Belchertown meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Belchertown boards meet but no decisions yet; $2.5M warrants, glyphosate vote ahead

Belchertown's boards and committees held a busy week of meetings, but none of the items were finalized. All recent meetings were agenda-only, with minutes not yet published. The most consequential items on the table include a $2.5 million warrant approval, a proposed zoning change, and a vote on glyphosate use on town property.

Recent meetings

Select Board (Aug. 17) — The board reviewed proposed zoning by-law amendments from the Planning Board, endorsed a common victualler license for Cold Spring Country Club at 330 Chauncey Walker Street, and approved two warrants totaling $2,506,516.50 (warrant #2705 for $1,741,991.60 and #2706 for $764,524.90). It also discussed a right of first refusal on South Liberty Street and grant agreements for the Belchertown Historical Association and Belchertown Little League.

Planning Board (Aug. 11) — The board discussed two Approval Not Required (ANR) plans: one for Old Farm Circle (Map 104, Lot 7) by Shelterwood Management, LLC, and one for Hamilton Street (Map 238, Lot 288 & Map 239, Lot 34) by Bronner, Gregoire & Tolzdorf. It also discussed a proposed change to the Schedule of Uses, Woodland Lane, and a Quad-Board meeting scheduled for Aug. 24.

Conservation Commission (Aug. 17) — The commission reviewed three Notices of Intent: a single-family home at Lot A West Street (Map 275-19), flood mitigation at 321 Mill Valley Road by Springfield Water & Sewer Commission, and a trail project with two bridge replacements on State Street. It also considered a Request for Determination of Applicability for an agriculture access road at 67 South Liberty Street.

Creative Economy Committee (Aug. 10) — The committee welcomed April Jasek-Bangs as the new Cultural District Manager, recapped National Night Out, and discussed grant funding for the Doney Longley sculpture project and the Cultural District Designation Application.

Belchertown Overcoming Adversity Together (BOAT) (Aug. 19) — The committee reported outreach totals since June 5: 191 adults and 223 youth reached, with 29 Narcan and 30 lockboxes distributed. It also planned upcoming events, including a Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day Pop-Up on Aug. 21 and an International Overdose Awareness Day candlelight vigil on Aug. 31.

Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (Aug. 19) — The EDIC introduced new member Neil Jackson, received a MassDevelopment update, and discussed deed transfers for Parcels B and D, a parking request from Fanelli, and the Food Truck Friday event.

Other meetings — The Lake Committee discussed algae and phosphorus testing for Lakes Holland and Metacomet, the Communications Committee reviewed the August newsletter and AI policy rollout, the Complete Streets Committee worked on a draft prioritization plan, and the Fair Committee planned logistics for the upcoming fair, including a safety meeting with police and fire chiefs.

Coming up

Several meetings are scheduled for the next two weeks:

• **Board of Health (Aug. 24)** — Public hearing on a septic permit appeal, discussion of a state emergency order on kratom sales, and a vote on proposed regulations restricting glyphosate use on town-owned property.
• **Select Board (Aug. 24)** — Special meeting on economic development, with presentations on a marketing study, a proposed Cultural District designation, and a zoning study. No votes are scheduled.
• **Planning Board (Aug. 25)** — Discussion of an ANR plan for Hamilton Street, a proposed Schedule of Uses change, and an informal discussion of a potential dog grooming business.
• **School Committee (Aug. 25)** — Discussion of the BHS field, Summer Eats update, handbooks, and a vote to dispose of a 2006 Ford Econoline van.
• **Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Committee (Aug. 24)** — Update on unspent funds and a community survey for fund use.
• **Cultural Council (Sept. 1)** — Vote on craft expenditures for the Lake Wallace fall event and planning for Winter Light Night.

All meetings are open to the public. Check the official agendas for details.

