Hinsdale, MA

Lake Management Committee

Berkshire County retirement

The Berkshire County Retirement Board is meeting to handle routine monthly business, including approving minutes, expenses, and retirement applications. The board will also review and approve the 2025 financial audit prepared by CBIZ, sign a legal services agreement with Thomas Gibson Law Offices, and set the schedule for the fall 2026 board election.

• Approve 2025 financial audit prepared by CBIZ
• Sign legal services agreement with Thomas Gibson Law Offices
• Review and set fall 2026 retirement board election schedule
• Approve monthly expenses and retirement applications for August 2026
• Receive PRIT performance statement and bank statements for July 2026

Select Board

Board of Health

The Hinsdale Board of Health is meeting to review and approve prior minutes, discuss recent business, and consider well permit applications. They will also address housing-related items, septic perc tests and Title 5 inspections, recreational camps for children, and beach water testing. The agenda is routine, with no major policy decisions listed.

• Well permit applications: 530 Washington Road, 39 Eagle Road
• Housing items: 5 Lakeview Drive, 85 Goodrich Street, 101 Michaels Road (Apt 1B and 1C), 113 Longview Avenue
• Septic perc tests and Title 5 inspections: 69 Creamery Road, 390 East Washington Road, 567 George Schnopp Road, 133 Creamery Road
• Recreational camps for children review
• Beach water testing update

Board of Assessors

The Hinsdale Board of Assessors will approve or deny statutory exemptions, Chapter 61 applications, and property abatements. The board will also pay bills and discuss a vote on the realignment of the Board of Assessors. No specific dollar amounts or property addresses are listed in the agenda.

• Approve/Deny Statutory Exemptions
• Approve/Deny Chapter 61 Applications
• Approve/Deny Real Estate and Personal Property Abatements
• Pay Bills as presented
• Discuss/Vote on Realignment of Board of Assessors

Select Board

The Hinsdale Select Board is holding a business meeting to open bids for a municipal service truck. No other substantive items are listed on the agenda.

• Open bids for municipal service truck

School Committee

The Central Berkshire Regional School District School Committee is holding a regular meeting with routine items including public comment, student reports, financial warrants, and approval of minutes. The committee will also discuss and potentially act on several policy and personnel matters, including school handbooks, report cards, MCAS graduation requirements, substitute nurse rates, and special education tuition rates.

• Approval of substitute nurse rates
• Approval of special education tuition rate
• Review of school handbooks
• Elementary school report cards and MCAS graduation requirements
• November 2026 School Committee election and self-evaluation

Select Board

The Hinsdale Select Board is meeting to handle routine appointments and acknowledgments. They will vote on appointing Bruce Carnevale as a DPW worker and Sarah Welch as Acting Library Director, and will also select a representative to the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority. The board will acknowledge Shawn Boyne's letter of intent to retire and review the previous meeting's minutes.

• Appoint Bruce Carnevale as DPW worker
• Appoint Sarah Welch as Acting Library Director
• Appoint representative to Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA)
• Acknowledge Shawn Boyne's letter of intent to retire
• Review/approve minutes from 7/22/26 meeting

Conservation Commission

The Hinsdale Conservation Commission will meet to review several permit requests and enforcement actions, including a proposal to replace glyphosate with a new herbicide for invasive Phragmites at Lake Ashmere, a certificate of compliance for a barn, and removal of dead trees near the lake. They will also continue discussions on drainage improvements and an enforcement order for unpermitted stone placement.

• Certificate of Compliance for barn at 3(69) Creamery Road (DEP File #181-173)
• Removal of 5 dead trees within 100' of Lake Ashmere at 144 White Birch Lane
• Gutter/downspout drainage improvements at 162 Michaels Road (continued)
• Enforcement Order for unpermitted stone at 187 South Shore Road (continued)
• Herbicide replacement for Phragmites at Lake Ashmere (DEP File #260-0014)

Council on Aging

The Hinsdale/Peru Council on Aging is meeting to approve the secretary's and treasurer's reports, discuss newsletter updates, and plan upcoming luncheons and speakers. The agenda includes a solar eclipse pizza party on August 13 and several scheduled presentations through December.

