New Marlborough Weekly Roundup: Boards Tackle Bridge Contract, Town Hall Renovations, and School Placements
Town boards and committees met across late July to weigh infrastructure contracts, labor agreements, and school district business. Because minutes have not yet been published for most recent meetings, this roundup reflects what was on each agenda — not confirmed outcomes.
Select Board
The Select Board met twice in the past two weeks. On July 20, the agenda called for votes on a contract with MassDOT for the Campbell Falls Road small bridge construction and on an amendment to the collective bargaining agreement with the Highway Union. The board was also scheduled to review an ADA Self-Evaluation and Assessment Plan presented by James Mazik, consider a contract with EDM Design for Town Hall renovation architectural and design services, and review a sign construction item at Cassilis Farm.
On July 27, the board was set to act on the EDM Design contract for Town Hall renovation services, take action on a grade scale reclassification for the full-time Firefighter/EMT position, and review payroll and vendor warrants. No vote tallies or dollar amounts are available, as minutes have not been published.
Town Hall Renovation Effort
The Designer Selection/Design Review Committee met July 21 to discuss direction and next steps for the Town Hall renovation project. The committee is scheduled to meet again August 4 with the project manager and architect to review renovation plans. The Select Board's July 20 and July 27 agendas both included the EDM Design contract, indicating the project is moving through multiple town bodies.
SBRSD School Committee
The Southern Berkshire Regional School District School Committee held three sessions. A July 23 workshop focused on governance training led by MASC Field Director Liz Lafond and Executive Director Glenn Koocher, with a break to recognize Bonnie Silver's 14 years of service.
A July 29 workshop at Mt. Everett Library, 491 Berkshire School Rd, Sheffield, covered ethics and open meeting law, facilitated by Lafond and District Counsel Joshua Coleman. No votes were scheduled at either workshop.
A separate July 29 meeting agenda included a vote to approve out-of-district placements for five preschool students, votes on accepting grants and gifts, budget transfers, review of the Student & Families Handbook, and review of an E&D proposal for Education Finance Services, LLC. The agenda also listed public comment periods and an executive session.
Planning Board
The Planning Board met July 28 to discuss an ANR plan on Hayes Hill Road involving Figueiredo, Stewart, and Kronzon. The board also planned to outline next administrative steps for recently adopted bylaw changes and set priorities for the third quarter of 2026.
Library Trustees
The Library Trustees met July 30 at 1 Mill River. The agenda included procedural items, old and new business, a director's report, and setting the next meeting date. No specific decisions or dollar amounts were listed.
Coming Up
- **Select Board — August 3:** Agenda includes an amendment to the Highway Union collective bargaining agreement, one-day alcohol licenses for New Marlborough Fire Company and Field and For LLC, and review and signing of the election warrant for the 2026 State Primary.
- **Agricultural Commission — August 4:** First meeting, including election of a chair and vice chair and discussion of goals. Open to the public at Town Hall and via Zoom.
- **Design Review Committee — August 4:** Review of Town Hall renovation plans with the project manager and architect.
- **Cultural Council — August 13:** Review of treasurer's report and discussion of the 2027 grant budget.