Easthampton public meetings in 2022

Contributory Retirement Board

The Easthampton Retirement Board will discuss the COLA additional increase process and MEDEX increases affecting benefits. The board will also review retirement deduction transfers and approve new members. Additionally, the meeting includes approval of November minutes and Warrant #12.

• COLA additional increase process
• MEDEX increase
• Retirement deduction transfers for Darin Pawlus and Vilmari Bermudez
• Approval of new members Ryan Hanna, Samantha Blackwell, and Areecia Simpson
• Approval of Warrant #12

The Board approved the November trial balance and Warrant #12. It also authorized the transfer of deductions for two individuals and the addition of three new members to the retirement system. The Board decided to maintain the current schedule regarding COLA increases.

• Approved minutes from November 22, 2022 (Unanimous)
• Decided to stay with the current Schedule regarding COLA increase
• Approved transfer of deductions for Darin Pawlus and Vilmari Bermudez (Unanimous)
• Approved new members Ryan Hanna, Samantha Blackwell, and Areecia Simpson (Unanimous)
• Approved November Trial balance (Unanimous)
• Approved Warrant #12 for $559,017.09 (Unanimous)

Nashawannuck Pond Committee

The committee will meet to approve minutes and provide time for public speaking. Old business includes discussions regarding WinterFest 2023 and open meeting law training. No new business is listed on the agenda.

• WinterFest 2023
• Open meeting law training

The committee approved the meeting minutes from November 30, 2022, and officially recognized Hillary Ballantine as a member. Members discussed planning, sponsorships, and venue scheduling for the 2023 WinterFest workshop.

• Approved meeting minutes for 11/30/22
• Confirmed Hillary Ballantine as an official member

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will review and sign end-of-month motor vehicle abatements and exemptions. The meeting also includes the review and signing of R.E, CPA, P.P, I&E & WL/SL warrants.

• Review and signing of motor vehicle abatements
• Review and signing of exemptions
• Review and signing of R.E, CPA, P.P, I&E & WL/SL warrants

The Board of Assessors approved several financial warrants and tax exemptions for FY2023. The board also accepted motor vehicle abatements and the minutes from the December 13, 2022 meeting.

• Approved minutes from 12/13/2022 (2-0)
• Approved MV Abatements of $540.23 (2-0)
• Approved FY2023 Exemptions of $107,375.00 (2-0)
• Approved FY2023 RE warrant of $29,867,441.23 (2-0)
• Approved FY2023 CPA warrant of $652,700.19 (2-0)
• Approved FY2023 PP warrant of $1,135,805.34 (2-0)
• Approved FY2023 WL warrant of $101,520.42 (2-0)
• Approved FY2023 SL warrant of $151,335.72 and I&E warrant of $38,700.00 (2-0)

School Committee

The School Committee will conduct an executive session remotely via Zoom. The meeting is intended for collective bargaining with nonunion personnel. No regular session is expected to follow this meeting.

• Collective bargaining with nonunion personnel

Affordable & Fair Housing Partnership

The Easthampton Affordable & Fair Housing Partnership will discuss the Northampton St project with Tasty Top Development, LLC. The meeting also includes a discussion on recruiting members via a revised committee description and updates from housing and advocacy coalitions.

• Discussion with Tasty Top Development, LLC regarding the Northampton St project
• Review of draft revised committee description for recruitment
• Approval of November meeting notes
• Housing Coalition and Advocacy updates

The Partnership discussed a proposal from Tasty Top Development LLC for Sierra Vista Commons, which includes at least 54 affordable units. Members provided suggestions for community outreach and expressed concerns regarding the project's for-profit nature and unit distribution. No formal vote was taken on the project.

• Approved November 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled all other agenda items until January meeting

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will hold a discussion regarding a rate study. The agenda also includes a report from the Director and approval of meeting minutes from December 7, 2022.

• Discussion of rate study
• Approval of December 7, 2022, meeting minutes
• Director's report

The Board approved the minutes from the December 7, 2022 meeting. Members discussed the coordination of a rate study presentation and received updates on several construction projects. No other substantive votes were taken.

• Approved December 7, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing regarding a multi-phase proposal by Tasty Top Development, LLC. The project includes commercial sites, daycare facilities, and residential buildings with affordable housing components. The board will also consider land transfers for Industrial Parkway properties.

• Public hearing for Tasty Top Development, LLC at 93, 95, and 97 Northampton Street
• Proposed development of commercial pads, daycare, and residential units
• Approval of ANRs for 10 and 12 Industrial Parkway
• Appointment of a Planning Board member to the Community Preservation Act Committee

The Planning Board held a public hearing for a proposed mixed-use project at 93, 95, and 97 Northampton Street featuring housing, commercial sites, and a gymnastics facility. The board voted to continue the hearing to a later date to allow for further review of traffic data and environmental concerns. The board also nominated a new member to the Community Preservation Act Committee.

• Approved minutes from 11/15/2022 (unanimous)
• Continued Tasty Top Development public hearing to January 3 at 6:30 (unanimous)
• Nominated Member Iavecchia to sit on the Community Preservation Act Committee (unanimous)

School Committee

The Easthampton School Committee will hold an executive session via Zoom. The meeting is scheduled to conduct collective bargaining with nonunion personnel. No regular session is expected to follow this meeting.

• Executive session for collective bargaining with nonunion personnel

Development & Industrial Commission

The Easthampton Development & Industrial Commission will discuss progress on a vacant storefront ordinance. The meeting includes a public hearing for Sierra Vista Commons at Northampton Road. Members will also discuss affordable housing with the Easthampton Housing Coalition.

• Public hearing for Sierra Vista Commons @ Northampton Road
• Progress update on vacant storefront ordinance
• Discussion regarding affordable housing with Easthampton Housing Coalition
• Updates from the Planning Department

The Commission approved a letter of support for the Sierra Vista (Tasty Top) development to be entered into the Planning Committee record. Members discussed the project's impact on tax revenue, housing goals, and traffic on Route 10. The meeting also included a presentation on demographic changes and senior housing needs in Easthampton.

• Approved amended meeting minutes
• Approved letter of support for Sierra Vista development

Community Preservation Act Committee

The CPA Committee will review account balances and updates on open projects. The meeting includes discussions regarding a stovetop fire suppression system for the Easthampton Housing Authority and the Town Clock. No new applications or hearings are scheduled for this meeting.

• Approval of October 27, 2022 minutes
• Review of account balances and open projects updates
• Discussion of Easthampton Housing Authority stovetop fire suppression system
• Discussion regarding the Town Clock

The committee agreed that restoring the Town Clock is a worthwhile project for CPA funding, pending a formal application. Members discussed the need for a legal agreement regarding ownership and maintenance, as well as the requirement for a historic preservation consultant. The committee also noted the receipt of a $330,000 state match in November.

• Approved minutes of 10/27/2022 (7-0-1)
• Reached consensus to use CPA funds for Town Clock restoration pending application

City Council - Appointment Committee

The City Council Appointments Committee will consider new mayoral appointments and several re-appointments. These roles include positions on the Agricultural Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Historical Commission.

• New appointments for Agricultural Commission and Council on Aging
• Re-appointments to the Historical Commission and Energy Advisory Committee
• Re-appointments to the Conservation Commission and CPA Committee
• Re-appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals
• Re-appointments to the Parks & Recreation Commission

Charity Funds Committee

The Charity Funds Committee will meet to discuss committee organization and review current account balances. The agenda also includes the approval of minutes from the December 1, 2022 meeting.

• Review of account balances
• Committee organization discussion
• Approval of Dec. 1, 2022 meeting minutes

Nashawannuck Pond Committee

The committee will hold a workshop regarding WinterFest 2023. The agenda also includes an item for new business.

• WinterFest Workshop 2023

City Council - Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will review quarterly fiscal reports and COVID-19 grant spending. The committee will also consider a transfer to the PEG Access Account and funding for the Mt. View School grand opening.

• $18,035.60 supplemental appropriation from Cannabis Stabilization for the Mt. View School Grand Opening
• $53,539.59 interdepartmental transfer to the PEG Access Account
• Review of quarterly fiscal reports from the City Auditor
• Quarterly report on Covid-19 grant funding and spending

School Committee

The Easthampton School Committee is holding a work session to discuss the plan and process for the superintendent search. The agenda also includes provisions for other discussions and public speech.

• Superintendent search discussions and planning

The School Committee held a work session to discuss the superintendent search process. Members reviewed candidate qualifications, the search timeline, and potential posting locations. The committee voted to establish a specific salary range for the position.

• Approved salary range of $142,000 to $157,000 for a three year contract (7-0)

Licensing Board

The Licensing Board will meet to approve minutes from the October 2022 meeting. The agenda also includes public hearings for various alcohol-related permit renewals and annual entertainment licenses.

• Alcohol restaurant, package store, and club license renewals
• Farmers Brewery Pouring Permit renewals
• Annual entertainment and amusement device renewals
• Approval of October 2022 minutes

The Licensing Board approved numerous renewal applications for alcohol licenses, auto dealers, entertainment, and amusement devices. Village Pizza's Wine & Malt renewal was approved contingent on paying personal property tax and submitting an ABCC form. GROOM did not renew its license.

• Approved 23 All Alcohol Restaurant Renewals
• Approved 4 Wine & Malt Restaurant Renewals (Village Pizza conditional on tax payment and ABCC form)
• Approved All Alcohol Club Renewal for Pascommuck Club
• Approved All Alcohol General on Premises Renewals for The 413 and Luthier’s
• Approved Wine & Malt General on Premises Renewal for Under the Bridge
• Approved 5 All Alcohol Package Store Renewals
• Approved 4 Wine & Malt Package Store Renewals
• Approved 3 Farmers Brewery Pouring Permit Renewals

Housing Authority

The board will consider updates to community room reservation deposits and maintenance projects for Cliffview Manor. The meeting also includes a presentation of the 2023 annual budget and reviews of public participation policies.

• Approval of $38,352.00 insurance premium payment to Brown & Brown
• Change order of $6,073.00 for Cliffview Manor doors
• Payment of $2,229.85 to GCS Contracting for Cliffview Manor doors phase III
• Increase in community room reservation and cleaning deposits from $25.00 to $75.00
• Approval of a $443.00 rent write-off following the death of a tenant

The Board approved the 2023 budget and recognized several tenant organizations for a five-year period. Members also authorized payments for insurance and door projects at Cliffview Manor and updated community room rental fees.

• Approved 2023 EHA Budget (5-0)
• Recognized Cliffview Manor, Dickinson Court, Glad Acres and Sunrise Manor Tenant’s Organization (ETO) for 5 years (5-0)
• Approved Change Order #3 for Cliffview Manor Doors Phase III for $6,073.00 (5-0)
• Approved $2,229.85 payment to GSC Contracting for Cliffview Manor Doors Phase III (5-0)
• Approved $38,352.00 insurance premium payment to Brown & Brown Company (5-0)
• Increased non-refundable community room rental fee to $75.00 for non-tenants; $0 for tenants (5-0)
• Approved $443.00 rent write-off for unit #667-1 (5-0)
• Approved December 13, 2022 Warrant for $116,183.73 (5-0)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review and sign motor vehicle abatements and FY2023 exemptions. The agenda also includes approval of minutes and a period for public speech.

• Review and signing of motor vehicle abatements
• Review and signing of FY2023 exemptions

The Board of Assessors approved motor vehicle abatements and specific tax exemptions for FY2023. The board also accepted the previous meeting's minutes.

• Approved MV Abatements of $162.48 (2-0)
• Approved FY2023 Exemptions including 41C of $3,000.00 and 44B-CPA full exemption (2-0)
• Approved previous meeting minutes (2-0)

School Committee

The Easthampton School Committee will review several policy changes regarding student discipline, dress code, and health education. The committee also plans to approve $839,242.00 in FY2023 budget transfers for various staff positions and accounts. Additionally, the Superintendent will provide an update on the strategic plan and a notice of intent to retire.

• Approval of FY2023 budget transfers totaling $839,242.00
• First readings for policies on student discipline, dress code, and health education
• Approval of school payrolls and accounts payable
• Superintendent update including a notice of intent to retire

The School Committee approved first readings for 10 policy changes and the 2023 meeting calendar. The board also authorized several accounts payable payments, payroll, and budget transfers totaling $839,242.00.

• Approved 1st reading changes for policies on Non-Discrimination, Equal Educational Opportunities, School Choice, Student Discipline, Student Dress Code, Substitute Nurse Compensation, Sex Education, and Health Education (6-0)
• Approved FY2023 Budget Transfers totaling $839,242.00 (6-0)
• Approved accounts payable payments of $7,036.80, $591,624.56, and $226,795.62 (6-0)
• Approved school payrolls of $572,450.41 and $582,457.38 (6-0)
• Approved 2023 school committee meeting calendar (6-0)
• Approved minutes from September 20, October 11, October 25, and November 8 regular sessions (6-0)
• Approved November 22 Executive Session minutes to be withheld until matters are resolved (6-0)
• Entered executive session to conduct collective bargaining with nonunion personnel (6-0)

City Council - Ordinance Committee

The committee will review the Ordinance Review Committee’s final report and discuss the Vacant Storefront Ordinance. Members will also consider amendments to regulations on single-use plastics and new language for healthcare access.

• Vacant Storefront Ordinance
• Ordinance Review Committee final report
• Amendments to plastic bag and disposable food container rules
• New ordinance regarding reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare services

The committee voted to move the Vacant Storefront Ordinance to the full council pending a review by the city attorney. Members discussed a proposed ordinance regarding reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare services, but no vote was recorded on that item.

• Approved sending Vacant Storefront Ordinance to full council pending city attorney review (2-0)

Conservation Commission

The Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a Notice of Intent for a new mixed-use commercial and residential development at 93, 95, and 97 Northampton Street. The meeting also includes updates on active compliance projects and discussions regarding the Wetlands Ordinance.

• Public hearing: Mixed-use development at 93, 95, & 97 Northampton Street
• Enforcement actions for properties on O’Neil Street, South Street, East Street, and Northampton Street
• Echodale West Orchard Area improvements update
• Discussion of the Wetlands Ordinance
• Nonotuck Park preliminary review

The Commission continued a public hearing for a mixed-use project at 93, 95, and 97 Northampton Street to January 9, 2022, pending additional stormwater and soil data. The board also determined that a Request for Determination of Applicability is required for a proposed bog bridge in Nonotuck Park.

• Continued Tasty Top Development public hearing to January 9, 2022 (4-0)
• Determined Request for Determination of Applicability is appropriate for Nonotuck Park bog bridge
• Approved November 14, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Determined no comments were needed for Eversource, Tennessee Gas, or National Grid notifications
• Requested restoration plan for enforcement action at 93 Northampton Street Rear

Community Relations Committee

The committee will meet with Darryck Dean from the U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service to discuss committee membership and objectives. The committee will also discuss public input received on September 28, 2022.

• Meeting with Darryck Dean of the U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service
• Discussion of public input from September 28, 2022
• Discussion regarding committee membership and objectives

Board of Public Works

The meeting consists of procedural items, including the approval of minutes from November 16 and November 30, 2022. The Board will also discuss public comments from a recent workshop and receive a director's report.

• Approval of November 16, 2022, meeting minutes
• Approval of November 30, 2022, workshop meeting
• Discussion of November 30, 2022, workshop public comments and questions
• Director's report

The Board approved the minutes from the November 16 and November 30, 2022 meetings. Members discussed a rate study and scheduled workshops for January and February. The Director provided updates on construction projects on Union Street, Cherry Street, and Holyoke Street.

• Approved November 16, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved November 30, 2022 workshop meeting minutes (3-0)

Historical Commission

The commission will discuss revising the current Demo Delay Ordinance and the Historic Sign Program. The agenda also includes an update on the New Haven - Northampton Canal DLTA and potential Survey and Planning Grant project ideas.

• Revising the Demo Delay Bylaw
• Historic Sign Program
• New Haven - Northampton Canal DLTA update
• Survey and Planning Grant Project ideas

The Commission determined that a portion of the Northampton-New Haven Canal may be affected by the Sierra Vista development. They requested that the area be demarcated and that the developer create green space with signage. A letter detailing these requests will be sent to the Planning Board.

• Tabled approval of 10/26/22 and 11/9/22 minutes
• Tabled revision of Demo Delay Ordinance
• Tabled Historic Sign Program
• Tabled Survey and Planning Grant Project ideas

City Council - Public Safety Committee

The committee will review quarterly reports from the Department of Public Works and Fire Department. Discussion also includes a safety review of the South St./Main St. sidewalk and intersection, as well as the use of electric speed monitoring signs.

• South St./Main St. sidewalk and traffic light safety review
• Department of Public Works Quarterly Report
• Fire Department Quarterly Report
• Review of electric speed monitoring signs
• Ordinance Review Committee final report review

The committee approved the minutes from the November 1 meeting. Members discussed traffic counts for DOT signals and the timeline for the Holyoke Street project and Main Street construction.

• Approved November 1 meeting minutes

Commission on Disability

The Commission on Disability will review minutes and hear from speakers representing the Police and CSO. The meeting includes updates on surveys, school tour dates, and a resource guide. Discussion will also cover a PTSD panel.

• Snow removal police update
• Survey update
• Second survey-sub committee
• New school tour dates
• PTSD panel

Energy Advisory Committee

The committee will vote on a contract with Good Energy regarding municipal aggregation and discuss the draft RFP for the Easthampton Climate Action Plan. The agenda also includes updates on school bus electrification, solar programs, and electric vehicle infrastructure.

• Vote on contracting with Good Energy for municipal aggregation
• Discussion of Draft RFP for the Easthampton Climate Action Plan
• Updates on school bus electrification with Durham Transportation
• Review of solar opportunities at EHS and Mountain View School
• Updates on Honeywell RFP and Solar Ordinance

The Energy Advisory Committee unanimously recommended that the City of Easthampton contract with Good Energy to develop its electrical aggregation program. Members also discussed a draft RFP for a Climate Action Plan and potential funding sources, including a state grant of up to $50,000.

• Recommended City contract with Good Energy for electrical aggregation (unanimous)
• Approved meeting minutes from August 15th, June 30th, and May 23rd
• Decided to hold in-person meetings with a hybrid option as needed

Easthampton City Arts Coordinating Committee

The Easthampton City Arts Coordinating Committee will review the November meeting minutes. The committee is also scheduled to receive updates on arts walk programming, studio residencies, and public art.

• Approval of November Meeting Minutes
• Updates on Arts walk programming
• Updates on Studio residency/ AWE
• Updates on Public Art and Spring Programs

The committee approved the November meeting minutes and scheduled several 2023 events, including Cultural Chaos and Poetry Month. Members discussed updates to the Art Walk schedule and the Studio Residency Program.

• Approved November meeting minutes
• Scheduled Art Walk for second Thursdays from 5-8 PM starting February
• Increased Cultural Chaos funding grant to $15K
• Decided to select new poet laureate via appointment rather than open call
• Tentatively scheduled Porchfest for the third week of September

City Council - Appointment Committee

The City Council Appointments Committee is reviewing several new and re-appointments for various local boards and committees. These include positions for the Nashawannuck Pond Committee, Planning Board, and Manhan Rail Trail Committee.

• New appointment of Hillary Ballantine to Nashawannuck Pond Committee
• New appointment of Colleen DelVecchio to Public Library Assoc. of Easthampton
• Re-appointments for the Affordable & Fair Housing Partnership
• Re-appointments for the Planning Board
• Re-appointments for the Manhan Rail Trail Committee

Charity Funds Committee

The Charity Funds Committee will meet to organize the committee and review account balances. The meeting includes a discussion regarding the committee's role and input from the city’s Community Social Worker.

• Review of account balances
• Discussion on committee role and future processes

The committee reviewed the history and account balances of the city charity fund. Social Worker Liz Plouffe discussed her role in supporting youth and families. The committee discussed establishing a future process and the need for full committee participation.

Community Relations Committee

The Committee will meet with Mayor Nicole LaChapelle to discuss membership, objectives, and recommendations for moving forward. This includes reviewing the draft “Plan of Action” developed with the City of Easthampton. The meeting also addresses input from the Department of Justice Community Relations Service and community members.

• Meeting with Mayor Nicole LaChapelle regarding committee goals
• Review of draft 'Plan of Action'
• Discussion of DOJ Community Relations Service input
• Discussion of public concerns from September 28, 2022

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will hold a public presentation and workshop regarding a rate study. No other items are listed on the agenda for this meeting.

• Rate study presentation and workshop

The Board conducted a workshop to explain the need for rate increases for the Water, Sewer, and Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) systems. Presentations covered system age, repair costs, and the estimated impact on households. No formal votes on specific rate figures were recorded.

• Proposed a uniform rate increase across all consumers, including Southampton
• Determined the current plan will not rely on grants, though grants may accelerate projects

Nashawannuck Pond Committee

The Nashawannuck Pond Committee is meeting to discuss cyanobacteria, water quality monitoring, and barley straw. The agenda also includes planning for WinterFest 2023 and open meeting law training.

• Cyanobacteria, water quality monitoring, and barley straw
• WinterFest 2023
• Open meeting law training

The committee approved the minutes from the November 17, 2022, meeting. Members discussed fundraising totals for apparel and bags, and coordinated logistics, sponsorships, and venue outreach for the upcoming WinterFest.

• Approved meeting minutes for 11/17/22

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review and sign various motor vehicle documents. This includes end-of-month abatements, commitments, and recommitments, as well as exemptions.

• Motor vehicle abatements end of month
• Motor vehicle commitment
• Motor vehicle recommitments
• Exemptions

The Board of Assessors approved several financial adjustments regarding motor vehicle abatements, commitments, and FY2023 exemptions. All motions passed with a 3-0 vote.

• Approved MV Abatements for 2021 ($89.65) and 2022 ($1,425.63) (3-0)
• Approved 2022-6 MV Commitments of $27,506.17 (3-0)
• Approved MV Recommitments for 2015 ($5.00), 2016 ($120.00), and 2017 ($120.00 and $40.00) (3-0)
• Approved FY2023 Exemptions for 22 ($400.00) and 17D ($525.00) (3-0)
• Approved meeting minutes (3-0)

Agricultural Commission

The Agricultural Commission met on November 29, 2022. The agenda includes the approval of minutes from past meetings and a discussion regarding a request for a letter of support.

• Discussion of request for letter of support

The commission discussed an ongoing issue with MDAR and a property tax matter involving Bill Chiccoine. No formal votes were taken on these items. The commission established its meeting schedule for 2023.

• Scheduled 2023 meetings for 3/14, 6/13, and 9/12

Manhan Rail Trail Committee

The committee will consider a request from the Pascommuck Conservation Trust to replace and augment signs off East Street. The meeting also includes updates on trail maintenance, lighting, and a joint map project with Northampton.

• Request by Pascommuck Conservation Trust to replace and augment signage near East Street
• Trail maintenance and lighting updates
• Update on Northampton map project
• Approval of October 24, 2022 meeting minutes

The committee unanimously approved a proposal from the Pascommuck Conservation Trust to install upgraded signage at the Rail Trail intersection. Members also discussed potential MassTrails Grant funding and ongoing issues with trail lighting glare.

• Approved minutes of the October 24 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved proposal to install improved signage at the Rail Trail intersection with the Old Pascommuck Conservation Area (unanimous)

City Council - Ordinance Committee

The committee will discuss revisions to City Ordinance Section 6-21 regarding the prohibition of single-use plastic bags and disposable food containers. The agenda also includes discussion on the Vacant Storefront Ordinance and the Ordinance Review Committee's final report.

• Revisions to City Ordinance Section 6-21 (Single Use Plastic Bags and Disposable Food Containers)
• Vacant Storefront Ordinance
• Ordinance Review Committee’s final report

The committee voted to remove several sections of the Plastic Ordinance. Members also held a roundtable discussion regarding a proposed Vacant Storefront Ordinance, which will be finalized for a future vote and solicitor review.

• Approved striking sections 6-21.21, 6-21.21-2, 6-21-21-4, and 6-21.21-5 from the Plastic Ordinance (3-0)
• Approved meeting minutes for August 4th and September 20th, 2022 (2-0)
• Approved meeting minutes for October 4, 2022 (2-0)
• Approved meeting minutes for March 22nd, 29th, and May 9th, 2022 (2-0)

Contributory Retirement Board

The Easthampton Retirement Board will review retirement intents for two employees and discuss a COLA amendment increase. The meeting also includes the approval of new members, retirement deduction transfers, and Warrant #11.

• Intent to retire for Karen Dupre and David Safron
• Discussion regarding COLA amendment increase
• Transfer of retirement deductions for four individuals
• Approval of seven new members
• Approval of October trial balance and Warrant #11

The Board approved an additional 2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) effective July 1, 2022, following a gubernatorial amendment. The Board also approved the FY 2024 Appropriation letter and processed several member transfers and new enrollments.

• Approved additional 2% COLA increase effective 7/1/2022 (unanimous)
• Approved FY 2024 Appropriation letter (unanimous)
• Approved Warrant #11 for $531,019.28 (unanimous)
• Approved October Trial balance (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of deductions for Zoe Ingram and Tracy Drozdal (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of deductions for Nicole Hicks and Michelle Zagorski (unanimous)
• Approved 7 new members (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from October 25, 2022 meeting (unanimous)

School Committee

The School Committee is meeting in executive session. The agenda includes discussing strategy regarding collective bargaining or litigation with the Teacher’s Association Support Unit.

