Wales public meetings in 2025

Regional Events

The Department of Public Utilities is reviewing a report from National Grid regarding energy savings and expenditures from 2022 to 2024. The Department will determine if program costs and benefits were reported accurately to approve the final recovery of costs and incentive payments.

• Public hearing via Zoom on December 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
• Deadline for written public comments is December 19, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
• Deadline to file a petition to intervene is December 11, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

Regional Events

The Department of Public Utilities will hold a public hearing to review National Grid's 2022-2024 Three-Year Energy Efficiency Plan Term Report. The Department is evaluating if program savings, benefits, and costs were reported accurately and implemented according to statutory requirements. This review will determine the final recovery of costs and performance incentive payments.

• Public hearing on December 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. via Zoom
• Review of 2022-2024 Three-Year Energy Efficiency Plan Term Report
• Determination of final recovery of costs and performance incentive payments
• Deadline for written comments: December 19, 2025, by 5:00 p.m.
• Deadline for petitions to intervene: December 11, 2025, by 5:00 p.m.

Veterans' Services

The board will review and vote to approve the November 19, 2025 regular session meeting minutes and the payroll and accounts payable for November 2025. Members will discuss and may vote on the Town of Holland’s request for support dated November 19, 2025. The agenda also includes a Veterans’ Service Officer report and setting the meeting schedule.

• Approve November 19, 2025 regular session meeting minutes
• Approve payroll and accounts payable for November 2025
• Discuss and possibly vote on Town of Holland’s request for support (dated November 19, 2025)
• Veterans’ Service Officer report (Jason Burgener)
• Set future meeting schedule

School Committee

The Tantasqua Regional School Committee and its Building‑Physical Plant Subcommittee provided meeting materials but did not list any specific agenda items. The agenda appears to consist only of procedural documents.

Wales Council on Aging

The Wales Council on Aging will meet to approve minutes from November 17, 2025, and discuss attendance. The group will also receive updates from the Senior Center Director.

• Approval of November 17, 2025 minutes
• Discussion on member attendance
• Senior Center Director updates
• Review of new statement approved by Selectboard
• Movie License update

Planning Board

The Wales Planning Board will meet to discuss the Open Space & Recreation Plan and review a bylaw. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 15th, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Wales Senior Center.

• Review minutes from November 27, 2025
• Discussion on Open Space & Recreation Plan
• Discussion on Bylaw Review

Wales Public Library

The Wales Public Library Board of Trustees will consider unfinished business including bills, minutes, the Library Director’s Report, and strategic‑plan guidance from the MBLC. In new business, the board will review the library bylaws with MBLC guidance and examine the employee evaluation form. The meeting may also include other public comments.

• Review of Library Bylaws (guided by MBLC)
• Review employee evaluation form
• Library Director’s Report
• Strategic Plan guidance from MBLC
• Bills and Minutes

Conservation Commission

The Wales Conservation Commission will approve minutes from a previous meeting and discuss updates regarding Lake Management and a cul-de-sac on Old County Road. No formal public hearings are scheduled.

• Approval of minutes from November 20, 2025
• Discussion on Lake Management – Issuing Best Practice Pamphlet
• Discussion/Update regarding Old County Rd. cul-de-sac

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors is meeting to sign real estate and personal property warrants and commitments for 2026. The body will also review motor vehicle abatements and payroll for Joan E. Navarro.

• 2026 Omitted Tax for l AINSWORTH ST: $802.58
• 2026 Real Estate and Personal Property warrants and commitments
• Motor vehicle abatements for Dawn Gilliatt, Timothy Farry, Honda Lease trust, and Nissan Infinity Lease Trust, LLC
• Payroll for Joan E. Navarro: two payments of $963.35
• 2027 Budget

Board of Health

The Board of Health will address a petition regarding an abandoned, collapsing home on Hidden Acres and hear complaints about a heating system. The agenda includes approving minutes and several permit applications for local food establishments and waste haulers.

• 17 Hidden Acres: Petition received regarding abandoned, collapsing house
• 4 Brows Beach: Complaint about tampered heating system
• Approve minutes from 11/05/2025
• Food Establishment permit: Wales Baptist Church
• Trash Hauler: LeBoeuf

School Committee

The Wales School Committee will approve October 1 minutes, receive a financial report, and review communications including FY25 and FY26 SWCEC reports. It will consider an ESP collective bargaining request. The committee may also move into executive session to discuss strategy related to collective bargaining or litigation.

• Approval of October 1, 2025 minutes
• Financial Report
• FY25 SWCEC Annual Report (electronic)
• FY26 SWCEC Qtr. 1 Report (electronic)
• Executive Session request to discuss collective bargaining strategy

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to vote on exempting rooftop solar arrays for a 20-year period from 2023 to 2025. The board will also address the resignation of Bill Matchett.

• Vote on rooftop solar array exemptions for 2023-2025
• Motor vehicle commitment #6 for $5,170.61
• Payroll for Joan Navarro ($963.35 twice), David Foote ($600.00), William Matchett ($600.00), and Leis Phinney ($600.00)
• Amazon bill for printer ink totaling $189.79
• Letter to Tax Collector regarding 56 Mt Hitchcock Rd

Town Clerk

The Board of Registrars will meet to certify signatures for initiative petitions. The board will also review and approve meeting minutes from June 10, 2025.

• Certification of signatures for Initiative Petitions
• Approval of June 10, 2025 meeting minutes

The Board of Registrars certified a total of 279 signatures for two initiative petitions, covering petitions D, Z, E, K, 6, 7, G, B, Y, 1E, 1F (not certified per state instruction), W, C, and A. The board also approved the June 10, 2025 meeting minutes as written. The motion to approve the minutes passed with three votes in favor and one member absent.

• Certified 279 signatures for two initiative petitions (no vote recorded)
• Approved June 10, 2025 meeting minutes (3 yes, 1 absent)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will hold a tax classification hearing to determine how the town's property tax levy is divided among real and personal property classes. They will also vote on several appointments, including a full‑time police officer at $26.40 per hour and an on‑call transfer station attendant at $15.00 per hour. The board will consider renewing 2026 alcoholic beverage licenses for Choice Foods and Lake George Tavern. Additional items include appointing members to the Old Town Hall Renovation Subcommittee and transferring surplus police vehicles to the fire department for training.

• Tax Classification Hearing under M.G.L. Chapter 40, Section 56
• Vote to appoint Ricky J. Simoneau as Full Time Police Officer at $26.40 hourly, effective Dec 1 2025
• Vote to appoint Shane Fortier as On Call Transfer Station Attendant at $15.00 hourly, effective Nov 21 2025
• Renewal of 2026 Alcoholic Beverages Licenses for Choice Foods (2 Main St) and Lake George Tavern (2 Main St)
• Appointment of Adam Brassard to Old Town Hall Renovation Subcommittee, effective Nov 21 2025

Regional Events

The Worcester Regional Transit Authority has scheduled a board meeting and an advisory board meeting for November 20, 2025. The provided text contains only the meeting dates and document titles.

Conservation Commission

The Wales Conservation Commission will discuss updates on lake management and the Old County Road cul‑de‑sac project. It will consider a request for a Certificate of Compliance for 21 Shore Drive (WPA Form 8A, DEP files WE 314-0191 and WE 314-0170). The meeting will also follow up on the Rt. 19 washout and the Monson Road project site visit from November 4.

• Lake Management – update with data and contact with Solitude
• Old County Rd. – fire department cul‑de‑sac discussion/update
• 21 Shore Dr. – WPA Form 8A request for Certificate of Compliance (DEP File # WE 314-0191, WE 314-0170)
• Rt. 19 washout – follow‑up discussion
• Monson Rd. Project – site‑visit follow‑up from 11/4/25

The Conservation Commission approved a Certificate of Compliance for the work at 21 Shore Drive (DEP FILE # WE 314-0170 & 0191) after site visits on November 17‑18. The motion passed with all present members voting in favor. The commission also approved the October 16, 2025 meeting minutes. Additionally, the chair authorized removal of the erosion control structures on Route 19 once site stability is confirmed.

• Approved Certificate of Compliance for 21 Shore Dr. (DEP FILE # WE 314-0170 & 0191) – all in favor
• Approved October 16, 2025 meeting minutes – all in favor
• Authorized removal of ESCs on Route 19 pending confirmation of site stability – chair approval

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors, meeting jointly with the Board of Selectmen, will hold a Tax Classification Hearing. The hearing will determine how the FY2026 tax levy is allocated among property classes. The Select Board must choose between applying a single tax rate to all property classes or using a split rate that reduces residential and open‑space shares and shifts more tax to commercial, industrial, and personal property owners.

• Decision on tax classification options for FY2026 levy
• Option 1: single tax rate applied to all property classes
• Option 2: split tax rate shifting more burden to commercial, industrial, and personal property owners

Veterans' Services

The district will meet via Zoom to approve October 2025 payroll, accounts payable, and meeting minutes. The session includes a report from Veterans’ Service Officer Jason Burgener and a discussion of the meeting schedule.

• Vote to approve October 15, 2025 meeting minutes
• Vote to approve October 2025 payroll and accounts payable
• VSO report from Jason Burgener

Cemetery Commission

The Cemetery Commission will meet to discuss several operational items. The agenda includes topics related to flags and cemetery maintenance.

• Veteran flags
• Cemetery cleanup

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will conduct a site visit on November 18, 2025 at 21 Shore Dr. The visit is to review a WPA Form 8A request for a Certificate of Compliance. The review references DEP File # WE 314-0191 and DEP File # WE 314-0170. No decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Site visit to 21 Shore Dr. for WPA Form 8A Certificate of Compliance request
• Review of DEP File # WE 314-0191
• Review of DEP File # WE 314-0170

School Committee

The Tantasqua Regional School Committee is scheduled to meet on November 18, 2025. The agenda includes documents for review.

• Review of Tantasqua Regional and Union 61 Joint School Meeting Agenda
• Review of Tantasqua Regional School Committee Meeting Agenda

Planning Board

The Wales Planning Board meeting on November 17, 2025 will review the minutes from the September 18, 2025 meeting and hold a discussion on a bylaw review. No other specific items are listed.

• Review minutes from the 9/18/25 meeting
• Bylaw review discussion

The Planning Board unanimously accepted the minutes from the September 18, 2025 meeting. Members agreed to start a review of zoning bylaws, beginning with sections 7.2 (Earth Removal) and 7.3 (Racetrack Regulations). No members of the public attended. The next meeting is scheduled for December 15, 2025.

• Accepted 09/18/25 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Agreed to begin bylaw review of sections 7.2 and 7.3

Wales Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will meet to review minutes from August and October 2025. The body will discuss the status of senior questionnaires, movie licensing, and updates from the Senior Center Director.

• Approval of minutes from August 18, 2025 and October 27, 2025
• Status of senior questionnaires
• Movie license update
• Senior Center updates from Director

Wales Public Library

The Wales Public Library Board of Trustees will discuss unfinished business including the library’s strategic plan and guidance from the MBLC, and the Library Director’s Report. New business items include a review of the library bylaws, the employee evaluation form, and the Director’s job description. The meeting may also include public comments.

• Review of library bylaws (guidance from MBLC)
• Review of employee evaluation form
• Review of Director’s job description
• Discussion of strategic plan guidance from MBLC
• Library Director’s Report (and bills/minutes)

The trustees approved the meeting minutes from October 28, 2025. They approved an updated Library Director job description. They also approved paying for trustee Kara Jund’s professional development (MLIS) going forward. All motions passed with all members in favor.

• Approved October 28, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Approved updated Library Director job description (all in favor)
• Approved payment for Kara Jund’s professional development (all in favor)

School Committee

The Tantasqua Regional School District Budget Subcommittee will meet on Nov 10, 2025 to consider the Central Office’s preliminary budget for the 2027 fiscal year. The agenda lists only this budget item and an adjournment. No other matters are scheduled for discussion.

• Central Office 2027 Preliminary Budget

Local Cultural Council

The Local Cultural Council will meet to review 20 submitted grant requests for 2026. The body will also review the status of approved 2025 grants and the minutes from the February 4, 2025 meeting.

• Review of 20 grant requests for 2026
• Review of 2025 approved grant status

Board of Health

The Wales Board of Health will open the meeting, approve the minutes from September 17, 2025, and discuss several permits. Items include a food establishment permit for Wales Elementary and a well permit for 5 Birch St. The agenda also covers signing payroll and scheduling the next meeting.

• Approve minutes from 9/17/2025
• Food establishment permit – Wales Elementary
• Well permit – 5 Birch St.
• Sign payroll
• Set next meeting date

School Committee

The Tantasqua Regional School District Bylaw/Policy Subcommittee will meet on Nov 5, 2025 to review four agenda items: a Student Advisory follow‑up discussion, the Technical Division Admissions Policy, language for the Expectations of Academic Integrity handbook, and Junior High bus safety rules. No decisions are recorded in the agenda; the meeting is for discussion of these topics.

• Student Advisory follow‑up discussion
• Technical Division Admissions Policy review
• Expectations of Academic Integrity handbook language
• Junior High bus safety rules review

Wales Public Library

The Wales Public Library Board of Trustees will discuss several agenda items. They will review research on library open hours and consider a change, examine the program attendance policy, and discuss updates to library bylaws with guidance from the MBLC. Additional items include a review of the employee evaluation form and the director’s job description, including a senior tax write‑off position update. Unfinished business covers bills, minutes, and strategic plan guidance from the MBLC.

• Review of library open hours research and possible change
• Review of program attendance policy
• Review of library bylaws with guidance from MBLC
• Review of employee evaluation form
• Review of Director’s job description and senior tax write‑off position update

The trustees approved the meeting minutes from September 22, 2025. They adopted a new library program policy requiring 24‑hour cancellation and attendance rules. They also approved reimbursement for Kara's professional development expenses.

