Heath, MA

Finance Committee Meeting

The Heath Finance Committee will meet to agree on an acting chair and then join the Select Board to discuss major budget items for fiscal year 2028, including the FCTS project, MTRSD's feasibility study, and a possible new western Franklin County ambulance service. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no votes or decisions listed.

• Agree to Bob McGahan as acting chair in Dena's absence
• Discuss FCTS project
• Discuss MTRSD's feasibility study
• Discuss probable creation of new western Franklin County ambulance service

Select Board Meeting

The Heath Select Board will hold its regular meeting on August 25, 2026, at 4:00 PM at the Jacobs Road Municipal Center. The agenda includes appointments with the Highway Superintendent, school district representatives, and the Police Chief, followed by discussion and decision items on a surplus police cruiser, a broadband infrastructure loan payment, and an EMS regionalization initiative. The board will also consider shortening the Town Coordinator's office hours.

• Appointment: Tyson Howard, Highway Superintendent, on Number Nine Road next steps
• Appointment: MTRSD representatives on 2D8T update
• Appointment: Police Chief John McDonough on golf cart correspondence from Margo Newton and Bill Lattrell
• Discussion: Town of Colrain surplus police cruiser next steps
• Discussion: Broadband infrastructure loan payment authorization

Select Board Meeting

The Heath Select Board is meeting to consider and potentially vote on a special all-alcohol license application from the Heath Agricultural Society. The agenda also includes public comment and routine administrative items. No other substantive decisions are listed.

• Application for Special All Alcohol License for the Heath Agricultural Society – vote anticipated

Heath MLB meeting

The Heath Municipal Light Board will meet virtually to discuss and vote on several operational and policy items. Key actions include reviewing and approving past meeting minutes, a drop policy review, and a town/MLP website review project. The board will also receive updates on Whip City Fiber, fiber hut maintenance, and the National Grid upgrade project attachment costs.

• Drop policy review and vote
• Town and MLP website review project vote
• National Grid Upgrade Project: Attachment Cost Status update
• WGE/Whip City Fiber Status Report
• Depreciation Account and investment status update

Board of Health Meeting

The Heath Board of Health is meeting via Zoom to review its agenda and discuss the town nurse position under old business. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no votes or specific actions listed.

• Town Nurse Discussion

Select Board Meeting

The Heath Select Board will meet to handle routine business and several votes, including spending $58,408.05 in CAF II auction proceeds on a broadband note and signing the 2026 State Primary election warrant. The board will also discuss road projects, a town nurse position, and accessibility improvements, with some items involving anticipated votes.

• Vote to expend $58,408.05 in CAF II auction proceeds for broadband note payment
• Vote to sign and approve 2026 State Primary election warrant
• Vote to approve and submit Notice of Intent for Route 8A culvert project to Conservation Commission
• Approve $1,785.00 for MCPPO training for Town Coordinator
• Appoint Mia Francesconi to Energy Advisory Committee

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Heath Conservation Commission will meet to review and vote on a wetland impact evaluation report for the Shapiro Conservation Parcel/Burnt Hill-Catamount Trail. The meeting will also include approval of past minutes, a consultant’s report, and the chairman’s report.

• Vote on wetland impact evaluation report for Shapiro Conservation Parcel/Burnt Hill-Catamount Trail
• Review and approve past meeting minutes
• ConCom consultant’s report
• Chairman’s report

Board of Assessor's Meeting

The Heath Board of Assessors will meet to approve minutes, real estate and motor vehicle lists, and the third motor vehicle commitment for 2026. They will also review current Clause 18 criteria with a possible vote to amend, review Clause 18A deferral information, and receive an update on the Davenport land purchase involving two parcels.

• Approve 2026 Motor Vehicle Commitment #4
• Review and possible amendment of Clause 18 criteria
• Review Clause 18A Deferral information
• Davenport land purchase update (Map 236, Lot 5 and Map 229, Lot 9)

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will consider and vote on a contract with W. R. Hillman, LLC for the Heath Salt Shed Retaining Wall, including a commencement date. They will also discuss National Grid's 3-phase project, EMS regionalization updates, and approve FY '27 agreements for solid waste and animal control services. A new IRS mileage reimbursement rate of 76 cents per mile will be voted on.