• Strategy for collective bargaining or litigation with the Teacher’s Association Support Unit

Parks & Recreation Commission

The meeting agenda for the Skate Park Subcommittee consists of procedural notice and lists only the Skate Park as a topic for discussion. No other specific items or details are provided.

The committee reviewed a GZA report identifying land suitable for a skate park and dog park with limited restrictions. No formal votes were taken; the committee discussed access, parking, and environmental impacts.

• Reviewed GZA Wetland Delineation Report
• Requested National Heritage overlay be included in Phase II mapping

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission will discuss the Fiscal Year 2023 budget and Capital Improvement Plan. The agenda includes updates on several park facilities, including a pool project and locations such as Millside and Ferry St. Members will also review programming and staffing.

• FY2023 Budget/CIP Plan discussion
• Park facility updates for Pool Project, Millside, Ferry St, Plain & Strong, and New City Project
• Review of Winter Skate, EBA, and Rag Shag programming
• Update on CPA Projects
• Discussion regarding August 26, 2022 storm damage

The commission approved the October 24th meeting minutes and voted to extend the deadline for artist submissions for a spot at Nashawannuck Pond. Members discussed potential pickleball court expansions and provided updates on the Nonotuck Pool restoration and Ferry Street parcel review.

• Approved October 24th meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Extended deadline for Nashawannuck Pond artist submissions (Unanimous)

City Council - Appointment Committee

The City Council Appointments Committee is reviewing new mayoral appointments. The agenda includes candidates for positions on the Easthampton City Arts board.

• Appointment of Steven Collicelli to Easthampton City Arts
• Appointment of Felicia Jadczak to Easthampton City Arts

Board of Public Works

The Board will discuss information from Tighe & Bond regarding rate setting. The meeting also includes a Rate Study Workshop for the public.

• Approval of November 2, 2022, meeting minutes
• Discussion of Tighe & Bond information on rate setting
• Public Rate Study Workshop

The Board approved the minutes from the November 2, 2022 meeting. The remainder of the session consisted of reports on local construction and utility projects. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved November 2, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)

Nashawannuck Pond Committee

The Nashawannuck Pond Committee will hold a workshop regarding WinterFest 2023. The agenda also includes an item for new business.

• WinterFest Workshop 2023

The committee discussed sponsorship updates, vendor coordination, and a tentative schedule of events for WinterFest 2023. Members assigned tasks for marketing, venue outreach, and activity planning. No formal votes or final approvals were recorded.

• Reported $3,400 and gift certificates received in sponsorships
• Proposed ice carver costs of $700 without luge or $800 with luge
• Proposed event schedule for February 2 through February 11
• Assigned snowflake contest management to Hillary Ballante

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider a special permit application for 'Indigo Fitness' at 82 Lovefield Street. The request is for a major home occupation to run a personal training business. The board will also review minutes from the August 24, 2022 meeting.

• Special Permit for 'Indigo Fitness' at 82 Lovefield Street
• Review of minutes from 08/24/2022

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit for a personal trainer to operate a major home occupation at 82 Lovefield Street. The board also appointed a new vice chair and promoted a member to full status.

• Approved special permit for personal trainer at 82 Lovefield Street (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from 8/24/2022 (5-0)
• Appointed Member Karella as vice chair (5-0)
• Promoted Member Jaffe to full member of the Board

Affordable & Fair Housing Partnership

The Easthampton Affordable & Fair Housing Partnership meeting focuses on routine updates and future planning. The agenda includes reviewing June and September meeting notes and discussing 2022-2023 priorities. Members will also receive updates on the Housing Coalition, town lodging, and advocacy efforts.

• Approval of June and September meeting notes
• Housing Coalition updates
• Town Lodging update
• Discussion of 2022-2023 priorities
• Recruiting strategies

The partnership approved the June and September meeting minutes. Members reached a consensus on 2023 recruitment priorities, including updating the city website and increasing visibility through reports or newsletters.

• Approved June and September meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Consensus to recruit 2 new members for 2023
• Consensus to revise the AFHP page on the City website
• Consensus to build visibility via quarterly reports or newsletters

Planning Board

The Planning Board will review minutes from August and September 2022 meetings. No specific items are listed under ANRs or Public Hearings for this meeting. The board will also receive a performance bond for the 51 Brook Street cell tower.

• Receipt of performance bond for 51 Brook Street cell tower

The Planning Board approved the meeting minutes from August 30 and September 20, 2022. The Board discussed a performance bond for 51 Brook Street, but no action was taken on the matter.

• Approved August 30, 2022 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved September 20, 2022 minutes with corrections (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will hold a public hearing regarding hand sink requirements for body art establishments. The board will also discuss fee schedule changes for temporary food events and recreational camps. Additionally, the board is scheduled to vote on appointing two new agents.

• Public hearing on hand sink requirements for Body Art Establishments
• Review of enforcement policy for City Council Ordinance 6-21
• Update regarding City Council Ordinance 6-23
• Proposed definition change for Temporary Food Events in the fee schedule
• Vote to appoint Elizabeth Plouffe and Bridget Diggins as board agents

The Board of Health updated hand sink requirements for body art establishments and increased permit fees for recreational summer camps for children. The board also appointed two staff members as official agents of the Board of Health.

• Updated hand sink requirements in the City of Easthampton Regulations for Body Art Establishments (2-0)
• Increased Recreational Summer Camp for Children permit fee to $250.00 for 2023 and $300.00 for 2024 (2-0)
• Voted in Elizabeth Plouffe and Bridget Diggins as agents of the Board of Health (2-0)
• Agreed to use $45.00 per day in one location for the 14 day period for Temporary Food Event permits

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will review the ECOA Financial Report and Highland Valley Report. The Director's report includes updates on new staff, Grab and Go meal hours, and transportation. The board will also discuss STWO positions for 2023.

• ECOA Financial Report update
• Highland Valley Report update
• Director's report on staffing and meals
• STWO 2023 position updates

The board approved the minutes from the October meeting. Most other agenda items, including the financial report and director's report, were postponed or deferred due to the absence of the Executive Director.

• Approved October meeting minutes

Development & Industrial Commission

The Easthampton Development & Industrial Commission will discuss the progress of a vacant storefront ordinance and the impact of the natural gas moratorium on development. The commission will also review its role in city-level housing discussions, including ADUs by right and non-residential investors. Additionally, the Planning Department will provide updates regarding Union St. work.

• Progress on vacant storefront ordinance
• Impact of natural gas moratorium on development
• Planning Department updates, including Union St. work
• Discussion of ADUs by right and non-residential investors

The commission approved the minutes from the October 18, 2022 meeting. Members discussed updates regarding Union Street construction, the Vacant Storefront Ordinance, a gas moratorium, and housing questions, but no formal votes were taken on these items.

• Approved October 18, 2022 minutes

Easthampton Cultural Council

The Easthampton Cultural Council will meet to discuss grantee and liaison contacts. The agenda also includes a vote on submitted grant proposals from 2021.

• Voting on submitted 2021 grant proposals
• Discussion of grantee/liaison contact

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission is reviewing several environmental and development requests, including a new solar array at 10 Gosselin Drive. The meeting will also include discussions on the Wetlands Ordinance and a Bee City proposal. Additionally, the board will provide updates on various active compliance projects.

• Solar array installation request at 10 Gosselin Drive
• Resource area delineation at 385 Main Street
• Certificate of Compliance for two single-family homes at 45-47 Clapp Street
• Discussion regarding the Wetlands Ordinance
• Bee City proposal with Councilor Zaret

The Commission issued a Negative Determination for a solar array at 10 Gosselin Drive and approved a resource area delineation at 385 Main Street. It also granted a Certificate of Compliance for homes at 45-47 Clapp Street and issued a letter of support for the Bee City Resolution.

• Issued Order of Resource Area Delineation for 385 Main Street (6-0)
• Issued Negative Determination Type 3 for solar array at 10 Gosselin Drive (6-0)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 45-47 Clapp Street (6-0)
• Approved administrative change for outfall restoration at 99 Mt. Tom Avenue (4-0)
• Approved administrative change for utility line upgrades off North Street (5-0)
• Issued letter of support for the Bee City Resolution (5-0)
• Approved 2023 Draft Meeting Schedule
• Tabled restoration plan for 93 Northampton Street Rear until November 28th

City Council - Appointment Committee

The City Council Appointments Committee met to approve minutes and consider new mayoral appointments. The agenda includes a note of cancellation.

• Mayoral appointment of Steven Collicelli to Easthampton City Arts
• Mayoral appointment of Felicia Jadczak to Easthampton City Arts

Easthampton Community Garden

The committee will review several administrative reports and discuss gardener feedback. The agenda consists of routine updates regarding operations, outreach, and pollinators.

• Treasurer’s report and purchase order endorsements
• Operations report
• Outreach report
• Donation Garden report
• Pollinator report

The committee unanimously elected new officers and approved a $300 account with Fleury Lumber for raised bed materials. Discussions regarding garden policies and fees were tabled until March 2, 2023.

• Approved creating a new account for Fleury Lumber in the amount of $300 (unanimous)
• Elected S. King as Chair (unanimous)
• Elected S. Linsky as Clerk (unanimous)
• Elected T. Stock as Treasurer (unanimous)
• Adopted previous meeting minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Adopted Treasurer's report (unanimous)
• Tabled garden policies and fees to March 2, 2023

City Council - Finance Committee

The City Council and School Committee Finance Committees are meeting to discuss the Fiscal Year 2023 school budget request. The committees will also discuss potential uses for free cash.

• Discussion of School FY 23 Budget and Request
• Discussion of Free Cash Uses

City Council - Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will discuss a request for an annual tax classification hearing and an interdepartmental transfer of $8,000 for Old Bill Veterans Cash Benefits. The committee will also review quarterly fiscal reports from the City Auditor and updates on Covid-19 grant funding.

• Annual tax classification hearing request
• $8,000 interdepartmental transfer for Old Bill Veterans Cash Benefits
• Review of quarterly fiscal reports from the City Auditor
• Quarterly report on Covid-19 grant funding and spending

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a request to demolish the Frank C. Haynes Hack & Livery Stable at 69 Union Street. This process is being conducted in accordance with the Demolition Delay Ordinance. The commission will also approve minutes from October meetings.

• Public hearing for demolition of building at 69 Union Street
• Approval of meeting minutes from 10/12/22 and 10/26/22

The Commission granted a demolition permit for a historically significant building at 69 Union Street. The Center for Human Development proposed the demolition to make way for a behavioral health clinic, citing the structure's state of disrepair.

• Approved demolition of Frank C. Haynes Hack & Livery Stable at 69 Union Street (5-0)
• Approved 10/12/2022 meeting minutes

School Committee - Finance Subcommittee

The City Council and School Committee Finance Committees are meeting to discuss the School FY 23 Budget and Request. The agenda also includes a discussion regarding uses for Free Cash.

• Discussion of School FY 23 Budget and Request
• Discussion of Free Cash Uses

Housing Authority

The Easthampton Housing Authority will consider a final payment of $10,990.00 for the Sunrise Manor porches project. The board will also review policies regarding public and tenant participation at meetings. Additionally, the agenda includes financial reports and updates on fire suppressors.

• $10,990.00 payment for Sunrise Manor Porches completion
• Review of public participation policy at board meetings
• Review of tenant participation policy at board meetings
• Discussion regarding LTO by-laws
• Financial report showing total assets of $642,645.55 as of September 30, 2022

The Board approved a final payment for porch work at Sunrise Manor and signed a warrant for $144,762.91. Several policy reviews and discussions regarding tenant organization were postponed to December due to a discrepancy in the meeting's posted location.

• Approved $10,990.00 Certificate of Final Completion for Sunrise Manor Porches (unanimous)
• Approved November 8, 2022 Warrant for $144,762.91 (unanimous)
• Accepted October 11, 2022 Minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted October 19, 2022 Special Meeting Minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted September 30, 2022 Financial Report (unanimous)
• Tabled Public Participation Policy review to December
• Tabled Tenant and LTO Participation Policy review to December
• Tabled LTO and By-Laws recognition discussion to December

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will review and sign motor vehicle abatements and FY2023 exemptions. The board will also hold a discussion regarding the FY2023 Tax Rate Classification Hearing.

• Review and signing of motor vehicle abatements
• Review and signing of FY2023 exemptions
• Discussion of FY2023 Tax Rate Classification Hearing

The Board of Assessors approved $2,089.83 in MV abatements and several tax exemptions. Three exemption requests were denied. The Board also discussed the FY2023 tax rate classification hearing.

• Approved 10/25/2022 minutes (3-0)
• Approved $2,089.83 in MV Abatements (3-0)
• Approved exemptions for 22 ($2,000), 22E ($1,000), 17D ($350.00), and 41C ($3,000) (3-0)
• Denied exemption 37A & 17D (already has Veterans Exemption)
• Denied exemption 22 (does not own property)
• Denied exemption 22 (not a Trustee of the Trust)

School Committee

The committee will receive updates on ELL focus groups and special education private school tuition. Discussion items include finance subcommittee reports and COVID protocols. The meeting also includes votes on school payrolls and accounts payable.

• Approval of $585,770.74 school payroll dated 11/3/2022
• Approval of $163,702.20 accounts payable authorization for 1/3/2022
• Out-of-state field trip request for EHS to France (April 10-18, 2024)
• School payroll approval for 10/26/2022 in the amount of $-307.50

The committee approved school payrolls and accounts payable authorizations. Members reached a consensus to send a joint letter to state representatives regarding a projected 14% increase in private school tuition rates. An out-of-state field trip to France for April 2024 was approved.

• Approved School Payroll dated 10/26/2022 for -$307.50 (7-0)
• Approved School Payroll dated 11/3/2022 for $585,770.74 (7-0)
• Approved Accounts Payable authorization dated 11/3/2022 for $163,702.20 (7-0)
• Approved EHS out-of-state field trip to France, April 10-18, 2024 (7-0)
• Consensus reached to send joint letter to state representatives regarding private school tuition increases

School Committee - Finance Subcommittee

The Finance Subcommittee will review the FY 22 Annual Budget and the Quarter 1 FY23 report of expenditures versus budget to-date. The meeting focuses on reviewing school department financial reports.

• Review of FY 22 Annual Budget
• Review of Quarter 1 FY23 expenditures vs budget

The subcommittee reviewed the FY22 annual budget, noting a $1.27M deficit that was covered by reclassifying funds, including School Choice and grants. The committee also reviewed the FY23 first quarter report, identifying higher-than-anticipated utility costs and a temporary deficit in fixed charges. No formal votes were taken on budget transfers or the audit RFP.

• Reviewed FY22 end-of-year spending analysis showing $1.27M deficit covered by reclassifications
• Reviewed FY23 Quarter 1 report showing 18.7% of total operating budget used
• Tabled balance transfers to be added to the full School Committee agenda for a vote
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Easthampton City Arts Coordinating Committee

The committee will receive updates regarding the Arts walk, Studio residency/ AWE, and Public Art. The meeting also includes discussions regarding gallery attendants and financial grant status.

• Programming updates for Arts walk, Studio residency/ AWE, and Public Art
• Discussion of Gallery Attendants
• Financial updates on Grant Award and Grant Proposal
• Approval of September Meeting Minutes

The committee approved a $500 allocation to commission three AWE artists to create holiday cards. Members discussed updates to the Art Walk, ECA Gallery exhibitions, and public art applications. The committee also reported receiving a $6,000 grant and a $5,000 donation.

• Approved August meeting minutes
• Approved $500 to commission 3 AWE artists for holiday cards
• Decided to hold off on pursuing nonprofit status

School Department - Mountain View School Council

The council will discuss 2022-23 staffing and teacher professional development. Heather Dean will present on the DESSA-Mini assessment for social and emotional skills. The meeting also includes updates on upcoming school events.

• DESSA-Mini social and emotional skills assessment presentation
• 2022-23 staffing updates
• Teacher Professional Development and PLCs for 2022-23

Board of Public Works

The Board will discuss information from Tighe & Bond regarding rate setting. The meeting also includes a Rate Study Workshop for the public.

• Approval of October 19, 2022, meeting minutes
• Discussion of Tighe & Bond information regarding rate setting
• Public Rate Study Workshop

The Board approved the meeting minutes from October 19, 2022. Members discussed a rate study and proposed a special meeting for November 30 to review household rate scenarios. The Director of Public Works provided updates on various street construction projects and tree planting.

• Approved October 19, 2022 Meeting Minutes (3-0)

Veteran's Council

The Veterans Council will meet to review secretary and treasurer reports. The agenda also includes discussions regarding a WWII monument and preparations for upcoming Veterans' Day ceremonies.

• WWII monument
• Preparation of Veterans’ Day Ceremonies

The provided document contains notes regarding Bernice Milburn Pesesky, a Lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps from 1943 to 1946. No formal board decisions, votes, or legislative actions are recorded in the text.

City Council - Public Safety Committee

The committee will hear a quarterly report from the Department of Public Works. Members will also review the Ordinance Review Committee’s final report and the use of electric speed monitoring signs. Additionally, the committee will discuss safety at the South St./Main St. intersection.

• Safety review of South St./Main St. sidewalk and 4-way traffic light
• Review of Ordinance Review Committee’s final report
• Review of electric speed monitoring signs
• Department of Public Works Quarterly Report

The committee approved the minutes from the October 11 meeting. Members discussed potential changes to ordinances regarding loitering, dangerous weapons, and city fines, but no formal votes were taken on these items.

• Approved October 11 meeting minutes (2-1)

Commission on Disability

The Commission on Disability will discuss survey updates and progress regarding PSA meetings. The meeting also includes a presentation by Butterfly Effects, LLC.

• Speaker from Butterfly Effects, LLC
• PSA update and City Council meeting discussion
• Survey updates and sub-committee formation
• Discussion of CVS read labels
• New school tour dates and PTSD panel

Nashawannuck Pond Committee

The Nashawannuck Pond Committee will hold a workshop for WinterFest 2023 and address new business. The provided agenda contains limited specific details.

• WinterFest Workshop 2023

The committee held a workshop to coordinate the 2023 WinterFest, including the 'DECA-DANCE' gala. Members assigned tasks for sponsorship letters, volunteer sign-ups, and venue coordination. No formal votes were recorded.

• Set 2023 WinterFest gala theme as 'DECA-DANCE'
• Assigned sponsorship letter outreach to Amy Marsters
• Assigned Timely APP training to Beth Tiffany
• Assigned volunteer sign-up page setup to Amy Marsters
• Scheduled 50 Payson Ave as a venue with Elaine Wood and Paul
• Scheduled Keystone as a venue for Beth Tiffany and Hillary Ballante

Community Preservation Act Committee

The CPA Committee will review account balances and open project updates. The committee will also hold a discussion regarding the Town Clock. No applications or hearings are scheduled for this meeting.

• Approval of September 15, 2022 minutes
• Updates on account balances and open projects
• Discussion regarding the Town Clock
• Grant application deadline: November 3, 2022

The Community Preservation Act Committee discussed whether the City or a church owns the town clock and related structures to determine funding eligibility. The committee voted to use administrative funds to obtain a formal legal opinion from the City Solicitor.

• Approved minutes of 9/15/2022 (6-0)
• Approved use of CPA admin funds for City Solicitor opinion on ownership of clock, bell, and tower

Affordable & Fair Housing Partnership

The Easthampton Affordable & Fair Housing Partnership will review meeting notes from June and September. The agenda also includes updates on the Housing Coalition, advocacy efforts, and recruitment strategies for the 2022-2023 period.

• Approval of June and September meeting notes
• Housing Coalition updates
• Discussion of 2022-2023 priorities
• Recruiting strategies
• Advocacy updates

Community Relations Committee

The Community Relations Committee will review a draft Plan of Action from the Department of Justice Community Relations Service. Members will also discuss themes from an anonymous survey of past members and recent public input, including concerns from a local resident named Rocky. Additionally, the committee will review minutes from March, April, and August 2022 meetings.

• Review of DOJ Community Relations Service Plan of Action draft
• Discussion of themes from an anonymous survey of past members
• Review of public input, including concerns from a local resident
• Review of meeting minutes from March, April, and August 2022

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will hold public hearings regarding two demolition requests under the Demolition Delay Ordinance. The items involve a portion of a building on East Street and two structures on Northampton Street.

• Demolition of front porch at 250 East Street
• Demolition of residential structure and barn at 95 Northampton St

The Commission approved the demolition of a front porch at 250 East Street and the demolition of a residential structure and barn at 95 Northampton Street. Both decisions were made in accordance with the Demolition Delay Ordinance.

• Approved demolition of front porch at 250 East Street (unanimous)
• Approved demolition of residential structure and barn at 95 Northampton Street (4-1)

Contributory Retirement Board

The Easthampton Retirement Board will discuss the appropriation process for fiscal year 2024. The agenda includes approving registration and several retirement deduction transfers. Additionally, the board will vote on adding seven new members to the retirement system.

• Approval of retirement deduction transfers for four employees
• Approval of seven new members to the retirement system
• Discussion regarding the FY 2024 appropriation process
• Approval of September trial balance and Warrant #10

The Easthampton Retirement Board approved the September trial balance and Warrant #10. The board also authorized the admission of seven new members and processed four transfers of deductions to other retirement systems.

• Approved minutes from September 27, 2022 (Unanimous)
• Approved registration amount for MACRS Conference (Unanimous)
• Approved transfer of deductions for Asher Hamilton-Kilili, Kimberly Kolek, Jennifer Poudrier, and Steven Senerchia (Unanimous)
• Approved new members: Kathy Symasko, Ella Mosher, Jeannie Martindale, David J Sullivan, Charlie Vargas, Max Cloutier, and Dyami Jackson (Unanimous)
• Approved September Trial balance (Unanimous)
• Approved Warrant #10 for $516,991.82 (Unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will hold a discussion regarding the FY2023 Tax Rate Classification Hearing. The board will also review a request from Mayor Nicole LaChapelle to release $50,000 from a FY2016 fund. Additionally, members will review motor vehicle abatements and exemptions.

• Request to release $50,000 from FY2016 Overlay less line item
• FY2023 Tax Rate Classification Hearing discussion
• Review of motor vehicle abatements and reimbursements
• Review of tax exemptions
• Review of Classified Forest-Agricultural Land Tax Lien 61A requests

The Board of Assessors approved several tax abatements, exemptions, and a Chapter 61A request. The board also accepted the FY2023 Tax Classification recommendations and approved a fund release request from the Mayor.

• Approved $50,000 release from FY2016 overlay line item to reserve (3-0)
• Approved Chapter 61A request for 449 East Street and Plain Street RR (3-0)
• Approved FY2023 Tax Classification recommendations
• Approved MV Abatements totaling $2,089.83 (3-0)
• Approved MV Recommitments of $29.17 and $63.54 (3-0)
• Approved various tax exemptions including 41C ($29,000) and 22E ($35,000) (3-0)
• Approved minutes from 10/11/2022 (3-0)

School Committee

The School Committee will meet via Zoom to consider several financial actions. The agenda includes approving school payroll and accounts payable from October 20, 2022. Members will also consider establishing a Capital Reserve Account for CES and an out-of-state field trip for EHS.

• Motion to establish a Capital Reserve Account for CES
• Approval of school payroll dated 10/20/2022 ($577,359.07)
• Approval of accounts payable authorization dated 10/20/2022 ($321,728.23)
• Out-of-state field trip request for EHS to High Meadows

The School Committee approved the establishment of a Capital Reserve Account for CES at no cost to the town. The committee also authorized school payroll and accounts payable payments. An out-of-state field trip request for EHS to Connecticut was approved.

• Approved establishment of a Capital Reserve Account for CES (6-0)
• Approved School Payroll dated 10/20/2022 for $577,359.07 (6-0)
• Approved Accounts Payable authorization dated 10/20/2022 for $321,728.23 (6-0)
• Approved out of state field trip request for EHS to High Meadows in Connecticut (6-0)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission will discuss the FY2023 budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The agenda also includes updates on August 26, 2022, storm damage and various park facility projects.

• FY2023 Budget/CIP Plan discussion
• August 26, 2022, storm damage update
• Park facilities updates including Pool Project and Millside
• CPA Projects update
• Review of policies and fees

The commission approved the September 21st meeting minutes. Members discussed budget grants for park projects and heard requests from residents for additional pickleball courts. No other formal votes were recorded.

• Approved September 21st meeting minutes (Unanimous with one abstention)

Manhan Rail Trail Committee

The Friends of the Manhan Rail Trail will hold its annual meeting to elect officers for the upcoming year. The Manhan Rail Trail Committee will then discuss trail maintenance, lighting, and a map project with Northampton.

• Election of Friends of the Manhan Rail Trail officers
• Trail maintenance and lighting updates
• Update on map project with Northampton

The meeting, held jointly with the Friends of the Manhan Rail Trail annual meeting, unanimously approved a slate of officers and directors for the coming year and the 2021 annual meeting minutes. The Friends reported net assets of $43,181.51. The Rail Trail Committee then approved its September 26 meeting minutes and discussed trail maintenance issues including leaf blowing, mural letter repair, hazardous trees, graffiti, and overflowing trash.