• Approved September 22, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved new library program policy (unanimous)
• Approved reimbursement for Kara's professional development (unanimous)

Wales Council on Aging

The Wales Council on Aging advisory board will review the minutes from the August 18, 2025 meeting. They will receive a copy of the new board statement that the selectboard approved at its last meeting. The board will discuss the completion of senior questionnaires and consider a 5‑hour Activity Director position for the senior center. Updates from the senior center director will also be presented.

• Approval or denial of minutes dated August 18, 2025
• Review of COA Advisory Board’s new statement approved by the selectboard
• Status of questionnaires to seniors – finished and distributed
• Consideration of a 5‑hour Activity Director position for the senior center
• Senior Center updates from the director

Planning Board

The Wales Planning Board will meet on October 27, 2025 at the Wales Senior Center. The board will review the minutes from the September 18, 2025 meeting. The agenda includes a discussion of a bylaw review.

• Bylaw Review – Discussion

Regional Events

The WRTA Advisory Board will meet to approve minutes from September 18, 2025, and hear an administrator's report. The agenda consists primarily of procedural boilerplate.

• Approval of September 18, 2025 meeting minutes
• Administrators Report (Rickman)

School Committee

The Tantasqua Regional School Committee will consider several items, including a vote on the second year of the SASS grant and a vote on the Educator Evaluation Memorandum of Understanding. New policies will be read for the first time, such as the IKF graduation requirement and the JF‑1 junior high school pathway exploration policy. Other items include a review of a Title IX grievance procedure and a review of home‑education regulations.

• SASS Grant Year 2 – Vote
• Educator Evaluation MOU – Vote
• IKF Graduation Requirement – New 1st Reading
• JF‑1 Junior High School Pathway Exploration Policy – 1st Reading & Adoption
• ACGA Title IX Sexual Discrimination Grievance Procedure – Reviewed

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will review the LA-4 Assessment Report and the LA13 Growth Report. It will consider acquiring state‑owned land located at 39 Barney Road. The Board will approve payroll for Joan Navarro and several bills, including MAAO dues and a payment to CAI Technologies. A discussion on the status with the Department of Revenue is also scheduled.

• Review LA-4 Assessment Report
• Review LA13 Growth Report
• Consider acquisition of state‑owned land at 39 Barney Road
• Approve payroll for Joan Navarro ($963.35 for 10/05‑10/18/2025)
• Approve bills payable: MAAO dues $93 each, MAAO Fall Conference $175, CAI Technologies $587.50

School Committee

The Tantasqua Regional School District Curriculum Subcommittee will meet on October 20, 2025, to discuss the Junior Exploration Pathway and a Junior High Program of Studies update.

• Junior Exploration Pathway discussion
• Junior High Program of Studies Update
• Junior High Lead Teacher Discussion

Conservation Commission

The Wales Conservation Commission will meet to approve minutes from September 18, 2025, and discuss updates regarding Lake Management. The agenda includes a public hearing on a Creative Official Native Plant List.

• Approval of September 18, 2025 minutes
• Lake Management update with data from Solitude
• Public hearing on Creative Official Native Plant List

The commission unanimously approved the October 28, 2025 meeting minutes after a motion and second. Members discussed a drafted native‑plant list and decided to post it on the town website as a resource for residents. No other actions were taken.

• Approved 8/28/25 meeting minutes (5‑0 vote)
• Agreed to post official native plant list on town website

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Wales Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to review the application for 67 Main St. The board will also review the minutes from its March 20, 2025 meeting.

• Public hearing to review the application for 67 Main St.
• Review of the March 20, 2025 meeting minutes

Veterans' Services

The Eastern Hampden County Veterans’ Service District will consider three agenda items. It will review and vote to approve the September 10, 2025 regular session meeting minutes. It will also review and vote to approve payroll and accounts payable for September 2025. The meeting includes a report from the Veterans’ Service Officer and a discussion of the meeting schedule.

• Review and vote to approve September 10, 2025 regular session meeting minutes
• Review and vote to approve payroll and accounts payable for September 2025
• Veterans’ Service Officer report and meeting schedule

Planning Board

The Wales Master Plan Implementation Committee will meet on October 14, 2025 at the Wales Senior Center. The agenda includes updates on the residential checklist, site plan review, and bylaws, followed by a review of open Master Plan items and discussion of possible next focus items. The meeting also includes a Parks Commission update on park properties and grant opportunities and a period for public comments.

• Residential checklist update
• Site plan review update
• Bylaw update
• Review of Master Plan open items and discussion of next focus items
• Parks Commission presentation on park properties and grant opportunities

Parks Commission

The Wales Parks Commission will meet to pay invoices for portable sanitation rentals and discuss maintenance projects. The body will also consider endorsing a grant application for improvements at Union Road Beach.

• Payment of invoices for port-a-san rentals
• Discuss maintenance projects
• Endorse grant application for Union Road Beach improvements

Board of Health

The Wales Board of Health will discuss a homeowner's request that the board issue a letter in place of a required Title 5 inspection for the sale of a property at 17 Union Rd. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulations require a Title 5 inspection, and the Title 5 agent confirmed the board lacks authority to override that rule. The agenda also includes routine items such as approving the minutes from the September 17, 2025 meeting.

• Approve minutes from 9/17/2025
• Discussion of 17 Union Rd. request for BOH letter instead of Title 5 inspection
• Open session and meeting procedures

School Committee

The Tantasqua Regional School District Bylaw/Policy Subcommittee will meet to review policies regarding student competency determination, graduation requirements, and school access. The meeting will be held at Tantasqua Junior High School.

• Review IKFE Competency Determination
• Review IFK Graduation requirement
• Review Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy
• Review ECAB Access to Building and Grounds
• Review KI Visitors to the School

Board of Selectmen

The Wales Board of Selectmen will meet on October 7, 2025 at 6:00 PM. After the pledge of allegiance, the board will vote on Oak Haven Family Campground’s request for a one‑day liquor license on Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 10 AM to 1 PM. The meeting will then be adjourned.

• Vote on one‑day liquor license for Oak Haven Family Campground (Oct 11, 2025, 10 AM‑1 PM)

The Board of Selectmen voted to approve Oak Haven Family Campground’s request for a one‑day liquor license on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The motion was moved by Selectman Simoneau, seconded by Selectman Chrabascz, and passed unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved one‑day liquor license for Oak Haven Family Campground (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Cemetery Commission

The Wales Cemetery Commission will meet to discuss a fall clean‑up and a service item labeled “UP Comnun9 CREMP] 700 SERVICE.” Both items are being brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law. No decisions are indicated in the agenda.

• Fall clean‑up discussion
• UP Comnun9 CREMP] 700 service discussion

School Committee

The committee will consider second readings for several policy updates, including school nutrition and student discipline. The meeting also includes a financial report and a scheduled executive session regarding collective bargaining or litigation strategy.

• EFD School Nutrition Program Charge Policy (New Second Reading)
• EFC Universal Free School Meals (Amend Second Reading)
• JIC Student Discipline (Amend Second Reading)
• JICFA Prohibition of Hazing (Amend Second Reading)
• EFA School Meal Charges (Rescind Second Reading)

School Committee

The Tantasqua Regional School District Curriculum Subcommittee will meet on Monday, September 29, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the Superintendent’s Conference Room at Tantasqua Junior High School. The committee will consider items including reorganization, competency determination, graduation requirements, quarterly grades, and future meeting dates. No decisions are recorded as already made.

• Reorganization
• Competency Determination
• Graduation Requirement
• Quarterly Grades Discussion
• Future Meeting Dates and Agenda Items

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors is meeting to discuss real estate, motor vehicles, bills payable, and correspondence. A specific meeting is scheduled with Roy Bishop regarding an increase in value.

• Meeting with Roy Bishop regarding increase in value

Wales Public Library

The Wales Public Library Board of Trustees will address unfinished business items, including Bills and Minutes, the Library Director’s Report, and guidance on the Strategic Plan from the MBLC. New business items include a review of research on library open hours, a review of Library Bylaws with MBLC guidance, a review of the employee evaluation form, and a review of the Director’s job description. The board may also consider any additional public comments or business brought up at the meeting.

• Review of library open hours research
• Review of Library Bylaws, guidance from MBLC
• Review employee evaluation form
• Review Director’s Job Description
• Strategic Plan guidance from MBLC

The trustees unanimously approved the minutes from the August 18 meeting. They also approved the proposed change to library opening hours, to take effect on October 1. In addition, the board voted to pay for Kara Jund’s professional development (MLIS). No other motions were denied or tabled.

• Approved September 18, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved change of library hours as suggested, effective Oct 1 (unanimous)
• Approved payment for Kara Jund’s professional development (MLIS) (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will approve the minutes from the August 28 meeting. It will discuss lake management data, review before‑and‑after photos of 21 Shore Dr., and consider a certificate of compliance for a shed at 18 Cordially Colony. Commissioners will vote on an emergency certification request for Rt. 19 submitted by MassDOT. Additional discussion will cover Chapter 91 application requirements for 59 Fountain Rd. and a creative official native plant list.

• Vote to ratify emergency certification request for Rt. 19 (MassDOT)
• Request for Certificate of Compliance for shed at 18 Cordially Colony
• Lake Management update with data from Solitude
• Discussion of before/after pictures for 21 Shore Dr.
• Discussion of Chapter 91 application requirements for 59 Fountain Rd.

The Conservation Commission voted to issue a WPA Form 8B Certificate of Compliance for the 18 Cordially Colony project after confirming the work met special conditions. It also ratified compliance for the Rt. 19 emergency culvert clean‑out. The meeting minutes from 8/28/25 were approved. No other actions were taken.

• Issued WPA Form 8B Certificate of Compliance for 18 Cordially Colony (approved; votes Y: Jennifer Bothwell, Zachery Berry, Sarah Ryan; absent: Joanie D’Ambrosia, Joshua Smith)
• Ratified compliance of Rt. 19 emergency culvert clean‑out (approved; votes Y: Jennifer Bothwell, Zachery Berry, Sarah Ryan; absent: Joanie D’Ambrosia, Joshua Smith)
• Approved the 8/28/25 meeting minutes (approved; votes Y: Jennifer Bothwell, Zachery Berry, Sarah Ryan; absent: Joanie D’Ambrosia, Joshua Smith)

Regional Events

The Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board will open the meeting, approve minutes from August 21 and August 28, 2025, and accept public comments. The board will receive a VIP Task Force update and an Administrators Report covering project timelines, lobby efforts, fixed‑route technology, demand‑response survey, bus stop study, rebrand, CSA survey, and Transdev updates. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from August 21, 2025
• Approval of minutes from August 28, 2025
• Public comment period (email, phone, Zoom raised‑hand)
• VIP Task Force update (Winters)
• Administrators Report with multiple project updates

Planning Board

The Wales Planning Board will review the minutes from the August 25, 2025 meeting. The board will hold a public hearing and vote on appointing a PVPC Commissioner. No other specific items are listed.

• Review minutes from 8/25/25 meeting
• PVPC – Vote to appoint PVPC Commissioner

The Planning Board nominated Sarah Ryan to serve as the town’s PVPC Commissioner; the motion was seconded and approved unanimously. The board also approved the minutes from the August 25 meeting with edits, again with unanimous support. No other actions were taken.

• Appointed Sarah Ryan as PVPC Commissioner (unanimous approval)
• Accepted minutes from 8/25/25 with edits (unanimous approval)

School Committee

The Tantasqua Regional School District Bylaw/Policy Subcommittee will meet on September 17, 2025 in the superintendent’s conference room at Tantasqua Junior High School. The committee will review four items: the ACGA Title IX Sexual Discrimination Grievance Procedure, the IHBG Home Education policy, the IKFE Competency Determination, and the IKE Graduation Requirement. The agenda indicates a review of these policies rather than a vote on new measures.

• ACGA Title IX Sexual Discrimination Grievance Procedure
• IHBG Home Education
• IKFE Competency Determination
• IKE Graduation Requirement

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will consider a note from Roy Bishop proposing an 8% increase in property values. It will also discuss a lien for Bluebird Properties adding 5.77 acres at 51 Barney Road. Additional items include an ATB‑2023 abatement for Town Line Storage at 201 Main Street for $1,637.76 and several vehicle tax abatements. The agenda lists payroll and bills payable, including a $3,000 support payment to CAI Axis.

• Roy Bishop’s note to increase property values by 8%
• Lien for Bluebird Properties addition of 5.77 acres at 51 Barney Rd
• ATB‑2023 abatement for Town Line Storage/201 Main St – $1,637.76
• Vehicle abatements: Boutin #309 $42.40, Brunell #2316 $50.07, Chalue #351 $134.25, Finch #616 $19.41, Novak #1347 $13.65, Simoneau #1700 $10.56
• Bills payable: USPS $78.00 (per 100), CAI Axis support $3,000.00

Wales Public Library

The Wales Public Library Board of Trustees will meet on September 15, 2025 at 77 Main Street. The agenda includes unfinished business such as bills, minutes, the director’s report, and strategic‑plan guidance from the MBLC. New business items are the review of library bylaws, employee evaluations, the director’s job description, and any public comments. No specific decisions are indicated in the agenda.

• Review of Library Bylaws (guidance from MBLC)
• Review of Strategic Plan guidance from MBLC
• Review of employee evaluations
• Review of Director’s Job Description
• Review of Bills and Minutes

Veterans' Services

The district will meet via Zoom to vote on the approval of meeting minutes and financial records. The session includes a report from Veterans’ Service Officer Jason Burgener.

