Russell public meetings in 2025
20 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of Selectmen
The Selectmen will review the town's legal response to mill demolition violation letters and arrange a meeting with counsel to discuss building‑code issues. They will also consider the Blandford Road Nexamp Solar project after the Building Inspector requested site‑plan and condition documents. Updates on highway equipment, sand and salt supplies, and a completed mattress pickup will be given, along with a police update on an MRS Grant letter and a successful toy drive. Old business includes work on a new Code Red system and monthly tech sessions by Entre Computer.
- Legal review of mill demolition violation letters – Board to contact legal for meeting
- Blandford Road Nexamp Solar project – Building Inspector requests site‑plan and conditions
- Highway update – equipment issues from recent snow storm, sand & salt full, mattress pickup complete
- Police update – BOS approved letter for MRS Grant, toy drive received more toys than food
- Old business – setup of new Code Red system and Entre Computer tech sessions (1 pm‑3 pm, third Thursday each month)
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen approved the safety plan for the Harry Rock Westfield River Race scheduled for April 18. Members also discussed the demolition of the Woronoc #1 mill to reopen a road and a proposed Code of Conduct for board members.
- Approval of Harry Rock Westfield River Race for Saturday, April 18
- Discussion on legal action and fines regarding the Woronoc #1 mill demolition
- Review of a draft Code of Conduct for board members from Recreation
- Signing of Housing Agreement and CDBG Invoice #17 PVPC
- Police Department Toy Drive scheduled for December 6, 9am-12pm
Board of Selectmen
The Board accepted the minutes from the September 30 meeting (3-0). It approved the installation of one single‑owned Eversource pole and three jointly owned Eversource/Verizon poles on Cobble Mountain (each 3-0). The Board also set a yearly pasteurization permit fee of $50 and approved Transfer Station hours for Dec. 26 (8 am‑4 pm). Legal agreed to let Crystal release septic/well plans for Hillcrest Lane.
- Accepted September 30 minutes (3-0)
- Approved install of 1 single‑owned Eversource pole on Cobble Mt (3-0)
- Approved install of 3 joint Eversource/Verizon poles on Cobble Mt (3-0)
- Approved yearly pasteurization permit fee of $50
- Approved Transfer Station hours Dec 26, 8 am‑4 pm
- Legal agreed to release septic/well plans for Hillcrest Lane
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen accepted the minimum residential factor of 1 and established a single tax rate of $18.42 for FY26, with a 3‑0 vote. The board voted 3‑0 to reject a second‑home exemption and also 3‑0 to reject a small‑business exemption for firms with fewer than 10 employees and under $1,000,000 in assessed value. Additionally, the board approved the minutes from the September 16, 2025 meeting by a 3‑0 vote.
- Accepted FY26 tax rate of $18.42 (3-0)
- Rejected 2nd home exemption (3-0)
- Rejected small business exemption (3-0)
- Approved September 16, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0)
Board of Selectmen
The Selectmen accepted the September 2 minutes (2‑0). They appointed Lou Garlo to the Conservation Commission (term ends June 30, 2026) with a 2‑0 vote. The board approved the Regional Health Group’s use of school space for storage. Several action items were assigned, including contacting Clark Services about school pump repairs and scheduling upcoming meetings.
- Accepted 9/2/2025 minutes (2-0)
- Appointed Lou Garlo to Conservation Commission, term to 6/30/2026 (2-0)
- Approved Regional Health Group storage space at school
- Decided to attend Purple Heart ceremony Sep 17 at 3 pm
- Scheduled EM meeting with Mike for Sep 26 at 11 am
- Assigned Tom to contact Clark Services about school pump repairs
- Planned to place Valley View laterals request on next agenda
- Noted Russell Public Library meeting for Sep 30 at 6:30 pm
Board of Selectmen
The board accepted the minutes from the September 19, 2025 meeting with a 2‑0 vote. It approved the need for a sidewalk on Mass Highway Route 20 and set the date for the Purple Heart ceremony on September 17 at 3 pm. The board also scheduled a new meeting date for the Emergency Management team and assigned staff to follow up on cemetery operations and a playground layout review. No violations were found in the recent transfer‑station inspection.
- Accepted September 19, 2025 minutes (2‑0)
- Approved sidewalk needed on Mass Highway Route 20
- Set Purple Heart ceremony for Sep 17, 2025 at 3 pm Town Hall
- Scheduled new Emergency Management meeting date (Wayne to contact Mike)
- Assigned Wayne to discuss cemetery operations with Lenise
- Reviewed transfer‑station inspection report; no violations cited
- Noted public input on Airbnb rentals (no action taken)
- Reviewed police donation for drone purchase (informational)
Board of Selectmen
The board approved the minutes from the August 5, 2025 meeting by a 2‑0 vote. They carried an item to review the water‑quality report with the Water Department, assigning the task to Wayne Precanico. The board directed Tom Kulig to draft a letter to Mr. Benson stating the town has a stamped legal survey and that he must obtain a survey of his land before further discussion. Additional items were noted for future action, including seeking MSP approval for the Mass Highway RT‑20 sidewalk project and scheduling department meetings pending dates set by Wayne.
