Heath meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Heath agendas: surplus vehicles, treasurer resignation, Verizon letter and a farm-events permit await votes

No minutes have been published for the three Heath board meetings held in the past two weeks, so none of the items below can be reported as decided. What follows is drawn from the posted agendas, which list what each body was scheduled to take up. The next scheduled votes appear on the Select Board agenda for Oct. 27.

Select Board, Oct. 13

The agenda listed a vote on a merit increase for Bailey Cole, MLP Manager, and a designation of three vehicles as surplus property: a 2016 Dodge Ram 5500, a 2002 International 7400 DT530, and a 1987 Case Tractor. Also listed were a possible vote on participation in the FCSO RIDGE Mental/Behavioral Health Follow-Up Program, review of the FRCOG Unpaved Road Assessment for Underwood Hill Road and Sadoga Road, and review of a draft license for Casey Clark, A Foragers Trade, to enter and use real property. Whether any of these items came to a vote is not established in the published record.

Finance Committee, Oct. 21

The committee was scheduled to review a cost-benefit analysis of MLB provided by David Gordon and to define questions for a meeting with the organization. The agenda also listed a town audit planned for FY28, "debt exclusion possibilities" for the FCTS project, the MTRSD feasibility study, and a new western Franklin County ambulance service, plus broadband borrowing history and future. The debt exclusion entry is listed as a possibility for discussion, not as a proposal the committee adopted.

Board of Health, Oct. 14

Items listed were the BOH Clerk Report and FY27 budget, the next step on re-grading the Town Nurse position, a discussion of an Epipen purchase, the Emergency Needs Assessment Survey, and flu vaccine.

Planning Board: Branch View Farm hearing

The Planning Board has posted a public hearing for Nov. 2 on a special permit application from the Franklin Land Trust for events at Branch View Farm, 12 West Branch Road. The same agenda lists discussion of bylaws for battery energy storage systems and large-scale solar with FRCOG guest Allison Gage, and discussion of data center bylaws and special permit procedures.

A second Planning Board entry dated Nov. 4 lists rescheduling that same Branch View Farm hearing and further bylaw discussion on large-scale BESS and solar, with FRCOG money and assistance noted as available and a draft proposal, plus approval of minutes from 9/2/2026 and public comment. The summary text for that entry refers to a meeting "Wednesday, October 7th, 2026, at 7:00PM via Zoom," which does not match the Nov. 4 listing date. Residents should check the posted agenda for the confirmed date and time.

Coming up

Oct. 27 — Select Board. Scheduled votes include a letter of opposition to Verizon regarding telephone service discontinuation, a decision on the resignation of Treasurer Kristi Nartowicz, the MassDEP Recycling Dividends Program grant scope of work, and a Sawyer Hall heating system resolution estimate. The agenda also lists review of a financial interest disclosure by special municipal employee Robyn Provost.

Nov. 2 — Planning Board public hearing and meeting. The Branch View Farm special permit hearing at 12 West Branch Road, plus bylaw discussion on battery storage, large-scale solar and data centers.

Nov. 4 — Planning Board. Further bylaw discussion and a listed rescheduling of the Branch View Farm hearing; confirm the date against the posted agenda.

All items above come from agendas. Outcomes, vote tallies and any dollar figures will not be known until minutes are published; the official postings remain the authoritative record.

Heath boards list ARPA priorities, surplus vehicles and nurse re-grading; minutes not yet published

No minutes have been published for any of the six Heath board meetings held in the past two weeks, according to the meeting records provided, so no votes, dollar amounts or outcomes from those sessions are confirmed. What follows is what each posted agenda listed for discussion or possible action.

