Leyden boards weigh foot care costs, housing policy, and culvert violations in recent meetings
Most Leyden boards met over the past two weeks, but minutes have not yet been published for any of the sessions. The following items were listed on agendas; outcomes and vote tallies are not yet available in the public record.
Council on Aging — foot care cost increase
The Council on Aging met July 21 to discuss a provider raising foot care service rates from $25 to $35 per person. The agenda listed a decision point: whether the Council would absorb the full $780-per-year cost increase or split the cost with clients. The agenda also included discussion of starting a Leyden Cafe.
Select Board — housing policy, contracts, and appointments
The Select Board met twice, on July 20 and July 27.
The July 20 agenda included discussion of a new policy on housing, a performance review of Town Accountant Angelica DesRoches, and consideration of signing a special permit application for highway work. The board also planned to continue fiscal year 2027 appointments and discuss permission for Michele to sign an agreement with Mead, Talerman & Costa.
The July 27 agenda listed a vote on the annual renewal of the Animal Control Officer and dog shelter contract, discussion of when to start a Digital Equity grant, continuation of FY27 appointments, and planning of an orientation for elected and appointed town officials.
Conservation Commission — Cowan culvert violations
The Conservation Commission met July 27 to discuss Order of Conditions violations for the Cowan culvert project on Greenfield Road. The agenda also included drafting a paragraph for the Commission's inclusion in the town's Annual Report.
Board of Assessors — Clause 18 hardship criteria
The Board of Assessors met July 20 to approve the Real Estate and Personal Property Monthly List for July, the Motor Vehicle Monthly List for July, and Warrant 2026 Motor Vehicle Commitment #4. The agenda also included reviewing building permits and considering criteria for Clause 18 hardship applications.
Library Trustees — budgets and summer reading
The Leyden Library Trustees met July 28 to discuss the FY26 and FY27 budgets and upcoming summer reading events. The agenda noted no votes or final decisions.
Coming up
- **Board of Health, Aug. 4** — Review of July minutes, a status update on remedies at 581 W Leyden Road, a mold issue in town offices, naloxone cabinet placements, and a debriefing of a July 13 permethrin event.
- **Building Needs Study Committee, Aug. 12** — Assessment of town buildings for maintenance and capital improvements, at Leyden Town Hall, DPW and Fire Department, 16 W. Leyden Rd.
- **Planning Board, Aug. 12** — An Approval Not Required plan request for George Lamb Road, an update on 581 West Leyden Road, a special permit application for Leyden Highway, discussion of moratoriums on AI data centers and Battery Energy Storage Systems, and review of a draft Priority Habitat Map from Fisheries and Wildlife.
Note: All recent meetings listed above were agenda-only; minutes have not yet been published. Outcomes, votes, and any final decisions will be reported once the official minutes become available.