC update
• Review of September monthly reports

The Board accepted the September 15 minutes, approved a $650 bill for eCAlITechnologies, and approved September abatement reports totaling $7,594.58. It also voted to release $4,000 from the Fire District #2 overlay to overlay surplus. The meeting was adjourned at 10:11 a.m.

• Accepted September 15 minutes (3-0)
• Approved $650 bill for eCAlITechnologies (3-0)
• Approved September abatement reports ($5,020.88 + $2,484.19 + $589.51) (3-0)
• Approved release of $4,000 from Fire District #2 overlay (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Planning and Conservation Department

The Planning and Conservation Department will hold an information session on October 20, 2025, at the Senior Center in South Hadley. The meeting will include a summary presentation of the proposed Route 202/33 corridor rezoning by Anne Capra, Director of Planning and Conservation, followed by a public question-and-answer period. The full rezoning report, 35.5 MB and 159 pages, is available online, and the rezoning proposal can be viewed on the town website.

• Corridor Rezoning Summary Presentation by Anne Capra
• Public Question & Answer session
• Online rezoning proposal link on town website
• Report to Town Meeting available (35.5 MB, 159 pages)
• In‑person location: Senior Center, 45 Dayton Street; virtual Zoom link provided

Elementary School Project Building Committee

The South Hadley Elementary School Building Project Committee Communications Subcommittee will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and plan outreach materials for the upcoming school building project.

• Approval of meeting minutes from 9/29/25 and 10/6/25
• Discussion of upcoming community workshops and forums
• Review of outreach materials including display boards and pamphlets
• Website updates and social media strategy
• Public comment period

Budget Task Force

The South Hadley Budget Task Force meeting will discuss project updates, including the MMA Fiscal Crisis Report and pages 34‑66 of the FY2026 Town Budget Book. Members will examine budget scenarios and financial projections, hear reports from the Data and Finance and Public Outreach subcommittees, and cover other business such as the timeline and the upcoming Nov. 5, 2025 Special Town Meeting.

• Review of MMA Fiscal Crisis Report
• Discussion of FY2026 Town Budget Book pages 34‑66
• Presentation of budget scenarios
• Review of financial projections
• Subcommittee reports: Data and Finance; Public Outreach

The Budget Task Force voted unanimously to approve the September 22 and October 6, 2025 meeting minutes. A motion to adjourn the October 20, 2025 meeting was also passed unanimously. No additional substantive actions, approvals, or denials were recorded.

• Approved September 22 and October 6, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned the October 20, 2025 meeting (unanimous)

Council on Aging

The South Hadley Council on Aging Board will hold a hybrid meeting on October 20, 2025, beginning with a call to order, open forum, and approval of the September 8, 2025 minutes. New business includes reviewing Standards of Participation. Old business covers updates from Friends of the South Hadley Seniors, staffing, and a Title III grant, followed by a Director’s Report on age‑ and dementia‑friendly meeting updates and related programs.

• New Business – Standards of Participation
• Old Business – Friends of the South Hadley Seniors update
• Old Business – Staffing update
• Old Business – Grant Update – Title III
• Director’s Report – Age & Dementia Friendly Meeting Updates

The council voted to accept the September 8, 2025 meeting minutes; the motion was unanimous. The meeting was then adjourned at 5:12 pm by a unanimous vote.

• Approved September 8, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:12 pm (unanimous)

Planning Board

The South Hadley Planning Board will hold a public hearing to consider a site‑plan review and stormwater management application for a 7‑duplex (14‑unit) townhouse development at 506 Granby Road. The agenda also includes approval of an ANR plan to adjust property boundaries on Newton Street, a peer‑review discussion for a stormwater permit at 136 East Street, and talks on winter meeting format and subdivision regulation updates. The meeting concludes with a departmental report and other business.

• Approval Not Required (ANR) plan to adjust/consolidate bounds at 298‑302 Newton Street (Map 17, parcels 18‑20)
• Public hearing on site‑plan review and stormwater management for a 7‑duplex (14‑unit) townhouse project at 506 Granby Road, Assessor’s Map 32 Parcel 52
• Discussion of peer review for stormwater management permit at 136 East Street
• Discussion of winter meeting format
• Discussion of subdivision regulation updates

The Planning Board approved the revised minutes from the August 11 meeting. It endorsed an ANR plan to adjust property boundaries on Newton Street and authorized the Director of Planning to execute a peer‑review for the 136 East Street storm‑water permit. Members agreed to hold winter meetings fully remote on five specified dates, and they voted to continue the public hearing for the 506 Granby Road duplex project to November 10. The meeting was adjourned at 8:22 PM.

• Approved August 11 meeting minutes (5‑0)
• Endorsed ANR plan for 298, 300, 302 Newton Street (5‑0)
• Authorized peer‑review of 136 East Street storm‑water permit (5‑0)
• Adopted fully remote format for winter meetings on Dec 22, Jan 12, Jan 26, Feb 9, Feb 23
• Continued public hearing for 506 Granby Road development to Nov 10 (4‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (5‑0)

Budget Task Force

The Finance Subcommittee of the South Hadley Budget Task Force will meet virtually on Oct. 17, 2025. The agenda lists discussion of public outreach, questions for municipal departments, and the format for reporting. No decisions are recorded in the agenda.

• Public Outreach
• Questions for Departments
• Report format

Public Schools

The South Hadley School Committee meeting will consider several items, including approval of three warrants totaling $1,340,589.60, a vote on a Washington DC trip proposal, and a vote to reaffirm the district's civility policy. The committee will also review the 2024 MCAS results and discuss the superintendent's goal proposal. Public comment and reports from standing committees are also on the agenda.

• Approval of warrants: $241,596.01 (Sept 30, 2025), $242,651.72 (Oct 7, 2025), $856,341.87 biweekly payroll (Oct 9, 2025)
• Washington DC trip proposal – vote required
• Civility policy reaffirmation – vote required
• 2024 MCAS results presentation
• Superintendent goal proposal discussion

The committee approved three financial warrants: $242,651.72 (vote 3‑aye, 1‑abstain), $241,596.01 (vote 4‑aye), and a biweekly payroll of $856,341.87 (vote 4‑aye). They also approved the Washington DC trip proposal, reaffirmed the civility policy, and accepted the superintendent’s goals for 2025‑2026, each with a unanimous 4‑aye vote. The meeting was adjourned after a 4‑aye vote to close.

• Approved warrant #2026-95 for $242,651.72 (3 Ayes, 1 abstention)
• Approved warrant #2026-87 for $241,596.01 (4 Ayes)
• Approved biweekly payroll warrant for $856,341.87 (4 Ayes)
• Approved Washington DC trip proposal (4 Ayes)
• Reaffirmed civility policy (4 Ayes)
• Approved superintendent goals for 2025‑2026 (4 Ayes)
• Adjourned meeting (4 Ayes)

Commission on Disabilities

The Commission on Disabilities will meet to review committee goals and priorities. The body will discuss the Trails For All Bill (S.548/H.915) following a recent joint committee hearing.

• Discussion of Trails For All Bill (S.548/H.915)
• Review of September 17, 2025 minutes
• Announcement of Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities Resource Fair on November 4, 2025

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on a Notice of Intent submitted by SAI SHYAM, LLC to build seven multifamily buildings (14 units) at 506 Granby Road. The commission will also discuss and consider an open public forum, approve the October 1 meeting minutes, review the Master Plan Implementation Matrix, and receive the administrator’s report on ongoing projects and violations.

• Public hearing on Notice of Intent for 7 multifamily buildings (14 units) at 506 Granby Rd
• Approval of Conservation Commission meeting minutes – October 1
• Discussion and consideration of an open public forum
• Review of the Master Plan Implementation Matrix
• Administrator’s report on projects, violations, and upcoming meeting dates

The commission approved the revised minutes from the October 1 meeting. It voted to continue the public hearing on the SAI SHYAM development notice of intent until November 19 at 6:30 PM. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved revised October 1 meeting minutes (3‑of‑3 vote; Chair, Vice‑Chair, Hamel abstained)
• Continued public hearing on SAI SHYAM Notice of Intent to Nov 19, 6:30 PM (5‑of‑5)
• Adjourned meeting (5‑of‑5)

Housing Authority

The South Hadley Housing Authority will hold a public hearing to review its proposed FY2026 Consolidated Plan. The meeting is scheduled for Oct 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM Eastern Time via Zoom. The draft plan outlines the Authority’s operations and plans for the upcoming fiscal year affecting state‑aided public housing. Tenants and the general public are invited to provide input.

• Public hearing of FY2026 Draft Consolidated Plan (Zoom meeting)
• Review of Authority’s operations and plans for FY2026

Elementary School Project Building Committee

The Elementary School Building Subcommittee will review invoices, provide a budget tracking overview, and discuss creating a group authorized to approve invoices up to $75,000. Skanska will develop a cost‑tracking mechanism, and the subcommittee will set a regular Zoom meeting schedule on the 15th of each month for the next 24 months.

• Invoice review for approval
• Budget tracking overview
• Creation of a group to approve invoices up to $75,000
• Skanska to develop a tracking mechanism for all costs
• Monthly Zoom meetings on the 15th for 24 months

The Finance Subcommittee reviewed Skanska invoice 6 and Mount Vernon Group invoice 1. Both invoices were approved unanimously. The committee asked MVG to submit a description of services rendered, and Skanska will obtain and upload that documentation.

• Approved Skanska invoice 6 (unanimous 5-0)
• Approved Mount Vernon Group invoice 1 (unanimous 5-0)
• Requested MVG submit service description; Skanska to obtain and upload

Budget Task Force

The South Hadley Budget Task Force Finance Subcommittee will hold a virtual meeting to review a school presentation, develop questions for town departments, and provide a report. The agenda lists a call to order and new‑business items but does not indicate any formal decisions.

• Review School Presentation
• Formulate Questions for Departments
• Report

Recreation Commission

The South Hadley Recreation Commission will review bills, correspondence, and event schedules. The body will discuss a public sculpture installation at Buttery Brook Park and school campus usage. A decision is expected on setting the 2026 Independence Day fireworks date.

• Set Fireworks 2026 Date: Friday, July 3 with a rain date of Sunday, July 5
• Public Sculpture Installation at Buttery Brook Park
• School Campus Use Restrictions During the Day
• Master Plan Annual Forum: December 12, 8:45 at the Main Library
• BBP/Pickleball Court Update

The Recreation Commission approved the September 9 minutes and the listed bills, each unanimously (6‑0). It voted to schedule the 2026 fireworks for Friday, July 3 with a rain‑date of Sunday, July 5 (6‑0). It also adopted a uniform late‑registration fee of $20 (6‑0). The next meeting is set for Monday, November 10 at 8 p.m.

• Approved September 9, 2025 minutes (6‑0)
• Approved bills payable (6‑0)
• Set 2026 fireworks for Friday July 3, rain‑date Sunday July 5 (6‑0)
• Adopted $20 late registration fee for uniforms (6‑0)

Board of Health

The South Hadley Board of Health will discuss several new public‑health measures, including a proposed regulation on kratom, a restriction on the sale of tobacco products, and an overview of PFAS chemicals and their health impacts. The board will also revisit prior actions such as prohibiting second‑generation anticoagulant rodenticides and regulating PFAS‑contaminated biosolids fertilizer. The meeting includes routine items like acceptance of minutes and announcements.

• New Business – Kratom Regulation
• New Business – Regulation restricting sale of tobacco products
• New Business – Overview of PFAS and public‑health impacts
• Old Business – Act prohibiting second‑generation anticoagulant rodenticides
• Old Business – Act regulating PFAS‑contaminated biosolids fertilizer

The Board of Health unanimously approved the revised tobacco‑product regulation, setting its effective date as October 14, 2025. The minutes from the July 8 and August 12 meetings were also accepted unanimously. Discussion of a draft kratom ban was postponed to the November meeting, and format revisions for rodenticide and PFAS biosolid regulations were assigned to Stephen Frantz. The next Board meeting was scheduled for November 18, 2025.

• Approved Nicotine‑Free Generation tobacco regulation (effective 10/14/25) – unanimous vote
• Accepted July 8, 2025 meeting minutes – unanimous vote
• Accepted August 12, 2025 meeting minutes – unanimous vote
• Postponed vote on kratom sale prohibition to November meeting
• Assigned Stephen Frantz to revise format of second‑generation anticoagulant rodenticide ban
• Assigned Stephen Frantz to revise format of PFAS‑contaminated biosolids fertilizer regulation
• Added discussion of liquor‑license expansion to November agenda
• Set next Board meeting for November 18, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. – unanimous vote

Bike/Walk Committee

The Bike‑Walk Committee will approve the September 9, 2025 minutes, review updates on bike events and the commemorative bench inventory, and consider two new items: a Master Plan Forum to be held on December 12 at the library and a School Access Policy for conservation lands. An open forum will follow for public comments.

• Approve minutes from September 9, 2025
• Review upcoming bike events, including the Autumn Bike ride on Oct 5
• Update on the commemorative bench seating inventory project
• Announce a Master Plan Forum on Dec 12, 8:45 am at the library
• Discuss a School Access Policy for conservation lands

The committee approved the September 9 minutes unanimously. A motion to change the next meeting date to Monday, November 10 was made, seconded and passed unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous consent.

• Approved September 9, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Moved next meeting to Monday, November 10 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Fire District 2

The Prudential Committee will meet to review warrants and approve minutes. The body will discuss financing for FY26 health insurance increases and the Town's Insurance Opt Out Plan.

• Vote to request Assessors release all available excess overlay for FY26 health insurance
• Discussion of GIC and MIIA health insurance
• Review of Free Cash status and Land Acquisition Stabilization Funds
• Approval of Fire Chief & Ambulance Report MOU
• Discussion of B. Miller retirement

Elementary School Project Building Committee

The South Hadley Elementary School Building Project Committee will conduct a site visit on October 9, 2025. Members will tour the school building at 200 Park Street in Easthampton. After the tour, the committee will hold a closed session. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Tour the building (site visit)
• Closed session (topics not disclosed)

Redevelopment Authority

The South Hadley Redevelopment Authority meeting will consider the minutes from the September 10, 2025 meeting and the Treasurer’s financial report. It will discuss outreach for the DeToma Fund, the Falls Business Improvement Grant, and a wrap‑up of the Falls Business meeting held on September 13, 2025. Additional items include the status of the October edition of the quarterly newsletter and updates on other redevelopment projects.

• Minutes from 9/10/25 meeting
• Treasurer’s Report
• DeToma Fund Outreach
• Falls Business Improvement Grant
• Falls Business Meeting Wrap Up – 9/13/25

Elementary School Project Building Committee

The South Hadley Elementary School Building Project Committee will review the $75,000 invoice approval threshold and give updates on site investigations, design options, and upcoming meeting dates. Members will discuss progress of educational visioning workshops, the schedule for design selection, and plans for school tours of potential sites such as Skala, Ludlow, Easthampton, Springfield, and possibly Holyoke. The committee will also set next steps and confirm dates for future sessions, including a hybrid meeting on November 12.

