Sunderland public meetings in 2025

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Selectboard will meet to appoint two part-time snow and ice positions and a full-time police officer, review highway bids, and discuss a police union agreement. The meeting will also include updates on a lawsuit and budget submissions.

• Appointment of two Highway Part-Time Temporary Snow and Ice positions
• Appointment of new Full-Time, benefitted Police Officer
• Highway Bid Signor Authorization
• Review and Authorization of Alcohol and Non-Alcohol Common Victuallers
• Discussion of Police Union CSO MOU with Police Officers

The board unanimously appointed Jeffery Hubbard and Ryan Kokosztn to part‑time snow and ice driver positions at $25 and $17 per hour. They also appointed Matthew Manheim as a provisional full‑time police officer at $24.82 per hour, with town‑paid academy costs. The board approved the Franklin Regional Council of Governments highway‑bid signatory authorization and a suite of alcohol and non‑alcohol licenses for local businesses. Additionally, the Police Union CSO grant MOU was approved.

• Appointed Jeffery Hubbard to part‑time snow/ice driver position at $25/hr (vote 2‑0)
• Appointed Ryan Kokosztn to part‑time snow/ice driver position at $17/hr (vote 2‑0)
• Appointed Matthew Manheim as provisional full‑time police officer at $24.82/hr (vote 2‑0)
• Approved FRCOG highway‑bid signatory authorization (vote 3‑0)
• Approved multiple non‑alcohol and alcohol licenses for local businesses (vote 3‑0)
• Approved Police Union CSO grant MOU (vote 3‑0)

Assessors Office

The Sunderland Board of Assessors will consider approval of the minutes from its meetings on December 1 and December 8, 2025, vote on a warrant for FY 2025 MXE Commitment #6, and review the proposed FY 2027 BOA Budget. A meeting with the Water Commissioners is scheduled to begin at 4:30 PM. All agenda items are tentative and may be altered or supplemented during the meeting.

• Approval of minutes from the Assessor’s meeting held 08 Dec 2025
• Approval of minutes from the Assessor’s meeting held 01 Dec 2025
• Vote on Warrant for FY 2025 MXE Commitment #6
• Review and discussion of the proposed FY 2027 BOA Budget
• Meeting with the Water Commissioners at 4:30 PM

The Board of Assessors unanimously approved the minutes from the December 8 and December 1 meetings. The MVE Warrant for FY 2025 Commitment #6 was deferred pending correction of a sum error. Assessors decided to begin reviewing each Chapterland application for completeness starting January 5 2026. The Water District Commissioners unanimously approved a single tax rate for the district.

• Approved December 8, 2025 minutes (unanimous vote)
• Approved December 1, 2025 minutes (unanimous vote)
• Deferred approval of MVE Warrant FY 2025 Commitment #6 due to sum error
• Decided to review Chapterland applications for completeness starting Jan 5 2026
• Approved single tax rate for Sunderland Water District (unanimous vote)

Assessors Office

The Board of Assessors will consider several agenda items. They will review and approve the minutes from the meetings held on December 1 and December 8, 2025. They will vote on a warrant for FY 2025 MXE Commitment #6 and discuss the proposed FY 2027 BOA Budget. The meeting will conclude with a discussion with the Water Commissioners at 4:30 PM.

• Approve minutes from the December 8, 2025 Assessor meeting
• Approve revised minutes from the December 1, 2025 Assessor meeting
• Vote on the warrant for FY 2025 MXE Commitment #6
• Review and discuss the proposed FY 2027 BOA Budget
• Meet with the Water Commissioners at 4:30 PM

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Sunderland Selectboard meeting will consider approval of Class II licenses and non‑alcohol common victualler licenses. It will also discuss amendments to the South County Senior Center Intermunicipal Agreement and provide updates on FY2027 budget and capital request submissions. The board will approve the minutes from the Dec 8, 2025 meeting.

• Review and approval of Class II Licenses and Non‑alcohol Common Victuallers licenses
• Amendments to the South County Senior Center Intermunicipal Agreement (SCSC IMA)
• Updates on FY2027 Budget and Capital Requests submissions
• Approval of minutes from the 12/8/25 Selectboard meeting

The board voted 3‑0 to approve two Class II licenses for used‑car dealerships and nine non‑alcoholic common victualler licenses. They also voted 2‑1 to accept an amendment to the South County Senior Center Intermunicipal Agreement, adding a Sunderland member to the Board of Oversight. The meeting was adjourned at 6:48 PM after a 3‑0 vote.

• Approved two Class II licenses for All State Construction and JR Service (3‑0)
• Approved nine non‑alcohol Common Victualler licenses (Banchan Koren Deli, Dunkin Donuts, Frontier Pizza, Mike’s Maze, Millstone Farm Market, Smiarowski’s Farm Stand, Subway, Sugarloaf Frostee, Wild Roots Café and Market) (3‑0)
• Accepted amendment to South County Senior Center Intermunicipal Agreement, adding a Sunderland board member (2‑1)
• Adjourned meeting (3‑0)

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The board approved the minutes from the previous four meetings (3‑0). It accepted the assessors' recommendation to set a single tax rate for all property classes with no open‑space, residential, or small‑commercial exemptions (3‑0). The fire department's outdated equipment valued under $10,000 was declared surplus (3‑0). The board instructed KP Law not to attend the Bub’s Bar BQ ABCC appeal hearing and directed the Town Administrator to draft a letter (3‑0). The Town Administrator approved a $1,000 purchase of an alarm‑panel upgrade with a $10 per month service fee.

• Approved minutes from 10/20/25, 10/27/25, 11/10/25, 12/01/25 (3‑0)
• Accepted assessors' recommendation for a single tax rate for FY26, no exemptions (3‑0)
• Declared fire department equipment valued under $10,000 as surplus (3‑0)
• Instructed KP Law not to attend hearing; Town Administrator to draft letter (3‑0)
• Approved purchase of alarm panel upgrade for $1,000 with $10/mo service fee

Community Pathways Committee

The Sunderland Community Preservation Committee will consider reorganizing its internal roles, review its meeting schedule for 2024‑2025, and look over minutes from the previous meeting. It will also receive updates and feedback on ongoing projects before adjourning.

• Reorganize Committee roles
• Review meeting schedule for 2024‑2025
• Review minutes from last meeting
• Project updates and feedback

Conservation Commission

The Sunderland Conservation Commission will review meeting minutes and discuss old business items including a Conservation Restriction update on N. Plain Rd, the MVP process, and floodplain map education. The meeting will also include site visits and a DEP listening session.

• Review minutes from 11/8/25
• Discuss Conservation Restriction update for N. Plain Rd
• Review MVP process
• Floodplain maps education & outreach
• Site visits and DEP listening session

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Selectboard will appoint Elizabeth Mayers to the Historical Commission and Margaret Nartowicz as Temporary Support Staff to the Town Administrator. The board will also review the South County Senior Center update, the list of legal holidays for the coming year, and the Special Town Meeting outcome. The meeting will be held in person at the Sunderland Town Offices and via remote means.

• Appoint Elizabeth Mayers to the Historical Commission
• Appoint Margaret Nartowicz as Temporary Support Staff to the Town Administrator
• Review South County Senior Center Update
• Review Budget Request Calendar
• Review list of legal Holidays Observed for coming Calendar Year

The Selectboard approved the 2026 legal holidays list with a 3-0 vote. They appointed Elizabeth Mayers to the Historical Commission (term ends June 30, 2028) and Margaret Nartowicz as Temporary Support Staff to the Town Administrator (effective Dec. 1, 2025) each by a 3-0 vote. The meeting was adjourned by a 3-0 vote.

• Approved 2026 legal holidays list (3-0)
• Appointed Elizabeth Mayers to Historical Commission (term to 6/30/28) (3-0)
• Appointed Margaret Nartowicz as Temporary Support Staff to Town Administrator (effective 12/1/25) (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Assessors Office

The Sunderland Board of Assessors will review and vote on the minutes from the November 18, 2025 meeting. They will consider approving MVE Commitment #6 for fiscal year 2025. The board will also discuss remaining RMV excise applications, the lack of property‑owner acknowledgements on FY 2027 Chapter applications, and processing of Chapter land applications.

• Review and approval of minutes of 18 November 2025
• Review and approval of MVE Commitment# 6, FY 2025
• Review and approval of remaining RMV Excise applications received as of this date
• Discussion of lack of property owner’s acknowledgement on FY 2027 Chapter applications
• Chapter Land Application Processing

Cultural Council

The Sunderland Cultural Council will consider three agenda items. First, it will approve the minutes from the August 25, 2025 meeting. Second, it will elect officers for the council. Finally, it will review and vote on grant applications for the upcoming grant year.

• Approve minutes of the August 25, 2025 meeting
• Elect council officers
• Review and vote on grant applications for the upcoming grant year

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a general business meeting and a special permit hearing continuance on November 19, 2025. The Chair will give an update on the Dollar General Special Permit case, covering stormwater consultant progress, traffic study review, a meeting with the Selectboard and Town Counsel, and a lawsuit filed by Mr. Pill. The Board will vote on a request for continuance and set a new hearing date for the permit. The meeting will be held at the Sunderland Town Offices and via Zoom.

• Chair updates Dollar General Special Permit case (stormwater consultant, traffic study, lawsuit by Mr. Pill)
• Discussion of ANR and driveway separation by-law applicability and “Taking” argument
• Board vote on continuance request for the Dollar General Special Permit hearing
• Board vote to set a new continuance date for the hearing
• General business meeting of the ZBA

Assessors Office

The Board of Assessors will consider approval of the minutes from the October 6, 2025 meeting. It will review the town’s free cash estimate for fiscal year 2026, several memoranda, and applications for MVE abatement and blind exemptions for FY2025 and FY2026. The board will also approve invoices submitted by Diane Bishop and CAI Technologies and discuss a recent VADAR Data Bridge Process webinar and a senior exemption application. Unanticipated new business may also be addressed.

• Approval of minutes from the October 6, 2025 meeting
• Review of the free cash estimate for fiscal year 2026
• Review and approval of MVE abatement applications (Oct 1 – Nov 10 2025)
• Approval of invoices from Diane Bishop and CAI Technologies
• Review of blind exemption application for FY2025 and FY2026

The Board of Assessors approved the minutes from the October 6 meeting unanimously. They also approved two warrants—$1,100 for training by Diane Bishop and $600 for C.A.I. map maintenance. Several statutory exemption applications and a batch of MVE abatements were approved, and the finalized LA‑4 was cleared for submission.

• Approved minutes of 06 Oct 2025 B.O.A. meeting (unanimous)
• Approved Warrant #W26-21B for $1,100 training by Diane Bishop
• Approved Warrant #26-21B for $600 C.A.I. map maintenance
• Approved Senior Application for Statutory Exemption renewal (FY 2023)
• Approved denial of MVE abatement for Laryssa Kacorowsky
• Approved batch of 15 MVE abatements totaling $1,416.66
• Approved Application for Statutory Exemption due to blindness
• Approved finalized LA‑4 for submission via DLS website

Energy Committee

The Sunderland Energy Committee will approve minutes from two prior meetings. It will discuss next steps for installing EV charging stations and provide updates on the Green Communities grant application and annual report. The committee will also address municipal aggregation opt‑out letters, a meeting with Rep. Natalie Blais, and possible public‑program window inserts.

• Approve minutes from October 14 and October 20 meetings
• Discuss next steps for EV charging stations
• Update on Green Communities grant application and annual report
• Municipal aggregation opt‑out letters to be mailed soon
• Consider public‑program window inserts

Planning Board

The Sunderland Planning Board will hold a meeting to consider public appointments and questions, an ANR request if needed, a discussion on accessory dwelling units (ADU), an update on Dollar General, mail items, and committee reports. No formal decisions are listed; the agenda outlines topics for discussion.

• ADU discussion
• Dollar General update
• Public appointments/questions
• ANR (if needed)
• Committee reports

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Selectboard will hold its regular meeting to receive updates from the board and town administrator, review any correspondence, and hear public comment. No specific agenda items are listed beyond a possible discussion of Special Town Meeting concerns if they arise. The meeting will conclude with an executive session.

Board of Health / Health Agent

The Sunderland Board of Health will consider approval of the October 22, 2025 meeting minutes. It will review unpaid inspection bills from July 2025 for Bubs BBQ, Dunkin Donuts, The O’s Bar, Subway, and Gulf Mart. The board will discuss whether unused inspector funds are being held in a Public Health Account while the PHE supplies services.