• Approved slate of Friends officers: President Wendy Hammerle, Treasurer Barbara LaBombard, Secretary David Jaffe, Directors John Bator, Peter Brooks, John Losito, Liz Sturgen, Ralph Sturgen (unanimous)
• Approved 2021 annual meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved September 26, 2022 Rail Trail Committee minutes (unanimous)

Community Preservation Act Committee

The CPA Committee will discuss fire suppression systems for the Easthampton Housing Authority and the Town Clock. The meeting also includes updates on account balances and open projects. No applications or hearings are scheduled for this meeting.

• Easthampton Housing Authority Stovetop Fire Suppression System discussion
• Town Clock discussion
• Review of account balances and open project updates
• Approval of September 15, 2022 minutes

Housing Authority

The Easthampton Housing Authority will hold a special meeting to review and approve Budget Revision #1. The board will also review the third quarter financials.

• Budget Revision #1
• 3rd Quarter Financials

The Easthampton Housing Authority unanimously approved 2022 Budget Revision #1, which included adjustments for maintenance salaries, two lawsuits from a past tenant, increased staff hours, and a change from a dump truck to a dump trailer. The board also unanimously accepted the 3rd quarter financial reports. The meeting was held at Sunrise Manor Community Room and adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved 2022 Budget Revision #1 (unanimous)
• Accepted 3rd quarter financials (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will discuss Tighe & Bond information regarding rate setting. The meeting also includes a Rate Study Workshop for the public.

• Approval of October 5, 2022, meeting minutes
• Discussion of Tighe & Bond rate setting information
• Public Rate Study Workshop

The Board of Public Works held a discussion on a rate study with Tighe and Bond, with the Mayor present for the discussion. The board also voted unanimously to approve the meeting minutes from the previous meeting.

• Approved October 19, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)

Nashawannuck Pond Committee

The Nashawannuck Pond Committee will discuss cyanobacteria, water quality monitoring, and barley straw. The agenda also includes discussion of WinterFest 2023 and open meeting law training.

• Cyanobacteria/water quality monitoring/Barley Straw
• WinterFest 2023
• Open meeting law training

The committee discussed planning for Winterfest 2023, including a sponsorship drive, securing the Boylston Rooms at Keystone for the gala and events, and coordinating with vendors and performers. A new member application was received from Hillary Ballante, and Kendra (Kisha) is planning to resign. The committee also noted that Open Meeting Law training has been completed by several members, with a reminder for Paul Nowak.

• Approved minutes from 9/21/2022 meeting (to be formally voted at next meeting)
• Removed barley straw bags from pond on 10/12; stakes left in place
• Received invoice for Solitude treatment of pond on 7/26 (still awaiting payment)
• Noted Open Meeting Law training completed by Beth, Amy, Elaine, and Kisha; Paul Nowak still needs to complete
• Received application from Hillary Ballante for open committee seat; Kisha planning to resign
• Beth to continue learning newsletter, graphics, and Timely app for Winterfest
• Beth to order T-shirts and sweatshirts before Christmas sales
• Beth submitted $1,500 MA Cultural Council grant for horses, wagon ride, and magician on 10/17

Licensing Board

The Licensing Board will conduct public hearings for a complaint involving Sunset Motors and an alcohol license application for Valley Art Supplies. The board will also review September 2022 minutes and discuss LJC Hospitality communications.

• Public hearing for Todd Fondakowski complaint regarding Sunset Motors
• New all-alcohol on-premises license application for Valley Art Supplies
• Approval of September 2022 meeting minutes
• Update on LJC Hospitality emails and ABCC communications
• Review of special one-day applications

The Easthampton Licensing Board approved a new all-alcohol general on-premises license for Valley Art Supplies following a site visit, and addressed a complaint against Sunset Motors where no representative appeared. The board also discussed ongoing communications with LJC Hospitality and approved the September meeting minutes.

• Approved all-alcohol general on-premises license for Valley Art Supplies (unanimous)
• Approved September 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council - Property Committee

The City Council Property Committee will meet remotely to discuss a petition from Eversource regarding the installation of four mid-span poles on Mineral Street. The committee will also approve past meeting minutes and allow for public speech.

• Eversource petition to install 4 mid-span poles on Mineral Street
• Approval of past meeting minutes

The Property Committee voted 3-0 to recommend approval of installing four midspan poles along Mineral Street for system reliability and upgrades, including underground wires as needed on public ways. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was procedural only.

• Recommended approval of 4 midspan poles for Mineral Street (3-0)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will review the September 2022 meeting minutes and the ECOA Financial Report. The agenda includes updates on building feasibility next steps and the Program Manager position. The board will also receive a report regarding air quality issues.

• Approval of September 2022 minutes
• ECOA Financial Report acceptance
• Building feasibility process overview
• Program Manager position update
• DPH report on air quality issues

The board discussed next steps for a new senior center, including forming an exploratory group and a visioning process, with estimated costs of $15-20 million. Minutes from September were approved with one abstention. No votes were taken on substantive items; several agenda items were postponed due to lack of time.

• Approved minutes of the September meeting (moved by Tom Brown, seconded by Cathie Schweitzer; Chuck Conner abstained).
• Discussed forming an exploratory group for a new senior center, but no vote was taken.
• Postponed Senior Tax Work Off update due to lack of time.
• Postponed DPH report on Air Quality Issues and Maintenance Update due to lack of time.

Development & Industrial Commission

The EDIC will review August meeting minutes and introduce new member Dave Kutcher. The commission will receive Planning Department updates regarding Union St. work and an elementary schools RFP. Discussion topics include the vacant storefront ordinance and the commission's role in city housing planning.

• Introduction of new member Dave Kutcher
• Planning Department updates on elementary schools RFP
• Updates on Union St. work
• Discussion on vacant storefront ordinance progress
• Discussion on EDIC's role in city housing planning

The Easthampton Development & Industrial Commission (EDIC) discussed a gas supply issue affecting a proposed hot tub business, but took no formal action. The commission approved the August meeting minutes and discussed several planning updates, including the Union Street project and a school reuse RFP.

• Approved the minutes of the August meeting.
• Discussed but took no action on a gas supply issue affecting East Heaven Hot Tubs' proposed location at the former National Carpet site.
• Noted that the Union Street project prep work is underway, with Ludlow Construction expected to have a physical presence in spring.
• Noted that the School RFP is open, allowing flexible proposals for reuse of the Pepin gym and auditorium.
• Agreed to add a focused discussion on the gas supply issue to the November agenda.
• Encouraged the commission to seek new members.
• Agreed to invite the Easthampton Housing Coalition to present on government's role in housing development.

Conservation Commission

The commission will hold public hearings regarding resource area delineation at 385 Main Street and a septic system upgrade at 14 Old Stagecoach Road. The meeting also includes updates on active environmental permits and a discussion of the Wetlands Ordinance.

• Public hearing for resource area delineation at 385 Main Street
• Septic system upgrade request for 14 Old Stagecoach Road
• Discussion regarding the Wetlands Ordinance
• Updates on active environmental compliance projects
• Review of enforcement actions

The Commission voted to accept BSC Group's $3,880 proposal for peer review of a resource area delineation at 385 Main Street, and continued the hearing to November 14, 2022. It also issued a Negative Determination Type 2 for a septic system replacement at 14 Old Stagecoach Road, allowing the project to proceed. Enforcement updates were provided for several properties, and a request to reduce dewatering monitoring frequency at 99 Mt. Tom Avenue was discussed but not formally decided.

• Approved BSC Group peer review proposal ($3,880 not to exceed) for 385 Main Street resource area delineation (4-0)
• Continued public hearing for 385 Main Street to November 14, 2022 (4-0)
• Issued Negative Determination Type 2 for septic system replacement at 14 Old Stagecoach Road (4-0)
• Took item 8(p) out of agenda order to discuss 99 Mt. Tom Avenue SSO incident (5-0)
• Accepted September 12 and September 26, 2022 meeting minutes as written (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:18 PM (5-0)

Cultural District Subcommittee

The Cultural District Committee will meet to discuss cultural district updates and address new business. The agenda consists of standard procedural items.

• Cultural District Updates
• New Business

City Council - Finance Committee

The committee will consider supplemental appropriations from the CPA Fund for park projects. The agenda also includes a review of quarterly fiscal reports and COVID-19 grant spending.

• $65,202 for Mt. Tom Trailhead Park Construction
• $190,000 for Nonotuck Park Pool Improvements
• $281.00 interdepartmental transfer for auto insurance
• Annual tax classification hearing request

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will discuss revisions to the Demo Delay Ordinance and updates on School Reuse. Public hearings are scheduled for October 26 regarding demolition applications for properties at 250 East Street and 95 Northampton Street. The commission will also review project ideas for the 2023 Survey and Planning Grant.

• Revision of Demo Delay Ordinance
• Demolition application: 250 East Street
• Demolition application: 95 Northampton Street
• School Reuse update
• New Haven - Northampton Canal DLTA update

The Easthampton Historical Commission approved minutes from three prior meetings, discussed revisions to the Demo Delay Bylaw based on state comments, and scheduled a public hearing for October 26 on demo delays at 250 East Street and 95 Northampton Street. The School Reuse RFP was released, and two items were tabled.

• Approved minutes from 6/14/2022, 7/13/2022, and 9/14/2022
• Scheduled public hearing for 10/26/2022 on demo delays at 250 East Street and 95 Northampton Street
• Tabled New Haven–Northampton Canal update
• Tabled Survey and Planning Grant 2023

Veteran's Council

The Veterans Council will meet to discuss preparations for Veterans’ Day ceremonies. The remainder of the agenda consists of standard procedural items, including committee reports and approval of minutes.

• Preparation of Veterans’ Day Ceremonies

The meeting was largely procedural with no substantive decisions recorded. The treasurer reported a balance of $14,154.44 with a $500 subtotal. Discussions included flag maintenance and a sign company proposal, but no votes or formal actions were taken.

Housing Authority

The board will review an application for Resident Service Coordinator funding and a change order for porch repairs at Sunrise Manor. The meeting also covers updates to vacancy fees, budget guidelines, and fire alarm maintenance requirements.

• Application for Resident Service Coordinator (RSC) funding
• Re-bidding of boiler maintenance project #087090
• Change order for Sunrise Manor porch repairs by Dean Couture
• Update to vacancy fees and waivers structure
• FY23 LHA budget guidelines

The Easthampton Housing Authority approved a $9,250 change order for Sunrise Manor porch repairs, authorized the executive director to apply for a Resident Service Coordinator grant, and voted to hold future board meetings at Sunrise Manor. The board also approved $2,600 for Open Meeting Law training and accepted the September 2022 warrant of $54,091.86. A previously approved boiler maintenance contract was cancelled due to non-compliance, requiring a third bid.

• Approved $9,250 change order for Sunrise Manor porch repairs (unanimous)
• Authorized executive director to apply for Resident Service Coordinator grant (unanimous)
• Approved $2,600 for Open Meeting Law training (unanimous)
• Accepted September 2022 warrant of $54,091.86 (unanimous)
• Approved holding all future board meetings at Sunrise Manor Community Room (unanimous)
• Cancelled boiler maintenance contract due to non-compliance; project to go for third bid
• Removed agenda item on maintenance supervisor mileage (unanimous)
• Accepted August 2022 financial report (unanimous)

City Council - Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will hear the Police Department Quarterly Report and discuss a new City “Quick Action” recommendation report. The committee will also continue reviews regarding sidewalk safety at the South St./Main St. intersection and the use of electric speed monitoring signs.

• Police Department Quarterly Report
• South St./Main St. sidewalk and traffic light safety review
• Ordinance Review Committee final report review
• Review of electric speed monitoring signs
• New City “Quick Action” recommendation report

The Public Safety Committee reviewed several traffic safety items from the New City Quick Action list, including non-functioning street lights, new stop signs, striping, and speed signs. No formal votes were taken on these items; the committee reached consensus on stop signs at two intersections and striping at another, and will follow up with the DPW and Police Department on other items. The minutes from September 6 were approved 2-0.

• Approved minutes from September 6 (2-0)
• Reached consensus on new stop signs at Emerald Place & Dartmouth St and Emerald Place & Lincoln Street
• Reached consensus on striping at Federal and Parsons intersection
• Agreed to review speed sign placement with Police Department and DPW

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to approve meeting minutes and review motor vehicle abatement applications for signature. The agenda also includes a period for public comments.

• Motor vehicle abatement reviews and signatures

The Board of Assessors approved motor vehicle abatements for 2021 ($54.49) and 2022 ($1,510.36) by a 3-0 vote. They also approved minutes from September 27, 2022. The City Auditor requested release of excess overlay in coming weeks, and the Interim Assessor and City Engineer agreed to change 4 Main St. to 418 Main St.

• Approved minutes of September 27, 2022 (2-0)
• Approved 2021 MV abatement of $54.49 (3-0)
• Approved 2022 MV abatement of $1,510.36 (3-0)

School Committee

The Easthampton School Committee will consider a motion to revote the district budget at $17,889,577.60 to reflect the city council approved budget. The agenda also includes an MCAS overview and approvals for several payroll and accounts payable items.

• Motion to revote the $17,889,577.60 budget
• Approval of school payrolls from September and October 2022
• Approval of accounts payable payments
• MCAS overview presentation
• Out of state field trip requests

The Easthampton School Committee re-voted the budget to $17,889,577.60 to align with the city council-approved amount (6-0-1). They also approved payroll and accounts payable warrants totaling over $1.5 million. The committee received updates on MCAS results, COVID cases, and a projected 14% inflation rate for out-of-district placements.

• Re-voted budget to $17,889,577.60 to match city council approved amount (6-0-1, Mayor LaChapelle abstain)
• Approved School Payroll 9/22/2022 for $589,946.86 (7-0)
• Approved School Payroll 9/22/2022 for $95.64 (7-0)
• Approved School Payroll 10/6/2022 for $579,772.94 (7-0)
• Approved Accounts Payable 9/22/2022 for $195,574.13 (7-0)
• Approved Accounts Payable 10/6/2022 for $169,886.75 (7-0)

Easthampton Community Garden

The Community Garden Committee meeting consists of procedural items and committee reports. The agenda includes updates on operations, outreach, pollinator programs, and gardener feedback.

• Treasurer’s report and endorsement of purchase orders
• Operations report
• Outreach report
• Donation Garden report
• Pollinator report

The committee approved amended minutes from September 1, 2022, and the treasurer's report. They discussed closing a quadrant due to thistle, raising plot fees by $5, and planning a clean-up day. No formal votes were taken on these operational issues.

• Approved amended 9/1/22 minutes to reflect $300 Tractor Supply purchase order (unanimous)
• Adopted treasurer's report (unanimous)
• Agreed to aim for clean-up day on October 22, 2022
• Moved next meeting to November 10, 2022

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will discuss Tighe & Bond information regarding rate setting. The meeting includes a Rate Study Workshop for the public. The board will also approve minutes from the September 21, 2022, meeting.

• Discussion of Tighe & Bond information regarding rate setting
• Public Rate Study Workshop
• Approval of September 21, 2022, meeting minutes
• Director's report

The Board of Public Works unanimously approved the September 21, 2022 meeting minutes. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting consisted of discussion on a rate study with Tighe & Bond, a director's report on ongoing projects (Union Street pole relocation, Cherry Street construction, street sweeping costs, building maintenance, vandalism at Maple St, and paving bid packages), and a public workshop on the sewer rate study.

• Approved September 21, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)

City Council - Ordinance Committee

The City Council Ordinance Committee is meeting to review various proposed changes to local laws. Topics include adding a COA Program Director position and regulating the advertising practices of limited pregnancy centers.

• Adding COA Program Director - Grade D to city ordinances
• Vacant Storefront Ordinance
• Amendments regarding storage of unregistered vehicles
• Regulating deceptive advertising practices of limited pregnancy centers
• Ordinance Review Committee’s final report

The committee approved meeting minutes for August 4th and September 20th by a 2-0 vote. No substantive decisions were made on the proposed CPC ordinance or other agenda items; public comment focused on the CPC ordinance and vandalism at Bethlehem House. A proposed amendment to add a COA Program Manager position was introduced but not voted on.

• Approved meeting minutes for August 4th and September 20th (2-0)

Commission on Disability

The Commission will review updates regarding ADA findings and progress on a snow PSA. The agenda also includes updates on school field trips, a survey subcommittee, and an accessible trail ribbon cutting.

• Recruitment for 3 openings
• Update on ADA findings
• Accessible trail ribbon cutting
• Survey subcommittee update
• Snow PSA progress

The Commission on Disabilities heard a presentation from the Massachusetts Commission on Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) about services for deaf and hard-of-hearing residents. No formal decisions were made; minutes approval was postponed, and several items were tabled or deferred to future meetings.

• Minutes approval postponed to next meeting
• Survey subcommittee on hold until next meeting
• Recruitment for three board openings noted, applications to be submitted to mayor

Agricultural Commission

The Agricultural Commission will meet to approve minutes from past meetings and discuss a request for a letter of support. The agenda does not provide details on the subject of the requested letter.

• Approval of minutes from past meeting(s)
• Discussion of request for letter of support

Community Relations Committee

The committee will hold a work session to discuss its size, meeting types, and outreach efforts for new members. The session also includes a review of a draft Plan of Action from the Department of Justice Community Relations Service.

• Discussion of committee size and meeting types
• Review of draft Plan of Action from the DOJ Community Relations Service
• Outreach strategies for new members and relationships

City Council - Finance Committee

The committee will hold a joint meeting with the School Committee Finance Committee to discuss audits and appropriation timelines. Members will also review quarterly fiscal reports from the City Auditor and updates on Covid-19 grant funding.

• Joint meeting with School Committee Finance Committee regarding audit and appropriation timeline
• Review of quarterly fiscal reports from the City Auditor
• Quarterly report on Covid-19 grant funding and spending
• Review of salary and stipends for elected officials

Veteran's Council

The Veterans Council will conduct routine business, including roll call and approval of minutes. The council will also discuss preparations for upcoming Veterans' Day ceremonies.

• Preparation of Veterans’ Day Ceremonies

The Easthampton Veterans Council met on September 28, 2022, but the minutes are largely procedural and contain no record of any votes, approvals, denials, or tabling of specific actions. The document lists members present, a treasurer's report with a subtotal of $1,454.64, and brief references to committee reports, flags, monuments, and a mention of Veterans Day, but no decisions are captured. The meeting appears to have been a routine gathering with no substantive outcomes to report.

• No decisions, approvals, denials, or tabling of actions are recorded in the minutes.

School Building Committee

The Maple Elementary School Building Committee is reviewing financial updates and MSBA reimbursement status. The committee will also consider earmarking funds for a community open house event.

• Approval of July 19 and July 26, 2022 minutes
• Financial update from Colliers
• MSBA reimbursement update from Michael Owens
• FF&E update from the School District
• Vote on earmark funds for a community open house event

The committee approved minutes from two prior meetings and discussed financial updates, including a $1.4 million surplus. No substantive decisions were made; the main discussion centered on funding a community open house, with the mayor opposing use of bond funds.

• Approved July 19, 2022 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved July 26, 2022 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Contributory Retirement Board

The board will consider retirement deduction transfers, refunds, and new member approvals. The agenda also includes approving the August 23 meeting minutes and an actuarial valuation schedule.

• Approval of MACRS registration and travel for October 3-5, 2022
• Processing retirement deduction transfers and partial refunds
• Review of new member approvals from the School Department and Housing Authority
• Approval of August trial balance and Warrant #9

The Easthampton Retirement Board voted unanimously to maintain the current Actuary Valuation Schedule (Alternative 1 at 5%). The board also approved several member transfers, refunds, and new members, and discussed the upcoming FY 2024 Appropriation process and a conference.

• Approved minutes from August 23, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
• Kept current Actuary Valuation Schedule, Alternative 1 at 5% (unanimous)
• Approved travel and mileage for board members and staff (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of deductions for Curtis Wiemann, Assistant Planner (unanimous)
• Approved partial refund of deductions for Benjamin Lesko, Firefighter (unanimous)
• Approved new members: Abigayle Czerwiec, Connor Schrauben, Jeffrey Usher (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will review and sign end-of-month motor vehicle abatements. The meeting also includes the review and signing of Motor Vehicle Commitment 2022-5 and motor vehicle recommitments.

• Review and signing of end-of-month motor vehicle abatements
• Review and signing of Motor Vehicle Commitment 2022-5
• Review and signing of motor vehicle recommitment

The Board of Assessors approved motor vehicle abatements for tax years 2020, 2021, and 2022, totaling $1,996.53, as well as the MV commitment for 2022-14 ($50,749.60) and a recommitment for 2016 ($45.00). All motions passed 2-0. The board also approved the minutes from the August 30, 2022 meeting.

• Approved MV abatements for 2020 ($54.49), 2021 ($140.41), and 2022 ($1,801.63) (2-0)
• Approved MV commitment 2022-14 for $50,749.60 (2-0)
• Approved MV recommitment for 2016 for $45.00 (2-0)
• Approved minutes from 8/30/2022 meeting (2-0)

Manhan Rail Trail Committee

The committee will review August meeting minutes and receive updates on trail maintenance and the Williston Planting Project. Discussion is also planned for Grace Trail signage and a map project with Northampton.

• Williston Planting Project update
• Grace Trail signage discussion
• Northampton map project update
• Trail maintenance update
• Discussion of Annual Friends meeting date

The committee voted unanimously to grant permission for the New England Trail to paint blazes along the Manhan Rail Trail from Route 5 to the Old Pascommuck Conservation Area. Members also discussed trail maintenance issues including fencing repairs, fallen trees, pavement damage, and trash barrel overflow. A part-time worker funded by the Friends of the Manhan Rail Trail will continue hours after completing the Senior Tax Work-Off Program.

• Approved New England Trail blazes on Manhan Rail Trail (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of August 1 meeting (unanimous)
• John Losito to assess and repair wooden fencing near Fort Hill Road and Route 5
• Barbara LaBombard's husband to repair broken fencing near Route 91 overpass
• Tree warden marked dead trees for removal; DPW to follow up
• Part-time worker Terry Buckowski to continue via Friends of the Manhan Rail Trail funding
• John Losito to follow up with Williston Northampton School on trail light brightness complaints
• Riverside Industries to add weekly trash barrel service behind Tandem Bagel

Conservation Commission

The Easthampton Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a resource area delineation at 385 Main Street. The meeting also includes a discussion on the Wetlands Ordinance and updates on various environmental compliance projects.

• Public hearing for resource area delineation at 385 Main Street
• Discussion of the Wetlands Ordinance
• Review of enforcement actions for properties on O’Neil, South, East, and Northampton Streets
• Compliance updates for projects including Pleasant Street Mills and Nashawannuck Pond

The Commission voted 5-0 (1 abstention) to request a peer review of a resource area delineation filed by GZA on behalf of Kestrel Land Trust for 385 Main Street. The applicant requested completion by mid-November, but the Commission did not guarantee that timeline. The Commission also denied a request to suspend reporting for the new school construction at 200 Park Street due to ongoing site stabilization issues.

• Approved peer review request for resource area delineation at 385 Main Street (5-0, 1 abstention)
• Denied request to suspend reporting for school construction at 200 Park Street due to un-stabilized conditions and downed silt fencing

Affordable & Fair Housing Partnership

The committee will review meeting notes from June and August. The agenda includes updates on the Housing Coalition and advocacy efforts, as well as discussion of a School Reuse RFR and a draft letter to the Mayor concerning the Town Lodging building.

• Approval of June and August meeting notes
• School Reuse RFR
• Draft letter to Mayor regarding Town Lodging building
• Housing Coalition updates
• Advocacy updates

The Easthampton Affordable & Fair Housing Partnership met on September 22, 2022. The main decision was the city council's approval of the School Reuse RFR, which will allow the Planning Department and Procurement Officer to release the RFP for surplus buildings. The partnership also approved a draft letter to the mayor regarding the Town Lodging House and discussed updates on the Housing Coalition and rental assistance programs.

• Approved August meeting notes (4-0)
• School Reuse RFR approved by city council; RFP to be released soon
• Draft letter to mayor re: Town Lodging House approved; Janna to send
• June meeting notes tabled due to conflicting versions

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission will discuss the FY2023 budget and Capital Improvement Plan. The meeting includes an update on storm damage from August 26, 2022, and reviews of several park facilities. Updates on the skate park subcommittee and CPA projects are also scheduled.

• FY2023 Budget/CIP Plan discussion
• August 26, 2022 storm damage update
• Park facility reviews including Millside and Ferry St Parcel
• Skate Park subcommittee update
• Review of 2022 policies and fees

The commission approved the August minutes and discussed several updates. They noted $29,000 in storm tree repair costs, with $10,000 expected from insurance, and an estimated $99,000 to replace the play structure, also an insurance claim. A $400,000 PARC grant was awarded for the pool project, and the director will apply for an additional $300,000-$350,000 LWCF grant. No formal votes were taken on these items; the only action was approving the minutes.

• Approved August 29th meeting minutes (unanimous, 2 abstentions)
• Noted $29,000 storm tree repair cost, $10,000 expected insurance coverage
• Estimated $99,000 for play structure replacement, to be an insurance claim
• Reported $400,000 PARC grant awarded for pool project
• Director to apply for $300,000-$350,000 LWCF grant for pool project

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will review Tighe & Bond information regarding rate setting. The agenda also includes a public Rate Study Workshop and the approval of September 7, 2022, meeting minutes.