• Review $75,000 invoice approval threshold for subcommittee
• Discuss upcoming borings at both school sites
• Set dates for upcoming meetings, including Nov 12 hybrid session
• Provide updates on educational visioning workshops and design options
• Plan school tours of potential sites (Skala, Ludlow, Easthampton, Springfield, maybe Holyoke)

The committee unanimously approved $84,890 in invoices for geotechnical, hydrant flow, hazardous‑materials, and environmental assessments, staying within the $400,000 environmental budget. It also approved $300 for a newspaper ad, $150 for poster boards and $300 for updated pamphlets, and authorized virtual meetings in January and February. The meeting minutes were adopted and the meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Approved $84,890 site‑investigation expenditures (8‑0)
• Approved $300 newspaper advertisement (unanimous)
• Approved $150 poster boards and $300 pamphlets (unanimous)
• Authorized virtual meetings in January and February (unanimous)
• Adopted schedule for upcoming design milestone submissions
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Fire District 1

The South Hadley Fire District No. 1 board will approve meeting minutes from September 2, 2025 and December 5, 2023. It will vote on acceptance of proposed ambulance adjustments and consider a memorandum of understanding with the Town of South Hadley. The board will also receive the Chief’s and Treasurer’s reports and may address any new business raised within the past 48 hours.

• Approval of meeting minutes (9/2/2025, 12/05/2023)
• Vote on acceptance of ambulance adjustments
• Vote on acceptance of the Chief’s report
• Discussion and possible vote on MOU with Town of South Hadley
• Treasurer’s report

Capital Planning Committee

The Capital Planning Committee will discuss Town Meeting Articles and consider reallocating capital project funding. It will also review a long‑term planning building assessment, receive an update from the Budget Task Force, and hear a report from the School Building Committee. The meeting includes routine items such as approving prior minutes.

• Approval of minutes for 5/6/2025, 8/5/2025, 9/2/2025
• Discussion of Town Meeting Articles and capital project funding reallocations
• Long‑term planning building assessment
• Budget Task Force update
• School Building Committee update

The committee voted 8‑0 to recommend Article 4 on the Town Meeting Warrant. It also voted 8‑0 to approve the Pearl Street reallocation schedule. The meeting was adjourned by an 8‑0 vote and a next meeting was scheduled for November 4, 2026.

• Recommend Article 4 on Town Meeting Warrant (8‑0 unanimous)
• Approve Pearl Street reallocation schedule (8‑0 unanimous)
• Adjourn meeting (8‑0 unanimous)
• Set next meeting date for November 4 2026 (no vote recorded)

Selectboard

The South Hadley Selectboard will review several consent agenda items, including one‑day alcohol licenses for local events. They will hold a hearing on the Ethan Circle subdivision and discuss new business items such as a holiday stroll approval, a Bitcoin machine ordinance, the Center Street project, a public higher‑education resolution, a special education stabilization fund, a sewer use warrant, and liquor license requests. Old business includes budget, trash and recycling, and town meeting matters.

• One‑Day All Alcohol License request for Friends of Buttery Brook Park at St. Theresa’s Church
• One‑Day Beer & Wine License request for Bridget Carroll at MHC
• Bitcoin Machine Ordinance
• Center Street Project
• Sewer Use Warrant for FY26

The board unanimously approved a Sewer Use Fee warrant for $2,215,250 starting Oct. 1, 2025. It also awarded the Center Street Neighborhood Improvement Project to Castello Landscaping for $537,012 and accepted the proposed Ethan Circle layout as a public way. Additional actions included supporting a Bitcoin machine ordinance, a public higher education resolution, and a request for new liquor licenses. The Special Education Stabilization Fund proposal was moved forward with a 3‑1 vote.

• Approved Sewer Use Fee warrant $2,215,250 (unanimous)
• Awarded Center Street Neighborhood Improvement Project to Castello Landscaping $537,012 (unanimous)
• Accepted Ethan Circle layout as a public way (unanimous)
• Approved use of town common for Holiday Stroll Dec 5 (unanimous)
• Supported Bitcoin Machine Ordinance (unanimous)
• Supported Public Higher Education Resolution (unanimous)
• Moved Special Education Stabilization Fund proposal forward (3-1)
• Agreed to request 10 general on-premise and 5 off-premise liquor licenses

Board of Health

The South Hadley Board of Health will vote on the minutes from the July 28 and September 8, 2025 meetings. Staff will present updates from the Shared Service Coordinator, the regional public health nurses, and health inspectors. The board will consider a regional vaccine clinic to be held in South Hadley and discuss upcoming workplan updates, including the FPHS FY25 Report. The meeting will conclude with scheduling the next meeting date.

• Vote on minutes from 7/28/25 and 9/8/25
• Shared Service Coordinator’s report (communications, CredibleMind, PHE monthly meeting, quarterly report)
• Regional public health nurses’ report for South Hadley, Holyoke, and Chicopee
• Regional health inspectors’ report
• Discussion of a regional vaccine clinic in South Hadley

Public Library

The South Hadley Public Library Board of Trustees will vote to approve the minutes of prior meetings and dispose of pending bills. The meeting will include routine correspondence, a visitor acknowledgment, public comments, committee and director reports—including an update on the Gaylord branch. New business will address scheduling the next meeting for November 3.

• Approval of minutes of previous meeting(s)
• Disposition of bills
• Director's report: Gaylord branch update
• New business: set next meeting date (Nov 3, 2025)
• Public comments and committee reports

The board approved the minutes from the September 8, 2025 meeting. They unanimously approved a motion to pay the library’s bills that are in order. The board also approved a letter to the Town Administrator, Selectboard, and Budget Task Force about the impact of the library’s MBLC decertification on the library, town, and residents.

• Approved minutes from 9/8/25 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved unanimous motion to pay library bills if in order
• Approved letter to Town Administrator, Selectboard, and Budget Task Force on MBLC decertification impact

Elementary School Project Building Committee

The South Hadley Elementary School Building Project Communication Subcommittee will first approve the minutes from its September 29, 2025 meeting. It will then discuss outreach for the Educational Visioning Community Workshop scheduled for October 21, including a press release, reminder ad, event postings, and flyer distribution. Additional topics include a recap of the school open house, a quarterly tax‑bill insert, other outreach opportunities, website analytics, and a press release for a community forum.

• Approve September 29, 2025 meeting minutes
• Prepare press release, reminder ad, event postings, and flyers for the October 21 Educational Visioning Community Workshop
• Recap of recent school open house
• Quarterly tax‑bill insert
• Review website analytics

Budget Task Force

The Budget Task Force is meeting to review operational information, tax data, and school operations. The body will discuss budget scenarios and financial projections regarding overrides in preparation for the Nov 5 Town Meeting.

• Discussion of override scenarios and financial projections
• Review of comparable community data and tax information
• Planning for questions to be asked at Oct 20 and Nov 3 meetings
• Reports from Data and Finance and Public Outreach subcommittees
• Review of campaign finance law and override campaigns in other states

Planning Board

The South Hadley Planning Board will meet to review zoning amendments for the Route 202/33 Corridor and consider two residential development applications. The meeting will include public hearings for a 14-unit townhouse project and two accessory dwelling units.

• Public Hearing: 14-unit townhouse community at 506 Granby Road
• Public Hearing: Two detached Accessory Dwelling Units at 0 & 27 Ludlow Road
• Discussion: Draft Report on Route 202/33 Corridor Zoning Amendments
• Approval Not Required: Plan to carve off two building lots from 137 Pearl Street
• Planning & Conservation Department Report

The Planning Board unanimously approved the revised minutes for the August 25 and September 8 and 15 public hearings. It also endorsed an Approval Not Required plan to split 137 Pearl Street into two lots, and approved the draft report on the Route 202/33 Corridor zoning amendments to be sent to Town Meeting. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved August 25 and September 8 & 15 public hearing minutes (4-0)
• Endorsed ANR plan to carve off two lots from 137 Pearl Street, Map 58 Parcel 1 (4-0)
• Approved draft report to Town Meeting on Route 202/33 Corridor zoning amendments (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing to consider a Site Plan Review and Stormwater Management application. The proposal is for a 7 duplex (14 unit) residential townhouse community on a 4.02 +/- acre property. The project would be located on the southern portion of the site, accessed via Conti Drive.

• Site Plan Review for 14-unit residential townhouse community at 506 Granby Road
• Stormwater Management application for 506 Granby Road
• Review of development within the Business A-1 Zoning District

The Board reviewed the Site Plan Review and Stormwater Management applications for a 7‑duplex (14‑unit) townhouse project at 506 Granby Road. Vice‑Chair Therien moved to continue the public hearing to October 20 at 6:30 p.m., and the motion was seconded and approved unanimously (4‑0). The hearing will reconvene on that date. No other actions were taken.

• Continued public hearing on 506 Granby Road to Oct 20 (4‑0)

Planning Board

The South Hadley Planning Board will hold a hybrid public hearing on October 6, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. to consider a site‑plan review application submitted by Steve Aube for constructing two detached accessory dwelling units on parcels 15 and 46 at 0 & 27 Ludlow Road in the Residence B district. The hearing will be available in person at the South Hadley Senior Center, 45 Dayton Street, and online via Zoom. The application is on file with the Planning & Conservation Department and posted on the town website.

• Hybrid public hearing on Oct 6, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
• Site‑plan review for two detached ADUs on 0 & 27 Ludlow Road (Parcels 15 & 46)
• In‑person hearing location: South Hadley Senior Center, 45 Dayton Street
• Virtual attendance via Zoom (URL and passcode provided)
• Application posted on town website under Planning Department – Site Plan Review

The Planning Board postponed the site‑plan review hearing for the two accessory dwelling units on 0 & 27 Ludlow Road to November 24 at 6:30 p.m. The motion to continue was moved by Clerk Hutchison, seconded by Member Szklarz, and approved by a 4‑0 roll‑call vote. The continuation allows additional information on fire access and possible site‑plan revisions to be considered.

• Continue public hearing to Nov 24 at 6:30 PM (4‑0 vote)

Historical District Study Committee

The South Hadley Historical District Study Committee will discuss current steps and next steps for the district. Members will review and approve the final by‑law and record the associated map. The meeting will also consider creating an oversight commission, launching signage, and electing officers.

• Review and approval of final historic district by‑law
• Recording of historic district map
• Establishment of an oversight commission
• Launch of historic district signage
• Election of committee officers

Public Schools

The South Hadley School Committee will vote on four September warrants totaling several hundred thousand dollars. The meeting will also include approval of minutes from July and August, a discussion of the FY27 budget process, and a continued conversation on hybrid committee meetings. An executive session is scheduled to discuss collective bargaining or litigation strategy.

• Vote to approve four September warrants: $300,234.14 (Sept 9), $206,444.84 (Sept 16), $186,480.93 (Sept 23), $865,812.33 (Sept 25 biweekly payroll)
• Approval of meeting minutes for 7/8/25 and 8/14/25
• Discussion of the FY27 budget process
• Continued conversation regarding hybrid school committee meetings
• Executive session to discuss collective bargaining or litigation strategy

The committee approved four September warrants and a biweekly payroll warrant, all unanimously. It also approved the October 2 minutes for the July 8 and August 14 meetings. Members decided that starting January 2026, committee meetings will be held hybrid on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. An executive session was entered to discuss collective bargaining strategy.

• Approved warrant #2025-68 for $300,234.14 (unanimous, 4 aye)
• Approved warrant #2025-74 for $206,444.48 (unanimous, 4 aye)
• Approved warrant #2025-82 for $186,480.93 (unanimous, 4 aye)
• Approved biweekly payroll warrant for $865,812.33 (unanimous, 4 aye)
• Approved October 2 minutes for 7/8/2025 and 8/14/2025 (unanimous, 4 aye)
• Adopted hybrid meeting schedule: first and third Wednesdays beginning Jan 2026
• Entered executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy (unanimous, 4 aye)

Fire District 2

The Water Commissioners of Fire District No. 2 will review and possibly vote on several items. These include approval of the previous meeting’s minutes, a review of financial statements, and discussion of a contract with T‑Mobile for an antenna. Additional topics are the Park Street Tank Road, a projects update, and a town‑wide memorandum of understanding. The meeting also covers scheduling a special district meeting and other business.

• Approval of Minutes
• Review of warrants, balances, charts, and overdue bills
• Discussion of T‑Mobile antenna contract
• Discussion of Park Street Tank Road
• Projects update

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on a notice of intent filed by Mark & Cathy Machak to build a 1,000‑sf accessory dwelling unit, demolish a 500‑sf ancillary structure, and add a new driveway at 11 Brockway Ln. The commission will also discuss an open public forum, approve the September 17 meeting minutes, and receive the administrator’s report on projects, violations, and upcoming meetings. Any other new business may be considered at the Chair’s discretion.

• Public hearing on ADU, demolition, and driveway project at 11 Brockway Ln (1,000 sf ADU, 500 sf demolition, new driveway)
• Discussion and consideration of an open public forum
• Approval of meeting minutes from September 17
• Administrator’s report on projects, violations, and next meeting dates
• Other new business as identified by the Chair

The commission approved the minutes from the September 17 meeting. It adopted Order of Conditions #288-501, setting special conditions for the construction of a 1,000‑sf accessory dwelling unit, demolition of a 500‑sf ancillary structure, and driveway work at 11 Brockway Lane, a property within a wetland buffer. The meeting was adjourned at 6:22 PM.

• Approved September 17 meeting minutes (3‑0 vote)
• Issued Order of Conditions #288-501 for ADU at 11 Brockway Lane (3‑0 vote)
• Adjourned meeting (3‑0 vote)

Budget Task Force

The South Hadley Budget Task Force Finance Subcommittee will meet on Oct. 1, 2025 to discuss the town’s budget. The agenda includes a budget discussion and a review of next steps. The meeting will conclude with an adjournment.

• Budget Discussion
• Next Steps

Budget Task Force

The Budget Task Force Communications Subcommittee will meet on Sept. 30, 2025 at 12 p.m. via Zoom. The agenda items are a task‑force communication update, discussion of next steps, and adjournment. No specific decisions, contracts, or policy changes are listed for this meeting.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission subcommittee will finalize plans for the Fall Potluck & Plant Share scheduled for Thursday, October 9 at 6 pm in the South Hadley Library Community Room, including picture contributions, a garden map, and a plant share of up to five plants with invitations to local businesses. The meeting will also consider any new business items, though none are detailed in the agenda.

• Finalize Fall Potluck & Plant Share details (Oct 9, 6 pm, South Hadley Library Community Room)
• Discuss picture contributions of successes and problems
• Update garden map with participant locations
• Arrange plant share of up to 5 plants and invite local businesses
• New business (no specific items listed)

The Conservation Commission reviewed plans for a fall potluck and plant‑share event on October 9 at the South Hadley Library. Members noted a forthcoming photo presentation and a map for garden locations. A suggestion was made to add Doug Tallamy’s Homegrown National Park website link to the Growing Wild site. No formal decisions or votes were recorded.

Elementary School Project Building Committee

The committee will approve the minutes from the September 5, 2025 meeting. It will review the communications plan and discuss community outreach items such as open house updates, tax‑bill inserts, and educational visioning. The agenda also includes updates to the project website and Facebook page, a press release about designer selection, and scheduling of recurring meetings. Any new business will be considered at the end.

• Approval of 9/05/25 meeting minutes
• Communications plan review
• Community outreach discussion (open house updates, tax‑bill insert, educational visioning)
• Website updates & analytics
• Designer selection press release

Sustainability & Energy Commission

The Sustainability and Energy Commission will meet to discuss the climate action plan and Vision 2050. The body will also address other sustainability topics and the SEC book club.

• Climate action plan
• Vision 2050
• SEC book club

Electric Light Department

The Board of Commissioners will meet to review June 2025 financials and discuss a new building and a Town Memorandum of Understanding. The board is scheduled to enter executive session to discuss fiber projects and the value or purchase of real property.

• Executive session regarding fiber projects and real property purchase, exchange, lease, or value
• Review of June 2025 Financials
• Discussion of New Building
• Town Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
• Fiberspring Update

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission will discuss draft articles for the November Town Meeting and the impact of budget constraints on resident human rights. The body will also plan awareness programming for Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.

