Heath, MA

Heath Planning Board Public Hearing & Meeting

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing regarding a special permit application for events at 12 West Branch Road. Members will also discuss bylaws for data centers, large-scale solar, and battery energy storage systems.

• Special permit application for Franklin Land Trust events at Branch View Farm, 12 West Branch Road
• Discussion on battery energy storage systems (BESS) and large-scale solar bylaws with FRCOG guest Allison Gage
• Discussion on data center bylaws and special permit procedures

Heath Planning Board

The Heath Planning Board meets Wednesday, October 7th, 2026, at 7:00PM via Zoom. The board will reschedule a public hearing on a Franklin Land Trust special permit application for Branch View Farm events. It will also discuss bylaws for large-scale battery storage systems (BESS) and solar, with FRCOG money and assistance noted as available, and discuss large-scale solar and data centers. The agenda also includes approving minutes from 9/2/2026 and public comment.

• Reschedule public hearing on Franklin Land Trust special permit application for Branch View Farm events
• Discuss bylaws for large-scale BESS (battery storage systems and solar), with FRCOG money and assistance available and a draft proposal
• Discuss large-scale solar and data centers — bylaws and schedule
• Approve meeting minutes from 9/2/2026
• Public comment

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will discuss several administrative matters, including a potential letter of opposition to Verizon regarding telephone service discontinuation. The board is also scheduled to decide on the resignation of Treasurer Kristi Nartowicz and review home rule petitions.

• Vote on letter of opposition to Verizon regarding telephone service discontinuation
• Decision on the resignation of Treasurer Kristi Nartowicz
• Review and vote on MassDEP Recycling Dividends Program grant scope of work
• Vote on Sawyer Hall heating system resolution estimate
• Review of financial interest disclosure by special municipal employee Robyn Provost

Finance Committee Meeting

The Finance Committee will review a cost-benefit analysis regarding MLB and define questions for a meeting with the organization. The body will also discuss a town audit for FY28 and the possibility of debt exclusion for several large projects.

• Cost-benefit analysis of MLB provided by David Gordon
• Town audit planned for FY28
• Debt exclusion possibilities for FCTS project, MTRSD feasibility study, and a new western Franklin County ambulance service
• Broadband borrowing history and future

Board of Health Meeting

The Board of Health will review the FY27 budget and the next steps for re-grading the Town Nurse position. The meeting includes updates from the Regional Health Agent and reports on various health initiatives.

• BOH Clerk Report/Budget FY27
• Town Nurse position Re-grading next step
• Epipen purchase discussion
• Emergency Needs Assessment Survey
• Flu Vaccine

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will discuss highway updates and tax title foreclosures. The board is expected to vote on a merit increase for the MLP Manager and the designation of three vehicles as surplus property.

• Vote on merit increase for Bailey Cole, MLP Manager
• Designation of surplus property: 2016 Dodge Ram 5500, 2002 International 7400 DT530, and 1987 Case Tractor
• Possible vote on participation in the FCSO RIDGE Mental/Behavioral Health Follow-Up Program
• Review of FRCOG Unpaved Road Assessment for Underwood Hill Road and Sadoga Road
• Review of draft license for Casey Clark, A Foragers Trade to enter and use real property

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will discuss a mental health follow-up program presentation from the Shelburne Police Department. The board is scheduled to vote on a merit increase for the MLP Manager and a signatory for the Massachusetts Cultural Council allocation. Members will also review ARPA spending priorities and property use licenses.

• Vote on merit increase for Bailey Cole, MLP Manager
• Review and potential vote on License to Enter and Use Real Property for Clayton D. Davenport Trucking Inc.
• Review of draft License to Enter and Use Real Property for Casey Clark, A Foragers Trade
• Vote to designate Mia Francesconi as contract authorized signatory for Massachusetts Cultural Council allocation
• Review and prioritization of ARPA/SLFRF spending

The Select Board approved a month-to-month property license for Clayton D. Davenport Trucking, Inc. and designated the Town Coordinator as the authorized signatory for the FY2027 Massachusetts Cultural Council allocation. The Board also discussed a proposed mental health follow-up program, reviewed ARPA spending, and authorized temporary storage space for the Heath Historical Society. Procedural items included signing warrants and reviewing fire safety maintenance proposals.