• Approve minutes from the October 22, 2025 Board of Health meeting
• Unpaid inspection bills (July 2025): Bubs BBQ $250.00; Dunkin Donuts $150.00; The O’s Bar $150.00; Subway $150.00; Gulf Mart $150.00
• Discuss question: Is Sunderland holding unused inspector funds in a Public Health Account while the PHE is supplying services?
• Appointments (items to be announced by the Chair)

The Board approved the October 22, 2025 meeting minutes by a 2‑0 vote. It decided to retain unused inspector funds in the Public Health account while using Valley Regional Health Collaborative inspectors. The clerk will resend unpaid bills to businesses that have not paid. The meeting was adjourned by a 2‑0 vote.

• Approved October 22, 2025 meeting minutes (2-0)
• Hold unused inspector funds in Public Health account (no vote recorded)
• Clerk to resend unpaid bills to businesses (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (2-0)

Riverside Cemetery Trustees

The Riverside Cemetery Trustees will meet to record recent plot purchases and burials. The board will review previous and planned tree and conservator work and discuss interest in green burials.

• Review of previous and planned tree work and conservator's work
• Discussion of interest in green burials
• Recording of recent plot purchases and current burials

The Riverside Cemetery Trustees voted 3‑0 to accept the Spring‑May meeting minutes. They also voted 3‑0 to accept a letter acknowledging a $300 donation from Delta Sand received in December 2024. The meeting was adjourned at 7:11 PM with a 3‑0 vote.

• Accepted Spring‑May meeting minutes (3‑0)
• Accepted acknowledgment letter for $300 Delta Sand donation (3‑0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:11 PM (3‑0)

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Sunderland Selectboard will meet to approve minutes, review the South County Senior Center, and set sewer rates for 2026. The meeting will be held in person at the Town Offices and via Zoom.

• Approve Selectboard minutes from 10/20/25
• South County Senior Center update
• Review Special Town Meeting
• Set 2026 sewer rates
• Vote on Frontier Regional School Committee member

The board voted 3‑0 to apply past‑due sewer lien balances to the 2026 sewer bills. It also voted 3‑0 to add the Frontier Regional School Committee and the Sunderland Elementary School Committee to the town’s special municipal employee list. A motion to adjourn the meeting passed unanimously (3‑0).

• Apply past‑due sewer lien balances to 2026 bills – approved (3‑0)
• Add Frontier Regional and Sunderland Elementary School Committees to special municipal employee list – approved (3‑0)
• Adjourn meeting – approved (3‑0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will meet to install boundary signs on protected land and discuss beaver solutions. The meeting includes updates on the MVP process.

• Installation of Conservation Boundary signs near 80 Plumtree Rd
• Discussion of beaver solutions
• MVP process updates

Conservation Commission

The Sunderland Conservation Commission will review the November 2024 minutes and consider reports from site visits at 17 Grybko Cross Road, Buttonball, and Garage Road. The meeting will also address wildlife‑habitat signs, the MVP process, and include public comment and routine items.

• Site visit to 17 Grybko Cross Rd (beaver habitat)
• Site visit to Buttonball (brush piles)
• Site visit to Garage Rd (landscaping transfer)
• Discussion of wildlife habitat signs
• Discussion of MVP process

Assessors Office

The Board of Assessors will review Motor Vehicle Excise (MVE) abatement applications and a blind exemption application. The board will also develop a plan to complete Schedule A for the Department of Revenue by November 30, 2025.

• Review of MVE Abatement Applications from October 1 to October 31, 2025
• Plan of action for D.O.R. Schedule A completion
• Blind Exemption Application

Finance Committee

The Sunderland Finance Committee will meet on October 31, 2025 for routine business. The agenda includes a final review of the Special Town Meeting warrant and updates from the Selectboard and Town Administrator. The meeting also provides time for public comment and an executive session.

• Special Town Meeting Warrant final review
• Selectboard updates
• Town Administrator updates
• Public comment period
• Executive session

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Selectboard and Finance Committee will meet to conduct a final review of the Special Town Meeting Warrant. Other agenda items are procedural or not specified.

• Final review of Special Town Meeting Warrant

Finance Committee

The Selectboard and Finance Committee will meet to set a date and review the warrant for a Special Town Meeting. The bodies will also review the budget request form to be distributed to departments.

• Special Town Meeting date and warrant review
• Review of budget request form for departments
• South County Senior Center update
• Review of appointments for Assisting TA
• Update on Bubs Appeal to ABCC

The Finance Committee and Selectboard approved six articles for the Special Town Meeting, including $362,000 for a new SCEMS ambulance and related equipment, $10,000 for temporary staff support, and payments for prior‑year bills. They also approved the FY27 budget and capital request submission form. The Special Town Meeting was scheduled for November 14, 2025.

• Approved Article I: $362,000 SCEMS ambulance purchase (SB 3‑0, FC 3‑1)
• Approved Article II: $37,000 for Striker Power Loading System (SB 3‑0, FC 3‑1)
• Approved Article III: $10,000 for temporary support staff (SB 3‑0, FC 3‑1)
• Approved Article IV: $140 total to pay prior‑year bills to Fire Technologies and Municipal Association (SB 3‑0, FC 3‑1)
• Approved Article V: $1,347.90 to pay prior‑year bill to Axon Enterprise (Police) (SB 3‑0, FC 3‑1)
• Approved Article VI: $12,250 for PFAS remediation work (SB 3‑0, FC 3‑1)
• Approved FY27 budget and capital request submission form (SB 3‑0, FC 4‑0)
• Set Special Town Meeting date for November 14, 2025

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Selectboard and Finance Committee will consider setting a date for a Special Town Meeting and review the meeting warrant. They will also examine the budget request form that will be sent to town departments. Additional items include updates on the South County Senior Center, appointments for the Assisting Town Administrator, the Bubs appeal to the ABCC, and the Town Administrator’s remote‑work schedule.

• Special Town Meeting discussion: set date and review warrant
• Review budget request form to be sent to departments
• South County Senior Center update
• Review appointments for Assisting Town Administrator
• Update on Bubs appeal to ABCC

The board and finance committee approved six items for the upcoming Special Town Meeting. Article I authorized $362,000 from SCEMS retained earnings for a new ambulance and a Striker Power Loading System; Article II approved $37,000 for a loading system for the first ambulance. Articles III‑VI approved additional budget adjustments, including $10,000 for temporary staff, $140.90 for prior‑year bills, and $12,250 for PFAS remediation. The FY27 budget and capital request submission form was also approved.

• Approved $362,000 SCEMS ambulance purchase and Striker Power Loading System (SB 3-0, FC 3-1)
• Approved $37,000 Striker Power Loading System for first ambulance (SB 3-0, FC 3-1)
• Approved $10,000 increase for temporary support staff (SB 3-0, FC 3-1)
• Approved $105 transfer to Massachusetts Fire Technologies and $35 to Massachusetts Municipal Association (SB 3-0, FC 3-1)
• Approved $1,347.90 transfer to Axon Enterprise Inc. for Police Service bill (SB 3-0, FC 3-1)
• Approved $12,250 transfer to Tighe and Bond for PFAS remediation (SB 3-0, FC 3-1)
• Approved FY27 budget and capital request submission form (SB 3-0, FC 4-0)

Board of Health / Health Agent

The Sunderland Board of Health will consider approving minutes from April 22 and September 17, 2025. New business includes a food establishment license and milk pasteurization request for Thomas Farm at 64 Hadley Road, unpaid inspection bills totaling $850 from several vendors, a Certificate of Fitness fee for Cliffside Apartments unit F09, and the retirement of housing inspector Gina McNeely.

• New Food Establishment License & Pasteurization of Milk – Thomas Farm, 64 Hadley Road
• Unpaid Inspection Bills – Bubs BBQ $250, Dunkin Donuts $150, The O’s Bar $150, Subway $150, Gulf Mart $150
• Certificate of Fitness – Cliffside Apartments Unit F09 $100
• Retirement of Housing Inspector Gina McNeely
• Approve minutes from April 22, 2025 and September 17, 2025

The Sunderland Board of Health approved the April 22 and September 17, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0). They agreed that retiring member Gina McNeely would continue working on the 87 North Silver Lane case on an hourly basis until resolved. The board discussed a new food establishment license and milk pasteurization requirements for Thomas Farm at 64 Hadley Road, with further discussion planned for December. They also reviewed a draft notice of delinquency for unpaid inspection fees and discussed a trash complaint at 248 River Road.

• Approved April 22 and September 17, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Agreed Gina McNeely continues 87 North Silver Lane case on hourly basis until resolved
• Discussed Thomas Farm food license and milk pasteurization fees; continued to December
• Reviewed draft notice of delinquency for inspection fees
• Discussed Cliffside Apartments certificate of fitness and unpaid inspection fee
• Noted trash complaint at 248 River Road for possible investigation

Planning Board

The Sunderland Planning Board will hold its regular meeting on October 22, 2025. Agenda items include public appointments or questions, a possible Agricultural Notice of Right (ANR), discussion of accessory dwelling unit (ADU) proposals, an update on the Dollar General project, and committee reports. No specific decisions are noted in the agenda.

• Public appointments/questions
• ANR (if needed)
• ADU discussion
• Dollar General update
• Committee reports

Conservation Commission

The Sunderland Conservation Commission will review the minutes from 10/7/25 and consider new business items, including site visits to 389 Russell St (collapsing barn) and 491 Hadley Rd (sunroom addition), as well as utility line maintenance by Eversource/NSTAR on Ferry Rd and updates to the town webpage. The commission will also revisit old business regarding wildlife habitat signs before adjourning.

• Site visit to 389 Russell St – collapsing barn
• Site visit to 491 Hadley Rd – sunroom addition
• Eversource/NSTAR utility line maintenance on Ferry Rd
• Review of wildlife habitat signs
• Town webpage update

Energy Committee

The Energy Committee will meet to discuss the town's Green Communities Competitive Grant application with the Selectboard.

• Discussion with Selectboard regarding Green Communities Competitive Grant application

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Selectboard will discuss setting a date and warrant for a Special Town Meeting. The body will also review liquor and entertainment licenses and a grant application for Sunderland Elementary School. An executive session is scheduled to discuss the Calito Development Group LLC. vs Town of Sunderland lawsuit.

• 1 Day Liquor License for Greenfield Cooperative Bank
• 1 Day Liquor and Entertainment Licenses for Teddy Smiarowski (Potato Festival)
• ZBA Peer Review contract with Zengineer
• Green Communities Grant Application for Sunderland Elementary School Building Management System
• Executive session regarding Dollar General lawsuit (Calito Development Group LLC. vs Town of Sunderland)

The board approved a one‑day liquor license for Greenfield Cooperative Bank and both a one‑day liquor and entertainment license for the Teddy Smiarowski Potato Festival, each by a 3‑0 vote. It also approved a contract with Zengineer to review the storm‑water report, to be funded by Calito Development Group LLC, and appointed Dana Romer as a temporary staff support person, both unanimously. Additionally, the board authorized the submission of a Green Communities grant application for a Sunderland Elementary School building‑management system upgrade, a project estimated at $189,000 with a $164,000 grant request, again by a 3‑0 vote. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved 1‑day liquor license for Greenfield Cooperative Bank (3‑0)
• Approved 1‑day liquor and 1‑day entertainment licenses for Teddy Smiarowski Potato Festival (3‑0)
• Approved contract with Zengineer for storm‑water report review, funded by Calito Development Group LLC (3‑0)
• Approved appointment of Dana Romer as temporary staff support person (3‑0)
• Approved Green Communities grant application for Sunderland Elementary School upgrade (estimated $189,000, grant request $164,000) (3‑0)

Energy Committee

The Sunderland Energy Committee will review past minutes, discuss electric vehicle charging stations at SES, and update on a Green Communities grant application due October 22.

• Approval of September 18 meeting minutes
• Discussion on EV charging stations at SES
• Update on Green Communities grant application
• Meeting scheduling with Rep. Natalie Blais
• Regional Energy Committee news

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Sunderland Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on an application from Calito Development Group, LLC for a special permit and variance to construct a 9,100‑square‑foot retail building with site improvements on Amherst Road (Rt‑116), Tax Map #9, Plot #44. The board will consider whether the proposed project complies with the town’s zoning by‑laws and Chapter 40A of the Massachusetts General Laws. The hearing will be conducted in person at the town offices and via Zoom on October 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM.

• Application for a special permit and variance by Calito Development Group, LLC
• Proposed 9,100 sq ft retail building with site improvements on Amherst Road – Rt‑116 (Tax Map #9, Plot #44)
• Public hearing scheduled for Oct 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM (in person and Zoom)
• Review of compliance with Sunderland zoning by‑laws and Chapter 40A of Mass. General Laws

Conservation Commission

The Sunderland Conservation Commission will meet to review National Flood Insurance Program updates and new maps. The body will also discuss site visits for Falls Farm and an approved extension for the Open Space & Recreation Plan.