• Discussion of draft articles for November Town Meeting
• Discussion of budget constraints and effects on resident human rights
• Planning for October Domestic Violence Awareness Month programming
• Discussion on sourcing an intern for programming help
• Identification of programming partners including schools and library

The commission approved the draft minutes from the August 27 meeting, with Judy Gooch Dobosh making corrections and Dick Matteson seconding. Several programming ideas, including Domestic Violence Awareness Month and a full calendar, were tabled. Tanya Wallace agreed to provide information about a potential intern to Renee. Partnerships with schools and the library were also tabled.

• Approved draft minutes from 8/27/25 (Judy corrected, Dick seconded)
• Domestic Violence Awareness Month programming tabled
• Development of a full programming calendar tabled
• Tanya Wallace to share intern candidate information with Renee
• Partners in programming with schools, library, etc. tabled

Appropriations Committee

The South Hadley Appropriations Committee meeting on Sept 23, 2025 will consider a budget update, a warrant for the upcoming Fall Town Meeting, and an update from the Budget Task Force. No decisions are recorded in the agenda; items are listed for possible discussion.

• Budget Update
• Fall Town Meeting Warrant
• Budget Task Force update

Housing Authority

The Board of Commissioners will meet to review September reports and the treasurer's report. The board is considering the approval of the State FY26 Budget and the Annual Plan.

• Consideration of approval of State FY26 Budget
• Consideration of Annual Plan
• Warrant for month ending September 23, 2025
• McCright Associates
• AICPA REPORT

Budget Task Force

The South Hadley Budget Task Force will discuss project updates covering education/history, operational information, budget scenarios, financial projections, and next steps. The meeting will include review of draft minutes from the July 24, 2025 and September 8, 2025 meetings. Public engagement updates from committees, boards, and departments will be presented, followed by any other business.

• Project update: education/history, operational information, budget scenarios, financial projections, next steps
• Review draft meeting minutes from July 24, 2025
• Review draft meeting minutes from September 8, 2025
• Public engagement updates from committees, boards, and departments
• Other business

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing to discuss proposing articles to Town Meeting to amend the Zoning Bylaw. The proposed changes aim to make sign regulations content neutral and consolidate sign references into one chapter.

• Proposed repeal and replacement of §255-85 (Signs)
• Proposed amendment to §255-10 to redefine signs and sign types
• Proposed amendment to §255-22 (Home Occupations)
• Proposed amendment to §255-34 (Professional Business Uses)
• Proposed amendment to §255-39 (Bed-and-breakfast Facilities)

The board discussed proposed zoning bylaw amendments concerning sign regulations. It decided to table further discussion of the amendments. A motion to close the public hearing was moved by Member Szklarz, seconded by Vice‑Chair Therien, and approved by a 5‑0 vote. No other actions were taken.

• Tabled discussion of sign bylaw amendments (5‑0 vote)
• Closed public hearing (motion passed 5‑0)

Planning Board

The South Hadley Planning Board will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Zoning Bylaw regarding signs, home occupations, and bed-and-breakfast facilities. The board will also discuss a draft report on re-zoning for the Route 202/33 Corridor and continue a public hearing for a mobile food establishment.

• Public Hearing: Mobile food establishment at 478 Amherst Road
• Public Hearing: Proposed Zoning Bylaw amendments (Signs, Home Occupations, Bed-and-Breakfasts)
• Discussion: Draft report on Route 202/33 Corridor re-zoning
• Discussion: Draft Report to Town Meeting on Route 202/33 Corridor zoning
• Planning & Conservation Department Report

The Board voted unanimously to approve the site‑plan review application for a mobile food vendor at 478 Amherst Road, adding specific operating and design conditions. The motion to close the public hearing also passed unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned by a 5‑out‑of‑5 vote. The Board discussed a draft report on Route 202/33 corridor zoning amendments and will revisit endorsement at the next meeting.

• Approved site‑plan for mobile food vendor at 478 Amherst Road with conditions (5‑0)
• Motion to close public hearing passed (5‑0)
• Board adjourned meeting (5‑0)
• Discussed draft zoning amendment report; will seek endorsement at next meeting (no vote)

Public Schools

The South Hadley School Committee meeting will begin with procedural items, public comment, and reports from standing committees. The committee will then vote to approve eight warrants covering dates from July to September 2025, with a combined total of $1,348,410.20. Additional votes include a budget transfer request, a Cape Cod Capers field trip, policy changes (IKF and IKFE), and donations to MESMS and SHHS health curriculum. The meeting will also discuss hybrid versus remote formats for future meetings.

• Approval of eight warrants totaling $1,348,410.20
• Vote on Request for Budget Transfer
• Vote on Cape Cod Capers Field Trip
• Vote on Policy IKF & Policy IKFE
• Vote on Donation to MESMS

The committee unanimously approved eight warrants covering expenses and payroll, totaling $1,348,410.20. It also approved a budget transfer, created a special education reserve fund, and accepted several donations. Additional motions appointed members to commissions and approved policies and a field trip.

• Approved eight warrants totaling $1,348,410.20 (unanimous)
• Approved Cape Cod Capers field trip as presented (unanimous)
• Approved Policy IKF & Policy IKFE (unanimous)
• Approved budget transfer from teacher‑for‑the‑deaf salary to therapeutic contractor services (unanimous)
• Established special education reserve fund (unanimous)
• Accepted donation to Michael E. Smith Middle School (unanimous)
• Accepted $1,000 donation to South Hadley High School health curriculum (unanimous)
• Appointed Aisha McClure to Human Rights Commission (term 2023‑2028) (unanimous)

Commission on Disabilities

The South Hadley Commission on Disabilities will meet virtually on September 17, 2025. The agenda includes reviewing the minutes from August 21, 2025, providing committee updates, and discussing accessible parking violations under MGL Chapter 40 Section 22G, which may be voted on. Additional items are a website update, upcoming budget discussion, and an open mic if time permits.

• Review and approval of minutes of August 21, 2025
• Discussion and possible vote on accessible parking violations (MGL Chapter 40 Section 22G)
• Website update discussion
• Upcoming budget discussion
• Open mic (if time permits)

Conservation Commission

The South Hadley Conservation Commission will hold a virtual meeting to discuss a multifamily development proposal and a request for a determination regarding wetland boundaries. The body will also approve meeting minutes and authorize the Conservation Administrator's signature.

• Approval of August 6 & 20 meeting minutes
• Vote to authorize Conservation Administrator signature
• Public Hearing: 7 multifamily buildings at 506 Granby Rd
• Request for Determination: 136 East St wetland boundaries
• Administrator’s Report on projects and violations

The Commission approved the August 6 and August 20 meeting minutes. It voted unanimously to let the Conservation Administrator sign Determinations and Orders. It also approved a Positive Determination confirming the boundary at 136 East Street and approved a contract with BETA Group while continuing the public hearing on the 506 Granby Road project to October 15.

• Approved August 6 meeting minutes (3‑0, 2 abstentions)
• Approved August 20 meeting minutes (3‑0, 2 abstentions)
• Authorized Conservation Administrator to sign Determinations and Orders (5‑0)
• Issued Positive Determination confirming 136 East St resource‑area boundary (5‑0)
• Approved contract with BETA Group for peer‑review and continued hearing to Oct 15 (5‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (5‑0)

Board of Registrar of Voters

The Board of Registrars will approve the meeting minutes and consider several draft items. They will review the 2026 Annual Town Census mailer draft and the 2026 Annual Town Election Schedule draft. The agenda also includes discussion of a Master Election Cycle Schedule and estimated costs for various election types and early voting options.

• Approval of meeting minutes
• Draft 2026 Annual Town Census mailer
• Draft 2026 Annual Town Election Schedule
• Master Election Cycle Schedule
• Estimated costs for different election types and early voting options

The Board approved the July 31, 2025 meeting minutes after a motion by Sarah Gmeiner and a second by Lucia Foley; April Bellafiore abstained. No other formal actions were taken. The Board discussed draft election mailer, a budget task force, a master election cycle schedule, and upcoming election dates. Plans for an October 23 workshop and school outreach were also noted.

• Approved July 31, 2025 minutes (motion by Sarah Gmeiner, seconded by Lucia Foley; April Bellafiore abstained)

Selectboard

The board will review a consent agenda that includes multi‑day and one‑day beer and wine license requests. They will discuss several new‑business items, most notably proposed zoning amendments for Route 202/33, agricultural use changes, a sign bylaw and a possible curb‑cut bylaw. Additional topics include tax exemption proposals, installation of light poles at the South Hadley Dog Park, a special town meeting, capital matters, a home‑rule petition for liquor licenses, and a memorandum of understanding with town districts and SHELD. Old business will cover the budget and the FY2027‑FY2031 trash‑and‑recycling forecast.

• Multi‑day beer & wine license request for Mike McCray (Oct 3‑26) and one‑day request for Elizabeth Sawyer (Oct 8)
• Proposed rezoning of Route 202/33, including agricultural use changes and a sign bylaw
• Installation of light poles at South Hadley Dog Park
• Tax exemption proposals (see exemption table)
• Memorandum of understanding between the town, districts, and SHELD

The board approved the draft minutes and the consent agenda, which included several beer‑and‑wine license requests. It unanimously supported the planning board's zoning amendment package to be placed on the November Special Town Meeting warrant. The board also approved adding streetlights to the Dog Park, adopted a memorandum of understanding with the water and fire districts and SHELD, and set a Special Town Meeting for Nov. 5, 2025 at the high school auditorium.

• Approved draft minutes of Sept. 2, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including multiple beer & wine license requests (unanimous)
• Supported planning board zoning amendments for the November Special Town Meeting warrant (unanimous)
• Accepted request to add streetlight poles at South Hadley Dog Park, funded by Friends of the Dog Park (unanimous)
• Approved holding a Special Town Meeting on Nov. 5, 2025 at South Hadley High School Auditorium at 6 p.m. (unanimous)
• Supported MOU among town, water and fire districts and SHELD; authorized administrator to sign (unanimous)

Cultural Council

The South Hadley Cultural Council will vote to approve the August meeting minutes. The council will hear the Treasurer's Report, plan a grant decision‑making meeting, review the MASH and South Hadley Arts website, and address Zoom and member account matters. Additional items may be raised under Other Business.

• Approval of August meeting minutes
• Treasurer’s Report (Joy)
• Scheduling Grant Decisionmaking Meeting (David)
• MASH and South Hadley Arts website discussion (David)
• Zoom and Cultural Council member accounts (Dien)

The Cultural Council approved the minutes from the August meeting. The board decided to postpone discussion of the MASH program and the South Hadley Arts website. Members planned a grant‑review meeting for late October or early November and will finalize next steps at the October 21 meeting. Zoom security settings were updated and a town reminder notice was posted announcing that grant applications are open.

• Approved August meeting minutes
• Postponed discussion of MASH program
• Postponed discussion of South Hadley Arts website
• Scheduled grant‑review meeting for late Oct or early Nov (to be finalized Oct‑21)
• Updated Zoom settings and individual meeting invitations
• Posted notice in Town Reminder that grant applications are open

Planning Board

The South Hadley Planning Board will hold a public hearing to consider rezoning the Route 202/33 corridor, proposing new Residential Core and Residential Mixed‑Use districts and related zoning code amendments. The board will also review an ANR plan filed by Joseph Marois to adjust property boundaries on Newton Street. Additional agenda items include open comment, minutes, correspondence, and other new business.

• ANR plan filed by Joseph Marois to adjust/consolidate property bounds between 298, 300, and 302 Newton Street (Map 17, parcels 18‑20).
• Public hearing continuation on Route 202/33 corridor rezoning, proposing new Residential Core and Residential Mixed‑Use districts and amendments to Chapter 255 zoning, including a new Route 202/33 Corridor Design Guidelines Overlay District.
• Standard agenda items: open comment period, approval of minutes, and correspondence.

The South Hadley Planning Board held a public hearing on the Route 202/33 Corridor rezoning and reviewed an Approval‑Not‑Required plan that was withdrawn by the applicant. No zoning amendments were adopted or denied. The board then voted 5‑0 to adjourn the meeting.

• ANR plan for 298‑302 Newton Street withdrawn; board did not endorse (no vote)
• No rezoning amendments approved or denied (public hearing continued)
• Motion to adjourn meeting approved (5‑0)

Fire District 1

The Board of Water Commissioners will meet to discuss a new website, a health insurance increase effective October 1, 2025, and updates on water infrastructure including a main on Central Ave and a tank on Alvord St.

• Discussion of health insurance increase effective Oct. 1, 2025
• Central Ave water main update
• Alvord St. Tank exterior painting presentation
• Chlorination system at Alvord St. Tank
• MOU with South Hadley SHELD Fire Districts

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will review monthly reports for July and August and discuss updates for the Fiscal 2026 budget and valuation. The board is also scheduled to discuss property and person exemptions and the RMV Access Agreement Renewal.

• Fiscal 2026 budget updates
• Fiscal 2026 Valuation update
• RMV Access Agreement Renewal
• Exemption discussion for persons and property
• July and August monthly reports

The Board accepted the July 21 minutes and approved bills for WebGIS support and mileage reimbursement. It approved the July and August motor vehicle excise abatement reports as presented. The Board also scheduled its next meeting for October 20, 2025 and adjourned the session.

• Accepted July 21, 2025 minutes (2-0)
• Approved $3,000 WebGIS support bill and $58.15 mileage reimbursement (2-0)
• Approved July 2025 motor vehicle excise abatement report ($2,602.26) (2-0)
• Approved August 2025 motor vehicle excise ($3,112.26) and boat excise ($38.25) reports (2-0)
• Renewed three‑year RMV data access agreement (signed)
• Scheduled next meeting for Oct 20, 2025 at 9:30 a.m.
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Elementary School Project Building Committee

The Elementary School Building Subcommittee will review invoices, discuss budget tracking, and consider forming a group authorized to approve invoices up to $75,000, with Skanska providing a cost‑tracking mechanism. The meeting will also set the schedule for regular Zoom sessions on the 15th of each month for the next 24 months.

• Proposal to create an invoice‑approval group with authority up to $75,000
• Skanska to develop a tracking mechanism for all project costs
• Review and approval of submitted invoices
• Budget tracking overview (link provided)
• Establishment of recurring Zoom meetings on the 15th of each month for 24 months

The Finance Subcommittee reviewed Skanska's invoice 5 for services performed in August. The committee also heard a presentation of the overall feasibility‑study budget and learned that MVG will submit invoices next month. The invoices were approved unanimously.

• Approved Skanska invoice 5 for August services (unanimous)

Redevelopment Authority

The South Hadley Redevelopment Authority and Falls Neighborhood Association are holding a listening session for local businesses. The meeting includes updates on redevelopment projects and information on a new grant round for the Frank DeToma South Hadley Falls Redevelopment Fund.

• Public and private redevelopment projects update
• New grant round for the Frank DeToma South Hadley Falls Redevelopment Fund
• Local business listening session regarding growth and improvement in South Hadley Falls

Tree Committee

The South Hadley Tree Committee will first approve the meeting minutes. It will then review hazard tree reports and hear the Tree Warden's report, which includes a Tree & Shrub Planting Guide and planting plans for September and October. The committee will also consider a review of Chapter 87. No decisions are recorded in the agenda.

• Approval of Minutes
• Hazard Tree Reporting
• Tree Warden Report – Tree & Shrub Planting Guide and September/October planting
• New Business – Chapter 87 review

The meeting had no quorum, so no votes were taken. Feedback on the Tree & Shrub Planting Guide was given, and Pat agreed to draft a table of tree families for Anne to review. Future tree‑planting dates were discussed, but no actions were formally approved.

