Montague boards set to weigh $2.55M in library contracts, well rules, and school feasibility funding
Montague's town boards had a full agenda over the past two weeks, with the Selectboard scheduled to act on $2.55 million in Main Library construction contracts and several other panels lining up votes on well regulations, retirement warrants, and a possible school feasibility study. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, the items below reflect what was on each agenda; outcomes are not yet confirmed in the public record.
Selectboard — Main Library contracts, paving, permit fees
The Selectboard's July 27 agenda called for votes on two addenda for the Main Library construction project totaling $2,554,150: $570,000 for owner's project manager services with Downes Construction and $1,984,150 for designer services with Schwartz/Silver Architects. Both would be funded by a state library grant and local appropriation. The board was also set to approve a new fee schedule for building, plumbing/gas, and electrical permits effective Aug. 1; act on DPW summer paving plans covering Randall Wood Dr, Old Stage Rd, Kells Rd, Ripley Rd, and alley/road portions; and approve a $110,000 award for Avenue A Traffic Signals Engineering design from state funds. Personnel actions on the agenda included a police detective promotion and a new wastewater mechanic appointment.
Board of Health — well regulations and enforcement
The Board of Health's July 29 agenda included a vote on the final draft of updated well regulations, discussion of an enforcement order for a property at 4 Burek Dr, and discussion of temporary housing and encampments enforcement. Director and nurse reports covering June 2026 activities were also scheduled.
Retirement Board — $3.43M in warrants
The Montague Retirement Board's July 30 agenda listed approval of July 2026 Warrant #7 for $430,257.61 and a $3,000,000.00 transfer to the PRIT Fund via Warrant #7a, together totaling $3.43M. The board was also set to vote on new members Christopher Allen and Ashley Manley, a second computer monitor purchase, and a Board Administrator schedule change to 35 hours per week. Travel expenses for an August training session and May and June 2026 financial statements were on the agenda for review.
School Building Committee — first meeting
The newly formed Sheffield and Hillcrest Elementary School Building Committee held its first meeting July 29. The agenda included a possible vote to recommend that the Selectboard place an article on the October 2026 Special Town Meeting warrant to fund a feasibility study for the Sheffield Elementary School project. Members were also set to elect or confirm a Chair and Vice Chair, review Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) eligibility deadlines including a required local vote authorization by January 26, 2027, and discuss potential consolidation of Hillcrest and Sheffield into a PreK–5 facility.
Historical Commission and Library Trustees
The Montague Historical Commission met via Zoom July 27 to discuss possible exterior upgrades to the Shea Theater, decide on a storage location for artifacts from the Carnegie Library, and hear a presentation by Tris Metcalfe on a Blacksmith Shop evaluation. The Library Trustees' monthly meeting the same day included updates from the Building Steering Committee and Budget Committee, review of a draft gift policy, and discussion of starting a library foundation.
Coming up
- **Aug. 6 — Library Building Steering Committee:** Discussion of final design, construction phases, milestones, and schedule for the Main Library Building Project, plus committee roles and potential subcommittees.
- **Aug. 13 — Conservation Commission:** Public hearing on NOI #2026-06 for a proposed garage at 31-33 Randall Road (Parcel #21-0-141), and discussion of MassDEP's proposed amendments to state wetland regulations (310 CMR 10.00 and 314 CMR 9.00). Open to the public in person at Town Hall Annex or via Zoom.
Outcomes for all July meetings listed above remain unconfirmed until minutes are published; readers can check the town's official meeting postings for recorded votes and actions.