• Approval of 7/13/26 minutes and treasurer's report
• Newsletter updates under old business
• Luncheon plans and speakers for upcoming months
• August 13: Solar Eclipse Pizza Party at Wayne Walton Pavilion
• Upcoming speakers: Dan Kaufman (maple sugaring, Grand Canyon), Mary Serrat characterization, Christmas party

Finance Committee

The Hinsdale Finance Committee will meet to review minutes, consider the annual membership invoice for the MMA Assoc. of Town Finance Committees, and discuss the FY26 final expense report and accountant's report. The town administrator and sewer/water accounts will also provide updates.

• Annual membership invoice for MMA Assoc. of Town Finance Committees
• FY26 final expense report review
• Accountant's report review
• Town administrator status update
• Sewer and water accounts status update

Hinsdale Public Library

The Hinsdale Public Library Board of Trustees will convene to approve past meeting minutes, hear the director’s and financial reports, and discuss planning for a fall bake sale fundraiser. Updates on subcommittees, an Eversource evaluation, and the annual fundraiser mailing list are also on the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from July 7 and July 21 meetings
• Financial report presentation
• Planning discussion for Fall Bake Sale fundraiser

Lake Management Committee

The Lake Management Committee will discuss herbicide treatments for Ashmere Lake and review a survey from Solitude. The body will also examine zebra mussel water test results and a new message board for the Plunkett Reservoir boat launch.

• Vote on LMC officers
• Review of Solitude’s Interim Survey from 7/27/26
• Discussion on second herbicide treatment for Ashmere Lake bladderwort
• Review of Zebra Mussel Water Test Results
• Plunkett Reservoir boat launch message board

Planning Board

There is no Planning Board meeting scheduled for August 4, 2026, due to a summer break. The next meeting is scheduled for September 1, 2026.

Water and Sewer Committee

The Water & Sewer Commission and Advisory Committee are meeting to set water and sewer rates for fiscal years 2027 through 2029. The body will also review specific requests for fee waivers and refunds for residents.

• Set Water & Sewer rates for FY27–FY29 based on DPC Engineering presentation
• Water connection fee refund request for 323 Longview Ave
• Sewer connection usage fee waiver request for 15 Bear Hill Road
• Request to upgrade water service to the Bonnie and Rose neighborhood
• Betterment payment review for 124 and 126 George Schnopp Road

Berkshire County retirement

The Berkshire County Retirement Board will meet to approve routine consent agenda items including monthly expenses, pension allowances, member transfers, and service buybacks. Two executive sessions are scheduled for personnel and cybersecurity matters. The agenda is largely procedural with no major policy decisions.

• Approve monthly expenses for July 2026
• Approve applications for superannuation retirement allowances
• Approve member transfers and service buybacks
• Executive session on personnel matter (ADR J Hunt)
• Executive session on cybersecurity records

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to approve or deny statutory exemptions, Chapter 61 applications, and real estate and personal property abatements. They will also consider paying bills and approve minutes from the prior meeting. No other substantive business is anticipated.

• Approve/deny statutory exemptions as presented
• Approve/deny Chapter 61 applications as presented
• Approve/deny real estate and personal property abatements as presented
• Pay bills as presented

Select Board

The Select Board will receive an update from Monica Monferret on the Floating Bladderwort infestation in Ashmere Lake's North Basin. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes, communications and reports, public comment, and other business.

• Update on Floating Bladderwort infestation in Ashmere Lake's North Basin from Monica Monferret
• Review and approval of minutes from July 8, 2026

Hinsdale Public Library

The Hinsdale Public Library Board of Trustees will discuss and vote on appointing Sarah Welch as Interim Director while the search for a permanent director is relaunched. The board will also vote on the final draft of a fundraising letter and authorize its mailing.