Fire District 2

The Prudential Committee will review and vote on warrants and approve minutes from August 14 and 18, 2025. The Fire Chief and Ambulance Report will be presented and voted on. The committee will discuss a potential health insurance premium increase, including possible funding sources and cost‑saving research.

• Review warrants (votes may be taken)
• Approve minutes for August 14 and August 18, 2025 (votes may be taken)
• Fire Chief & Ambulance Report (votes may be taken)
• Health insurance premium increase discussion – funding and cost‑savings research (votes may be taken)

Elementary School Project Building Committee

The South Hadley Elementary School Building Project Committee will meet to determine next steps for the project designer, finance, and communications. The committee will also review updates from the Informal Education Task Force and confirm future meeting dates through January 2026.

• Project cost estimates range from $80,000,000 to $120,000,000
• Designer update from MVG
• Review of Informal Education Task Force report
• Approval of August 13, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion of invoice approval process for amounts up to $75,000

The committee voted to approve the August 18, 2025 meeting minutes, with all members in favor. A motion to adjourn the September 10, 2025 meeting was also passed unanimously. No other substantive actions or votes were recorded.

• Approved August 18, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned September 10, 2025 meeting (unanimous)

Electric Light Department

The South Hadley Electric Light Department Board of Commissioners will meet on September 10, 2025 at 6:00 PM at the South Hadley Senior Center, with a hybrid Zoom option. The agenda lists a New Building Forum, followed by a motion to adjourn. No specific decisions or actions are detailed beyond these procedural items.

• Call to Order
• New Building Forum
• Motion to Adjourn

Redevelopment Authority

The Redevelopment Authority will meet to review financial reports and project updates. The body will discuss outreach for the DeToma Fund and a business meeting regarding the Falls.

• DeToma Fund outreach
• Falls Business Meeting scheduled for 9/13/25
• October edition of the Quarterly Newsletter status

The board unanimously accepted the minutes from the August 13, 2025 meeting. They set the agenda and time for the Falls Business meeting on September 13, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Public Library. The draft of the October edition of the Falls Digest newsletter was approved by all members. The next Redevelopment Authority meeting was scheduled for October 8, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. as a virtual meeting.

• Accepted minutes from 8/13/2025 (unanimous)
• Scheduled Falls Business meeting on 9/13 at Public Library, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• Approved Falls Digest Quarterly newsletter draft (by all)
• Set next meeting for Oct 8, 2025, 9:00 a.m. virtual

Recreation Commission

The South Hadley Recreation Commission will review old business including updates on Buttery Brook Park renovations and fireworks, and new business such as a budget update and a public sculpture installation.

• Buttery Brook Park Renovations Update
• Budget Update – Lisa Wong
• Public Sculpture Installation at Buttery Brook Park
• Fireworks and Concerts
• School Campus Use Restrictions During the Day

The Recreation Commission approved the May 13 minutes after correcting a typo, approved all bills payable, and voted to support a public sculpture at Buttery Brook Park. Each motion passed with an 8‑0 vote. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved May 13 minutes with typo correction (8-0)
• Approved bills payable (8-0)
• Accepted public sculpture installation at Buttery Brook Park (8-0)
• Adjourned meeting (8-0)

Bike/Walk Committee

The Bike-Walk Committee will review updates on social rides and upcoming bike events. The meeting includes a budget update from Lisa Wong and a progress report on the community seating inventory project.

• Bike events scheduled for May 16, 2026
• Planned treks for Sept 20 (Black Stevens) and Oct 19 (Lithia Springs)
• Commemorative Bench Program community seating inventory update
• Budget update by Lisa Wong

The committee approved the August 12, 2025 minutes unanimously. Members unanimously re‑elected Ruth Camuse as Chair and Anne Barry as Vice Chair, and agreed that secretary duties will continue to rotate. The group decided to complete the PVPC survey individually rather than as a committee. The meeting was adjourned with unanimous approval.

• Approved August 12, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Elected Ruth Camuse as Chair (unanimous)
• Elected Anne Barry as Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Continued rotating secretary duties among members
• Decided to complete PVPC survey individually
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Board

The South Hadley Planning Board convened a hybrid public hearing to consider amendments to Chapter 255 zoning and the zoning map for properties near Route 202 (Granby Road) and Route 33 (Memorial Drive/Willimansett Street). Board members and the Director of Planning presented the proposed Residential Core and Residential Mixed‑Use districts and answered public comments. No votes or formal approvals were recorded during the meeting.

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved the revised minutes from the July 28 meeting unanimously. It deferred review of the ANR plan for parcels on Newton Street to the September 15 meeting. The Board also authorized the Director of Planning and Conservation to negotiate a peer‑review for the 506 Granby Road site‑plan and stormwater applications, and approved the motion to adjourn the meeting.

• Approved July 28 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Deferred ANR plan review for 298‑302 Newton Street to Sep 15 (5-0)
• Authorized peer‑review for 506 Granby Road site plan and stormwater permit (5-0)
• Deferred Planning & Conservation Department report to a future meeting (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Board of Health

The Advisory Board unanimously accepted the September 11, 2025 minutes and tabled the July 28, 2025 minutes. Members agreed to adopt the Non‑Emergency Communications Procedures, tasking Jenneke with finalizing the document. The board approved D Powers’ 40‑hour, four‑day schedule and will have S Hart verify HR compliance. The next Advisory Board meeting is set for September 22 (in‑person) and the next team meeting for October 6 at 11:00 a.m. (virtual).

• Accepted minutes from 8/11/25 (all in favor)
• Tabled minutes from 7/28/25
• Agreed to adopt Non‑Emergency Communications Procedures; Jenneke to finalize and share
• Approved D Powers’ 40‑hour, 4‑day work schedule; S Hart to ensure HR compliance
• Scheduled Advisory Board meeting for Sept 22 (in‑person)
• Scheduled team meeting for Oct 6 at 11:00 a.m. (virtual)

Public Library

The trustees approved the minutes from the June 2 meeting. They voted unanimously to pay the library's bills when they are in order. The board also unanimously appointed Trustee Jennifer Couturier as the liaison to the Friends of the South Hadley Public Library.

• Approved minutes for the 6/2/25 trustees meeting
• Approved unanimous motion to pay library bills if in order
• Appointed Jennifer Couturier as liaison to the Friends of the South Hadley Public Library (unanimous)

Council on Aging

The board voted to accept the July 24, 2025 meeting minutes, with all members in favor. A motion to adjourn was made and seconded, and the meeting was closed at 5:52 pm with unanimous approval. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved July 24, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:52 pm (all in favor)

Elementary School Project Building Committee

The committee will approve previous meeting minutes and review a communications plan for the South Hadley Elementary School Building Project. The agenda includes discussing outreach materials for seniors, town offices, and preschools, as well as updates on school open houses and website analytics.

• Approval of 7/14/25 meeting minutes
• Review of communications plan for elementary school project
• Discussion of outreach materials for seniors and town offices
• Review of school open house dates and times
• Website updates and analytics review

Public Schools

The committee unanimously approved a biweekly payroll warrant for $783,858.94. It also unanimously accepted the June 26, 2025 meeting minutes, the competency determination requirements, and a $5,000 donation from T‑Mobile. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 7:14 pm.

• Approved $783,858.94 biweekly payroll warrant (unanimous)
• Approved June 26, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved competency determination requirements (unanimous)
• Accepted $5,000 T‑Mobile donation (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Fire District 1

The South Hadley Fire District 1 Prudential Committee will meet to approve ambulance adjustments, accept reports, and enter an executive session to discuss litigation strategy regarding a court-ordered forensic extraction of a cellular phone.

• Approval of Ambulance Adjustments
• Acceptance of Chief’s and Treasurer’s Reports
• Executive Session for litigation strategy (Case No. 2480CV00009)
• Approval of meeting minutes from 8/12/2025
• Public Comment period

Capital Planning Committee

The Capital Planning Committee will meet to discuss funding allocations for capital projects. The meeting will be held in person at the Senior Center Large Conference Room and via Zoom. The agenda includes the approval of previous meeting minutes.

• Discussion of capital project funding allocations
• Approval of minutes from May 6 and August 5, 2025
• Meeting held at Senior Center Large Conference Room

Selectboard

The board approved the FY26 trash commitment of $1,545,500 unanimously. They appointed Tracie Kennedy to the School Committee with a 6-2-1 vote. Additional actions included restricting campus access during school hours (4-1), approving new DPW lighting (4-1), and supporting the rezoning of Routes 202 and 33 (unanimous). The board also formed a review group for Ledges reports, accepted MPIC resignations, and approved several one‑day beer and wine licenses.

• Approved FY26 trash commitment of $1,545,500 (unanimous)
• Appointed Tracie Kennedy to School Committee (6-2-1)
• Restricted access to South Hadley school campuses during school hours (4-1)
• Approved new lighting at DPW for school vans (4-1)
• Supported rezoning of Routes 202 and 33 for downtown development (unanimous)
• Formed group to review Ledges reports and make recommendations (unanimous)
• Approved multiple one‑day beer & wine licenses (unanimous)
• Accepted resignations of Gail Vivian and John Parenteau from MPIC (unanimous)

Human Rights Commission

The commission voted to reorganize its leadership, appointing Renee Sweeney as CHR, Danielle Cooke as Vice Chair, and Lori Souder as Secretary. The meeting minutes were approved unanimously. No other substantive actions were decided at this session.

• Reorganization approved: Renee Sweeney as CHR, Danielle Cooke as Vice Chair, Lori Souder as Secretary (motion passed)
• Minutes approved unanimously

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings regarding a residential conversion and a mobile food establishment. Members will also discuss proposed zoning amendments for agricultural uses, signs, and the Route 202/33 Corridor.

• Public hearing: Special Permit for Barstow’s Longview Farm, Inc to convert 73 Alvord Street to a two-family dwelling
• Public hearing: Site Plan Review for Melanie Lorenz for a mobile food establishment at 0 Amherst Road
• ANR Plan: Property bound adjustments for 298, 300, and 302 Newton Street
• ANR Plan: Property bound adjustments for 34 Ludlow Road and 0 Ludlow Road
• Discussion of proposed zoning amendments for agricultural uses, signs, and the Route 202/33 Corridor

The Planning Board approved a $150 filing fee for Stormwater Management Permit applications by a 5‑0 vote. It also endorsed an Approval Not Required (ANR) plan to adjust property bounds at 34 Ludlow Road, also by a 5‑0 vote. Several items were deferred, and public hearings on sign‑bylaw amendments and Route 202/33 Corridor re‑zoning were scheduled for September. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Endorsed ANR Plan to adjust property bounds at 34 Ludlow Road, creating two lots (5‑0)
• Adopted $150 Stormwater Management Permit application filing fee (5‑0)
• Deferred ANR Plan for 298‑302 Newton Street to a future meeting
• Deferred review of Agricultural Uses Zoning Bylaw amendments until after November Special Town Meeting
• Scheduled public hearing on Sign Bylaw amendments for September 22
• Scheduled public hearing on Route 202/33 Corridor re‑zoning for September 8
• Adjourned meeting (5‑0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a hybrid public hearing to review a Special Permit application. The proposal seeks to convert a dimensionally nonconforming single-family dwelling into a two-family dwelling.

• Special Permit application by Barstow’s Longview, Inc. for 73 Alvord Street (Map 42 Parcel 10)

The Board voted unanimously to grant a Special Permit for converting the nonconforming single‑family house at 73 Alvord Street into a two‑family dwelling, finding it meets mandatory standards and will not be more detrimental than the existing use. The motion to close the public hearing also passed unanimously. No public comments were received.

• Granted Special Permit for two‑family conversion at 73 Alvord St (5‑0)
• Closed public hearing (5‑0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing to consider a Site Plan Review application for a mobile food establishment. The proposed project is located at 0 Amherst Road (Map 58 Parcel 132) within the Business B zoning district.

• Site Plan Review application by Melanie Lorenz for a mobile food establishment at 0 Amherst Road

The South Hadley Planning Board postponed the site‑plan review hearing for the mobile food establishment at 0 Amherst Road. Members moved and seconded a motion to continue the hearing to September 22 at 6:30 PM. The motion passed unanimously with a 5‑0 roll‑call vote. No approval or denial of the application was made at this meeting.

• Continued public hearing to September 22, 6:30 PM (5‑0 vote)

Budget Task Force

The Budget Task Force elected Kevin Mcallister and Nicholas Gingras as co‑chairs and approved Andrea Miles as clerk, each with unanimous support. The group also adopted a schedule of future meetings for September through November. It agreed to hold community listening sessions at the September 8 meeting. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Kevin Mcallister and Nicholas Gingras appointed co‑chairs (unanimous)
• Andrea Miles appointed clerk (unanimous)
• Future meetings scheduled for 9/8, 10/6, 10/20, 11/1, 11/15 (unanimous)
• Community listening sessions planned for 9/8 meeting (unanimous)
• Motion to adjourn passed (unanimous)

Tree Committee

The South Hadley Tree Committee will meet to reorganize, approve previous minutes, and introduce new members. The agenda includes a report on hazard trees and a discussion regarding a collaboration for a tree walk.

• Reorganization of Committee
• New Member Introductions & Welcome
• Approval of Minutes
• Hazard Tree Reporting
• Bike/Walk & Tree Committee Collaboration for Tree Walk

The Tree Committee unanimously approved the minutes from its last meeting. The discussion on committee reorganization was postponed until the October meeting. No other actions were formally decided at this session.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Postponed committee reorganization discussion until October meeting

Tree Committee

The Tree Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The discussion on committee reorganization was postponed until the October meeting. Fall tree planting events were scheduled for September 12‑13 and for either October 3‑4 or November 1. The next committee meeting was set for September 11, 2025 at 5:00 pm.

• Approved minutes from last meeting (unanimous)
• Postponed committee reorganization discussion until October meeting
• Scheduled fall tree plantings: Sep 12‑13 and Oct 3‑4 or Nov 1
• Set next meeting date: Sep 11, 2025, 5:00 pm

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission voted unanimously (4‑0) to select GZA to conduct a peer review of the wetland boundary delineation for 136 East Street. The same vote also moved the public meeting on this request to September 17, 2025. Approval of the August 6 meeting minutes was deferred due to lack of quorum. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved peer review with GZA for 136 East St wetland (4‑0)
• Continued public meeting on 136 East St request to Sep 17 2025 (4‑0)
• Deferred approval of August 6 meeting minutes (no vote)
• Adjourned meeting (4‑0)

Conservation Commission

The Growing Wild South Hadley subcommittee is meeting to review minutes and discuss a plant share and potluck event. This is a task-specific subcommittee meeting rather than a regular commission meeting.

• Fall Potluck & Plant Share scheduled for Thursday, October 9th at 6pm at the South Hadley Library Community Room

The Conservation Commission reviewed its previous minutes. It set the Fall Potluck & Plant Share for Thursday, October 9 at 6 p.m., with Thursday, October 2 as a backup date. Organizers will prepare a presentation, a garden map, and ask participants to bring up to five native plants. The commission noted that a Gaylord Library sign is being built this month.

• Set Fall Potluck & Plant Share date for Thursday, Oct 9 (backup Oct 2)

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council approved the June meeting minutes and voted in all officers. It decided not to reassign grantees whose council members left and to keep shared‑drive access limited to individual accounts. The council also agreed to explore town locations and a Zoom option for a grantee reception, and to review funding priorities at the next meeting.

