Erving meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Erving boards review mill redevelopment, zoning changes, and hiring

In the past two weeks, Erving's boards and committees met to review a range of items, including a draft request for proposals for redeveloping the former IP Mill, proposed zoning bylaw changes, and several personnel matters. No decisions have been published yet, as minutes from these meetings have not been released.

Select Board

The Select Board, acting as Water Commissioners, held a joint meeting with the Finance and Capital Planning Committees on Aug. 17. The agenda included discussion of the curbside residential solid waste collection program, a review and potential vote on a draft RFP for redevelopment of the former IP Mill, and discussion of Complete Streets improvements for Church Street and North Street. The board also reviewed a professional engineering services proposal from Tighe & Bond for the Erving Center Clarifier Project and had a vote on the appointment of J. Barney as Director of Information Technology on its agenda.

Planning Board

The Planning Board met Aug. 20 to discuss a wide range of proposed zoning bylaw changes. Topics included definitions, use tables, dimensional standards, and specific housing types such as townhouses, cottage housing, shared access lots, mobile homes, backlot/flag lots, common driveways, mobile food trucks, and accessory dwelling units. The board also covered updates to the wireless communications bylaw, a revised overlay district, a battery energy storage systems (BESS) bylaw, and clean energy permitting. A public hearing for the proposed changes is scheduled for a future date.

Other meetings

Several other boards and committees met during the period:

• **Board of Library Trustees** (Aug. 10): Routine meeting covering strategic planning, the director's report, and a financial review.
• **Personnel Department** (Aug. 11, 18, 19): Screening committees for the Treasurer and Equipment Operator positions reviewed applications and conducted interviews in executive session.
• **Franklin County Technical School Committee** (Aug. 12): Received an update on the MSBA and approved minutes from June 10, 2026.
• **Recreation Commission** (Aug. 13): Discussed the FY2027 budget, summer programs, the Vets Field feasibility study, and the Zilinski ADA project.
• **Cemetery Commission** (Aug. 13): Handled routine business including a buy-back letter, software updates, and rule amendments.
• **Senior Housing Committee** (Aug. 20): Reviewed utility extension engineering by Tighe & Bond, the Housing Works Infrastructure Grant, preliminary designs for Care Drive roadway improvements, and recommendations to the Select Board for affordable housing beyond Evergreen Circle.

Coming up

On Sept. 1, the Select Board will conduct final interviews for the Activities Coordinator position, review application materials, and may deliberate and appoint a candidate. The meeting is open to the public.

Erving boards prepare for school roof contract, IT director vote, and mill redevelopment

Erving's recent municipal meetings were largely procedural, with no final decisions recorded as minutes have not yet been published. The most consequential items on the horizon include a $345,300 design contract for the elementary school roof and heat pump project, a vote on appointing an IT director, and a draft request for proposals to redevelop the former IP Mill.

Select Board

The Select Board met Aug. 3 to conduct final interviews for the Director of Information Technology position and to review a $345,300 contract with Tighe & Bond for schematic design of a roof replacement and heat pump conversion at Erving Elementary School. The board also reviewed position descriptions for wastewater/water operators and an assistant town administrator, and entered executive session on police union bargaining.

At its Aug. 17 meeting, the Select Board, acting as Water Commissioners, will hold a joint meeting with the Finance and Capital Planning Committees. Agenda items include discussion of the curbside residential solid waste collection program, a draft RFP for redevelopment of the former IP Mill, Complete Streets improvements for Church and North Streets, and a vote on a professional engineering services proposal from Tighe & Bond for the Erving Center Clarifier Project. The board will also vote on appointing J. Barney as Director of Information Technology.

Other recent meetings

The Conservation Commission met Aug. 4 to discuss a proposed land donation of Route 2 Parcel 2-0-19 from Anne Jarvis, a status update on the River Road Solar Project, and the Clean Energy Siting Permitting Process.

The Historical Commission met Aug. 4 to discuss a proposal to demolish a water tower in Erving Center, review the Historic Building Survey, and consider demolition delay and archaeology accountability policies.

Two preliminary screening committees met: one for Activities Coordinator on Aug. 5 and one for Treasurer on Aug. 11. Both reviewed application materials and conducted interviews in executive session.