Select Board: ARPA priorities, a merit increase and surplus vehicles

The Select Board's Oct. 7 agenda listed a presentation from the Shelburne Police Department on a mental health follow-up program, a vote on a merit increase for Bailey Cole, MLP Manager, and a vote to designate Mia Francesconi as contract authorized signatory for the Massachusetts Cultural Council allocation. It also listed review and a potential vote on a License to Enter and Use Real Property for Clayton D. Davenport Trucking Inc., review of a draft license for Casey Clark, A Foragers Trade, and review and prioritization of ARPA/SLFRF spending.

The board's Oct. 13 agenda again listed a vote on the merit increase for Bailey Cole, along with designation of three vehicles as surplus property: a 2016 Dodge Ram 5500, a 2002 International 7400 DT530 and a 1987 Case Tractor. Also listed were a possible vote on participation in the FCSO RIDGE Mental/Behavioral Health Follow-Up Program, review of the FRCOG Unpaved Road Assessment for Underwood Hill Road and Sadoga Road, and review of the draft Casey Clark license.

Board of Health: town nurse re-grading

A special Board of Health meeting was scheduled by Zoom for Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 9:00 a.m., with re-grading the town nurse position as its only substantive item; the agenda was posted by BOH Clerk Cindie Garland on Oct. 1, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. The board's Oct. 14 agenda listed the FY27 budget and the next step for re-grading the Town Nurse position, along with an Epipen purchase discussion, the Emergency Needs Assessment Survey, flu vaccine and reports from the Regional Health Agent.

Planning Board: storage, solar and data center bylaws

The Planning Board's Oct. 7 agenda listed discussion of bylaws for large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) and solar, including a draft proposal and FRCOG money and assistance, and discussion of bylaws and a schedule for large-scale solar and data centers. Members were also to consider rescheduling a public hearing on a Franklin Land Trust special permit application for Branch View Farm events, and possibly approve minutes from 9/2/2026.

Board of Assessors: monthly lists

The Board of Assessors' Oct. 7 agenda listed approval of the August and September Real Estate Monthly Lists, approval of the August and September Motor Vehicle Monthly Lists, and approval of 2026 Motor Vehicle Commitment #5.

Coming up

Finance Committee, Oct. 21: a cost-benefit analysis of MLB provided by David Gordon and questions for a meeting with the organization; a town audit planned for FY28; debt exclusion possibilities for the FCTS project, the MTRSD feasibility study and a new western Franklin County ambulance service; and broadband borrowing history and future.

Planning Board public hearing and meeting, Nov. 2: a special permit application for Franklin Land Trust events at Branch View Farm, 12 West Branch Road; discussion of BESS and large-scale solar bylaws with FRCOG guest Allison Gage; and discussion of data center bylaws and special permit procedures.

Heath agendas: surplus vehicles, MLP merit increase, septic request, and early debt-exclusion talk

Heath's town boards posted a run of early-October agendas covering surplus vehicles, a possible pay increase for the municipal light plant manager, a septic request, and early discussion of borrowing for large projects. No minutes have been published for any of these meetings, so the items below are proposals and scheduled votes, not confirmed decisions. The posted agendas contain no dollar amounts and no vote tallies.

Select Board: surplus vehicles and a merit increase (Oct. 13)

The Select Board meets Oct. 13 and is expected to vote on a merit increase for Bailey Cole, MLP Manager, and on designating three vehicles as surplus property: a 2016 Dodge Ram 5500, a 2002 International 7400 DT530, and a 1987 Case Tractor. The agenda also lists highway updates, tax title foreclosures, a possible vote on participation in the FCSO RIDGE Mental/Behavioral Health Follow-Up Program, review of the FRCOG Unpaved Road Assessment for Underwood Hill Road and Sadoga Road, and a draft license for Casey Clark, A Foragers Trade, to enter and use real property.

The same merit increase for Cole appeared on the board's Oct. 7 agenda, along with a mental health follow-up program presentation from the Shelburne Police Department, review and prioritization of ARPA/SLFRF spending, a vote to designate Mia Francesconi as contract authorized signatory for the Massachusetts Cultural Council allocation, and property-use licenses — a review and potential vote on a License to Enter and Use Real Property for Clayton D. Davenport Trucking Inc., and a draft license for Casey Clark.

