Leyden, MA

Council on Aging Meeting

The Leyden Council on Aging is holding a special meeting to plan a Step Challenge event at Avery Field, co-sponsored with the Rec Committee, scheduled for September 27, 2026, from 1-3pm. The event aims to promote falls prevention awareness, walking path awareness, and cross-generational care and community. The agenda includes discussing activities, refreshments, and outreach methods, followed by public comments.

• Event date: September 27, 2026, 1-3pm at Avery Field
• Co-sponsored with the Rec Committee
• Falls Prevention Awareness – Statewide Step Challenge
• Activities include informational brochures, step poster, walk & talk conversation starters, silly step challenges, and music
• Discussion of signs and flyers for promotion

Board of Health Meeting

Library Trustees Meeting

The Leyden Library Trustees are meeting to review minutes, receive director updates, and discuss the State Aid/ARIS report. They will also talk about upcoming events and possible LCC grant ideas, and schedule future meetings. The agenda is routine and includes no major decisions or public hearings.

• Review of State Aid/ARIS report
• Discussion of LCC grant ideas
• Schedule upcoming meetings

Recreation Committee Meeting

The Leyden Recreation Committee is meeting to discuss routine business, including approving prior minutes, a resignation, and upcoming events. They will also address a reported theft from the Pavilion, the installation of a shed, and a newly received Woodlands Partnership Grant.

• Discuss resignation of Ella and committee secretary role
• Discuss theft from the Pavilion, including a folding table and benches, and security measures
• Shed is in place; discuss shelving and equipment transfer
• Received Woodlands Partnership Grant
• Plan upcoming events, including Trunk or Treat

Conservation Commission

The Leyden Conservation Commission is meeting to handle routine business and discuss an enforcement order related to the Cowan culvert project on Greenfield Road. The meeting includes time for correspondence, minutes approval, and other unanticipated topics.

• Enforcement Order for Cowan culvert project on Greenfield Road
• Review of mail, correspondence, and approval of minutes
• Other topics not anticipated may be added at chair's discretion

Select Board Meeting

The Leyden Select Board will meet to vote on the warrant for the September 1, 2026 Primary Elections, discuss the annual town report dedication, and consider hiring an administrative assistant. The board will also receive updates on the Digital Equity grant, town coordinator activities, and several regional meetings, including EMS, Mass in Motion, FCTS, and PVRSD School Committee. Public comment and agenda planning are scheduled.

• Vote and sign warrant for September 1, 2026 Primary Elections
• Discuss dedication for the annual town report
• Administrative assistant hire
• Update on Digital Equity grant
• Updates on EMS regionalization, Mass in Motion, FCTS, and PVRSD SC meetings

Mass in Motion Meeting

The Leyden Mass in Motion Committee and Select Board will hold a joint meeting to review completed projects and discuss new actions and initiatives to complete by May 30, 2027. The agenda includes a report on regional activity in Franklin County and approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Approve minutes from September 29, 2025 meeting
• Report on Mass in Motion activity in Franklin County by Rachel Stoler
• Review of completed projects
• Discussion of new projects and initiatives before May 30, 2027

Council on Aging Meeting

The Leyden Council on Aging will meet to discuss routine business including approving July minutes, a financial report, and planning the September community lunch. A key item is a proposed rate increase for foot care services from $25 to $35 per person, with options to split the cost with clients or absorb it fully. The council will also review FY26 goals, plan for FY27, and discuss updates on the Leyden Cafe and outreach for new members.

• Foot care cost increase: Piper's rate rises from $25 to $35/person; options include asking clients for $5 more (about $390/year) or absorbing the full cost (about $780/year).
• Foot Care Clinic scheduled for Monday, October 5; must reserve space with Town Administrator, use Historical Room due to Tai Chi conflicts.
• Community Lunch: review August meals served (in-person, pickup, delivery) and plan September menu.
• Review COA goals for FY26 and discuss goals for FY27.
• Leyden Cafe update and outreach for new COA members.

