Somerset boards weigh cannabis equity plan, utility easement, and school admin postings in busy meeting week
Somerset's town boards and committees covered a wide stretch of business in the final week of June, from a proposed cannabis equity plan and host community agreement fees to a gas-line easement request and school district leadership vacancies. 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.
Board of Selectmen — June 25
The Board of Selectmen was scheduled to vote on several open-session items, including promoting Highway Department Laborer Jeffrey Silvia to Heavy Equipment Operator, signing a plan to comply with Cannabis Control Commission equity mandates, and establishing a submission review fee for Host Community Agreements for marijuana establishments. The board also planned to continue a license hearing for Brasas Meat Market's Common Victualler License with outdoor seating. An executive session was listed for non-union personnel negotiations involving the Treasurer/Collector, Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, and Finance Director.
Water & Sewer Commissioners — June 24 and July 1
On June 24, the Board of Water & Sewer Commissioners was set to review a fiscal year 2027 compensation change for Superintendent Christopher Wickman.
On July 1, the board was scheduled to discuss and possibly approve a request from Liberty Utilities to use a town sewer easement for a gas main relocation between Hanley Road and Hebb Street. Also on the agenda: a possible vote on Contract Addendum No. 6 with Pare Corporation for the Somerset Reservoir Dam Resiliency Improvements Phase I, discussion of the Water & Sewer Department Capital Plan and funding strategy, and acknowledgment of an Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Patrick Higgins.
School Committees — June 23 and June 30
The Somerset Berkley Regional School Committee and Somerset School Committee held a joint meeting June 23 to discuss and act on postings for a Director of Teaching and Learning and an Assistant Superintendent of Finance/Chief Financial Officer, plus a Memorandum of Understanding for shared positions.
On June 30, the Regional committee was scheduled to review end-of-year financials, act on budget amendments, and replace Policy Subcommittee member John Ventura with Jenifer Andrews. The committee also planned to discuss and vote on reaffirming Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 32B, Section 9B regarding health insurance. An executive session was listed for an Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Victor Machado, Jr.
Zoning Board of Appeals — June 25
The ZBA scheduled public hearings on a Planned Development for a Taco Bell fast-food restaurant at 79 N. Main Street, home occupation variances at 64 Dias Terrace, 1801 Read Street, and 65 Ailanthus Avenue, and a Planned Development Permit modification at 202 Slade's Ferry Avenue.
Planning Board — June 23
The Planning Board continued reviews of two stormwater permit applications: a proposed Taco Bell at 721 G.A.R. Highway and structure decommissioning and grading at 1 Brayton Point Road, the former power plant site.
Conservation Commission — June 29
The Conservation Commission was set to continue a hearing on a Notice of Intent for a new dwelling on Grandview Avenue, review an Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation for an energy storage facility at 1606 Riverside Avenue filed by Somerset Energy Storage LLC, and consider a Certificate of Compliance for a dwelling at 2 Pilot Drive.
Other boards
- **Board of Assessors (June 25):** Executive session to review a settlement offer from New England Power.
- **Council on Aging (June 24):** Reviewed May municipal budget updates, grant expenditures, door replacement, a handicapped bathroom remodel, and planning for a 250th anniversary celebration.
- **Somerset Health Plan Group (June 25):** Discussed FY27 stop loss insurance renewal options and a financial monitoring report through April 2026.
- **Veterans Advisory Board (June 25):** Discussed a Coffee Hour with the Office of Veterans' Advocacy on July 11, 2026, and a Veterans Appreciation Cookout on August 16, 2026, featuring a Red Sox ticket raffle donated by Dan Medeiros.
Coming up
- **July 7 — Economic Development Committee:** Discussion of a $2,200 invoice for America 250 video production and a proposed Slades Ferry Overlay District bylaw change related to BBQFest.
- **July 9 — Housing Authority:** Public hearing on the proposed FY2027 Annual Plan, including a 3-year Capital Improvement Plan, maintenance plan, operating budget, and requested waivers from EOHLC regulations.
- **July 16 — Zoning Board of Appeals:** Public hearing on a Planned Development request from Somerset Energy Storage, LLC for a commercial Battery Energy Storage System at 1606 Riverside Avenue.
Earlier weeks
- week of 2026-06-29 — Somerset boards weigh Taco Bell, gas line easement, and school leadership hires in packed week of meetings
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.