Finance Committee: debt exclusion possibilities (Oct. 21)

The Finance Committee's Oct. 21 agenda may carry the widest financial reach of the month. Members will review a cost-benefit analysis of the MLB provided by David Gordon and discuss debt exclusion possibilities for the FCTS project, the MTRSD feasibility study, and a new western Franklin County ambulance service. The agenda also lists a town audit planned for FY28 and broadband borrowing history and future. A debt exclusion is only a discussion item at this stage; the agenda states no amounts.

Conservation Commission: septic request at 23 East Brook Drive (Oct. 1)

The Conservation Commission was scheduled to meet Oct. 1 at 6:00 PM at the Jacobs Road Municipal Center, 18 Jacobs Road, to review a Request for Determination filed by Jeffrey Mercier for a septic system at an existing residence at 23 East Brook Drive, with some work in a resource area buffer zone. A vote on that request was scheduled. The agenda also listed discussion of Rte. 8A bridge project progress, a Certificate of Completion request from Son Treme, past meeting minutes, and the consultant's and chairman's reports.

Planning Board: battery storage and solar bylaws (Oct. 7)

The Planning Board was scheduled to meet Oct. 7 at 7:00 PM via Zoom. Its agenda called for discussion of bylaws for large-scale battery storage systems (BESS) and solar, including a draft proposal and available FRCOG money and assistance, plus bylaws and a schedule for large-scale solar and data centers. Members were also to consider rescheduling a public hearing on a Franklin Land Trust special permit application for Branch View Farm events, and to approve minutes from 9/2/2026.

Board of Health: town nurse re-grading (Oct. 7 and Oct. 14)

A Board of Health special meeting was scheduled for Oct. 7 at 9:00 AM by Zoom (Meeting ID 872 2453 4516), with re-grading the town nurse position as its only substantive item. The agenda was posted by BOH Clerk Cindie Garland on Oct. 1 at 12:00 pm. On Oct. 14 the board takes up the FY27 budget, next steps on the town nurse re-grading, an Epipen purchase discussion, the Emergency Needs Assessment Survey, and flu vaccine.

Also on the agendas

The Municipal Light Board was scheduled to meet virtually Oct. 1 at 10:00 AM on prior meeting minutes, the MLP Manager's update, WGE/Whip City Fiber status, Fiber Hut maintenance and monitoring, National Grid Upgrade Project attachment cost status, a Drop Policy, a WiredWest update and FY 2026 payment, project finances, and a town and MLP website review project, with votes scheduled on several items. The Board of Assessors was scheduled to meet Oct. 7 to consider August and September real estate and motor vehicle monthly lists and 2026 Motor Vehicle Commitment #5.

Coming up

• **Oct. 13 — Select Board:** merit increase for the MLP Manager, surplus property designation for three vehicles, possible vote on the FCSO RIDGE program, highway updates, tax title foreclosures.
• **Oct. 14 — Board of Health:** FY27 budget, town nurse re-grading next step, Epipen purchase, Emergency Needs Assessment Survey, flu vaccine.
• **Oct. 21 — Finance Committee:** MLB cost-benefit analysis, FY28 town audit, debt exclusion possibilities for the FCTS project, MTRSD feasibility study, and a new western Franklin County ambulance service.

Heath boards weigh broadband payment, alcohol license, and fiber projects

Over the past two weeks, Heath's Select Board, Board of Health, and Municipal Light Board met to take up a range of items, from a $58,408 broadband payment to a special alcohol license for the Agricultural Society. Minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, so outcomes are not yet confirmed.

Select Board: Broadband, election warrant, and culvert project

At its Aug. 11 meeting, the Select Board was scheduled to vote on spending $58,408.05 in CAF II auction proceeds toward a broadband note payment. The board also had on its agenda a vote to sign and approve the 2026 State Primary election warrant, and a vote to approve and submit a Notice of Intent for the Route 8A culvert project to the Conservation Commission.

