Montague, MA

Selectboard Meeting

Montague Energy Committee

LBSC meeting

Montague Board of Health Meeting

The Montague Board of Health will review July meeting minutes and hear reports from the Director, Public Health Nurse, and Animal/Barn Inspector. A presentation from Heartwing will request Board support for a domestic violence prevention proclamation to be sent to the Select Board.

• Review and approval of July 29, 2026 meeting minutes
• Director's report on July 2026 work
• Public Health Nurse Brittany Tuttle's July 2026 report
• Animal and Barn Inspector Kathleen Burek's July 2026 report
• Heartwing presentation on domestic violence prevention proclamation

Sheffield and Hillcrest Elementary School Building Committee

The Sheffield and Hillcrest Elementary School Building Committee is meeting to review Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) process requirements and upcoming deadlines, including a Special Town Meeting on October 14, 2026, and a local vote authorization for a feasibility study on January 26, 2027. The committee will also discuss research on feasibility study cost and scope, and a public communication strategy. Public comment is allowed at the chair's discretion.

• Special Town Meeting scheduled for October 14, 2026
• MSBA Local Vote Authorization for feasibility study due January 26, 2027
• Feasibility Study Agreement due January 26, 2027
• Discussion of feasibility study cost and scope
• Review of draft feasibility study warrant article planned

Retirement Board

The Montague Retirement Board will review and vote on routine items including approving the August 2026 warrant of $562,346.86, new member enrollments, refunds, and appointing an election officer. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions.

• Approve August 2026 Warrant #8 for $562,346.86
• Approve new members Frederick Mogilka Jr and Brittany-Lee Morrison
• Approve partial refund of $58.13 to Debra Underhill
• Approve AS refund of $45,932.35 to Richard McCarthy
• Appoint election officer for retirement board election

Planning Board Meeting

The Montague Planning Board is meeting to review two subdivision applications, hold a public hearing on a Habitat for Humanity six-home project under the Smart Growth Overlay district, and consider a special permit for a dog daycare and training facility. The board will also discuss recent changes to state zoning law and a new consolidated permitting process for small clean energy projects.

• Public hearing: Habitat for Humanity, 0 First Street, six single-family homes plus public parking on 0.654 acres, split into seven lots (PAA 2026-01)
• Special permit: Finn Cross dog daycare/training at 40-44 Industrial Blvd (SP 2026-01)
• ANR 2026-02: Habitat for Humanity, 0 First Street, Turners Falls
• ANR 2026-03: Richard A. Young, 0 Franklin Street, Millers Falls
• Discussion: FY27 state budget changes to Zoning Act (G.L. Chapter 40A) and new clean energy permitting process (225 CMR 29.00)

Selectboard Meeting

The Montague Selectboard will hold a public hearing to determine if a dog named Scoot is a nuisance or dangerous, and vote on signing a $1,616,000 USDA loan for the screw pump station upgrade. The board will also consider appointments, a cultural council funding request, and adopt the 2026-2031 Hazard Mitigation Plan. Two executive sessions are scheduled for personnel and collective bargaining matters.

• Public hearing on whether dog 'Scoot' is a nuisance or dangerous under M.G.L. c. 140, §157
• Sign $1,616,000 USDA Rural Development loan for Screw Pump Station Upgrade
• Appoint Klon Koehler to Cultural Council; request $7,000 from Community Development Discretionary Fund for cultural programming
• Appoint Amy Love to Library Assistant at $18.52/hour
• Adopt 2026-2031 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Board of Assessors Meeting

The Montague Board of Assessors will meet to approve monthly abatement and exemption reports, review the Fiscal Year 2027 revaluation update, and discuss the Senior Tax Work-Off Program. They will also consider authorizing the fourth motor vehicle warrant for 2026, hear an update on ADU valuations, and review the Farren Site appraisal report.