• Vote to approve July 23, 2025 Regular Session Meeting Minutes
• Vote to approve July 2025 payroll and accounts payable
• Vote to approve August 2025 payroll and accounts payable
• VSO report from Jason Burgener

Board of Selectmen

The Board will hold a public hearing on a request from National Grid to install a new 40‑foot Class 3 pole on Monson Road near the intersection with Reed Hill Road. The meeting includes votes to appoint members to the Old Town Hall Renovation Subcommittee, the Council on Aging, and the Master Plan Implementation Committee. The Board will review and vote on several financial items, including a $5,500 grant services agreement with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and Treasurer’s Notes totaling $145,810 for municipal projects, as well as a $2,978 Bartholomew Electric proposal.

• Public hearing: National Grid request to install 1 JO pole (40‑ft Class 3) on Monson Rd near Reed Hill Rd.
• Vote to appoint Rebecca Smith, Sarah Ryan, and Peter Hamm to Old Town Hall Renovation Subcommittee.
• Vote to approve CivicPlus website migration Statement of Work (Quote # Q-95111-1).
• Vote to approve $5,500 Grant Administration Services Agreement with Pioneer Valley Planning Commission.
• Vote to approve Treasurer’s Notes totaling $145,810 for municipal projects.

The Selectmen approved two sets of Treasurer’s Notes totaling $283,858 for authorized expenditures. They also approved a National Grid pole installation, a letter of support for the Norcross Wildlife Foundation, and several appointments to town committees. The Board adopted the CivicPlus website migration contract and a $2,978 senior‑center maintenance proposal. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved National Grid/Verizon request to install joint pole on Monson Rd (All in Favor)
• Authorized Executive Secretary to compose letter of support for Norcross Wildlife Foundation (All in Favor)
• Appointed members to Old Town Hall Renovation Subcommittee (All in Favor)
• Appointed Jackie Viens to Council on Aging (All in Favor)
• Approved CivicPlus website migration project per Quote # Q-95111-1 (All in Favor)
• Approved Treasurer’s Notes No. 431‑435 totaling $138,048 (All in Favor)
• Approved Treasurer’s Notes No. 436‑440 totaling $145,810 (All in Favor)
• Approved Bartholomew Electric proposal $2,978 for Senior Center maintenance (All in Favor)

School Committee

The Tantasqua Regional School Committee will meet to review financial and staff reports. The committee is scheduled to discuss the North Brookfield Exploratory Committee and the appointment of FY25-26 subcommittees.

• North Brookfield Exploratory Committee
• FY25-26 School Committee Subcommittees
• Educator Evaluation MOU
• Graduation Requirements and Competency Determination policy review

School Committee

The Negotiations Subcommittee of the Wales School Committee is meeting with the Wales Teachers Association. The agenda consists of a request to enter Executive Session to discuss collective bargaining strategy.

• Executive Session regarding collective bargaining strategy

School Committee

The School Committee will conduct first readings on several policy updates, including school nutrition charges and student discipline. The meeting also includes a request for an executive session to discuss collective bargaining or litigation strategy.

• First reading of EFD School Nutrition Program Charge Policy
• First reading of EFC Universal Free School Meals amendment
• First reading of JIC Student Discipline amendment
• First reading of JICFA Prohibition of Hazing amendment
• First reading to rescind EFA School Meal Charges

Cemetery Commission

The Wales, MA Cemetery Commission will hold a meeting on September 2, 2025, at the Wales Town Office. The agenda is procedural and does not list specific items for discussion or decision.

Conservation Commission

The Wales Conservation Commission will discuss updates on lake management, review tree-cutting requests at four properties, and consider a shed installation request. They will also vote on ratifying a MassDOT emergency certification and decide whether to support a land-conservation letter.

• Lake Management – Update with data from Solitude
• 18 Cordially Colony – Request for Determination of Applicability for shed installation
• Rt. 19 – Vote to ratify MassDOT Emergency Certification Form
• 70 Union Rd. and 67 Walker Rd. – Tree Cutting Requests with site visit findings
• Norcross Wildlife Foundation – Request for letter of support for Forest Legacy Program

The commission issued a negative determination for a shed proposal at 18 Cordially Colony, requiring specific conditions. It ratified an emergency certification to repair an embankment washout on Rt. 19 near the elementary school. The board approved tree‑cutting requests at 67 Walker Rd. and 70 Union Rd. and agreed to draft a letter of support for the Norcross Wildlife Foundation’s Forest Legacy Program application. All motions passed with a 3‑yes to 2‑absent vote.

• Issued negative determination (Reason #3) for 18 Cordially Colony shed request (3‑yes, 2‑absent)
• Ratified emergency certification for Rt. 19 embankment washout repair (3‑yes, 2‑absent)
• Approved tree‑cutting requests for 67 Walker Rd. and 70 Union Rd. (3‑yes, 2‑absent)
• Approved drafting of letter of support for Norcross Wildlife Foundation Forest Legacy application (3‑yes, 2‑absent)
• Approved July 17, 2025 meeting minutes with edits (3‑yes, 2‑absent)

Regional Events

The Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board will hold an executive session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with TransDev/Worcester Local 22 of the Amalgamated Transit Union. The meeting will be conducted remotely via Zoom Webinar at 8:00 a.m. on August 28, 2025.

• Executive session called to discuss collective bargaining strategy with TransDev/Worcester Local 22 of the Amalgamated Transit Union
• Potential roll call vote to enter executive session
• Public may submit questions/comments via email ([email protected]), phone (508.791.9782), or website ([email protected])

Planning Board

The Planning Board will meet to review previous minutes and nominate a member to the MPIC. The board will also discuss properties at Ainsworth Hill Rd. and 60 Hollow Rd. involving Sun Property Group.

• Nomination of Planning Board member to MPIC
• Review of WIP permit with approved conditions
• Discussion regarding Sun Property Group at Ainsworth Hill Rd. and 60 Hollow Rd.

The Planning Board approved the nomination of Sam Champigny as its representative to the Master Plan Implementation Committee. The Board also approved the minutes from the June 18, 2025 meeting with edits. No other actions were decided at this meeting.

• Nominated Sam Champigny to MPIC – approved (all in favor)
• Accepted minutes of 6/18/25 – approved (all in favor)

Regional Events

The WRTA Advisory Board will meet to approve minutes from June 26, 2025, and hear an administrators report. The agenda consists of procedural items and public comment.

• Approval of June 26, 2025 minutes
• Administrators Report (Rickman)

Board of Health

The Wales Board of Health will hold a procedural meeting to approve minutes from the July 16, 2025 session and discuss a memorandum of understanding with the MHOA regarding tobacco regulations at 30 Lake George Rd.

• Approve minutes from 7/16/2025
• Review MOU – MHOA Tobacco agreement at 30 Lake George Rd.

The Board voted 2‑0 to sign a memorandum of understanding that appoints the MHOA as the town's tobacco enforcement agent. It also approved the minutes from the July 16, 2025 meeting by a 2‑0 vote. The meeting was formally closed with a 2‑0 vote. Water service to Wales Brookside Village was restored after a leak, and the board advised better notice of bottled‑water distribution.

• Approved tobacco enforcement MOU and appointed MHOA as tobacco agent (2‑0)
• Adopted minutes from 7/16/2025 (2‑0)
• Closed the meeting (2‑0)

Board of Selectmen

The Board approved the Senior Center Activities Coordinator job description with added physical‑requirements and a CORI check clause. It created an Old Town Hall Renovation Subcommittee and reappointed the Records Access Officer. The Board also approved a $67,000 contract amendment for Old Town Hall structural repairs and adopted the July 9, 2025 meeting minutes. The meeting was adjourned at 7:16 p.m.

• Approved Senior Center Activities Coordinator job description with amendments (unanimous)
• Created Old Town Hall Renovation Subcommittee (unanimous)
• Reappointed Pamela Leduc as Records Access Officer (unanimous consent)
• Approved $67,000 Old Town Hall Structural Repairs contract amendment (unanimous consent)
• Adopted July 9, 2025 meeting minutes (2 in favor, 1 abstention)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:16 p.m. (all in favor)

Board of Assessors

The Wales Board of Assessors will meet to accept minutes from the previous meeting and conduct routine business including approving a fire abatement for a residential property and signing lien-related documents. The board will also review payroll, bills payable, and preliminary tax matters.

• Fire abatement for 17 Orchard Road ($17,233.00)
• Sign lien application for 49 Barney Road
• Sign lien application for 51 Barney Road
• Review payroll for Joan E. Navarro ($963.35 per pay period)
• Approve bills payable: W.B.Mason ($372.87) and Amazon ($139.13) for toner

Wales Public Library

The Board of Trustees will discuss the library's strategic plan and bylaws using guidance from the MBLC. The board is also scheduled to review employee evaluations and the Director's job description.

• Review of Library Bylaws
• Strategic Plan guidance from MBLC
• Review of employee evaluations
• Review of Director's Job Description

The Trustees approved the minutes from the July 14 meeting and unanimously funded Christopher Piros’ Certificate of Librarianship. They accepted the resignations of Cheri Fisher and Melody Frey, and authorized a new circulation‑desk printer from the IT budget. The board also set upcoming library closure dates and began work on schedule changes and hour adjustments.

• Approved meeting minutes from 7/14/2025 (motion by Sheridan, seconded by Pitcher, unanimous)
• Approved funding for Christopher Piros’ professional development (motion by Lisa, seconded by Keri, unanimous)
• Accepted resignations of Cheri Fisher and Melody Frey (effective July 21)
• Authorized purchase of a new circulation‑desk printer from the IT budget (authorized by Pam)
• Set library closure dates: Thursday 8/21, Saturday 8/30, and anticipated closures on Thanksgiving Eve, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve
• Planned staff schedule rework in September
• Approved installation of ADA‑compliant book drop by 9/1 (Friends group donation)
• Continued research on changing library hours to serve high‑school students after 2 pm

Wales Council on Aging

The COA Advisory Board will meet to appoint a Chair, Co-Chair, and Secretary. The board will also review the status of senior questionnaires and receive updates from the Senior Center Director.

• Appointment of Chair, Co-Chair, and Secretary
• Review of senior questionnaires distribution
• Senior Center Director updates
• Approval of June 25, 2025 minutes

Conservation Commission

The Wales Conservation Commission will conduct three site visits to assess requests for a shed installation and tree cutting at properties in Wales. The meeting is procedural and involves no formal decisions, only discussions and findings from the site visits.

• 18 Cordially Colony – Request for Determination of Applicability for shed installation
• 70 Union Rd. – Tree cutting request and discussion
• 67 Walker Rd. – Tree cutting request and discussion

Planning Board

The Master Plan Implementation Committee will review updates on the residential checklist and site plan review. The body will also discuss Direct Local Technical Assistance from the PVPC.

• Residential checklist updates
• Site plan review updates
• PVPC Direct Local Technical Assistance discussion
• Review of Master Plan open items

The board voted to adjourn the meeting at 6:16 p.m. with all members in favor. The meeting minutes were approved for October 15, 2025. No substantive policy or project decisions were made.

• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
• Approved meeting minutes (October 15, 2025)

Parks Commission

The Parks Commission will meet to review maintenance needs and the removal of large buoys. The body will also discuss a proposal to allow a single signature for routine maintenance invoice payments.

• Payment of port-a-san rental invoices for Needham Park, Sichols Beach Park, and Union Road Beach
• Payment for beach maintenance at Sichols beach
• Proposal to allow one signature for routine maintenance invoice payments
• Discussion on removal of large buoys
• Discussion regarding a pile of weeds at the base of a tree at Sichols beach

Board of Selectmen

The Selectmen approved the $429,000 roof replacement contract for Wales Elementary School. They also elected Michael Valenzola as Chair, Robyn Chrabascz as Vice Chair, and Ricky Simoneau as Clerk. The board authorized the Chair to sign change orders up to $50,000 and approved a $2,331 expense for the Senior Center basement floor. A motion to direct a senior‑center revenue report and approve the Activities Coordinator position failed.

• Approved disclosure statement for special municipal employee (In Favor 2, Abstained 1)
• Elected Michael Valenzola as Chair (All in Favor)
• Elected Robyn Chrabascz as Vice Chair (All in Favor)
• Elected Ricky Simoneau as Clerk (All in Favor)
• Approved Wales Elementary School roof replacement contract $429,000 (All in Favor)
• Authorized Chair to approve change orders up to $50,000 per item (unanimous consent)
• Approved $2,331 Senior Center basement floor expense (unanimous consent)
• Motion to direct senior‑center revenue report and approve Activities Coordinator failed (In Favor 0)

Cemetery Commission

The Cemetery Commission will meet to discuss fences and new stones at the cemetery. The meeting is scheduled for August 5, 2025.

• Discussion of fences
• Discussion of new stones at the cemetery

Veterans' Services

The Eastern Hampden County Veterans’ Service District will meet remotely to conduct routine business. The body will vote on previous meeting minutes and financial approvals for June 2025.

• Vote to approve June 18, 2025 meeting minutes
• Vote to approve June 2025 payroll and accounts payable
• VSO report from Jason Burgener
• Discussion of meeting schedule

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will review real estate and motor vehicle items, including specific tax abatements. The body will also consider payroll and bills payable for office operations.

• Commitment of $12,262.78
• Abatements for Chretin, Enterprise FM Trust, and Heidi Russell Muniec
• Vision Government Solutions web hosting bill for $2,734.00
• CAI Technology quarterly invoice for $587.50
• Payroll for Joan E. Navarro totaling $1,926.70

Parks Commission

The Parks Commission is meeting to approve previous meeting minutes and pay invoices for port-a-San rentals and fountain maintenance. The body will also discuss upcoming maintenance projects.

• Payment of port-a-San rental invoices for Needham Park, Sichols Beach Park, and Union Road Beach
• Payment for maintenance at the Town Fountain
• Discussion of required maintenance projects

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will meet to address old business regarding a sword and collection cataloging. The body will also hold a discussion regarding the building committee.