Other items included approval of $1,785.00 for MCPPO training for the Town Coordinator, and the appointment of Mia Francesconi to the Energy Advisory Committee.

Board of Health: town nurse discussion

The Board of Health met via Zoom on Aug. 12. The agenda listed a discussion of the town nurse position under old business, with no votes or specific actions listed.

Municipal Light Board: drop policy, website, and fiber updates

On Aug. 13, the Municipal Light Board met virtually to review and vote on several operational items. These included a drop policy review and vote, and a town/MLP website review project vote. The board also received updates on Whip City Fiber, fiber hut maintenance, and the National Grid upgrade project attachment costs, along with a depreciation account and investment status update.

Select Board: special alcohol license for Agricultural Society

At its Aug. 18 meeting, the Select Board considered a special all-alcohol license application from the Heath Agricultural Society, with a vote anticipated. The agenda also included public comment and routine administrative items.

Coming up: Select Board on Aug. 25

The Select Board will meet again on Aug. 25 at 4:00 PM at the Jacobs Road Municipal Center. The agenda includes appointments with Highway Superintendent Tyson Howard on Number Nine Road next steps, school district representatives on a 2D8T update, and Police Chief John McDonough on golf cart correspondence from Margo Newton and Bill Lattrell.

Discussion items include next steps on the Town of Colrain surplus police cruiser, authorization of a broadband infrastructure loan payment, and an EMS regionalization initiative. The board will also consider shortening the Town Coordinator's office hours.

Residents interested in any of these topics are encouraged to attend or check the official agendas for details.

Heath boards weigh broadband payment, town nurse, and fiber projects

Heath's Select Board, Board of Health, and Municipal Light Board met last week to consider a range of items, including a $58,408.05 broadband payment, a town nurse position, and fiber project updates. Minutes from these meetings have not yet been published, so vote outcomes are not available.

Select Board

The Select Board met on August 11. The agenda included a vote to expend $58,408.05 in CAF II auction proceeds for a broadband note payment, and a vote to sign and approve the 2026 State Primary election warrant. The board also considered approving and submitting a Notice of Intent for the Route 8A culvert project to the Conservation Commission, approving $1,785.00 for MCPPO training for the Town Coordinator, and appointing Mia Francesconi to the Energy Advisory Committee.

Board of Health

The Board of Health met via Zoom on August 12. The agenda was largely procedural, with the only substantive item being a discussion of the town nurse position under old business. No votes or specific actions were listed.

Municipal Light Board

The Municipal Light Board met virtually on August 13. The board reviewed and voted on a drop policy and a town/MLP website review project. It also received updates on Whip City Fiber, fiber hut maintenance, the National Grid Upgrade Project attachment costs, and the depreciation account and investment status.

Coming up

The Select Board will meet again on August 18. The agenda includes a vote on a special all-alcohol license application from the Heath Agricultural Society, along with public comment and routine administrative items. No other substantive decisions are listed.

Heath boards weigh salt shed contract, broadband payment, and wetland reports

Over the past two weeks, Heath's Select Board, Conservation Commission, and Board of Assessors met to consider a range of items, from a salt shed retaining wall contract to wetland impact reports. No minutes have been published yet for these meetings, so outcomes are not known. Upcoming meetings include a Select Board vote on a $58,408 broadband payment and a Municipal Light Board review of drop policies.

Select Board

The Select Board met on July 28 with an agenda that included a vote on a contract with W. R. Hillman, LLC for the Heath Salt Shed Retaining Wall, including a commencement date. The board also discussed National Grid's 3-phase project and smart meters, reviewed and signed FY '27 memoranda of understanding for the Franklin County Solid Waste Management District, approved FY '27 agreements for FCSO Regional Animal Control & Dog Shelter Services, and voted on a new IRS mileage reimbursement rate of 76 cents per mile.