Board of Assessor's Meeting

The Leyden Board of Assessors is meeting to handle routine administrative business, including approving minutes, monthly real estate and motor vehicle lists, and motor vehicle abatements. They will also review building permits and discuss criteria for Clause 18 hardship applications. The meeting is scheduled for August 17, 2026, at 5:00 PM at the Leyden Town Offices.

• Approve Real Estate & Personal Property Monthly List for August
• Approve Motor Vehicle abatements
• Approve Motor Vehicle Monthly List for August
• Review Building Permits
• Approve criteria for Clause 18 Hardship

Select Board Orientation for Town Officials

The Leyden Select Board is meeting to conduct an orientation session for town officials. The agenda contains only this single item, with no other business listed. This appears to be a procedural meeting focused on training or onboarding.

• Orientation for town officials

Select Board Meeting

The Leyden Select Board is meeting to conduct routine business including signing warrants and approving minutes, interviewing two candidates for the Administrative Assistant position, and preparing for upcoming meetings. The board is also expected to decide and sign a contract hiring Gill Engineering as project managers for West Leyden Road, and will receive updates on the police advisory meeting and other town matters.

• Interview candidates Eloise Tuell and Kathleen Garmalo for Administrative Assistant position
• Decision and sign contract for hiring Gill Engineering as project managers for West Leyden Road
• Working session to prepare for Warwick tuition subcommittee meeting
• Working session for Digital Equity grant
• Update on police advisory meeting

MLP Advisory Board Meeting

The Leyden Municipal Light Plant (MLP) Advisory Board will meet to review a financial template, discuss a debt payment plan, and consider the manager's report. The meeting is scheduled for August 13, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the Leyden Town Offices.

• Review of financial template
• Discussion of debt payment plan
• Review of manager's report
• Review of May meeting minutes

Planning Board Meeting

The Planning Board will discuss a plan request for George Lamb Road and an update for 581 West Leyden Road. The board is also considering moratoriums on AI data centers and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

• Approval Not Required plan request for George Lamb Road
• Update regarding 581 West Leyden Road
• Special Permit application for Leyden Highway
• Discussion of BESS and AI Data Center moratoriums
• Review of draft Priority Habitat Map from Fisheries and Wildlife

Building Needs Study Committee

The Leyden Building Needs Study Committee will assess town buildings to identify general maintenance needs and potential capital improvements. The meeting is held at Leyden Town Hall, DPW and Fire Department at 16 W. Leyden Rd.

Police Services Advisory Meeting

The Leyden Police Services Advisory Committee will hear an update from Chief Palmeri, discuss regional merger efforts with Bernardston Fire, review a financial workbook, and consider revisions to the Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA). The meeting includes public comment and scheduling of future meetings.

• Police services report and update from Chief Palmeri
• Bernardston Leyden Fire and other regional merger efforts
• Review of financial workbook
• Committee review of proposed IMA revisions

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will vote on authorizing Attorney Adam Costa to proceed with litigation if needed at 581 West Leyden Road. They will also receive an update on EMS regionalization and weighted options, finalize orientation for town officials, continue FY27 appointments, and discuss municipal representation in the PVRSD negotiation process.

• Vote on Attorney Adam Costa to proceed with litigation if needed at 581 West Leyden Road
• Update on EMS regionalizing and weighted options
• Discuss using Gill Engineering as project managers for West Leyden Road
• Continue FY27 appointments
• Discuss municipal representation in PVRSD negotiations

Board of Health Meeting

The Leyden Board of Health will review and approve July 2026 meeting minutes and hear updates from the health agent, including the status of remedies at 581 W Leyden Road. The board will also discuss a mold issue in town offices, naloxone cabinet placements, and debrief a July 13 permethrin event. A presentation on nicotine-free generation from a prior meeting will be noted.