Belchertown boards discuss warrants, zoning, and school policy; decisions pending

Belchertown town boards met several times over the past two weeks, but no final decisions have been reported because minutes have not yet been published. The most significant items on the agendas included a combined $2.6 million in warrants before the Select Board, a proposed school policy on physical restraint, and zoning changes. Upcoming meetings include a Select Board review of $2.5 million in warrants and a Conservation Commission hearing on flood mitigation.

Recent meetings (agenda only)

Select Board (Aug. 3) – The board discussed warrants #2703 for $1,589,818.65 and #2704 for $1,043,051.46, a pole hearing for Old Enfield Road, and a request to join the Pioneer Valley Mosquito Control District. It also set a Special Town Meeting for November 9, 2026, and reviewed an amendment to a Declaration of Restriction for 631 Warren Wright Road.

School Committee (Aug. 5) – The committee discussed a policy on physical restraint and time-out, the destruction of books at Belchertown High School, and the BHS field. It also reviewed the Drug Free Communities Grant and approved accounts payable warrants S063026, 072026SA, and S072026.

Planning Board (Aug. 11) – The board discussed two Approval Not Required (ANR) plans: one for Old Farm Circle (Map 104, Lot 7, applicant Shelterwood Management, LLC) and one for Hamilton Street (Map 238, Lot 288 & Map 239, Lot 34, applicant Bronner, Gregoire & Tolzdorf). It also discussed a proposed change to the Schedule of Uses, Woodland Lane, and a Quad-Board meeting scheduled for Aug. 24.

Historic District By-Law Commission (Aug. 6) – The commission reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness for two lightbox signs at 4 Park St. The applicant, Mass Signs LLC, proposed either refacing the signs with non-illuminated faces or replacing them with fabricated aluminum signs. The property owner is Andre’s LLC.

Other meetings – The Cultural Council met twice to plan a third flagship event and Food Truck Friday. The Board of Assessors reviewed a motor vehicle excise warrant for $118,664.93 and a schedule of bills for $1,500.00. The Lake Committee discussed algae and phosphorus testing for Lakes Holland and Metacomet. The Communications Committee reviewed the August newsletter and an AI policy rollout. The Creative Economy Committee welcomed April Jasek-Bangs as Cultural District Manager. The Fair Committee scheduled a safety meeting with police and fire chiefs for Aug. 24.

Upcoming meetings

Select Board (Aug. 17) – The board will review proposed zoning by-law amendments from the Planning Board, endorse a common victualler license for Cold Spring Country Club at 330 Chauncey Walker Street, and approve warrants #2705 ($1,741,991.60) and #2706 ($764,524.90). It will also consider a right of first refusal on South Liberty Street and grant agreements for the Belchertown Historical Association and Belchertown Little League.

Conservation Commission (Aug. 17) – The commission will review three Notices of Intent: a single-family home at Lot A West Street (continued from July 20), flood mitigation at 321 Mill Valley Road by Springfield Water & Sewer Commission (continued), and a Lake Wallace Woods trail with two bridge replacements on State Street (request to continue to Sept. 14). It will also consider a Request for Determination of Applicability for an agriculture access road at 67 South Liberty Street.

Belchertown Overcoming Adversity Together (Aug. 19) – The committee will review outreach totals (191 adults and 223 youth reached since June 5; 29 Narcan and 30 lockboxes distributed) and plan events for Fentanyl Prevention and Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 21 and International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 30–31.

Other upcoming – The Complete Streets Committee will finalize its draft prioritization plan (Aug. 19). The Economic Development and Industrial Corporation will discuss deed transfers for Parcels B and D and a parking request from Fanelli (Aug. 19). The Fair Committee will coordinate supplies for the upcoming fair (Aug. 24).