• Sword (old business)
• Collection cataloging
• Building committee discussion

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will meet to approve previous minutes and discuss lake management updates. The body will also hold a discussion regarding 41 Fountain Rd.

• Discussion regarding 41 Fountain Rd.
• Lake Management update with DEP guidance pictures

The Conservation Commission unanimously approved the June 18, 2025 meeting minutes. It decided to ask Solitude Management for three‑year treatment information to evaluate the Lake Management Plan. The commission also resolved to contact the DEP about the dock at 41 Fountain Rd. and to arrange a site visit to verify compliance. No other actions were taken.

• Approved June 18, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Commission will request three‑year treatment data from Solitude Management (planned)
• Commission will contact DEP regarding dock permitting at 41 Fountain Rd. (planned)
• Commission will schedule a site visit to assess compliance at 41 Fountain Rd. (planned)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to discuss a tobacco agreement with the MHOA and a pool inspection for Oak Haven Campground. The board will also determine if water testing for cottage kitchens requires third-party collection or allows self-collection.

• MOU – MHOA Tobacco agreement
• Oak Haven Campground pool inspection on 7/17
• Water testing requirements for cottage kitchens
• Appointment of representative to Region 2
• Well matter at 5 Second St.

The Board voted 2‑0 to require all cottage‑kitchen water samples be tested by a third party. It denied a bakery operating permit for Hunter Addison, directing his mother to reapply without him as the permit holder. David Foote volunteered and was appointed as the Region 2 health‑board representative. The minutes from the June 18, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously.

• Require third‑party water testing for cottage kitchen samples (vote 2‑0)
• Deny bakery permit to Hunter Addison; EB to submit new application (no vote recorded)
• Approve June 18, 2025 meeting minutes (vote 2‑0)
• Appoint David Foote as Region 2 representative (appointment letter signed)
• Confirm no permit needed for new dry‑well installation at 16 Woodland Heights
• Send letter to 18 Main Street property owner regarding dumpster odor complaint

Wales Public Library

The Board of Trustees will discuss the library's strategic plan and bylaws using guidance from the MBLC. The board is also reviewing employee evaluation forms and the Director's job description.

• Strategic Plan guidance from MBLC
• Review of Library Bylaws
• Review of employee evaluation forms
• Director’s Job Description

The Wales Public Library Board of Trustees approved a motion to reimburse Library Director Kara for financial losses and damages incurred due to the Board of Selectmen's lack of action on personnel matters. The trustees also approved a new employee evaluation form and the minutes from the June 9, 2025 meeting. Several bills and payroll expenses were reviewed and paid.

• Approved meeting minutes from 6/9/2025 (all in favor)
• Approved reimbursement for Kara's expenses (all in favor)
• Approved new employee evaluation form (all in favor)
• Reviewed and approved bills totaling $2,907.49
• Reviewed and approved payroll for library staff and director

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved a permanent utility easement for National Grid on town-owned land along Main Street. It also accepted the FY 2025 end‑of‑year budget transfers, created a Building Committee to oversee the Old Town Hall project, and reappointed members of the Council on Aging. The motion to fund a Senior Center Activities Coordinator was rejected, and a request for $8,140 to repair Old Town Hall windows received no action.

• Rejected Senior Center Activities Coordinator job description (In Favor – Valanzola; Opposed – Chrabascz)
• Approved FY 2025 End of Year Budget Transfers (All in Favor)
• Approved formation of Building Committee (unanimous consent)
• No action on $8,140 Old Town Hall window repair request
• Approved permanent National Grid easement (unanimous consent)
• Approved reappointment of Council on Aging members (unanimous consent)
• Approved Solitude Lake George Aquatic Plant Management proposal (All in Favor)
• Approved renewal of TPI services agreement with Mark W. Popham ($510) (All in Favor)

Parks Commission

The Parks Commission will meet to review and pay invoices for fountain maintenance and portable toilet rentals. The body will also discuss necessary maintenance projects.

• Payment of port-a-san rental invoices for Needham Park, Sichols Beach Park, and Union Road Beach
• Payment of fountain maintenance invoices from Rodney Aldrich
• Discussion of needed maintenance projects

Regional Events

The WRTA Advisory Board will meet to approve minutes from April 17, 2025, and hear an Administrator's Report. The board is scheduled to vote on the appointment of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Treasurer, and Clerk for fiscal year 2026.

• Vote to approve WRTA Advisory Board Officers for FY26 (Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Treasurer, and Clerk)

Wales Council on Aging

The COA Advisory Board will meet to discuss senior center updates and board appointments. The board is also scheduled to review the distribution of senior questionnaires and vote on a new mission statement.

• Approval of new mission statement
• Status of questionnaires distributed to seniors
• Appointments to the COA Advisory Board
• Senior Center updates from the Director

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors is meeting to review financial commitments, tax abatements, and payroll. The agenda includes payments for stamps and professional services.

• 2025 motor vehicle commitment of $17,464.51
• Tax abatements for Giza ($45.95), Bird ($258.98), LeForest ($9.50), and Universal Leasing ($79.04)
• Payroll for Joan E. Navarro totaling $1,870.54
• Payment of $1,100.00 to Bishop & Associates
• Payment of $73.00 to USPS for stamps

Board of Health

The Board of Health will consider a new signature for the MHOA Tobacco agreement for FY 2026. The meeting includes discussions on a well permit for 132 Main St. and a drainage complaint at 5 Second St.

• MOU – MHOA Tobacco agreement for FY 2026
• Drainage complaint regarding 5 Second St. and 16 Woodland Hts.
• Well permit for 132 Main St.
• Pool, Campground, and Milk & Cream permits for Oak Haven Campground

The Board approved a 50‑foot variance for the well at 132 Main St. with a 2‑0 vote. The minutes from the June 4, 2025 meeting were also approved by a 2‑0 vote. The Board decided to publish its ADU guidance document on the Board of Health website. The meeting was formally closed with a 2‑0 vote.

• Approved well permit variance for 132 Main St. (2-0)
• Approved minutes from 6/4/2025 (2-0)
• Approved publishing ADU guidance document on BOH website
• Approved motion to close meeting (2-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will meet to welcome a new member and nominate a Chair. The board will also discuss Zoning Bylaw changes related to Town Meeting.

• Welcome of new member Zachery Berry
• Nomination of Board Chair
• Discussion of Zoning Bylaw changes

The board voted to nominate Jason Oney as the Planning Board Chair, with all members present voting in favor. The board also approved the minutes from the May 27, 2025 meeting, again with unanimous support. Zachery Berry was noted as a new board member for a three‑year term.

• Nominated Jason Oney as Planning Board Chair (all in favor)
• Approved May 27, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will discuss lake management data and guidance from the DEP. The body will also hold public hearings regarding a structure at 215 Union Rd and flooding issues at 3 & 4 Brows Beach.

• Transfer Station / DPW Enforcement Order Update
• Public hearing: Structure within 50 ft of riverfront at 215 Union Rd
• Discussion: Flooding issues at 3 & 4 Brows Beach
• Lake Management update with DEP guidance pictures

The commission approved the May 14, 2025 meeting minutes with edits, with all members voting in favor. It also voted to lift the enforcement order for unpermitted dumping at 60 Hollow Rd, again unanimously. No other actions were decided at this meeting.

• Approved May 14, 2025 minutes (unanimous vote)
• Lifted enforcement order at 60 Hollow Rd (unanimous vote)

Veterans' Services

The Eastern Hampden County Veterans’ Service District will meet remotely to conduct routine business. The body will vote on meeting minutes and May 2025 financial obligations.

• Vote to approve payroll and accounts payable for May 2025
• VSO report from Jason Burgener
• Vote to approve April 16, 2025 meeting minutes
• Vote to approve May 7, 2025 meeting minutes

School Committee

The School Committee will meet to discuss a series of second readings for school policies. The agenda also includes reports from the Principal and Superintendent and a scheduled executive session.

• Second reading of Civil Rights Grievance Procedure (ACGA)
• Second reading of DCJIS Model CORI Policy (ADDA-R)
• Second reading of Non-Discrimination and Sexual Harassment policies (AC, ACA, ACAB)
• Second reading of Electronic Messaging policy for Committee Members (BHE)
• Executive session to discuss collective bargaining or litigation strategy

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will vote on a 36-month electricity supply contract and a subordination agreement for 29 Main Street. Members will also review the FY 2026 proposed budget, capital improvement plan, and the Annual Town Meeting Warrant.

• Electricity Supply Agreement with Constellation NewEnergy, Inc. expiring November 25, 2028
• PVPC Subordination Agreement for 29 Main Street
• June 11, 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant
• FY 2026 Proposed Budget
• FY 2026 Capital Improvement Plan

The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved the Electricity Supply Agreement with Constellation NewEnergy, Inc. for a 36‑month term ending November 25, 2028. The Board also unanimously approved the PVPC Subordination Agreement for 29 Main Street and authorized the Chair to sign it. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved Electricity Supply Agreement with Constellation NewEnergy, Inc. (unanimous consent)
• Approved PVPC Subordination Agreement for 29 Main Street, authorized Chair to sign (unanimous consent)
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will meet to discuss a presentation for the Town Meeting. The body will also address old business regarding a sword donation.

• Sword donation
• Town Meeting presentation

Town Clerk

The Board of Registrars will meet to certify signatures for local election nomination papers. The board will also review and approve meeting minutes from October 17, 2024.

• Certification of signatures for local election nomination papers
• Approval of October 17, 2024 meeting minutes

The Board of Registrars certified a total of 63 signatures on nomination papers for two candidates, Ricky Simoneau of 101 Haynes Hill Rd. and Tadeusz Wysocki of 50 Stafford-Holland Rd. The board also approved the October 17, 2024 meeting minutes by unanimous vote. The meeting was adjourned at 12:56 pm.

• Certified 63 signatures for two candidates (Ricky Simoneau, Tadeusz Wysocki)
• Approved 10/17/24 meeting minutes (4-0)

Town Clerk

The Board of Registrars will meet to certify signatures for local election nomination papers. The board will also review and approve meeting minutes from October 17, 2024.

• Certification of signatures for Local Election Nomination Papers
• Approval of October 17, 2024 meeting minutes

Wales Public Library

The Board of Trustees will discuss the library's strategic plan and director's report. The meeting includes reviews of library bylaws, the employee evaluation process, and the director's job description.

• Review of Library Bylaws
• Review of employee evaluation process
• Director’s Job Description
• Strategic Plan

The trustees approved the meeting minutes from May 19, 2025. They voted to close the library on July 5, 2025 because July 4 falls on a Friday. The library will also be closed on June 19, 2025 in honor of Juneteenth. The employee evaluation process was placed on hold pending staff status.

• Approved minutes from 5/19/2025 (all in favor)
• Closed library on July 5 2025 (all approved)
• Closed library on June 19 2025 for Juneteenth (all approved)
• Employee evaluation process put on hold (no vote recorded)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will consider input on amending the building permit procedure list for the Master Plan Implementation Committee. The board will also hear a complaint regarding a sump pump draining from 16 Woodland Hts. onto 5 Second St.

• Building permit procedure list amendment input
• Drainage complaint regarding 5 Second St. and 16 Woodland Hts.
• Title 5 reinspection report for 10 Church St.
• Well permit for 132 Main St.
• Pool, Campground, and Milk & Cream permits for Oak Haven Campground

The Board voted 2-0 to approve a 50‑foot variance for the well permit at 132 Main St., allowing distance to the neighboring septic system. The Board also approved the June 4, 2025 meeting minutes by a 2-0 vote. The meeting was formally closed after a 2-0 vote.

• Approved well permit variance for 132 Main St. (2-0)
• Approved minutes from 6/4/2025 (2-0)
• Closed the meeting (2-0)

School Committee

The Wales School Committee is holding two separate meetings focused on labor negotiations. These include sessions with Tantasqua Regional and Union 61, as well as a subcommittee meeting with the Wales Teachers Association.

• Negotiations with Tantasqua Regional and Union 61
• Negotiations Subcommittee meeting with Wales Teachers Association

Cemetery Commission

The Cemetery Commission is meeting to discuss fees and the use of loam and seed. The agenda consists of these specific items for potential discussion.

• Discussion of fees
• Discussion of loam and seed

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will meet remotely to discuss the FY 2026 budget. They will also review and vote on the warrant for the June 11, 2025 Annual Town Meeting.

• Vote to approve and sign the June 11, 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant
• Discussion of FY 2026 Budget

The Board of Selectmen approved and signed the June 11, 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. They also approved the FY 2026 Proposed Budget as amended, including a $3,000 Fire Engineer stipend. The meeting was adjourned at 4:30 pm.

• Approved and signed the June 11, 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant (yes votes)
• Approved FY 2026 Proposed Budget as amended (yes votes)
• Funded Fire Engineer Stipend at $3,000
• Adjourned the meeting at 4:30 pm (yes votes)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will meet to review minutes from April 19, 2025. The body is scheduled to discuss old business regarding an OTH feasibility study and OTH windows.

• OTH feasibility study
• OTH windows

School Committee

The Negotiations Subcommittee of the Wales School Committee is meeting with the Wales Teachers Association. The agenda consists of a request to enter executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy.

• Executive session regarding collective bargaining strategy with the Wales Teachers Association

Board of Selectmen

The Wales Board of Selectmen will hold a public hearing on a request by National Grid and Verizon to install three utility poles on Main Street. The board will also vote on reappointments to the Historical and Conservation Commissions, appoint a new library assistant, and approve meeting minutes and warrants for upcoming town elections.