• Approved June meeting minutes (corrections made)
• All officers were voted in by the Council
• Took no action on re‑assigning grantees whose members left
• Agreed to explore town locations and a Zoom session for grantee reception
• Decided not to use a shared‑drive account; continue individual account access
• David will follow up with Ira and MASH about the South Hadley Arts website
• Council will review posted funding priorities at the next meeting
• Members must submit contact info for Mass Cultural Council update to Gerry

Elementary School Project Building Committee

The subcommittee is meeting to conduct a budget tracking overview and review invoices for approval. This group is charged with approving invoices up to $75,000.

• Budget tracking overview
• Invoice review for approval

The Finance Subcommittee reviewed invoices 1‑4 submitted by Skanska for services performed from April to July. After discussion of cost tracking and fee projections, the committee approved the invoices unanimously. No other actions were taken.

• Approved invoices 1‑4 from Skanska (unanimous)

Public Schools

The committee approved three separate warrant motions, authorizing $850,511.80, $492,824.06, and a combined $2,405,580.30 for payroll and other expenses, with votes ranging from 3‑1 to unanimous. Three donations – $500 from Ladies Landscaping, a contribution from the Music Parents Association, and a donation for MESMS – were each accepted unanimously. The committee also agreed to reorganize its duties after the final vacancy is filled and adjourned the meeting unanimously.

• Approved Warrant #2025-337A for $850,511.80 (3 Ayes, 1 Abstain)
• Approved Warrant #2025-334 for $492,824.06 (3 Ayes, 1 Abstain)
• Approved four warrants (Warrant #2025-337 $159,542.00 and payrolls $787,578.54, $801,361.62, $816,640.14) unanimously
• Accepted $500 donation from Ladies Landscaping for sensory rooms (unanimous)
• Accepted donation from South Hadley Music Parents Association (unanimous)
• Accepted donation for MESMS (unanimous)
• Decided to reorganize committee duties after final vacancy is filled
• Adjourned meeting (4 Ayes)

Elementary School Project Building Committee

The committee approved the July 9, 2025 meeting minutes after a motion by Len, seconded by Rudy, with Lisa Wong abstaining and all other members voting in favor. The finance subcommittee will meet on the 15th of each month (or the next weekday) to review and approve invoices up to $75,000. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote. The committee also announced plans for a project Facebook page and bi‑weekly virtual outreach meetings beginning at the end of August, and Mt. Vernon will add information to the project directory.

• Approved July 9, 2025 minutes (motion passed, one abstention)
• Finance subcommittee scheduled to meet on the 15th (or next weekday) to approve invoices up to $75k
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous vote)
• Planned creation of project Facebook page and bi‑weekly virtual meetings starting end of August
• Mt. Vernon will add to the existing project directory

Redevelopment Authority

The Redevelopment Authority will meet virtually to review financial reports and project updates. Discussion items include outreach for the DeToma Fund and the distribution of a quarterly newsletter.

• DeToma Fund outreach
• Falls Businesses Directory and Falls Business Meeting
• Quarterly Newsletter distribution
• Smith Park Bench

The board approved the minutes from the July 8, 2025 meeting. The treasurer reported a balance of $2,150 in the Detoma Fund account. Members decided to post a two‑week notice in the Town Reminder to promote the September 13 Falls Business meeting and the Detoma Fund. The next meeting was set for September 10, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom.

• Approved July 8, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Will post Detoma Fund outreach notice in Town Reminder for two weeks
• Scheduled next meeting for September 10, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom

Board of Health

The South Hadley Board of Health will meet to review a Director's Report and discuss several new business items. The board will consider testimony regarding a ban on marijuana billboards and a joint letter from the Coalition Against Bigger Trucks.

• Letter of testimony banning marijuana billboards
• Coalition Against Bigger Trucks local officials joint letter signup
• Human Rights Commission update
• Review of Lisa Mead's 6/13 suggestions on BOH updates

The board postponed approval of the July 8, 2025 meeting minutes to the September 9, 2025 meeting. Review of Lisa Mead’s June 13 suggestions was also tabled for the next meeting. The motion to adjourn was approved unanimously.

• Acceptance of 07-08-2025 minutes: Tabled to 09-09-2025 meeting
• Review of Lisa Mead’s 6/13 suggestions: Tabled to next meeting
• Motion to adjourn: Approved (unanimous)

Fire District 2

The South Hadley Fire District 2 Prudential Committee and Water Commissioners will meet to discuss a vote by the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust to raise insurance premiums. The meeting will be held jointly with the South Hadley Selectboard.

• Presentation on Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust premium increases
• Joint meeting with South Hadley Selectboard
• Meeting at South Hadley Senior Center Multi-Purpose Room

Selectboard

The board voted 4-1 to authorize up to $175,000 in additional spending for the Buttery Brook Park pickleball courts, contingent on receiving at least $91,000 in private donations and a $50,000 grant. It also unanimously approved the sale of the town‑owned 35 Carew Street property, waived all permit fees for town‑owned buildings, accepted a hardware donation, approved the consent agenda and meeting minutes, and moved forward a notice of assessment for 27 Bardwell Street.

• Authorized up to $175k additional spending for Buttery Brook Park pickleball courts (4-1)
• Approved sale of 35 Carew Street property (unanimous)
• Waived all permit fees for town‑owned buildings (unanimous)
• Accepted donation of six pallets of nuts and bolts from Rocky’s Ace Hardware (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda, including One‑Day Beer & Wine License request (unanimous)
• Approved draft minutes of July 8, 2025 (unanimous)
• Moved forward notice of assessment to developer of 27 Bardwell Street (unanimous)
• Entered executive session for collective bargaining (unanimous)

Planning Board

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the July 14 meeting. It voted 4‑0 to accept the revised Route 202/33 Corridor draft zoning amendments and to schedule a public hearing on September 22. The board also unanimously endorsed the updated 10‑year Open Space and Recreation Plan Action Plan. The meeting was adjourned at 8:34 PM after a 4‑0 vote.

• Approved July 14 meeting minutes (4‑0)
• Accepted Route 202/33 Corridor draft zoning changes and set public hearing for Sep 22 (4‑0)
• Endorsed 10‑year Open Space & Recreation Action Plan (4‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (4‑0)

Conservation Commission

The commission unanimously approved the July 16 meeting minutes. It also voted to continue the public meeting on the 136 East Street wetland determination request to August 20 at 6:00 PM. The administrator reported administrative approvals for a new catch basin at Mount Holyoke Campus, removal of dead trees at 208 Mosier Street, and relocation of a utility pole at the Pearl Street culvert site. No new business was presented.

• Approved July 16 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Continued public meeting on 136 East St wetland request to Aug 20 (3-0)
• Approved installation of new catch basin at Mount Holyoke Campus (administrative approval)
• Approved removal of dead trees at 208 Mosier Street (administrative approval)
• Approved relocation of utility pole at Pearl Street culvert project site (administrative approval)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Board of Registrar of Voters

The Board of Registrars reviewed the Town Census Mailer copy for clarity and space. They decided to develop a new draft that retains key legal information while improving readability. An updated draft will be prepared for review in early fall.

• Develop new draft of Town Census Mailer copy (no vote recorded)
• Prepare updated draft for review in early fall (no vote recorded)

Board of Health

The Board of Health approved the minutes from the July 14 meeting with all members in favor. No other formal actions were taken; the remainder of the meeting consisted of reports and planning updates.

• Accepted minutes from 7/14 (all in favor)

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved the June 23 meeting minutes with a 5‑0 vote. The public hearing on a special‑permit application for a 2,500 SF gym was continued without a decision. Members discussed Route 202/33 corridor zoning amendments and informally supported hiring a consultant to create photo‑realistic development simulations. The meeting was adjourned with a unanimous vote.

• Approved June 23 meeting minutes (5‑0)
• Continued public hearing on special‑permit application (no decision)
• Discussed Route 202/33 corridor zoning amendments (ongoing)
• Supported retaining planning consultant for photo‑realistic simulations (informal)
• Adjourned meeting (5‑0)

Human Rights Commission

The South Hadley Human Rights Commission met on July 23, 2025. The commission edited and unanimously approved the prior meeting minutes. Guest Sharon Hart, Director of Public Health, provided updates on grants, upcoming vaccine clinics, a mental‑health app, harm‑reduction efforts, and other public‑health initiatives. No other actions were decided at this meeting.

• Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board accepted the June 9, 2025 minutes (2‑0). It approved two bills payable totaling $28,118 (CAI Technologies $650 and Bishop & Associates $27,468) with a 2‑0 vote. The June monthly abatement reports were approved (2‑0, 1 abstention). The Board set the next meeting for September 15, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom and adjourned (3‑0).

• Accepted June 9, 2025 minutes (2-0)
• Approved bills payable: CAI Technologies $650 and Bishop & Associates $27,468 (2-0)
• Approved June monthly abatement reports (2-0, 1 abstention)
• Scheduled next meeting for Sep 15, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Conservation Commission

Commissioners elected Terry Rosenfeld as Vice‑Chair. They endorsed a three‑year extension of the Open Space and Recreation Plan and recommended Planning Board approval. The commission approved site‑plan changes for Buttery Brook Park, issued a Negative Determination for a pool at 5 Stonegate Drive, approved temporary cameras at Black Stevens Conservation Area, and ratified an enforcement order for 550 New Ludlow Road.

• Elected Terry Rosenfeld as Vice‑Chair (4‑0)
• Approved May 21 meeting minutes (4‑0)
• Approved June 4 meeting minutes (4‑0)
• Endorsed OSRP 3‑year extension, recommending Planning Board approval (4‑0)
• Approved Buttery Brook Park site‑plan changes (DEP File #288‑497) (4‑0)
• Issued Negative Determination #3 for pool at 5 Stonegate Drive (4‑0)
• Approved temporary cameras at Lorraine Ave trailhead, Black Stevens Conservation Area for up to three months (4‑0)
• Ratified Enforcement Order for 550 New Ludlow Road (4‑0)

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council elected all officers after receiving notice from the town office. It chose not to reassign grantees linked to former members and decided to keep email access on individual accounts rather than a shared drive. The council agreed to explore town locations (and a possible Zoom option) for future grantee receptions and will review funding priorities at the next meeting. Members must submit their contact information for the annual Mass Cultural Council update.

• Elected all officers (vote held after Select Board appointments)
• Approved minutes from June meeting with corrections
• Took no action on reassigning grantees paired with departed SHCC members
• Decided not to use a shared drive account; email access remains on individual accounts
• Agreed to explore town locations and a Zoom option for future grantee reception
• Planned to review posted funding priorities at the next meeting
• Required members to provide contact info for the annual Mass Cultural Council update

Board of Health

The Board of Health heard reports on grant status, community health activities, and inspections. A grant was reported as approved the previous week and is awaiting a state contract. Members discussed upcoming health communications, vaccine clinics, and plans for message boards and air purifiers for students.

• Grant approved (awaiting state contract; no vote tally recorded)

Planning Board

The Planning Board voted 4‑0 to approve the minutes from the June 16 regular meeting and public hearing. The board then voted 4‑0 to adjourn the July 14 meeting. Discussions continued on the Route 202/33 corridor re‑zoning, sign‑bylaw amendments, and agricultural zoning, but no decisions were made on those items.

• Approved June 16 meeting minutes (4‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (4‑0)

Council on Aging

The council approved the June 9, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. New board members Terry Ominsky and Meg Clancy were welcomed, and the existing officer roster—Chairperson Marilyn Ishler, Vice Chair Susan LaBonte, and Secretary Sheila Pennell—was re‑appointed unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved June 9, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Re‑appointed current officers: Chairperson Marilyn Ishler, Vice Chair Susan LaBonte, Secretary Sheila Pennell (unanimous)
• Welcomed new board members Terry Ominsky and Meg Clancy (no vote required)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Elementary School Project Building Committee

The South Hadley Elementary School Building Project Committee approved two invoices totaling $44,000 for services provided from March through June. Members also agreed to hold a standing monthly invoice‑review meeting around the 15th of each month via Zoom. The May 21, 2025 meeting minutes were approved, and the meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved May 21, 2025 meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Approved two invoices totaling $44,000 for March‑June services (unanimous)
• Agreed to hold a standing monthly invoice review meeting around the 15th via Zoom (unanimous)
• Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Board approved the minutes from the June 10, 2025 meeting. It issued a $1,000 fine to Hype Solutions/Mobil for a tobacco sale to a minor. The Board noted that the old energy facility regulation is no longer applicable and will draft a new regulation. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved acceptance of 06-10-2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Issued $1,000 tobacco violation fine to Hype Solutions/Mobil
• Directed draft of new energy facility regulation (old regulation deemed inapplicable)

Public Schools

The committee unanimously approved a $120,845.44 warrant dated June 17, 2025 and a $862,154.84 biweekly payroll warrant dated July 3, 2025. It also unanimously appointed Lyn Jacques as Assistant Superintendent following the superintendent's recommendation. Additionally, the committee accepted the resignation of member Dan Vieu and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved warrant #2025-327 for $120,845.44 (unanimous)
• Approved biweekly payroll warrant for $862,154.84 (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Lyn Jacques as Assistant Superintendent (unanimous)
• Accepted resignation of Committee member Dan Vieu (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Selectboard

The board approved the June 24, 2025 minutes and accepted the consent agenda. It approved year‑end financial transfers and appointed Charles Miles to the vacant School Committee seat. The board accepted Dan Vieu’s resignation from the School Committee and postponed the TAPBE discussion to the August 12 meeting. Finally, the board entered executive session to discuss collective‑bargaining and a cyber‑security litigation matter.

• Approved June 24, 2025 minutes (4 ayes, 1 abstain)
• Accepted consent agenda (5 ayes)
• Accepted year‑end transfers (5 ayes, unanimous)
• Appointed Charles Miles to School Committee (4 ayes, 1 abstain)
• Accepted resignation of Dan Vieu from School Committee (5 ayes, unanimous)
• Postponed TAPBE discussion to Aug 12 meeting (board agreement)
• Entered executive session on collective bargaining and cyber‑security litigation (5 ayes, unanimous)

Redevelopment Authority

The board unanimously accepted the June 18, 2025 minutes. Michelle Theroux was assigned to draft a letter to state representatives and the Selectboard expressing frustration with Mass DOT delays. Michelle Theroux will also explore inviting a Chamber of Commerce representative to the upcoming business listening session, and Anne Capra will create a list of questions for that session.

• Accepted June 18, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Michelle Theroux to draft letter to state reps and Selectboard
• Michelle Theroux to investigate inviting Chamber of Commerce representative
• Anne Capra to develop list of questions for business listening session

Tree Committee

The Tree Committee did not achieve a quorum, so the meeting was not called to order and no votes were held. Discussion topics included a possible tree walk led by Mike Lamontagne, a map and web design for a future route, and the tree planting program. No actions were approved, denied, or tabled.

Public Schools

The committee approved six warrants covering amounts from $63.45 to $932,054.33, with two votes passing 2‑aye/1‑abstain and one vote unanimous. It also ratified the AFSCME Council 93, Local 1033 contract and the new three‑year superintendent contract beginning July 1, 2025. The meeting entered an executive session, accepted two donation checks, and adjourned at 6:17 p.m.

• Approved warrant #2025-305(B) $2,550.00 (2 aye, 1 abstain)
• Approved warrant #2025-321(A) $422,869.25 (2 aye, 1 abstain)
• Approved warrant #2025-305(A) $625,781.73 (2 aye, 1 abstain)
• Approved warrant #2025-321(B) $63.45 (2 aye, 1 abstain)
• Approved warrant #2025-312 $104,883.10 (unanimous)
• Approved biweekly payroll warrant $932,054.33 (unanimous)
• Ratified AFSCME Council 93, Local 1033 contract (unanimous)
• Ratified superintendent contract (3‑year, starts 7/1/2025) (unanimous)

Human Rights Commission

The commission corrected and unanimously approved the meeting minutes. They also unanimously approved a finalized letter of support for the Trails for All initiative. The Sub Committee was directed to meet after the meeting to produce a SHCTV15 video, with filming scheduled for June 30.