• Review and approve July 2026 meeting minutes
• 581 W Leyden Road status update — remedies
• Mold issue in town offices
• Naloxone cabinets
• Permethrin event July 13 — debriefing

Library Trustees Meeting

The Leyden Library Trustees will meet to discuss the FY26 and FY27 budgets, as well as upcoming summer reading events. The meeting includes routine items such as approving prior minutes and scheduling future meetings. No votes or final decisions are noted on the agenda.

• Discussion of FY26 and FY27 budget
• Discussion of Summer Reading and upcoming events
• Review and approval of previous meeting minutes

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will discuss and vote on the annual renewal of the Animal Control Officer and dog shelter contract. They will also consider the start date for a Digital Equity grant and continue appointments for fiscal year 2027. Other items include planning an orientation for town officials and receiving updates from the Town Coordinator and Select Board.

• Vote on yearly renewal for Animal Control Officer and animal dog shelter
• Discussion on when to start the Digital Equity grant
• Continuing FY27 Appointments
• Planning orientation for elected and appointed town officials

Conservation Committee Agenda

The Conservation Commission will discuss Order of Conditions violations for the Cowan culvert project on Greenfield Road. They will also read mail, review correspondence, approve minutes, and draft a paragraph for the town's Annual Report.

• Order of Conditions violations for Cowan culvert project on Greenfield Road
• Draft paragraph for Commission's inclusion in town Annual Report

Council on Aging Meeting

The Council on Aging will decide whether to absorb a $780/year cost increase for foot care services or split the cost with clients, and will discuss starting a Leyden Cafe.

• Foot care cost increase: provider raising rates from $25 to $35/person; Council to decide between absorbing full $780/year or splitting cost with clients
• Discussion of starting up a Leyden Cafe

Board of Assessor's Meeting

The Board of Assessors will meet to approve minutes, monthly property and motor vehicle lists, a motor vehicle commitment warrant, review building permits, and consider criteria for Clause 18 hardship applications.

• Approve Real Estate & Personal Property Monthly List for July
• Approve Motor Vehicle Monthly List for July
• Warrant 2026 Motor Vehicle Commitment #4
• Review Building Permits
• Consider criteria for Clause 18 Hardship

The Board of Assessors approved the monthly real estate and motor vehicle lists (both $0) and the 2026 MV Commitment #4 for $4,264.81. They also decided on eligibility criteria for the Clause 18 Hardship exemption: age 70 or older, income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, and liquid assets no more than $5,000. Alice Wozniak will draft the criteria for approval at the next meeting.

• Approved June 29 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved July RE/PP Monthly List at $0 (unanimous)
• Approved July MV Monthly List at $0 (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 MV Commitment #4 for $4,264.81 (unanimous)
• Set Clause 18 Hardship criteria: age 70+, income ≤150% Federal Poverty Level, liquid assets ≤$5K

Select Board Meeting

The Leyden Select Board will discuss a new policy on housing, review the town accountant's performance, and consider signing a special permit application for highway work. The board will also continue FY27 appointments and plan orientation for elected officials.

• Policy on new housing
• Angelica DesRoches - Town Accountant Annual Review
• Discuss and sign special permit application for highway
• Continue FY27 Appointments
• Permission for Michele to sign agreement with Mead, Talerman & Costa

Select Board Meeting

The Leyden Select Board will meet to review and finalize its calendar for fiscal year 2027, continue appointments, and discuss town clerk hiring and training. The meeting includes updates from the Town Coordinator and Select Board members, with a public comment period.

• Finalize Select Board Calendar for FY27
• Continue FY27 Appointments
• Update on Town Clerk hiring, training, and Assistant Town Clerk job posting
• Town Coordinator updates
• Public Comment period

Cultural Council

The Leyden Cultural Council will meet to discuss ways to increase awareness of council events and to bring grant opportunities to residents through the Massachusetts Cultural Council program. The committee will also consider organizational changes and any unplanned business.