- Accepted minutes from 8/5/2025 (2‑0 vote)
- Carried item to review water‑quality report with Water Department (assigned to Wayne)
- Directed Tom Kulig to draft legal letter to Mr. Benson regarding boundary survey
- Reviewed Mass Highway RT‑20 sidewalk and crosswalk plan; Chief Hennessey to obtain MSP approval
- Deferred fire chief update and cable tower discussion to later meeting with Wayne
- Deferred school access discussion for Fire Department to later meeting with Wayne
- Planned department meetings pending date set by Wayne
- Announced new Gateway Superintendent Dr. Melissa Matarazzo
Board of Selectmen
The Board accepted the minutes from the July 22 and July 29 meetings (2‑0). It approved using the school parking lot for the October 29 WOW bus event. The Board approved a $50,000 FY26 earmark from Senator Velis for a playground, tasking the recreation committee with planning. It also approved the 5‑year WPI plan for railroad spraying (2‑0).
- Accepted minutes from 7/22/2025 and 7/29/2025 (2-0)
- Approved school parking lot for WOW bus event (no vote recorded)
- Approved $50,000 FY26 earmark for playground (no vote recorded)
- Approved 5-year WPI plan for railroad spraying (2-0)
Board of Selectmen
The Board voted to authorize the PVPC to submit a grant budget revision request to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for the FY22/23 Russell/Southern Hilltowns Community Development Block Grant. The revision adjusts several line items, reducing housing delivery and rehabilitation funds and increasing infrastructure streets, water, and drainage allocations. The motion passed unanimously with a 3‑0 vote.
- Authorized PVPC to submit grant budget revision request (3-0)
Board of Selectmen
The Selectmen voted to accept the minutes from the July 8, 2025 meeting; the motion passed unanimously (3-0). The board also signed off on two contracts: the W#2 CDBG Invoice #13 Admin and the W#2A Massworks Close‑out Contract‑General Knox. A public hearing on the PVPC was scheduled for July 29 at 6 pm, and the board agreed to develop a well‑construction permit process, tasking Tom to report back.
- Accepted July 8, 2025 minutes (3‑0 vote)
- Signed W#2 CDBG Invoice #13 Admin
- Signed W#2A Massworks Close‑out Contract‑General Knox
- Scheduled PVPC public hearing for July 29, 2025 at 6 pm
- Agreed to develop well construction permit process; Tom to report back
Board of Selectmen
The Board accepted the June 24 minutes with a 3-0 vote. It approved the Planning Board fee schedule. It appointed Carrie Florek (3‑year term) and Roy Bishop (2‑year term) as assessors, each with a 3-0 vote. The FY26 Hilltown Ambulance contract was signed.
- Accepted June 24 minutes (3-0)
- Approved Planning Board fee schedule
- Appointed Carrie Florek as assessor (3-0)
- Appointed Roy Bishop as assessor (3-0)
- Signed FY26 Hilltown Ambulance contract
- Signed WHIA CDBG Invoice #9 (Domestic Violence)
- Signed Contract Amendment #1 Valley View
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen discussed updates regarding highway maintenance, police activity, and water/sewer system pricing. The board also coordinated scheduling for the Purple Heart ceremonies and computer support services for FY26.
- Public hearing scheduled for July 8th at 6pm regarding the Valley View CDBG project
- Sewer Commissioners authorized pricing for a UV system for the Woronoco plant and Main plant upgrades
- Review of a proposed Planning Board fee schedule for plans and permits
- Discussion of the FY26 Hilltown Ambulance contract
- Signing of the CDBG Buy America Contract
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen reorganized leadership for FY26 and held a public hearing regarding CDBG grant amendments. The board also approved a police detail rate increase and a special employee appointment.
- Authorized grant budget revisions to address a $48,681 shortage for the Valley View Avenue Infrastructure Improvements Project
- Increased police detail rate to $72.00 per hour effective July 1st
- Appointed Ittlyd Fernandez as a special employee
- Reported that the boat ramp did not pass ADA review
- Noted the resignation of Gateway Superintendent Kristen Smidy
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen reviewed highway and police updates and discussed potential funding from Senator Velis's office. The board expressed support for a resolution regarding an all-persons trail at Noble View. The meeting included public input regarding the need for senior housing.