• Site visits for Falls Farm
• National Flood Insurance Program update and new maps
• Open Space & Recreation Plan extension
• Educational water conservation postcard

Assessors Office

The Board of Assessors will meet to review map updates from C.A.I. and approve motor vehicle excise applications submitted between August 7 and September 30, 2025. The board will also address specific property inquiries and a payment request from Axia Computer Systems, LTD.

• Review of Sunderland map changes from C.A.I.
• Payment request from Axia Computer Systems, LTD [UK]
• Inquiry regarding 25 & 41 Amherst Rd [SugarLoaf Gardens]
• Approval of Motor Vehicle Excise Applications (08/07/2025 to 09/30/2025)
• Discussion of 2025 New England Appraisers Expo live-streaming

The Board of Assessors unanimously approved the minutes from the September 8 meeting. They also approved up to five hours of training for Mr. Nestanpower to be provided by Mrs. Bishop. Other agenda items were discussed but no further actions were taken.

• Approved minutes of 08 September 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved up to 5 hours training for Mr. Nestanpower by Mrs. Bishop

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Selectboard will consider the return of an all-alcohol liquor license for Bub’s Bar-B-Q following a suspension or revocation. The board will also review an entertainment license application and a contract with FCAT.

• Suspension/Revocation of All-Alcohol Liquor License for Bub’s Bar-B-Q, 676 Amherst Road
• Entertainment License Application for Big River Chestnuts Fall Event
• Review of FCAT contract
• South County Senior Center update

The board continued the suspension of Bub’s Bar‑B‑Q liquor license until October 20, 2025. It approved an entertainment license for the Big River Chestnuts Fall Event on October 11, 2025. The board authorized signing the FCAT contract covering October 6, 2025 through June 30, 2027. The meeting was adjourned at 7:23 PM.

• Continue suspension of Bub’s Bar‑B‑Q liquor license through Oct 20 2025 (3‑0)
• Approve entertainment license for Big River Chestnuts Fall Event on Oct 11 2025 (3‑0)
• Approve signing of FCAT contract effective 10/06/2025 to 06/30/2027 (3‑0)
• Adjourn meeting at 7:23 PM (3‑0)

Conservation Commission

The Sunderland Conservation Commission will meet on October 4, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. to consider installing Conservation Boundary signs on newer protected land along Cross Mountain Road. The agenda includes a call to order and an adjournment. The listed items are anticipated by the chair and may not all be discussed.

• Install Conservation Boundary signs on newer protected land on Cross Mountain Rd

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Sunderland Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on September 24, 2025, to consider a request by Calito Development Group for a Special Permit and/or Variance to construct a 9,100 sq. ft. retail building on Amherst Road – Rt.-116.

• Public Hearing for Calito Development Group retail project
• Request for Special Permit and/or Variance
• 9,100 sq. ft. retail building proposal
• Hearing continued from February 27, 2025
• Location: Amherst Road – Rt.-116 (Tax Map #9, Plot #44)

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Selectboard will consider suspending or revoking the all‑alcohol liquor license for Bub’s Bar‑B‑Q at 676 Amherst Road because the business lacks the required Liquor Liability Insurance. The board will also review the two‑year renewal of the Upper Pioneer Valley Veterans’ Service District, receive an update on the South County Senior Center, examine the FCAT lease and contract, and discuss the schedule for the upcoming fall meeting.

• Suspension/Revocation of All‑Alcohol Liquor License for Bub’s Bar‑B‑Q (676 Amherst Road) due to failure to maintain Liquor Liability Insurance
• Review two‑year renewal of Upper Pioneer Valley Veterans’ Service District
• South County Senior Center update
• Review FCAT lease and FCAT contract
• Discuss Selectboard fall meeting schedule

The Selectboard voted 3‑0 to suspend Bub’s Bar‑BQ’s liquor license pending proof of insurance. They also approved a two‑year renewal of the Upper Pioneer Valley Veterans’ Service District contract (7/1/26‑7/1/28) and extended the FCAT lease for another five years, each by a 3‑0 vote. Additionally, the board authorized the chair and town administrator to sign opioid‑settlement documents and accepted the September 8 minutes.

• Suspend Bub’s Bar‑BQ liquor license until further notice (3‑0)
• Accept and sign two‑year renewal of Upper Pioneer Valley Veterans’ Service District contract (3‑0)
• Extend FCAT lease for five years (3‑0)
• Authorize SB chair and town administrator to sign opioid settlement documents (3‑0)
• Approve September 8, 2025 minutes (3‑0)
• Adjourn meeting (3‑0)

Energy Committee

The Sunderland Energy Committee will consider several items, including a report on a Green Communities walk‑through at the SES, a survey on a proposed Transfer Station, and a discussion of a New York Times article about EV charging stations. Members will also plan a meeting with State Rep. Natalie Blais to explore energy upgrades for rental properties. The meeting will conclude with any new business after approving the previous minutes.

• Approve minutes from the Tuesday, August 19th meeting
• Green Communities – report on walk‑through at SES with Kyle Houser and next steps
• Transfer Station Proposal – disseminate survey to Sunderland residents
• EV Charging Stations – discuss NYT article circulated by Meg
• Potential New Projects – schedule meeting with Rep. Natalie Blais on energy upgrades to rental properties

Board of Health / Health Agent

The Board of Health will consider variance and HACCP needs for several local food establishments. It will review the dates and requirements for 2026 food establishment permits, note the absence of the Sunderland Director of Public Health, and address the retirement of Housing Inspector Gina McNeely. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from April 22 and June 11, 2025.

• Review variance/HACCP needs for Bridgeside Grille (9 Amherst Road) and other listed establishments
• Discuss 2026 food establishment permit dates and requirements
• Note absence of Sunderland Director of Public Health
• Address retirement of Housing Inspector Gina McNeely
• Approve minutes from April 22, 2025 and June 11, 2025

The board approved a variance allowing Banchan Korean Deli to prepare fermented and pickled products for retail sale, with a 3‑0 vote. The board also voted 3‑0 not to renew the contract of Sunderland Director of Public Health, Mr. Bell. Additionally, the minutes from the June 11, 2025 meeting were approved by a 3‑0 vote. No other actions were taken.

• Approved variance for Banchan Korean Deli (3-0)
• Voted not to renew Director of Public Health Mr. Bell’s contract (3-0)
• Approved June 11, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will discuss site visits regarding erosion on Cross Mountain Rd and other mountain roads. The body will also consider a Certificate of Compliance for the NEP Central Western MA Energy Improvement Project E5/F6.

• Site visits for erosion on Cross Mountain Rd and mountain roads
• Certificate of Compliance for NEP Central Western MA Energy Improvement Project E5/F6
• Stormwater report comments for ZBA
• Drinking water operator at Cliffside Apt
• Educational drought postcards and wildlife habitat/dog cleanup signs

Planning Board

The Sunderland Planning Board will hold a public meeting to discuss agenda items including the Dollar General store and ANR (likely a project or report). The meeting will be held at the Town Offices and via Zoom.

• Dollar General update
• ANR (item on agenda)
• Public Appointments/Questions
• Committee Reports
• Mail (item on agenda)

Assessors Office

The Board of Assessors will meet to conduct regular business and review the monthly list of Motor Vehicle Excise abatements.

• Monthly list of MV Excise abatements

The Board of Assessors met on September 8, 2025, at Town Hall. The agenda covered minutes accuracy, appointment procedures, the MV Abatement Program, building‑permit processing, DOR certification requirements, open‑door policy, zoning initiatives, office hours, and tax rates. No formal actions, approvals, or votes were recorded. The next meeting is scheduled for October 6, 2025.

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Sunderland Selectboard will meet to approve minutes, discuss the hiring of an Assessor Administrator, and review a contract for Civic Plus ADA upgrades. The agenda includes updates from the Opioid Task Force and South County Senior Center, a request for five one-day liquor licenses, and a revote of the Capital Stabilization plan.

• Hiring of Assessor Administrator
• Civic Plus ADA upgrade contract
• Request for five one-day liquor licenses
• Revote of Capital Stabilization for Recap
• Opioid Task Force Updates

The board voted 3-0 to assess an additional $420,122 in real estate and personal property taxes for the 2025 fiscal year to fund the Capital Stabilization Fund. It also approved the appointment of Stephen Nestanpower as Assistant Assessor, a $6,500 contract for Civic Plus ADA website upgrades (with $8,200 maintenance for FY27), and five one‑day liquor licenses for Mike’s Maze. All motions passed unanimously.

• Appointed Stephen Nestanpower as Assistant Assessor (3-0)
• Approved Civic Plus ADA upgrade contract $6,500 this year and $8,200 FY27 maintenance (3-0)
• Assessed additional $420,122 in taxes for Capital Stabilization Fund (3-0)
• Approved five One Day Liquor Licenses for Mike’s Maze (3-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Sunderland Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on a request from Morse & Morse LLC to operate a landscaping business at 31 Garage Road. The board will consider a special permit and/or variance under local zoning bylaws.

• Special permit/variance request for landscaping business at 31 Garage Road
• Applicant: Morse & Morse LLC, 509 Hadley Road, Sunderland, MA 01375

Conservation Commission

The Sunderland Conservation Commission will hold a routine meeting to review minutes, discuss a new stormwater report for a development at Clark Mountain Road and Route 116, and address old business including wildlife habitat sign choices. The agenda includes procedural items, public comment, and potential unanticipated items.

• New Stormwater Report filed with ZBA for development at Clark Mountain Rd. and Rte 116
• Review of minutes from 8/19/25
• Wildlife Habitat sign choices

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing regarding an application from Calito Development Group, LLC. The applicant is seeking a Special Permit and/or Variance to construct a retail building and site improvements.

• Proposed 9,100 sq. ft. retail building at Amherst Road – Rt.-116 (Tax Map #9, Plot #44)

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and discuss council priorities. The body will also consider possible council-sponsored projects.

• Approval of April 15, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion of council priorities
• Discussion of possible council-sponsored projects

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Selectboard will discuss administrative hiring and updates for the South County Senior Center. The body is also reviewing liquor license requests and fuel bids.

• Mike’s Maze request for five One Day Liquor Licenses
• Sunderland Fuel Bids
• Revision of Common Victauler License
• Assessor Admin hiring activities review
• Review of ABCC Advisory on All Alcoholic Beverage Licenses

The Selectboard accepted the minutes from the July 28 and August 11 meetings (2‑0). It approved the town’s diesel and unleaded fuel bid from DK Burke at $3.14 and $2.95 per gallon (2‑0) and approved the issuance of the previously missed common vic liquor license (2‑0). No action was taken on the new state alcohol‑licensing legislation. The board adjourned the meeting (2‑0).

• Accepted minutes from 7/28/25 and 8/11/25 (2-0)
• Approved DK Burke fuel bid: $3.14/gal diesel, $2.95/gal unleaded (2-0)
• Approved and issued the common vic liquor license (2-0)
• No action taken on ABCC Advisory liquor‑license legislation
• Adjourned meeting (2-0)

Conservation Commission

The Sunderland Conservation Commission will convene at the Town Office Building on Aug 19 at 6:30 PM to review minutes from Aug 5, hear a request for a garage at 311 Russell St, consider site visits to 292 or 296 N Silver Lane, and discuss conservation restrictions and wildlife habitat sign choices.

• Request for Determination for a garage at 311 Russell St
• Site Visits – 292 or 296 N Silver Lane (shed)
• Conservation Restriction process
• Wildlife Habitat sign choices

Energy Committee

The Energy Committee is meeting to coordinate a Green Communities walk-through and data collection for MEI. Members will discuss a resident survey regarding a transfer station proposal and potential energy upgrades for rental properties.

• Transfer station proposal resident survey
• Energy upgrades for rental properties
• Municipal aggregation rate publicity for December
• Green Communities walk-through at SES with Kyle Houser
• Meeting scheduling with Rep. Natalie Blais

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet to discuss a committee transfer and receive an update regarding SCSC interest in 112 Amherst Rd. The body will also review minutes from the July 28, 2025 meeting.

• Discussion of Finance Committee Transfer
• Update on SCSC interest in 112 Amherst Rd

Assessors Office

The Board of Assessors will meet to conduct regular business and review the monthly list of Motor Vehicle Excise abatements. The meeting also includes the approval of previous minutes.

• Monthly list of MV Excise abatements

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Selectboard will discuss new ABCC legislation regarding All Alcoholic Beverage Licenses. The board is also addressing a Council on Aging appointment and the resignation of the Assessor Admin.