• Approved Clayton D. Davenport Trucking, Inc. property license (2-0)
• Designated Town Coordinator as MCC contract signatory (2-0)
• Authorized Heath Historical Society temporary storage in Sawyer Hall
• Approved fire extinguisher and ANSUL system maintenance
• Tabled 09/22/2026 meeting minutes
• Approved accounts payable and payroll warrants

BOH Special Meeting

The Heath Board of Health is holding a special meeting by Zoom on Wednesday, October 07, 2026 at 9:00 AM. The only substantive agenda item is a discussion of re-grading the town nurse position. The rest of the agenda is procedural: roll call, agenda review, a slot for unanticipated business, and adjournment.

• New Business: Town Nurse re-grading discussion
• Meeting held via Zoom (Meeting ID 872 2453 4516)
• Agenda posted by BOH Clerk Cindie Garland on Oct 01, 2026 at 12:00 pm

Heath Planning Board Meeting

The Heath Planning Board meets Wednesday, October 7th, 2026, at 7:00PM via Zoom. The board will discuss bylaws for large-scale battery storage systems (BESS) and solar, including a draft proposal and available FRCOG money and assistance, and will also discuss bylaws and a schedule for large-scale solar and data centers. It will consider rescheduling a public hearing on a Franklin Land Trust special permit application for Branch View Farm events, and may approve minutes from 9/2/2026.

• Franklin Land Trust special permit application for Branch View Farm events — public hearing to be re-scheduled
• Discussion of bylaws for large-scale BESS (battery storage systems and solar), with FRCOG money and assistance available and a draft proposal
• Discussion of large-scale solar and data centers — bylaws and schedule
• Consent agenda: approve meeting minutes from 9/2/2026
• Public comment period

Board of Assessors Meeting

The Board of Assessors will meet to approve minutes from July and monthly lists for real estate and motor vehicles. The board will also consider the 2026 Motor Vehicle Commitment #5.

• Approval of August and September Real Estate Monthly Lists
• Approval of August and September Motor Vehicle Monthly Lists
• Approval of 2026 Motor Vehicle Commitment #5

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Heath Conservation Commission meets Thursday October 1, 2026 at 6:00 PM at the Jacobs Road Municipal Center, 18 Jacobs Road, to review a Request for Determination filed by Jeffrey Mercier for a septic system at an existing residence at 23 East Brook Drive, with some work in a resource area buffer zone. The agenda includes a vote on that request, a discussion of Rte. 8A bridge project progress, and a Certificate of Completion request from Son Treme. The commission will also review past meeting minutes, hear the consultant's and chairman's reports, and take up items that could not be reasonably anticipated before posting.

• Request for Determination by Jeffrey Mercier for a septic system at 23 East Brook Drive, partly within a resource area buffer zone, with a vote scheduled
• Discussion of Rte. 8A bridge project progress
• Son Treme request for Certificate of Completion
• Review and approval of past meeting minutes
• ConCom consultant's report and Chairman's report

Heath MLB meeting

The Heath Municipal Light Board (MLB) meets virtually at 10:00AM Thursday, October 1, 2026. Members will review and vote on prior meeting minutes, hear updates from the MLP Manager, and take up operations items including WGE/Whip City Fiber status, Fiber Hut maintenance and monitoring, and National Grid Upgrade Project attachment cost status. The board will also discuss a Drop Policy, a WiredWest update and FY 2026 payment, project finances, and a town and MLP website review project, with votes scheduled on several items.

• Review and vote on minutes of prior MLB meetings
• WGE/Whip City Fiber status report
• Fiber Hut maintenance and monitoring
• National Grid Upgrade Project: attachment cost status
• WiredWest update and FY 2026 payment; FY26 network income transfer

Select Board Meeting

The Heath Select Board will hold its regular meeting, covering consent agenda items, appointments, and several discussion or decision items. Key anticipated votes include accepting $60,000 from net broadband revenue for FY '27 and appointing Rachel Lewis as temporary Town Nurse. Other topics include a lease discussion for Sawyer Hall, ADA transition plan review, and updates on road and building issues.