• Approved corrected meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved finalized letter of support for Trails for All (unanimous)
• Directed Sub Committee to meet after meeting to produce SHCTV15 video (filming 6/30)

Selectboard

The board unanimously adopted the Town of South Hadley Hazard Mitigation Plan 2024 and approved $5,084.06 of opioid settlement funds for AED purchases. It appointed members to the Tree, Bike Walk, Veterans, Conservation, Council on Aging, and Cultural Council committees, accepted two resignations, and scheduled a police‑union grievance hearing. The draft minutes from June 3, 2025 were also approved.

• Adopted Town Hazard Mitigation Plan 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved $5,084.06 opioid settlement funds for AED purchases (unanimous)
• Appointed Austin Ford and Alyssa Lucchesi to Tree Committee (unanimous)
• Appointed Riley Kranz to Bike Walk Committee (unanimous)
• Appointed Riley Kranz to Veterans Committee (unanimous)
• Appointed Kay Klausewitz to Conservation Commission (unanimous)
• Accepted resignations of Jessica Schoendorf (Conservation Commission) and Mary Anne Myers (Cultural Council) (unanimous)
• Scheduled hearing on Police Union Step 3 grievance for July 8, 2025 (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved the minutes from the June 9 meeting with a 3‑4 vote, one member abstaining. It then accepted the withdrawal of Mount Holyoke College’s site‑plan application for a new energy center at 9 Woodbridge Street without prejudice, unanimously (3‑3). The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous 4‑4 vote.

• Approved June 9 meeting minutes (3‑4 vote, 1 abstention)
• Accepted withdrawal of Mount Holyoke College energy center site‑plan (3‑3 vote)
• Adjourned meeting (4‑4 vote)

Planning Board

The South Hadley Planning Board postponed the special‑permit hearing for 88 Willimansett Street to July 28, 2025. Clerk Hutchison moved the continuation, Member Szklarz seconded, and all five voting members approved the motion by roll‑call vote (5‑0). No final decision on the mixed‑use boxing gym permit was made at this meeting.

• Continued public hearing on 88 Willimansett Special Permit to July 28, 2025 (5‑0)

Redevelopment Authority

The Authority unanimously approved the board reorganization, appointing Michelle Theroux as Chair, Madison Dressler as Vice‑Chair, and Diane LaRoche as Clerk/Treasurer. The May 8, 2025 meeting minutes were also accepted unanimously. The Treasurer’s report noted a $1,750 purchase of a bench with plaque for Fred Smith Park, funded from the Planning and Conservation balance. No other motions were voted on.

• Approved Chair appointment (unanimous)
• Approved Vice‑Chair appointment (unanimous)
• Approved Clerk/Treasurer appointment (unanimous)
• Accepted May 8, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Purchased bench for Fred Smith Park ($1,750)

Board of Registrar of Voters

The Board of Registrars approved the March 18, 2025 meeting minutes with a unanimous vote. The board discussed upcoming election timelines for 2025‑2026 and outlined planning tasks, but no further actions were voted on.

• Approved March 18, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Board approved the May 19 regular meeting minutes by a 5‑0 vote. It elected the Chair or a designee to sign Board decisions, also by a 5‑0 vote. The Board approved a special permit for Anthony’s Dance Club at 500 New Ludlow Road, adding specific conditions, with a 5‑0 vote. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved May 19 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Elected Chair/designee to sign Board decisions (5-0)
• Approved special permit for Anthony’s Dance Club with conditions (5-0)
• Closed public hearing (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Commission on Disabilities

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the May 21, 2025 meeting. It also unanimously accepted a letter of endorsement for the “Trails for All” bill. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Accepted minutes of 05/21/2025 (unanimous)
• Accepted letter of endorsement for "Trails for All" bill (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Cultural Council

The council approved the minutes from the May meeting. It assigned Ira Brezinsky and David Solender‑Clark to work together on next steps for transferring the SHArts website to the Cultural Council. The council also decided to keep reviewing Google file‑sharing methods, have David coordinate a new meeting schedule with Joy, and add a agenda item to re‑assign 25 grant contacts.

• Approved minutes from May meeting
• Assigned Ira Brezinsky and David Solender‑Clark to determine website ownership steps
• Continued review of Google file‑sharing procedures
• Tasked David Solender‑Clark to gauge availability with Joy and set up a new schedule
• Added agenda item to re‑assign 25 grant contacts

Board of Health

The board approved the minutes from the May 13, 2025 meeting with four votes in favor and one abstention. The board also approved a motion to adjourn the June 10 meeting unanimously. The next Board of Health meeting was scheduled for July 8, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the South Hadley Public Library. No other policy actions were decided.

• Accepted May 13 minutes (4 ayes, 1 abstain)
• Adjourned meeting (5 ayes)
• Scheduled next meeting for July 8, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.

Board of Assessors

The Board accepted the May 19, 2025 meeting minutes and the bills payable presented. It approved the May monthly abatement reports. Members agreed to hold the next board meeting on July 21, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom. The meeting was adjourned.

• Accepted May 19, 2025 minutes – vote 2-0 (Masson, Taugher)
• Approved bills payable (mileage $96.80, storage $118.00) – vote 2-0 (Masson, Taugher)
• Approved May abatement reports (total $4,254.36) – vote 2-0 (Masson, Taugher)
• Set board meeting for Monday, July 21, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom – agreed
• Adjourned meeting – vote 2-0 (Masson, Taugher)

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved the minutes from the April 28 and May 5 meetings. It adopted the revised Business A‑1 mixed‑use design guidelines. No other substantive actions were taken; remaining agenda items were discussed for future consideration.

• Approved April 28 and May 5 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Adopted Business A-1 design guidelines (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Council on Aging

The board voted to accept the May 12, 2025 minutes with a motion by Robert Pueschel and a second by Dick Matteson; the motion passed unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned at 5:03 pm after a motion by Liane Pueschel was seconded by Robert Pueschel and approved by all present.

• Approved May 12, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:03 pm (unanimous)

Public Schools

The South Hadley School Committee voted to approve a biweekly payroll warrant for $883,874.06. The motion passed unanimously with a 3‑0 vote. The committee also unanimously moved to adjourn the meeting. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved $883,874.06 biweekly payroll warrant (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Conservation Commission

The Commission deferred approval of the May 21 minutes to the next meeting. They voted 4‑0 to continue the meeting to June 18 so the pool applicant can revise the plan. They approved the replacement of stairs at 34 Upper River Road under existing conditions (4‑0). They issued Negative Determinations with conditions for the relocation of horse sheds at 38 Park Street (3‑0, one abstention), for invasive‑species vegetation management at Warner Conservation Area (4‑0), and adopted amendments to the Conservation Land Regulations requiring dogs to be leashed and prohibiting trail alterations (4‑0).

• Continue meeting to June 18 (4‑0)
• Approve replacement of stairs at 34 Upper River Road (4‑0)
• Negative Determination for horse sheds relocation at 38 Park Street (3‑0, 1 abstain)
• Negative Determination for vegetation management at Warner Conservation Area (4‑0)
• Approve Conservation Land Regulations amendments: dogs leashed, no trail alteration (4‑0)
• Adjourn meeting (4‑0)

Conservation Commission

The commission approved the previous meeting’s minutes. It scheduled a presentation by Larri Cochran on native trees for June 12 at the South Hadley Public Library and arranged a Fall Pot Luck Plant Share for Thursday, October 2 (with October 9 as a backup). No other substantive actions were decided.

• Approved minutes
• Scheduled Larri Cochran presentation on June 12 at the public library
• Set Fall Pot Luck Plant Share for October 2 (backup October 9)

Selectboard

The board unanimously approved a school zone covering Newton Street, Route 116 and Lincoln Street to Broad Street. It also adopted the Large‑Scale Event Policy to take effect on Jan 1 2026, with a 4‑1 vote. The board reappointed Jeff Cyr to the Capital Planning Committee and Judy Gooch Dobosh to the Human Rights Commission, both terms ending 2028, and designated the Board of Assessors as Special Municipal Employees. Minutes from the May meetings were approved and the date for tri‑annual appointments was moved to June 24.

• Approved school zone on Newton St, Rt 116 and Lincoln St to Broad St (unanimous)
• Adopted Large‑Scale Event Policy effective Jan 1 2026 (4‑1)
• Reappointed Jeff Cyr to Capital Planning Committee (term to 2028) (unanimous)
• Reappointed Judy Gooch Dobosh to Human Rights Commission (term to 2028) (unanimous)
• Designated Board of Assessors as Special Municipal Employees per MGL c.268A (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of May 20 & 29, 2025 (4‑0‑1)
• Moved tri‑annual appointment date to June 24 (agreed)

Public Library

The trustees approved the minutes from the May 5 meeting with a spelling correction. They also approved a motion to pay library bills that are in order. The board unanimously adopted a new Children’s Safety Policy and voted to close the libraries on Saturday, July 5, 2025.

• Approved minutes from 5/5/25 with spelling correction (unanimously)
• Approved motion to pay library bills if in order (unanimously)
• Approved updated Children’s Safety Policy (unanimously)
• Approved closing libraries on Saturday, July 5, 2025 (unanimously)

Public Library

The Board of Library Trustees conducted the annual walk‑through of the South Hadley Public Library’s interior and exterior on June 2, 2025. The trustees discussed recent repairs, ongoing projects, and future needs. No formal actions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

Public Schools

The committee approved three large warrants totaling $1.43 million and a $72.50 warrant. It accepted the minutes from March 11, May 1 and May 15. The board also adopted the Student Records Policy and set a $540 cap on family transportation fees. Finally, the public session was closed and the committee entered executive session.

• Approved warrants #2025-265(A) $284,802.66, #2025-293 $284,859.40, and biweekly payroll $858,722.76 (3‑aye, 1 abstention)
• Approved warrant #2025-265(b) $72.50 (3‑aye, 1 abstention)
• Approved minutes for 3/11/25, 5/1/25, and 5/15/25 (3‑aye)
• Approved Student Records Policy as presented (3‑aye)
• Approved $540 cap per family for transportation fees (4‑aye, unanimous)
• Moved to end public session and enter executive session (4‑aye, unanimous)

Selectboard

The board voted unanimously to sell the town-owned real estate at 27 Fulton Street, identified as 0028-0067-0000, and to authorize the Town Administrator to handle all actions needed for the sale or to comply with M.G.L. c. 60, s. 64A. They also agreed to hold the summer retreat in the public library community room. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved sale of 27 Fulton Street property (4-0)
• Authorized Town Administrator to proceed with sale or comply with M.G.L. c. 60, s. 64A (4-0)
• Decided to hold summer retreat at public library community room (4-0)

Human Rights Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the May 8 meeting after correcting a name spelling. It voted to add its name to the Amherst Human Rights Commission petition, contingent on a legal/ethical check by Lisa Wong. The body also approved a shortlist of community contacts for outreach and assigned Gena Lomelin to coordinate the SHCTV15 video action plan. Membership changes were noted, with Tay Silveira’s term ending and Judy Gooch Dobosh set to be reappointed.

• Approved May 8 minutes with name correction (motion passed)
• Approved to add commission name to Amherst HRC petition pending review (aye votes: Renee S., Judy D., Tanya W., Gena L., Dick M.)
• Adopted outreach shortlist of community contacts (Mary Lou Guarnera, Sharon Hart, Joe Rodio, Redevelopment Authority, Bike/Walk)
• Assigned Gena Lomelin to coordinate SHCTV15 video action plan
• Noted Tay Silveira’s term ends 2025; Disabilities to appoint replacement
• Confirmed Judy Gooch Dobosh will be reappointed for 2025‑2026
• Motion to adjourn passed

Elementary School Project Building Committee

The subcommittee appointed Teresa Winters‑Tobin and Eric Frienser as co‑chairs and approved the April 28 and May 12 meeting minutes by unanimous consent. It scheduled several community‑outreach events for June and July, approved the creation of a project‑specific social‑media account, and assigned members to review the upcoming designer‑selection press release.

• Appointed Teresa Winters‑Tobin and Eric Frienser as co‑chairs (volunteered)
• Approved April 28 and May 12 meeting minutes by unanimous consent
• Scheduled Public Safety Day (6/1), Fireworks (7/5), Big Rig Day (7/17), and Summer Concert Series (Thursday evenings)
• Approved creation of a project‑specific social‑media account linked to the district account
• Agreed committee members will volunteer to run the social‑media account
• Skanska will provide graphics, copy, posting schedule, and consultation for social media
• Assigned Victoria and Jen to review the press‑release process for the designer‑selection announcement
• Requested website calendar be used to post all meetings and link to the town agenda center

Tree Committee

The Tree Committee approved the minutes from the March 27 and April 17 meetings unanimously. It decided to postpone the scheduled June 14 tree‑planting event to recruit more participants. Members assigned outreach tasks: Bobbie will invite the Bike/Walk committee to the June 26 meeting, Rebekah will contact the Northampton Tree Planting Group, and Genevieve will contact the Amherst Shade Tree Committee. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 5:56 pm.

• Approved minutes from March 27 and April 17 (unanimous)
• Postponed June 14 tree planting to recruit more participants
• Bobbie will invite Bike/Walk committee to June 26 meeting
• Rebekah will contact Northampton Tree Planting Group
• Genevieve will contact Amherst Shade Tree Committee
• Adjourned meeting at 5:56 pm (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The commission unanimously approved the May 7 meeting minutes. It issued an Order of Conditions with a waiver for the Mill at Stoney Brook and approved a positive determination for the wetland delineation at 506 Granby Road. It also denied the Main Street Pump Station bypass, approved a modified site plan at 315 Amherst Road, and issued a Certificate of Compliance for 15 Berwyn Street Extension.

• Approved May 7 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions 288-0498 with waiver for Mill at Stoney Brook (4-0)
• Issued Positive Determination #2a & 6 confirming wetland delineation at 506 Granby Road (4-0)
• Issued Negative Determination #5 & 6 for Main Street Pump Station bypass project (4-0)
• Approved modified site plan for 315 Amherst Road (4-0)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 15 Berwyn Street Ext (4-0)

Conservation Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the prior meeting. They discussed a May 29 pollinator garden talk, a June seed‑sowing workshop, summer and fall garden activities, and an update on the Gaylord garden sign. No participants were available for the Adopt an Island program and no new business was taken.

• Approved meeting minutes

Elementary School Project Building Committee

The committee approved a new subcommittee, composed of the Chair, the Superintendent or designee, the Town Administrator or designee, and two committee members, to approve invoices up to $75,000. It also approved the $11,380 invoice for services through April 13, 2025, authorized $500 for pamphlets and cards, and established an informal summer education task force. Earlier motions to approve the April 16 minutes and to adjourn the meeting were also passed unanimously.

• Approved creation of invoice‑approval subcommittee (unanimously)
• Approved $11,380 invoice for services through April 13, 2025 (all 5 members)
• Approved $500 for pamphlet and cards (all approved)
• Approved informal summer education task force (all approved)
• Approved April 16, 2025 meeting minutes (all yes)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimously)

Cultural Council

The council approved the minutes from the April meeting. The Treasurer’s Report was deferred to the next meeting. The council unanimously approved the FY 2026 officer slate of David Solender-Clark as Chair, Joy Jarme as Treasurer, and Dien Vo as Secretary, with Gerry de Berly continuing as Grants Manager. The council unanimously supported appointing Rev. Tanya Wallace as the Cultural Council representative on the Town’s Human Rights Commission.