The Capital Planning Committee met Aug. 6 to review the ClearGov platform for FY2028 capital project submissions and conduct its FY2027 reorganization.

The Franklin County Technical School Committee met Aug. 6 and Aug. 12 to receive updates on the Massachusetts School Building Authority and public outreach.

The Board of Library Trustees met Aug. 10 for a routine meeting, including strategic planning and financial review.

The Recreation Commission met Aug. 13 to discuss the FY2027 budget, summer programs, Vets Field feasibility study, and the Zilinski ADA project.

The Cemetery Commission met Aug. 13 to handle routine business, including buy-back letters, software updates, and rule amendments.

Coming up

• **Aug. 17 – Select Board** (joint with Finance and Capital Planning): curbside trash, IP Mill RFP, Complete Streets, clarifier project, IT director appointment.
• **Aug. 18 – Treasurer Preliminary Screening Committee**: executive session to interview applicants.
• **Aug. 19 – Equipment Operator Preliminary Screening Committee**: organize hiring process, review applications, executive session.
• **Aug. 20 – Senior Housing Committee**: utility extension engineering, Care Drive roadway design, affordable housing recommendations.

Erving boards weigh infrastructure contracts, school roof design, and Northfield Mountain appraisal

Over the past two weeks, Erving's Select Board, Board of Assessors, and other town boards and committees met on a range of infrastructure, personnel, and property matters. Agendas included engineering contracts for road and facility projects, a $345,300 design contract for the elementary school roof, redevelopment of the former IP Mill, and discussions about the Northfield Mountain project and the future of the regional health district. Minutes from these meetings have not yet been published, so official decisions are not confirmed.

Select Board

The Select Board met on July 27 and August 3. The July 27 agenda included votes on engineering services from Tighe & Bond for Lillians Way, River Road, and the Erving Center Clarifier Project, as well as a draft request for proposals for redevelopment of the former IP Mill. The board also was scheduled to discuss Complete Streets improvements for Church Street and North Street, consider the appointment of part-time patrol officer Krejmas, and ratify employment agreements for the Chief of Police and Fire Chief.

At the August 3 meeting, the board was set to conduct final interviews for the Director of Information Technology position and potentially appoint a candidate. The agenda also included a vote on a $345,300 contract with Tighe & Bond for schematic design of a roof replacement and heat pump conversion at Erving Elementary School, a Massachusetts School Building Authority project. The board was also scheduled to review position descriptions for wastewater/water operators and an assistant town administrator, and to enter executive session on collective bargaining with the New England Police Benevolent Association, Local 121.

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors met on July 27 and July 30. The first meeting included review of FY2026 motor vehicle commitments and abatements, discussion of legal counsel for negotiations with Northfield Mountain LLC, and an executive session on litigation strategy. The July 30 meeting was scheduled to review and potentially award a procurement contract for professional appraisal services related to the Northfield Mountain Project, with a bid issued June 8, 2026.

Board of Health

On July 27, the Board of Health held a joint meeting with the Eastern Franklin County Health District and Franklin County Health Services Partnership. The primary agenda item was a discussion regarding the dissolution of the Eastern Franklin County Health District.

Other boards and committees

• **Cemetery Commission** (July 28): Discussed amendments to rules and regulations, a buy-back letter for direct mailing, and a software data verification update.
• **Conservation Commission** (August 4): Discussed a proposed land donation of Route 2 Parcel 2-0-19 from Anne Jarvis, a status update on the River Road Solar Project, and the Clean Energy Siting Permitting Process.
• **Historical Commission** (August 4): Reviewed a proposal to demolish a water tower in Erving Center, an update on the Historic Building Survey, and discussions on the Demolition Delay By-Law and Archaeology Accountability Policy.
• **Personnel Department** (August 5): A preliminary screening committee met to interview candidates for an Activities Coordinator position, including an executive session to consider applicants.
• **Capital Planning Committee** (August 6): Reviewed the ClearGov platform for FY2028 capital project submissions and conducted its FY2027 reorganization.
• **Franklin County Technical School Committee** (August 6): The Building Task Force received updates on the MSBA and public outreach.