• Discussion and vote on Sarah Welch as Interim Director
• Vote on final draft of fundraising letter and authorization to proceed with mailing

School Committee

The Central Berkshire Regional School District School Committee will discuss and vote on several financial and personnel items, including ratification of custodial and cafeteria contracts for 2027-2029, approval of additional paraprofessionals and an elementary special education team chair, and approval of bond anticipation notes for the Wahconah Building Project. The meeting also includes reports from the superintendent, student representatives, and subcommittees, as well as a discussion on switching from Zoom to Google Meet.

• Ratification of Custodial Contract 2027-2029
• Ratification of Cafeteria Contract 2027-2029
• Approval of Additional Paraprofessionals (2.0 FTE)
• Approval of Addition of Elementary Special Education Team Chair (1.0 FTE)
• Approval of Bond Anticipation Notes for Wahconah Building Project

Conservation Commission

The Hinsdale Conservation Commission will consider two Requests for Determination of Applicability: one from Ford Kelly for a block wall, drainage, regrading, and seeding within the Ashmere Lake buffer zone at 0 Cove Lane, and another from Mark Pierson for gutter and downspout drainage improvements at 162 Michaels Road. The commission will also discuss an enforcement order against William Logue for unpermitted stone placement on the bank of Plunkett Reservoir at 187 South Shore Road.

• Request for Determination of Applicability – Ford Kelly: block wall, drainage improvements, regrade and seed yard within Ashmere Lake buffer zone at 0 Cove Lane
• Request for Determination of Applicability – Mark Pierson: gutter and downspout drainage improvements at 162 Michaels Road
• Enforcement Order – William Logue: unpermitted stone on bank of Plunkett Reservoir at 187 South Shore Road

The Hinsdale Conservation Commission approved a Request for Determination of Applicability for Ford Kelly to install a block wall, drainage improvements, regrade, and seed within the buffer zone of Ashmere Lake at 0 Cove Lane, with conditions including native plantings and possible site visits. Two other items were continued to the August 11 meeting: a drainage request at 162 Michaels Road and an enforcement order for unpermitted stone at 187 South Shore Road. Public comments addressed bladderwort in Lake Ashmere and a potential future RDA for a pothole at the boat ramp.

• Approved RDA for Ford Kelly at 0 Cove Lane with conditions (native plantings, site visits)
• Continued RDA for Mark Pierson at 162 Michaels Road to August 11
• Continued enforcement order for William Logue at 187 South Shore Road to August 11

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee and Select Board will review minutes, carry forward account balances, and discuss account transfers for outstanding or anticipated expenses. The agenda also includes any other business not reasonably anticipated and a public comment period.

• Review minutes from previous meetings
• Carry forward account balances
• Account transfers for outstanding or anticipated expenses
• Any other business not reasonably anticipated
• Public comment

The Finance Committee and Select Board approved carry-forward accounts for Dalton Communications, Town Clerk Records, and Vital Records Preservation, and authorized two Reserve Fund transfers: $20,500 to the Police 210 account and $500 to Fuel - Gasoline and Diesel. All motions passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:12 pm.

• Approved minutes of July 2, 2026 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved carry-forward of Dalton Communications account (unanimous)
• Approved carry-forward of Town Clerk Records account (unanimous)
• Approved carry-forward of Vital Records Preservation account (unanimous)
• Approved $20,500 Reserve Fund transfer to Police 210 account (unanimous)
• Approved $500 Reserve Fund transfer to Fuel - Gasoline and Diesel account (unanimous)

Council on Aging

The Hinsdale/Peru Council on Aging will review June minutes, discuss the treasurer's report, and plan upcoming luncheon events including speakers on cardiac care, maple sugaring, and a solar eclipse pizza party.