Coming up

• **Select Board** – Aug. 17, 2026 (zoning amendments, $2.5M warrants)
• **Conservation Commission** – Aug. 17, 2026 (flood mitigation, trail project)
• **BOAT** – Aug. 19, 2026 (overdose awareness events)
• **Complete Streets Committee** – Aug. 19, 2026 (prioritization plan)
• **Fair Committee** – Aug. 24, 2026 (fair logistics)

Belchertown boards tackle zoning, septic appeals, and fair logistics; decisions pending as minutes not yet published

Recent meetings of Belchertown boards covered a range of topics, from a potential Special Town Meeting to septic permit appeals and zoning changes. However, minutes have not yet been published for any of the meetings held in the past two weeks, so no decisions have been confirmed. The following is a summary of what was on the agendas.

Select Board (Aug. 3)

The Select Board discussed several items, including warrants totaling $2,632,870.11 (Warrant #2703 for $1,589,818.65 and Warrant #2704 for $1,043,051.46). The board also considered a pole hearing for Old Enfield Road (Hearing #2026-10), a request to join the Pioneer Valley Mosquito Control District, and an amendment to the Declaration of Restriction for 631 Warren Wright Road. The agenda included setting a date for a Special Town Meeting on November 9, 2026.

Planning Board (Jul. 28 and Aug. 11)

At its July 28 meeting, the Planning Board reviewed an ANR (Approval Not Required) plan for Old Farm Circle (Map 104, Lot 7, applicant Shelterwood Management, LLC) and a request to remove 40,005 square feet from a Right of First Refusal on So. Liberty Street (Map 278, Lots 19.02 and 20). The board also discussed potential zoning law changes related to the Economic Development Bill 2026 and a possible change to the Schedule of Uses. An upcoming meeting on August 11 will again discuss the Old Farm Circle ANR, as well as an ANR for Hamilton Street (Map 238, Lot 288 and Map 239, Lot 34, applicant Bronner, Gregoire & Tolzdorf), and further discussion on the Schedule of Uses and Woodland Lane.

Board of Health (Jul. 27)

The Board of Health held a public hearing on an appeal by Nathan Evancic of a rescinded septic permit (#24-32) for Granby Road (Map 267, Parcel 24.03). The board also reviewed a request for a 2-foot reduction in separation between a septic system and high groundwater at 59 Mill Valley Rd., discussed Title V violations at 160 North Street, and voted on whether to hold a public hearing on draft regulations for pesticide/glyphosate use on town property. The agenda also included signing a Funeral Director License for the period 5/1/2026 to 4/30/2027.

School Committee (Aug. 5)

The School Committee discussed and potentially acted on a policy regarding physical restraint and time-out. Other agenda items included the destruction of books at Belchertown High School, the BHS field, a Drug Free Communities Grant, and approval of accounts payable warrants S063026, 072026SA, and S072026.

Other Recent Meetings

• **Historic District By-Law Commission (Aug. 6):** Reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness for two existing lightbox signs at 4 Park St. The applicant, Mass Signs LLC, proposed either refacing the signs with non-illuminated faces or replacing them with fabricated aluminum signs, with the business owner adding separate exterior lighting. Property owner is Andre’s LLC.
• **Board of Assessors (Aug. 4):** Signed off on a warrant and commitment for 2026 Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise #4 for $118,664.93, a schedule of bills for $1,500.00, and reviewed abatements and exemption applications. The board entered executive session for property tax exemption and motor vehicle excise abatement applications.
• **Historical Commission (Jul. 29):** Discussed the Town AI Policy, Belchertown 250th anniversary updates, cemetery projects, trails, signage, and the Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System (MACRIS).
• **Energy and Sustainability Committee (Jul. 30):** Reviewed reports from six subcommittees and set the next meeting for August 20.
• **Cultural Council (Aug. 3 and Aug. 4):** Discussed grantee events, a third flagship event, Food Truck Friday, and a grants reception. No substantive decisions were listed.
• **Complete Streets Committee (Jul. 27):** Reviewed draft project rankings and scoring criteria.