• Review of ABCC Advisory on All Alcoholic Beverage Licenses
• Council on Aging Appointment
• Assessor Admin Resignation
• Planning for Boston Post Cane Ceremony on August 22
• South County Senior Center Update

The board voted to adjourn the meeting at 7:01 PM. The motion was made by C. Drake‑Tremblay, seconded by N. Waring, and passed 2‑0. No other substantive actions were approved, denied, or tabled.

• Adjourned meeting (2-0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will discuss site visits for several residential projects and the conservation restriction process. The meeting includes a review of the July 1, 2025, minutes.

• Site visit: 292 or 296 N Silver Lane (shed)
• Site visit: 340 Montague Rd (outbuilding)
• Site visit: Russell St (shed)
• Site visit: 352 Montague Rd (addition)
• Site visit: 145 Plumtree (pool)

Finance Committee

The Selectboard and Finance Committee will meet to review year-end financial transfers and the Scanlon Audit engagement letter. The body will also consider appointments for town election workers and the Council on Aging.

• Review of year end transfers
• South County Senior Center Agreement between Whately, Sunderland and Deerfield
• Scanlon Audit Engagement Letter
• One Day Liquor License Request
• Appointments for Town Election Workers and Council on Aging

The Selectboard approved year‑end transfers of $35,756.58 with a 2‑0 vote. It also approved the appointment of town election workers, transferred $550 for senior‑center design work, accepted a $14,500 audit proposal, approved a one‑day liquor license for August 16, and appointed Ladonna Olanyk to the Council on Aging. All actions were voted on and passed unanimously or by the recorded vote counts.

• Selectboard approved year‑end transfers of $35,756.58 (2‑0)
• Finance Committee approved year‑end transfers as presented (4‑0)
• Selectboard approved appointment of town election workers (2‑0)
• Selectboard appointed Ladonna Olanyk to the Council on Aging (2‑0)
• Selectboard transferred $550 to fund senior‑center design work (2‑0)
• Selectboard accepted Scanlon audit proposal costing $14,500 (2‑0)
• Selectboard approved one‑day liquor license for 8/16/25 at Town Park (2‑0)

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Selectboard and Finance Committee will meet to review year-end financial transfers and the South County Senior Center Agreement between Whately, Sunderland, and Deerfield. The body will also consider appointments for town election workers and the Council on Aging.

• Review of year end transfers with Finance Committee
• Review of South County Senior Center Agreement between Whately, Sunderland and Deerfield
• Review of Scanlon Audit Engagement Letter
• One Day Liquor License Request
• Appointments for Town Election Workers and Council on Aging

The Selectboard approved a one‑day liquor license for an event at Town Park on August 16, 2025. It also approved year‑end transfers of $35,756.58, appointed town election workers, appointed a new Council on Aging member, transferred $550 to fund senior‑center design work, accepted a $14,500 audit proposal, and approved the liquor license, each by unanimous vote.

• Approved year‑end transfers of $35,756.58 (Selectboard vote 2‑0)
• Approved appointment of 17 town election workers (Selectboard vote 2‑0)
• Appointed Ladonna Olanyk to the Council on Aging (Selectboard vote 2‑0)
• Approved $550 transfer to fund senior‑center design work (Selectboard vote 2‑0)
• Accepted Scanlon audit proposal costing $14,500 (Selectboard vote 2‑0)
• Approved one‑day liquor license for August 16 event at Town Park (Selectboard vote 2‑0)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet to review year-end transfers and state budget updates. The body will also discuss budget updates and the FY26 Finance Committee calendar.

• Review of year end transfers
• Budget updates
• Review of State Budget updates
• FY26 FinCom Calendar

Planning Board

The Planning Board will meet to discuss business items including an update on Dollar General. The meeting also includes standard procedural items such as approving minutes and reviewing committee reports.

• Dollar General update

Finance Committee

The Selectboard and Finance Committee will meet to review financial updates and facility reports. The body will discuss year-end transfers and updates to the state budget.

• Review of year end transfers
• Review of State Budget Updates
• Review of South County Senior Center Facility Update
• Review of Franklin County Solid Waste MOU for signing

The Selectboard accepted the June 30, 2025 meeting minutes with a 3‑0 vote. It approved and signed the Franklin County Solid Waste MOU, also by a 3‑0 vote. The meeting was adjourned at 7:02 PM with a 3‑0 vote.

• Accepted June 30, 2025 Selectboard minutes (3-0)
• Approved and signed Franklin County Solid Waste MOU (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Assessors Office

The Board of Assessors will meet to conduct regular business. The agenda includes a review of current mail and the monthly list of Motor Vehicle Excise abatements.

• Monthly list of MV Excise abatements

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Selectboard and Finance Committee will meet to review financial updates and facility reports. The session includes a review of year-end transfers and state budget updates.

• Review of year end transfers with Finance Committee
• Review of State Budget Updates
• Review of South County Senior Center Facility Update
• Review of Franklin County Solid Waste MOU for signing

The Selectboard voted 3‑0 to accept the July 30, 2025 meeting minutes. It also voted 3‑0 to accept and sign the Franklin County Solid Waste MOU. The board then adjourned the meeting by a 3‑0 vote.

• Accepted July 30, 2025 Selectboard minutes (vote 3-0)
• Accepted and signed Franklin County Solid Waste MOU (vote 3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (vote 3-0)

Conservation Commission

The Sunderland Conservation Commission will meet to discuss conservation options for N. Plain Rd and the installation of signs for Plumtree Rd. The commission will also receive an informational update on the Falls Farm Remediation Plan.

• Site visits for conservation options at N. Plain Rd
• Conservation signs for Plumtree Rd
• Updated Remediation Plan for Falls Farm

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Sunderland Selectboard will discuss several administrative updates and authorizations. The body is reviewing a contract for accounting services and a multi-town agreement for the South County Senior Center.

• Aponte Contract for continued Accounting services for fy26
• Authorization for Police Chief to accept a Municibid bid to sell a 2010 Crown Vic
• Review of South County Senior Center 3 town updated Memo of Understanding (MOU)
• Review of Letter to Hadley in support of Bridge Grant
• Review of Final Annual Appointment List of town employees and volunteers

The Sunderland Selectboard approved several items, including authorizing the Police Chief to accept a Municibid bid to sell the 2010 Crown Vic and approving the Aponte accounting services contract for FY26. It also approved a letter of support for Hadley's bridge grant and accepted the annual appointment list except for the Council on Aging. All motions passed unanimously.

• Accepted minutes from 5/19/25 and 6/16/25 (3-0)
• Authorized Police Chief to accept Municibid bid to sell 2010 Crown Vic (3-0)
• Approved and sent letter of support for Hadley bridge grant (3-0)
• Approved Aponte contract for FY26 accounting services (same amount as FY25) (3-0)
• Accepted final annual appointment list, excluding Council on Aging (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing regarding an application by Calito Development Group, LLC. The board is considering a Special Permit and/or Variance for a retail project.

• Application for a 9,100 sq. ft. retail building and site improvements at Amherst Road – Rt.-116 (Tax Map #9, Plot #44)

Conservation Commission

The Sunderland Conservation Commission will meet to review site visits and a buffer zone letter for 31 Garage Rd. The body will also hold a floodplain roundtable discussion.

• Site visits and buffer zone letter for 31 Garage Rd
• Floodplain Roundtable

Energy Committee

The Energy Committee is meeting to discuss energy projects under Green Communities and finalize a resident survey regarding the Transfer Station. The body will also review pricing results for municipal aggregation and potential energy upgrades for rental properties.

• Discussion of SES energy projects including lighting and BMS
• Finalization of Transfer Station resident survey
• Review of June 11 executable pricing for municipal aggregation
• Discussion of energy upgrades for rental properties

Assessors Office

The Board of Assessors will meet to conduct regular business and review the monthly list of Motor Vehicle Excise abatements.

• Monthly list of MV Excise abatements

Personnel Committee

The Personnel Board will meet to discuss a specific request to use the Sick Bank. The board will also review policies from other small towns to discuss potential changes to the current Sick Bank Policy.

• Discussion of Sick Bank request for use
• Review of other small town policies
• Discussion of changes to the Sick Bank Policy

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Selectboard will discuss a three-town updated Memorandum of Understanding for the South County Senior Center and a repair contract for the Fire Department. The board will also review a liquor license and a grant letter for the Hadley Bridge.

• South County Senior Center 3 town updated Memo of Understanding (MOU)
• Fire Dept contract for repair work with Karls Excavating
• One day Liquor License
• Review Letter to Hadley Bridge Grant
• Capital Stabilization Override fy26 recap entry vote

The board approved the June 2, 2025 Selectboard minutes unanimously. It also approved the draft letter to the Hadley Bridge Grant and confirmed the fire department repair contract for $5,400. The employee’s sick‑bank request was closed, and a one‑day liquor license was deemed unnecessary. Several items were noted for future action.

• Approved June 2, 2025 Selectboard minutes (3‑0)
• Approved letter to Hadley Bridge Grant (3‑0)
• Approved fire department repair contract for $5,400 (already approved)
• Closed employee sick‑bank request after review
• Determined one‑day liquor license no longer needed
• Deferred further action on Graves Memorial Library repairs pending more information
• Continued Capital Stabilization Override FY26 recap vote to June 30 meeting
• Discussed South County Senior Center funding change; no immediate decision

Planning Board

The Planning Board will meet to discuss business items, including an update regarding Dollar General. The meeting also includes time for public appointments and questions.

• Dollar General update
• ANR

Board of Health / Health Agent

The Board of Health will meet to elect board officers and review updates from the Housing Health Agent and Valley Collaborative. The board will also consider the approval of septic and building plans.

• Appointment regarding 156 Russell St.
• Election of Board of Health Officers
• Approval of septic and building plans
• Valley Collaborative Report
• Housing Health Agent Update

The Board of Health approved the minutes from the April 22 and May 19, 2025 meetings, each by a 3‑0 vote. The remodel plans for 156 Russell St., a three‑bedroom septic design, were approved. All board officer positions (Chairman, Clerk, Member) were elected and approved by a 3‑0 vote.

• Approved April 22, 2025 meeting minutes – vote 3‑0
• Approved May 19, 2025 meeting minutes – vote 3‑0
• Approved remodel plans for 156 Russell St.
• Elected Chairman Bruce Bennett, Clerk Dan Olanyk, Member Ken Kushi – vote 3‑0

Conservation Commission

The Sunderland Conservation Commission will meet to review previous minutes and address old business regarding CR signs. The meeting includes a site visit for a proposed addition at 341 Montague Rd.

• Site visit for addition at 341 Montague Rd
• Discussion on posting CR signs

Personnel Committee

The Personnel Board will meet to discuss a request for the use of the Sick Bank. The board will also review changes to the Sick Bank voted on by the Selectboard and discuss further recommended policy changes.

• Sick Bank request for use
• Review of Selectboard-voted Sick Bank changes
• Recommended changes to the Sick Bank Policy

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Selectboard will review a municipal aggregation contract and a PFAS proposal from Tighe & Bond. The board is also considering a repair contract for the Fire Department and a Capital Stabilization Override entry for FY26.

• Authorization for town administrator to sign 3-year municipal aggregation contract
• Tighe & Bond PFAS proposal review
• Fire Dept repair work contract with Karls Excavating
• Capital Stabilization Override fy26 recap entry vote
• Annual Appointment List of elected and appointed employees and volunteers

The board approved an additional 80 sick‑bank hours for an employee, authorized the town administrator to sign a three‑year municipal electrical aggregation contract, and adopted the Energy Committee’s recommendation to offer three renewable electricity options. It also accepted a PFAS remediation proposal from Tighe & Bond, approved a drain‑repair contract up to $1,000, and postponed the capital‑stabilization override vote.

• Approved additional 80 sick‑bank hours (3-0)
• Authorized Administrator to sign 3‑year municipal electrical aggregation contract (3-0)
• Accepted Energy Committee recommendation to set municipal aggregation with three product options (3-0)
• Accepted Tighe & Bond PFAS proposal ($13,600‑$20,000) (2-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved Karls Excavating contract to repair PSC drain up to $1,000 (3-0)
• Postponed Capital Stabilization Override FY26 vote (no decision)
• Accepted amended minutes from 4/28/25 (3-0)

Energy Committee

The Energy Committee is meeting to review indicative pricing for the next municipal aggregation contract. The committee intends to provide recommendations to the Sunderland Selectboard by June 2nd.