• National Grid to install 3 utility poles on Main Street near Haynes Hill Road intersection
• Vote to reappoint Rodney Kincaid to Historical Commission (3-year term)
• Vote to reappoint Joan D’Ambrosia to Conservation Commission (3-year term)
• Vote to appoint Christopher Piros as Library Assistant at $16.24/hour
• Vote to approve warrants for July 23 Special Town Election and June 11 Special Town Meeting

The Selectmen unanimously approved the recommendations for the FY2026 Capital Improvement Plan. They also approved a request by National Grid to install three new poles on Main Street. Several appointments and reappointments were confirmed, and warrants for upcoming town elections were signed.

• Approved National Grid request to install three poles on Main Street (unanimous consent)
• Reappointed Rodney A. Kincaid to the Historical Commission (unanimous consent)
• Reappointed Joan D’Ambrosia to the Conservation Commission (unanimous consent)
• Appointed Christopher Piros as Library Assistant at $16.24 hourly (unanimous consent)
• Approved FY2026 Capital Improvement Plan recommendations (unanimous consent)
• Approved Special Town Election warrant for July 23, 2025 (unanimous consent)
• Approved June 11, 2025 Special Town Meeting warrant (unanimous consent)
• Approved April 14, 2025 Regular Session Meeting Minutes (unanimous consent)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will meet to review minutes from March 31, 2025. The board will also receive an update regarding feedback from KP Law and proposed bylaw amendments.

• Update on KP Law feedback and bylaw amendments

The board held a public hearing on proposed zoning and general‑bylaw amendments but did not vote on any changes. It announced that Melanie Oney and Danelle LaFlower will be leaving the Planning Board. The board then approved the minutes from the March 31, 2025 meeting, with all members voting in favor.

• Accepted March 31, 2025 minutes (unanimous vote)

Regional Events

The Wales, Massachusetts Executive Committee will meet to approve minutes, financial reports, and authorize actions including endorsing regional transportation plans and negotiating a $50,000 zoning update contract with Granby. No substantive decisions are scheduled beyond procedural approvals and authorizations.

• Authorization for Chair Walter Gunn to endorse FFY 2026 UPWP at May 27 MPO meeting
• Authorization for Chair Walter Gunn to endorse FFY 2026–2030 TIP at May 27 MPO meeting
• Negotiation of $50,000 contract with Town of Granby for zoning bylaw and map update

Recreation Committee

The Recreation Committee will meet to review the FY25 budget, bills, and projects. The body will also discuss proposed projects for FY26 and spring sports and field use.

• Review of FY25 Budget, Bills & Projects
• Proposed Projects for FY26
• Spring Sports and Field Use

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review the FY25 year-end budget and the Hero Act. The body will also address real estate and motor vehicle abatements and plan new growth field visits for June.

• Payroll for Joan E. Navarro: three payments of $935.27
• Payment for CAI New maps
• Real Estate and Motor Vehicle abatements
• Motor Vehicles Commitments 2025 #3
• FY25 year end budget review

Wales Public Library

The Board of Trustees will meet to discuss the library's strategic plan and director's report. The board is also scheduled to research library bylaws and review the employee evaluation process.

• Research Library Bylaws
• Review employee evaluation process
• Strategic Plan discussion

The trustees approved the May 4, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. They voted to close the library on June 19, 2025 for Juneteenth. The board placed the employee‑evaluation process on hold for new staff while allowing evaluations for permanent employees. Several action items were assigned: Kara will draft dress‑code guidelines and contact MBLC for strategic‑plan help; Lisa will write survey questions and Keri will create a Google Form for the June 11 town meeting.

• Approved May 4, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Closed library on June 19, 2025 for Juneteenth
• Put employee‑evaluation process on hold for new staff; continue for permanent staff
• Assigned Kara to develop dress‑code guidelines
• Assigned Lisa to draft survey questions for June 11 town meeting
• Assigned Keri to create Google Form for June 11 town meeting survey
• Assigned Kara to contact MBLC for strategic‑plan guidance

School Committee

The Tantasqua Regional School District Technical Subcommittee will meet on May 16, 2025, to discuss the Spring Program Advisory, a restructuring of exploratory courses, Grade 9 placement, and a projected census for the tech school. No votes or binding decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Spring Program Advisory discussion
• Restructure of Exploratory courses
• Grade 9 Placement planning
• Tech School Projected Census review

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will review updates on lake management and a DEP enforcement order regarding the Transfer Station/DPW. The body will also discuss the Conservation Trust.

• Lake management update with DEP guidance pictures
• Transfer Station / DPW enforcement order update
• Conservation Trust discussion

The commission approved the May 17, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously (4‑0). It decided to conduct a site visit to the transfer‑station ledge before the next meeting. The commission stated it cannot sponsor a budget article allocating funds under G.L. c.40 sec.8C until its validity is confirmed.

• Approved May 17, 2025 meeting minutes (4‑0)
• Planned site visit to transfer‑station ledge before next meeting
• Did not sponsor funding article under G.L. c.40 sec.8C

Wales Council on Aging

The Wales Council on Aging will meet to approve March 2025 minutes, discuss distribution of senior questionnaires, update movie license status, and review the COA Advisory Committee's mission statement. New business includes Senior Center updates and appointments to the COA Advisory Board.

• Approval of minutes from March 25, 2025
• Update on distribution of senior questionnaires
• Movie license status update
• COA Advisory Committee mission statement discussion
• Appointments to COA Advisory Board

The board approved the March 24, 2025 meeting minutes with all members in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 am by unanimous motion. The next meeting originally scheduled for June 18, 2025 was cancelled and rescheduled for June 25, 2025.

• Approved March 24, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 11:30 am (all in favor)
• Cancelled June 18, 2025 meeting and set new date for June 25, 2025

Planning Board

The Wales Master Plan Implementation Committee will review April minutes, receive updates on the residential checklist and site plan review, and discuss remaining open items from the Master Plan to determine next priorities. No final votes or binding actions are expected.

• Review of April meeting minutes
• Update on residential checklist development
• Update on site plan review process
• Discussion of Master Plan open items and possible next focus areas

The committee approved the April minutes after edits, with all members in favor. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously. No other substantive actions were decided at this session.

• Approved April minutes with edits (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Veterans' Services

The Eastern Hampden County Veterans' Service District will hold a remote meeting to approve the April 16, 2025 meeting minutes and payroll/accounts payable for April 2025. The Veterans' Service Officer will deliver a report, and the meeting schedule will be discussed. The agenda is largely procedural with no major policy decisions or financial commitments listed.

• Review and vote to approve April 16, 2025 regular session meeting minutes
• Review and vote to approve payroll and accounts payable for April 2025
• VSO report by Jason Burgener, Veterans' Service Officer
• Discussion of meeting schedule

Board of Selectmen

The Selectmen approved the warrant for the Annual Town Election to be held on May 28, 2025. They appointed 20 individuals as Election Officers for the 2025‑2026 term. The Board also approved holding a Special Election on July 23, 2025 to fill the vacant Selectmen seat. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved warrant for Annual Town Election on May 28, 2025 (unanimous consent)
• Appointed 20 individuals as Election Officers (unanimous consent)
• Approved special election for vacant Selectmen seat on July 23, 2025 (unanimous consent)

Cemetery Commission

The Wales Cemetery Commission will hold a meeting on May 6, 2025, at the Town Office. The agenda text is garbled, but appears to include orders, grass seeding, fence posts, and cleanup. Specific actions or decisions are not clearly discernible.

• Meeting date/time: May 6, 2025 at 4:00 PM
• Location: Wales Town Office
• Agenda items listed (possibly): orders, grass seeding, fence posts, cleanup

School Committee

The Tantasqua Regional School District Negotiations Subcommittee will meet in executive session to discuss strategy regarding collective bargaining or litigation, as permitted under state law. The meeting is scheduled for May 5, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. in the Superintendent’s Office Conference Room. No other agenda items are listed.

• Discusses collective bargaining strategy in executive session (MGL Ch. 30A, Section 21A (3))

Wales Public Library

The Wales Public Library Board of Trustees will meet to discuss unfinished business including bills, minutes, the Library Director's report, and a Strategic Plan. A tabled Memorandum of Use for the Historical Commission from February is also on the agenda. New business includes reviewing staff evaluation forms, a new Library Assistant job description, and updated policies on pets, behavior, and unattended children. Public comments will be heard.

• Memorandum of Use for Historical Commission (tabled from Feb 24, 2025)
• Review of updated pet policy, behavior policy, and unattended child policy
• Review of staff evaluation forms and new Library Assistant job description
• Library Director's Report and Strategic Plan discussion
• Bills and minutes approval

The trustees approved the meeting minutes from March 24 and April 7, 2025. They unanimously approved the Meeting Room Policy, the Library Staff Code of Conduct, the Memorandum of Understanding with the Friends Group, and the Library Mission Statement. The Board also confirmed the appointment of three Library Assistants and directed Kara to contact MBLC for strategic‑plan guidance.

• Approved meeting minutes from 3/24/2025 and 4/7/2025 (unanimous)
• Approved Meeting Room Policy (unanimous)
• Approved Library Staff Code of Conduct Policy (unanimous)
• Approved Memorandum of Understanding with Friends Group (unanimous)
• Approved Library Mission Statement (unanimous)
• Confirmed appointment of Library Assistants Jill Pourmand, Christopher Piros, Melody Frey (approved 4/14/2025)
• Directed Kara to contact MBLC for strategic‑plan guidance (action pending)
• No other substantive decisions recorded

Planning Board

The meeting scheduled for April 28, 2025, has been canceled. No other agenda items or decisions were listed.

Board of Assessors

The Wales Board of Assessors will consider approving personal property abatements for uncollectable accounts from 2013-2024 totaling $4,285.57; review and approve motor vehicle abatements for eight residents; sign a tax lien for the Bothwell Family Trust; and meet with Paul Skvirsky regarding his denied abatement. The board will also review MDM-1 exemption reimbursement and approve payroll and bills payable.

• Meet with Paul Skvirsky about his denied abatement
• Sign tax lien for Bothwell Family Trust (2027 Plan)
• Review MDM-1 exemption reimbursement
• Approve personal property abatements (uncollectable) from 2013-2024 totaling $4,285.57
• Approve motor vehicle abatements for Bready ($72.25), Eaton ($80.79), Gustafson ($44.99), Linnell ($44.66), Masse ($92.00), Vandall ($46.65 and $61.88), and Pourmand ($6.65)

Historical Commission

The Wales Historical Commission is meeting to review and approve previous meeting minutes, discuss old business including museum summer hours and a window project (OTH), and consider a new item donation. This is a routine procedural meeting with no major decisions expected.

• Review and approve minutes from January 27, 2025
• Discussion of museum summer hours
• Discussion of windows OTH (likely window project)
• Consideration of a new item donation

The Wales Historical Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the January 27, 2025 meeting. They also unanimously voted to place museum opening hours at the library on hold while cataloging inventory. The meeting was adjourned at 11:33 a.m. by unanimous vote.

• Approved January 27, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Paused museum hours at the library for inventory cataloging (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 11:33 a.m. (all in favor)

Conservation Commission

The Wales Conservation Commission will vote on a corrected order for a property at 21 Shore Dr. and hold a public hearing on a Notice of Intent for the same address. Other business includes a discussion of a forest cutting plan at 58 Mt. Hitchcock Rd., a lake management update with DEP data, and a complaint about the Transfer Station/DPW. The agenda also includes approval of prior minutes and a Conservation Trust discussion.

• Vote to approve corrected order for 21 Shore Dr. (DEP FILE # WE 0314-170) with new signatures
• Public hearing for Notice of Intent at 21 Shore Dr. (John & Constance Tierinni, DEP FILE # WE 314-0191)
• Discussion of forest cutting plan at 58 Mt. Hitchcock Rd.
• Lake management update with data and guidance pictures from DEP (Bill Matchett & Bill Terry)
• Complaint regarding Transfer Station / DPW (Eric Pearson)

The commission approved the 2/27/25 meeting minutes, appointed Sarah Ryan and Joshua Smith to three‑year terms, and approved several actions for 21 Shore Drive, including a corrected order, closing the public hearing, and granting the Notice of Intent with special conditions. It also issued an Enforcement Order for unpermitted dumping at the town’s transfer station. All motions passed with all members in favor.

• Approved 2/27/25 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Appointed Sarah Ryan and Joshua Smith to three‑year terms (all in favor)
• Approved corrected order (new signatures) for 21 Shore Dr., DEP FILE # WE 314-0170 (all in favor)
• Closed public hearing for Notice of Intent, DEP FILE # WE 314-0191 (all in favor)
• Approved Notice of Intent, DEP FILE # WE 314-0191 with special conditions (all in favor)
• Issued Enforcement Order for unpermitted dumping at 60 Hollow Rd. Transfer Station (all in favor)

Regional Events

The Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board will meet on April 17, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. in Worcester and via Zoom. The agenda includes roll call, approval of March 20, 2025 minutes, public comment, and reports. No substantive votes or policy decisions are listed; the only action item is a roll call vote to adjourn.

• Approval of minutes from March 20, 2025
• Opportunity for public comments via in-person, email, phone, or Zoom
• Meeting accessible with accommodations available upon 7 business days' notice

Veterans' Services

The Eastern Hampden County Veterans' Service District will meet remotely on April 16, 2025. They will vote to approve the March 26 meeting minutes and March 2025 payroll and accounts payable. The Veterans' Service Officer will give a report and the meeting schedule will be discussed.

• Review and vote to approve March 26 meeting minutes
• Review and vote to approve March 2025 payroll and accounts payable
• Veterans' Service Officer report
• Discussion of meeting schedule

Parks Commission

The Parks Commission will discuss a proposed bylaw to govern its operations, previously brought to the Board of Selectmen. They will also meet with Ed Hood from the Norcross Foundation about cooperative projects and review maintenance plans for grass and beaches with the DPW Director. A mapping error at Needham Park remains unresolved, and the Commission will discuss the Open Space and Recreation Committee Plan.