• Water/Sewer liens for the period of 7/1/21-6/30/22
• Discussion of Tighe & Bond information regarding rate setting
• Public Rate Study Workshop
• Approval of September 7, 2022, meeting minutes

The Board of Public Works approved minutes from September 7, 2022, and discussed a rate study with Tighe and Bond, with public workshops planned. The director reported on several infrastructure projects including Cherry Street construction, Holyoke Street paving and pedestrian safety upgrades, and citywide traffic safety efforts including LED radar speed signs. Water and sewer liens totaling $252,856.14 were presented for the period ending June 30, 2022.

• Approved September 7, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Discussed Tighe and Bond rate study; public workshops planned
• Presented water liens of $101,520.42 and sewer liens of $151,335.72 for 7/1/21-6/30/22
• Reported Cherry Street construction progressing; Holyoke Street paving and pedestrian upgrades planned
• Working with police and council to purchase 3-4 LED radar speed signs for traffic data
• Winter weather preparations begun; salt ordered; F550 truck sourcing ongoing

Nashawannuck Pond Committee

The Nashawannuck Pond Committee is meeting to discuss cyanobacteria, water quality monitoring, and barley straw. The agenda also includes discussion regarding WinterFest 2023 and open meeting law training.

• Cyanobacteria/water quality monitoring/Barley Straw
• WinterFest 2023
• Open meeting law training

The Nashawannuck Pond Committee approved the August 31 meeting minutes and discussed ongoing projects including barley straw removal, herbicide treatment, and Winterfest planning. No substantive votes were taken on major decisions; the meeting was largely procedural and planning-focused.

• Approved meeting minutes from 8/31/2022 (unanimous)

Licensing Board

The Licensing Board will hold a public hearing for Valley Art Supplies LLC regarding an all alcohol general on-premises retail license. The board will also review special one-day applications for the City Space Presents concert series and Harvest Fest. Additionally, members will discuss 2023 meeting dates and potential changes to meeting times and formats.

• Liquor license application for Valley Art Supplies LLC
• Special one-day permits for City Space Presents concerts
• Special one-day permit for Harvest Fest
• Discussion of 2023 meeting schedule and hybrid access

The board held a public hearing for Valley Art Supplies' application for an all-alcohol general on-premises license for Paint and Sip Nights. A site visit was scheduled for October 5, and the hearing was continued to October 19. The board also approved two Special One Day licenses for Spoleto and New City events.

• Continued Valley Art Supplies' alcohol license hearing to October 19, 2022
• Scheduled a site visit for Valley Art Supplies on October 5, 2022 at 2:30pm
• Approved Special One Day license for Spoleto for City Space events on Oct 27, Nov 5, and Nov 16
• Approved Special One Day license for New City for Harvest Fest on October 9
• Approved minutes from August 2022 meeting
• Agreed to hold 2023 meetings at 4pm with hybrid option
• Noted all 2022/2023 meeting dates posted online and legal requirements met
• Adjourned meeting

City Council - Ordinance Committee

The City Council Ordinance Committee will meet to discuss amendments to city ordinances. The agenda includes a request regarding the storage of unregistered vehicles and continuing business on the Vacant Storefront Ordinance.

• Request to amend city ordinances for storage of unregistered vehicles
• City Ordinance Amendment: Vacant Storefront Ordinance

The Ordinance Committee voted 3-0 to amend the city ordinance to prohibit tarps or other materials covering unregistered vehicles if the vehicle remains discernible, pending attorney review. Discussion on a vacant storefront ordinance continued without invited EDIC and Building Commissioner attendance; the committee supported granting inspection authority to Police, Fire, and Health Department in public safety or health emergencies.

• Approved amendment to prohibit tarps covering unregistered vehicles if vehicle is still discernible (3-0), pending attorney review
• Continued discussion on vacant storefront ordinance; no action taken due to absence of invited EDIC and Building Commissioner
• Supported granting inspection authority to Police, Fire, and Health Department for public safety or health emergencies

Planning Board

The Planning Board will meet to approve minutes and consider a land transfer request. This item involves returning land at 133 Parsons Street from the O'Connor family to the Davis family.

• Land transfer (ANR) for 133 Parsons Street

The Planning Board voted unanimously (4-0) to endorse an Approval Not Required (ANR) plan for a quarter-acre land exchange between Nathan G. Davis & Maegan M. Davis and John A. & Kim Marie O'Connor at 133 Parsons Street. No public comment or other business was conducted. The meeting lasted one minute.

• Approved ANR for land exchange at 133 Parsons Street (4-0)

School Committee

The committee will discuss revoting the FY2023 budget to align with City Council approvals and requesting a budget appropriation. Members will also vote on approving school payroll and accounts payable from August 2022. Presentations include updates on Hispanic Heritage Month and Safe Passages.

• Approval of $359,800.42 in school payroll dated 8/25/2022
• Approval of $82,722.37 in accounts payable dated 8/25/2022
• Discussion to revote the FY2023 budget amount for City Council alignment
• $1,200 donation from Mountain View PTO for libraries

The School Committee discussed the need to revote the FY2023 budget to align with the City Council-approved amount of $17,889,577.60, which is $561,329.40 less than the originally voted $18,450,907. The committee plans to request an appropriation from the city's stabilization fund to cover the difference. A revote was scheduled for the next meeting. The committee also approved several donations and the payroll and accounts payable warrants.

• Approved $30 donation in memory of William Mohr, Sr. (6-0)
• Approved $1,200 donation from Mountain View PTO for MVS libraries (6-0)
• Approved donation of school supplies from ESP Auto for students in need (6-0)
• Approved changing transportation contract signatory from Mayor to School Committee Chair (7-0)
• Approved School Payroll of $359,800.42 (7-0)
• Approved Accounts Payable of $82,722.37 (7-0)
• Tabled FY2023 budget revote to next meeting
• Discussed forming a curriculum subcommittee; further discussion scheduled

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet remotely to review meeting minutes from June and July 2022. The board will also consider a variance request for Black Labyrinth Tattoo Syndicate regarding a body art apprentice.

• Variance request for Matt Stec to begin as a 2nd year Body Art Apprentice at Black Labyrinth Tattoo Syndicate
• Approval of meeting minutes from 6/22/22 and 7/26/22
• Update from the Health Director

The Board of Health approved a variance allowing Black Labyrinth Tattoo Syndicate owner Josh Suchoza to train two apprentices simultaneously, with conditions including proof of one apprentice's prior employment. The board also discussed upcoming flu and COVID-19 booster clinics.

• Granted variance for two apprentices at Black Labyrinth Tattoo Syndicate (3-0)
• Approved seven months credited experience for Matthew Stec's apprenticeship upon receipt of employment letter
• Set variance void if either apprentice ends training early or resigns

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will review the June 2022 minutes and the ECOA financial report. The meeting includes updates on staffing, Highland Valley, and building study results. The board will also discuss senior tax work-off eligibility.

• Decision on Year 3 Pilot Senior Tax Work Off Eligibility recommendation
• Acceptance of ECOA Financial Report
• Update on building study preliminary results
• Discussion regarding air quality issues
• Staffing update

The Easthampton Council on Aging approved the June 2022 meeting minutes and discussed the preliminary Building Study, with board member Tom Brown stating he told the City Council that a new purpose-built center is needed rather than temporary fixes. The financial report was not ready due to staff shortages, and the board discussed staffing and outreach efforts.

• Approved June 2022 meeting minutes (moved by Tom, seconded by Pat)

Easthampton Cultural Council

The Easthampton Cultural Council meeting includes procedural discussions regarding grantee and liaison contacts. The council also plans to review financial business and determine a date for a future voting meeting.

• review financial business
• review meeting date for voting meeting

Community Preservation Act Committee

The CPA Committee will consider construction fund requests for Mt. Tom Trailhead Park and Nonotuck Pool restoration. The meeting also includes administrative business such as approving July 21 minutes and reviewing account balances.

• Additional Construction Funds Request: Mt. Tom Trailhead Park
• Matching Construction Funds Request: Nonotuck Pool Restoration
• Approval of July 21, 2022 meeting minutes
• Updates on account balances and open projects

The Community Preservation Act Committee approved $190,000 for the Nonotuck Pool restoration project (8-0) and $65,202 for additional construction costs at Mt. Tom Trailhead Park (8-0). The committee also discussed a non-working town clock previously funded by CPA and agreed to add it to the next agenda. No public comments were received.

• Approved $190,000 for Nonotuck Pool restoration (8-0)
• Approved $65,202 for additional construction funds for Mt. Tom Trailhead Park (8-0)
• Approved minutes of 7/21/2022 (7-0, 1 abstention)

City Council - Appointment Committee

The City Council Appointments Committee will meet to approve minutes and allow for public comment. The committee will also consider a new mayoral appointment for David Kutcher to the EDIC.

• New mayoral appointment of David Kutcher to the EDIC, term expiring Dec. 31, 2023

The Appointment Committee voted 2-0 to recommend David Kutcher for appointment to the Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC) board, with a term ending Dec. 31, 2023. No other business was conducted.

• Recommended David Kutcher for EDIC board appointment (2-0)

Cultural District Subcommittee

The agenda consists of procedural items and general updates. No specific projects, contracts, or ordinances are listed for this meeting.

• Cultural District Updates

City Council - Finance Committee

The committee will review interdepartmental transfers and a supplemental appropriation for the Old Town Hall Restoration Phase II. Members will also discuss quarterly fiscal reports and COVID-19 grant funding.

• $255,576 supplemental appropriation for Old Town Hall Restoration Phase II
• $54,267.91 PEG Access Account transfer
• $1,760 transfer for council clerk salary
• $902.50 transfer for Mayor legal “old bill” from FY ’22
• Review of quarterly fiscal reports and COVID-19 grant funding

City Council - Property Committee

The City Council Property Committee will discuss continuing business regarding the re-use of Maple Street, Center Street, and Pepin elementary schools. The agenda also includes approval of past meeting minutes and a period for public speech.

• Re-use of Maple Street elementary school
• Re-use of Center Street elementary school
• Re-use of Pepin School
• Approval of past meeting minutes

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will discuss revising the current Demo Delay Ordinance requirements. The meeting includes updates on the New Haven - Northampton Canal DLTA, Town Lodging House, and School Reuse projects. The commission will also address input for the State Historic Preservation Plan 2023-2028.

• Revising Demo Delay Bylaw/Ordinance requirements
• New Haven - Northampton Canal DLTA update
• Town Lodging House update
• School Reuse update
• State Historic Preservation Plan 2023-2028 public input

The Easthampton Historical Commission tabled approval of its July 13, 2022 minutes until the next meeting. It reviewed updates to the Demo Delay Bylaw, which had been sent to the Massachusetts Historical Commission for review, but comments received have not yet been studied. The commission noted that consultants are completing a walk of the entire New Haven-Northampton Canal, and that the town lodging building has been secured with new locks and boarded-up windows, with Valley CDC considering it for affordable housing.

• Tabled approval of July 13, 2022 minutes
• Reviewed Demo Delay Bylaw updates; comments from state commission not yet studied
• Noted progress on New Haven-Northampton Canal consultants' walk
• Noted town lodging building secured; Valley CDC exploring affordable housing use

Housing Authority

The Easthampton Housing Authority will meet to approve its 2023 Annual Plan and a monitoring services contract for Cottage Street Commons. The board will also consider a $42,367.15 payment for door installations at Cliffview Manor. Updates regarding parking lot drainage and hot water issues at Sunrise Manor are also scheduled for discussion.

• Approval of EHA 2023 Annual Plan
• Contract for monitoring services at Cottage Street Commons
• Payment of $42,367.15 for Phase III door installation at Cliffview Manor
• Update on proposed parking lot and road drainage

The Easthampton Housing Authority unanimously approved its 2023 Annual Plan and authorized the executive director to negotiate a compliance contract for a new 40R project on Cottage Street. The board also approved $42,367.15 for partial completion of Phase III door replacements at Cliffview Manor and voted to convert Sunrise Manor's community room hot water system from gas to electric. A tenant complaint about tree removal and a rent calculation dispute were discussed but not resolved.

• Approved 2023 Annual Plan (unanimous)
• Authorized director to negotiate 40R compliance contract (unanimous)
• Approved $42,367.15 for Phase III door project partial completion (unanimous)
• Approved converting Sunrise Manor community room hot water to electric (unanimous)
• Approved and signed September 13, 2022 warrant for $116,286.19 (unanimous)
• Accepted July 31, 2022 financial report (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The scheduled meeting for the Easthampton Board of Assessors on September 13, 2022, was cancelled. No business or reviews were conducted.

School Committee

The School Committee will discuss aligning the FY2023 budget with the amount approved by the City Council and requesting a budget appropriation for any difference. The committee will also vote to approve school payroll and accounts payable from August 25, 2022.

• Discussion of revoting the FY2023 Budget to align with City Council approval
• Request for a City Council appropriation for the FY2023 budget difference
• Approval of school payroll dated 8/25/2022 in the amount of $359,800.42
• Approval of accounts payable dated 8/25/2022 in the amount of $82,722.37

Conservation Commission

The commission will review a request for a gravel parking pad and plantings at 29 Reservation Road. The agenda also includes updates on active compliance projects and a discussion regarding the Wetlands Ordinance.

• Public meeting: Eversource Energy parking pad at 29 Reservation Road
• Discussion of Wetlands Ordinance
• Echodale West Orchard Area Improvements update
• Enforcement actions for properties on O’Neil Street and South Street
• Compliance updates for Ferry Street Mill Redevelopment Project

The Commission approved an invasive species management plan and minor changes to erosion controls and planting plans for the 99 Mt. Tom Avenue outfall restoration project. A Negative Determination Type 2 was issued for a planting and gravel pad project at 29 Reservation Road. Several enforcement cases and open permits were reviewed with no updates.

• Approved invasive species management plan for 99 Mt. Tom Avenue outfall restoration (5-0, Busa recused)
• Approved minor change to erosion and sedimentation controls plan for 99 Mt. Tom Avenue (5-0, Busa recused)
• Approved minor change to planting plan for 99 Mt. Tom Avenue (5-0, Busa recused)
• Issued Negative Determination Type 2 for plantings and gravel pad at 29 Reservation Road (5-0, Buttrick recused)
• Approved August 8, 2022 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved August 22, 2022 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved DPW proposal to clean Lower Mill Pond spillway (no vote tally recorded)
• Authorized agent to review and approve pre-construction requirements (no vote tally recorded)

Easthampton City Arts Coordinating Committee

The committee will review August meeting minutes and discuss updates regarding art programming. This includes open calls for the ECA Gallery, Artwork Space Easthampton, and public art. The agenda also covers upcoming events such as Porchfest and Eastworks Open Studios.

• Approval of August meeting minutes
• Updates on open calls for ECA Gallery, Artwork Space Easthampton, and public art
• Discussion of programming shifts including Porchfest and Eastworks Open Studios
• Artwalk 2023 planning

The Easthampton City Arts Coordinating Committee approved the August meeting minutes and discussed programming updates, including renaming the MAP Gallery to AWE Gallery and shifting Artwalk 2023 to 2nd Thursdays. Porchfest was moved to the last weekend of April 2023, and the December Volunteer Celebration was reimagined as a spring/summer 2023 ribbon-cutting event. No votes were recorded on these proposals; they were discussed as planned changes.

• Approved August meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Discussed renaming MAP Gallery to AWE Gallery, effective 2023
• Shifted Artwalk 2023 to 2nd Thursdays (discussed, no vote recorded)
• Moved Porchfest to last weekend of April 2023 (discussed, no vote recorded)
• Reimagined December Volunteer Celebration as spring/summer 2023 ribbon-cutting event (discussed, no vote recorded)

Licensing Board

The Licensing Board will conduct regular business, including the approval of minutes and public speak time. The board will also review a special one-day application from the Easthampton Rotary.

• Special one day application for the Easthampton Rotary Annual Lobster Bake

City Council - Property Committee

The Property Committee met remotely and discussed the reuse of former school buildings, including Pepin auditorium, but took no votes on any substantive decisions. The committee reviewed a consultant's draft pro forma and evaluation criteria for potential redevelopment, and heard public comment about preserving Pepin auditorium. No motions were made or approved beyond adjournment.

• No substantive decisions made; meeting was informational only
• Adjourned by voice vote (2-0)

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will discuss Tighe & Bond information related to rate setting. The agenda also includes the Director’s report and approval of the August 17, 2022, meeting minutes.

• Approval of August 17, 2022, meeting minutes
• Discussion of Tighe & Bond information on rate setting
• Director’s report

The Board of Public Works approved the August 17 meeting minutes and discussed a rate study by Tighe & Bond. Three public rate-setting workshops were scheduled for September 21, October 19, and November 16, 2022, with a possible public hearing in January 2023. No formal rate increase was voted on at this meeting.

• Approved August 17, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Scheduled three public rate-setting workshops for Sept 21, Oct 19, Nov 16, 2022
• Discussed possible public hearing on rates in January 2023

Veteran's Council

The Veterans Council met to review committee reports and administrative updates. The agenda includes preparations for upcoming Veterans' Day ceremonies.

• Preparation of Veterans’ Day Ceremonies

The meeting was largely procedural, with members present reviewing the treasurer's report and discussing unfinished business regarding a monument project. No formal votes or substantive decisions were recorded.

City Council - Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will review reports from the Fire and Health Departments. The committee will also discuss sidewalk safety at South and Main Streets and a fuel storage amendment for 228 Northampton St.

• South St./Main St. sidewalk and traffic light safety review
• Ordinance Review Committee final report review
• Review of electric speed monitoring signs
• Fuel Storage amendment for River Valley LLC at 228 Northampton St.
• Fire Dept. Quarterly Report

The committee received reports from the Fire Chief on vacancies, a 1984 oxygen machine, new ambulances, and grant applications, and from Health Department staff on the Nalox Box program and a planned flu clinic. No substantive policy decisions were made; the only action was approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Approved minutes from August 11, 2022 meeting (3-0)

Commission on Disability

The Commission will host speakers from the Recovery Center, Learn to Cope West, and EHYC. The meeting includes discussions regarding an East St. site visit, recruitment for three positions, and updates on meeting accessibility.

• Speakers from Recovery Center, Learn to Cope West, and EHYC
• East St. site visit
• Recruitment efforts for 3 spots
• Update on meeting accessibility and closed captioning
• Easthampton TV-PSA progress

Agricultural Commission

The Agricultural Commission will discuss special permits for Russel and updates to the commission's webpage and email. The meeting also includes discussions regarding farm grant support letters and farm succession.

• Discussion of special permits-Russel
• Webpage and email updates
• Letters of support for farm grants
• Farm succession and Agricultural Preservation Restriction

Easthampton Community Garden

This meeting consists of procedural items and committee reports. The committee will review treasurer's reports, purchase orders, and updates regarding operations, outreach, and pollinators.

• Treasurer’s report and endorsement of purchase order(s)
• Operations, outreach, donation garden, and pollinator reports
• Gardener feedback

The Easthampton Community Garden Committee met on September 1, 2022, and adopted the meeting minutes and treasurer's report. The committee discussed operations, including opening a Tractor Supply account and purchasing hoses, and noted that only a few plots remain open. No major policy decisions were made; the meeting was largely routine.

• Adopted 9/1/22 minutes (moved by F. Johnson, seconded by E. Ciocca)
• Adopted treasurer's report (moved by M. Phillips, seconded by F. Johnson)

Nashawannuck Pond Committee

The Nashawannuck Pond Committee will discuss cyanobacteria, water quality monitoring, and barley straw. The committee will also address WinterFest 2023 and open meeting law training.

• Cyanobacteria and water quality monitoring discussion
• Barley Straw discussion
• WinterFest 2023 planning
• Open meeting law training

The committee approved minutes from May and July, reviewed a successful barley straw treatment that prevented cyanobacteria blooms, and discussed plans for Winterfest including sponsorship, a theme contest, and activities. A letter from the Conservation Agent regarding a water quality grant was also addressed.

• Approved meeting minutes from 5/22/2022 and 7/20/2022 (Elaine abstained as she was absent from the last meeting)
• Discussed barley straw project results: water tests showed no cyanobacteria, and the committee plans to increase barley straw bale deployments next year
• Noted that Solitude treated the pond on 7/26 for nuisance weeds; invoice is pending
• Confirmed that open meeting law training was completed by Beth, Amy, Elaine, and Marylou Kisha; reminder for Paul to complete training and submit form
• Discussed new committee member Bonnie McCloud, who has not attended since April; Paul to talk to the Mayor about how to handle the situation
• Decided to seek someone to learn newsletter, graphics, and website tasks for Winterfest; Beth to talk to Kisha
• Reviewed letter from Conservation Agent Cassie Tagert regarding a 604(b) grant for a water quality assessment and management plan; Paul responded accordingly
• Decided on Winterfest activities: photo contest, snowflake contest, online trivia, Mt. Snowman ice cream contest, wagon rides, ice harvesting, and Bumbles on the outside; no chili tasting

City Council - Property Committee

The Property Committee will discuss continuing business regarding the re-use of three elementary schools. This includes the Maple Street, Center Street, and Pepin School sites.

• Re-use of Maple Street school
• Re-use of Center Street school
• Re-use of Pepin School

The committee voted unanimously to hold a public hearing on Sept. 21 to discuss a draft RFP for reuse of the Pepin and Center schools. Members heard public comment supporting moving the Council on Aging to Pepin, preserving the Pepin gym for recreation, and including affordable housing language. The committee also approved minutes from two prior meetings and set additional work sessions for Sept. 8 and 14.

• Approved minutes from 8/22/2022 meeting (3-0)
• Approved minutes from 7/18/2022 meeting (3-0)
• Voted 3-0 to set a public hearing on 9/21/2022 at 6:15 PM for the school reuse RFP

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review and sign end-of-month motor vehicle abatements. The board will also review Motor Vehicle Commitment 2022-4.

• Review and signing of end-of-month motor vehicle abatements
• Review and signing of Motor Vehicle Commitment 2022-4

The Board of Assessors approved motor vehicle abatements totaling $1,217.94 and a motor vehicle commitment of $58,749.93. All votes were unanimous 3-0. The meeting was procedural with no substantive policy decisions.

• Approved minutes of July 26, 2022 (3-0)
• Approved MV abatements: 2021 $104.82, 2022 $1,113.12 (3-0)
• Approved MV commitment 2022-4 for $58,749.93 (3-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will review applications for land exchanges on Parsons Street and Brook Street. A public hearing is scheduled regarding a special permit for a health spa at 150 Northampton Street. The board will also review performance guarantees and insurance for a cell tower at 51 Brook Street.

• Land exchange between 133 and 129 Parsons Street
• Land addition for 43 Brook Street from 41 Brook Street
• Special Permit hearing for a health spa at 150 Northampton Street
• Review of performance guarantee for cell tower at 51 Brook street
• Review of Certificate of Insurance for cell tower at 51 Brook street

The Planning Board unanimously approved a special permit for Ken Shapiro d/b/a East Heaven to renovate and expand a former building at 150 Northampton Street into a health spa with outdoor hot tubs and saunas. The project includes parking, landscaping, and stormwater improvements, with a waiver for a traffic impact statement. The board also endorsed two ANR plans and approved a performance bond and certificate of insurance for a cell tower at 51 Brook Street.

• Approved special permit for East Heaven health spa at 150 Northampton Street (unanimous)
• Waived traffic impact statement for East Heaven project
• Endorsed ANR for land swap at 133 and 129 Parsons Street (unanimous)
• Endorsed ANR for land addition at 43 and 41 Brook Street (unanimous)
• Approved performance bond for cell tower at 51 Brook Street (unanimous)
• Accepted certificate of insurance for cell tower at 51 Brook Street (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of July 19, 2022 meeting (unanimous)

School Committee

The committee will discuss updates for Mountain View School and COVID-19 guidelines. Members will also vote on several payroll and accounts payable authorizations from June through August 2022. Additionally, an out-of-state field trip request for EHS is on the agenda.

• Vote on Easthampton High School student handbook changes
• Approval of accounts payable dated 6/30/2022 in the amount of $679,860.63
• Approval of school payroll dated 6/30/2022 in the amount of $629,670.49
• Out-of-state field trip request for EHS to Hartford Stage in CT
• Acceptance of a donated print of Maple School

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission will discuss the FY2023 budget and Capital Improvement Plan. Updates are scheduled for several park facilities, including Millside and Ferry St Parcel. The agenda also includes updates on CPA projects and the skate park subcommittee.

• FY2023 Budget/CIP Plan discussion
• Park facility updates (Millside, Ferry St Parcel, Parson St., Plain & Strong, New City Project)
• Skate Park subcommittee update
• 2022 Policy & Fees review
• CPA Projects update

The Parks and Recreation Commission unanimously voted to explore the possibility of using a 21-acre parcel near Ferry Street for park use, including a potential skate park. The budget for FY2023 will be affected by storm damage exceeding $30,000, including a playground structure beyond repair. The July 20 meeting minutes were approved unanimously with two abstentions.

• Approved July 20 meeting minutes (unanimous, 2 abstentions)
• Voted to explore Ferry St. parcel for park use (unanimous)
• Discussed FY2023 budget impact from storm damage exceeding $30,000
• Noted playground structure damaged beyond repair, needs replacement
• Discussed skate park subcommittee update: Ferry St. added, Daley Field removed
• Scheduled next meeting for September 21 at 6pm at Pavilion 2

Community Relations Committee

The Community Relations Committee will review its membership, attendance, and group cohesion. The meeting includes a discussion on bylaws development and a review of the CRC mission using survey results. A presentation by ChangetheMassFlag.com representatives is also scheduled via transcript or summary.