• Discussion of indicative pricing for the next municipal aggregation contract

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Sunderland Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a continued public hearing on a request by Calito Development Group to construct a 9,100 sq. ft. retail building on Amherst Road (Rt.-116). The hearing was originally scheduled for February 27, 2025, but was continued to May 28, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Sunderland Town Offices.

• Special permit and/or variance request for 9,100 sq. ft. retail building on Amherst Road (Rt.-116)
• Hearing continued from February 27, 2025, to May 28, 2025, at 7:00 PM

Community Pathways Committee

The Sunderland Community Preservation Committee will hold a public hearing to mark 15 years of Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding, discuss the committee’s goals and priorities, and collect resident input for future projects. The meeting will also review minutes from the prior session and adjourn until Fall 2025.

• Public hearing to celebrate 15 years of CPA funding
• Gather input on future Community Preservation Committee projects
• Review prior meeting minutes from 4/10/25

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold its regular meeting on May 20 at the Town Office Building. Members will review the April 22 minutes, hear updates on a stormwater plan for a retail site at Clark Mountain Rd and Rte 116, and discuss floodplain management and outreach. No formal decisions are listed on this agenda.

• Letter to ZBA regarding stormwater plan for retail development at Clark Mountain Rd and Rte 116
• Eversource stream crossing update
• Floodplain Roundtable discussion

Board of Health / Health Agent

The Board of Health will meet to review a matter regarding 156 Russell Street and receive updates on the Valley Collaborative and the Housing Health Agent. The board will also conduct an election for Board of Health Officers.

• Discussion regarding Richard Ruth: 156 Russell Street
• Valley Collaborative Report
• Housing Health Agent Update
• Election of Board of Health Officers

The board deferred approval of the April 22, 2025 meeting minutes to the next meeting. Election of Board of Health officers was also postponed until the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned after the motion passed.

• Postponed approval of April 22, 2025 minutes to next meeting
• Postponed election of Board of Health officers to next meeting
• Motion to adjourn approved

Personnel Committee

The Personnel Board will meet to discuss a request for the use of the sick bank. The meeting also includes updates from committee members and the Town Administrator.

• Discussion of Sick Bank request for use

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Sunderland Selectboard will meet to discuss a sick bank request and the placement of a land acknowledgement resolution on the town website. The board will also review committee memberships and receive a presentation on Mass Trails drawings.

• Mass Trails presentation of drawings by Engineer and SB Dan Murphy
• Review of employee recommendation for Land Acknowledgement placement on Town Website
• Sick Bank Request Determination
• Review of Selectboard Committee Membership and Liaison Duties
• Attestation for Chief Demetropoulos’s POST recertification

The board unanimously accepted the minutes from the April 28 and May 5 meetings. It approved extending the Sick Bank by 80 hours for an applicant, placed the town’s Land Acknowledgement on the website’s About page, and signed the attestation for Chief Demetropoulos’s POST recertification. All motions passed with a 3‑0 vote.

• Accept minutes from 4/28/25 and 5/5/25 (3‑0)
• Approve extension of 80 sick‑bank hours to applicant (3‑0)
• Approve placement of Land Acknowledgement on town website under “About” tab (3‑0)
• Approve signing of attestation for Chief Demetropoulos’s POST recertification (3‑0)

Energy Committee

The Sunderland Energy Committee will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and discuss several energy-related projects. Items include a continuing discussion on Green Communities SES energy projects, finalizing a survey for residents about a transfer station proposal, and reviewing a REPA grant for energy management services. The committee will also address potential energy upgrades for rental properties.

• Finalize survey to residents on transfer station proposal
• REPA grant for energy management services through FRCOG
• Potential energy upgrades to rental properties
• Continuing discussion on Green Communities SES energy projects (lighting, BMS, etc.)

Assessors Office

The Sunderland Board of Assessors will meet to approve minutes and review current mail and business. They will also consider the monthly list of motor vehicle excise abatements. No major policy decisions or public hearings are scheduled.

• Approval of minutes from prior meeting
• Review of current mail and business
• Monthly list of MV Excise abatements
• Discussion of any other regular or new business

Riverside Cemetery Trustees

The Riverside Cemetery Trustees will meet to approve prior meeting minutes, record recent plot sales and burials, and review old business including tree work and stone repairs. A notable new business item is a proposal to hold a wedding at the cemetery in June, which the trustees will discuss.

• Review and approve Fall 2024 meeting minutes
• Record recent plot sales
• Record recent burials
• Discuss tree work scheduling and mowing issues
• Review proposal for a wedding at the cemetery in June

Planning Board

The Planning Board will meet to conduct general business and review committee reports. The agenda includes an update regarding Dollar General and an item listed as ANR.

• Dollar General update
• ANR

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Sunderland Selectboard will hold a regular meeting to approve past minutes and discuss several new business items. Topics include a potential special municipal employee designation for a School Committee member, review of town election results, and possible redistribution of committee liaison duties. The board will also discuss where to place town resolutions on the town website. No major decisions or financial actions are listed.

• Discussion of Special Municipal Employee status for a School Committee Member
• Review of Town Election Results
• Discussion of redistributing committee liaison duties
• Discussion of placement of Town Resolutions on website
• Approval of minutes from April 22, 2025

The Sunderland Selectboard approved the May 22 minutes and accepted a required disclosure from a special municipal employee. Members were nominated and confirmed as chair (N. Waring), vice‑chair (C. Drake‑Tremblay) and clerk (D. Murphy). The board also approved adding a direct link to Town Resolutions on the main page of the town website. All actions passed unanimously (3‑0).

• Accepted May 22 minutes (3‑0)
• Accepted GL 268a disclosure from M. Arquin (3‑0)
• Nominated N. Waring as Selectboard Chair (3‑0)
• Nominated C. Drake‑Tremblay as Selectboard Vice‑Chair (3‑0)
• Nominated D. Murphy as Selectboard Clerk (3‑0)
• Re‑appointed all members to their existing committees (3‑0)
• Approved adding a link to Town Resolutions on the main website page (3‑0)

Personnel Committee

The Sunderland Personnel Board will hold a meeting on April 28, 2025, at 4:30 PM. The main new business item is a discussion of the Sick Bank. Other agenda items include approving minutes, committee member updates, and town administrator updates.

• Discuss Sick Bank

Assessors Office

The Sunderland Board of Assessors is meeting for a routine procedural session. They will approve previous minutes, review current mail and business, and discuss the monthly list of motor vehicle excise abatements. No major decisions or financial actions are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from prior meeting
• Monthly list of motor vehicle excise abatements

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Sunderland Selectboard will discuss the sick bank and review outcomes from the FY26 Annual Town Meeting. The board will also consider a contract award for the Graves Memorial and a one-day liquor license application.

• Graves Memorial bid award and contract
• FY26 ATM outcomes review
• One Day Liquor License application for Hayden Baumgardner (Town Park Pavillion, 5/18/25)
• Sick Bank follow up discussion

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Sunderland Selectboard will meet on April 25, 2025, to review and discuss financial or Annual Town Meeting related issues that need to be addressed. No minutes are scheduled for approval. The agenda includes items for new business, old business, correspondence, public comment, and a possible executive session.

• Discussion of financial or Annual Town Meeting related issues (new business)

Board of Health / Health Agent

The Board will approve minutes from March 3, 2025, and discuss several new business items. These include welcoming a new clerk, forwarding all septic, sewer, and food inspections to Valley Health Collaborative, and receiving updates on housing health, health agent, and public health topics.

• Welcome new Board of Health Clerk Kathern Pierce
• Forward all septic, sewer, and food inspections to Valley Health Collaborative
• Housing Health Agent update
• Health Agent update
• Public Health update

The Board accepted the March 3 minutes with a 3‑0 vote. It approved a permit for Alex F. to reconstruct the deck at 41 South Plain Rd, adding a site‑plan contingency, also by a 3‑0 vote. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Accepted March 3 minutes (3-0)
• Approved deck reconstruction permit for 41 South Plain Rd with site‑plan contingency (3-0)
• Motion to adjourn approved (3-0)

Conservation Commission

The Sunderland Conservation Commission will meet on April 22, 2025. The only substantive new business is a discussion of site visits related to Falls Farm animal fencing. Old business includes outreach communication. The remainder of the agenda is procedural (approval of minutes, public comment, mail, etc.).

• Site Visits – Falls Farm animal fencing (New Business)
• Outreach communication (Old Business)
• Approval of minutes from April 8, 2025
• Public comment (2-3 minutes per person)

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Selectboard will discuss open issues for the Annual Town Meeting and review a grant for the Fire Chief. The board will also address updates to the FCAT Charter.

• Fire Chief’s grant
• Review of open issues for Annual Town Meeting
• FCAT Charter updates

The board accepted the minutes from the April 7 meeting (3‑0) and postponed the April 14 minutes to the next meeting. They approved a $5800 grant for new fire chief equipment (3‑0). The meeting was then adjourned (3‑0). No other formal actions were taken.

• Accepted minutes from 4/07/25 (vote 3‑0)
• Held minutes from 4/14/25 for next meeting
• Approved $5800 fire chief equipment grant (vote 3‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (vote 3‑0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Sunderland Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a continued public hearing on an application from Calito Development Group, LLC for a special permit and/or variance to construct a 9,100 sq. ft. retail building with associated site improvements on Amherst Road (Route 116). The hearing was originally scheduled for February 27, 2025 and is now continued to April 17, 2025.

• Continued public hearing for a special permit and/or variance to build a 9,100 sq. ft. retail building on Amherst Road (Tax Map #9, Plot #44)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will meet to discuss business items including an update regarding Dollar General. The agenda also includes time for public appointments and committee reports.

• Dollar General update

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council will meet to discuss updating its priorities. The body will also discuss prospective membership.

• Discussion of updating council priorities
• Discussion of prospective membership

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee and Selectboard will hold a joint meeting to act on several financial items, including a vote on the annual town meeting warrant and the FY26 budget. They will also consider the Capital Stabilization Override 2.5% increase authorization, the Police Chief's contract, and new hires for the Board of Health and Highway Department. The board will review and vote on the Capital Stabilization Plan Committee's FY26 recommendation and approve a contract for VADAR services.

• Vote on Finance Committee Report and Budget Recommendations
• Police Chief's Contract approval
• New hiring: BOH Clerk appointment and Highway seasonal help
• Approve VADAR Contract
• Capital Stabilization Override 2.5% increase authorization (vote by Selectboard)

The committee approved the FY26 town budget, a $472,173.90 warrant for the Graves Memorial Library masonry work, and the police chief's three‑year contract with a $107,080 salary. It also appointed a new Board of Health clerk, hired a seasonal highway laborer, and adopted an amended VADAR accounting‑software contract. The Capital Stabilization override accounts were increased by 2.5% and the Cap Stabilization Plan FY26 recommendations were accepted.

• Approved Warrant #9 for $472,173.90 library restoration (3‑0)
• Approved police chief 3‑year contract with $107,080 salary and residency clause (3‑0)
• Appointed Kathern Forte Pierce as Board of Health Clerk (3‑0)
• Approved hiring Christine Walker Miller as seasonal Highway laborer (3‑0)
• Approved amended VADAR accounting‑software contract (3‑0)
• Accepted Cap Stabilization Plan Committee FY26 recommendations (3‑0)
• Increased Capital Stabilization override accounts by 2.5% ($409,883.50) (3‑0)
• Approved FY26 Budget using reserves and revenue adjustments (3‑0)

Community Pathways Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will receive final bid information for the Graves Memorial project and then vote on it. The meeting is held remotely only.

• Graves Memorial - final bid information and vote

Selectboard or Town Administrator

This joint meeting of the Selectboard and Finance Committee will review final FY26 revenue and expenses, vote on budget recommendations, and finalize the Annual Town Meeting warrant. They will also discuss a capital stabilization override authorization, the Police Chief's contract, new hires, and the VADAR contract.

• Finance Committee report on FY26 budget recommendations and vote on warrant
• Police Chief's contract discussion
• New hiring: BOH Clerk appointment and HW seasonal help
• VADAR Contract approval
• Capital Stabilization Override 2.5% increase authorization vote by Selectboard

The Selectboard voted unanimously to adopt the FY26 town budget. It also approved several contracts and appointments, including a $472,173.90 library repair warrant and a new three‑year police chief contract with a salary of $107,080. Additional actions included hiring a seasonal highway worker, amending the VADAR software agreement, and increasing capital‑stabilization overrides.