• Vote on W. R. Hillman, LLC contract for Heath Salt Shed Retaining Wall
• Discussion of National Grid 3-Phase Project complaints and smart meters
• Review and sign FY '27 MOUs for Franklin County Solid Waste Management District
• Approve FY '27 agreements for FCSO Regional Animal Control & Dog Shelter Services
• Vote on new IRS mileage reimbursement rate of 76 cents per mile

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Heath Conservation Commission will meet to review and vote on a wetland impact evaluation for the Shapiro Parcel/Burnt Hill-Catamount Trail, along with approving past minutes and receiving the consultant's and chair's reports.

• Review and vote on 'Wetland Impact Evaluation Report for Shapiro Conservation Parcel/Burnt Hill-Catamount Trail' by Fleetwood Environmental Solutions
• Approval of past meeting minutes
• ConCom consultant's report
• Chairman's report

Parks & Recreation

The Heath Parks & Recreation Committee will meet via Zoom to discuss several park maintenance and improvement items. Key topics include resurfacing the center basketball/pickleball court, cleaning up Community Park, and adding a play structure at Community Park using the Stabilization Account. The committee will also consider a one-year moratorium on grant writing.

• Resurfacing the center basketball/pickleball court, with the Highway Dept willing to assist
• Community Park cleanup: fallen trees, unsafe play equipment, dilapidated picnic table and swing seats
• Jacobs Road initiatives: sandbox, toy storage box, and shade sail using PTO money; removing dilapidated fence
• One-year moratorium on grant writing to align priorities with Select Board
• Adding a play structure at Community Park using Stabilization Account, requiring Town Meeting vote

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will consider several votes including FY '27 appointments, a 2.8% COLA for the MLP Manager and Senior Program Coordinator, a revised restoration plan for Burnt Hill-Catamount Trail, a revised license for the Heath Historical Society, and a new three-year CodeRED contract. The meeting also includes a public comment period and updates on the ADA self-evaluation and town nurse position.

• Vote on FY '27 appointments
• Vote on 2.8% COLA for MLP Manager and Senior Program Coordinator
• Review and approve revised restoration plan for Burnt Hill-Catamount Trail enforcement order
• Review and approve revised license for Heath Historical Society to use real property
• Review and approve new three-year CodeRED contract

The Select Board approved several administrative appointments, a 2.8% COLA for two employees, and a three-year contract for CodeRED emergency services. The board also approved a revised wetland restoration plan and a license agreement for the Heath Historical Society.

• Approved FY 2026 budget transfers totaling $82,960.12 (3-0)
• Approved 2.8% COLA for MLP Manager and Senior Program Coordinator (3-0)
• Approved three-year CodeRED subscription contract for $6,585.78 (3-0)
• Approved revised Wetland Alteration Evaluation Report for Shapiro Tract (3-0)
• Approved revised License to Enter and Use Real Property for Heath Historical Society (3-0)
• Appointed Alice Wozniak as Fire Department Clerk and Timothy Lively as Emergency Response Coordinator (3-0)
• Approved June 30, 2026 meeting minutes (3-0)

Heath MLB Meeting

The Heath Municipal Light Board will discuss and vote on several operational and financial items, including a drop policy review, updates on the WGE/Whip City Fiber status, and National Grid upgrade attachment costs. The board will also review project finances, including invoices, budget, and depreciation account status.

• Review and vote on drop policy
• WGE/Whip City Fiber status report
• National Grid Upgrade Project: attachment cost status
• Depreciation account and investment status update
• Town and MLP website review project vote

Board of Health Meeting

The Heath Board of Health will meet via Zoom to review minutes, receive a regional health agent update, and discuss several new business items including a nurse's report, an Epipen purchase, the FY26 and FY27 budget, town nurse position candidates, and a shoe spraying event scheduled for August 1. Ongoing business includes reports from the CPHS Oversight Board, PVMCD, and MAPHCO.

• Epipen purchase discussion
• BOH Clerk Report/Budget FY26 & FY27
• Town Nurse position candidates
• Town Nurse re-grading discussion
• Shoe Spraying Event (8/01)

Heath Planning Board Meeting

This is a procedural meeting with no substantive items. The board will consider approving minutes from the June 24 public hearing and planning board meeting, take public comment, and adjourn.

• Approve minutes of 06/24/2026 public hearing and planning board meeting

Select Board Meeting

The Heath Select Board will consider FY '27 appointments, continue discussion on an ADA Self-Evaluation & Transition Plan, and review a wetlands permit for the Tri-Town Landfill. They will also vote on a restoration plan for Burnt Hill-Catamount Trail and a license for the Heath Historical Society to use town property.