Coming Up

• **Fair Committee (Aug. 10):** Planning safety meeting with police and fire chiefs on Aug. 24; discussing banners, signs, and unpaid invoices.
• **Creative Economy Committee (Aug. 10):** Welcoming April Jasek-Bangs as Cultural District Manager; discussing grants, the Doney Longley sculpture, and the Cultural District Designation Application.
• **Lake Committee (Aug. 11):** Reviewing algae and phosphorus testing for Lakes Holland and Metacomet, and the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Grant.
• **Planning Board (Aug. 11):** Discussing ANR plans and Schedule of Uses changes.
• **Fair Committee (Aug. 24):** Coordinating supplies and labor for the fair, including food, equipment transport, and waste management.

Belchertown Roundup: Select Board Weighs $6M in Warrants; Health Board Eyes Pesticide Rules

The Belchertown Select Board was scheduled to consider endorsing town warrants totaling more than $6 million, including Warrant #2701 for $6,026,919.20, at its July 20 meeting. Minutes have not yet been published for any of the town's recent meetings, so outcomes are not yet confirmed.

Select Board

The July 20 agenda included endorsement of the Primary Election Warrant and Warrant #2701 for $6,026,919.20, along with warrants #2653, #2654, and #2702. The board was also scheduled to vote on disbanding the Buildings & Grounds Committee, endorse a release deed to convey town property to the EDIC, and set a date for a Special Town Meeting with a deadline for warrant articles. Minutes are not yet available.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission's July 20 agenda listed several Notice of Intent applications: a single-family home on Lot A West Street (Map 275-19), an accessory dwelling unit at 35 Lake Drive (Map 102-90), and a flood-mitigation project at 321 Mill Valley Road (Map 256-33). The commission was also scheduled to consider the town purchase of lot 105-61 adjacent to The Meadows Conservation Area, discuss an MSMCP dues increase to $50 (up from $20), and review deed acceptance for Lot B-12 State Street. Minutes are not yet published.

Board of Health

The Board of Health's July 27 agenda included a public hearing on Nathan Evancic's appeal of rescinded septic permit #24-32 for Granby Road, Map 267, Parcel 24.03. The board was also scheduled to consider a request at 59 Mill Valley Rd. for a 2-foot reduction in separation between a septic system and high groundwater, and to vote on whether to hold a public hearing for draft regulations on pesticide and glyphosate use on town property. Additional items included Title V violations at 160 North Street and signing a Funeral Director License for 5/1/2026–4/30/2027. Minutes are not yet published.

Planning Board

The Planning Board's July 28 agenda included an Approval Not Required plan for Old Farm Circle, Map 104, Lot 7, filed by Shelterwood Management, LLC. The board was also scheduled to consider a Right of First Refusal for So. Liberty Street, Map 278, Lot 19.02 and Lot 20, to remove 40,005 square feet of land. Discussion items included zoning law changes in the Economic Development Bill 2026 and a Schedule of Use Minor Change. Minutes are not yet published.

Other Boards

The Historic District By-Law Commission was scheduled July 20 to review a Certificate of Appropriateness for Clapp Memorial Library to restore 91 windows at 19 S. Main St. The Historical Commission met July 29 to discuss the Town AI Policy, Belchertown 250th anniversary updates, cemetery projects, trails, signage, and MACRIS. The Council on Aging met July 22 to discuss an AI policy and hear an executive director's report from Jessica Langlois. The Complete Streets Committee met July 27 to review draft project rankings. The Energy and Sustainability Committee met July 30 to review subcommittee reports and set its next meeting for August 20, 2026. None of these meetings have published minutes yet.

Coming up

• **Select Board** (Aug. 3): Warrants #2703 ($1,589,818.65) and #2704 ($1,043,051.46); pole hearing for Old Enfield Road; request to join Pioneer Valley Mosquito Control District; Special Town Meeting scheduled for November 9, 2026.
• **Board of Assessors** (Aug. 4): Motor vehicle and trailer excise warrant #4 for $118,664.93; FY2027 property tax exemption applications.
• **School Committee** (Aug. 5): Policy on physical restraint and time-out; destruction of books at BHS; BHS field discussion; Drug Free Communities Grant; accounts payable warrants S063026, 072026SA, and S072026.
• **Cultural Council** (Aug. 3 and Aug. 4): July minutes, third flagship event, Food Truck Friday, grants reception.