Coming up

• **Board of Library Trustees** – August 10, 2026: Routine meeting including strategic planning, director's report, and financial review.
• **Franklin County Technical School Committee** – August 12, 2026: Agenda includes an MSBA update and approval of June 10, 2026 minutes.

Erving boards tackle engineering contracts, IP Mill redevelopment in busy meeting week; outcomes pending

Erving's town boards convened for a packed schedule of meetings the week of July 21, with the Select Board scheduled to vote on multiple engineering service contracts and review a draft request for proposals for the former IP Mill redevelopment. Minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings, so outcomes of scheduled votes and discussions are not yet available.

Select Board

The Select Board met July 27 with a full agenda. Items scheduled for potential votes included engineering services from Tighe & Bond for three projects: Lillians Way, River Road, and the Erving Center Clarifier Project. Specific dollar amounts were not listed in the available agenda. The board was also set to review a draft RFP for redevelopment of the former IP Mill, discuss Complete Streets improvements for Church Street and North Street, and consider the appointment of part-time patrol officer Krejmas. Ratification of employment agreements for the Chief of Police and Fire Chief was also on the agenda. A separate agenda listing for the same date included discussion of a state loan for the wastewater treatment plant clarifier project and the Clean Energy Siting Permitting Process.

Board of Health

The Board of Health met July 22 to review minutes from June 17 and July 10, receive a health nurse update, and discuss the fee schedule and health agent supplies. An update on 65 French King Highway was also scheduled. On July 27, the board held a joint meeting with the Eastern Franklin County Health District and Franklin County Health Services Partnership to discuss dissolving the Eastern Franklin County Health District. The Franklin County Health Services Partnership, comprising Northfield, Erving, and Shutesbury, also met July 21 to discuss reorganization.

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors met July 27 to review FY2026 motor vehicle commitments and abatements, discuss legal counsel for Northfield Mountain LLC negotiations, and hold an executive session on litigation strategy. The board met again July 30 to approve July 27 minutes and potentially award a procurement contract for professional appraisal services for the Northfield Mountain Project, with a bid issued June 8, 2026.

Finance Committee and Recreation Commission

The Finance Committee met July 21 to discuss an OPEB policy with Assistant Account B. Pollard and review trash costs and fees. The Recreation Commission met the same day to vote on a missing/lost child policy, appoint a Chair and Secretary, review FY2026 expenditures and FY2027 budget, and receive updates on the Vets Field Feasibility Study and Zilinski ADA Project.

Other Boards

The Board of Library Trustees met July 22 at Erving Public Library, 2 Care Drive, for a strategic plan activity led by Martha E. Meacham, a Massachusetts Library System consultant. The Cemetery Commission met July 28 to discuss rule and regulation amendments, a buy-back letter for direct mailing, and software data verification. The Activities Coordinator Preliminary Screening Committee met July 22 to select a chairperson, review interview questions and application materials, and hold an executive session to interview applicants under MGL Chapter 30A, Section 21(8).

Coming up

• **Aug. 4 — Conservation Commission:** Discusses a proposed land donation of Route 2 Parcel 2-0-19 from Anne Jarvis and the Clean Energy Siting Permitting Process.
• **Aug. 4 — Historical Commission:** Reviews a water tower demolition proposal in Erving Center and the Historic Building Survey.
• **Aug. 6 — Capital Planning Committee:** Reviews the ClearGov platform for FY2028 capital project submissions and conducts FY2027 reorganization.
• **Aug. 6 — Franklin County Technical School Building Task Force:** Receives MSBA and public outreach updates.
• **Aug. 10 — Board of Library Trustees:** Routine meeting with strategic planning discussion.
• **Aug. 12 — Franklin County Technical School Committee:** MSBA update and approval of June 10, 2026 minutes.

Erving Select Board weighs $246,000 excavator purchase, solid waste agreement, and wastewater loan

Erving's Select Board had a busy week, with three meetings scheduled between July 13 and July 14 covering equipment purchases, a solid waste disposal agreement, and a potential state loan for the Erving Center Wastewater Treatment Plant clarifier project. Minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings listed below, so the items described reflect what was on the agendas, not confirmed outcomes.

