Wilbraham public meetings in 2023

Conservation Commission

The Commission decided that no amendment is necessary at this time for the Emergency Certificate issued to Patriot Hydro regarding the Red Bridge Dam. Members received updates on site stabilization and the installation of a temporary coffer dam. An appointment regarding the Whitford/Herrick Place Ponds was postponed.

• Approved August 29, 2023 meeting minutes
• Decided no amendment is necessary for the Patriot Hydro Red Bridge Dam Emergency Certificate
• Postponed appointment with Kathy Petruzzulli regarding Whitford/Herrick Place Ponds

Board of Water Commissioners

The Board of Water Commissioners approved a new Drought Management plan and decided to invoice the Senior Center for water and sewer entry fees. The Board also authorized a hydrant use fine and signed an agreement for 18 Wilson St.

• Approved new Drought Management plan
• Approved invoicing Senior Center for water and sewer entry fees with a review in March 2024
• Approved sending hydrant use fine invoice for 807 Tinkham Rd
• Signed agreement for 18 Wilson St.
• Unanimously accepted August 16, 2023 meeting minutes

Board of Assessors

The Board approved preliminary values for submission to the Department of Revenue. They also processed motor vehicle and trailer abatement applications and signed one invoice. The board reviewed documents related to Fountain Park and the FY2024 office budget.

• Approved August 16, 2023 Open Session Minutes (2-0)
• Approved 1 invoice for $7,725.00 (Unanimous)
• Approved preliminary FY2024 LA-3 values for DOR submission (Unanimous)
• Approved 24 Motor Vehicle and Trailer Abatements totaling $1,812.21 (2-0)
• Denied Motor Vehicle and Trailer Abatement for Registration # 3BBW44 (2-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved special permits for an accessory building at 23 Pine Drive, an accessory apartment at 2 Merrill Road, and modified parking lot lighting for Lia Toyota. The board also received a presentation from the Economic Development Committee regarding town center and business attraction projects.

• Approved Special Permit SP23-07 for accessory building at 23 Pine Drive (5-0)
• Approved Special Permit SP23-08 for accessory apartment at 2 Merrill Road (5-0)
• Approved Special Permit SP23-09 for parking lot lighting modifications at 2145 Boston Road (5-0)

Finance Committee

The Committee approved a fund transfer for staff security training and recommended adding articles to the Special Town Meeting warrant regarding property tax reduction and school funding. No action was taken on the Recreation Feasibility Study.

• Approved $7,730.25 transfer from Technology and Efficiency fund for staff security/phishing training (5-0)
• Recommended adding a warrant article to use Free cash to reduce the property tax rate (5-0)
• Recommended putting HWRSD Articles 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the warrant (6-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board conducted a site visit at 23 Pine Drive regarding a special permit application for a gutter business. No formal decision was made during this meeting; the Board discussed truck alarms, screening, and the height of a proposed accessory structure.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission ratified an emergency certificate for debris removal and oil mitigation following a power plant collapse. The board also granted several extensions for town engineering projects and issued a certificate of compliance for a residential property.

• Extended Order of Conditions for Town Engineering paving and flood prevention by one year
• Extended Order of Conditions for Federal Lane/Main Street stream area by three years
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 22 Herrick Place (DEP File 341-185)
• Accepted July 25, 2023 meeting minutes as written
• Ratified Emergency Certificate issued August 23, 2023 for Patriot Hydro/Red Bridge Structure
• Issued special conditions for 2689 Boston Road (DEP File 341-0386)