• Approval of June 8, 2026 minutes
• Treasurer's report review
• Luncheon speakers: Berkshire Health Systems on cardiac care (July 16), Dan Kaufman on maple sugaring (Sept 17), and Dan Kaufman on Grand Canyon (Nov 12)
• Solar eclipse pizza party at Wayne Walton Pavilion (August 13)
• Characterization of Mary Muriel by Muriel (Oct 15)

The Hinsdale/Peru Council on Aging approved the June minutes and the July treasurer's report, noting the town account is fully spent. They discussed requesting more funds from the select board if needed and planned upcoming luncheons and events, including a cardiac care talk and a band performance. No major policy decisions were made; the meeting was largely administrative and planning-focused.

• Approved June 8, 2026 meeting minutes (all present)
• Approved July 13, 2026 treasurer's report (all present)
• Discussed requesting additional funds from select board if needed
• Planned July 16 luncheon with Berkshire Health Systems cardiac care talk
• Planned August 13 band performance and pizza purchase from Hinsdale Pizza House
• Planned September 17 maple sugaring talk and luncheon
• Planned October 15 Susan B. Anthony characterization and flu shots
• Planned November 12 Grand Canyon talk and luncheon

Select Board

The Hinsdale Select Board will discuss campers on Michaels Road and vote on end-of-year transfers. The meeting also includes a response to an Open Meeting Law complaint and approval of previous minutes.

• Response to OML complaint
• Discussion of campers on Michaels Road
• Vote on end-of-year transfers

The Select Board voted to approve multiple end-of-year budget transfers and carryforwards to cover outstanding bills. The Board also responded to an Open Meeting Law complaint, acknowledging that a discussion about contracting with Daigle Law Group should have been held in open session and outlining corrective actions. No other substantive decisions were made; items such as campers on Michaels Road and body cameras were discussed but not voted on.

• Approved $23,488.72 transfer from Police Bridge Academy and Police Facility Upgrades to Police 210 account (unanimous)
• Approved $23,463.77 transfer from Health/Life Insurance and Insurance/Bonds accounts (unanimous)
• Approved list of carryforwards for multiple accounts including Legal Counsel, Infrastructure, Hazardous Trees, Tax Title, Conservation Agent, Town Website ADA Compliance, Police Evaluation & Audit, Engineering, Plunkett Settling Pond, and Plunkett Spillway Grant Match (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from June 9, 2026 and June 24, 2026 (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Hinsdale Planning Board will review an ANR application from Hill Engineering to combine two land parcels, discuss questions from a previous meeting, and consider a Sustainable Purchasing Policy. Correspondence regarding a new battery storage facility at 1000 Old Dalton Road will also be addressed.

• ANR application by John Macolini (Hill Engineering) to combine two parcels
• Discussion of questions raised at the December meeting
• Review of Sustainable Purchasing Policy distributed by Bob Graves
• Correspondence about a new battery storage facility at 1000 Old Dalton Road
• BRPC report by Keith Harrison

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will review minutes, the accountant's report, sewer and water account statuses, carry-forward balances, and account transfers for outstanding or anticipated expenses. The Town Administrator and Ms. Rice will provide updates. Public comment will be heard.

• Review of accountant's report
• Sewer & water accounts status update
• Account transfers for outstanding or anticipated expenses

The committee unanimously approved carrying over $85,565 for six items including Conservation Agent salary, ADA compliance, police evaluation, road engineering, and Plunkett Lake projects. It also approved two transfers: $23,782.72 from police academy and facility upgrade accounts to cover police overages, and $26,584.57 from general and life insurance accounts to cover shortfalls in telephone, buildings, street lights, heating, veterans services, community center, and unemployment. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved $85,565 in carryovers for six items (unanimous)
• Approved $23,782.72 transfer from Police Bridge Academy and Police Facility Upgrade to Police 210 account (unanimous)
• Approved $26,584.57 transfer from General Insurance and Life Insurance to cover shortfalls in seven town accounts (unanimous)

Select Board

The Hinsdale Select Board will sign a memorandum of understanding for police chief services and a police contract. The board will also review prior meeting minutes and make FY27 appointments. Public comment is limited to three minutes per person.