• FY '27 appointments – vote anticipated
• ADA Self-Evaluation & Transition Plan – priorities, next steps, and funding
• Tri-Town Landfill – possible Wetlands Protection Act permitting and site visit
• Burnt Hill-Catamount Trail Enforcement Order – review/approve restoration plan
• Heath Historical Society – review/approve license to enter and use real property

The Select Board unanimously approved all FY27 appointments to boards, committees, and commissions as listed, with the addition of Claire Rabbitt as Town Nurse and removal of Chelsea Jordan-Makely from Parks and Recreation. The board discussed a potential return of Heath elementary students to Hawlemont Regional School, with members noting they would keep the request in mind as MTRSD consolidation progresses. The board also approved a Wetland Impact Evaluation Report for the Burnt Hill-Catamount Trail restoration plan.

• Approved FY27 appointments list with addition of Claire Rabbitt as Town Nurse and removal of Chelsea Jordan-Makely from Parks and Recreation (3-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from June 2, 2026 as amended (3-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from June 16, 2026 as presented (3-0)
• Approved Wetland Impact Evaluation Report for Shapiro Conservation Parcel/Burnt Hill-Catamount Trail (3-0)
• Discussed but took no vote on returning Heath elementary students to Hawlemont Regional School
• Discussed but took no vote on Town Nurse position transition options
• Discussed but took no vote on extreme heat advisory and cooling center opening
• Discussed but took no vote on guardrail damage on Route 8A

Board of Health Meeting

The Heath Board of Health will meet via Zoom to review and approve past meeting minutes, receive a Regional Health Agent update, and discuss new business including a nurses report, the FY26 budget, Epipen purchase, Town Nurse position candidates, and National Grid Smart Meter installation. Ongoing business includes updates from the CPHS Oversight Board, PVMCD, and MAPHCO.

• Epipen purchase discussion
• Town Nurse position candidates
• National Grid Smart Meter installation
• Budget FY26 review
• Approve minutes from 5/13/26, 6/2/26, and 6/9/26

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will consider approving a job description for the Town Nurse position and discuss next steps. Other items include making FY '27 appointments, reviewing retail power supply pricing, and discussing the ADA Self-Evaluation & Transition Plan.

• Town Nurse Position – Approve Job Description; Discuss Next Steps – Vote Anticipated
• FY '27 Appointments – Make Appointments; Vacant Positions & How to Advertise – Vote Anticipated
• Retail Power Supply Pricing – Review Pricing; Authorize Town Coordinator as Signatory for Rate Acceptance – Vote Anticipated
• ADA Self-Evaluation & Transition Plan – Priorities, Next Steps & Funding
• Tri-Town Landfill – Review & Accept Vegetation Clearing Quote – Vote Anticipated

The Select Board voted unanimously to authorize the Town Coordinator to accept a new electricity supply rate on the Board's behalf, provided it is the lowest possible rate, for up to 18 months. The Board also approved and signed letters endorsing a Medicare for All Act per a citizen's petition approved at Town Meeting. A $6,300 vegetation clearing contract at the Tri-Town Landfill was accepted, to be split equally among Heath, Charlemont, and Hawley. The Town Nurse position remains posted after the applicant withdrew; the Board will explore temporary or shared nursing options.

• Authorized Town Coordinator to accept lowest electricity supply rate for up to 18 months (3-0)
• Approved, signed, and sent letters endorsing 'Act Establishing Medicare for All' per citizen's petition (3-0)
• Accepted $6,300 vegetation clearing proposal from Berkshire Hills Forestry Mulching LLC for Tri-Town Landfill, split three ways (3-0)
• Tabled meeting minutes from 06/02/2026 until next meeting
• Tabled Town Center Kiosk discussion pending Highway Superintendent inspection
• Tabled Deerfield River Watershed Association Wild & Scenic Initiative pending additional information
• Signed Accounts Payable/Payroll Warrants
• Discussed next steps for Town Nurse position after applicant withdrawal; position remains posted

Board of Health Meeting

The Heath Board of Health is holding a special meeting to discuss and possibly vote on the Town Nurse position. The meeting will be conducted via Zoom.

• Discussion and possible vote on Town Nurse position

MLB meeting

The Heath Municipal Light Board will vote on a National Grid upgrade project attachment cost status, a drop policy review, and a website project. The board will also discuss Whip City Fiber operations, finances, and a WiredWest update.

• Vote on National Grid Upgrade Project: Attachment Cost Status
• Vote on Drop Policy review
• Vote on Town and MLP website review project
• Discussion of WGE/Whip City Fiber Status Report
• Update on depreciation account and investment status

Board of Assessor's Meeting

The Heath Board of Assessors will meet to approve the Fiscal Year 2027 real estate and personal property tax warrants, as well as monthly lists for motor vehicles and real estate. The board will also consider an executive session under MGL 30A to discuss compliance with legal requirements. Other items may be added as needed.