Select Board set to endorse $6 million in warrants; recent meeting minutes still pending

Belchertown's Select Board is scheduled today, July 20, to endorse multiple town warrants totaling more than $6 million, including Warrant #2701 for $6,026,919.20. The board will also set a date for a Special Town Meeting and vote on disbanding the Buildings & Grounds Committee. All recent town meetings from the past two weeks remain agenda-only, with minutes not yet published, so the items below reflect what was scheduled for discussion or action, not confirmed outcomes.

Select Board

The Select Board had two meetings on the July 6 and July 8 agendas. The July 6 agenda included public hearings for utility poles on Jensen Street and Old Enfield Road, an ABCC public hearing for a new annual on-premises liquor license at 330 Chauncey Walker Street (Cold Spring Country Club), and the award of a repairs contract for the Jabish Brook Trestle Bridge. Bid reviews were listed for the Hop Brook Culvert Replacement and the Water Reclamation Facility SCADA System. The board was also set to endorse LAND and PARC grant applications and accept a 2.988-acre deed on State Street. The July 8 special meeting focused on discussion and potential adoption of FY-27 goals and objectives.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee's July 13 agenda listed a vote on final FY26 Municipal Relief Requests and a review of Massachusetts legislative budget changes that could add funding above the Governor's proposal. Approval of outstanding minutes was also scheduled.

Board of Assessors

The July 14 agenda included several specific dollar figures: FY2026 Supplemental Tax #02 of $13,086.72, a Ch. 61 Penalty Rollback Tax for 494 George Hannum St. of $971.79, and motor vehicle excise abatements totaling $521.27 across three dates. The board was also scheduled to vote on excise abatement applications for disabled veterans.

School Committee

The July 14 School Committee agenda included approval of accounts payable Warrant #062226SA and S062226, payroll warrants #2652 and #2701, a Superintendent Evaluation discussion, and a vote for executive session regarding nonunion personnel negotiations.

Lake Committee

The July 14 agenda listed planned water treatments for Lakes Holland and Arcadia, a spot treatment for Metacomet Lake, and review of a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Grant application.

Other Committees

The Community Preservation Committee (July 7) was set to discuss a change to the Clapp Memorial Library grant for window replacement and restoration. The Cultural Council (July 7) discussed Food Truck Friday planning, a BHS lemonade stand, and recycling coordination with the Energy and Sustainability Committee. The Communications Committee (July 9) had an AI policy rollout for town government on its agenda, including UMass interviews and a website refresh. The Creative Economy Committee (July 13) reviewed a Cultural District Designation Application and Lake Wallace grant projects. The Fair Committee (July 13) discussed vendor quotes including Parker's Portables and Hodgen Landscape. The EDIC (July 15) reviewed deed transfer status for Parcels B & D and a MassDevelopment agreement expiring in November. The Housing Authority (July 16) was set to vote on an annual plan. The Energy and Sustainability Committee (July 16) heard reports from six subcommittees. The Planning Board's July 14 meeting was cancelled.

Coming Up

• **July 20 — Select Board:** Endorsement of warrants totaling over $6 million, vote to disband Buildings & Grounds Committee, deed transfer to EDIC, and setting a Special Town Meeting date.
• **July 20 — Conservation Commission:** Proposed town purchase of lot 105-61 adjacent to The Meadows Conservation Area, plus multiple Notice of Intent applications and an MSMCP dues increase to $50 (up from $20).
• **July 20 — Historic District By-Law Commission:** Certificate of Appropriateness review for Clapp Memorial Library to restore 91 windows at 19 S. Main St.
• **July 22 — Council on Aging:** Discussion of an AI policy and executive director's report.