• Approved April meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Deferred Treasurer’s Report to next meeting
• Approved FY 2026 officer slate (unanimous)
• Supported Rev. Tanya Wallace appointment to Human Rights Commission (unanimous)

Selectboard

The board approved a contract with Murphy Road Recycling covering July 1 2025 through June 30 2030. It also accepted the DPW collective bargaining agreement and authorized electronic signatures. The summer meeting schedule and a July 26 retreat were set, and the minutes and consent agenda were approved.

• Approved contract with Murphy Road Recycling (July 1 2025 – June 30 2030) – Unanimous
• Accepted DPW collective bargaining agreement and authorized electronic signatures – Unanimous
• Approved summer meeting schedule and July 26 retreat – Unanimous
• Approved May 6, 2025 meeting minutes – Unanimous
• Approved consent agenda, including One‑Day Beer & Wine license request – Unanimous

Board of Assessors

The board accepted the April 14 open and executive session minutes (3‑0 each). It approved a mileage reimbursement bill of $124.30 (3‑0) and the April abatement reports (3‑0). The board also voted to release $200,000 from excess overlay to overlay surplus (3‑0). The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 a.m. (3‑0).

• Accepted April 14 open session minutes (3-0)
• Accepted April 14 executive session minutes (3-0)
• Approved mileage reimbursement bill $124.30 (3-0)
• Approved April abatement reports (3-0)
• Released $200,000 excess overlay to overlay surplus (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Board of Health

The Board of Health met on May 19, 2025, with members Tim Rivers and Lisa Sanders present. The meeting included presentations on FPHS survey data, shared services updates, regional nurse and inspector reports, and new business items such as biobot outreach and opioid settlement planning. No formal motions or votes on policy actions were recorded; the Board only noted future steps and upcoming presentations. The next meeting is scheduled for June 2, 2025.

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved the minutes of the April 14 and April 22 meetings by a 4‑1 vote, with the chair abstaining. It approved the request to reface the illuminated sign for Jen’s Hair Care & Company at 341 Newton Street, voting 5‑0. The board endorsed an Application Not Required (ANR) plan to carve a 0.523‑acre building lot from the parcel at 136 East Street, also voting 5‑0, and agreed to discuss curb‑cut standards at the July 28 meeting.

• Approved April 14 and April 22 meeting minutes (4‑1, chair abstained)
• Approved illuminated sign refacing for Jen’s Hair Care & Company at 341 Newton Street (5‑0)
• Endorsed ANR plan to carve 0.523‑acre building lot from 136 East Street parcel (5‑0)
• Agreed to place curb‑cut standards discussion on July 28 agenda (consensus)
• Adjourned meeting (5‑0)

Planning Board

The board reviewed draft design guidelines for mixed‑use development in the Business A‑1 zoning district. Clerk Hutchison moved to close the public hearing, Vice‑Chair Therien seconded, and all five members voted in favor (5 out of 5). The board will incorporate the discussed edits and bring the revised guidelines back for future consideration and endorsement.

• Motion to close the public hearing – approved (5‑0)
• Edits to the design guidelines will be incorporated and returned for future endorsement

Public Schools

The committee approved three school warrants totaling $1,130,875.71, with one vote 3-0-1 and the others unanimous. It appointed Jennifer Voyik as superintendent pending successful contract negotiations and authorized the chair to negotiate that contract. Eric Friesner was appointed to the Town Budget Task Force, and the meeting moved to an executive session.

• Approved warrant #2025-280 for $188,633.63 (3 Ayes, 1 Abstention)
• Approved warrant #2025-287 for $111,651.34 (4 Ayes)
• Approved biweekly payroll warrant for $830,590.74 (4 Ayes)
• Appointed Jennifer Voyik as superintendent pending contract negotiations (4 Ayes)
• Authorized Chair to negotiate superintendent contract with Jennifer Voyik (4 Ayes)
• Appointed Eric Friesner to Town Budget Task Force (4 Ayes)
• Moved meeting to executive session per M.G.L. c. 30A provisions (4 Ayes)

Recreation Commission

The Recreation Commission approved the March 11 minutes (5-0) and the bills payable (6-0). It voted 7-1 to maintain the existing policy for the U9/U10 Roots Soccer divisions. The meeting was adjourned with an 8-0 vote.

• Approved March 11 minutes (5-0)
• Approved bills payable (6-0)
• Kept U9/U10 Roots Soccer policy unchanged (7-1)
• Adjourned meeting (8-0)

Board of Health

The Board approved a reorganization, naming Karen Walsh Pio as Chair, Tony Judge as Vice‑Chair, and Charles Scott as Clerk. The Board unanimously accepted the minutes from the April 8, 2025 meeting. The Board approved changing the annual livestock permit period from January 1–December 31 to April 1–March 31. The meeting was adjourned at 7:57 p.m.

• Approved board reorganization: Karen Walsh Pio Chair, Tony Judge Vice‑Chair, Charles Scott Clerk (unanimous)
• Accepted April 8, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved revision of livestock permit dates to April 1–March 31 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Bike/Walk Committee

The committee approved the April 8, 2025 minutes and adjourned the meeting unanimously. It confirmed the South Hadley Bike Safety Day on June 1, 2025, with Lights Brigade bike lights ordered for distribution by the Recreation Department. The Council on Aging Walking Club will be paused until a new group forms, and summer meetings were scheduled for June 10 and August 12, with no July meeting.

• Approved April 8, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved motion to adjourn meeting (unanimous at 7:20 pm)
• Confirmed South Hadley Bike Safety Day on June 1, 2025; Lights Brigade bike lights ordered and to be shipped to Recreation Department
• Decided to pause Council on Aging Walking Club activities until a new group forms
• Scheduled summer committee meetings for June 10, 2025 and August 12, 2025; noted no July meeting
• Planned Ruth to attend Bike Safety Day to distribute lights
• Planned Lucia to post Bike Safety Day information on the Bike/Walk web page

Elementary School Project Building Committee

The committee voted to hold the chair vote until the next meeting. They also postponed approval of the meeting minutes to the next meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for May 27 at 11 AM. The meeting adjourned by unanimous consent.

• Chair vote held for next meeting
• Meeting minutes approval held for next meeting
• Next meeting scheduled for 5/27 at 11 AM
• Meeting adjourned by unanimous consent

Council on Aging

The board approved the April 14, 2025 minutes (amended) with unanimous support. It confirmed that Jim Bosman, Susan LaBonte, and Dick Matteson will be automatically reappointed to the COA board for a second term. The meeting also accepted the resignations of Liane Pueschel and Robert Pueschel effective at the end of 2025. The session was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved April 14, 2025 minutes (amended) – unanimous
• Confirmed automatic reappointment of Jim Bosman, Susan LaBonte, and Dick Matteson to COA board
• Accepted resignations of Liane Pueschel and Robert Pueschel effective end of 2025
• Motion to adjourn passed – unanimous

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission approved the March 2025 meeting minutes. It moved and seconded a resolution to accept the draft statement of support for the Town Meeting Welcoming Community Ordinance. The commission also approved and seconded the MPIC cover letter. No vote counts were recorded.

• Approved March 2025 meeting minutes (no vote tally provided)
• Accepted draft statement of support for Welcoming Community Ordinance (moved & seconded, no vote tally)
• Approved MPIC cover letter (approved & seconded, no vote tally)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission unanimously approved the April 16 meeting minutes. It voted to continue the public hearing on the Order of Conditions for The Mill at Stoney Brook to May 21. It issued a Negative Determination for an above‑ground pool at 12 Stonegate Drive with special conditions. It approved the modified invasive‑species management plan for 125 Amherst Road with conditions.

• Approved April 16 minutes – Four (4) of four (4) Commissioners voted in favor
• Continued public hearing on The Mill at Stoney Brook to May 21 – Four (4) of four (4) voted in favor
• Issued Negative Determination #3 for above‑ground pool at 12 Stonegate Drive with special conditions – Four (4) of four (4) voted in favor
• Approved modification of invasive‑species management plan for 125 Amherst Road with conditions – Four (4) of four (4) voted in favor
• Adjourned meeting – Four (4) of four (4) voted in favor

Selectboard

The Selectboard approved the draft minutes for April meetings and the consent agenda. It approved several items including a license transfer, the Rotary Flags for Heroes installation, and a $30,000 increase to Annual Town Meeting Article 13 funding. The board also accepted three resignations, postponed the single‑stream recycle contract discussion, and entered executive session to discuss collective‑bargaining strategy.

• Approved draft minutes of April 1, 15 & 29, 2025 (3-1)
• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of license to The Orchards at Mount Holyoke, Inc. (unanimous)
• Approved installation of Rotary Flags for Heroes at Town Hall (unanimous)
• Approved increase of Article 13 funding from $150k to $180k (unanimous)
• Accepted resignations of Liane Pueschel, Robert Pueschel, and Jackson Matos (unanimous)
• Postponed single‑stream recycle contract discussion to May 20 meeting (unanimous)
• Entered executive session to discuss collective‑bargaining strategy (unanimous)

Public Library

The trustees approved a new slate of officers, naming David Morrell as Chair, Mitchell Resnick as Vice‑Chair, and Lanette Sweeney as Clerk. The meeting minutes from 4/7/25 were approved. A motion to pay the library’s bills, if in order, was approved unanimously. The Security Camera Policy was approved unanimously and will be sent to Town Counsel, and the annual building inspection was scheduled for June 2.

• Approved officer slate (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from 4/7/25 (unanimous)
• Approved motion to pay library bills if in order (unanimous)
• Approved Security Camera Policy, to be forwarded to Town Counsel (unanimous)
• Scheduled annual building and grounds inspection for June 2 at 6:00 PM

Planning Board

The Planning Board unanimously voted to continue the public hearing on the Anthony’s Dance Club special permit to June 16 at 6:30 p.m. Approval of the April 12 and April 22 meeting minutes was deferred to a future meeting. The board then adjourned the meeting by unanimous vote.

• Continued Anthony’s Dance Club special permit hearing to June 16, 6:30 p.m. (5‑0)
• Deferred approval of April 12 and April 22 meeting minutes (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (5‑0)

Planning Board

The South Hadley Planning Board found the Site Plan Review criteria satisfied for a Home Occupation II and approved the site plan for a home bakery at 81 East Street. The approval includes a special condition allowing up to 20 customers per week instead of the standard 10. The Board also moved to close the public hearing.

• Approved Site Plan for Home Occupation II at 81 East Street (5-0)
• Approved increase of weekly customer limit to 20 (5-0)
• Closed public hearing (5-0)

Public Schools

The committee unanimously approved three warrants totaling $1.45 million, accepted the April 17 minutes, and accepted a member's resignation. It also adopted updated transportation policies and voted to raise the SY26 transportation fee. All votes were 4‑0 in favor.

• Approved warrant #2025-253 for $311,002.19 (4-0)
• Approved warrant #2025-273 for $275,934.43 (4-0)
• Approved biweekly payroll warrant for $864,479.42 (4-0)
• Approved minutes from 4/17/2025 (4-0)
• Accepted resignation of Jackson Matos (4-0)
• Approved updated transportation policies (4-0)
• Approved proposed SY26 transportation fee increase (4-0)

Board of Health

The board accepted the minutes from the March 24 and March 18 meetings with all members in favor. It also approved the purchase of a fridge tag for Holyoke TB testing at an approximate cost of $176, again with unanimous support. No other motions were voted on; remaining agenda items were discussed without formal decisions.

• Accepted minutes from 3/24/25 and 3/18/25 (all in favor)
• Approved purchase of fridge tag for Holyoke TB tests (~$176) (all in favor)

Selectboard

The board nominated and unanimously approved Carol Constant as clerk, Nicole Casolari as vice chair, and Jeff Cyr as chair. The board unanimously accepted the May 14, 2025 special and annual town meeting warrants and authorized electronic signatures. The board unanimously accepted revisions to the town administrator successor agreement, reducing Lisa Wong's salary to $175,000 for FY26.

• Approved Carol Constant nomination as clerk (unanimous)
• Approved Nicole Casolari nomination as vice chair (unanimous)
• Approved Jeff Cyr nomination as chair (unanimous)
• Approved May 14, 2025 town meeting warrants and electronic signatures (unanimous)
• Approved revisions to town administrator contract with salary reduction to $175,000 (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved the minutes from the April 22 public hearing and appointed Bob Szklarz as the PVPC Representative and Rob Watchilla as the PVPC Alternate. It voted to continue the Mount Holyoke College energy center public hearing to June 23 and approved reports on the Old Lyman Road and Village District zoning amendments. The board also approved a partial release of the Skinnerwoods Flexible Development performance guarantee for $160,950 and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved April 22 public hearing minutes (5-0)
• Approved Bob Szklarz as PVPC Representative (5-0)
• Approved Rob Watchilla as PVPC Alternate (4-0, 1 abstention)
• Continued Mount Holyoke College energy center public hearing to June 23 (3-0, 1 abstention, Chair recused)
• Approved Old Lyman Road zoning map amendment report (5-0)
• Approved Village District zoning bylaw amendment report (5-0)
• Issued partial release of Skinnerwoods performance guarantee for $160,950 (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Elementary School Project Building Committee

The Elementary School Project Building Committee Communications Subcommittee reviewed the project timeline, upcoming community engagement events, and communication materials such as a tri‑fold pamphlet and website. Members set goals for a pamphlet by the May 21 SBC meeting and a designer selection by the end of June, but no votes or formal approvals were recorded. The next subcommittee meeting was scheduled for May 12 at 10:30 AM.

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission met at 5:03 p.m. but did not have a quorum, preventing approval of the March minutes and any formal votes. Several agenda items were postponed, including the membership update, the SHPS DEIB collaboration, the SHCTV15 video action plan, and the starter list for prioritizing topics. The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.

• No quorum – no formal decisions made
• Unable to approve March minutes (motion failed)
• Tabled membership update (terms ending 2025)
• Tabled SHPS DEIB collaboration
• Tabled SHCTV15 video action plan
• Tabled starter list for prioritizing topics

Planning Board

The Planning Board voted 5‑0 to recommend that Town Meeting adopt a zoning map amendment changing a portion of the Old Lyman Road parcel from Business C to Residence A-1. The Board also voted 5‑0 to close the public hearing. No other actions were taken.

• Recommended adoption of zoning map amendment for Old Lyman Rd parcel (5-0)
• Closed the public hearing (5-0)

Planning Board

The board voted unanimously to recommend that Town Meeting adopt the petition to create a new “Village District” zoning district and amend the zoning map for the Village Commons parcels. The motion passed by roll‑call vote 5‑0. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous vote.

• Recommend Town Meeting adopt Village District zoning amendment (5-0)
• Adjourn meeting (5-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board held a hybrid meeting on April 22, 2025, with audio delays that pushed the start to 7:00 PM. Public hearings were conducted for two zoning amendment petitions, but no actions were taken on those proposals. The board then unanimously approved a motion to close the meeting, ending at 8:35 PM.

• Adjourned meeting (5-0 vote)
• No action taken on zoning amendment petitions

Tree Committee

The committee chose the location for Tom Dennis' honorary pin oak tree for Arbor Day. Preparations for the event, including invitations, publicity, and supplies, were organized. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous motion.