At its next meeting on August 11, the board is scheduled to vote on expending $58,408.05 in CAF II auction proceeds for a broadband note payment, sign and approve the 2026 State Primary election warrant, and approve and submit a Notice of Intent for the Route 8A culvert project to the Conservation Commission. The board will also consider approving $1,785.00 for MCPPO training for the Town Coordinator and appointing Mia Francesconi to the Energy Advisory Committee.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission met twice, on July 28 and July 30, with nearly identical agendas. Both meetings included a review and vote on a "Wetland Impact Evaluation Report for Shapiro Conservation Parcel/Burnt Hill-Catamount Trail" prepared by Fleetwood Environmental Solutions. Also on the agenda were approval of past meeting minutes, the consultant's report, and the chairman's report. No minutes have been published for either meeting.

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors met on July 29 to approve the 2026 Motor Vehicle Commitment #4, review and possibly amend Clause 18 criteria, review Clause 18A Deferral information, and receive an update on the Davenport land purchase involving two parcels (Map 236, Lot 5 and Map 229, Lot 9).

Municipal Light Board (upcoming)

The Heath Municipal Light Board will meet virtually on August 13. The agenda includes a drop policy review and vote, a town and MLP website review project vote, an update on National Grid Upgrade Project attachment costs, a WGE/Whip City Fiber status report, and a depreciation account and investment status update.

Coming up

• **Select Board Meeting** – August 11, agenda includes broadband payment vote, election warrant, culvert project, and appointments.
• **Municipal Light Board Meeting** – August 13, virtual, covering drop policy, website project, and fiber updates.

Heath boards eye salt shed contract, wetland report, and tax criteria in late-July meetings

Several Heath town boards met in the final week of July, with agendas covering a proposed salt shed retaining wall contract, a wetland impact report for a conservation parcel, and a review of property tax deferral criteria. Minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, so the items below reflect what was scheduled for discussion or action — not confirmed outcomes.

Select Board — July 28

The Select Board's agenda included a vote on a contract with W. R. Hillman, LLC for the Heath Salt Shed Retaining Wall, including a commencement date. Also on the agenda:

• Discussion of National Grid's 3-phase project, including complaints and smart meters.
• Review and sign FY '27 memoranda of understanding with the Franklin County Solid Waste Management District.
• Approve FY '27 agreements for FCSO Regional Animal Control & Dog Shelter Services.
• Vote on a new IRS mileage reimbursement rate of 76 cents per mile.

The salt shed contract is the most consequential item on the agenda in dollar and infrastructure terms, though no contract amount was listed in the provided agenda summary.

Conservation Commission — July 28 and July 30

The Conservation Commission met twice during the week. Both meetings listed a review and vote on the "Wetland Impact Evaluation Report for Shapiro Conservation Parcel/Burnt Hill-Catamount Trail" by Fleetwood Environmental Solutions. The July 30 agenda specifically listed a vote on the report.

Both agendas also included approval of past meeting minutes, a consultant's report, and the chairman's report.

Board of Assessors — July 29

The Board of Assessors' agenda included approval of the 2026 Motor Vehicle Commitment #4, along with real estate and motor vehicle lists. The board also planned to:

• Review current Clause 18 criteria, with a possible vote to amend. (Clause 18 relates to property tax exemptions for certain categories of taxpayers.)
• Review Clause 18A deferral information.
• Receive an update on the Davenport land purchase involving two parcels: Map 236, Lot 5 and Map 229, Lot 9.

What residents should know

Because minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, it is not yet possible to confirm which items were voted on, what the vote tallies were, or whether any items were postponed. Residents seeking confirmed outcomes should watch for posted minutes from the Select Board, Conservation Commission, and Board of Assessors.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed for the next 14 days (through August 17, 2026). Residents are encouraged to check the town's official postings for any meetings added after this roundup was prepared.