• Presentation by ChangetheMassFlag.com representatives
• Review of committee membership, attendance, and group cohesion
• Review of CRC mission and survey results
• Discussion of bylaws and bylaw development
• Review of CRC 'parking lot' document

City Council - Finance Committee

The committee will discuss a $3.25 million CPA bonding request and financing for the old town hall phase 2 project. Members will also review quarterly fiscal reports from the City Auditor and Covid-19 grant funding spending. Additionally, the meeting includes a review of salaries and stipends for elected officials.

• $3.25 million CPA bonding request and financing for old town hall phase 2
• Review of quarterly fiscal reports from the City Auditor
• Quarterly report on Covid-19 grant funding and spending
• Review of salaries and stipends for elected officials
• Acceptance of Chapter 329 of Acts of 1987

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct public hearings regarding two property variance requests. The board will also review minutes from January 26, 2022.

• Special permit and variance for setbacks at 150 Northampton Street
• Renewal of expired side-yard setback variance at 118 Union Street

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved two variance and special permit requests. The first renewed an expired variance for a non-residential structure at 118 Union Street. The second approved a variance and special permit for Ken Shapiro to modify and extend a pre-existing nonconforming commercial structure at 150 Northampton Street for a spa business, East Heaven. Both votes were unanimous.

• Approved renewal of expired variance for side-yard setback at 118 Union Street (unanimous)
• Approved variance for front and rear setbacks at 150 Northampton Street for spa business (unanimous)
• Approved special permit for modification of nonconforming structure at 150 Northampton Street (unanimous)

Licensing Board

The Licensing Board will consider applications for new wine, malt, and all-alcohol retail licenses. The board will also review compliance check violations for four establishments and discuss changes to outdoor live entertainment procedures.

• New wine/malt license application for MeowMeowMeow dba Oxbow Wines
• New all-alcohol license application for Little Truc
• Compliance check violations for Jim's Package Store, Abandoned Building Brewery, Kisara, and Pulaski Club
• Special one-day applications for Millpond Live series, Mt Tom Trail Race, Arcadia Folk Festival, and City Space event
• Proposed changes to outdoor live entertainment procedures

The Easthampton Licensing Board approved new annual alcohol licenses for Oxbow Wines (off-premises) and Little Truc (on-premises), both pending state ABCC approval. The board also issued warnings for compliance check violations to Jim's Package Store (3rd violation), Abandoned Building Brewery (1st), Kisara (1st), and Pulaski Club (multiple), with future violations risking suspension or license loss.

• Approved new annual wine & malt off-premises license for MeowMeowMeow dba Oxbow Wines (unanimous)
• Approved new all alcohol on-premises retail license for Little Truc (unanimous)
• Issued warning to Jim's Package Store for 3rd violation; next violation may result in suspension or non-renewal (unanimous)
• Issued warning to Abandoned Building Brewery for 1st offense; 2nd violation will bring 3-day suspension during peak season (unanimous)
• Issued warning to Kisara for 1st offense; staff retrained on ID checking (unanimous)
• Issued final warning to Pulaski Club for multiple violations; next violation risks loss of license or extended suspension (unanimous)
• Approved special one-day permits for New City Brewery & Abandoned Building Brewery for Millpond Live Series (unanimous)
• Approved special one-day permits for New City Brewery (Mt. Tom Trail Race) and Abandoned Building Brewery (Arcadia Folk Festival, City Space event) (unanimous)

Contributory Retirement Board

The board will review retirement deductions, new member applications, and an intent to retire from a school nurse. The agenda also includes discussions on the annual audit by Scanlon Associates and replacing office equipment.

• Intent to retire: Sheila Streeter, School nurse
• Approval of new members Leslie Datil, Nathaniel Cowan, and Tyler Colby
• Annual audit by Scanlon Associates
• Replacement of copier and fax machine
• Approval of Warrant #8

The Easthampton Retirement Board approved a four-payment plan for Barbara LaBombard to cover $1,132.34 in missed retirement deductions due to a payroll coding error. The board also approved new members, a copier purchase, and travel for training. The funded ratio improved from 74.9% to 88.5%.

• Approved minutes from July 26, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved payment plan for Barbara LaBombard for $1,132.34 in missed deductions (unanimous)
• Approved travel for Kymme Wood to PERAC Directors training (unanimous)
• Approved new members: Leslie Datil, Nathaniel Cowan, Tyler Colby (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of Kyocera copier (unanimous)
• Approved Trial Balance for July (unanimous)
• Approved Warrant #8 for $481,902.48 (unanimous)
• Approved travel for Emerging Issues conference (unanimous)

School Committee

The School Committee agenda includes updates on Mountain View School and COVID guidelines. The meeting also involves votes on several school payrolls and accounts payable payments, though the document notes a cancellation.

• School payroll dated 6/16/2022 for $576,501.63
• Accounts payable authorization for 6/16/2022 for $154,513.53
• School payroll dated 6/30/2022 for $629,670.49
• Accounts payable authorization for 6/30/2022 for $679,860.63
• Out-of-state field trip request for Easthampton High School to Hartford Stage in CT

School Committee - Finance Subcommittee

The Finance Subcommittee will review the Quarter 4 FY22 report of expenditures versus budget. The meeting also includes discussions regarding high-level budget concerns for fiscal year 2023.

• Review of Quarter 4 FY22 expenditures vs budget
• Discussion of high-level budget concerns for FY2023
• Introduction of New Business Director and School Finance Committee members
• Scheduling the FY22 Annual Review for October or November

The Finance Subcommittee reviewed FY22 year-end finances and discussed FY23 budget concerns, including a $561k deficit and the inability to sign contracts without an approved budget. Members explored options to request additional appropriation from the City Council to cover transportation costs and align the budget with the city-approved amount.

• Discussed $561k deficit and need for city appropriation to increase FY23 budget
• Noted transportation contract unsigned due to lack of approved budget
• Planned to ask City Council for appropriation, focusing on transportation funds
• Scheduled FY22 annual review for late October
• Agreed to schedule joint meeting with City Council finance subcommittee

Conservation Commission

The commission will hold public meetings regarding a crossing replacement at Pomeroy Meadows and new plantings at 29 Reservation Road. The agenda also includes updates on active environmental compliance projects and a discussion about the Wetlands Ordinance.

• Crossing replacement project at Pomeroy Meadows Conservation Area
• Installation of plantings and a gravel parking pad at 29 Reservation Road
• Discussion regarding the Wetlands Ordinance
• Enforcement actions for properties on O’Neil Street, South Street, East Street, and Northampton Street
• Compliance updates for projects including Pleasant Street Mills and Nashawannuck Pond

The Commission issued a Negative Determination Type 2 for a bridge replacement project at Pomeroy Meadows Conservation Area, finding no alteration to jurisdictional areas. A partial Certificate of Compliance was granted for a separated parcel at 109 Northampton Street. A public hearing for Eversource plantings at 29 Reservation Road was postponed due to improper legal advertisement.

• Issued Negative Determination Type 2 for Pascommuck Conservation Trust bridge replacement at Pomeroy Meadows (5-0)
• Granted partial Certificate of Compliance for 109 Northampton Street (5-0)
• Postponed Eversource planting and gravel parking pad hearing at 29 Reservation Road due to improper legal advertisement

City Council - Property Committee

The Property Committee will discuss pole locations at 277 Main Street, Cherry Street, and Loudville Rd. The committee will also address an Eversource 8" gas line installation easement on Liberty Street. Public hearings for these items are scheduled for September 7, 2022.

• Pole locations at 277 Main Street, Cherry Street, and Loudville Rd.
• Eversource 8" gas line installation easement on Liberty Street
• New City Planning Study and Quick action memo

The Property Committee voted 3-0 to recommend three pole location proposals (277 Main Street, Cherry Street, Loudville Road) and a Liberty Street easement for Eversource gas line installation to the full City Council. Public hearings for these items are set for September 7, 2022. The committee also discussed a quick action memo and referred it to public safety.

• Recommended Liberty Street easement for Eversource 8" gas line installation (3-0)
• Recommended Main Street pole removal and replacement (3-0)
• Recommended Loudville Road new pole for development (3-0)
• Referred quick action memo to public safety (consensus)

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will discuss a new City Planning study and Tighe & Bond information regarding rate setting. The meeting also includes the approval of minutes from August 3, 2022.

• Approval of August 3, 2022, meeting minutes
• New City Planning study
• Discussion of Tighe & Bond information regarding rate setting
• Director's report

The Board of Public Works unanimously approved the minutes from the August 3, 2022 meeting. Jamie Webb from Planning presented a study on improvements for the New City area, which will go to City Council on September 7, 2022. The board discussed a rate study from Tighe & Bond and a possible workshop on September 21, 2022. The Director reported no update on Union Street construction; Cherry Street work is beginning; Cottage Street water main repairs are ongoing; and Northampton Street water and sewer main replacement is being scoped.

• Approved August 3, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Discussed Tighe & Bond rate study; possible workshop set for September 21, 2022
• Noted New City planning study presentation; will go to City Council September 7, 2022
• No update on Union Street construction schedule
• Cherry Street construction mobilization begins August 22, 2022
• Cottage Street water main abandonment and valve repairs ongoing
• Northampton Street water and sewer main replacement being scoped with Wright Pierce

City Council - Property Committee

The Property Committee will discuss a new City Planning Study and quick actions. The committee is also scheduled to discuss the reuse of Maple Street School, Center Street School, and Pepin School.

• New City Planning Study & Quick Actions
• Reuse of Maple Street School
• Reuse of Center Street School
• Reuse of Pepin School

The Property Committee discussed the draft RFP for reuse of surplus school buildings, with public comment strongly supporting affordable housing as the top priority. The committee scheduled two additional meetings (August 31 and September 14) to review the RFP before it moves to the full City Council for a vote on September 7. No final decisions were made at this meeting; the committee voted 3-0 to adjourn.

• Scheduled two additional meetings: August 31 at 6 PM and September 14 at 6 PM to continue school reuse discussion
• Discussed draft RFP for surplus school buildings with focus on affordable housing
• Heard public comment supporting RFP as written with housing as top priority
• Mayor recommended removing RFP from committee at September 7 meeting for full council vote
• Motion to adjourn approved 3-0

Development & Industrial Commission

The commission will receive updates from the Planning Department, including a Request for Proposals (RFP) for elementary schools. Members will also discuss progress on a vacant storefront ordinance and the Shop Where I Live online platform.

• Elementary school RFP update
• Vacant storefront ordinance progress
• Shop Where I Live online platform discussion
• Union St business communication discussion

The EDIC approved the July meeting minutes with 4 in favor and 1 abstention. Members discussed the progress of the Vacant Storefront Ordinance through the Ordinance Committee and noted new businesses on the 'Shop Where I Live' platform. The commission also discussed a new city alert system for Union Street construction updates and is seeking new members.

• Approved July 19, 2022 minutes (4-0-1)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Skate Park Subcommittee is holding a remote meeting to discuss the skate park. The agenda does not list specific motions or decisions for this meeting.

• Discussion of the Skate Park

The subcommittee discussed the potential of a 21-acre parcel on Ferry Street for a new skate park and dog park, but took no formal votes or decisions. Members raised concerns about environmental issues, timeline, and costs, while agreeing to gather more information and meet again in September.

• No formal decisions or votes taken; discussion only

Energy Advisory Committee

The committee will discuss updates regarding municipal aggregation, including solicitor reviews and feedback from other towns. The agenda also includes discussions on school bus electrification, solar opportunities at local schools, and heat pump electrification.

• Municipal aggregation updates and solicitor review
• School bus electrification with Durham Transportation
• Solar production at EHS and Mountain View School
• Heat pumps and Columbia Gas settlement discussion
• Green Community Grant proposal and annual report

The Energy Advisory Committee postponed approval of minutes from previous meetings until September 12. Members reported on feedback from other towns regarding Good Energy for municipal aggregation, but no decision was made. The committee will vote on using Good Energy only after the City Solicitor approves the contract, references are gathered, and the committee meets with the mayor.

• Minute approval postponed until September 12 meeting
• No vote taken on municipal aggregation consultant
• Committee will vote on Good Energy after solicitor approval, reference review, and meeting with mayor

City Council - Appointment Committee

The City Council Appointments Committee will consider new mayoral appointments. These include positions on the Manhan Rail Trail Committee and the Council on Aging.

• Appointment of Lisa Ponce to Manhan Rail Trail Committee
• Appointment of Cathy Schweitzer to Council on Aging

City Council - Public Safety Committee

The committee will undergo reorganization and review the DPW quarterly report. Discussion includes a fuel storage amendment and safety reviews for local intersections and speed monitoring signs.

• Fuel Storage amendment – 228 Northampton St., River Valley LLC
• Safety review of South St./Main St. sidewalk and intersection
• Review of electric speed monitoring signs
• Ordinance Review Committee final report review

The Public Safety Committee approved minutes from July 12, nominated Councilor Meunier as clerk, and approved fuel storage at River Valley. The DPW director discussed a snow removal track machine funded mostly by a state grant. No public comment was received.

• Approved July 12 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Nominated Councilor Meunier as Clerk of the Public Safety Committee (3-0)
• Approved fuel storage at River Valley (3-0)

Housing Authority

The Easthampton Housing Authority will review second-quarter operating statements and modernization reports. The board will also consider approving $33,060 for porch repairs and selecting a bidder for boiler maintenance at Sunrise Manor. Additionally, the meeting includes updates on mileage reimbursement rates and vacancy reports.

• $33,060.00 payment for porch repairs (#087084)
• Approval of JSD Mechanical for Sunrise Manor boiler maintenance
• Mileage reimbursement increase from $0.585 to $0.62
• Total waitlist of 9,622 applicants as of August 1, 2022
• Distribution of $2,400.14 in board compensation

The Board unanimously approved the 2023 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), the DHCD Mandatory Language Access Plan, and the Fair Housing Marketing Plan. They also approved a $33,060 payment for porch repairs at Sunrise Manor and a $46,750 contract for boiler system maintenance at Sunrise Manor. A tenant's rent concern was deferred to a future meeting as a personal matter.

• Approved 2023 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) unanimously
• Approved DHCD Mandatory Language Access Plan (LAP) unanimously
• Approved DHCD Fair Housing Marketing Plan (FHMP) unanimously
• Approved $33,060 payment to Dean Couture for porch repairs at Sunrise Manor unanimously
• Approved $46,750 contract to JSD Mechanical for boiler system maintenance at Sunrise Manor unanimously
• Approved 2nd quarter operating statements and consolidated modernization report unanimously
• Approved and signed August 9, 2022 warrant for $72,873.99 unanimously
• Accepted corrected minutes of July 13, 2022 meeting unanimously

Conservation Commission

The commission will review a Certificate of Compliance request for the Treehouse housing development at 11 Button Road. The meeting also covers enforcement actions and updates on active projects like the Ferry Street Mill Redevelopment. Additionally, the board will discuss the Wetlands Ordinance.

• Certificate of Compliance for Treehouse housing development (11 Button Road)
• Enforcement actions at 10 O’Neil Street, 37 South Street, 476 East Street, and 93 Northampton Street Rear
• Invasive plant management updates at Lathrop Community of Easthampton
• Ferry Street Mill Redevelopment Project compliance updates
• Wetlands Ordinance discussion

The Commission voted unanimously to issue a partial Certificate of Compliance for Lot 7 at 11 Button Road, part of the Treehouse housing development, after reviewing survey data confirming the buffer zone markers. All other agenda items were informational or had no updates, and a discussion on wetlands ordinance language was tabled.

• Issued partial Certificate of Compliance for 11 Button Road (Lot 7) (4-0)
• Approved July 25, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Tabled wetlands ordinance discussion on vernal pools/IVWs

City Council - Ordinance Committee

The City Council Ordinance Committee will discuss several items of continuing business. These include the Vacant Storefront Ordinance and a proposed amendment to Chapter 6 regarding deceptive advertising practices by limited pregnancy centers. The committee will also review the Ordinance Review Committee’s final report and a mayoral request concerning flags and banners on city flagpoles.

• Vacant Storefront Ordinance
• Amendment to Chapter 6 regarding deceptive advertising by limited pregnancy centers
• Review of the Ordinance Review Committee's final report
• Mayor's request for an ordinance regarding flags and banners on city flagpoles

The Ordinance Committee met and discussed two items: the Chapter 6 Amendment on Deceptive Advertising Practices of Limited Pregnancy Centers, and the Vacant Storefront Ordinance. No final decisions were made on either item. The committee approved the July 14th meeting notes (3-0).

• Approved July 14th meeting notes (3-0)
• Discussed Chapter 6 Amendment on Deceptive Advertising Practices of Limited Pregnancy Centers; no action taken
• Discussed Vacant Storefront Ordinance registration and safety inspection guidelines; no action taken

Affordable & Fair Housing Partnership

The meeting will cover updates on the School Reuse RFR and the Housing Coalition. Members will also discuss social media and review a draft letter to the Mayor regarding the Town Lodging building.

• School Reuse RFR update and schedule of meetings
• Draft letter to Mayor re: Town Lodging building
• Housing Coalition updates
• Social media discussion
• Advocacy updates

The meeting lacked a quorum, so approval of June meeting notes was tabled until September. Members decided to continue meeting in person rather than hybrid. They discussed the School Reuse RFR, the new Housing Coalition, and a draft memo to the Mayor about 75 Oliver Street.

• Tabled approval of June meeting notes due to lack of quorum
• Decided to keep meetings in person for now
• Agreed to draft memo to Mayor re: 75 Oliver Street affordable housing

Easthampton Community Garden

The Community Garden Committee will hold a remote public meeting consisting of procedural items and committee reports. The agenda includes updates on operations, outreach, pollinators, and the Donation Garden.

• Treasurer’s report and endorsement of purchase order(s)
• Operations report
• Outreach report
• Donation Garden report
• Pollinator report

The Easthampton Community Garden Committee met on August 4, 2022, and handled routine business including approving minutes and the treasurer's report. They discussed weed inspection failures, volunteer shortages, and plans for flower bed improvements, but made no major policy decisions. The meeting was procedural, with most items being reports and action items for follow-up.

• Approved minutes of previous meeting (moved by Ted, seconded by Frank)
• Approved treasurer's report including $13.96 expenditures and $200 request for Fleury (moved by Mark, seconded by Frank)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:46 PM (moved by Frank, seconded by Margie)

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will discuss information from Tighe and Bond related to rate setting. The agenda also includes the approval of meeting minutes from June 15, 2022.

• Discussion of Tighe and Bond information regarding rate setting
• Approval of June 15, 2022, meeting minutes

The Board of Public Works approved the June 15, 2022 meeting minutes unanimously. They also heard a presentation from Tighe & Bond on a revised draft of the Water and Sewer Rate Evaluation, which is on file. No other formal decisions were made; the rest of the meeting was informational reports.

• Approved June 15, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)

Commission on Disability

The Commission on Disability will hear speakers regarding the Commission for the Blind and the Nonotuck Park ADA playground. The agenda also includes a site visit to East st and updates on recruitment for three positions.

• Nonotuck Park ADA playground speaker
• East st Site visit
• Recruitment efforts for 3 spots
• Update on meeting accessibility and closed captioning
• Progress on Resource Guide and Easthampton TV-PSA

The Commission on Disabilities heard presentations from the Mass Commission for the Blind and consultants on the 2022 ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan. They voted to provide a letter of support for an ADA playground at Nonotuck Park. The meeting was adjourned early due to lengthy presentations, with remaining agenda items deferred to the next meeting.

• Approved letter of support for ADA playground at Nonotuck Park (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting early; deferred agenda items to next meeting

Manhan Rail Trail Committee

The committee will receive updates on trail maintenance and the Williston Planting Project. Discussion is also scheduled for Grace Trail signage, a map project with Northampton, and bench installation. The committee will also address Sr. Tax work-off worker payment.

• Williston Planting Project update
• Grace Trail signage
• Map project update with Northampton
• Bench installation subcommittee report
• Sr. Tax work-off worker payment discussion

The committee unanimously approved the June 27th minutes with a correction. They discussed trail maintenance issues, including pavement damage, weeding, and sand coverage, and noted the trail's recognition as Trail of the Month. No formal decisions were made beyond the minutes approval.

• Approved June 27th minutes with correction (unanimous)

Easthampton City Arts Coordinating Committee

The committee will discuss programming updates for Cultural Chaos, Art walk, and Public Art. The agenda also includes planning for a December Fundraiser / Party.

• Approval of May meeting minutes
• Programming updates for Cultural Chaos, Art walk, and Public Art
• Discussion regarding a December Fundraiser / Party

Community Relations Committee

The committee will hear a video presentation from ChangetheMassFlag.com and review a meeting summary with the Easthampton Healthy Youth Coalition. Members will also discuss CRC bylaws, mission, and future meeting schedules.

• Presentation by ChangetheMassFlag.com via video recording
• Summary of meeting with Easthampton Healthy Youth Coalition
• Review of CRC mission and survey results
• Discussion of bylaws and bylaw development

City Council - Appointment Committee

The City Council Appointments Committee will meet to reorganize the committee and approve minutes. The agenda also includes the re-appointment of Barbara LaBombard as Clerk to the City Council.

• Re-appointment of Barbara LaBombard as Clerk to the City Council
• Committee re-organization

The Appointment Committee reorganized, electing Councilor Riley as chair and Councilor Gomez as clerk. It approved the previous meeting minutes and reappointed Barbara LaBombard as clerk to the city council through August 31, 2024.

• Elected Councilor Riley as chairperson (3-0)
• Elected Councilor Gomez as clerk (3-0)
• Approved June 8, 2022 minutes (2-0-1, Meunier abstained)
• Approved May 11, 2022 minutes (2-0-1, Meunier abstained)
• Reappointed Barbara LaBombard as city council clerk (3-0)

Licensing Board

The Licensing Board will review several one-day permit applications and outdoor live entertainment requests for upcoming summer and fall events. The board also intends to approve June 2022 minutes and vote on the 2023 meeting schedule. A complaint regarding Sunset Motors is scheduled for discussion.

• Public hearing for Calico's transfer of Hi-Tone license
• One-day permit application for Knights of Columbus annual picnic
• Outdoor live entertainment applications including Arcadia Festival
• Discussion of a Sunset Motors complaint
• Vote on proposed 2023 meeting dates

The Easthampton Licensing Board approved a restructuring of Calico's Hi-Tone license application for resubmission to the ABCC, and approved several special one-day event permits and outdoor live entertainment licenses. The board also set 2023 meeting dates and noted a complaint against Sunset Motors could not be acted on without proof.

• Approved restructuring of Calico's Hi-Tone license application for ABCC submission
• Approved special one-day permit for Our Lady of the Valley/Knights of Columbus polka fest (Aug 21)
• Approved special one-day permit for Abandoned Building Brewery Women's Arm Wrestling Event (Aug 20)
• Approved outdoor live entertainment for Arcadia Folk Festival
• Approved outdoor live entertainment for Mt View School Grand Opening (Oct 15)
• Approved outdoor live entertainment for Mountain River Taiko Drums at Millside (Aug 1)
• Approved outdoor live entertainment for River Valley Co-Op Event (Aug 18)
• Approved outdoor live entertainment for Easthampton Parks and Recreation movie nights and concerts

School Building Committee

The committee will review minutes from the July 19, 2022 meeting and discuss a potential change order regarding an entry drain underdrain. The agenda also includes an update on the Certificate of Occupancy.

• Approval of July 19, 2022 minutes
• PCO 191 - Entry Drain Underdrain
• Certificate of Occupancy update

The committee unanimously approved Change Order 191 for the Entry Under Drain Repair at the Mountain View School (PK-8) project, in the amount of $92,275, with the condition that the city reserves all rights. Mayor LaChapelle expressed dissatisfaction that certain reports (including actual boring reports) were still missing, but gave verbal approval for work to proceed. No other substantive decisions were made; the certificate of occupancy update was deferred.

• Approved Change Order 191 for Entry Under Drain Repair, $92,275, with city reserving all rights (unanimous)

Contributory Retirement Board

The Easthampton Retirement Board will meet to approve warrants #7A and #7B and the June 28, 2022 minutes. The agenda includes processing retirement transfers, refunds, and new memberships. The board will also discuss actuarial valuation and a PERAC audit.

• Approval of Warrants #7A and #7B
• Transfer of deductions for Kaila Chianciola and David Sullivan
• Refunds for David Sullivan and Brooke Garrow
• Approval of new members Elizabeth Plouffe, Andy Nguyen, Kathleen Symasko, and Allen Sawyer
• Review of actuarial valuation and PERAC audit

The Easthampton Retirement Board approved two warrants totaling $4,112,935.47, approved a payment plan for Mary Corriveau, and voted to require annual affidavits from retirees. The board also approved transfers, refunds, and new members as listed.

• Approved minutes from June 28, 2022 (unanimous)
• Approved annual affidavit requirement (unanimous)
• Approved payment plan for Mary Corriveau (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of deductions for Kaila Chianciola and David Sullivan (unanimous)
• Approved partial refund for David Sullivan (unanimous)
• Approved refund for Brooke Garrow (unanimous)
• Approved new members: Elizabeth Plouffe, Andy Nguyen, Kathleen Symasko, Allen Sawyer (unanimous)
• Approved Trial Balance for June, Warrant #7A ($505,213.47), and Warrant #7B ($3,607,722.00) (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Easthampton Board of Assessors is scheduled for a routine administrative meeting. The agenda includes reviewing and signing motor vehicle abatements, recommitments, and Chapter 61 applications.