Belchertown Select Board schedules Jabish Brook Trestle Bridge contract award; Finance Committee set to vote on FY26 relief requests

The Select Board's July 6 agenda includes the award of a repairs contract for the Jabish Brook Trestle Bridge, public hearings on utility poles and a new liquor license, and acceptance of a 2.988-acre deed on State Street — the most consequential items across a busy two weeks of town meetings. All recent meetings listed below are agenda-only; minutes have not yet been published, so items reflect what was scheduled for discussion or action, not confirmed outcomes.

Select Board — July 6

The board scheduled public hearings for utility poles on Jensen Street and Old Enfield Road, plus an ABCC public hearing for a new annual on-premises liquor license at 330 Chauncey Walker Street (Cold Spring Country Club). The Town Manager was set to report on the Jabish Brook Trestle Bridge repairs contract award and bid reviews for the Hop Brook Culvert Replacement and Water Reclamation Facility SCADA System. The agenda also included endorsement of LAND and PARC grant applications and acceptance of a 2.988-acre deed on State Street, plus ongoing discussions regarding a potential water ban.

Select Board — July 1 and July 8

The board held two special meetings focused on procedural matters: assigning liaison duties to board members (July 1) and discussing and potentially adopting goals and objectives for fiscal year 2027 (July 8). No specific financial items or projects were listed on either agenda.

Board of Assessors — June 30

The board's agenda listed a Schedule of Bills totaling $1,714.99 and three monthly motor vehicle excise abatement lists: 2026 abatements dated 6/22/2026 totaling $1,600.98, 2025 abatements dated 6/23/2026 totaling $909.75, and 2026 abatements dated 6/24/2026 totaling $629.25. New business included authorizing a letter for FY2027 Gateway.

Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Committee — June 29

The committee discussed implementing a Family Overdose Support Fund based on the Boston HALO model. Other agenda items included a funding application from Meetopolis Wellness/Meetopolis Helps, Honest Beginnings basement renovation and enrollment funding, the BOAT/BPS Drug Free Communities grant application status, and a potential partnership with Quabbin Health District for a Clapp Library wellness program.

School Committee and School Councils — June 30

The Swift River Elementary School Council was scheduled to approve May minutes, review end-of-year data, receive an update on the CSS move, and discuss plans for the 2026-2027 school year, with an open forum for public comment.

Community Preservation Committee — July 7

The committee was set to discuss a proposed change to the Clapp Memorial Library grant for window replacement/restoration, review bills, and approve meeting minutes.

Cultural Council — July 7

The council discussed Food Truck Friday planning, a BHS lemonade stand at Food Truck Friday, recycling coordination with the Energy and Sustainability Committee, and a grants reception.

Communications Committee — July 9

The committee discussed an AI policy rollout for town government, including UMass interviews and an intern update. Other items covered the Community Summit volunteer questionnaire, communication plan updates following a Select Board presentation on July 2, and website improvements including a volunteer listserv, facilities listings, ADA/document accessibility, analytics, and a website refresh.

Coming up

• **July 13 — Finance Committee:** Vote on final FY26 Municipal Relief Requests and review of Massachusetts legislative budget changes for added funding.
• **July 13 — Creative Economy Committee:** Cultural District Designation Application update, Lake Wallace reports, and committee reappointments requiring AI policy and conflict of interest training.
• **July 14 — Board of Assessors:** FY2026 Supplemental Tax #02 of $13,086.72, a Ch. 61 Penalty Rollback Tax of $971.79 for 494 George Hannum St., and motor vehicle excise abatements totaling $521.27.
• **July 14 — School Committee:** Superintendent evaluation discussion and accounts payable/payroll warrant approvals.
• **July 14 — Lake Committee:** Planned water treatments for Lakes Holland and Arcadia, spot treatment for Metacomet Lake, and review of a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Grant application.
• **July 15 — Economic Development and Industrial Corporation:** Status of deed transfers for Parcel B & D and a MassDevelopment agreement expiring in November.
• **July 20 — Historic District By-Law Commission:** Certificate of Appropriateness review for Clapp Memorial Library to restore 91 windows at 19 S. Main St.
• **Note:** The July 14 Planning Board meeting at Lawrence Memorial Hall has been cancelled.