• Approve Fiscal Year 2027 Real Estate & Personal Property tax bills
• Approve Real Estate Monthly List for April & May
• Approve Motor Vehicle Monthly Lists for April & May
• Approve 2026 Motor Vehicle Commitment #3
• Approve Motor Vehicle UnCollectible for 2020-2022

Select Board Meeting

The Heath Select Board will discuss and potentially vote on several items, including a conservation restriction for the Behl-Amst property, a job description for a town nurse position, and a contract for invasive species management at the Tri-Town Landfill. They will also continue discussions on the Route 8A culvert/bridge project, ADA self-evaluation, and town building maintenance. The meeting includes appointments, a consent agenda, and updates on various town matters.

• Behl-Amter Conservation Restriction – discussion with Franklin Land Trust and Director of Assessing; vote possible
• Town Nurse position – review job description and Board of Health recommendation; vote to offer position anticipated
• Tri-Town Landfill – review invasive species management quote and award contract
• Route 8A (Jacksonville Stage Road) Over/Under Underwood Brook culvert/bridge – discussion on easements, funding, and project status
• Highway Department – updates on Taylor Brook Road bridge, Number Nine Road, Sumner Stetson Road, and salt shed retaining wall; vote possible

The Select Board unanimously approved a conservation restriction on the Behl-Amter property, as presented by the Franklin Land Trust. The board also accepted a $3,600 contract for invasive plant control at the Tri-Town Landfill and signed a letter supporting Charlemont's request for a legislative earmark related to a school enrollment error. Discussion on the Town Nurse position was tabled for further negotiation with the applicant.

• Approved Behl-Amter Conservation Restriction (3-0)
• Accepted $3,600 invasive plant control contract with Matthew Verson Vegetation Management (3-0)
• Signed letter of support for Charlemont's legislative earmark request for MTRSD overpayment (3-0)
• Approved May 19, 2026 meeting minutes (3-0)

Finance Committee meeting

The Finance Committee will discuss and vote on whether to use the Reserve Fund to pay for Heath's financial obligation to an injured firefighter. The meeting will also include a review of the previous meeting's minutes and a discussion on the financial operation of the MLB.

• Vote on using Reserve Fund to pay Heath's obligation to an injured firefighter
• Discussion on financial understanding of the MLP/MLB operations
• Review and approval of previous meeting minutes

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will consider approving a conservation restriction for the Behl-Am tract, vote on hiring a town nurse, and discuss the town office assistant position. Other items include the FY27 budget, a new kiosk location, and a bridge project.

• Vote on conservation restriction for Behl-Am property (Franklin Land Trust)
• Vote to approve town nurse job description and post advertisement
• Review and discuss FY27 appointments
• Discuss and possibly approve new location for Town Center Kiosk
• Discuss Jacobs Road Municipal Center sign design and timeline

The Select Board voted unanimously to offer the Office Assistant position to Olivia Girard at $20.25/hour for 10 hours per week starting July 1, 2026. The Board also extended the temporary appointment of Cindie Garland as Board of Health Clerk past July 1 until a motion is made otherwise. Discussion on the Behl-Amter conservation restriction was tabled pending consultation with the Director of Assessing on tax implications. The Board approved posting the Town Nurse job advertisement and reviewed the ADA Transition Plan as an ongoing agenda item.

• Approved minutes from May 5 and May 9, 2026 (3-0)
• Re-elected Robyn Provost as Chair and William Emmet as Secretary (3-0)
• Offered Office Assistant position to Olivia Girard at $20.25/hr, 10 hrs/week, starting July 1, 2026 (3-0)
• Extended temporary appointment of Cindie Garland as Board of Health Clerk past July 1, 2026 (3-0)
• Approved posting Town Nurse job advertisement on website and official locations (3-0)
• Tabled Behl-Amter conservation restriction pending tax impact review
• Approved new design for Jacobs Road Municipal Center sign
• Adjourned at 8:07 PM (3-0)

Board of Health Meeting

The Board of Health will meet to vote on finalizing the job description for the Town Nurse position and receive updates from the Regional Health Agent on Route 8A properties and Title IV. Other business includes reviewing the FY26 budget, discussing influenza vaccine, and approving prior meeting minutes.