• Discuss increasing awareness of Cultural Council events for Leyden residents
• Discuss grant opportunities available through the Massachusetts Cultural Council program
• Discuss organizational changes to the committee

Board of Health

The Board of Health reviewed and approved the June 2026 meeting minutes. They discussed updates on tick reports and a permethrin event scheduled for July 13. The board also reviewed a letter from Conway regarding BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) regulations and planned a fall presentation by Mike Hugo, Esq., MAHB. No votes or final decisions were recorded on substantive items.

• Approved June 2026 meeting minutes
• Discussed tick reports and permethrin event July 13
• Reviewed Conway’s letter on BESS regulations for potential adaptation
• Scheduled Mike Hugo, Esq., MAHB, for fall BESS presentation

Planning Board Meeting & Public Hearing

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a special permit application for 215 West Leyden Road, which requests less than the minimum 50-foot setback from the street. The board will also discuss updates to the Site Plan Review Bylaw, a Dark Sky Bylaw, and the Use Table. A site visit at the property precedes the meeting.

• Public hearing on special permit for 215 West Leyden Road for reduced street setback
• Update on 581 West Leyden Road
• Discussion of updating Site Plan Review Bylaw sections
• Discussion of Dark Sky Bylaw
• Discussion of Use Table

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will interview Lucas Haszar for the Town Clerk position and then discuss the role. Public comment is scheduled. No old business is on the agenda.

• Interview of Lucas Haszar for Town Clerk position
• Discussion of Town Clerk position
• Public comment period

Board of Assessor's Meeting

The Board of Assessors will meet to approve minutes from June 8, approve the Real Estate & Personal Property and Motor Vehicle monthly lists for June, and review building permits and upcoming fiscal year needs. A scheduled appointment at 6:00 PM is with Jennifer Van Pelt regarding 350 Brattleboro Road.

The Board of Assessors unanimously approved the June real estate and motor vehicle tax lists, with $0 in new real estate value and $1,227.03 in motor vehicle excise. They also discussed a resident's concern that wetlands on her property should lower her valuation, but noted they lack authority over wetland assessments and suggested she appeal to the Appellate Tax Board or seek an elder exemption.

• Approved June Real Estate/Personal Property list ($0) unanimously.
• Approved June Motor Vehicle list ($1,227.03) unanimously.
• Discussed but took no action on building permits for solar/insulation with no added value.
• Heard resident Jennifer Van Pelt's request for a wetland-based valuation adjustment; directed her to the Conservation Commission and Appellate Tax Board.

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will conduct three interviews for the Town Clerk position, review and potentially approve the FY27 wage and stipend schedule from the treasurer, and discuss the town coordinator's annual review. The meeting also includes a first reading of a proposed mailbox policy.

• Interview Lindsay Bielicki for Town Clerk position
• Interview Danielle Roussel for Town Clerk position
• Interview Kathleen Garmalo for Town Clerk position
• Approve FY27 wage and stipend schedule from treasurer
• Read V1 of Mailbox policy

Recreation Committee

The Leyden Recreation Committee will meet to approve minutes, discuss a concert/potluck, plan upcoming events including Joys of Nature and a Lucy Prince Film, and consider construction of a shed. No votes or decisions are recorded in the agenda.

• Approve minutes from May 26 if available
• Report on concert/potluck
• Discuss upcoming events: Joys of Nature, Matt York, Lucy Prince Film
• Discuss construction of shed
• Discuss any new ideas

Open Space and Recreation Committee

The Open Space and Recreation Committee will meet on June 23, 2026, to review notes from the March 23, 2026 Listening Session, plan future meeting dates (July 21, no August, September 15), and discuss the plan section and update timeline for the draft. No old topics are on the agenda.

• Review of notes from March 23, 2026 Listening Session
• Planning future meeting dates: July 21, no August meeting, September 15
• Review of plan section and update timeline for draft