Southwick meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Southwick boards hold routine meetings; Planning Board to consider cannabis facility and zoning changes

Southwick town boards met several times over the past two weeks, addressing topics from open space planning to health permits. As of this writing, minutes from these meetings have not been published, so no official decisions are available. The following is a summary of the agenda items discussed.

Board of Appeals (July 27)

The Board of Appeals held a hybrid meeting with only routine procedural items on the agenda: review of mail, approval of meeting minutes, and general discussion. No specific hearings, applications, or decisions were listed.

Open Space Committee (July 28)

The Open Space Recreation Plan Committee held an organizational meeting to elect a Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary. Members discussed the current status of the Open Space Recreation Plan (OSRP) started by the OSLMC and reviewed other developments, including a meeting with the PVPC. No votes on specific projects or expenditures were expected.

Agricultural Commission (July 29)

The Agricultural Commission held a working session to coordinate the 2026 Open Farm Day. Agenda items included planning logistics, volunteer orientation scheduled for August 6, 2026, discussion of visitor safety, traffic, and parking, review of the contributor budget, and coordination of signs, ads, and equipment for participating farms.

Conservation Commission (August 3)

The Conservation Commission held public hearings regarding wetland buffer work at 377 North Loomis Street and residential site improvements at 22 Shore Road. The body also discussed partial certificates of compliance for 2 Pearl Brook Road and 6 Iroquois Drive, a proposed amendment to the Southwick Wetland Bylaw, and a review of an enforcement order extension for 201 Granville Road.

Select Board (August 3)

The Select Board reviewed the accountant contract renewal and elderly rate sewer applications. The agenda included a presentation for 50 Years in Southwick and a review of various board and commission appointments. The board also discussed payroll warrant #2703 for $335,268.89, a Weights & Measures Intermunicipal Agreement renewal with Westfield, and vehicle surveillance cameras and the GoGov notification system.

Board of Health (August 4)

The Board of Health held a hybrid meeting at Town Hall and via Zoom. The agenda included public comment (up to 10 minutes), a nursing report and general updates from the Western Mass Public Health District, a review of the Crepes Tea House outdoor cooking permit, and a discussion of the mobile food truck process. The Health Director presented routine business, fee schedules, and permit decisions.

Coming up

• **Planning Board** (August 11, hybrid): Two public hearings are scheduled. One will consider a Special Permit, Site Plan Approval, and Stormwater Management Permit for a marijuana cultivation facility at 34 Granville Road. The other will review a comprehensive revision to Chapter 185 (Zoning), including a new 'Use Table' that reorganizes and renumbers the entire code.
• **Park and Recreation Commission** (August 12): The commission will discuss public comments, approve prior meeting minutes, and review Whalley Park, Town Beach, and the Rail Trail. Old business includes Master Plan implementation, with new business to be introduced.

Southwick boards tackle re-manufacturing proposal, water funds, and wetland hearings; minutes pending

Southwick's boards and commissions held a busy stretch of meetings from July 6 through July 16, covering a proposed 68,000-square-foot industrial building, water system funding, and multiple wetland hearings. However, minutes have not yet been published for any of these sessions, so no outcomes are confirmed in the record. The following reflects what was scheduled on the agendas.

Planning Board: Industrial proposal and appointments

The Planning Board was scheduled to hold a public hearing July 14 on an application by WGI, Inc. to construct a 68,000-square-foot re-manufacturing building at 34 & 36 Hudson Drive, in the Industrial Restricted zone. The request includes a Wellhead Protection District Special Permit, plus Earth Excavation and Stormwater Management permits. The same agenda listed review of Noble Steed Crossing Subdivision infrastructure security, a street acceptance recommendation for the Greens of Southwick (East) subdivision, and discussion on updating bylaws for large-scale ground-mounted photovoltaic systems.

On July 6, the Planning Board was set to meet jointly with the Select Board to appoint John (Giovanni) Allsop to the Planning Board.

Select Board and Finance: Transfers and donations

The Select Board agenda for July 6 listed a Reserve Fund Transfer of $3,000 for a Board of Health Consultant, Year-End Transfers of $8,900 for a Treasurer Collector Copier and $26,300 for the Assessors Personal Property Appraisal Contract, a One Day Liquor License for Congamond Coffee, and donations of $750.00 from American Legion Post 388 and $159.00 from Interstate Building Supply to Animal Control.