• Review and signing of motor vehicle abatements
• Review and signing of motor vehicle recommitments
• Review and signing of Chapter 61 applications

The Board of Assessors approved all items on the agenda by 3-0 votes: motor vehicle abatements totaling $4,251.90, MV recommitments of $60.00, a Chapter 61 application for the Tomaszewski family trust, and a release of classified land tax lien for David & Linda Pogue. The board also approved the June 28, 2022 minutes and adjourned at 5:14 PM.

• Approved June 28, 2022 minutes (3-0)
• Approved MV abatements: 2021 $238.48, 2022 $4,013.42 (3-0)
• Approved MV recommitments: 2009 $60.00 (3-0)
• Approved Chapter 61 application for Michael A. Tomaszewski & Rachel E. Kent Tomaszewski Family Trust, East St. parcels (3-0)
• Approved release of classified forest-agricultural/horticultural recreational land tax lien for David & Linda Pogue, 134 West Street (3-0)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will conduct public hearings regarding updates to body art establishment regulations and solid waste or recyclable disposal rules. The meeting also includes a presentation by City Councilor Owen Zaret on a proposed ordinance.

• Public hearing for updating Body Art Establishments regulations
• Public hearing for updating Chapter 14 (solid waste and recyclables disposal)
• Presentation on proposed ordinance Section 6-23 by City Councilor Owen Zaret
• Meeting with Community Social Worker Elizabeth Plouffe

The Easthampton Board of Health unanimously approved updates to the City of Easthampton Regulations for Body Art Establishments, effective July 28, 2022, and to Chapter 14: Rules and Regulations for Removal, Transport and Disposal of Solid Waste or Recyclables, effective October 3, 2022. Both public hearings were opened and closed with no public comment. The board also heard updates from the Health Director on camp inspections and Monkeypox policies, and discussed a proposed ordinance on deceptive practices of reproductive centers, which still requires City Council approval.

• Approved updates to Body Art Establishments regulations, effective July 28, 2022 (2-0)
• Approved updates to Chapter 14 solid waste regulations, effective October 3, 2022 (2-0)
• Opened and closed public hearings for both regulation updates with no public comment
• Heard update on seven permitted camp inspections and Monkeypox policies
• Discussed proposed ordinance on deceptive practices of reproductive centers; no action taken

Conservation Commission

The Commission will hold a public hearing regarding an Eversource Energy distribution line upgrade near North Street. The meeting includes reviews of active environmental permits, enforcement actions, and open space updates. The board will also discuss the local wetlands ordinance and a preliminary review for 5 Mineral Street.

• Public hearing for Eversource Energy distribution line upgrade at North Street
• Certificate of Compliance request for Treehouse housing development at 11 Button Road
• Enforcement actions for properties on O’Neil Street, South Street, East Street, and Northampton Street
• Compliance updates for the Ferry Street Mill Redevelopment Project
• Discussion regarding the local wetlands ordinance

The Commission approved an Order of Conditions for Eversource's distribution line upgrade off North Street, with special conditions including weekly reporting and post-0.25-inch rain event reports, and an approved invasive species management plan. It also approved a restoration plan for a wetland crossing violation at 93 Northampton Street Rear, selected Stockman Associates for peer review of agricultural activities, and extended the permit for the new school at 200 Park Street by three years.

• Approved Order of Conditions for Eversource line upgrade with special conditions (5-0)
• Approved restoration plan for 93 Northampton Street Rear (5-0)
• Selected Stockman Associates for peer review of agricultural activities (5-0)
• Granted 3-year extension for school construction at 200 Park Street (5-0)
• Approved updated Reservation Road Conservation Restriction (5-0)
• Continued review of Partial Certificate for 11 Button Road to 8/8/2022 (5-0)
• Approved July 11, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0)

City Council - Property Committee

The City Council Property Committee will meet to approve past meeting minutes and review new business. The committee will consider a request regarding the location of a utility pole at 277 Main St.

• Utility pole location request – 277 Main St.

Commission on Disability

The Commission on Disability will conduct a site visit at the Mt. Tom trail East Street entrance. The meeting also includes discussions regarding accessibility.

• Site visit for Mt. Tom trail on East Street entrance
• Discussion of accessibility

Community Preservation Act Committee

The CPA Committee will review administrative items including account balances and open projects. The meeting also includes a hearing regarding the CitySpace restoration project.

• CitySpace – Old Town Hall 2nd Floor Restoration & New Accessible Entrance hearing
• Approval of June 16, 2022 minutes
• Review of account balances and open projects updates
• Grant application deadline of August 4, 2022

The Community Preservation Act Committee voted to recommend that the City Council appropriate $3,250,000 from the Community Preservation Fund for the Old Town Hall restoration project, funded by transferring $1,250,000 from the fund and borrowing $2,000,000. The committee also approved a motion making the bonding conditional on CitySpace securing the remaining balance of the accepted construction bid. The committee discussed the project's funding history, including a prior $3.5 million commitment, and preferred a $2 million bond with a 10-year level principal repayment plan.

• Approved motion to recommend $3,250,000 appropriation for Old Town Hall restoration, funded by $1,250,000 transfer and $2,000,000 bond (6-0)
• Approved motion making bonding conditional on CitySpace securing the remaining balance of the accepted construction bid (6-0)
• Approved minutes of 6/16/2022 meeting (5-0, 1 abstention)
• Consensus to authorize Dan Rist & Greg Rolland to advise Mayor & Treasurer on bond structuring

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission will discuss the FY2023 budget, CIP plan, and various park facility projects including Parson St., Plain & Strong, and New City Project. Other agenda items include dog park updates, skate park subcommittee reports, and summer staffing.

• FY2023 budget and CIP plan discussion
• Updates on Parson St., Plain & Strong, and New City Project facilities
• Dog Park and Skate Park subcommittee updates
• 2022 Policy & Fees review
• CPA projects update

The Easthampton Parks and Recreation Commission approved the creation of a Skate Park Subcommittee with six members plus alternates, and selected representatives from both the commission and the skate park group. The commission also discussed a potential dog park location, reviewed budget and grant updates, and approved the June meeting minutes.

• Approved June 22 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Created Skate Park Subcommittee with 6 members plus alternates (unanimous)
• Selected Jeff Burke and Angie F as skate park reps, Ed C as alternate
• Selected J.T. and Eric P as commission reps, Paul and Brian H as alternates

Nashawannuck Pond Committee

The Nashawannuck Pond Committee will discuss cyanobacteria and water quality monitoring. The agenda also includes discussion regarding barley straw, cultural chaos, and open meeting law training.

• Cyanobacteria/water quality monitoring
• Barley Straw
• Cultural Chaos
• Open meeting law training

The Nashawannuck Pond Committee met on July 20, 2022, and discussed routine updates: the barley straw project is on course with good water tests, and Solitude treated the pond for nuisance weeds on July 26. The committee postponed the Gala to 2023 Winterfest, confirmed venue and band availability, and noted that meeting minutes from May 22, 2022, will be approved at the August meeting. No formal votes were recorded; actions were mostly informational or assigned for follow-up.

• Postponed Gala to 2023 Winterfest; confirmed band, Boylston Rooms, and Meyers availability
• Scheduled next meetings: 8/31, 9/21, 10/19, 11/30, 12/28 at 5:30 PM
• Approved minutes from 5/22/2022 to be formally approved at August meeting
• Noted Solitude treated pond on 7/26 for nuisance weeds
• Barley straw project on course; 3 water tests show no cyanobacteria
• Open meeting law training completed by Beth, Amy, Elaine, Marylou, Kisha; Paul reminded to complete and send form to Barbara Labombard
• Weebly website bill of $159 annually noted
• New member Bonnie McCloud has not attended; Paul to discuss with Mayor

School Building Committee

The committee will review the minutes from the June 21, 2022, meeting. The agenda also includes discussion regarding two potential change orders for foundation fill and drainage.

• Approval of June 21, 2022, minutes
• PCO 179- Deep Foundation Fill
• POC 191- Entry Drain Underdrain

The committee unanimously approved change order PCO-179 for $137,333 to address deep foundations discovered at the PK-8 project. A second change order, PCO-191 for $92,275 to add an under drain at the entry drive, was tabled after the mayor requested more documentation from the DPW. The committee scheduled a remote meeting for August 2 to vote on the tabled item. The meeting also discussed extending the temporary certificate of occupancy for the Middle School.

• Approved change order PCO-179 for deep foundation fill at $137,333 (unanimous)
• Tabled change order PCO-191 for additional under drain at entry drive ($92,275)
• Approved June 21, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:24pm (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing regarding a special permit for Cellco Partnership, doing business as Verizon Wireless. The proposal involves increasing the height of an existing wireless tower from 120 to 130 feet and adding antenna panels. The board will also review minutes from the June 21, 2022 meeting.

• Special permit request to modify a wireless tower at 51 Brook St rear
• Proposal to increase tower height from 120’ to 130’
• Request for a waiver of property line setback requirements

The Easthampton Planning Board unanimously approved a special permit for Verizon Wireless to modify an existing 120-foot monopole tower at 51 Brook St. rear, increasing its height to 130 feet, adding a fourth antenna sector, and waiving the property line setback from 143 to 133 feet. The decision was made after a public hearing with no abutter comments, and the board found the reduced setback sufficient for safety and aesthetics.

• Approved special permit for Verizon Wireless tower modification (unanimous)
• Approved height increase from 120' to 130'
• Approved additional antenna sector (12 to 16 antennas)
• Approved setback waiver from 143' to 133'
• Approved June 21, 2022 minutes with name correction (Cockshaw abstained)

Development & Industrial Commission

The EDIC will review May meeting minutes and receive updates from the Planning Department regarding elementary schools RFP and Nonotuck Park pool improvements. The commission will also discuss progress on a vacant storefront ordinance.

• Elementary schools RFP update
• Nonotuck Park pool improvements update
• Shop Where I Live online platform update
• Vacant storefront ordinance progress discussion

The Easthampton Development & Industrial Commission voted to hold meetings remotely using Google Meet, and unanimously signed on to a resolution affirming priority action on affordable housing. The commission also endorsed the importance of the Nonotuck Park Pool and discussed updates on Union Street construction and the Shop Where I Live initiative.

• Approved May 17, 2022 minutes
• Voted to meet remotely for all meetings (unanimous)
• Signed on to affordable housing resolution (unanimous)
• Endorsed importance of Nonotuck Park Pool (unanimous)

City Council - Property Committee

The City Council Property Committee will meet to approve past meeting minutes. The committee is also conducting site visits at Pepin School, Center School, and Maple Street School.

• Approval of past meeting minutes
• Site visit: Pepin School
• Site visit: Center School
• Site visit: Maple Street School

The Property Committee held a public walkthrough of Pepin, Center, and Maple elementary schools. The committee approved the minutes from the June 27, 2022 meeting with a 2-0 vote (Zaret abstained). No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes from 6/27/2022 (2-0, Zaret abstained)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

City Council - Ordinance Committee

The City Council Ordinance Committee will discuss a Mayor's request for an ordinance regarding flags and banners on city flagpoles. The committee will also continue reviews of the Vacant Storefront Ordinance and proposed amendments to Chapter 6 regarding deceptive advertising practices by limited pregnancy centers.

• Request for ordinance regarding flags and banners on city flagpoles
• Review of Vacant Storefront Ordinance
• Proposed amendment to Chapter 6 regarding deceptive advertising practices of limited pregnancy centers
• Review of the Ordinance Review Committee’s final report

The Easthampton Ordinance Committee met on July 14, 2022, with all three members present. The committee approved Councilor Riley as the new clerk (3-0) and reviewed the status of all pending business to bring him up to speed. No substantive ordinances were discussed or decided; the meeting was largely procedural.

• Approved Councilor Riley as Ordinance Committee Clerk (3-0)
• Reviewed status of all committee business for the term

Housing Authority

The Easthampton Housing Authority is reviewing financial reports and ongoing capital improvement projects. The board will discuss a change order for door thresholds at Cliffview Manor and updates to tenant handbooks. The agenda also covers maintenance work and recent ARPA fund receipts.

• $468,125 in additional ARPA funding for fire panels at Sunrise Manor & Cliffview Manor
• $2,675 change order for thresholds in the Cliffview Phase III doors project
• $206,407 in ARPA funds received for an extra year of funding
• Porch partitions work scheduled to start July 5, 2022, at Sunrise Manor
• Installation of bike racks at Dickinson Court and Cliffview Manor in July 2022

The Easthampton Housing Authority approved Change Order #3 for the Cliffview Manor Phase III Doors project, adding $2,675 for necessary thresholds. The board also unanimously voted to move monthly meetings from the second Monday to the second Tuesday. The authority reported receiving $206,407 and an additional $468,125 in ARPA funding for capital improvements.

• Approved Change Order #3 for Cliffview Manor Phase III Doors, adding $2,675 for thresholds (unanimous)
• Moved monthly board meetings from second Monday to second Tuesday (unanimous)
• Accepted minutes of June 8, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
• Accepted May 31, 2022 financial report (unanimous)
• Accepted and signed July 13, 2022 warrant in the amount of $188,289.36 (unanimous)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will review the minutes from the June 14, 2022, meeting. The agenda includes discussions regarding historic plaques for old schools and the School Reuse RFP. Members will also receive updates on the Town Lodging House and the New Haven - Northampton Canal DLTA.

• Recommendations for historic plaques from old schools
• School Reuse RFP
• Town Lodging House update
• Revising the Demo Delay Bylaw/Ordinance
• New Haven - Northampton Canal DLTA update

The commission discussed preserving plaques from the Pepin School and other old school buildings, including war memorials and a plaque honoring Sarah Chapin, and agreed to find a suitable home for them. The minutes from June 14, 2022, were tabled. No formal votes were taken on these items.

• Tabled approval of 6/14/2022 minutes
• Consensus to preserve historic plaques from old schools and find a proper home for them

City Council - Public Safety Committee

The committee will discuss council assignments for constables and police details under the VOTES Act. Members will also review the Police Department quarterly report and ongoing items regarding sidewalk safety and speed monitoring signs.

• VOTES Act constable and police detail assignments
• Police Department quarterly report
• South St./Main St. sidewalk and traffic light safety review
• Ordinance Review Committee final report review
• Review of electric speed monitoring signs

The Public Safety Committee approved a plan requiring at least two constables per polling building, one police officer per building during school hours, and one officer per building to transport ballot boxes. The vote was 3-0. The meeting was not recorded due to a power outage, and no other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minimum 2 constables per polling building (3-0)
• Approved 1 police officer per polling building during school hours (3-0)
• Approved 1 police officer per building to transport ballot boxes (3-0)

Commission on Disability

The Commission on Disability will discuss a letter regarding the Nonotuck Park ADA playground. The agenda includes recruitment efforts for three positions and updates on meeting accessibility and closed captioning. Members will also review progress on an Easthampton TV PSA.

• Nonotuck Park ADA playground letter
• Recruitment efforts for three spots
• Meeting accessibility and closed captioning updates
• Easthampton TV-PSA progress

Conservation Commission

The commission will hold a public hearing regarding an Eversource Energy distribution line upgrade project. The meeting also includes reviews of enforcement actions and updates on various active environmental permits. Additionally, the commission will discuss the Wetlands Ordinance.

• Public hearing: Eversource Energy distribution line upgrade off North Street
• Enforcement actions at 10 O’Neil Street and 37 South Street
• Compliance update for Ferry Street Mill Redevelopment Project
• Update on large-scale solar project at 232 Park Street
• Discussion regarding the Wetlands Ordinance

The Commission continued the public hearing for Eversource's distribution line upgrade at the 19B15/19B16 right-of-way off North Street to July 25, 2022, after discussion about impervious surface changes and invasive species management. The Commission also approved the updated Echodale West Orchard management plan, accepted the June 27 minutes, and approved the Reservation Road Conservation Restriction and Baseline Documentation Report. No other substantive decisions were made; several enforcement items had no updates.

• Continued Eversource monopole hearing to 7/25/2022 (5-0)
• Approved updated Echodale West Orchard management plan (5-0)
• Approved June 27, 2022 meeting minutes as written (5-0)
• Approved and signed Reservation Road Conservation Restriction (5-0)
• Approved and signed Baseline Documentation Report for Reservation Road (5-0)

Easthampton Community Garden

The meeting consists of routine committee business and report reviews. The agenda includes updates on operations, outreach, the donation garden, and pollinators.

• Treasurer’s report and endorsement of purchase orders
• Operations, outreach, and pollinator reports
• Gardener feedback

The Easthampton Community Garden Committee met on July 7, 2022, and unanimously approved a $200 increase to the Fleury's purchase order. The committee also adopted the previous minutes and the treasurer's report unanimously. No public comment was received, and no other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved $200 increase to Fleury's purchase order (unanimous)
• Adopted previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted treasurer's report and purchase orders (unanimous)

Energy Advisory Committee

The committee will discuss municipal energy aggregation contracts and updates on various electrification projects. Agenda items include school bus electrification, electric vehicle infrastructure, and solar production at local schools. The group will also review the Green Community Grant Proposal and solar ordinance updates.

• Review of Good Energy Contract for municipal aggregation
• School bus electrification discussion
• Electric vehicle infrastructure outreach
• Green Community Grant Proposal and Annual Report
• Solar ordinance updates

The Energy Advisory Committee reviewed the municipal aggregation process and agreed to gather references from municipalities working with Good Energy before voting on the company. No formal votes were taken; the committee also discussed school bus electrification, grant updates, and community outreach ideas.

• Agreed to contact municipalities using Good Energy for references before voting on the company
• Deferred vote on Good Energy until references are received
• Assigned Misty Althizer to handle press release drafting once contract is signed
• Assigned Cassie Tragert to pursue solar ordinance updates and obtain Green Communities report data
• Assigned Connie Dawson to monitor new stretch code and explore opt-in process

Nashawannuck Pond Committee

The scheduled meeting of the Nashawannuck Pond Committee for June 29, 2022, was cancelled. No business was conducted or decided upon during this session.

Contributory Retirement Board

The board will review May 24 minutes, actuarial valuation, and a PERAC audit. The meeting also includes approving new memberships for school and police staff and processing deduction transfers.

• Approval of new members Aaron Sparko and Michael Gale
• Transfer of deductions for Randall Austin and Biagio Cordiano
• Review of May trial balance
• Approval of Warrant #6
• Discussion of actuarial valuation and PERAC audit

The Easthampton Retirement Board approved payment plans for Nancy Peck and Elaine Light regarding a PERAC audit, with Mary Corriveau's plan tabled pending more documentation. It also approved transfers of deductions for two employees, added two new members, and approved the May trial balance and Warrant #6 for $537,390.71. All votes were unanimous except the payment plan vote, which was 4-0 with one abstention.

• Approved minutes from May 24, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved payment plans for Nancy Peck and Elaine Light; tabled Mary Corriveau's plan for more documentation (4-0, Mottor abstaining)
• Approved transfer of deductions for Randall Austin and Biagio Cordiano (unanimous)
• Approved new members Aaron Sparko and Michael Gale (unanimous)
• Approved May Trial Balance (unanimous)
• Approved Warrant #6 for $537,390.71 (unanimous)
• Adjourned at 2:10 pm (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review and sign several tax-related documents. This includes motor vehicle abatements, reimbursements for veterans and paraplegic exemptions, and FY2023 real estate and personal property warrants. The board will also review proposed equalized valuations for FY2022.

• Motor Vehicle Abatements end of month
• DOR Reimbursement for veterans and paraplegic exemptions
• FY2023 Real Estate, CPA, and Personal Property Warrants
• FY2022 Proposed Equalized Valuations

The Board of Assessors approved several financial items, including motor vehicle abatements, recommitments, reimbursements, and the FY2023 real estate, CPA, and personal property warrants. They also accepted the FY2022 proposed equalized valuations of $1,916,129,500 and reports on omitted and revised assessments. All motions passed 2-0, with one member absent.

• Approved MV abatements totaling $5,059.61 (2-0)
• Approved MV recommitments totaling $202.82 (2-0)
• Approved MVE reimbursement of $969.81 and MDM-1 of $91,735.26 (2-0)
• Approved FY2023 warrants: RE $14,659,091.79, CPA $308,789.37, PP $598,696.28 (2-0)
• Accepted FY2022 proposed equalized valuations of $1,916,129,500 (2-0)
• Approved FY2023 omitted and revised assessment report (2-0)
• Approved FY2023 amended tax base levy growth (LA13A) report (2-0)

School Committee

The School Committee will meet in an executive session to discuss strategy regarding litigation. No other specific items are listed on the agenda for this meeting.

• Discussion of litigation strategy

Manhan Rail Trail Committee

The Manhan Rail Trail Committee will review May meeting minutes and receive updates on trail maintenance and the Williston Planting Project. The committee will also discuss Grace Trail signage, a map project with Northampton, and a report from the bench installation subcommittee.

• Approval of May meeting minutes
• Trail maintenance update
• Williston Planting Project update
• Grace Trail signage discussion
• Bench installation subcommittee report

The committee unanimously approved the May 26 meeting minutes. Members discussed routine maintenance items, including landscaping near Tandem Bagel, a damaged planter at the Route 5 trailhead, brush clearing by a Senior Tax Work-Off Program employee, and pavement cracks. No formal decisions were made beyond approving the minutes.

• Approved May 26 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Commission issued a Negative Determination Type 3 and a City Stormwater Permit for the expansion of Our Lady of the Valley cemetery at 109 Everett Street, with conditions including erosion controls and 48-hour notice before work. It also issued a Complete Certificate of Compliance for Ferry Street roadway improvements with ongoing conditions. Enforcement actions included requiring a restoration plan for a wetland crossing at 93 Northampton Street Rear and pursuing peer review of wetland delineation there.

• Issued Negative Determination Type 3 and Stormwater Permit for cemetery expansion (5-0)
• Issued Complete Certificate of Compliance for Ferry Street improvements with ongoing conditions (5-0)
• Required restoration plan for wetland crossing at 93 Northampton Street Rear by July 11
• Pursued peer review of wetland delineation at 93 Northampton Street Rear
• Approved June 13, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0)

City Council - Property Committee

The City Council Property Committee is opening a city-wide discussion regarding how best to dispose of several city-owned properties. This includes the Center, Pepin, and Maple Street Schools.

• Discussion on disposing of Center, Pepin, and Maple Street Schools
• Approval of minutes

Affordable & Fair Housing Partnership

The board will approve April meeting notes and recap the Housing Coalition Meeting. The agenda also includes discussion regarding the School Reuse RFR and advocacy updates.

• Approval of April meeting notes
• Recap and Discussion of Housing Coalition Meeting
• School Reuse RFR and plan for attendance at meetings
• Advocacy Updates

The Affordable & Fair Housing Partnership unanimously approved the February minutes with no changes. Members discussed the May 26 Housing Coalition meeting with CHAPA, the upcoming end of Easthampton's emergency rental assistance program on June 30, 2022, and a City Council update on creating an administrative body for renters in Housing Authority properties. No formal votes were taken on these items.

• Approved February minutes unanimously (5-0)
• Discussed end of emergency rental assistance program June 30, 2022
• Discussed potential CPA funds for homelessness prevention via Community Action Pioneer Valley
• Noted City Council update on renter administrative body for Housing Authority properties

Community Relations Committee

The committee will hear a presentation from ChangeTheMassFlag.com regarding the current status of the Massachusetts Seal and Motto. Members will also discuss the Summer Dialogue Series and neighborhood “get to know you” events.

• Presentation from ChangeTheMassFlag.com regarding the Massachusetts Seal and Motto
• Discussion of Summer Dialogue Series
• Review of neighborhood “get to know you” events and survey results
• Consideration of regular meeting schedule

The Community Relations Committee met without a quorum and took no formal votes. Members heard a presentation from ChangeTheMassFlag.com representatives David Detmold and Sara Weinberger about changing the Massachusetts state flag, seal, and motto. The committee also heard from Anne Talley of the Easthampton Healthy Youth Coalition about substance abuse prevention efforts. The Summer Dialogue Series was not discussed due to lack of quorum and absence of a member.

• No formal decisions made due to lack of quorum
• Heard presentation from ChangeTheMassFlag.com representatives
• Heard update from Easthampton Healthy Youth Coalition on substance abuse prevention

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Easthampton Parks and Recreation Commission meeting includes a discussion of All Inclusive Wheels Park. The agenda also covers public speaking and old and continuing business.

• All Inclusive Wheels Park

The Parks and Recreation Commission held an open forum on placing a skate park at Millside Park. No decision was made. The Skate Park Committee agreed to review two additional sites (Daley Field and an area adjacent to the proposed Millside site) and will present findings at the August meeting.

• Skate Park Committee to review Daley Field and area adjacent to proposed Millside site
• Review findings to be presented at August Parks and Rec Commission meeting
• Next meeting set for July 20 at 6pm at Pavilion 1
• Meeting adjourned unanimously

Board of Health

The Board will review Public Health Services Survey results and hear a presentation from City Councilor Owen Zaret regarding a proposed ordinance. Discussions will also continue regarding body art establishment standards, refuse collection regulations, and potential new plan review fees.