• Approved $472,173.90 library masonry repair warrant (3-0)
• Approved police chief 3‑year contract with salary $107,080 and residency requirement (3-0)
• Appointed Kathern Forte Pierce as Board of Health Clerk (3-0)
• Approved hiring Christine Walker Miller as seasonal Highway laborer (3-0)
• Approved amended VADAR accounting software contract (3-0)
• Accepted Capital Stabilization Plan Committee FY26 recommendations (3-0)
• Increased Capital Stabilization override accounts by $409,883.50 (3-0)
• Approved FY26 town budget (3-0)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will review updated FY26 revenue and expenses. The body is scheduled to vote on the final version of the town warrant.

• Review of updated FY26 budget revenue and expenses
• Vote on the final warrant

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will meet to discuss site visits and specific land-use projects. The agenda includes a Notice of Intent for a barn near Russelville Brook and animal fencing at Falls Farm.

• NOI for barn behind 33 S. Plain Rd, near Russelville Brook
• Falls Farm animal fencing
• Site visits for fish hatchery (16-16, 13-65, 13-66) and 41 S. Plain Rd deck
• Asplundh Railroad pesticide notice

Capital Planning Committee

The Capital Improvement Planning Committee will discuss transferring open balances from prior capital projects back into the Capital Stabilization fund and receive an update on the Capital Stabilization Override. They will also review the 2026 Project Summary, including leases related to the override for the Annual Town Meeting. The meeting includes approval of minutes from March 13, 2025.

• Review of capital projects with open balances for transfer to Capital Stabilization
• Update on Capital Stabilization Override
• Review of 2026 Project Summary including leases for Cap Stab Override ATM 2025
• Approve minutes from March 13, 2025
• Public comment and executive session

Energy Committee

The Energy Committee will consider a resident survey regarding a Transfer Station proposal, receive an update on Green Communities lighting projects at Sunderland Elementary School (SES) and a replacement at the middle school (BMS), and discuss renewed contact from East Coast Renewables about EV charging stations. The committee will also review a list of future projects compiled from other towns and approve minutes from the March 11 meeting.

• Transfer Station Proposal — survey to residents
• EV Charging Stations — renewed contact by East Coast Renewables
• Green Communities — update about lighting at SES and BMS replacement
• Future Projects — list from what other towns are doing

Finance Committee

The joint meeting will review updated FY26 revenue and expense budgets, the draft warrant, and capital stabilization override recommendations. Additionally, the Selectboard is scheduled to vote on a Town Clerk request to allow early in-office voting from April 28 to May 1 for the annual election. The meeting also includes approvals of prior minutes and updates from board members.

• Review of updated FY26 revenue and expense budget
• Review of draft warrant for upcoming town meeting
• Review of capital stabilization override recommendations
• Selectboard vote on Town Clerk's request for early in-office voting (April 28–May 1)
• Approval of Selectboard minutes from March 24, 2025

The Finance Committee accepted the March 24, 2025 Selectboard minutes by a 3‑0 vote. The Selectboard then approved the Town Clerk’s request for early in‑office voting from April 28 to May 1, 2025, also by a 3‑0 vote. Both bodies adjourned their meetings with unanimous votes.

• Accept SB minutes from 3/24/25 (3-0)
• Approve Early In‑Office Voting April 28‑May 1 (3-0)
• Finance Committee adjourns meeting (4-0)
• Selectboard adjourns meeting (3-0)

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Selectboard and Finance Committee will meet to review updated FY26 revenues, expenses, and the draft warrant. The Selectboard will also vote on a request for early in-office voting for the annual election.

• Review of FY26 budget updated revenue and expenses
• Review of draft warrant
• Review of Cap Stabilization Override recommendations
• Vote on Town Clerk request for Early In-Office Voting from April 28th to May 1st

The Finance Committee and Selectboard accepted the prior meeting minutes. The board approved the Town Clerk's request for early in‑office voting from April 28 to May 1, 2025. Both committees then adjourned their meetings.

• Accepted Selectboard minutes from 3/24/25 (vote 3-0)
• Approved Town Clerk early in‑office voting request (vote 3-0)
• Adjourned Finance Committee meeting (vote 4-0)
• Adjourned Selectboard meeting (vote 3-0)

Selectboard or Town Administrator

This joint meeting of the Selectboard and Insurance Advisory Committee will receive the committee's recommendation on the MIIA plan agreement. The board will also discuss the FY26 budget and ways to balance it, review the police chief's contract, and consider funding for part-time versus full-time officers. Additional items include a recreation program review with baseball added and field funding, a request for buy-back retirement of two staff members using free cash, and a request for elm canopy tree top cuttings from a designated survivor tree.

• Insurance Advisory Committee presentation on MIIA Plan Agreement
• Recreation program review: baseball added and funding for fields
• Police Chief’s Contract review
• Police Department funding: part-time vs full-time officers discussion
• Buy-back retirement of 2 staff members using free cash

The board approved the minutes from the February and March meetings. It accepted the Insurance Advisory Committee’s recommendations on health‑insurance changes, pending further review. The board also authorized a letter of support for the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative and decided to postpone advertising the Animal Control Officer position until July 1.

• Accepted SB/FC minutes from 2/18/25, 3/03/25, 3/17/25 (3-0)
• Accepted Insurance Advisory Committee health‑insurance recommendations, contingent on review (3-0)
• Decided to hold off advertising the Animal Control Officer position until July 1 (no vote recorded)
• Authorized writing a letter of support for the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (3-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (3-0)

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Insurance Advisory Committee is meeting to review survey responses and department feedback on plan design changes. The committee is preparing a recommendation to be presented to the Selectboard.

• Review of survey responses
• Discussion of department feedback on plan design changes
• Preparation of recommendation for Selectboard

Finance Committee

This is a joint meeting of the Finance Committee and Selectboard to discuss the impact of the state funding formula on the Frontier regional school budget, review level-funded and expanded services budgets, and discuss strategies to close a budget shortfall. The board will also approve minutes from previous meetings and receive updates from the Selectboard and Town Administrator.

• Discuss state funding formula impact on Frontier regional budget
• Review level-funded and expanded services budgets
• Discuss strategies for closing budget shortfall
• Approve minutes from meetings on 2/24/25 and 3/10/25
• Selectboard and Town Administrator updates

The Finance Committee approved the minutes from the February 24 and March 10 meetings by a 3‑0 vote. No substantive budget or policy actions were decided during this session. The committee then adjourned by a 4‑0 vote. The Selectboard also adjourned by a 3‑0 vote.

• Accepted SB/FC minutes from 2/24/25 and 3/10/25 (vote 3-0)
• Finance Committee adjourned (vote 4-0)
• Selectboard adjourned (vote 3-0)

Assessors Office

This is a procedural meeting with no major decisions. The board will review mail, current business, and approve a monthly list of motor vehicle excise abatements.

• Monthly list of motor vehicle excise abatements to be reviewed

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Selectboard and Finance Committee are holding a joint meeting to review level funded and expanded services budgets. The body will discuss strategies for closing a budget shortfall and the impact of the state funding formula on the Frontier regional budget.

• Review of level funded and expanded services budgets
• Discussion of strategies to close budget shortfall
• Discussion of state funding formula impact on Frontier regional budget

The Finance Committee approved the February 24 and March 10 minutes by a 3‑0 vote. The Selectboard also approved those minutes by a 3‑0 vote. Both bodies then adjourned, with the Finance Committee voting 4‑0 and the Selectboard voting 3‑0. No budget items were formally approved or denied during this meeting.

• Finance Committee accepted Feb. 24 and Mar. 10 minutes (3-0)
• Selectboard accepted Feb. 24 and Mar. 10 minutes (3-0)
• Finance Committee adjourned meeting (4-0)
• Selectboard adjourned meeting (3-0)

Community Pathways Committee

The Sunderland Community Preservation Committee will meet to review and approve minutes from February 13, discuss details of the Graves Memorial project including bid information and advice from the Community Preservation Coalition, and vote on a placeholder warrant for that project. The committee will also receive updates on the Norwottuck Shared Use Path and other open projects, and vote on an application for 2025 funding.

• Review and approve minutes from 2/13
• Discuss Graves Memorial bid and review Community Preservation Coalition advice
• Vote on placeholder warrant for Graves Memorial
• Updates on Norwottuck Shared Use Path
• Vote on application for 2025 funding

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Insurance Advisory Committee will meet to discuss potential plan design changes and the approval process for any changes. The meeting includes approving minutes, public comment, and an executive session. No decisions are scheduled; the discussion is preliminary.

• Review possible insurance plan design changes
• Discuss approval process for potential insurance plan changes
• Determine if another meeting is needed
• Approve minutes from previous meeting

Veterans Memorial Oversight Committee

The Veterans Memorial Committee will meet to discuss spring maintenance. The committee will also discuss the process of adding names to the memorial wall.

• Spring maintenance discussion
• Discussion regarding adding names to wall

Conservation Commission

The Sunderland Conservation Commission will discuss new business items including a land acknowledgement for Town Meeting, land conservation efforts, site visits (Farmers Forum, MEPA notice), and a community outreach letter. Old business includes a CPA application request and an information sharing update on the Falls Farm Consent Order. The meeting is largely procedural with no votes scheduled.

• Land Acknowledgement at Town Meeting
• Land Conservation efforts
• Site Visits – Farmers Forum, MEPA notice
• CPA application request
• Falls Farm Consent Order – info sharing

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Selectboard will review the first draft of the Annual Town Meeting Warrant and receive FY26 budget updates with discussion on balancing the budget. The board will also approve minutes from previous meetings and enter executive session for collective bargaining/litigation strategy and negotiations with the Police Chief. Public comment will be heard.

• Review first draft of ATM Warrant
• Review FY26 budget updates and discuss ways to balance the budget
• Executive session for MGL c.30A sec.21 Reasons #2 and #3 regarding collective bargaining/litigation and Police Chief contract negotiations
• Approve minutes from Selectboard meetings on 3/3/2025 and 2/18/2025

The Selectboard reviewed the first draft of the ATM warrant and FY26 budget updates, identifying a $450,000 budget shortfall. They discussed using $250,000-$300,000 from Free Cash, $150,000 from the general Stabilization Fund, and over $200,000 from the same fund to cover the Capital Stabilization deficit. No formal votes were taken on these items; the board also entered executive session to discuss an Open Meeting Law complaint and Police Chief contract negotiations.

• Held minutes from 3/3/2025 and 2/18/2025 for next meeting
• Discussed adding 3% excise tax on Air B&Bs to ATM warrant (no vote)
• Reviewed FY26 budget with $450K shortfall; discussed fund transfers (no vote)
• Entered executive session for Open Meeting Law complaint and Police Chief negotiations (3-0)

Capital Planning Committee

The committee will review prior capital projects, project tracking, an update on the Capital Stabilization Override, and a 2026 project summary. They will also discuss committee member and town administrator updates. The meeting includes public comment and an executive session.

• Review of capital projects from prior years
• Capital Stabilization Override update
• 2026 Project Summary Review
• Committee Member and Town Administrator updates

Planning Board

The Sunderland Planning Board will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes and discuss an Approval Not Required (ANR) plan. A Special Permit/Site Plan Review may be considered if needed. The agenda also includes mail and committee reports. No specific project details are provided in the agenda.

• Review of an ANR (Approval Not Required) plan
• Possible Special Permit/Site Plan Review if needed
• Approval of meeting minutes
• Discussion of mail and committee reports

Energy Committee

The Sunderland Energy Committee will review and discuss several energy-related initiatives, including a competitive grant application for lighting at Sunderland Elementary School, a potential survey on the Transfer Station proposal, and updates on the Municipal Energy Manager position and Community Choice Aggregation. The committee will also approve minutes from the previous meeting.

• Green Communities Competitive Grant Application for lighting at SES (Sunderland Elementary School)
• Transfer Station Proposal — new survey to residents?
• Mass Save Grant update on Municipal Energy Manager position eligibility through FRCOG
• Community Choice Aggregation update from February 18 Selectboard meeting
• Approval of minutes from February 11, 2025

Finance Committee

The Sunderland Finance Committee and Selectboard hold a joint meeting to review the FY26 budget. They will examine revenue changes from FY25 to FY26, consider COLA and step increase recommendations from the Personnel Board, and discuss strategies to balance the budget. The meeting also includes appointing a Highway Employee to the Insurance Advisory Committee and updates from the Selectboard and Town Administrator.

• Appoint Highway Employee to Insurance Advisory Committee
• Review budget revenue changes from FY25 to FY26
• Personnel Board presents recommended COLA and step increases
• Review FY26 budget request list of changes
• Discuss ways to balance the budget

The Finance Committee and Selectboard jointly approved two appointments: Allan Richards as Registrar of Voters (3-year term) and John Skribiski to the Insurance Advisory Committee, both by 3-0 votes. They reviewed FY26 budget projections showing an estimated $500,000 gap between revenues (just over $10.5M) and expenses (just over $11M), with schools as the main cost driver. The Personnel Board's recommended 2.5% COLA, step adjustments, and market adjustments totaling over $34,000 were discussed but not voted on. No final budget decisions were made; further discussion is set for the March 24 joint meeting.