• Meet with Ed Hood from Norcross Foundation to discuss cooperative projects
• Update on proposed bylaw to govern Parks Commission (discussed with Selectmen)
• Broken sign at Needham Park repaired; new signs still pending
• Discuss maintenance of grass and beaches with DPW Director, plan workdays
• Discuss mapping error at Needham Park; town mapping contract not yet resolved

School Committee

The Tantasqua Regional School Committee will meet to discuss financial and staff reports, along with second readings of several non-discrimination and grievance policies. The main action item is a vote on ratifying the Unit C contract. The meeting also includes a public access period and an executive session for collective bargaining strategy.

• Unit C Contract Ratification
• ACGA – Civil Rights Grievance Procedure – New Second Reading
• AC – Non-Discrimination Policy Including Harassment and Retaliation – Second First Reading
• ACA – Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Sex – Amend Second Reading
• ACAB – Sexual Harassment – Amend – Second Reading

Board of Selectmen

The Selectmen approved the Designer Services Agreement for the Wales Elementary School partial roofing replacement. They also delayed the Annual Town Meeting to June 11, 2025, and opened the warrant for the Special Town Meeting on that date. Several appointments were confirmed, and a $17,000 ATV donation to the fire department was accepted.

• Approved Designer Services Agreement for Wales Elementary School partial roofing replacement (unanimous consent)
• Approved Highway Department Goods & Services FY2025 Agreement with Precise Paving Inc. (unanimous consent)
• Ratified PVPC FY2025 Community Development Block Grant Authorization (unanimous consent)
• Delayed Annual Town Meeting to June 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. (all in favor)
• Opened warrant for Special Town Meeting on June 11, 2025 (all in favor)
• Appointed Emily Sears as Inspector of Animals (unanimous consent)
• Appointed Jillian Pourmand as Library Assistant at $16.24/hr (unanimous consent)
• Accepted ATV donation valued at $17,000 for Fire Department (all in favor)

Capital Improvement Planning Committee

The Capital Improvement Planning Committee will meet to review the proposed FY 2026 – 2035 Capital Improvement Plan. The committee will also vote on the approval of the March 10, 2025 meeting minutes.

• Review of proposed FY 2026 – 2035 Capital Improvement Plan
• Vote to approve March 10, 2025 Meeting Minutes

Wales Public Library

The Wales Public Library Board of Trustees is meeting and will enter an executive session under state law to discuss discipline, dismissal, or complaints involving a public officer, employee, or staff member. The remainder of the agenda is limited to new business and public comments, making the meeting largely procedural.

• Executive session for personnel discipline or dismissal discussion

School Committee

The Negotiations Subcommittee of the Wales School Committee is meeting with the Wales Teachers Association. The agenda consists of a request to enter Executive Session to discuss collective bargaining strategy.

• Executive Session regarding collective bargaining strategy with the Wales Teachers Association

Finance Committee

The Wales Finance Committee will review the ledger of expenses and draft the annual letter. They will examine budgets for town offices, moderator, legal, selectmen, annual report printing, police, and fire departments. No votes or decisions are scheduled; this is a review session.

• Review Police Department Budget
• Review Fire Department Budget
• Review Legal Budget
• Review Town Offices Budget
• Review Board of Selectmen Budget

Planning Board

The Wales Master Plan Implementation Committee is meeting to review March minutes, discuss updates on the residential checklist and site plan review, and consider remaining open items from the Master Plan. The agenda is largely procedural with no specific votes or public hearings listed.

• Review of March meeting minutes
• Discussion of residential checklist and site plan review updates
• Review of Master Plan open items and possible next focus items

Regional Events

The Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board Audit & Finance Committee will meet virtually on April 7, 2025 to discuss and potentially vote on recommending the Fiscal Year 2026 budget to the full Advisory Board. The committee will also hear a budget presentation from Deputy Administrator & CFO Thomas Coyne and consider approval of prior meeting minutes. No public comments will be accepted at this meeting.

• FY`26 Budget Presentation by Deputy Administrator & CFO Thomas Coyne
• Potential roll call vote to recommend the FY`26 budget (with or without amendments) to the WRTA Advisory Board
• Approval of minutes from April 4, 2024 meeting
• Meeting held via Zoom; no public comments accepted
• Committee may consider other business from members

Wales Public Library

The Board of Trustees will meet to discuss the Library Director's report. The board is also scheduled to review updated policies regarding pets, behavior, and unattended children.

• Review of updated pet policy
• Review of updated behavior policy
• Review of updated unattended child policy

The Trustees approved the updated Behavior policy. They also approved the updated Unattended Child policy. Both motions were passed unanimously.

• Approved updated Behavior policy (unanimous)
• Approved updated Unattended Child policy (unanimous)

School Committee

The Tantasqua Regional School District Curriculum Subcommittee will meet to consider revisions to the Junior High Program of Studies. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Discussion and possible action on revisions to the JH Program of Studies

School Committee

The committee will conduct first readings for several new and amended policies regarding non-discrimination, sexual harassment, and electronic messaging. The meeting includes a financial report and a request for an executive session to discuss collective bargaining or litigation strategy.

• First reading of Civil Rights Grievance Procedure (ACGA)
• First reading of DCJIS Model CORI Policy (ADDA-R)
• Amendments to Non-Discrimination and Sexual Harassment policies (AC, ACA, ACAB)
• Amendment to Use of Electronic Messaging by School Committee Members (BHE)
• Review of Background Checks policy (ADDA)

Cemetery Commission

The Wales Cemetery Commission is holding a regular meeting. The agenda includes discussion of lawn damage from snow plowing and a possible parking contract. No votes on specific expenditures are listed.

• Discussion of lawn damage from snow plowing
• Possible parking contract discussion

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing regarding proposed changes to the Town of Wales Zoning Bylaws. The board is considering a new table of contents and numbering system, as well as amendments to multiple specific sections of the bylaws.

• Public hearing on amendments to Wales Zoning Bylaws sections 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.1, 4.2, 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.4, 7.9, 8.4, and 9
• Proposed acceptance of a new table of contents and numbering system for Zoning Bylaws

The Planning Board closed the public hearing on the zoning bylaw amendments and voted to accept all proposed changes, including a new table of contents, numbering system, and revisions to multiple sections. The board also approved the 2025 Wales Open Space and Recreation Plan and the draft approval letter to the Division of Conservation Services. Minutes from the February 24 meeting were accepted with edits.

• Closed public hearing on Wales zoning bylaw amendments – all in favor (Motion 03312025-01)
• Accepted all proposed amendments to Wales Zoning Bylaws – all in favor (Motion 03312025-02)
• Approved the 2025 Wales Open Space and Recreation Plan – all in favor (Motion 03312025-03)
• Approved language of the drafted approval letter to the Division of Conservation Services – all in favor (Motion 03312025-04)
• Accepted minutes from 2/24/25 with edits – all in favor (Motion 03312025-05)

Conservation Commission

The Wales Conservation Commission will meet to approve minutes from February 27 and receive an update on lake management. A discussion on the Conservation Trust is also on the agenda. No public hearings or votes on specific projects or permits are scheduled.

• Approval of minutes from February 27, 2025
• Lake Management update (discussion/inquiry)
• Conservation Trust discussion

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will review several town department budgets, including the Senior Center, Fire Department, Highway, and an amended Police Department budget with an operational increase request. They will also review the ledger of expenses and draft the annual letter. No votes or decisions are scheduled; all items are under discussion.

• Review amended Police Department Budget and operational budget increase request
• Review Senior Center Budget
• Review Fire Department Budget
• Review Highway Budget
• Draft Annual Letter

Veterans' Services

The Eastern Hampden County Veterans' Service District will review and vote on the March 3, 2025 meeting minutes and February 2025 payroll and accounts payable. The Veterans' Service Officer will give a report, and the board will discuss the meeting schedule.

• Approve March 3, 2025 regular session minutes
• Approve payroll and accounts payable for February 2025
• Veterans Service Officer report by Jason Burgener
• Discussion of future meeting schedule

School Committee

The Negotiations Subcommittee of the Wales School Committee will meet with the Wales Teachers Association on March 26, 2025. The only agenda item is a request to enter executive session under state law to discuss collective bargaining strategy. No public business will be conducted in open session.

• Executive session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the Wales Teachers Association

Wales Public Library

The Board of Trustees will discuss the library's strategic plan and staff evaluation forms. The meeting includes a review of a new Library Assistant job description and a request from the Capital Improvement Planning Commission.

• Review of new Library Assistant job description
• Memorandum of Understanding for Historical Commission
• Capital Improvement Planning Commission request
• Staff evaluation forms review
• Strategic Plan discussion

The trustees approved the March 24 meeting minutes and the staff evaluation forms for use, both with unanimous support. The Memorandum of Use for the Historical Commission and the employee evaluation process were tabled for a future meeting. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved meeting minutes from 2/24/2025 (unanimous)
• Approved staff evaluation forms for use (unanimous)
• Tabled employee evaluation process (postponed)
• Tabled Memorandum of Use for Historical Commission (postponed)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will act on real estate abatements, including a $563.82 abatement for Darren Nguyen and a denied abatement for Mark Palmer. They will re-sign a revised bill warrant for $680.62 for an omitted bill from February. Payroll for Joan E. Navarro totaling $1,870.54 is also up for approval. Motor vehicle abatements include multiple farmer exemptions.

• Real estate abatement for Darren Nguyen $563.82
• Mark Palmer abatement denied (2022 appraisal)
• Revised bill warrant $680.62 for omitted February bill
• Payroll for Joan E. Navarro: two periods, $935.27 each
• Motor vehicle abatements: Felton exempt, Givner (x2), Kibbe, Langlois, Russo (x2), Royea, Weidler farmer exempt (x3)

Wales Council on Aging

The Wales Council on Aging will meet on March 24, 2025, at the Senior Center to approve minutes from October 2024, discuss the distribution of questionnaires to seniors, and consider a new mission statement for the COA Advisory Committee, including meeting logistics. The next meeting date will be determined.

• Approval/denial of minutes from October 21, 2024
• Old business: update on questionnaires distributed to seniors
• New business: draft a new mission statement for the COA Advisory Committee
• Discussion of dates, times, and location for future COA Advisory Committee meetings
• Next meeting date to be set

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will open a public hearing to review an application for 70 Union Rd. and will also review meeting minutes from December 12, 2024. No other business is listed.

• Public hearing on application at 70 Union Rd.
• Review of meeting minutes from 12/12/2024

The Zoning Board held a public hearing on a special permit for a 24 × 48 single‑family home at 70 Union Rd. Members voted unanimously to close the hearing and then unanimously approved the special permit. The board also unanimously approved the minutes from the 12/12/24 public hearing. The meeting was adjourned at 5:24 pm.

• Closed public hearing for 70 Union Rd. special permit (3-0)
• Approved special permit for 24 × 48 single‑family home at 70 Union Rd. (3-0)
• Approved 12/12/24 meeting minutes as written (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Regional Events

The Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board is meeting on March 20, 2025, via webinar. The agenda consists only of standard procedural items: Chairperson’s Comments, Business from the public, Administrator’s Report, and Advisory Board Members Comments. No specific votes, contracts, or policy changes are listed for discussion or decision.

• Meeting held via Zoom webinar; public may participate by phone or online
• Public comments accepted by email, phone, or raised hand during the meeting
• Accommodations available with 7 business days notice

School Committee

The School Improvement Council will discuss updates to the Vision of a Graduate and the School Improvement Plan, including a draft crisis management plan, ATLAS curriculum map updates, and safety drill dates. They will also receive a NEASC update and new business items such as end-of-year information, MCAS news, and an attendance policy data presentation.

• Crisis Management Plan DRAFT discussed
• ATLAS curriculum map updates throughout school year
• ALICE Drills dates presented
• NEASC Update on accreditation status
• Attendance Update with new policy data presentation

Recreation Committee

The Recreation Committee will discuss the FY25 budget and projects, including improvements to the basketball court behind the school. The body will also consider proposed projects for FY26 and spring sports field use.

• Review of FY25 Budget & Projects
• Improvements at the basketball court behind the school
• Proposed Projects for FY26
• Spring Sports and Field Use

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will meet via Zoom to conduct new business. The primary item for the meeting is a vote regarding an alcoholic beverages license.

• Vote to approve and sign the Alcoholic Beverages License for Choice Foods, 2 Main Street

The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to approve and sign the alcoholic beverages license for Choice Foods at 2 Main Street. The meeting was conducted remotely and adjourned shortly after.

• Approved alcoholic beverages license for Choice Foods, 2 Main Street (2-0)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will review budget proposals for the Senior Center, Fire Department, Board of Health, and Highway Department. The body will also discuss a transfer request and amended budget for the Board of Assessors and an operational budget increase for the Police Department.

• Review of Senior Center Budget
• Review of Fire Department Budget
• Review of Board of Health Budget
• Review of Highway Budget
• Police Department amended budget and operational budget increase request

Planning Board

The Wales Master Plan Implementation Committee is meeting to finalize the Open Space and Recreation Plan following a public session. They will also review February minutes and receive updates on sub-group action items such as a residential checklist and site plan review. Other business includes board/committee updates and correspondence.

• Finalizing the Open Space and Recreation Plan (wrap-up from Saturday public session)
• Review of February meeting minutes
• Sub-group updates: Residential checklist and site plan review
• Board/committee updates, if any
• Correspondence and any new business

The Wales Master Plan Implementation Committee met and discussed several ongoing items, including an outdated residential checklist, potential grant opportunities, and a proposed zoning bylaw change. No formal votes were taken on these items; the meeting was primarily informational and action items were assigned to members for follow-up. The committee approved the February meeting minutes.