• Approval of July abatement and exemption reports
• FY2027 revaluation workplan and software update
• Senior Tax Work-Off Program overview and adoption timeline
• Authorization of Motor Vehicle Warrant 4 for 2026
• Review of Farren Site appraisal report

Cemetery Commission Meeting

The Montague Cemetery Commission is meeting to approve the June meeting minutes, hear reports from the Cemetery Sexton and partners, and receive updates on Highland, Chestnut Hill, and Old South cemeteries. Topics include a kiosk, plantings, HW mapping, Stonewall repair, and volunteer headstone cleaning. The meeting is largely routine oversight with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Approval of June meeting minutes
• Cemetery Sexton report
• Highland Cemetery updates: kiosk, plantings, HW mapping
• Chestnut Hill Cemetery Stonewall repair
• Old South Cemetery volunteer headstone cleaning

Conservation Commission

The Montague Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on a proposed garage at 31-33 Randall Road and discuss MassDEP’s draft amendments to state wetlands and water quality regulations. The meeting is open to the public in person at Town Hall Annex or via Zoom.

• Public hearing on NOI #2026-06 for a new garage at 31-33 Randall Road (Parcel #21-0-141)
• Discussion of MassDEP’s proposed amendments to 310 CMR 10.00 and 314 CMR 9.00 wetland regulations

Selectboard Meeting

The Selectboard will discuss and vote on directing the Town Clerk to hold a special election on October 6, 2026, for voter consideration of a $236,572,983 borrowing authorization to build a new Franklin County Technical School. Other business includes a sewer rate hearing, a tables and chairs license for Ritual Bowl, and approval of a $4,900 skatepark sealing contract.

• Vote on special election for Franklin County Technical School borrowing up to $236,572,983
• FY2027 Sewer Rate Hearing and discussion of fuel surcharge adjustments from biosolids hauling
• Request for Tables and Chairs License from Cindy Ferrer of Ritual Bowl at 109 Avenue A, Turners Falls
• Approve $4,900 Skatepark Sealing Contract with Tailblock Concrete LLC
• Authorize up to $3,600 for final easement plans for Industrial Blvd / Millers Falls Rd intersection improvements

LBSC meeting

The Library Building Steering Committee will discuss the final design, construction phases, project milestones, and schedule for the Main Library Building Project. The meeting will also cover committee roles, potential subcommittees, and next steps.

• Overview and discussion of final design and construction phases for the Main Library Building Project
• Overview and discussion of committee roles and potential subcommittees

Retirement Board

The Montague Retirement Board will meet on July 30, 2026, to approve monthly financial warrants totaling $3.43M, including a $3M transfer to the PRIT Fund. The board will also vote on new member appointments, a computer monitor purchase, and a schedule change for the Board Administrator. Travel expenses for an August training session and financial statements for May and June 2026 will be reviewed.

• Approve July 2026 Warrant #7 for $430,257.61
• Approve $3,000,000.00 transfer to PRIT Fund via Warrant #7a
• Approve new members Christopher Allen and Ashley Manley
• Approve purchase of second computer monitor
• Approve Board Administrator schedule change to 35 hours per week

Sheffield and Hillcrest Elementary School Building Committee

The newly formed Sheffield and Hillcrest Elementary School Building Committee will hold its first meeting to organize, review its charge, and discuss the MSBA eligibility process. A key item is a possible vote to recommend that the Selectboard place an article on the October 2026 Special Town Meeting warrant to appropriate funding for a feasibility study for the Sheffield Elementary School project. The committee will also review the MSBA schedule, including a required local vote authorization by January 26, 2027.

• Possible vote to recommend a warrant article for feasibility study funding for Sheffield Elementary School project
• Election or confirmation of Chair and Vice Chair
• Review of MSBA Eligibility Period deadlines, including local vote authorization by January 26, 2027
• Discussion of potential consolidation of Hillcrest and Sheffield into a PreK–5 facility
• Review of preliminary feasibility study budget and October Town Meeting timeline

Montague Board of Health Meeting

The Montague Board of Health will hold its July 29, 2026 meeting to review and vote on updated well regulations, discuss enforcement related to a property at 4 Burek Dr, and address incidents involving unhoused individuals and temporary housing. The meeting will also include director and nurse reports on June 2026 activities.

• Vote on final draft of updated well regulations
• Discussion on enforcement order for 4 Burek Dr
• Discussion on temporary housing and encampments enforcement

Library Trustees monthly meeting

The Montague Public Library Trustees will receive updates from several committees, including the Building Steering Committee and Budget Committee. They will also discuss committee assignments, a draft gift policy, and the possibility of starting a library foundation.