• Appointed Allan Richards as Registrar of Voters for a 3-year term (3-0)
• Appointed John Skribiski to the Insurance Advisory Committee (3-0)
• Approved minutes from 02/10/2025 (3-0)
• Reviewed FY26 revenue and expense estimates, noting a ~$500,000 gap
• Discussed Personnel Board COLA/step/market recommendations (no vote)
• Scheduled next joint budget discussion for March 24, 2025

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Finance Committee and Selectboard will hold a joint meeting to discuss the FY26 budget, including revenue changes, recommended COLA and step increases, and ways to balance the budget. They will also consider reappointing Allan Richards as Registrar and appointing a Highway Employee to the Insurance Advisory Committee. Minutes from the February 10 meeting are scheduled for approval.

• Re-appoint Registrar Allan Richards per Town Clerk recommendation
• Appoint Highway Employee to the Insurance Advisory Committee
• Review Budget Revenue changes from FY25 to FY26
• Personnel Committee presents recommended COLA and step increases
• Discuss ways to balance the budget

The Selectboard and Finance Committee reviewed the FY26 budget, estimating revenues just over $10.5 million and expenses just over $11 million, leaving a roughly $500,000 difference. They discussed cuts, including a $59,000 reduction in the school budget request, and will continue budget balancing at a joint meeting on March 24, 2025. They also appointed Allan Richards as Registrar of Voters and John Skribiski to the Insurance Advisory Committee, both by 3-0 votes.

• Approved minutes from the February 10, 2025 joint meeting, 3-0.
• Appointed Allan Richards to a 3-year term as Registrar of Voters representing the Democratic Committee, 3-0.
• Appointed John Skribiski (Highway Dept.) to the Insurance Advisory Committee, 3-0.
• Reviewed FY26 budget revenue and expense estimates, noting a ~$500,000 gap.
• Discussed Personnel Board recommendations for 2.5% COLA, step adjustments, and market adjustments for 3 employees.
• Scheduled next joint budget discussion for March 24, 2025, with final FY26 budget requests targeted by April 10, 2025.

Personnel Committee

The Personnel Board will review wage and salary rate schedule adjustments. The committee intends to prepare a recommendation for the Selectboard regarding FY26 cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs).

• Discussion of FY26 COLAs
• Review of wage and salary rate schedule adjustments
• Preparation of recommendation for the Selectboard

Board of Health / Health Agent

The Board of Health will meet to review appointments and minutes from February 10, 2025. The board will discuss a leave of absence for the Health Agent and receive updates regarding housing and public health.

• Discussion of Health Agents leave of absence
• Housing Health Agent update
• Public Health update

The Board of Health approved Inspector Stephen Ball's unpaid leave of absence from March 26 to early September 2025, with coverage arranged through a collaborative and Gina McNeeley. The board also accepted the previous meeting's minutes and noted an escrow requirement for a property cleanup.

• Approved minutes of 02.10.2025 (2-0)
• Approved Stephen Ball's leave without pay (2-0)

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Selectboard will consider requests from a resident and the Human Right’s Task Force to add articles to the Annual Town Meeting warrant. The board will also discuss a cleaning contract renewal and shared use of the Deerfield Transfer Station.

• Sunderland Human Right’s Task Force request for ATM warrant article
• Sunderland Resident request for ATM warrant article
• Renewal of Celso Contract for Cleaning of Town Buildings
• Discussion on shared use of Deerfield Transfer Station
• Review of filmmaker's request to film in Sunderland

The Sunderland Selectboard voted 3-0 to add two articles to the Annual Town Meeting warrant: one for adopting a Land Acknowledgment recognizing indigenous inhabitants, and another for a resolution in favor of a nuclear weapons freeze. The board also renewed the Celso cleaning contract for town buildings, adding ball field bathrooms, in a 3-0 vote. No other substantive decisions were made; a filmmaker's request and a potential shared transfer station with Deerfield were discussed but not acted upon.

• Added Human Rights Task Force petition for Land Acknowledgment to ATM warrant (3-0)
• Added nuclear weapons freeze resolution petition to ATM warrant (3-0)
• Renewed Celso contract for cleaning town buildings, including ball field bathrooms (3-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing regarding an application from Calito Development Group, LLC. The applicant is seeking a Special Permit and/or Variance to construct a retail building and site improvements.

• Application by Calito Development Group, LLC for a 9,100 sq. ft. retail building at Amherst Road – Rt.-116 (Tax Map #9, Plot #44)

Village Center Committee

The Sunderland Village Center Committee will meet remotely to review the final draft report from consultant Stantec. The agenda also includes approval of previous minutes and discussion of next steps.

• Review final draft report from Stantec
• Approve meeting minutes
• Discuss next steps

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee and Selectboard will jointly review the FY26 budget requests from Frontier Region and the Town Administrator. They will also discuss revenue and budget requests to date and schedule further department presentations. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes, public comment, and an executive session.

• Review FY26 Budget Request with Frontier Region
• Review Selectboard and Town Administrator Dept. FY26 Budget Request with the Town Administrator
• Review FY26 budget Revenue and Budget Requests to date
• Discuss scheduling schools and or other Departments
• Approve minutes from SB and Finance Committee Meeting 1/27/2025

The Finance Committee and Selectboard reviewed FY26 budget requests from Sunderland Elementary School, Frontier Regional High School, Franklin County Technical School, and the Selectboard/Town Administrator department. No final decisions were made; deliberations are planned for the next meeting in two weeks. The minutes record only budget reviews and discussions, with no votes on budget approvals.

• Accepted minutes from 01/27/2025 (3-0)
• Reviewed FY26 budget request for Sunderland Elementary School (5.43% increase, $188,093)
• Reviewed FY26 budget request for Frontier Regional High School ($2,591,468 for Sunderland, 9.39% increase)
• Reviewed FY26 budget request for Franklin County Technical School ($169,666 for Sunderland, up $3,284)
• Reviewed Selectboard FY26 budget request (12% increase, $33,835)
• Scheduled budget deliberations for next SB/FC meeting in two weeks

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Finance Committee and Selectboard will hold a joint meeting to review the FY26 budget request from Frontier Regional School and the Selectboard/Town Administrator department. They will also discuss overall revenue and budget requests received so far, and consider scheduling for schools or other departments. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and public comment.

• Review FY26 budget request from Frontier Regional School
• Review Selectboard and Town Administrator FY26 budget request with the Town Administrator
• Review FY26 revenue and budget requests received to date
• Discuss scheduling of schools and/or other departments for budget hearings

The Selectboard and Finance Committee reviewed FY26 budget requests from Sunderland Elementary School, Frontier Regional High School, Franklin County Technical School, and the Selectboard/Town Administrator departments. No final decisions were made; discussions and deliberations are scheduled for the next joint meeting in two weeks. The Frontier Regional High School request for Sunderland is $2,591,468, a 9.39% increase over FY25.

• Accepted minutes from 01/27/2025 (3-0)
• Reviewed FY26 budget request for Sunderland Elementary School (5.43% increase, $188,093)
• Reviewed FY26 budget request for Frontier Regional High School ($2,591,468 for Sunderland, 9.39% increase)
• Reviewed FY26 budget request for Franklin County Technical School ($169,666 for Sunderland, up $3,284)
• Reviewed Selectboard FY26 budget request (12% increase, $33,835)

Conservation Commission

This is a regular meeting with mostly procedural items. The Commission will discuss a MEPA meeting regarding a powerline upgrade, consider a draft annual report, and approve prior meeting minutes. No major votes or public hearings are scheduled.

• MEPA meeting discussion about powerline upgrade
• Draft annual report review
• Approval of minutes from 11/19/24, 1/7/25, 1/21/25
• Community outreach letter discussion
• Site visits (no details provided)

Personnel Committee

The Personnel Committee will consider cost-of-living adjustments for FY26 and review proposed changes to the wage and salary rate schedule. The board will also approve meeting minutes from January 6 and February 3, and receive updates from committee members and the Town Administrator.

• Discuss FY26 COLAs
• Review wage and salary rate schedule adjustments
• Approve minutes from Jan. 6 and Feb. 3, 2025
• Public comment and executive session
• Next regular meeting scheduled for March 3, 2025

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Selectboard will meet on February 18, 2025, to hear from Representative Natalie Blais on Sunderland issues, receive an Energy Committee report comparing this year's electric aggregation rates to Eversource, and vote on authorizing deficit spending for highway snow and ice materials and wages. They will also appoint a Public Weigher and discuss updates from the board and Town Administrator.

• Review of Sunderland issues with Representative Natalie Blais
• Energy Committee report on this year's electric aggregation rates compared to Eversource
• Authorization of Highway Snow and Ice materials and wages deficit spending
• Public Weigher Appointments
• Standish Chard Dam Inspection Notice

The Sunderland Selectboard approved $40,000 in additional deficit spending for the Highway Department's snow and ice materials and wages, both by 3-0 votes. They also appointed Ronald Weatherby as Plumbing Inspector and approved four public weighers. The board heard reports on electric aggregation rates and state issues from Representative Natalie Blais.

• Approved $30,000 additional deficit spending for snow/ice materials (3-0)
• Approved $10,000 additional deficit spending for snow/ice wages (3-0)
• Appointed Ronald Weatherby as Plumbing Inspector (3-0)
• Approved TJ Conroy Jr, Melinda Gibbons, Bridget Hammond, Keegan Downie as 2025 public weighers (3-0)

Community Pathways Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will approve November 2024 minutes, receive updates on Graves Memorial and Norwottuck North Shared Use Path, discuss 2025 project proposals from the Conservation Commission, and review pre-2024 projects to decide whether to close any. Financial updates and annual report approval are also on the agenda.

• 2024 project updates: Graves Memorial and Norwottuck North Shared Use Path
• 2025 project proposal discussion: Conservation Commission
• Review of pre-2024 projects for potential closure
• Annual report update/approval

Energy Committee

The Sunderland Energy Committee will meet to discuss scheduling a meeting about EV charging stations with Steve Conte, and to continue discussions with Deerfield and Becky Torres on a transfer station proposal. They will also review an update on the Mass Save grant for the Municipal Energy Manager position and approve minutes from January 14.

• Scheduling meeting with Steve Conte on EV charging stations
• Transfer station proposal discussions with Deerfield and Becky Torres
• Mass Save grant update on Municipal Energy Manager position through FRCOG
• Approval of minutes from January 14, 2025
• Review of Annual Town Report submission

Planning Board

The Sunderland Planning Board will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes and conduct business. Items include potential ANR and special permit actions if needed, and a discussion on the ADU (accessory dwelling unit) bylaw. The meeting is open to the public via Zoom.

• Discussion on ADU bylaw
• Possible ANR (Approval Not Required) plan review
• Possible Special Permit review
• Review of mail and committee reports

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee and Selectboard are holding a joint meeting to review several department budget requests for fiscal year 2026. These reviews include input from department heads and the Town Administrator.

• FY26 Budget Request for Highway Dept.
• FY26 Budget Request for Fire Dept.
• FY26 Budget Request for Selectboard and Town Administrator Dept.
• FY26 Budget Request for South County EMS
• FY26 Budget Request for Building Commissioner

The Sunderland Finance Committee and Selectboard held a joint meeting to review FY26 budget requests from the Highway Department, Fire Department, South County EMS, and the Building Commissioner. No formal votes were taken on the budgets; the Selectboard and Town Administrator budget requests were postponed to the next meeting on February 24, 2025. The SCEMS assessment for Sunderland decreased by $17,863 to $252,364, a 6% reduction from last year.

• Accepted minutes from 01/27/2025 (3-0)
• Reviewed Highway Dept. FY26 budget request; no action taken
• Reviewed Fire Dept. FY26 budget request; no action taken
• Reviewed SCEMS FY26 budget request; no action taken
• Reviewed Building Commissioner FY26 budget request; no action taken
• Postponed Selectboard and Town Administrator budget review to Feb. 24, 2025
• Agreed to host Natalie Blais at next Selectboard meeting on Feb. 18, 2025

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Selectboard and Finance Committee are holding a joint meeting to review several department budget requests for fiscal year 2026. Representatives from the Highway, Fire, and Building departments, as well as the Town Administrator and SCEMS Director, will present their requests.