• Approved February meeting minutes (6-0)
• Discussed outdated residential checklist; Building Inspector declined to comment, action items assigned
• Discussed potential grant opportunities including CDBG, culvert, unpaved road, and One Stop grants
• Discussed nonconforming lot bylaw change; concerns raised about phrasing, action items assigned
• Discussed $100 transfer from free cash for Conservation warrant article

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen approved several routine items, including appointing Maxwell Youngberg as Seasonal Laborer, signing the warrant for the Annual Town Non-Partisan Caucus on April 16, and opening the Annual Town Meeting warrant for May 21. They also approved a fire alarm panel replacement and a public health grant amendment. A motion to approve a Senior Center Activities Coordinator job description was withdrawn after discussion, and no action was taken.

• Appointed Maxwell Youngberg as Seasonal Laborer (unanimous)
• Approved warrant for Annual Town Non-Partisan Caucus on April 16, 2025 (unanimous)
• Opened Annual Town Meeting warrant for May 21, 2025, closing April 24 (unanimous)
• Approved First Amendment to IMA for Public Health Excellence Grant (unanimous)
• Approved PVPC Discharges of Liens on 6 Hillside Drive and 67 Main Street (unanimous)
• Approved Bartholomew Electric proposal for $1,855.70 to replace senior center fire alarm panel (unanimous)
• Approved February 3, 2025 minutes as amended (2-0, Grasso abstained)
• Approved February 12, 2025 minutes (unanimous)

Capital Improvement Planning Committee

The Capital Improvement Planning Committee will meet on March 10, 2025, to review and prioritize any new capital improvement submissions and discuss the meeting schedule. The agenda is procedural with no specific projects or dollar amounts listed.

• Review and prioritize new submissions
• Discussion of meeting schedule

School Committee

The Wales School Committee meeting agenda for March 10, 2025, consists solely of references to two PDF files: one for a negotiations subcommittee and one for a curriculum subcommittee. No specific decisions, proposals, or discussions are detailed in the provided agenda text.

• Agenda contains only PDF file names without further details

Planning Board

The Implementation Committee will meet to hold a public presentation. The session focuses on the Open Space and Recreation Plan and the Municipal Vulnerability Plan/Hazard Mitigation Plan.

• Public presentation on Open Space and Recreation Plan
• Public presentation on Municipal Vulnerability Plan/Hazard Mitigation Plan

Regional Events

The Worcester Regional Transit Authority Personnel Committee will meet in executive session to discuss and negotiate the contract of WRTA Administrator Joshua Rickman. The committee intends to prepare a recommendation for the WRTA Advisory Board.

• Contract negotiations for WRTA Administrator Joshua Rickman

Board of Health

The Board of Health will review minutes, discuss a well permit at 132 Main St., a tobacco control memorandum of understanding, and a septic system capacity issue at 148 Monson Rd. where a house with a garage apartment totals 4 bedrooms but the septic is designed for 3. Old business includes a discussion on requiring ServeSafe food handler certification for all kitchen workers and revisiting inspector pay.

• 132 Main St. – Well permit discussion
• 148 Monson Rd. – Septic capacity issue for 4-bedroom occupancy with 3-bedroom septic design; contractor to attend
• Tobacco control Memorandum of Understanding
• ServeSafe certification requirement for all kitchen workers (discussion)
• Revisit inspector pay rates

Cemetery Commission

The Wales Cemetery Commission meets on March 4, 2025, at the Town Office. The agenda contains only a single line reading "SPRING OP Emig", whose meaning is not clear from the source. No other decisions or discussions are listed.

• Agenda item: "SPRING OP Emig" (interpretation uncertain)

Veterans' Services

The Eastern Hampden County Veterans' Service District will meet remotely on March 3, 2025. New business includes approving January 2025 meeting minutes and payroll and accounts payable for January 2025, and receiving a Veterans' Service Officer report. The main item is a review of a draft FY2026 budget (Version 1). The meeting is held via Zoom with no in-person public attendance.

• Review and vote to approve January 15, 2025 Regular Session Meeting Minutes
• Review and vote to approve payroll and accounts payable for January 2025
• Veterans' Service Officer (VSO) report by Jason Burgener
• Review of DRAFT FY2026 Budget (Version 1)

School Committee

The Negotiations Subcommittee of the Wales School Committee will meet with the Wales Teachers Association to discuss collective bargaining strategy. The meeting includes an executive session requested under state law to protect the public body's negotiating position.

• Executive session under M.G.L. Chapter 30A § 21A(3) to discuss collective bargaining strategy
• Meeting with Wales Teachers Association at Wales Elementary School

Conservation Commission

The Wales Conservation Commission will consider a Notice of Intent for 70 Union Rd (DEP File # WE 314-0190), continued from a prior meeting, with applicant Lisa Ohr and representative Mark Farrell. Old business includes an enforcement order update at 47 Fountain Rd. The meeting also covers lake management and a Fountain Rd update.

• Public hearing (continued) on Notice of Intent at 70 Union Rd, DEP File # WE 314-0190
• Enforcement order discussion/update for 47 Fountain Rd
• Lake management discussion with Bill Terry
• Update on Fountain Rd from Bill Shiers

The Wales Conservation Commission voted unanimously to lift the enforcement order at 47 Fountain Rd. after confirming the removal of unapproved wood flooring and relocation of a shed. They also approved a Notice of Intent for a new house at 70 Union Rd. with special conditions, after the applicant revised plans to reduce fill and raise the structure above the flood zone.

• Approved minutes from 1/16/25 with edits (3-0)
• Lifted enforcement order issued 7/24/24 at 47 Fountain Rd. (3-0)
• Closed public hearing for 70 Union Rd. Notice of Intent (3-0)
• Approved Notice of Intent for 70 Union Rd. with special conditions (3-0)

Finance Committee

The Wales Finance Committee will meet to approve previous meeting minutes, discuss a transfer request and amended budget with the Board of Assessors, and review correspondence from the Board of Health. The committee will also review the Police Department budget and the School Budget. These discussions are part of the town's financial planning process.

• Approve February 13th meeting minutes
• Discuss transfer request and amended budget with Board of Assessors
• Review correspondence from Board of Health
• Review Police Department budget
• Review School Budget

The Finance Committee voted not to approve a transfer request from the Board of Assessors for unexpected legal expenses and maintenance fees, pending more information. The committee also tabled its recommendation on the Assessors' budget until they can meet. No other substantive decisions were made; the Police Department budget was received for review.

• Denied transfer request from Board of Assessors (unanimous)
• Tabled recommendation on Board of Assessors budget

Planning Board

The Wales Planning Board will review drafted zoning bylaw changes and consider scheduling a public hearing. They will also discuss the Site Plan Review Bylaw and MPIC. The meeting includes approval of previous minutes from January 27, 2025. Note that listed items may be discussed or omitted as permitted by the chair.

• Review of drafted zoning bylaw changes
• Scheduling of public hearing on zoning bylaw changes
• Discussion of Site Plan Review Bylaw and MPIC
• Approval of minutes from January 27, 2025

The Planning Board finalized which sections of the zoning bylaws will be amended, identifying inconsistencies and confirming language changes. The board also approved the minutes from the January 27, 2025 meeting with edits. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Finalized sections of zoning bylaws to be amended (Sections I, II, III, 4.2, VII, 7.1, 7.5, 7.9, 8.4, IX)
• Approved minutes from 1/27/2025 with edits (4-0, Melanie Oney N/A)

Wales Public Library

The Board of Trustees will discuss updates to the employee handbook and several library policies. The meeting includes a review of the Town report and a new job description for a Library Assistant.

• Review of new Library Assistant job description
• Updates to selling for the library, weather, dog, and unattended child policies
• MARS Waiver process voting update
• Memorandum of Understanding for Historical Commission
• Capital Improvement Planning Commission request

The Wales Public Library Board of Trustees approved several actions, including spending on a Certificate of Librarianship for staff training, using state aid for library upgrades (circ desk, rugs, changing table, chairs), and adopting a revised weather policy allowing the library to stay open when school is closed. They also approved a policy for sales at the library and a letter to the Board of Selectmen about personnel issues. A Memorandum of Use for the Historical Commission was tabled until the next meeting.

• Approved meeting minutes from 1/27/2025 (all in favor)
• Approved bills and payroll for February 2025 (all in favor)
• Approved Chair writing letter to BOS requesting action on personnel issues (all in favor)
• Approved spending on Certificate of Librarianship for staff training (all in favor)
• Approved using state aid for library upgrades: circ desk, rugs, changing table, chairs (all in favor)
• Approved policy for sales at the library (all in favor)
• Approved revised weather policy to allow library to remain open if school is closed (all in favor)
• Tabled Memorandum of Use for Historical Commission until March 24

Board of Assessors

The Wales Board of Assessors will meet to approve motor vehicle and real estate tax commitments totaling $224,950.67, consider several abatement denials and an omitted commitment, and discuss a property tax appeal via Zoom with Town Line Storage LLC. The board will also approve payroll for the assessor's clerk.

• Approval of 2025 commitment warrant for $222,099.20 and 2024 commitment warrant for $1,851.47
• Denial of abatements for properties at 154 Monson Rd, 31 Stafford Rd, and 25 Holland Road
• Omitted commitment for 41 Union Rd in the amount of $680.62
• Payroll for Joan E. Navarro totaling $1,870.54 for two pay periods
• Zoom meeting on 2/25/2025 with Town Line Storage LLC regarding an Appellate Tax Board case

Regional Events

The Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board will hold a virtual meeting on February 20, 2025. The agenda consists of chairperson's comments, public comment, an administrator's report, and board member comments. No specific votes or action items are listed beyond these routine items.

• Meeting held via Zoom webinar due to extended pandemic-era policies
• Public comment accepted by email, phone, or Zoom raised hand with 48-hour notice preferred
• Accommodations available upon request with 7 business days' notice
• Board will hear the Administrator's Report and comments from members

Regional Events

The WRTA Advisory Board Personnel Committee is meeting to review the Administrator's evaluation forms and prepare a recommendation for the full WRTA Board. The working meeting will not include public comment.

• Review and discuss the WRTA Administrator's evaluation forms
• Prepare a recommendation for the WRTA Board based on the evaluation

Planning Board

The Implementation Committee is meeting to discuss updates to the Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP). The body will also review progress on residential checklists and site plan reviews.

• OSRP chapters update
• PVPC OSRP March 8 public comment session action update
• Residential checklist update
• Site plan review update

The Master Plan Implementation Committee approved January's meeting minutes and finalized the Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) action plan for posting, with the final draft due to the committee Wednesday. The group agreed to add 'cultural respect easements' to the action plan after a discussion with PVPC. The Conservation Trust received support from the Conservation Commission and Finance Committee for a $100 budget line item, which will require both an article and a line item. The next meeting is scheduled for March 11th after the March 8th public session.

• Approved January meeting minutes (all in favor, Boehne abstained)
• Finalized OSRP action plan for posting, due to MPIC Wednesday
• Agreed to add 'cultural respect easements' to the action plan
• Conservation Trust: Concom and Fincom support $100 budget line item, to be added as article and line item

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will review the Library, Board of Health, Code Enforcement, and Board of Assessors budgets. They will also approve minutes from prior meetings.

• Review Library Budget
• Review additional information from Board of Health and BOH Budget
• Review Code Enforcement Budget
• Review Board of Assessors Budget

The Finance Committee approved minutes from December and January, and recommended the Conservation, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Planning Board budgets to the Board of Selectmen as proposed. The Library budget was tabled until remaining budgets are reviewed, and the Board of Health budget awaits clarification on stipend increases. No changes were made to the reserve balance.

• Approved December 12, 2024 and January 23, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Recommended Conservation budget as proposed, including $100 for Conservation Trust fund (all in favor)
• Recommended Zoning Board of Appeals budget as proposed (all in favor)
• Recommended Planning Board budget as proposed (all in favor)
• Tabled Library budget recommendation until remaining budgets are reviewed
• Board of Health budget deferred pending clarification on stipend increases

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to create and authorize the Wales Elementary School (WES) Roof Subcommittee to conduct the designer selection process for the roof project. The board also unanimously appointed three members to the subcommittee, effective February 13, 2025. Two other items—a proposal from Bartholomew Electric and the appointment of an on-call truck driver—were listed but no action was taken.

• Created WES Roof Subcommittee (3-0)
• Appointed Robyn Chrabascz, Christine Randall, and Steve Rich to WES Roof Subcommittee (3-0)
• No action on Bartholomew Electric proposal #11325JP ($1,855.70)
• No action on appointing Andrew Harrowfield as On Call Truck Driver

Veterans' Services

The district will review the first version of the FY 2026 budget. Members will also vote on January 2025 payroll, accounts payable, and meeting minutes.

• Review of FY 2026 Draft Budget (Version 1)
• Vote on January 2025 payroll and accounts payable
• Vote to approve January 15, 2025 meeting minutes
• Veterans’ Service Officer report from Jason Burgener

School Committee

The Tantasqua Regional School Committee will meet to discuss financial reports, staff reports including a baseball overnight trip, and committee updates. A public hearing on the FY26 proposed budget is scheduled, along with potential handbook changes and other policy items. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and an open forum for public comment.

• Approval of January 21, 2025 regular session minutes
• Financial report discussion
• Baseball overnight trip (High School staff report)
• FY26 Proposed Budget public hearing
• 25/26 Handbook changes (Curriculum committee)

School Committee

The Negotiations Subcommittee will meet in executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy. The session involves Tantasqua Unit D.

• Executive Session regarding collective bargaining with Tantasqua Unit D

Board of Health

The Wales Board of Health will consider making ServeSafe food handler certification a requirement for all kitchen workers, in addition to an existing manager certification. The board will also review several site-specific matters, including a variance request for 70 Union Rd., complaints about an RV occupancy at 9 Shore Dr., and well permits for 132 & 134 Main St. Discussion items include permit fees, inspector pay, and a proposed permitting process for children's camps. Minutes from December 18, 2024, and the 2024 annual report are scheduled for approval.