• Update from Library Building Steering Committee
• Update from Budget Committee
• Review and discuss gift policy draft
• Discuss possibility of starting a Foundation

Selectboard Meeting

The Selectboard will consider authorizing two addenda totaling $2,554,150 for the Main Library construction project's construction phase — $570,000 for owner's project manager services and $1,984,150 for designer services, both funded by a state library grant and local appropriation. The board will also vote on a new building permit fee schedule, approve DPW summer paving plans, and act on personnel changes including a police detective promotion and a new wastewater mechanic appointment.

• Authorize $570,000 addendum with Downes Construction for library OPM services
• Authorize $1,984,150 addendum with Schwartz/Silver Architects for library design services
• Approve new fee schedule for building, plumbing/gas, and electrical permits effective Aug 1
• DPW summer paving plan: Randall Wood Dr, Old Stage Rd, Kells Rd, Ripley Rd, and alley/road portions
• Approve $110,000 award for Avenue A Traffic Signals Engineering design from state funds

The Montague Selectboard approved two addenda for the Main Library Construction Project: $570,000 for Downes Construction (OPM services) and $1,984,150 for Schwartz/Silver Architects (designer services), both funded by MBLC grant and local appropriation. The board also approved a new building permit fee schedule effective August 1, 2026, and a one-day liquor license for the Montague Retreat Center. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved new fee schedule for building, plumbing/gas, and electrical permits (unanimous)
• Approved one-day liquor license for Montague Retreat Center (unanimous)
• Approved $570,000 addendum with Downes Construction for library OPM services (unanimous)
• Approved $1,984,150 addendum with Schwartz/Silver Architects for library design services (unanimous)
• Approved $179,170 disbursement to Nunes & Sons for Avenue A Streetscape (unanimous)
• Authorized Change Orders #1-3 totaling $12,449.73 for Avenue A Streetscape (unanimous)
• Approved annual agreements with Franklin County Solid Waste Management District (unanimous)
• Approved status change for Joshua Lemay to Grade D, Step 9 at $38.54/hr (unanimous)

Montague Historical Commission

The Montague Historical Commission will meet via Zoom on July 27, 2026, to review past meeting minutes and discuss potential exterior upgrades for the Shea Theater. Members will also consider where artifacts from the Carnegie Library should be stored and receive an update from the Parks & Recreation Commission.

• Discussion of possible exterior upgrades to the Shea Theater
• Decision on storage location for artifacts from the Carnegie Library
• Presentation by Tris Metcalfe on Blacksmith Shop evaluation

Montague EDIC

The Montague Economic Development and Industrial Corporation will discuss updates on the Montague Public Libraries Main Branch project, including property transfers from EDIC to the Town, and the former Farren site development with a public infrastructure grant strategy. The board will also consider housing needs and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and recruitment strategies for two vacant EDIC seats.

• Montague Public Libraries Main Branch project updates; property transfers from EDIC to Town of Montague
• Former Farren site development updates; public infrastructure grant strategy
• Discussion on housing needs and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
• Recruitment strategies for two vacant EDIC seats (one for Industrial Development expertise, one for low-to-moderate income representative)

Board of Assessors Meeting

The Montague Board of Assessors will vote to approve monthly abatement and exemption reports from June and receive an update on the Fiscal Year 2027 revaluation, including workplan deadlines and inspection projects. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and may enter executive session.

• Vote to approve abatement and exemption reports for June
• Update on FY27 revaluation workplan deadlines
• Update on permit and cyclical inspection projects

GILL MONTAGUE COUNCIL ON AGING MEETING

The Council on Aging is meeting to approve May minutes, review financial reports including state and municipal grants, and hear the director's report. New business includes introducing Diane Pedrosa and discussing the Gill Digital Equity Grant progress.

• Approve May meeting minutes
• Review Montague and Gill EOEA Formula Grants
• Review Mass in Motion Grant (FRCOG)
• Review Gill and Montague Digital Equity Grants
• Introduce Diane Pedrosa

Selectboard Meeting

The Selectboard will consider a police department staff restructuring plan, including a new Deputy Police Chief position and updated promotion policies. They will also vote on a $492,986 contract for the Montague Center Complete Streets project and a $7,000 planter maintenance contract. Additionally, the board will discuss a $6,000 transfer for RiverCulture and appoint a new Tree Committee member.