• Sign MOU for Police Chief Services
• Sign Police Contract
• FY27 Appointments
• Review/Approve Previous Meeting Minutes (6/10/26)
• Public Comment (three minutes per person)

The Select Board approved the FY27 police contract and a memorandum of understanding for police chief services, both unanimously. They also approved a lengthy list of FY27 appointments for town boards, committees, and positions. The board received reports from the town administrator, DPW, police chief, and finance chair on various operational matters.

• Approved June 10, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved MOU for police chief services (unanimous)
• Approved FY27 police contract (unanimous)
• Approved FY27 appointments for all town boards, committees, and positions (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board has called a Special Town Meeting for June 24, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Hinsdale Town Hall Community Room. Voters will decide on two articles: electing an Acting Moderator and transferring funds from sewer surplus accounts to cover Fiscal Year 2025 invoices and other expenses.

• Article 2: Transfer $5,000 from Sewer I Surplus to Sewer I General Expense for FY2025 invoice and FY2026 expenses
• Article 3: Transfer $74,265 from Sewer III Surplus to Sewer III General Expense for FY2025 invoice and FY2026 expenses
• Article 1: Election of an Acting Moderator to preside if the elected Moderator is absent or unable to serve

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review and vote on statutory exemptions, Chapter 61 applications, property tax abatements, and the 2027 real estate tax warrant. Bills will also be paid as presented. The meeting is procedural with no new business anticipated.

• Approve/deny statutory exemptions as presented
• Approve/deny Chapter 61 applications as presented
• Approve/deny real estate and personal property abatements as presented
• Approve 2027 Real Estate Tax Warrant
• Pay bills as presented

The Hinsdale Board of Assessors denied a real estate abatement for 212 Longview Ave and approved personal property abatements for 79 Ashmere Drive and 15 Bear Hill Road. The board also reorganized, electing Vivian Mason as Chair. All votes were unanimous (2-0).

• Denied real estate abatement for 212 Longview Ave (2-0)
• Approved personal property abatements for 79 Ashmere Drive and 15 Bear Hill Road (2-0)
• Elected Vivian Mason as Chair of the Board of Assessors (2-0)
• Approved minutes from May 19, 2026 (2-0)

Berkshire County retirement

The Berkshire County Retirement Board will vote on a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for eligible retirees, approve a $4,500 annual stipend increase for board members, and select a new chairperson. The meeting also includes a legal update and routine consent agenda items such as minutes, expenses, and personnel actions.

• Approve 3% COLA on first $17,000 for retirees who retired before June 30, 2025, effective July 1, 2026
• Appoint a chairperson to fill unexpired term ending 12/31/2026
• Approve increase in board member monthly stipends to $4,500 annually, effective July 1, 2026
• Approve authorized signers for PRIT account effective 6/18/2026
• Legal update from Board Counsel Thomas Gibson

Lake Management Committee

The Hinsdale Lake Management Committee will hold its annual summer community meeting, discussing Solitude Lake Management's herbicide treatments and the risk of invasive species, especially zebra mussels. Members will review the new Hanson-Milone Act requiring safety class certification and a kill switch law, and remind the public that Massachusetts Environmental Police can board vessels without cause. The committee will also consider lake and community events, including a July 4th boat parade and a possible child water safety day.

• Discuss Solitude Lake Management's herbicide treatments
• Review Hinsdale's lakes risk for invasive species, especially zebra mussels
• Remind all of the new Hanson-Milone Act: safety class certification & new kill switch law
• Review zebra mussel water test results for Plunkett Reservoir
• Possible child water safety day at Plunkett Public Beach

The committee discussed lake treatment scheduling challenges with Solitude Lake Management, noting camps want treatment dates by May 1. They also reviewed zebra mussel spread risks and new boating regulations. No substantive decisions were made; only the June 5 minutes were approved and the meeting adjourned.

• Approved minutes of June 5 meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:30pm (unanimous)