• Discuss requiring ServeSafe food handler certification for all kitchen workers
• Variance request for 70 Union Rd. (review and approval)
• Complaint about someone living in an RV at 9 Shore Dr.; letter sent to property owner
• Well permits for 132 & 134 Main St.
• Discussion of permit fees and inspector pay

The Board approved a variance request for a septic system at 70 Union Rd., allowing reduced distances to the well and property line. They also approved a well permit for 134 Main St. and the town report. Several items were tabled for further research, including a food handler certification requirement and a well permit for 132 Main St.

• Approved variances for septic system at 70 Union Rd. (2-0)
• Approved well permit for 134 Main St.
• Approved BOH Town Report
• Tabled Servsafe certification requirement for food handlers
• Tabled well permit for 132 Main St.
• Tabled discussion on Norcross rec camps for children
• Approved minutes from 12/18/2024 (2-0)

Local Cultural Council

The Wales Cultural Council will review 2024 grant status and minutes from the November meeting. The council will vote for chair or co-chairs for 2025 and discuss conducting a community survey, the 2025 calendar, and assignment of administrative duties. The meeting also includes scheduling the fall 2025 grant review session.

• Review minutes of 11/12/2024 meeting
• Review 2024 grant status – approvals/rejections
• Vote for chair or co-chairs for 2025
• Discuss 2025 community survey – who, how, when
• Schedule fall 2025 grant review meeting (after Oct. 16)

The Wales Cultural Council met on February 4, 2025, and approved the minutes from November 12, 2024. They reviewed the status of 2025 grants, noting 15 requests received, 10 approved, and 5 rejected, with notices sent per MCC guidelines. The council elected Kathy Cody and Stacia Caplanson as co-chairs for 2025, and assigned tasks for a community survey, Facebook page, event calendar, and email/mailbox checks. The next meeting is scheduled for November 9, 2025.

• Approved minutes of November 12, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Elected Kathy Cody and Stacia Caplanson as co-chairs for 2025 (unanimous)
• Assigned Stacia to create 2025 community survey via Survey Monkey and hard copies at Senior Center
• Assigned Kathy to set up dedicated WCC Facebook page
• Assigned Carlton to set up calendar of WCC-sponsored events for 2025
• Assigned Kathy to check WCC e-mail and Town Hall mailbox

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen approved a traffic control agreement with MassDOT for the Monson Road project, and approved several sets of meeting minutes. A proposal to replace the senior center fire alarm panel was discussed but tabled for more information. The board also expressed support for Verizon Fios broadband expansion.

• Approved Traffic Control Agreement for Monson Road project with MassDOT (unanimous)
• Approved October 9 and October 10, 2024 regular session minutes (unanimous)
• Approved October 10, 2024 executive session minutes and authorized release (unanimous)
• Approved December 12, 2024 (amended), December 23, 2024, and January 13, 2025 regular session minutes (voice vote)
• Approved December 12 and December 23, 2024 executive session minutes, not subject to release (unanimous)
• Tabled senior center fire alarm panel replacement pending additional information

School Committee

The Curriculum Subcommittee will meet to discuss school handbook revisions and the roles of high school assistant principals. The group will also receive an update on the Civil Rights Audit.

• Handbook revisions
• Roles of HS Assistant Principals
• Civil Rights Audit update

School Committee

The School Committee is continuing its discussion on the Vision of a Graduate, including faculty, student, and community surveys, and working groups to finalize the vision. They will also review the School Improvement Plan, including curriculum mapping and a draft crisis management plan, and receive a NEASC update. Routine business includes choosing a date for the April meeting.

• Vision of a Graduate: discussion, surveys, and working groups to finalize
• School Improvement Plan: ATLAS curriculum update and crisis management draft
• NEASC update from Dr. Dufresne
• Selection of April meeting date

Wales Public Library

The Board of Trustees will review unfinished business including bills, minutes, the library director's report, strategic plan updates, the MARS waiver process, and the employee handbook. New business covers access to the Historical Commission Resource Room, staff evaluation forms, and policies on dogs and unattended children. The agenda is largely routine with no major financial or zoning decisions.

• Strategic plan update
• MARS waiver process update from Jan 9 meeting
• Employee handbook update
• Historical Commission Resource Room access discussion
• Dog and Unattended Child policy review

The Wales Public Library Board of Trustees approved the Historical Commission's request for regular access to the Resource Room, with all members in favor. They also approved the December 23, 2024 meeting minutes, authorized the chair to write the annual report with the library director, approved the use of video cameras, and amended the director's hours as needed. The board tabled discussions on a weather policy and selling library items until February 24, 2025.

• Approved Historical Commission regular access to Resource Room (all in favor)
• Approved meeting minutes from 12/23/2024 (all in favor)
• Approved chair to write annual report with Kara (all in favor)
• Approved use of video cameras (all in favor)
• Amended Kara's hours as needed (all in favor)
• Tabled weather policy until 2/24/25
• Tabled selling under library policy until 2/24/25

Historical Commission

The Wales Historical Commission is holding a joint meeting with the Library Board of Trustees. The body will discuss the relocation of a collection to the library and a feasibility study for the CIPC.

• Collection re-location to Library
• Feasibility study and phase I recommendations for the CIPC

The Wales Historical Commission met on January 27, 2025, and approved the November minutes. The feasibility project for Old Town Hall was tabled, as were discussions on removing window coverings and monthly museum staffing. The Library Board of Trustees agreed to temporarily house commission materials in the library resource room.

• Approved November 16 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Tabled Old Town Hall feasibility project (all in favor)
• Tabled window covering removal and museum staffing discussions (all in favor)
• Agreed to use library resource room for temporary storage of commission materials

Planning Board

The Planning Board will meet to discuss general and zoning bylaw changes. The board will also hold a public hearing regarding an Act of Acceptance (ANR) for 80 Stafford Holland Rd.

• Public hearing for ANR at 80 Stafford Holland Rd.
• Discussion of general and zoning bylaw changes

The Planning Board continued discussions on proposed zoning bylaw changes, including shifting some uses from 'allowed by right' to 'allowed by SP' and grandfathering existing uses. The board approved an ANR (Approval Not Required) plan for 80 Stafford Holland Rd., creating two buildable lots and one non-buildable lot. Minutes from the December 16, 2024 meeting were accepted unanimously.

• Approved ANR for 80 Stafford Holland Rd. (unanimous)
• Accepted minutes from 12/16/24 (unanimous)
• Continued discussion on zoning bylaw changes (no vote)

Board of Assessors

The Wales Board of Assessors will approve payroll and outstanding bills, sign abatement decisions and a property denial, and review an assessment at 154 Monson Rd. The board will also formally sign the 2025 real estate commitment warrant ($1,927,244.87) and personal property commitment warrant ($109,591.08), setting the town's annual tax levy.

• Signing 2025 real estate commitment warrant for $1,927,244.87
• Signing 2025 personal property commitment warrant for $109,591.08
• Signing abatement refunds: $707.16 (Godek) and $312.71 (Phifer)
• Review of assessment at 154 Monson Rd (Szlachetka)
• Scheduled Zoom hearing on 2/25/2025 for Town Line Storage LLC (ATB)

Parks Commission

The Wales Parks Commission will meet to determine if the Board or the committee should draft a bylaw to govern the commission. Members will also discuss signage at town properties and mapping errors at Needham Park.

• Drafting of a Town of Wales Bylaw to govern the Parks Commission
• Signage at town properties following vehicle damage to a tree and sign
• Planning for work days
• Annual Town Report discussion
• Open Space and Recreation Committee Plan public comment period tentatively set for March 8th

School Committee

The Tantasqua Regional School District Budget Subcommittee will meet on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. in the Junior High School library. The single agenda item is a discussion of the Fiscal 2026 Budget. No other business is listed.

• Discussion of Fiscal 2026 Budget

Finance Committee

The Wales Finance Committee will meet to approve minutes from December 12 and discuss routine administrative business, including a review of the Town Clerk budget, notes from a January 14 MPIC meeting, and the annual town report deadline. No votes on specific spending or policy changes are on the agenda.

• Approve minutes from December 12 meeting
• Review Town Clerk budget (no amount specified)
• Discuss notes from January 14 MPIC meeting
• Review annual town report deadline

The Finance Committee voted unanimously to recommend the Town Clerk budget to the Board of Selectmen as proposed. They also agreed to add a recommendation for the Conservation Commission to contribute $100 annually to the Conservation Trust Fund. Several other budgets were reviewed, with Police and Public Works requesting more time, and the Fire Department, Library, and Senior Center scheduled for the March 13th meeting.

• Recommended Town Clerk budget to Board of Selectmen as proposed (unanimous)
• Agreed to add recommendation for Conservation Commission $100 annual contribution to Conservation Trust Fund

Conservation Commission

The Wales Conservation Commission will approve minutes from December 19, 2024, discuss an enforcement order update for property at 47 Fountain Rd., and hold a public hearing on a Notice of Intent for work at 70 Union Rd. (DEP File # WE 314-0190) submitted by applicant Lisa Ohr, represented by Mark Farrell of Green Hill Engineering.

• Approval of minutes from December 19, 2024 meeting
• Enforcement order discussion/update for 47 Fountain Rd.
• Public hearing on Notice of Intent for 70 Union Rd. (DEP File # WE 314-0190, applicant Lisa Ohr, rep. Mark Farrell, Green Hill Engineering)

The Wales Conservation Commission approved the December 19, 2024 meeting minutes with edits. They discussed an enforcement order for unpermitted flooring at 47 Fountain Rd. and decided to send a follow-up letter via USPS. The public hearing for the Notice of Intent at 70 Union Rd. was continued to February 27, 2025, to allow the applicant to provide a plan using compensatory storage.

• Approved 12/19/24 meeting minutes with edits (unanimous)
• Continued 70 Union Rd. Notice of Intent hearing to Feb. 27, 2025 (unanimous)
• Decided to send additional letter to Fredette's regarding unpermitted flooring at 47 Fountain Rd.

Regional Events

The WRTA Advisory Board will hold a meeting via conference call and webinar. The agenda consists of procedural items including the Chairperson's comments, an Administrator's report, and public business.

Veterans' Services

The Eastern Hampden County Veterans' Service District will review and vote to approve minutes from November and December 2024, approve payroll and accounts payable for December 2024, and hear a report from the Veterans' Service Officer. The main new business is a vote on the Town of Brimfield's request to join the district effective January 16, 2025.

• Vote to approve minutes from November 13, 2024 Regular Session
• Vote to approve minutes from December 18, 2024 Regular Session
• Vote to approve payroll and accounts payable for December 2024
• Jason Burgener, Veterans’ Service Officer report
• Vote on Town of Brimfield's request to join the district effective January 16, 2025

Planning Board

The Implementation Committee is meeting to swear in annual appointments and review the Master Plan. The body will discuss updates to the Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) and the creation of a working group for Zoning By-laws Site Plan Review.

• OSRP chapters update and planning for a March 8 public comment session
• Establishment of a working group for Zoning By-laws Site Plan Review
• Discussion of proposed changes to town bylaws regarding the Parks Commission and Recreation Committee
• Review of residential checklist and potential subcommittee work with the Building Dept.
• Setting of 2025 meeting dates

The Wales Master Plan Implementation Committee (MPIC) scheduled a public comment meeting for the Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon at Wales Elementary School. The committee also approved the November minutes, set its 2025 meeting schedule, and discussed several ongoing projects, including a residential checklist, site plan review bylaw, and potential funding for the Conservation Trust. No final decisions were made on these latter items; they remain in discussion or assigned to subgroups.

• Approved November 2024 minutes (5-0, with 2 abstentions)
• Set OSRP public comment meeting for March 8, 2025, 10 a.m.-noon at Wales Elementary School
• Set 2025 meeting schedule: Feb 11, Mar 11, Apr 8, May 13, Jun 10, Jul 8, Aug 12, Sep 9, Oct 14, Dec 9
• Swore in reappointed members: Jennifer Bothwell, Peter Higgins, JoAnne Higgins, Robyn Chrabascz, Danelle Laflower, Ed Fisher

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen held a public hearing for an off-premises alcohol license for Choice Foods and approved it. They also approved a National Grid utility pole project on Monson Road. Several appointments were made, including Chris Ryan as Interim DPW Director. The board also approved a Library Assistant job description and scheduled future meetings.

• Approved off-premises alcohol license for Choice Foods (unanimous)
• Approved National Grid pole installation/removal on Monson Road (unanimous)
• Appointed Peter Hamm to Historical Commission (unanimous)
• Appointed Anastasia Caplanson to Cultural Council (unanimous)
• Designated Emily Sears as Animal Control Officer for 2025 (unanimous)
• Appointed Chris Ryan as Interim DPW Director (unanimous)
• Approved Library Assistant job description (unanimous)
• Scheduled meetings for Feb 10 and Mar 10, 2025

School Committee

The Tantasqua Regional School District Building/Physical Plant Subcommittee will meet to discuss the status of the school pool and to review capital plans for fiscal years 2025 and 2026. No decisions are indicated in the agenda; items are listed for discussion.

• Pool Status update
• Capital Plan Fiscal 2025 discussion
• Capital Plan Fiscal 2026 discussion

Conservation Commission

The Wales Conservation Commission will hold a virtual meeting on January 2, 2025, to discuss a Notice of Intent (DEP File # WE 314-0188) for property at 44 Union Road. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and discussion with Mark Stinson of the DEP. No public hearings or new business items are listed.

• Discussion of Notice of Intent for 44 Union Rd (DEP File # WE 314-0188) with Mark Stinson/DEP