• Vote to accept $60,000.00 from Municipal Light Plant net broadband revenue for FY '27
• Appoint Rachel Lewis as Temporary Town Nurse for remainder of FY '27
• Discuss Letter of Intent for lease of former Library Space at Sawyer Hall with Casey Clark
• Review ADA Self-Evaluation & Transition Plan with Municipal ADA Coordinator Maya Blum
• Review new speed and traffic data for Taylor Brook Road

The Select Board accepted $60,000 in Net Broadband Revenue from the Municipal Light Plant for FY ’27. The board also appointed a temporary town nurse and approved a firewall replacement proposal.

• Accepted $60,000 Net Broadband Revenue from Municipal Light Plant (2-0)
• Appointed Rachel M. Lewis as Temporary Town Nurse at $45.50/hour (2-0)
• Approved $485 proposal from Northeast IT Systems, Inc. for firewall gateway (2-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from August 25, 2026 (2-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from September 8, 2026 (2-0)

Heath MLB meeting

The board will review updates regarding fiber status and National Grid upgrade projects. The meeting includes votes on depreciation accounts, network income transfers, and WiredWest payments.

• WGE/Whip City Fiber Status Report
• National Grid Upgrade Project attachment cost status
• WiredWest Update, FY 2026 Payment vote
• FY 26 Network income available for transfer vote
• Executive Session regarding NG 3-Phase Project 101 9 W1 fiber attachment contract negotiations

BOH

The Heath Board of Health is meeting to review minutes, discuss a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with Mike Hugo from the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards (MAHB), and receive updates from the Regional Health Agent. New business includes a nurses report, FY27 budget, and discussion of the town nurse position and re-grading. Ongoing items include an emergency needs assessment survey, Epipen purchase, and several committee updates.

• Discuss BESS with Mike Hugo (MAHB)
• Town Nurse position candidate discussion
• Town Nurse re-grading discussion
• BOH Clerk Report/Budget FY27
• Epipen purchase discussion

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 discuss and potentially vote on several items, including the FY'28 budget with the Finance Committee, the creation of a new West County Ambulance Service, and the town nurse position. They will also consider building maintenance issues and a letter of intent for the former library space.

• Number Nine Road discussion with Highway Superintendent
• FY'28 budget items: FCTS and MTRSD building projects, new West County Ambulance Service
• Town nurse position next steps and possible vote
• Community Hall lift mechanical issue and hot water heater leak replacement estimate
• Former Library Space at Sawyer Hall: Letter of Intent from Casey Clark of 'A Foragers Trade'

The Select Board approved a $667.91 estimate from Hartnett Plumbing LLC to replace the hot water heater at Community Hall and voted 3-0 to offer Rachel Lewis the temporary, unbenefited Town Nurse position for the remainder of FY27 at $45.50 per hour for about five hours per week. The board also discussed the Number Nine Road project, agreeing to pause full reclamation until drainage work is done and to complete patching and overlay before winter, with a written plan to be released publicly. The board reviewed FY28 budget items including the FCTS building project debt vote scheduled for October 6, the MTRSD building project, and a possible West County ambulance service, and asked the Finance Committee to study continued membership in the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust. The board expressed interest in discussing a possible lease of Sawyer Hall space to Casey Clark of A Foragers Trade and asked the Town Coordinator to schedule a meeting.