• Finalize and vote on Town Nurse job description
• Regional Health Agent update on Route 8A properties
• Regional Health Agent update on Title IV
• Review/approve minutes from April 8 and April 22 meetings
• Budget FY26 discussion

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will meet to discuss items related to the upcoming Annual Town Meeting, which may result in voted decisions. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific items listed beyond general discussion and potential new business.

• Discussion of business to be addressed at the Annual Town Meeting
• Potential voted decisions on discussed topics
• New business that could not be anticipated 48 hours prior

The Select Board met briefly on May 9, 2026, to review the Town Meeting warrant with counsel. No substantive decisions were made; the board recessed at 9:00 AM and adjourned at 12:25 PM after the Town Meeting.

• Recessed meeting at 9:00 AM (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 12:25 PM (3-0)

Heath MLB meeting

The Heath Municipal Light Board (MLB) will hold a virtual-only meeting on May 7, 2026, to review and vote on minutes, updates from the MLP manager, fiber project status, and financial matters including depreciation and budget. The board will also discuss communications with other town bodies and an annual election update.

• Review and approve minutes of MLB meetings
• Whip City Fiber status report and National Grid Upgrade Project cost status
• Depreciation account and investment status vote
• Town and MLP website review project vote

Heath Planning Board Meeting

The Heath Planning Board will discuss scheduling a public hearing on a moratorium for large-scale battery storage systems. They will also review Maria Topinzers' application timeline and a parks kiosk update. The board will approve April 2026 meeting minutes and open the floor for public comment.

• Maria Topinzers application timeline for public hearing
• Moratorium discussion for large-scale battery storage systems with FRCOG funding support
• Parks and Recreation kiosk site visit and location update
• Approval of April 1, 2026 meeting minutes

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will discuss and approve final handouts for the upcoming Annual Town Meeting. They will also review next steps for filling Office Assistant and Boards' Clerk positions, and consider purchasing a surplus police cruiser from Colrain. Other items include a culvert/bridge project on Route 8A, highway department updates, and questions about a Wild & Scenic designation for the Deerfield River.

• Approve handouts for Annual Town Meeting
• Review job descriptions for Office Assistant and Boards' Clerk positions
• Discuss purchase of Town of Colrain surplus police cruiser
• Discussion of easements and funding for Route 8A culvert/small bridge over Underwood Brook
• Highway department updates: street-sweeping, Taylor Brook Road Bridge, Colrain Stage Road paving, Chapter 90 funds

The Select Board approved the final draft handout for the Annual Town Meeting, with revisions to be made by the Town Coordinator. The Board also discussed several ongoing projects, including the Jacobs Road Municipal Center sign, hiring for office positions, and infrastructure updates, but no other binding votes were taken.

• Approved April 28, 2026 meeting minutes as amended (3-0)
• Approved Annual Town Meeting handout as amended (unanimous)
• Approved lettering style for Jacobs Road Municipal Center sign, pending full design mockup
• Instructed Town Coordinator to remove Boards’ Clerk job postings pending further discussion

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will discuss and potentially decide on several items, including approving handouts for the Annual Town Meeting, executing a one-year lease with Hilltown Youth Performing Arts, and reviewing next steps for office assistant and boards' clerk positions. They will also consider a memorandum of understanding and bill of sale for a surplus police cruiser from the Town of Colrain.

• Approve final draft handouts for Annual Town Meeting
• Approve and execute one-year lease agreement with Hilltown Youth Performing Arts
• Review job descriptions and next steps for Office Assistant and Boards' Clerk positions
• Review vehicle information, MOU, and bill of sale for Town of Colrain surplus police cruiser
• Discussion with Sabra Billings, candidate for State Representative, on state funding challenges

The Select Board unanimously approved a one-year lease agreement with Hilltown Youth Performing Arts for the term May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027. Other items were tabled or discussed, including the surplus police cruiser from Colrain, HVAC updates, and Tri-Town Landfill vegetation clearing. The Board also reviewed draft handouts for the Annual Town Meeting and discussed next steps for the Office Assistant and Boards' Clerk positions.

• Approved lease agreement with Hilltown Youth Performing Arts (2-0)
• Approved minutes from April 21, 2026 (2-0)
• Tabled Town of Colrain surplus police cruiser purchase pending additional info
• Tabled HVAC updates for Sawyer Hall and Jacobs Road Municipal Center
• Tabled Tri-Town Landfill vegetation clearing and invasive species eradication pending quotes

Board of Health

The Board of Health will review a job description for a Town Nurse position and discuss a shoe spraying event. No votes or decisions are indicated on the agenda.

• Review of Town Nurse job description
• Discussion of a shoe spraying event