• Police staff restructuring: new Deputy Police Chief (Grade C, $40.27-$52.53/hr) and Lieutenant (Grade SS7, $41.97-$47.21/hr) positions
• Police Policy 4.32 on promotions and Policy 5.09 on Traffic Control Officers
• Franklin County Special Response Team MOU with Greenfield and Sheriff's Office
• Montague Center Complete Streets Improvements contract to Taylor Davis Landscape Co. for $492,986
• Ave A Streetscape Planter Maintenance contract to Abound Design Inc. for $7,000

The Selectboard authorized a Mass Public Libraries Construction Program Grant and awarded a contract for the Montague Center Complete Streets Improvements Project. The board also appointed a new Tree Warden and approved several police department restructuring policies and job descriptions.

• Authorized $10,957,709 Mass Public Libraries Construction Program Grant Agreement
• Awarded $492,986 Montague Center Complete Streets Improvements Project to Taylor Davis Landscape Company
• Appointed Sam Urkiel as Tree Warden for a one-year term ending 6/30/2027
• Appointed Sara-Evelyn Lane to Tree Committee for term ending 6/30/2027
• Directed development of Written Operating Protocol for Public Shade Trees within 90 days
• Approved Police Policy 4.32 (promotions), Policy 5.09 (Traffic Control Officers), and FCSRT Memorandum of Agreement
• Approved employment descriptions for Deputy Police Chief and Lieutenant
• Awarded $7,000 Ave A Streetscape Planter Maintenance Contract to Abound Design Incorporated

Conservation Commission

The Montague Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss various items, including a public hearing on improvements to the Denton Street pump station and a reported invasive species sighting. The agenda also includes review of weekly monitoring reports and old business. The meeting is primarily procedural and informational, with no major decisions expected.

• NOI #2026-05 for Denton Street pump station improvements
• Reported invasive Butomus umbellatus in power canal
• Review of EmergCert 2026-01 for FirstLight Power Services LLC

Retirement Board

The Montague Retirement Board will vote on a $412,222.14 warrant for June 2026 and discuss a cell phone stipend for the new administrator. They will also review financial statements for March and April 2026 and discuss onboarding for the new administrator.

• Approve June 2026 Warrant #6 for $412,222.14
• Discuss and approve cell phone stipend for Retirement Administrator equivalent to Town staff
• Review March & April 2026 financial statements
• Discuss new administrator onboarding and member/retiree communications

The Montague Retirement Board approved the June 2026 Warrant #6 for $412,222.14 and a $300/year cell phone stipend for the new Retirement Administrator. They also approved minutes from May 26 and June 10, 2026, and discussed onboarding plans for the new administrator.

• Approved May 26 and June 10, 2026 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved June 2026 Warrant #6 in the amount of $412,222.14 (5-0)
• Approved cell phone stipend for Retirement Administrator at $5.77/week ($300/year) (4-1)

Montague Historical Commission

The Montague Historical Commission will discuss a $87,500 Massachusetts Cultural Council grant for the Shea Theater, review minutes, and continue talks on the Strathmore Mill and village design guidelines.

• Shea Theater – MCC Facilities Grant: $87,500 for sound, lighting, rigging, façade, lobby, and lift upgrades
• Strathmore Mill – Discussion with Tighe & Bond
• Montague City Village Design Guidelines – section 2 - Architecture and its context
• Wayfinding Project – review of slides from public meeting
• Parks & Recreation Commission meeting July 23 – presentation on Blacksmith Shop evaluation

Selectboard Retreat

The Selectboard is meeting for a facilitated strategic planning session to build consensus on priorities for the FY27 fiscal year. No public engagement is scheduled, but the resulting strategy will be shared at a future meeting.

• Facilitated strategic planning session led by Town Administrator
• Focus on setting priorities for FY27 fiscal year
• No public engagement at this event

Selectboard Meeting

The Selectboard will hold a public hearing on a liquor license transfer for Food City, consider multiple event-related road closures and special licenses, and review several personnel appointments and committee assignments. The board will also discuss a wayfinding signage plan, a tree committee proposal, and a final CDBG grant draw of $87,203.60.