• FY26 Highway Dept. budget request review
• FY26 Fire Dept. budget request review
• FY26 Selectboard and Town Administrator Dept. budget request review
• FY26 South County EMS budget request review
• FY26 Building Commissioner budget request review

The Finance Committee and Selectboard reviewed FY26 budget requests from the Highway, Fire, and Building departments, and SCEMS. No formal votes were taken on these budgets. The SCEMS assessment for Sunderland decreased by $17,863 to $252,364, a 6% reduction. The Selectboard and Town Administrator budget review was postponed to Feb. 24, 2025.

• Accepted minutes from 01/27/2025 (3-0)
• Reviewed Highway Dept. FY26 budget request
• Reviewed Fire Dept. FY26 budget request
• Reviewed SCEMS FY26 budget request
• Reviewed Building Commissioner FY26 budget request
• Postponed Selectboard and Town Administrator budget review to Feb. 24, 2025
• Agreed to host Natalie Blais at next Selectboard meeting on Feb. 18, 2025

Board of Health / Health Agent

The Board of Health will approve minutes from its December 2024 meeting and receive updates on transfer station operations, trash pickup, housing health, and general public health. No specific votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Approve minutes from December 16, 2024
• Discussion of Transfer Station and Trash Pick up
• Housing Health Agent Update
• Health Agent Update
• Public Health Update

The Board of Health accepted the December 16, 2024 minutes unanimously. They discussed the Matusko property at 87 N Silver Lane, with a contempt of court trial tentatively set for February 14, 2025, and noted a cockroach complaint at Sugarloaf Eastes where only dead cockroaches were found, with a re-inspection scheduled for February 28. No formal decisions were made beyond the minutes approval.

• Accepted 12.16.2024 minutes (3-0)
• Discussed Deerfield Transfer and Trash Pickup survey review with Energy Committee
• Noted Matusko contempt trial tentatively set for Feb 14, 2025
• Scheduled re-inspection of Sugarloaf Eastes for Feb 28, 2025

Assessors Office

The Board of Assessors will meet to conduct regular business and review the monthly list of Motor Vehicle Excise abatements.

• Review of monthly MV Excise abatements

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Selectboard will vote on the 2025 Caucus Warrant and review an alternate representative for the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG). Old business includes updates from the Selectboard and Town Administrator. The board also received correspondence from a senior regarding a new Senior Center building.

• Vote on the 2025 Caucus Warrant
• Review of alternate representative for FRCOG
• Correspondence from a senior regarding the new Senior Center building
• Next Budget Hearing with Finance Committee scheduled for February 10, 2025

The Sunderland Selectboard approved the 2025 Town Caucus warrant, listing open positions for the March 3 caucus, and appointed Becky Torres as alternate representative to the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG). Both motions passed 3-0. The board also accepted minutes from prior meetings and received updates on budget hearings and committee work.

• Approved minutes from 01/06/2025 and 01/21/2025 (3-0)
• Approved 2025 Sunderland Caucus warrant with listed open positions (3-0)
• Appointed Becky Torres as alternate FRCOG representative (3-0)

Personnel Committee

The Personnel Board will meet to discuss cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for fiscal year 2026. The board will also review adjustments to the wage and salary rate schedule.

• Discussion of FY26 COLAs
• Review of wage and salary rate schedule adjustments

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee and Selectboard will hold a joint meeting to review budget requests from the Town Clerk, Assessors, Treasurer/Collector, and Accountant. They will also approve minutes from the previous meeting and receive updates from the Selectboard and Town Administrator. Public comment will be taken.

• Review Town Clerk's budget request with the Town Clerk
• Review Assessors budget with the Assessors
• Review Treasurer/Collector's budget request with the Treasurer/Collector
• Review Accountant's budget request with the Accountant
• Approve minutes from the January 13, 2025 Selectboard and Finance Committee meetings

The Sunderland Finance Committee and Selectboard held a joint meeting to review FY26 budget requests from the Town Clerk, Assessors, Treasurer/Collector, Accountant, and South County Senior Center. No formal votes were taken on the budgets; the only action was approving the previous meeting minutes. Discussions included a proposed wage increase for the Assessor's Clerk, a software replacement for tax collection, and a request to continue the Senior Center Program Coordinator at 35 hours per week.

• Approved minutes from 01/13/2025 (3-0)
• Reviewed Town Clerk FY26 budget request (no vote)
• Reviewed Assessors FY26 budget request (no vote)
• Reviewed Treasurer/Collector FY26 budget request (no vote)
• Reviewed Accountant FY26 budget request (no vote)
• Reviewed South County Senior Center FY26 budget request (no vote)

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Sunderland Finance Committee and Selectboard will hold a joint meeting to review budget requests from the Town Clerk, Assessors, Treasurer/Collector, and Accountant. The meeting also includes approval of prior meeting minutes, updates from the Selectboard and Town Administrator, and public comment. No votes or decisions are indicated in the agenda beyond discussion.

• Review Town Clerk’s budget request with the Town Clerk
• Review Assessors budget with the Assessors
• Review Treasurer/Collector’s budget request with the Treasurer/Collector
• Review Accountant’s budget request with the Accountant
• Joint meeting of Finance Committee and Selectboard

The Finance Committee and Selectboard held a joint meeting to review FY26 budget requests from the Town Clerk, Assessors, Treasurer/Collector, Accountant, and South County Senior Center. No formal votes were taken on the budgets; the only action was approval of the prior meeting minutes. Discussions included a proposed wage increase for the Assessor's Clerk, a software replacement for tax collection, an 18% health insurance increase, and a request to continue the Senior Center Program Coordinator at 35 hours per week.

• Approved minutes from 01/13/2025 (3-0)
• Reviewed Town Clerk FY26 budget request (no vote)
• Reviewed Assessors FY26 budget request (no vote)
• Reviewed Treasurer/Collector FY26 budget request (no vote)
• Reviewed Accountant FY26 budget request (no vote)
• Reviewed South County Senior Center FY26 budget request (no vote)

Capital Planning Committee

The Capital Improvement Committee will meet to review submitted capital requests and the overall capital plan. The agenda also includes committee member and town administrator updates, public comment, and an executive session. No specific projects or dollar amounts are listed in the agenda.

• Review capital requests
• Review capital plan
• Committee members updates
• Town administrator updates
• Public comment and executive session

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Selectboard will consider appointing an interim Plumbing Inspector and authorizing the Highway Superintendent as signatory for FRCOG highway construction services grants. They will also designate a Selectboard voter for MMA and MIIA business conference meetings. Old business includes updates from the Selectboard and Town Administrator.

• Appointment of Interim Plumbing Inspector (Dennis Fil)
• Authorize Highway Superintendent George Emery as signatory for FRCOG highway construction services grants
• Designate SB voter for MMA and MIIA business conference meetings
• Approval of minutes from January 6 and January 13 meetings
• Next regular meeting scheduled for January 27, 2025

The Sunderland Selectboard appointed Dennis Fil as Interim Plumbing Inspector, authorized Highway Superintendent George Emery as signatory for FRCOG grants, and designated a voter for MMA/MIIA conferences. The Town Administrator reported a significant budget issue: the Capital Stabilization Override amount of $409,875 was not raised during the tax recap, requiring a special town meeting to address revenue shortfall.

• Appointed Dennis Fil as Interim Plumbing Inspector (3-0)
• Authorized Highway Superintendent George Emery as signatory for FRCOG highway construction services grants (3-0)
• Designated Selectboard voter for MMA and MIIA business conference meetings (3-0)

Conservation Commission

The Sunderland Conservation Commission will meet to discuss a CPA application for land preservation. The body will also address site visits regarding a deck on Plumtree Rd and a 50 foot question on Amherst Rd.

• CPA application for land preservation
• Site visit: Plumtree Rd (deck)
• Site visit: Amherst Rd (50 foot question)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee and Selectboard will jointly review budget requests from the Town Clerk, Assessors, Treasurer/Collector, and Accountant. They will also receive updates from the Selectboard and Town Administrator. Public comment is invited.

• Review Town Clerk's budget request with the Town Clerk
• Review Assessors budget with the Assessors
• Review Treasurer/Collector's budget request with the Treasurer/Collector
• Review Accountant's budget request with the Accountant
• Selectboard and Town Administrator updates

Energy Committee

The Energy Committee will consider approving minutes from November 2024, discuss a Green Communities LED lighting project at Sunderland Elementary School involving a $190K grant from Deerfield, explore new grant opportunities for EV charging stations, and discuss a transfer station proposal and Mass Save Grant in partnership with Deerfield. The committee will also review highlights from a recent FRCOG meeting and handle annual town report submission.

• Approval of minutes from November 12, 2024
• Green Communities LED lighting projects at Sunderland Elementary School (Deerfield's $190K grant)
• New grant possibilities for EV charging stations
• Transfer Station Proposal discussion with Deerfield
• Mass Save Grant collaboration with Deerfield

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee and Selectboard will meet to review budget requests for three town services. The meeting includes discussions with the Police chief, Library Director, and South County EMS Director.

• Review of Police Dept. Budget Request
• Review of Library Budget Request
• Review of South County EMS Budget Request

The Finance Committee and Selectboard reviewed the Police Department's budget request, including a recommendation to add a full-time officer and replace the DVR system. The Library's level and expanded service requests were also reviewed, but no formal votes were taken. The South County EMS budget was not presented as the director did not attend.

• Reviewed Police Dept. budget request; no vote taken
• Reviewed Library budget requests; no vote taken
• SCEMS budget request not presented; director absent

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Sunderland Finance Committee and Selectboard will hold a joint meeting to review budget requests from the Police Department, Library, and South County EMS. The boards will also receive updates from the Selectboard and Town Administrator. No votes or decisions are listed; the meeting is focused on discussion and review.

• Review Police Department budget request with Police Chief
• Review Library budget request with Library Director and Library Trustees
• Review South County EMS budget request with SCEMS Director
• Receive updates from Selectboard and Town Administrator

The Sunderland Finance Committee and Selectboard met jointly to review the Police Department and Library budget requests for the upcoming fiscal year. No formal votes were taken on the budgets; the meeting was for discussion and review. The next budget review session is scheduled for January 27, 2025.

• Reviewed Police Department budget request, including $14,500 for DVR replacement and $56,000 for a new full-time officer
• Reviewed Library budget requests (level services and expanded services, including Thursday hours)
• No votes taken on budget requests; discussion only
• Minutes from 1/6/25 Selectboard meeting held for 1/21/25 meeting

Assessors Office

The Board of Assessors will meet to conduct regular business and review the monthly list of Motor Vehicle Excise abatements.

• Monthly list of MV Excise abatements

Conservation Commission

The Sunderland Conservation Commission will hold a regular meeting on January 7, 2025. New business includes discussion of site visits, land conservation and CPA process, FRCOG Culvert Analysis and MVP grant, and a model wetland bylaw and floodplain protection. Old business covers conservation signs and Falls Farm update. No votes or decisions are indicated on the agenda; items are listed for discussion.

• FRCOG Culvert Analysis & MVP grant discussion
• Model Wetland Bylaw and floodplain protection
• Land Conservation & CPA process
• Falls Farm update
• Site Visits

Selectboard or Town Administrator

The Selectboard will meet to process resignations from the Plumbing Inspector and the Capital Improvements Planning Committee. The board is also reviewing a Fire Dept 2024 Volunteer Fire Capacity grant from the US Dept of A’s Forest Services via DCR.

• Resignation of Anthony Loughran, Plumbing Inspector
• Resignation of Robert H. Warner Jr. from the Capital Improvements Planning Committee
• Approval of ABCC Annual Renewal Packet
• Review of Fire Dept 2024 Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) grant funding

The Sunderland Selectboard accepted two resignations, approved the annual alcohol license renewals for submission to the ABCC, and accepted a $3,500 grant for fire department gear. All votes were unanimous (3-0).

• Accepted minutes from 12/23/24 and 12/30/24 (3-0)
• Accepted resignation of Robert H. Warner Jr. from Capital Improvements Planning Committee
• Accepted resignation of Anthony Loughran as Plumbing Inspector, effective 01/07/2025
• Approved 16 alcohol license renewals (5 All Alcohol Sec. 12, 2 All Alcohol Sec. 15, 2 Wine and Malt Sec. 15, 7 Wine and Malt Sec. 14) (3-0)
• Approved $3,500 VFC grant from DCR for fire department gear (3-0)

Personnel Committee

The Sunderland Personnel Board will meet on January 6, 2025, to discuss FY26 cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) and the renewal of the Police Chief's contract. The board will also consider other new and old business items, including personnel board and town administrator updates. Public comment will be taken.

• Discuss FY26 COLAs
• Discuss Police Chief’s Contract Renewal
• Approve minutes from November 18, 2024
• Personnel Board updates
• Town Administrator updates