• Location for Tom Dennis' honorary pin oak tree selected
• Motion to adjourn approved (all in favor)

Tree Committee

The Tree Committee met on April 17 to plan Arbor Day activities, selecting the site for Tom Dennis' honorary pin oak and assigning tasks such as digging, invitations, publicity, and awards. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which passed with all members in favor.

• Motion to adjourn approved (all in favor)

Public Schools

The committee elected Eric Friesner as Chair and Danielle Cooke as Vice Chair, each by unanimous vote. It approved a $864,887.16 biweekly payroll warrant and adopted the Chromebook Care & Responsible Use Policy, School Choice openings, and Title IX policy modifications, all unanimously. The public session was closed to enter an executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy, also by unanimous vote.

• Eric Friesner elected Chair (unanimous)
• Danielle Cooke elected Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Approved $864,887.16 biweekly payroll warrant (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from 2/27/25 and 4/3/25 (unanimous)
• Adopted Chromebook Care & Responsible Use Policy (unanimous)
• Approved School Choice openings (unanimous)
• Adopted Title IX policy modifications (unanimous)
• Closed public session and entered executive session on collective bargaining (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The commission approved the revised March 19 meeting minutes (4-0) and the April 2 meeting minutes (4-0). It voted to issue Negative Determination #3 for the retaining wall repair at 7 Overlook Drive, adding special conditions (4-0). The commission took no action on the request for a Certificate of Compliance for 15 Berwyn Street Ext. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous vote (4-0).

• Approved March 19 minutes (4-0)
• Approved April 2 minutes (4-0)
• Issued Negative Determination #3 for 7 Overlook Drive retaining wall repair with special conditions (4-0)
• No action taken on Certificate of Compliance request for 15 Berwyn St Ext
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Elementary School Project Building Committee

The committee approved the March 12, 2025 meeting minutes with all votes in favor and one abstention. Members unanimously accepted the Option 2 project timeline presented by Skanska. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved March 12, 2025 meeting minutes (all yes, Theresa abstaining)
• Accepted Option 2 project timeline (unanimous vote)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous vote)

Capital Planning Committee

The Capital Planning Committee voted to add $45,000 to the existing $20,650 budget for the security gate upgrade at the wastewater treatment plant. The motion was made by Kevin McAllister and seconded by Christine Phillips, passing 5‑0. No other substantive actions were taken; the meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved additional $45,000 for wastewater plant security gate (5-0)
• Motion to adjourn meeting passed unanimously (5-0)

Selectboard

The board unanimously approved a sewer use fee warrant of $1,977,300 for billing on April 1, 2025. It also forwarded the Affordable Housing Trust and Historic District bylaws to the Bylaw Review Committee, appointed Chair Andrea Miles to a new Budget Task Force, and accepted the resignation of Tree Committee member Linda Sachs. The meeting then entered an executive session to discuss opioid litigation.

• Approved sewer use fee warrant $1,977,300 (unanimous)
• Forwarded Affordable Housing Trust bylaw to Bylaw Review Committee (unanimous)
• Forwarded Historic District bylaw to Bylaw Review Committee (unanimous)
• Appointed Chair Andrea Miles to Budget Task Force (unanimous)
• Accepted resignation of Linda Sachs from Tree Committee (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda for multiple beer & wine license requests (unanimous)
• Approved holding 2025 Annual Town Meeting at South Hadley High School (unanimous)
• Entered executive session for opioid litigation update (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors reorganized by appointing Kevin Taugher as Chair and Thomas Reidy as Clerk, each vote passing 3‑0. The board accepted the March 31, 2025 minutes, approved a $650 bill from CAI Technologies, and approved the March monthly abatement reports. Members set the next meeting for May 19, 2025, and agreed to submit a revenue‑reduction application to the Department of Revenue. The board also moved into executive session, with the motion passing 3‑0.

• Kevin Taugher appointed Chair (vote 3‑0)
• Thomas Reidy appointed Clerk (vote 3‑0)
• Minutes from March 31, 2025 accepted (vote 3‑0)
• Bills payable including CAI Technologies $650 accepted (vote 3‑0)
• March monthly abatement reports approved (vote 3‑0)
• Board agreed to sign submission to Department of Revenue for bill reduction
• Next meeting scheduled for May 19, 2025 at 9:30 a.m.
• Motion to enter executive session passed (vote 3‑0)

Planning Board

The Board approved the March 24 meeting minutes (3‑of‑4 votes, 1 abstention). Members elected Diane Mulvaney as Chair (3‑of‑4), Nate Therien as Vice‑Chair (4‑of‑4), and Brad Hutchison as Clerk (4‑of‑4). The report recommending repeal and replacement of the ADU zoning bylaw was approved (4‑of‑4) for submission to Town Meeting. Appointment of representatives to the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission was deferred to a future meeting.

• Approved March 24 meeting minutes (3 of 4 votes, 1 abstain)
• Elected Diane Mulvaney as Board Chair (3 of 4 votes, Chair abstained)
• Elected Nate Therien as Vice‑Chair (4 of 4 votes)
• Elected Brad Hutchison as Clerk (4 of 4 votes)
• Deferred appointment of Pioneer Valley Planning Commission representatives
• Approved ADU bylaw report for Town Meeting (4 of 4 votes)
• Adjourned meeting (4 of 4 votes)

Planning Board

The Board did not approve or deny the site‑plan application for the Mount Holyoke College energy center. A motion to continue the public hearing was made by Clerk Hutchison, seconded by Member Szklarz, and passed unanimously (3‑0). The hearing will be reconvened on April 28, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. No other actions were taken.

• Continue public hearing on MHC Energy Center to April 28, 2025 (3‑0)

Council on Aging

The board unanimously approved the March 17, 2025 meeting minutes. It also approved the updated Master Plan for the Council on Aging. The hybrid‑meeting policy was extended through March 2027.

• Approved March 17, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
• Approved Master Plan update (all in favor)
• Extended hybrid meeting rule until March 2027

Bylaw Review Committee

The committee accepted the minutes from the October 29, 2024 meeting, with two members abstaining. It approved the Affordable Housing Trust bylaw by a 6‑1 vote. It also approved a Historic District bylaw unanimously. The Welcoming Community Ordinance petition was sent to the Human Rights Commission, and the committee took no position.

• Accepted Oct 29, 2024 minutes (unanimous, 2 abstentions)
• Approved Affordable Housing Trust bylaw (6-1)
• Approved Historic District bylaw (unanimous)
• Referred Welcoming Community Ordinance petition to Human Rights Commission (no committee position)

Cultural Council

The council approved the minutes from the March meeting. It approved extensions for final reports on the Healing Climate Chorus, Get Movin’ Fitness, and Monkey House projects. The unclaimed $100 grant will remain in the grant fund for allocation next year.

• Approved March meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Approved extension for Healing Climate Chorus final report (event moved to June)
• Approved extension for Get Movin’ Fitness final report (April event added, report due May)
• Approved extension for Monkey House final report (report due May or June)
• Retained unclaimed $100 grant in the grant fund for next year

Board of Health

The Board approved a policy for the cremation of certain unclaimed bodies with all members voting in favor. The Board also formally accepted the minutes from the June 21, 2024 and January 28, 2025 meetings. No other actions were decided; remaining items were noted for future work.

• Approved cremation policy for unclaimed bodies (5-0)
• Accepted minutes of 06-21-2024 (5-0)
• Accepted minutes of 01-28-2025 (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Bike/Walk Committee

The committee approved the March 11, 2025 minutes as amended. A motion to adjourn was then approved by all members at 7:05 pm. No other formal actions were taken during the meeting.

• Approved March 11, 2025 minutes (motion by Marilyn, seconded by Anne)
• Adjourned meeting unanimously at 7:05 pm

Redevelopment Authority

The Authority reported a People’s Bank balance of $1,550 and a remaining redevelopment allocation of $1,707. It assigned newsletter responsibilities, set a July 1, 2025 release date, and planned a Falls Business Meeting in June. The board also decided to draft and send a letter to the Selectboard about the collapsed building at 1 West Main Street and to request a public‑library room for a June 28 neighborhood meeting.

• Assigned newsletter sections: municipal updates to Anne Capra, business profile to Michelle Theroux, resident profile to Madison Dressler, historical to Diane LaRoche
• Set newsletter release date for July 1, 2025
• Planned to secure a Falls Business Meeting date, possibly the fourth Saturday in June
• Diane LaRoche will check public‑library room availability for a June 28 meeting
• Diane LaRoche will draft a letter to the Selectboard and Town Administrator about 1 West Main Street collapsed building, then send to Anne Capra and Michelle Theroux for edits before emailing
• Diane LaRoche will attend the next Selectboard meeting to request agenda placement for the collapsed building issue
• Noted Main Street TIPS project has 25% approval by MassDOT and Authority will help publicize the upcoming public hearing
• Noted Center/Warner/Graves project will be sent out for construction bids soon

Public Library

The trustees voted to approve the FY26 library budget. They also approved payment of the library's bills, approved the March 3 minutes with a minor correction, and voted to send a letter to legislators about recent federal actions that threaten library funding. The Gaylord branch reopened on April 3 after a sewage backup.

• Approved FY26 library budget (vote recorded)
• Approved payment of library bills (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from 3/3/25 with minor correction
• Voted to send a letter to legislators highlighting funding concerns

Public Schools

The committee voted to approve a $306,784.15 warrant (3 ayes, 1 abstention) and three other warrants totaling $1,129,709.77 (unanimous). It also approved the March 6 and March 20 meeting minutes unanimously and then adjourned the meeting unanimously.

• Approved warrant #2025-242 for $306,784.15 (3 ayes, 1 abstention)
• Approved warrants #2025-237 for $263,237.33, biweekly payroll $865,422.44, and biweekly payroll $1,050.00 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes for 3/6/2025 and 3/20/2025 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission voted 5‑0 to enter a contract with GZA GeoEnvironmental for a peer review of the wetland delineation at 506 Granby Road. It also voted 5‑0 to continue the public meeting to May 21 and the public hearing to May 7. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous 5‑0 vote.

• Approved contract with GZA GeoEnvironmental for peer review of 506 Granby Rd wetland delineation (5-0)
• Continued public meeting to May 21 at 6:00 PM (5-0)
• Continued public hearing on Order of Conditions for 124 College St to May 7 at 6:00 PM (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Capital Planning Committee

The Capital Planning Committee set its next meeting for March 18, 2025 at 4 pm. A motion to adjourn the April 1 meeting passed unanimously. No votes were recorded on the school technology ($543,000) or transportation ($1.2 M) requests; those items were only discussed.

• Scheduled next meeting for March 18 2025 at 4 pm
• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously

Board of Assessors

The Board accepted the minutes from the March 10, 2025 meeting. It approved a mileage reimbursement and two veteran exemption applications totaling $800. It then moved into executive session to discuss nine abatement applications.

• Accepted March 10 minutes (3-0)
• Approved mileage reimbursement of $51.10 (3-0)
• Approved two veteran exemptions ($400 each) (3-0)
• Set next meeting for April 14 at 9:30 a.m. (unanimous)
• Moved to executive session to consider nine abatement applications (3-0)

Tree Committee

The committee approved the February 20, 2025 meeting minutes. It approved Pat Tracey's revised design and planting guideline recommendations for the Newton Street Smart Growth Zoning District. The committee nominated Tom Dennis as this year's Arbor Day honoree. The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 pm.

• Approved February 20, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
• Approved Pat Tracey's revised design and planting guideline recommendations for Newton Street Smart Growth Zoning District (all in favor)
• Approved nomination of Tom Dennis as Arbor Day honoree (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:15 pm (all in favor)

Human Rights Commission

The commission approved the February 26 minutes after adding corrections. The meeting was adjourned at 6 p.m. and the next meeting was scheduled for April 23 with a guest speaker. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved February 26 minutes with corrections (no vote tally recorded)
• Adjourned meeting at 6 p.m. and scheduled next meeting for April 23 (no vote tally recorded)

Board of Health

The board accepted the minutes from the February 10, 2024 meeting and tabled the vote on the March 18, 2024 minutes. It approved the adoption of Logo A and Email Signature D for the district’s branding. The board approved a single posting format for future meetings. The board approved a one‑year Credible Minds program for South Hadley, Holyoke and Chicopee, pending state approval and a budget revision.

• Accepted minutes of 2/10/24 (unanimous)
• Tabled vote on minutes of 3/18/24
• Approved Logo A and Email Signature D (unanimous)
• Approved single meeting posting (unanimous)
• Approved Credible Minds service for three communities for one year, pending state approval and budget revision

Planning Board

The board voted unanimously to approve the revised minutes from the March 10 meeting. After the public hearing discussions, the board also voted unanimously to adjourn the March 24 meeting. No other substantive actions or approvals were recorded.

• Approved March 10 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (5-0)

Planning Board

The South Hadley Planning Board adopted a motion to recommend that Town Meeting repeal and replace the existing ADU Zoning Bylaw (255-50) with the newly drafted language. The motion passed unanimously (5‑0). The Board also approved removal of the phrase “gentle/hidden” from the draft’s purpose section and eliminated the optional finding provision. A second motion to close the public hearing also passed unanimously (5‑0).

• Recommended Town Meeting repeal and replace ADU Zoning Bylaw (255-50) with new draft (5‑0)
• Removed “gentle/hidden” language from the draft purpose section (unanimous agreement)
• Eliminated optional finding provision for Protected Use ADUs (unanimous agreement)
• Closed the public hearing (5‑0)
• Agreed that Protected Use ADUs may be allowed in any single‑family residential district (discussion, no vote)
• Clarified that lot‑coverage calculations include all structures on the site (discussion)
• Confirmed that a Protected Use ADU cannot exceed half the principal dwelling’s floor area or 900 sq ft (discussion)
• Noted no known lawsuits against the state regarding the new ADU mandates (statement)

Planning Board

The Board postponed the special permit hearing for Anthony’s Dance Club to May 5, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. after discussing security concerns and police call volume. Member Hutchison moved to continue the hearing, Clerk Brown seconded, and all five voting members approved the motion unanimously (5‑0). No decision on the permit itself was made at this meeting.

• Motion to continue hearing approved (5‑0)
• Special permit hearing rescheduled for May 5 2025 at 6:30 p.m.

Public Schools

The committee approved the FY26 school budget of $25,771,460.00. It also approved two warrants totaling $1,127,943.10, the 2026 high‑school foreign travel trip, an updated school admissions policy, a district wellness committee letter, and a Plains PTA donation. All votes were unanimous except the warrant approvals, which passed with four ayes and one abstention.

• Approved FY26 School Budget of $25,771,460.00 (5‑0)
• Approved Warrant #2025-226 for $263,745.45 (4‑0‑1 abstain)
• Approved Biweekly Payroll warrant for $864,197.65 (4‑0‑1 abstain)
• Approved 2026 high school foreign travel trip (5‑0)
• Approved updated School Admissions Policy (5‑0)
• Approved District Wellness Committee letter (5‑0)
• Accepted Plains PTA donation (5‑0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission approved the March 5 meeting minutes and adopted the Conservation Area Enforcement Guidelines SOP. It issued a Certificate of Compliance for the Mill at Stoney Brook and continued its public hearing to April 2. The Commission found the electric line upgrade applicant met abutter notification requirements and granted a waiver, issuing an Order of Condition for the project.

• Approved March 5 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Adopted Conservation Area Enforcement Guidelines SOP (5-0)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for Mill at Stoney Brook (5-0)
• Continued Mill at Stoney Brook public hearing to April 2, 2025 (5-0)
• Found abutter notification adequate for SHELD electric line upgrade (5-0)
• Granted waiver and issued Order of Condition for DEP File #288-0499 (5-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (5-0)