- Potential $50,000 for senior transportation to be used by June 30th
- First-round approval of $50,000 for playground equipment
- Support for an all-persons trail resolution at Noble View
- Payment of PVPC Invoice #8 for CDBG Grant Domestic Violence
- Update on Mill #1 abatement and pending demolition permit
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen approved a construction bid for the Valley View Ave Corridor and the installation of two new poles on RT23. The board also discussed the FY25/26 budget and declined a request to apply for Green Communities status. The meeting concluded with an executive session regarding a personnel issue.
- Accepted $938,181 bid from Mass West Construction for Valley View Ave Corridor Improvements
- Approved use of $50,000 from program income fund for Valley View Project funding gap
- Approved installation of two midspan jointly owned poles along Blandford Road (RT23)
- Approved use of school as a rain site for the Memorial Day Parade
- Declined request to move forward with PVPC regional application for Green Communities
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen heard updates from the police and highway departments, approved prior meeting minutes, and discussed the Hillcrest Lane property. They scheduled a public hearing for May 13, 2025, regarding two new utility poles on Route 23.
- Police seized ammunition and firearms improperly stored during a search warrant execution; individual will be charged.
- Chief proposes the town adopt a bylaw making him a strong chief, to be discussed at a future meeting.
- Public hearing set for May 13, 2025, at 6:30 PM for two new poles on RT23.
- Fishing pass fee remains $25.00 for the pond.
- Westfield River Race had 293 competitors with no medical emergencies.
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen voted to allow the Homie Collective campout music event at Boy Scouts camp for August 21-24, 2025, subject to police chief review, and approved designating Russell as a Purple Heart Town with six signs at $55 each. They discussed highway projects including paving Patriots Path and addressed a police detail payment dispute. Public input included concerns from Hillcrest Lane residents about survey activity on a neighbor's lot.
- Approved Homie Collective campout music event at Boy Scouts camp (August 21-24)
- Approved Purple Heart Town designation with six signs at $55 each
- Approved Route 20 signage change to restrict parking to June 1-September 1 (live parking only)
- Police will cover unpaid vendor detail bill in Woronoco and file small claim
- Residents on Hillcrest Lane concerned about well survey near property line; Selectman Kulig to investigate
Board of Selectmen
The Board held a public hearing for the FY25 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application, then voted to authorize submission of a $1,250,000 grant to the state, covering projects such as Woronoco Village infrastructure, housing rehabilitation, and social services. They also approved a music event at Boy Scouts Camp with modified hours and conditions, appointed Nate Sperry as Inspector of Animals, and discussed highway and police updates. A budget review meeting for FY26 was scheduled for March 25.
- Voted to submit FY25 CDBG grant application up to $1,250,000, including $457,000 for Woronoco Village infrastructure, $200,000 for housing rehabilitation, and $359,000 for PVPC administration
- Approved The Homie Collective Campout Music Event at Boy Scouts Camp for August 21-24, 2025, with hours ending at 11:30pm and fees/detail paid in advance
- Appointed Nate Sperry as Inspector of Animals for term ending April 30, 2026
- Highway update: spring cleanup started, repaving planned for Woodland Way and Westwood, Eversource contacted for pole movement for CDBG
- Police update: working on Westfield River Race details (April 19) and interviewing for part-time officer
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen discussed a proposed three-year contract with Casella Waste for trash collection and disposal, with an 8% increase in costs. They also voted to increase the dog license fee for neutered dogs from $4 to $5, and reviewed updates on highway funding, police plans for a music event, and a CDBG public hearing. The board approved minutes from the previous meeting and noted a highway employee's resignation.
- FY26 Chapter 90 highway allocation of $171,803.93, up $74,000 from FY25
- Dog license fee for neutered dogs increased from $4.00 to $5.00 (vote 3-0)
- New three-year contract with Casella Waste at approximately 8% rate increase
- Homie Collective campout event permit conditions: music cutoff at 11pm, fees paid upfront
- CDBG public hearing scheduled for March 18 at 6pm
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen reviewed highway funding and police updates, including a shared service contract with Montgomery expiring June 30, 2025. The board is reviewing a proposal for a music event at Boy Scouts Camp for August 21-24, 2025. They voted 3-0 to move revised zoning bylaws to the Planning Board for review and public hearings.
- FY25 Rural Roadway Funding of $108,324.08
- Zoning bylaw revisions voted 3-0 to move to Planning Board
- Proposed Homie Collective Campout music event (August 21-24, 2025) for approximately 2,500 people
- Approval of No Trespass order for individual at the Transfer Station
- Town Caucus scheduled for April 21, 2025, at 7:30PM