Select Board: Excavator, Trash, and Wastewater

The Select Board met jointly with the Capital Planning Committee on July 13 and with the Finance Committee on July 14. Agendas listed a potential vote on procuring a Wacker Neuson EW65 wheeled excavator, priced at $169,570 base with a total package of $246,062.05, including financing options.

The board was also scheduled to discuss pursuing a State Revolving Loan Fund for the Erving Center Wastewater Treatment Plant clarifier project, review and potentially vote on a solid waste disposal agreement with Casella Waste Management, and discuss the trash sticker program.

Additional agenda items included a public hearing on a dangerous dog case under M.G.L. c. 140 § 157, votes on FY2026 financial transfer requests and Senior & Community Center flooring replacement procurement, and a discussion on the Treasurer position. Executive sessions were scheduled for collective bargaining with AFSCME Local 1725 (Water & Wastewater) and New England Benevolent Police Association Local 121 (Police).

Conservation Commission: Battery Storage and Wetlands

The Conservation Commission agenda for July 7 included a battery storage introduction at the Paper Mill site, a request for determination of applicability for sewage treatment plant dryer equipment, and a site visit for the River Road Solar Project. The commission was also set to continue discussions on a local wetlands bylaw and vernal pool designations and protections.

Historical Commission: Water Tower Demolition

The Historical Commission agenda for July 7 listed a discussion on a water tower demolition proposal in Erving Center, further discussion on a demolition delay by-law, and updates on a historic building survey project and 2026 grants.

Cemetery Commission

The Cemetery Commission met July 7 to review a plot buy-back program direct mailing process, discuss cemetery regulation changes, and receive updates on software and the new cemetery. A chair election was also on the agenda.

Museum Committee

The Museum Committee met July 9 to review selectboard approval of revised museum policies, discuss the Pearl B. Care Building, and consider redistributing funds in the 2026-27 budget. The agenda also included a National Grid bill review and reports on cataloging artifacts and photo uploads.

Other Meetings

The Board of Assessors met July 9 for an executive session under MGL Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(3) to discuss litigation strategy. The Franklin County Technical School Committee and its Building Task Force met July 8 and July 16 to receive Massachusetts School Building Authority updates and discuss public outreach plans. The Franklin Conservation District met July 9 for a routine agenda including a District Innovation grant update.

Coming Up

• **Finance Committee, July 21** — Discussion of an OPEB policy with Assistant Account B. Pollard and a presentation on trash costs and fees.
• **Recreation Commission, July 21** — Vote on a Missing/Lost Child policy, appointment of a Chair and Secretary, and review of FY2026 expenditures and FY2027 budget. Updates on the Vets Field Feasibility Study and Zilinski ADA Project are also scheduled.
• **Board of Library Trustees, July 22** — Strategic Plan activity led by Martha E. Meacham at Erving Public Library, 2 Care Drive.
• **Cemetery Commission, July 28** — Discussion of rule and regulation amendments, buy-back letter direct mailing, and new cemetery updates.

Erving boards weighed contracts, hazard plan, and litigation strategy; minutes not yet published

Erving's town boards held a busy stretch of meetings from late June through early July, with the Select Board scheduling votes on multiple procurement contracts, a hazard mitigation plan, and school roof and HVAC project agreements. However, minutes have not yet been published for any of the meetings covered in this period, so outcomes — including whether votes passed — cannot be confirmed from the available agendas. What follows reflects what was listed on each agenda.

Select Board: contracts, hazard plan, and hearings

The Select Board had the fullest agendas. On June 29, the board was scheduled to vote on adopting the Town of Erving Hazard Mitigation Plan 2026, which requires approval before submission to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Also on the agenda were procurement votes for a Wacker Neuson EW65 wheeled excavator via MA State Contract, curbside solid waste collection, and agreements for the Elementary School Roof & HVAC Project with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). The board was also set to discuss the Farley Bridge Project and a MassDOT reimbursement agreement, a State Revolving Loan Fund for the Erving Center Wastewater Treatment Plant, flooring replacement for the Senior & Community Center, an architectural proposal for the library roof, and a Hawkers & Pedlers permit application for Lelos Ice Cream. An interim treasurer appointment was also listed.