• Presentation by City Councilor Owen Zaret on proposed ordinance Section 6-23
• Discussion on amending apprenticeship and trainer standards for body art establishments
• Discussion on updating regulations for refuse collection, recycling, and hauler permitting
• Discussion on adding a renovation/addition plan review fee to the Board of Health fee schedule
• Review of Public Health Services Survey results

The Board of Health approved changes to the body art apprenticeship regulations, setting a two-year apprentice permit and limiting trainers to two apprentices, with a second allowed only after the first completes one year. The board also reviewed a public health survey, discussed a proposed ordinance, and deferred several items to future meetings.

• Approved Option One for body art apprentice regulations, omitting probationary permit and changing training to one year (2-0)
• Amended motion to set apprentice permit at two years and allow trainers up to two apprentices, with second after first completes one year (2-0)
• Approved minutes of May 4, 2022 (2-0)
• Opened meeting at 6:01 PM (2-0)
• Closed meeting at 7:02 PM (2-0)

School Building Committee

The Maple Elementary School Building Committee will review reports from the design team and OPM. The committee will discuss proposed changes regarding sod installation at the Multi use Athletic Field and additional fencing. A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for September 6, 2022.

• Approval of May 31, 2022 minutes
• Proposed sod instead of seed at Multi use Athletic Field
• Proposed additional fencing at rear drive and detention pond
• Ribbon cutting ceremony on September 6, 2022

The School Building Committee approved a revised $148,152 change order for athletic field sod (PCO-204) and a combined $45,000 fence plan for the playground/retention pond (PCO 194 B&C plus gate). The committee also passed a unanimous recommendation that no action be taken that would void any project warranty. No public comment was received, and the minutes from May 31 were approved unanimously.

• Approved $148,152 change order PCO-204 for athletic field sod (all in favor, one abstention)
• Approved $45,000 combined fence options 2 and 3 plus gate for playground/retention pond (unanimous)
• Approved May 31, 2022 minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted recommendation that no action be taken that would void a warranty (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board reviewed a request from Adhesive Applications to replace two regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTOs) with one new unit, as required by a condition of their 2019 special permit. After discussion, the board voted unanimously to deem the proposed changes minor, meaning no modification to the special permit is required. The project will still undergo MassDEP permitting, which includes public outreach.

• Approved minutes from 5/17/2022 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from 6/7/2022 (unanimous, Chair abstained)
• Determined RTO replacement at Adhesive Applications is a minor change (unanimous)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will review the ECOA financial report and Highland Valley report. The meeting includes discussions regarding a building study and the FY23 budget request. Action items include approving previous minutes, recruiting board members, and electing officers.

• Acceptance of ECOA Financial Report
• Highland Valley Report
• FY 23 Budget Request update
• Board member recruitment
• Election of officers

The Easthampton Council on Aging board approved the May 2021 minutes and elected new officers, with Joe Banas as chair and Stan Diamond as vice-chair. The board discussed the kitchen closure, a potential $50-100k refurbishment, and ongoing efforts to resolve a publishing contract dispute. No formal votes were taken on these items.

• Approved May 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Elected Joe Banas as chair (nominated by Chuck Conner, seconded by Stan Diamond)
• Elected Stan Diamond as vice-chair (nominated by Joe Banas, seconded by Louise Jacob)

Community Preservation Act Committee

The CPA Committee will review applications regarding PARC grant matching funds for a pool area and the restoration of Old Town Hall's second floor. The meeting also includes updates on account balances and open projects.

• Parks & Recreation PARC grant matching funds for Pool Area
• CitySpace Old Town Hall 2nd Floor Restoration & New Accessible Entrance
• Approval of May 19, 2022 minutes
• Updates on account balances and open projects

The Community Preservation Act Committee approved a motion to write a letter of support for $190,000 in CPA funds to match a $400,000 PARC grant for phase 1 of the Nonotuck Pool Area Restoration project. The vote was 5 in favor, 0 against, with 1 abstention and 3 members absent. The committee also discussed the Old Town Hall 2nd Floor Restoration bond amount, proposing to raise it to $2.25 million, and continued that item to the July 21 meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved letter of support for $190,000 CPA match for PARC grant for Nonotuck Pool restoration (5-0, 1 abstention)
• Continued Old Town Hall 2nd Floor Restoration bond discussion to July 21 meeting

Cultural District Subcommittee

The meeting consists of procedural items including the approval of minutes and public comment. The committee will also receive cultural district updates and address new business.

• Cultural District Updates
• New Business

The Cultural District Subcommittee held a wrap-up meeting for the 2022 Chaos event, reporting strong attendance of 12,000-15,000 people and high vendor sales. They discussed operational improvements for next year, including handicap parking, trash management, volunteer coordination, and stage placement. No formal votes or binding decisions were made; the meeting was primarily planning and debriefing.

• Discussed designating half of Pason parking lot as handicap parking for next year
• Planned to move Prindle stage to avoid power cables and safety hazard
• Agreed to streamline volunteer sign-up and create volunteer coordinator role
• Decided to use colored paper and vests for vendor identification
• Set 10:30am street closing as effective for load-in
• Noted need for more porta potties spread throughout street
• Pat announced resignation as committee chair, will assist next year
• Scheduled next meeting for September 14, 2022

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission will discuss the FY2022 budget and the FY2023/CIP Plan. The meeting also includes updates on CPA projects and park facilities at Parson St., Plain, and Strong.

• FY2022 Budget
• FY2023/CIP Plan
• CPA Projects update
• Park Facilities – Parson St., Plain & Strong
• Policy & Fees 2022

The commission approved the May 18 minutes and heard public comment on proposed skate park and dog park locations. They reviewed cost estimates for Nonotuck Park pool and playground upgrades, totaling about $2.4 million, and discussed phasing over six years. No formal votes were taken on these projects; the commission also discussed disc golf, budgets, and summer staffing.

• Approved May 18 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Heard public comment on skate park and dog park locations (no vote)
• Reviewed cost estimates for Nonotuck Park pool ($1.2M), ADA playground ($775K), and ADA accessibility ($450K) (no vote)
• Discussed ordering 3 disc golf stations for under $1,500 (no vote)

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will discuss information from Tighe and Bond regarding rate setting. The agenda also includes the approval of June 1, 2022, meeting minutes and a director's report.

• Approval of the June 1, 2022, meeting minutes
• Discussion of Tighe and Bond information for rate setting
• Director’s report

School Committee

The School Committee will discuss the final language for a proposal letter involving the Mayor, City Council, and School Committee regarding the FY2023 Budget. The meeting also includes announcements and public comment.

• Discussion of final language for a proposal letter regarding the FY2023 Budget

Historical Commission

The commission will review minutes from March and May 2022 and discuss the Historic Sign Program. The agenda also includes a response to a Verizon Wireless Collocation Proposal and an update on the New Haven - Northampton Canal DLTA.

• Revision of Demo Delay Bylaw/Ordinance requirements
• Verizon Wireless Collocation Proposal response
• Historic Sign Program discussion
• New Haven - Northampton Canal DLTA update
• Historic Preservation Plan Virtual Workshop development

The Easthampton Historical Commission met on June 14, 2022, and approved minutes from prior meetings. The commission tabled a revision to the Demo Delay Bylaw and continued discussing a historic sign program. No substantive decisions were made beyond routine approvals.

• Approved 3/9/2022 minutes as corrected
• Approved 5/16/2022 minutes as written
• Tabled revision of Demo Delay Bylaw

School Committee - Finance Subcommittee

The Finance Subcommittee will review the quarterly report of expenditures compared to the budget to-date. This includes a projection for Quarter 4 of fiscal year 2022.

• Review of Quarterly Report of Expenditures vs Budget to-date
• Projection for Quarter 4 FY22

Conservation Commission

The Commission will hold public hearings regarding a cemetery expansion and trail improvements. The meeting also includes reviews of compliance certificates for mixed-use development and roadway maintenance. Additionally, the board will discuss potential environmental violations.

• Public hearing for cemetery expansion at 109 Everett Street
• Public meeting for trail improvements and bridges at 100 Bassett Brook Drive
• Compliance review for mixed-use development at 161-165 Northampton Street
• Roadway maintenance for Ferry, Pleasant, and Lovefield Streets
• Discussion of possible violations at Lower Mill Pond and 93 Northampton Street

The Commission issued an Enforcement Order for unpermitted installation of a crossing and possible wetland buffer violations at 93 Northampton Street Rear, requiring a remediation plan by July 11. It also continued two public meetings (cemetery expansion and Ferry Street improvements) to June 27, issued a Negative Determination for Lathrop trail work, and approved certificates of compliance and minor changes.

• Issued Enforcement Order for unpermitted crossing at 93 Northampton St Rear (6-0)
• Continued cemetery expansion public meeting to June 27 (6-0)
• Continued Ferry Street improvements public meeting to June 27 (6-0)
• Issued Negative Determination Type 2 for Lathrop trail improvements (5-0, 1 abstention)
• Issued Complete Certificate of Compliance for 161-165 Northampton St with ongoing conditions (6-0)
• Approved administrative approval for minor change at Easthampton Animal Hospital (6-0)
• Approved administrative approval for minor change at 99 Mt. Tom Ave (6-0, 1 recusal)
• Approved May 23 meeting minutes (5-0)

City Council - Finance Committee

The committee will review supplemental appropriation requests, including funds for Cherry St. reconstruction and Medicare taxes. The meeting also includes reviews of quarterly fiscal reports and Covid-19 grant spending.

• $287,769.80 for Cherry St. reconstruction project grant matching funds
• $650,000.00 from Free Cash to General & Capital Stabilization Funds
• $10,873.19 for Injured on Duty claims from prior fiscal years
• Review of quarterly fiscal reports from the City Auditor
• Quarterly report on Covid-19 grant funding and spending

The Finance Committee approved all six supplemental appropriations, including a $650,000 transfer from free cash to stabilization funds, a $287,769.80 match for Cherry St. reconstruction, and smaller items for injured-on-duty claims, Medicare tax, and PEG Access. The committee also approved the June 8 minutes and discussed a potential school stabilization account. All votes were 3-0.

• Approved $287,769.80 for Cherry St. reconstruction grant match (3-0)
• Approved $650,000 from Free Cash to General & Capital Stabilization Funds (3-0)
• Approved $10,873.19 for Injured on Duty claims from prior fiscal years (3-0)
• Approved $17,000 for Medicare tax for remainder of FY '22 (3-0)
• Approved $51,828.48 for PEG Access Account (3-0)
• Approved minutes of 6/8/22 meeting (3-0)

School Committee

The regular session of the Easthampton School Committee scheduled for June 9, 2022, was marked as cancelled. The agenda included a discussion and vote regarding an FY2023 budget shortfall solution proposal.

• FY2023 Budget Shortfall Solution Proposal Discussion and Vote (cancelled)

Cultural District Subcommittee

The Cultural District Committee will meet to discuss cultural district updates and address new business. The agenda consists of standard procedural items.

• Cultural District Updates
• New Business

The Cultural District Subcommittee met to finalize logistics for an upcoming event, including electricity access, artist space markings, trash and recycling setup, stage power, and signage. No formal votes or policy decisions were made; the meeting was procedural and operational.

• Approved electricity use for dancers at the Purple Finch (one cord)
• Decided to number artist spots with tape or chalk
• Scheduled dumpster drop-off for Friday with 9 trash and 9 recycling bins
• Confirmed stages are set with power
• Approved traffic sign and 'Businesses are open' sign going out today
• Instructed bands to arrive early for main stage due to traffic

Housing Authority

The board will review the DHCD approved 2022 budget and discuss office staffing. The meeting includes a request for approval of a work order change for doors at Cliffview Manor. Updates on future meeting locations will also be provided.

• Work order change #087078 for Cliffview Manor doors
• DHCD approved 2022 budget
• Office staffing discussion
• Changes to upcoming meeting locations

The Easthampton Housing Authority voted unanimously to convert a part-time office position (21 hours) to full-time (37.5 hours), with the employee to manage the CHAMP system and be cross-trained for potential future leadership. The board also approved a work order change for the Cliffview Manor Doors Phase III project, increasing costs by $6,073, in a 4-1 vote. The DHCD approved the EHA 2022 Budget on May 9, 2022, and the board accepted the June 8, 2022 warrant of $82,511.02.

• Approved full-time office staff position (37.5 hrs) unanimously
• Approved work order change for Cliffview Manor Doors Phase III, $6,073 total (4-1)
• Accepted June 8, 2022 warrant of $82,511.02 unanimously
• Accepted March 31, 2022 Financial Report unanimously
• Approved minutes of May 9, 2022 meeting unanimously
• Decided to rotate future board meetings to community rooms July-September 2022

City Council - Appointment Committee

The City Council Appointments Committee is meeting to review two board positions. The agenda includes a new mayoral appointment for the Contributory Retirement Board and a re-appointment to the Licensing Board.

• Mayoral appointment of Jessica Hebert to the Contributory Retirement Board
• Re-appointment of Anthony Karella to the Licensing Board

The Easthampton Appointment Committee approved the appointment of Jessica Hebert to the Contributory Retirement Board and Anthony Karella to the Licensing Board. The minutes from May 24, 2022 were also approved with a 2-0-1 vote, with Councilor Gomez abstaining.

• Approved Jessica Hebert to Contributory Retirement Board (3-0)
• Approved Anthony Karella to Licensing Board (3-0)
• Approved May 24, 2022 meeting minutes (2-0-1, Gomez abstained)

City Council - Finance Committee

The committee will conduct budget hearings for final votes and recommendations. It will also review quarterly fiscal reports from the City Auditor and a report on Covid-19 grant funding and spending. Additionally, the committee will review salaries and stipends for elected officials.

• Final budget votes and recommendations
• Review of quarterly fiscal reports from the City Auditor
• Quarterly report on Covid-19 grant funding and spending
• Review of salaries and stipends for elected officials

The Finance Committee voted on the FY23 budget line items, approving most sections with a 1-0-2 vote (Rist in favor, Peake and Denham abstaining) due to unresolved budget negotiations. Community Preservation and Enterprise funds were approved unanimously. No minutes were approved, and no public comment was heard.

• General Government budget approved 1-0-2 (Peake, Denham abstaining)
• Public Safety budget approved 1-0-2 (Peake, Denham abstaining)
• Schools budget approved 1-0-2 (Peake, Denham abstaining)
• Public Works budget approved 1-0-2 (Peake, Denham abstaining)
• Human Services budget approved 1-0-2 (Peake, Denham abstaining)
• Culture and Recreation budget approved 1-0-2 (Peake, Denham abstaining)
• Community Preservation budget approved unanimously
• Enterprise budget approved unanimously

Licensing Board

The Easthampton Licensing Board will meet to approve May 2022 minutes and review applications. The agenda includes a special one-day application from Amy’s Place regarding Cultural Chaos.

• Approval of May 2022 meeting minutes
• Special one-day application from Amy’s Place for Cultural Chaos

The Easthampton Licensing Board approved a Special One Day permit for Amy's Place for the Cultural Chaos event, with plans identical to previous years. The board also set the remaining 2022 meeting dates, including the annual renewal meeting in December. The meeting was opened and adjourned with unanimous votes.

• Approved Special One Day permit for Amy's Place for Cultural Chaos (unanimous)
• Set 2022 meeting dates: July 27, Aug 24, Sep 21, Oct 19, Nov 21, Dec 14 (unanimous)
• Approved May 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)

School Committee - Finance Subcommittee

The Finance Subcommittee will review the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. The meeting includes a discussion regarding available options for upcoming negotiations with the City.

• Review of FY23 budget options for City negotiations

City Council - Public Safety Committee

The committee will review the Fire Department quarterly report and several ongoing safety matters. Discussions include evaluating the South St./Main St. intersection and the use of electric speed monitoring signs.

• Review of South St./Main St. sidewalk safety and a 4-way traffic light
• Fire Department quarterly report
• Ordinance Review Committee final report review
• Review of the use of electric speed monitoring signs

The Public Safety Committee approved the May 3, 2022 meeting notes (2-0) and received the Fire Department's quarterly report from Chief Norris. No substantive policy decisions were made; the committee deferred action on the Ordinance Review Committee's final report and electric speed monitoring signs to the July 12 meeting.

• Approved May 3, 2022 meeting notes (2-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Commission on Disability

The Commission on Disability will discuss accessibility updates and recruitment for three positions. The meeting includes a speaker from the Department of Developmental Services and an update on Easthampton TV-PSA progress.

• Nonotuck Park ADA playground discussion
• Recruitment efforts for 3 spots
• Update on accessibility for meetings
• Easthampton TV-PSA progress
• Department of Developmental Services speaker

The Commission on Disabilities voted to provide a letter of support for an ADA-accessible playground at Nonotuck Park, which is in early design stages with funding from a state grant and city funds. The commission also accepted May's minutes, noted Marty Klein's resignation, and discussed future items like dementia training and a new hiking trail tour.

• Approved letter of support for ADA playground at Nonotuck Park (motion passed)
• Accepted May minutes (motion made and seconded, accepted)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing to consider amending a 2017 Special Permit for Fort Hill Brewery. The request seeks to expand operations at 30 Fort Hill Road. This item is a continuation of several previous hearings dating back to August 2021.

• Public hearing: expansion of operations at Fort Hill Brewery
• Approval of Planning Board minutes

The Easthampton Planning Board voted unanimously to approve an amended special permit for Fort Hill Brewery at 30 Fort Hill Road, allowing expanded operations with conditions. The decision followed extensive discussion about stormwater, lighting, sound mitigation, and operational limits. The permit allows live music from 2-8 PM, limits larger bands until sound mitigation is installed, and permits four special events per year.

• Approved amended special permit for Fort Hill Brewery expansion (unanimous)
• Allowed live music hours from 2-8 PM
• Limited larger bands until sound mitigation measures are installed
• Allowed four special events per year (increased from two)
• Required stormwater retention basin enlarged to handle 100-year storm
• Added condition that stacked containers be secured per building codes
• Decided not to impose lighting hour restrictions
• Decided not to limit Thursday or Sunday performances to solo/acoustic

Agricultural Commission

The Agricultural Commission will review minutes from May 10, 2022. The agenda includes updates on Sleepy Owl Herb Farm and Open Meeting Law compliance. The commission will also address a request for assistance from the health inspector.

• Update on Sleepy Owl Herb Farm
• Open Meeting Law compliance update
• Request from health inspector for assistance
• City webpage and email updates

The Easthampton Agricultural Commission met on June 7, 2022, and approved the minutes from the May 10 meeting. They discussed a complaint about a Loudville Road resident with more than 8 birds, who was given a compliance date, with the health department to follow up. Updates were shared on Open Meeting Law compliance and the possibility of a city webpage and email for the commission. No formal decisions were made on new business.

• Approved minutes from 5/10/2022 (unanimous)
• Discussed Loudville Rd. fowl complaint; resident given compliance date
• Noted health department will follow up on fowl complaint
• Confirmed Open Meeting Law compliance
• Discussed potential city webpage and email for commission

City Council - Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will conduct budget hearings covering debt, interest, public safety, revenue, and general government. The committee will also review quarterly fiscal reports from the City Auditor and updates on Covid-19 grant funding.

• Budget hearings for Public Safety (Police), Revenue, and General Government
• Review of quarterly fiscal reports from the City Auditor
• Quarterly report on Covid-19 grant funding and spending
• Review of salary and stipends for elected officials

Easthampton City Arts Coordinating Committee

The committee will review May meeting minutes and receive reports on upcoming programs. These updates include the Arts Walk, the June 11th Arts Festival, and public art projects.

• Approval of May meeting minutes
• Updates on the June 11th Arts Festival
• Reports on the Arts Walk and public art
• Discussion regarding Art Workspace Easthampton

Easthampton Community Garden

The Community Garden Committee will meet to review various committee reports. The agenda includes the treasurer's report, operations, outreach, and gardener feedback.

• Treasurer’s report and endorsement of purchase orders
• Operations report
• Outreach report
• Donation Garden report
• Pollinator report

The Easthampton Community Garden Committee met on June 2, 2022, and unanimously adopted the previous meeting's minutes and the treasurer's report with purchase orders. The operations and outreach reports were read, with outreach fully subscribed except for two plots. No public comment was made, and no substantive policy decisions were taken.

• Adopted meeting minutes unanimously
• Adopted treasurer's report and purchase orders unanimously

City Council - Finance Committee

The committee will conduct budget hearings regarding education, debt and interest, and unclassified expenses. Members will also review quarterly fiscal reports from the City Auditor and updates on Covid-19 grant funding.

• Budget hearings for Education, Debt & Interest, and Unclassified funds
• Review of quarterly fiscal reports from the City Auditor
• Quarterly report on Covid-19 grant funding and spending
• Review of salaries and stipends for elected officials

Cultural District Subcommittee

This meeting consists of procedural boilerplate including the approval of minutes and public speech time. The committee will also discuss cultural district updates and new business.

The Cultural District Subcommittee met to finalize logistics for an upcoming festival, including vendor setup, safety checks, and weather planning. No formal votes or policy decisions were made; the meeting was entirely procedural and organizational.

• Confirmed no rain date for the festival
• Scheduled logistics safety meeting with fire, police, and DPW
• Assigned vendor locations (e.g., Mission Cantina, Crooked Stick Pops, Wake the Dead Donuts)
• Set weather call for 7am on festival day
• Arranged dumpsters from USA for trash at town hall parking lot

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will receive an update on the progress of rate setting from Mike Schrader of Tighe and Bond. The meeting also includes a discussion regarding MS4 permit compliance and the approval of May 18, 2022, meeting minutes.

• Update on rate setting progress by Mike Schrader (Tighe and Bond)
• MS4 Permit and Compliance discussion with Tracy Adamski (Tighe & Bond)
• Approval of May 18, 2022, meeting minutes

The Board of Public Works approved the May 18, 2022 meeting minutes. Members heard a draft water and sewer rate evaluation from Tighe and Bond and a report on MS4 permit compliance. No substantive policy decisions were made; the meeting was informational and procedural.

• Approved May 18, 2022 meeting minutes (2-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:52 p.m. (2-0)

School Building Committee

The committee will review reports from the OPM and Design Team regarding the Maple Elementary School project. Discussion topics include access drive pavement, athletic field materials, and a football trailer. The agenda also covers planning for a ribbon cutting ceremony and playground fencing.

• Access drive pavement updates
• Athletic field timing and material discussion
• Football trailer discussion
• Playground/retention pond fence
• Ribbon cutting ceremony planning

The committee unanimously voted to reschedule its next meeting to June 21, 2022, to allow for a change order regarding the athletic field sod, which was inadvertently omitted from the bid package. The sod premium is not to exceed $159,075, and the field is expected to be available in spring 2023. The committee also discussed a fence for the playground area, a football trailer storage box, and a dedication plaque, but no formal votes were taken on these items.

• Approved minutes of April 26, 2022 (unanimous)
• Voted to change next meeting date to June 21, 2022 (unanimous)

School Committee - Finance Subcommittee

The Finance Subcommittee will review the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. The meeting includes discussing available options for upcoming negotiations with the City.

• Review of FY23 budget options for City negotiations

Special Education Parent Advisory Council

The council will host a presentation on sensory processing led by occupational therapist Carey Goldenberg. This session covers the eight sensory systems and how sensory differences affect learning and environments. Parents and caregivers can also participate in a networking and question session.

• Presentation on sensory processing by Carey Goldenberg

Manhan Rail Trail Committee

The committee will review updates on T rail maintenance and Grace Trail signage. Members will also receive a report from the bench installation subcommittee and an update on a map project with Northampton.

• T rail maintenance update
• Grace Trail signage
• Update on map project with Northampton
• Bench installation subcommittee report

The Manhan Rail Trail Committee discussed a resident's proposal for a memorial G.R.A.C.E. Trail along a stretch of the trail, expressing a preference for engraved stones over printed metal signs. No formal decision was made; the resident will continue exploring funding and return with more information. Other items were informational, including the opening of a new pocket park and maintenance updates.

• Approved minutes of April 25th meeting (unanimous)
• Expressed preference for engraved stones for G.R.A.C.E. Trail markers (no formal vote)
• Noted pocket park opening on May 27 at 5:00 p.m. (informational)
• Acknowledged tree removal by Williston Academy and DPW repairs (informational)
• Installed new plastic liner in trash barrel behind Richard's Oil (action by chair)
• Will continue monitoring trail cracks near hockey rink (no action taken)

Cultural District Subcommittee

The Cultural District Committee will review minutes and provide cultural district updates. The agenda also includes public speak time and new business.

• Cultural District Updates

Community Relations Committee

The committee will hear a presentation from ChangeTheMassFlag.com regarding the current status of the Massachusetts Seal and Motto. Members will also discuss the Summer Dialogue Series and neighborhood “get to know you” events.

• Presentation by ChangeTheMassFlag.com on the Massachusetts Seal and Motto
• Discussion of Summer Dialogue Series
• Review of Neighborhood 'get to know you' events
• Committee membership review
• Consideration of meeting schedule

The Easthampton Community Relations Committee met on May 25, 2022, but only three members were present, lacking a quorum. No official business was conducted, and the meeting was informally adjourned. No decisions were made.

City Council - Appointment Committee

The City Council Appointments Committee will meet to discuss mayoral appointments. The agenda includes the appointment of Robert Wild to the Commission on Disability and the approval of meeting minutes.