Belchertown Roundup: Select Board Set to Award Bridge Contract; Assessors Handled $4,951.96 in Bills and Abatements

The most consequential action on the horizon is tonight's Select Board meeting, where the board is scheduled to award a repairs contract for the Jabish Brook Trestle Bridge and review bids for two major infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, several town boards met over the past two weeks on agendas ranging from pesticide regulations to opioid settlement spending — though minutes have not yet been published for any of those sessions.

Select Board — Tonight, July 6

The Select Board will hold public hearings for utility poles on Jensen Street and Old Enfield Road, plus an ABCC public hearing for a new annual on-premises liquor license at 330 Chauncey Walker Street (Cold Spring Country Club). The board will also review the award of a repairs contract for the Jabish Brook Trestle Bridge and bid reviews for the Hop Brook Culvert Replacement and the Water Reclamation Facility SCADA System. Additional items include endorsement of LAND and PARC grant applications and acceptance of a 2.988-acre deed on State Street. The Town Manager will report on those infrastructure contracts and ongoing discussions regarding a potential water ban.

Board of Assessors — June 30

The Board of Assessors was scheduled to approve a schedule of bills totaling $1,714.99 and several rounds of motor vehicle excise abatements: $1,600.98 (2026 abatements, dated 6/22/2026), $909.75 (2025 abatements, dated 6/23/2026), and $629.25 (2026 abatements, dated 6/24/2026). The combined total is $4,951.96. The board also planned to discuss the Work-Off Program and authorize a letter for FY2027 Gateway. Minutes are not yet published.

Board of Health — June 22

The Board of Health was scheduled to hear from a national expert on the health risks of pesticides and discuss regulations for chemical lawn care on town properties. The agenda also included a vote to change the Animal Inspector mileage stipend to .725¢ per mile, the FY27 appointment of Candace Clark as Public Health Nurse, and board reorganization for Chair, Vice Chair, and Single Signatory.

Conservation Commission — June 22

The Conservation Commission was set to hear and potentially vote on several continued applications: a Notice of Intent for a single-family home at Lot A West Street (BCC#26-3), a Notice of Intent for an accessory dwelling unit at 35 Lake Drive (BCC#26-7), a Request for Determination for cyanobacteria treatment at Lake Holland (BCC#26-14), and a Request for Determination for a septic/water line at 109 Channel Drive (BCC#26-16). Bills on the agenda totaled $282.59 — CT River Water Sampling at $235.00 and Amazon at $47.59.

School Committee — June 23

The Belchertown School Committee was scheduled to discuss the Cold Spring School closure update and athletic fields, with possible action on a superintendent evaluation and MASC/MASS conference attendance. Consent items included warrants and an out-of-state field trip for boys soccer to Somers, Connecticut.

Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Committee — June 29

This committee was scheduled to discuss implementing a Family Overdose Support Fund based on the Boston HALO model. The agenda also included a funding application from Meetopolis Wellness/Meetopolis Helps, Honest Beginnings basement renovation and enrollment funding, the BOAT/BPS Drug Free Communities grant application status, and a potential partnership with the Quabbin Health District for a Clapp Library wellness program.

Other Meetings

The Historical Commission (June 23) was set to review the town's new AI policy and receive updates on Belchertown's 250th anniversary planning. The Communications Committee (June 25) planned to vote on officer positions and discuss the AI policy rollout and town website accessibility. The McPherson Sensory Garden Committee (June 24) reviewed a garden map presented by Lew and discussed CPA grant funds. The Planning Board's June 23 meeting was cancelled.