On June 30, the Select Board was scheduled to hold two public hearings: one regarding a dangerous dog under M.G.L. c. 140 § 157, and another on an appeal of Citation #392. The board was also set to review and approve the Treasury Warrant and to enter executive session for personnel and legal matters, including review of past meeting minutes.

Because minutes are not yet available, it is not possible to report how any of these votes or hearings concluded.

Board of Assessors: Northfield Mountain LLC and litigation

The Board of Assessors met June 29 to discuss hiring joint legal counsel with Northfield for negotiations regarding Northfield Mountain LLC, followed by an executive session on litigation strategy. The board met again July 9, with the sole listed item being an executive session pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(3), to discuss litigation strategy. No other business was listed.

Conservation Commission: battery storage, solar, and wetlands

The Conservation Commission met July 7. Agenda items included a battery storage introduction at the Paper Mill Site, a Request for Determination of Applicability for foundation work for sewage treatment plant dryer equipment, a site visit for the River Road Solar Project, continued discussion on a local wetlands bylaw, and vernal pool designations and protections. Officer nominations and elections for the coming year were also listed.

Cemetery, Historical, and Museum committees

The Cemetery Commission met July 7 to discuss a plot buy-back letter direct mailing, potential cemetery regulation changes, the status of the new cemetery, a software update, and a chair election.

The Historical Commission met July 7 to review minutes, receive updates on a Historic Building Survey project and 2026 grants, discuss a water tower demolition proposal in Erving Center, and continue discussion on a Demolition Delay By-Law.

The Museum Committee met July 9 to approve April minutes, review Select Board approval of revised museum policies, and receive updates on the Pearl B. Care Building. The agenda also included redistributing funds in the 2026-27 budget, reviewing an expenditure report and a National Grid bill, and reports on cataloging artifacts and photo uploads.

Franklin County Technical School and Franklin Conservation District

The Franklin County Technical School Committee met July 8 to receive an MSBA update on a potential building project, discuss public outreach plans, and approve April 8, 2026 minutes. No specific decisions or funding amounts were listed.

The Franklin Conservation District met July 9 for a routine agenda: reviewing June minutes, receiving an update on the current District Innovation grant, and setting the next meeting for August 13, 2026.

Coming up

• **Franklin County Technical School Committee — July 16, 2026:** The Building Task Force is scheduled to review an MSBA update and discuss public outreach plans, with approval of April 8, 2026 minutes also on the agenda.

Residents seeking confirmed outcomes from the June 29–July 9 meetings should watch for published minutes on the town's official website, as agendas alone do not establish what was decided.

Erving Select Board Considers Hazard Mitigation Plan, Infrastructure Contracts; Multiple Hiring Panels Convene

Erving's Select Board had its busiest stretch of recent weeks, with agendas calling for votes on the town's 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan, multiple procurement contracts, and public hearings on a dangerous dog and a citation appeal. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, outcomes cannot be confirmed from the available record.

Select Board: Hazard Mitigation Plan and Procurement Votes

The Select Board scheduled a vote to adopt the Town of Erving Hazard Mitigation Plan 2026, which requires approval for submission to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Also on the agenda were procurement votes for a Wacker Neuson EW65 wheeled excavator via MA State Contract, curbside solid waste collection, and agreements for the Elementary School Roof & HVAC Project with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). The board also planned to discuss the Farley Bridge Project and a MassDOT reimbursement agreement.

A second Select Board agenda listed additional items: flooring replacement for the Senior & Community Center, an architectural proposal for the library roof, discussion of a State Revolving Loan Fund for the Erving Center Wastewater Treatment Plant, strategies to address speeding, appointments to town commissions, an interim treasurer, and a Hawkers & Pedlers permit application for Lelos Ice Cream.

A third Select Board meeting was set to hold two public hearings — one regarding a dangerous dog and one on an appeal of Citation #392 — plus review and approval of the Treasury Warrant and an executive session on personnel matters and past meeting minutes.

Board of Assessors: Northfield Mountain LLC Legal Counsel

The Board of Assessors planned to discuss hiring joint legal counsel with Northfield for negotiations regarding Northfield Mountain LLC, followed by an executive session on litigation strategy.