• Mayoral appointment of Robert Wild to the Commission on Disability
• Approval of minutes

The Appointment Committee approved the appointment of Robert Wild to the Commission on Disability with a term expiring 12/31/2022. The committee also approved the March 23rd meeting notes. Both votes were 2-0.

• Approved Robert Wild to Commission on Disability (2-0)
• Approved March 23rd meeting notes (2-0)

City Council - Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will conduct budget hearings for Public Safety and Human Services. The committee is also scheduled to review quarterly fiscal reports from the City Auditor and a report on Covid-19 grant funding and spending. Additionally, members will review salaries and stipends for elected officials.

• Budget hearings for Public Safety and Human Services
• Review of quarterly fiscal reports from the City Auditor
• Report on Covid-19 grant funding and spending
• Review of salaries and stipends for elected officials

Elementary School Re-Use Committee

The Elementary School Re-Use Committee is meeting to discuss updates regarding MassDevelopment due diligence. The committee will also review the third draft of a Request for Proposals (RFP) and discuss frequently asked questions.

• Review of third draft of RFP
• MassDevelopment due diligence update
• Review and discussion of FAQs

Contributory Retirement Board

The Easthampton Retirement Board will meet to discuss the FY 2023 operations budget and a COLA increase. The agenda also includes reviewing retirement intents for two city employees and approving new members.

• Approval of FY 2023 operations budget
• Discussion regarding COLA increase approval
• Retirement notices for Mark Popielarczyk (Police) and Paul Bouthilette (Water)
• Approval of new member Ralph Anderson (School Dept)
• Approval of April trial balance and Warrant #5

The Easthampton Retirement Board approved the FY 2023 Operational Budget and granted a 3% COLA increase for eligible retirees, effective July 1, 2022. The board also approved new members, the April trial balance, and Warrant #5 for $455,768.17. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved FY 2023 Operational Budget (unanimous)
• Granted 3% COLA increase for retirees retired before July 1, 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved new member Ralph Anderson, Custodian, effective 4/28/2022 (unanimous)
• Approved April Trial Balance (unanimous)
• Approved Warrant #5 for $455,768.17 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from April 26, 2022 regular and executive meetings (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review and sign motor vehicle abatements and senior work off real estate abatements. The agenda also includes the approval of minutes.

• Motor Vehicle Abatements: Review, Sign
• Senior Work Off Real Estate Abatements: Review, Sign

The Board of Assessors approved motor vehicle abatements totaling $3,948.37, a motor vehicle warrant of $97,943.75, and FY 2022 Senior Tax Work-Off Program abatements of $7,083.70 (RE) and $165.30 (CPA), all by unanimous 3-0 votes. The board also approved the minutes from the May 10, 2022 meeting. No public comments were made.

• Approved MV abatements of $3,948.37 (3-0)
• Approved MV warrant 2022-3 of $97,943.75 (3-0)
• Approved FY 2022 Senior Tax Work-Off Program abatements: $7,083.70 RE and $165.30 CPA (3-0)
• Approved minutes of May 10, 2022 meeting (3-0)

Conservation Commission

The commission will hold public meetings regarding a cemetery expansion at 109 Everett Street and a deck installation at 63 Strong Street. The agenda also includes compliance updates for various infrastructure, solar, and housing projects.

• Cemetery expansion request at 109 Everett Street
• New deck installation at 63 Strong Street
• Mixed-use development review at 161-165 Northampton Street
• Solar project updates for Park Street and Florence Road
• Infrastructure and roadway maintenance updates

The Commission issued a Negative Determination: Type 3 with special conditions for a new deck at 63 Strong Street, after determining the stream is intermittent based on dry-bed images. Two other public meetings were continued to June 13, 2022: the Our Lady of the Valley cemetery expansion and the 161-165 Northampton Street certificate of compliance. The Commission also took Westview Terrace culvert work out of order for preliminary review and discussed several enforcement actions.

• Issued Negative Determination: Type 3 for 63 Strong Street deck with conditions (5-0)
• Continued Our Lady of the Valley cemetery expansion public meeting to June 13, 2022 (5-0)
• Continued 161-165 Northampton Street certificate of compliance to June 13, 2022 (5-0)
• Took Westview Terrace culvert item out of agenda order (5-0)
• Approved May 9, 2022 meeting minutes as written (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Energy Advisory Committee

The committee will discuss next steps for municipal aggregation, including consultant engagement and coordination with the Mayor’s Office. Members will also consider various energy projects, such as school bus electrification and solar programs. Additionally, the meeting includes reviewing the Green Community Grant Proposal and updates to solar ordinances.

• Municipal aggregation steps involving a consultant and Mayor/Council coordination
• Re-evaluation of Honeywell RF projects from federal legislation
• Potential school bus electrification in conjunction with Northampton
• Energy projects at Council on Aging and Williston Library
• Green Community Grant Proposal and Annual Report

The Energy Advisory Committee discussed recommending Good Energy as the consultant for the Municipal Aggregation Program, pending references and legal review. The committee also reviewed the Honeywell RFP, wastewater plant upgrades, and various climate initiatives, but no formal votes were taken on these items.

• Approved April 25, 2022 meeting minutes
• Discussed recommending Good Energy for municipal aggregation consultant, pending references and solicitor review
• Discussed changing meeting time to 5 P.M. to increase attendance
• Discussed discontinuing Associate Member status for committee members
• Reviewed Honeywell RFP status, with solar portion delayed due to material costs
• Discussed wastewater treatment plant upgrades using ARPA funds
• Discussed developing a Climate Action and Resiliency Plan with consultant
• Discussed pursuing EV school buses and other electric vehicle initiatives

City Council - Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will conduct budget hearings for Public Works, Enterprise, Culture and Recreation. The committee is also scheduled to review quarterly fiscal reports from the City Auditor and a report on Covid-19 grant funding and spending. Additionally, members will review salaries and stipends for elected officials.

• Budget hearings for Public Works, Enterprise, Culture and Recreation
• Review of quarterly fiscal reports from the City Auditor
• Quarterly report on Covid-19 grant funding and spending
• Review of salaries and stipends for elected officials

Community Preservation Act Committee

The CPA Committee will review administrative items, including a housing pre-development report from ValleyCDC. The committee will also hear updates on the skate park and funding for elementary school reuse.

• ValleyCDC Housing Pre-development Assessment quarterly report
• Letter of Support for Elementary Schools Reuse funding
• Skate Park update
• CitySpace Old Town Hall 2nd Floor Restoration & New Accessible Entrance

The Community Preservation Act Committee approved increasing its commitment to the Old Town Hall 2nd floor restoration project from $3M to $3.5M to account for inflation. The committee also approved a letter of support for future elementary schools reuse projects that create affordable housing, and removed the Ward Ave Rail Trail land acquisition from pending projects after the funding request was withdrawn.

• Approved increase of CPA commitment for Old Town Hall project from $3M to $3.5M (8-0)
• Approved letter of support for elementary schools reuse projects creating affordable housing (7-0)
• Removed Ward Ave Rail Trail land acquisition from pending projects by unanimous consent
• Approved minutes of 4/21/2022 meeting (6-0, 2 abstentions)
• Authorized Dan Rist and Greg Rolland to begin bond process discussions with mayor and bond council

Cultural District Subcommittee

This meeting consists of procedural boilerplate. The committee will address cultural district updates and new business.

• Cultural District updates

Community Relations Committee

The committee will discuss the Summer Dialogue Series and neighborhood 'get to know you' events. The agenda also includes reviewing committee membership and meeting schedules.

• Discussion of Summer Dialogue Series
• Review of Neighborhood 'get to know you' events
• Committee membership review
• Consideration of regular meeting schedule

The Easthampton Community Relations Committee met on May 18, 2022, but lacked a quorum, with only three of seven members present. No business was discussed or decided due to the absence of a quorum. The committee informally adjourned, and the next regular meeting is scheduled for May 25, 2022.

• No decisions made due to lack of quorum
• Next regular meeting scheduled for May 25, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. (from prior meeting)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Easthampton Parks and Recreation Commission will discuss the FY2022 budget and the FY2023/CIP Plan. The meeting also includes updates on CPA projects, Millside Park, and park facilities at Parson St., Plain & Strong.

• FY2022 Budget discussion
• FY2023/CIP Plan discussion
• Millside Park update
• CPA Projects update
• Park Facilities – Parson St., Plain & Strong

The Parks and Recreation Commission unanimously approved a request to install disc golf stations at Millside Park. The commission also discussed a preliminary proposal for a skate park at Millside, requesting a layout and a site-specific meeting, but took no formal action. Other items, including budget updates and programming, were reported without decisions.

• Approved disc golf stations at Millside Park (unanimous)
• Approved April 27 meeting minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will review the April 27, 2022, meeting minutes and receive a Director's report. Mike Schrader from Tighe and Bond is scheduled to present an update regarding the progress of rate setting.

• Update on rate setting progress by Mike Schrader (Tighe and Bond)
• Approval of April 27, 2022, meeting minutes
• Director's report

The Board of Public Works approved the April 27, 2022 meeting minutes unanimously. No public comment was given, and the mayor was not present. The Tighe and Bond rate-setting update was postponed because Mike Schrader could not attend. The director reported on several ongoing projects, including a notice to proceed for Union Street and a signed contract for Cherry Street, but no substantive decisions were made beyond the minutes approval.

• Approved April 27, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:30 p.m. (3-0)

Nashawannuck Pond Committee

The Nashawannuck Pond Committee will discuss water quality monitoring regarding cyanobacteria and barley straw. The agenda also includes open meeting law training.

• Cyanobacteria/water quality monitoring
• Barley Straw
• Open meeting law training

The Nashawannuck Pond Committee voted to approve the April meeting minutes and decided to postpone the Winterfest Gala until 2023. They also approved Beth's application for Cultural Chaos, ordered 30 t-shirts for $266, and noted that the barley straw project was completed with a $500 consultant fee paid. No other substantive decisions were made; several items remain pending, including herbicide evaluation and Open Meeting Law training for Paul.

• Approved April 20, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Postponed Winterfest Gala to 2023 (no vote recorded)
• Approved Cultural Chaos application for June 11, 2022
• Ordered 30 t-shirts for $266 (Hanes brand)

Licensing Board

The Licensing Board will consider public hearings for Mission Taco and Calico. The meeting also includes applications for one-day licenses and outdoor live entertainment for various local events.

• Public hearing for Mission Taco to add an outdoor bar
• Public hearing for Calico management agreement amendment
• One-day license applications for beer truck vending and food truck Fridays
• Outdoor live entertainment permits for several local events
• Re-appointment of Antony Karella

The Easthampton Licensing Board approved several license modifications, special one-day permits, and outdoor entertainment permits. Mission Taco's outdoor bar was approved contingent on building and health department sign-offs. Special one-day permits were granted to The Beer Guy, Abandoned Building Brewery, New City Brewery, and Easthampton Rod and Gun Club. Outdoor entertainment permits were approved for Thunder in the Valley, Easthampton City Arts, City Space, Easthampton Rod and Gun Club, and River Valley Co-Op.

• Approved Mission Taco outdoor bar with building/health sign-offs (all in favor)
• Approved special one-day permit for The Beer Guy at Thunder in the Valley (all in favor)
• Approved special one-day permit for Abandoned Building Brewery Food Truck Fridays (all in favor)
• Approved special one-day permit for New City Brewery City Space event (all in favor)
• Approved special one-day permit for Easthampton Rod and Gun Club fishing derbies (all in favor)
• Approved outdoor entertainment permit for Thunder in the Valley (all in favor)
• Approved outdoor entertainment permit for Easthampton City Arts Cultural Chaos (all in favor)
• Approved outdoor entertainment permit for River Valley Co-Op summer kick-off (all in favor)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings regarding a proposed drive-in or drive-thru restaurant and an expansion of operations at Fort Hill Brewery. The board will also review property documents for 69 and 73 Loudville Road.

• Special Permit for a drive-in or drive-thru restaurant at 150 Northampton Street
• Amendment to expand operations at Fort Hill Brewery, 30 Fort Hill Road
• Review of Declaration of Restrictions and Covenants for 69 & 73 Loudville Road
• Review of a Declaration of Trust for Steplar Crossing at 69 & 73 Loudville Road

The Board approved a temporary special permit for a drive-thru restaurant at 150 Northampton Street, valid for two seasons, with conditions. It also approved a Declaration of Restrictions and Covenants and a minor modification for a condominium trust at 69 & 73 Loudville Road, and continued the Fort Hill Brewery hearing to June 7.

• Approved temporary special permit for drive-thru restaurant at 150 Northampton St (all in favor)
• Approved Declaration of Restrictions and Covenants at 69 & 73 Loudville Rd (all in favor)
• Approved finding of no vernal pool at 69 & 73 Loudville Rd (all in favor)
• Approved minor modification to replace HOA with Condominium Trust at 69 & 73 Loudville Rd (all in favor)
• Continued Fort Hill Brewery special permit hearing to June 7 (all in favor)

School Committee

The School Committee will hold a public hearing regarding the proposed FY2023 school budget. Following the hearing, the committee will consider a vote to approve the budget and forward it to Mayor LaChapelle and City Council.

• Public hearing on the proposed FY2023 school budget
• Vote to approve the proposed FY2023 school budget

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will review the ECOA Financial Report and receive updates on Highland Valley. The meeting also includes discussions regarding the FY 23 budget request and potential funding for vehicles.

• Acceptance of ECOA Financial Report
• Highland Valley Report update
• FY 23 Budget Request discussion
• Building study update
• Vehicle funding requests

The Easthampton Council on Aging board met on May 17, 2022, and unanimously approved the April minutes. The board agreed to cancel its July and August meetings, as is customary. No other formal votes were taken; the meeting consisted of updates on finances, the Highland Valley report, the STWO program, and a discussion with State Senator John Velis about ARPA funds for a wheelchair-accessible van.

• Approved April 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Agreed to cancel July and August 2022 meetings

Development & Industrial Commission

The Easthampton Development & Industrial Commission will discuss bids for the Union St project and business communication. The meeting also includes updates from the Planning Department.

• Union St project bids discussion

The Easthampton Development and Industrial Commission discussed several updates, including the Union Street project awarded to Ludlow Construction, a drafted RFP for the Elementary School sale, and the upcoming launch of the Shop Where I Live platform. No formal votes or decisions were taken; the meeting was informational and procedural.

• Acknowledged Ludlow Construction awarded Union Street project bid
• Noted Starbucks' 40R Expansion approved by City Council
• Noted Jim's Liquor Store demolition to start next week
• Commission to review Elementary School RFP at June meeting
• Cassie Eckhof to research business certificates for email directory

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will conduct a project review for Williston Northampton School and respond to a Verizon Wireless proposal. The meeting includes discussions on the Historic Sign Program and revisions to the Demo Delay Bylaw. An update regarding the New Haven - Northampton Canal DLTA is also scheduled.

• Williston Northampton School project review
• Historic Sign Program discussion
• Response to Verizon Wireless Collocation Proposal
• Revisions to the Demo Delay Bylaw
• New Haven - Northampton Canal DLTA update

The Easthampton Historical Commission approved a letter to the Massachusetts Historical Commission supporting the Williston Northampton School's bond application, finding no issues with the proposed work. The commission also discussed a potential historic sign program, reviewed the condition of the Old Town Farm, and planned to comment on a Verizon antenna collocation at 172 Pleasant Street. The 3/9/2022 minutes were tabled until the next meeting.

• Approved letter to MHC for Williston Northampton School bond application (4-0)
• Approved 4/20/22 minutes as written
• Tabled approval of 3/9/2022 minutes until next meeting
• Discussed historic sign program; consensus to explore implementation
• Discussed condition of Old Town Farm (Oliver St)
• Planned to draft letter on Verizon antenna collocation at 172 Pleasant Street

Cultural District Subcommittee

The agenda consists of procedural items and general topics for the Cultural District Committee. No specific projects, contracts, or ordinances are detailed in this meeting notice.

• Cultural District Updates
• New Business

City Council - Appointment Committee

The City Council Appointments Committee is meeting to review new mayoral appointments for various local boards and commissions. The agenda includes positions for the Conservation Commission, Nashawannuck Pond Committee, Veteran’s Council, and City Treasurer.

• Appointment of Sarah Carr to the Conservation Commission
• Appointment of Hal Weeks to the Conservation Commission
• Appointment of Bonnie McLoud to the Nashawannuck Pond Committee
• Appointment of Anthony Manca to the Veteran’s Council
• Appointment of Jessica Hebert as City Treasurer

City Council - Finance Committee

The committee will consider several supplemental appropriations and interdepartmental transfers. These include funding for fire and ambulance services, IT payroll, and infrastructure upgrades. The meeting also includes reviews of quarterly fiscal reports and COVID-19 grant spending.

• $156,130 CPA funds for Housing Sustainability & Financial Literacy program
• $89,864 for 1 Tesla cruiser, equipment & 2 EV charging stations
• $148,000 for Fire & Ambulance expenses, personnel costs & equipment
• $49,800 to fund design services for upgrades to the Liberty St. pump station
• $137,500 CPA funds for Ward Ave. land acquisition

Board of Assessors

The Easthampton Board of Assessors is meeting to review and sign motor vehicle abatements and motor vehicle recommitments. The agenda also includes a roll call and public speech time.

• Review and signing of motor vehicle abatements
• Review and signing of motor vehicle recommitments

The Easthampton Board of Assessors met briefly and approved routine items. The board accepted the minutes from the April 26, 2022 meeting, approved motor vehicle abatements totaling $2,145.99 for 2022, and approved motor vehicle recommitments of $5.00 for 2013 and $192.40 for 2014. All motions passed 2-0, with one member absent.

• Approved minutes of 4/26/2022 (2-0)
• Approved MV abatements for 2022 totaling $2,145.99 (2-0)
• Approved MV recommitments for 2013 ($5.00) and 2014 ($192.40) (2-0)

School Committee

The committee will discuss updates regarding a new school project and COVID-19 protocols. Action items include approving school payroll, accounts payable, and an out-of-state field trip for Easthampton High School. A public hearing on the proposed FY23 budget is scheduled for May 17.

• Approval of EHS field trip to New York City on May 23, 2022
• Approval of school payroll totaling $556,723.52
• Approval of accounts payable authorization for $155,252.44
• Approval of gifts to Easthampton High School We The People
• Update on the new school project

Agricultural Commission

The Easthampton Agricultural Commission is meeting to discuss an Open Meeting Law complaint. The agenda contains only this one substantive item, along with the call to order.

• Discussion of Open Meeting Law complaint

The Easthampton Agricultural Commission met on May 10, 2022, and the only substantive item on the agenda was a discussion of an Open Meeting Law complaint. No formal decisions, approvals, or votes were recorded during the meeting.

City Council - Ordinance Committee

The City Council Ordinance Committee will discuss adding a new section to Chapter 6 regarding advertising practices of limited pregnancy centers. The committee will also review the Vacant Storefront Ordinance and the final report from the Ordinance Review Committee.

• Amendment to Chapter 6 regarding deceptive advertising by limited pregnancy centers
• Review of the Vacant Storefront Ordinance
• Review of the Ordinance Review Committee’s final report

Housing Authority

The Authority will review first-quarter operating statements and modernization reports. The board will also consider a contract for porch repairs at Sunrise Manor and an increase in auto mileage reimbursement rates.

• $34,800 contract for porch repairs and painting at Sunrise Manor
• Increase in private auto mileage reimbursement from $0.45 to $0.585
• Review of 1st Quarter Operating Statements and Modernization Report
• Discussion on rotating board meeting locations between properties

The Board voted unanimously to not enforce rules against the public walking dogs at Cliffview Manor, reversing a prior recommendation. They also approved the 1st quarter operating statements, a $34,800 porch repair contract, and changed monthly meetings to the 2nd Wednesday. The CFA amendment approval remains pending DHCD confirmation.

• Approved motion to not enforce rules on public dog walking at Cliffview Manor (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of April 11, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved March 31, 2022 Financial Report (unanimous)
• Approved 1st quarter operating statements and consolidated modernization report (unanimous)
• Approved lowest bidder Dean Couture General Contractor for Porch Repairs at Sunrise Manor, $34,800.00 (unanimous)
• Approved changing monthly Board meetings to 2nd Wednesday of each month (unanimous)
• Approved May 9, 2022 Warrant in amount of $88,508.13 (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Easthampton Conservation Commission will hold public hearings regarding landscape work at 17 Reservation Road and a new deck at 63 Strong Street. The meeting includes updates on open space improvements and several active compliance projects. The commission will also discuss a possible violation at 40 Chapin Street and the appointment of a new Chair.

• Public hearing for landscape work at 17 Reservation Road
• Public hearing for a new deck installation at 63 Strong Street
• Review of enforcement actions for various properties
• Updates on Echodale West Orchard Area Improvements
• Discussion regarding a possible violation at 40 Chapin Street

The Commission issued a Negative Determination Type 2 for the landscape project at 17 Reservation Road, allowing the work to proceed without a formal permit. It also continued the public hearing for a new deck at 63 Strong Street to May 23, 2022, and lifted an enforcement order for a dock removal at 18 Pine Street. Additionally, the Commission approved an administrative change to allow mowing at Lathrop Community and appointed Commissioner Busa as the new Chair.

• Issued Negative Determination Type 2 for landscape work at 17 Reservation Road (5-0)
• Continued public hearing for deck installation at 63 Strong Street to May 23, 2022 (5-0)
• Lifted Enforcement Order for dock removal at 18 Pine Street (5-0)
• Approved administrative change to allow mowing at Lathrop Community (5-0)
• Appointed Commissioner Busa as new Chair (4-0, Busa abstained)
• Approved meeting minutes for April 11 and 25, 2022 (5-0)

Easthampton Community Garden

The Community Garden Committee will review various committee reports including operations, outreach, and pollinator updates. The agenda also includes the treasurer's report and endorsement of purchase orders.

• Treasurer’s report and endorsement of purchase order(s)
• Operations report
• Outreach report
• Donation Garden report
• Pollinator report

The Easthampton Community Garden Committee met on May 5, 2022, and approved a $200 purchase order for the Fleury account. The committee also adopted the previous meeting's minutes unanimously and discussed operations, outreach, and garden reports. No other formal decisions were made.

• Approved $200 purchase order for Fleury account (unanimous)
• Adopted previous meeting minutes (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will continue discussions on amending apprenticeship and trainer standards for body art establishments. The board is also reviewing updates to refuse collection and recycling regulations and considering a new plan review fee for various establishment types.

• Amending body art apprenticeship and trainer standards
• Updating refuse collection and recycling regulations
• Proposed renovation/addition plan review fee for food, body art, and pool establishments
• Review of Hampshire County Public Health Collaborative 'Public Health Menu'
• Discussion of an open meeting law complaint

The Easthampton Board of Health held a discussion-only meeting with no formal votes on substantive matters. They reviewed a public health services menu, continued talks on amending body art establishment regulations, discussed updating refuse collection rules, and considered adding a renovation plan review fee. The board also addressed an Open Meeting Law compliance issue and received updates on COVID-19 vaccination efforts.

• Approved April 6, 2022 meeting minutes (2-0)
• Opened meeting at 6:00 PM (2-0)
• Closed meeting at 7:07 PM (2-0)

City Council - Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee is reviewing several ongoing items regarding city infrastructure and public health. Discussions include sidewalk safety at the South St./Main St. intersection, electric speed monitoring signs, and the use of Narcan boxes in Easthampton.

• Review of South St./Main St. sidewalk safety and a 4-way traffic light
• Review of the Ordinance Review Committee’s final report
• Review of electric speed monitoring signs
• Discussion of Narcan boxes in Easthampton

The Public Safety Committee approved the March and April meeting minutes and received a quarterly update from Public Works Director Greg Nuttelman on construction projects, fleet, facilities, and bridges. The committee also discussed the safety of the South St./Main St. sidewalk and a potential 4-way traffic light at that intersection, including cost estimates, funding, and timelines, but took no formal action on the matter.

• Approved March 23, 2022 minutes (2-1, Councilor Riley abstained)
• Approved April 27, 2022 minutes (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Commission on Disability

The Commission on Disability will discuss recruiting for three positions and updates regarding meeting accessibility. The agenda also includes a speaker from the Council on Aging and progress on an Easthampton TV PSA.

• Recruitment efforts for 3 spots
• Update on accessibility for meetings
• Council on Aging speaker
• Survey subcommittee update
• Easthampton TV-PSA progress

The Commission on Disabilities met and heard a presentation from Cynthia Tarail, Director of the Enrichment Center, about services for seniors. The Commission also discussed its four open positions, hybrid meeting feasibility, and a new hiking trail. No formal votes were taken on substantive matters.

• Mary Morris nominated and unanimously approved as clerk
• Discussed four open Commission positions, one applicant
• Angelique Baker and Stan Diamond to meet with mayor about hybrid meetings
• Discussed crosswalk painting schedule and DPW notification
• New Facebook page created for Commission
• Discussed new hiking trail off East Street, not ADA compliant

School Department - Center / Pepin School Council

The Center/Pepin School Council will discuss assistance needed for planning the MVS Open House. The meeting also includes a review of upcoming spring and summer activities and discussions regarding next year's School Council.

• Planning for MVS Open House
• Upcoming math sessions for Grades 3 and 4
• Schedule of upcoming Field Days
• Kindergarten Graduation and Grade 4 Step Up Ceremony