Southwick boards weighed tax deal, lake issues, and year-end finances; WGI facility hearing ahead

Southwick's boards and committees met throughout late June to address zoning disputes, tax warrants, lake management, and year-end finances. All recent meetings listed below were agenda-only at press time — minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes of scheduled votes are not yet confirmed in the public record.

Select Board — Tax deal, Eversource hearing on agenda

The Select Board's June 22 agenda included a public hearing on an Eversource petition for pole and wire locations, a vote to execute a Tax Increment Financing Agreement with WGI, and a vote on the year-three Stantec Lake Treatment Contract. The board was also scheduled to accept a $1,103.22 grant from Shurtleff Children's Services for the library and a $1,000 grant to the Office of Animal Control. Deficit amortization and an interim Emergency Management Director were also listed for discussion.

Board of Appeals — 351 North Loomis Street hearing

The Board of Appeals held a public hearing on an appeal from abutters challenging the Zoning Enforcement Officer's decision to take no enforcement action against continued commercial use of the property at 351 North Loomis Street. The agenda also included routine business such as approving minutes.

Board of Assessors — FY2027 tax warrants

The Board of Assessors was scheduled to review and sign FY2027 real estate and personal property tax warrants. The agenda also included a supplemental warrant for 97 Sheep Pasture, a personal property warrant for 34 Hudson Dr, a rollback and Chapter 61A lien removal for 177 Klaus Anderson, and payment of a Bishop & Associates invoice.

Finance Committee — Year-end transfers and reserve fund

The Finance Committee's June 23 agenda included a $3,000 reserve fund transfer request for Board of Health consulting services, a vote to authorize the Acting Chair to approve FY2026 year-end transfers under the Municipal Modernization Act, and appointment of an Acting Vice Chair. The agenda reported Free Cash at $706,208 and Stabilization at $3.12 million.

Lake Management Committee — Congamond Lakes issues

The June 25 agenda covered water quality and invasive species treatment updates for Congamond Lakes, including a 2026 Solitude Invasives Assessment & Treatment update and Commonwealth Earmark Funding for cove dredging. Pending dock permits at 129 North Lake Ave were listed as awaiting a Conservation Commission/DEP decision on permanent structures. Erosion at 159 Berkshire Ave into the town detention pond was listed with a request for a cease and desist order. Proposed Lake Protection Plan updates by the Conservation Commission and Select Board on structures and boat stickers were also on the agenda.

Master Plan Implementation Committee — Task completions and transfers

The committee was scheduled to vote on canceling the Climate Change 1.5 education initiative, accept completion of Econ Dev 1.1 (a database of local businesses) and Econ Dev 1.2 (Economic Development Website updates), and discuss transferring historical and housing goals to other commissions.

Coming up

• **July 6 — Conservation Commission:** Public hearings on a handicap ramp at 157 Feeding Hills Road (Crepes Tea House), shoreline rock placement at 4034 Mountain Road, tree removal at 6 Silvergrass Lane, and site improvements at 22 Shore Road. Also: possible enforcement order for stormwater drainage at Brayton Drive, and votes on membership renewals ($330 for MA Association of Conservation Commission, $50 for MSMCP).
• **July 6 — Finance Committee:** Votes on FY2026 year-end transfers. Agenda reports Free Cash at $706,208, Stabilization at $3.12 million, and Reserve Fund at $69,541.39.
• **July 6 — Planning Board (joint with Select Board):** Discussion and appointment of John (Giovanni) Allsop to the Planning Board. Hybrid meeting, Town Hall and Zoom (Meeting ID: 826 7858 6933, Passcode: 671280).
• **July 6 — Select Board:** Scheduled financial transfers including $26,300 for Assessors Personal Property Appraisal Contract, $8,900 for Treasurer Collector Copier, and a $3,000 reserve fund transfer for Board of Health consultant. Also: one-day liquor license for Congamond Coffee, and donations of $750 from American Legion Post 388 and $159 from Interstate Building Supply to Animal Control.
• **July 7 — Board of Health:** Septic regulation permit expirations, property case at 2 Hummel Lane, home and green burial policy options, and board staffing updates.
• **July 14 — Planning Board:** Public hearing on WGI, Inc.'s proposed 68,000-square-foot re-manufacturing building at 34 & 36 Hudson Drive (Industrial Restricted zone), including a Wellhead Protection District Special Permit request and Earth Excavation and Stormwater Management permits.
• **July 20 — Select Board:** Public hearing on proposed CDBG budget amendments, including transferring $100,881 from FY22/23 grant administration and $82,915 from FY24 grant administration to North Lake Avenue water main construction (total up to $183,796). Written comments accepted until July 20 at 2:00 PM.

Earlier weeks

• week of 2026-06-29 — Southwick Select Board Weighs Tax Agreement with WGI; Finance Panel Eyes Year-End Transfers

Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.