Personnel: Three Screening Committees Meet

Three preliminary screening committees convened in late June to begin hiring processes for key town positions:

• **Health Agent** (June 23): Select a chairperson, review draft interview questions and application materials, and hold an executive session to interview applicants.
• **Director of Information Technology** (June 24): Select a chairperson, review IT Director interview questions and applicant materials, with an executive session for candidate screening.
• **Town Treasurer** (June 25): Select a chairperson, review interview questions and application materials, with an executive session to consider applicants.

Other Boards and Commissions

The Board of Library Trustees (June 22) held a regular meeting covering minutes, the director's report, facility management, finances, the Friends report, policies, and strategic planning.

The Cemetery Commission (June 24) reviewed letters of interest and discussed a buyback letter, with other business as needed.

Coming Up

• **July 7 — Cemetery Commission**: Plot buy-back direct mailing, cemetery regulation changes, new cemetery status, software update, and chair election.
• **July 7 — Conservation Commission**: Battery storage introduction at the Paper Mill site, a site visit for the River Road Solar Project, a request for determination of applicability for sewage treatment plant dryer equipment, continued discussion on a local wetlands bylaw, vernal pool designations, and officer elections.
• **July 7 — Historical Commission**: Water tower demolition proposal in Erving Center, demolition delay by-law discussion, historic building survey update, and 2026 grants update.
• **July 8 — Franklin County Technical School Committee**: MSBA update on a potential building project and public outreach plans.
• **July 9 — Museum Committee**: 2026-27 budget redistribution, Pearl B. Care Building updates, revised museum policies, and records preservation.

Select Board weighs hazard plan, school roof project, and trash contract

The Erving Select Board’s late-June meetings were stacked with infrastructure votes, personnel screenings and public hearings, though official minutes had not been released by midweek. On June 29, the board was set to act on a hazard-mitigation plan, multiple procurement contracts, and a school-building project, while several screening committees interviewed candidates for key town positions.

Select Board tackles hazard plan, excavator, solid waste and school roof

The board and Water Commissioners on June 29 were scheduled to vote on adopting the Town of Erving Hazard Mitigation Plan 2026, a prerequisite for submission to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and FEMA. Also on the agenda were three procurement votes: a Wacker Neuson EW65 wheeled excavator through a state contract, a curbside solid-waste collection contract, and agreements with the Massachusetts School Building Authority for the elementary school roof and HVAC project.

Discussion items included strategies to address speeding and pursuing a State Revolving Loan Fund loan for the Erving Center Wastewater Treatment Plant clarifier project. The board also expected to handle appointments to town commissions and an interim treasurer.

A follow-up meeting on June 30 added two public hearings—a dangerous dog and an appeal of Citation #392—along with a Treasury Warrant review and an executive session on personnel matters. No vote tallies or contract dollar figures were available as minutes were not yet published.

Personnel screening committees interview for three posts

Three preliminary screening committees met in late June to begin filling vacancies. On June 23, the Health Agent committee selected a chair, reviewed interview questions and candidate materials, and held an executive session to interview applicants. The next day, a committee for the Director of Information Technology followed the same sequence. A Treasurer screening committee met on June 25 to similarly review applicants in closed session. No hiring decisions were announced.

Board of Assessors eyes joint legal strategy

The Board of Assessors on June 29 discussed hiring joint legal counsel with Northfield for negotiations involving Northfield Mountain LLC, before moving into an executive session to discuss litigation strategy.

Coming up

Meetings worth attending in the next two weeks include:

• **Conservation Commission (July 7):** Introduction of a battery storage project at the Paper Mill site, a site visit for a River Road Solar Project, and continued talks on a local wetlands bylaw. The commission will also elect officers.
• **Historical Commission (July 7):** Discussion of a proposed water tower demolition in Erving Center and further review of a demolition delay by-law.
• **Franklin County Technical School Committee (July 8):** Update from the Massachusetts School Building Authority on a potential building project and planning for public outreach.
• **Museum Committee (July 9):** Budget redistribution for the 2026-27 fiscal year, a National Grid bill, and updates on the Pearl B. Care Building.