Coming Up

• **July 6 — Select Board:** Bridge contract award, liquor license hearing, infrastructure bid reviews.
• **July 7 — Community Preservation Committee:** Proposed change to the Clapp Memorial Library window grant.
• **July 7 — Cultural Council:** Food Truck Friday and grants reception planning.
• **July 8 — Select Board:** Special meeting on FY-27 goals and objectives.
• **July 13 — Finance Committee:** Vote on final FY26 Municipal Relief Requests.
• **July 20 — Historic District By-Law Commission:** Certificate of Appropriateness for Clapp Memorial Library window restoration (91 windows at 19 S. Main St.).

Note: All recent meetings listed above are agenda-only; minutes have not been published, so outcomes are not confirmed.

Select Board to award Jabish Brook Trestle Bridge contract; finance panel to vote on relief requests

Belchertown boards spent the past two weeks laying groundwork for future action, with no major votes reported from meetings held through July 1. The most consequential decision on the near horizon comes next week, when the Select Board is scheduled to award a contract for repairs to the Jabish Brook Trestle Bridge and review bids for two additional infrastructure projects.

Select Board sets July 6 for bridge contract, public hearings

The Select Board on July 6 will hold public hearings for utility poles on Jensen Street and Old Enfield Road, as well as for a new annual on-premises liquor license at 330 Chauncey Walker Street (Cold Spring Country Club). The board is then expected to vote on awarding a contract for repairs to the Jabish Brook Trestle Bridge and will review bids for the Hop Brook Culvert Replacement and the Water Reclamation Facility SCADA System upgrade. A Town Manager report will cover a potential water ban and the acceptance of a 2.988-acre deed on State Street, along with endorsements for LAND and PARC grant applications.

Finance Committee to act on FY26 municipal relief

The Finance Committee meets July 13 to vote on final FY26 Municipal Relief Requests and to discuss potential additional funding above the Governor’s proposal in the Massachusetts legislative budget. The committee will also approve outstanding meeting minutes.

Recent discussions cover health, schools, conservation

Board of Health (June 22) heard from a national expert about pesticide risks as part of a discussion on chemical lawn care regulations for town properties. The board also voted to raise the Animal Inspector mileage stipend to 72.5 cents per mile, appointed Candace Clark as Public Health Nurse for FY27, and reorganized its leadership posts. Minutes from this meeting are not yet published, so the pesticide discussion outcome is not known.

School Committee (June 23) discussed an update on the Cold Spring School closure, athletic fields, and a superintendent evaluation. Consent items included an out-of-state field trip for boys’ soccer to Somers, Connecticut. Another school council meeting (June 30) at Swift River Elementary reviewed end-of-year data, the Cold Spring move, and plans for 2026–2027.

Conservation Commission (June 22) conducted hearings on a single-family home at Lot A West Street, an accessory dwelling unit at 35 Lake Drive, cyanobacteria treatment at Lake Holland, and a septic/water line extension at 109 Channel Drive. Bills of $235.00 for CT River water sampling and $47.59 from Amazon were reviewed.

Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Committee (June 29) explored a Family Overdose Support Fund based on Boston’s HALO model, reviewed a funding application from Meetopolis Wellness, and discussed a possible partnership with Quabbin Health District for a wellness program at Clapp Library.

Other recent meetings: The Communications Committee voted on chair, vice chair, and clerk positions and reviewed the town AI policy rollout. The Historical Commission also discussed the AI policy, along with 250th anniversary plans and cemetery projects. The McPherson Sensory Garden Committee reviewed a garden map and available CPA grant funds. The Planning Board cancelled its June 23 session. The Board of Assessors (June 30) approved $1,714.99 in bills and motor vehicle excise abatements totaling $3,236.97, and authorized a FY2027 Gateway letter.

Coming up

July 7: Community Preservation Committee meets to discuss a proposed change to the window replacement grant for Clapp Memorial Library. The Cultural Council meets the same day to plan Food Truck Friday, including a BHS lemonade stand and recycling coordination.

July 8: Select Board special meeting to discuss and potentially adopt FY27 goals and objectives.