• Approved $667.91 estimate from Hartnett Plumbing LLC to replace Community Hall hot water heater (3-0)
• Offered Rachel Lewis temporary, unbenefited Town Nurse position for remainder of FY27, ~5 hrs/week at $45.50/hr (3-0)
• Tabled approval of 08/25/2026 meeting minutes to next meeting
• Approved accounts payable/payroll warrants by signature
• Agreed to pause full Number Nine Road reclamation until drainage work complete; patching and overlay to proceed before winter
• Requested Finance Committee investigate benefits of continuing Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust membership and report back
• Directed Town Coordinator to schedule meeting with Casey Clark of A Foragers Trade about possible Sawyer Hall lease
• Adjourned meeting at 7:27PM (3-0)

BOH meeting with SB

The Heath Board of Health is holding a regular meeting on September 8, 2026. The main item is a discussion with the Select Board about the Town Nurse Position. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Discussion with Select Board on Town Nurse Position

Planning Board Meeting

The Planning Board will discuss scheduling bylaws for large scale battery storage systems and large scale solar and data centers. The board will also schedule a public hearing for a Franklin Land Trust special permit application regarding Branch View Farm events.

• Franklin Land Trust special permit application for Branch View Farm events
• Discussion of bylaws for large scale battery storage systems
• Discussion of bylaws for large scale solar and data centers
• Parks and Recreation Kiosk update
• Approval of meeting minutes from 5/06/2026, 6/03/2026, and 7/02/2026

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

The Select Board discussed delaying the paving of Number Nine Road until Spring 2028, citing incomplete culvert and drainage work, and agreed to continue preparatory work. The Board also approved minutes, a broadband loan payment, and a temporary Planning Board appointment, and discussed but did not decide on the Sawyer Hall lease.

• Approved minutes of 07/28/2026 as amended (3-0)
• Approved minutes of 08/11/2026 as presented (2-0-1, Emmet abstained)
• Approved minutes of 08/18/2026 as presented (2-0-1, Viarengo abstained)
• Authorized Treasurer to make broadband infrastructure loan payment (3-0)
• Temporarily appointed Peter Maitland to Planning Board until May election (3-0)
• Requested Town Coordinator office hours reduced to 12 public hours/week
• Continued Letter of Intent for Sawyer Hall lease to next meeting
• Discussed but did not vote on Number Nine Road paving delay

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

The Select Board unanimously approved a Special All Alcohol License for the Heath Agricultural Society, a registered non-profit, for local beer and cider tasting at the Heath Fair on August 21-23, 2026. The $100.00 application fee was waived as part of the motion. The meeting was brief and included no public comment or other substantive business.

• Approved Special All Alcohol License for Heath Agricultural Society for Heath Fair beer and cider tasting (2-0)
• Waived $100.00 application fee for the license (2-0)

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

The Select Board approved the expenditure of $58,408.05 in auction proceeds toward a broadband infrastructure loan and authorized the submission of a Notice of Intent for the Jacksonville Stage Road culvert project. The board also approved the 2026 State Primary election warrant and authorized $1,785 for Town Coordinator training. A special alcohol license application was tabled due to a member recusal.

• Approved 2026 State Primary election warrant (2-0)
• Expended $58,408.05 in CAF II proceeds for broadband loan payment (2-0)
• Approved submission of Notice of Intent for Jacksonville Stage Road culvert (2-0)
• Tabled Heath Agricultural Society alcohol license application
• Appointed Mia Francesconi to Renewable Energy Advisory Committee (2-0)
• Approved $1,785 for Town Coordinator MCPPO certification training (2-0)
• Authorized Highway Superintendent to schedule Number Nine Road reclamation (2-0)

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)

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

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

The Select Board unanimously approved a $24,905 contract with W R HILLMAN LLC for the Heath Salt Shed Retaining Wall, with work commencing August 25, 2026. They also approved FY '27 MOUs for district services, animal control agreements, and the new IRS mileage rate of 76 cents/mile. The board heard presentations on road paving options for Number Nine Road and an accessibility plan proposal for the Town Center, but took no action on those items.

• Approved $24,905 salt shed retaining wall contract with W R HILLMAN LLC (3-0)
• Approved FY '27 MOUs for Franklin County Solid Waste Management District services (3-0)
• Approved FY '27 agreements with Franklin County Sheriff's Office for animal control and dog shelter services (3-0)
• Accepted new IRS mileage reimbursement rate of 76 cents/mile (3-0)
• Approved July 14, 2026 meeting minutes as amended (3-0)

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)