• Liquor license transfer hearing for Shiv Holdings Corp d/b/a Food City at 250 Avenue A
• RiverCulture requests road closures for Pocumtuck Homelands Festival and Northeast Unity Car Show
• Appoint Matthew Durham to Airport Grounds Maintenance at $15.50/hour for 3 months
• Appoint Diana Pedrosa as Council on Aging Administrative Assistant at $22.56/hour
• Approve final CDBG grant draw of $87,203.60

The Selectboard approved a liquor license transfer for Food City and authorized several road closures for July 3rd and August events. The board also appointed several town employees and committee members and accepted a $2,000 donation for the Great Falls Farmers Market.

• Approved liquor license transfer for Shiv Holdings Corp d/b/a Food City (3-0)
• Approved road closures for Pocumtuck Homelands Festival and Northeast Unity Car Show (3-0)
• Approved closure of Shea parking lot for July 3 fireworks (3-0)
• Approved closure of Station Street for July 3 bonfire (3-0)
• Approved two one-day liquor licenses for Montague Retreat Center (3-0)
• Appointed Matthew Durham to Grounds Maintenance and Diana Pedrosa to Council on Aging (3-0)
• Appointed Chief Jason Haskins as Constable (3-0)
• Accepted $2,000 donation from Brickhouse Community Resources Center for Great Falls Farmers Market (3-0)

Library Trustees monthly meeting

The Montague Public Libraries Trustees will hold a regular monthly meeting to approve minutes, welcome a newly elected trustee, and receive updates from the director and several committees, including the Building Steering Committee, Strategic Planning, Budget, and Personnel. The agenda is largely informational with no major decisions or votes listed, though votes may be taken on items not anticipated within 48 hours.

• Welcome and congratulations to newly elected trustee
• Update from Library Building Steering Committee
• Update from Budget Committee
• Update from Strategic Planning
• Update from Personnel Committee

Montague Center Fire District Prudential Cmte and Annual Mtg

The Montague Center Fire District will hold its annual meeting on June 25, 2026, preceded by a prudential committee meeting. The committee will finalize the budget, review minutes, and discuss the ambulance study committee's next steps with the town, TFFD, and FRCOG. The annual meeting will include a chief's report, chair's report, and warrant votes.

• Annual meeting warrant votes to be decided by voting members (Montague Center residents only)
• Budget finalized by prudential committee for annual meeting vote
• Ambulance Study Committee to schedule next meeting with Town, TFFD, and FRCOG
• Response to letter from TF Prudential Committee member
• Review and approve minutes of June 8, 2026

Montague Board of Health Meeting

The Montague Board of Health will announce the election of Michael Nelson to the board, reorganize for the upcoming year, and discuss several operational items including a mileage stipend increase, FY27 tobacco and trash hauler permit renewals, and the use of opiate abatement settlement funds.

• Announce election of Michael Nelson to the Board for term June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2029
• Discussion and vote on annual reorganization of the Board of Health
• Kathy Burek, Animal/Barn Inspector, requests an increase to her mileage stipend
• Update on FY27 Tobacco Permit Renewals and Commercial Trash Hauler Renewals expiring June 31, 2026
• Update on opiate abatement settlement funds balance and planning for use of funds

The Board of Health reorganized its leadership and approved the minutes and reports from May 2026. Members discussed a request for increased mileage for the Animal/Barn Inspector and the potential pooling of opiate abatement funds with Deerfield.

• Appointed Michael Nelson as Chair, Melanie Ames-Zamojski as Vice Chair, and Rachel Stoler as Clerk
• Approved May 27, 2026 meeting minutes
• Accepted April 2026 Director’s Report
• Accepted May 2026 Nurse’s Report
• Accepted May 2026 Animal/Barn Inspector’s Report

Cultural Council Meeting

The Montague Cultural Council will meet to approve minutes, discuss recruiting new members, hear the treasurer's report, and prepare for the fall grant season. The council will also discuss how to reinvigorate itself. Votes will be taken.

• Discussion of recruiting new members
• Treasurer's report
• Prepping for the fall grant season
• Discussion on reinvigorating the Council