The Finance Committee, also meeting July 6, was scheduled to vote on authorizing the Acting Vice Chair to sign FY2026 Year-End Transfers. The agenda reported Free Cash at $706,208, Stabilization at $3.12 million, and Reserve Fund at $69,541.39.

Conservation and Lake Management

The Conservation Commission agenda for July 6 included public hearings for a handicap ramp and walkway at 157 Feeding Hills Road (Crepes Tea House), shoreline rock placement at 4034 Mountain Road, tree removal at 6 Silvergrass Lane, and site improvements at 22 Shore Road. The board was also set to discuss a possible enforcement order for stormwater drainage at Brayton Drive and vote on membership renewals totaling $330 for the MA Association of Conservation Commission and $50 for MSMCP.

The Lake Management Committee, meeting July 9, was scheduled to discuss a USACE/DCR Hydrilla Grant Project update, a cease-and-desist request for erosion at 159 Berkshire Avenue, and dock permits at 129 North Lake Avenue awaiting Conservation Commission/DEP decision.

Other boards

The Board of Health (July 7) was set to review septic regulation permit expirations, a property case at 2 Hummel Lane, and home and green burial policy options. The Agricultural Commission (July 8) planned discussion of FY2026/2027 budget, Open Farm Day for Southwick's 250th celebration, and USDA Farm to School Grants for 2027. The Park and Recreation Commission (July 9) was scheduled to vote for a new chair and discuss Whalley Park and the Rail Trail. The Housing Authority (July 13) was set to approve an Annual Plan and review year-end statements as of 6/30/26. The Cemetery Commission (July 15) planned to develop three new sections in the New Cemetery and send columbarium bids out. The Water Commissioners (July 16) were scheduled to discuss a proposed transfer of $100,881 and $82,915 for water main construction and a design plan for a North Longyard Road bypass with Tighe & Bond.

Coming up

• **Select Board, July 20:** Public hearing on FY22/23 and FY24 CDBG budget amendments, proposing to transfer $100,881 from FY22/23 grant administration and $82,915 from FY24 grant administration to North Lake Avenue water main construction. The board will also consider contracts with Real Estate Research Consultants, Inc., Tighe and Bond for third-party review of the WGI Project, a Whalley Park pickleball contract, and acknowledge payroll warrant $361,610.79 and payable warrants $2,472,963.27 and $206,748.46. Written comments accepted until July 20 at 2:00 PM.
• **Conservation Commission, July 20:** Emergency certification to remove hazardous trees at 18 Brayton Drive along Lake Congamond shoreline, plus a vote on a $150.57 office supplies expense from the Local Wetland Fee account (available balance $8,392).
• **Board of Assessors, July 20:** Review and sign warrants and commitments for U.S. Treasury FY2027, rollback taxes at 177 Klaus Anderson, and motor vehicle commitment #3.
• **Master Plan Implementation Committee, July 22:** Selection of new chair, vice chair, and secretary; request to cancel Climate Change 1.5 and accept completion of Economic Development 1.1.

Southwick roundup: Finance panel set to act on FY2026 year-end transfers; Planning Board eyes 68,000 sq ft industrial proposal

Southwick boards and committees covered a wide range of business in the first two weeks of July, from year-end financial transfers to wetland permits and lake management. Minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings listed below, so the items reflect what was on each agenda rather than confirmed outcomes.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee's July 6 agenda called for votes to authorize the Acting Vice Chair to sign Year-End Transfers for FY2026 and to approve the FY2026 Year-End Transfer. The agenda also reported Free Cash at $706,208, Stabilization at $3.12 million, and the Reserve Fund at $69,541.39.

Select Board

The Select Board's July 6 agenda included several financial transfers: a $3,000 Reserve Fund Transfer for a Board of Health Consultant, an $8,900 Year-End Transfer for a Treasurer/Collector copier, and a $26,300 Year-End Transfer for the Assessors' Personal Property Appraisal Contract. The agenda also listed a one-day liquor license request from Congamond Coffee and two donations to Animal Control — $750.00 from American Legion Post 388 and $159.00 from Interstate Building Supply.

Planning Board

The Planning Board held a joint meeting with the Select Board on July 6 to discuss and appoint John (Giovanni) Allsop to the Planning Board. The meeting was held in a hybrid format at Town Hall and via Zoom.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission's July 6 agenda included public hearings on four property improvement requests: a handicap ramp and walkway at 157 Feeding Hills Road (Crepes Tea House), shoreline rock placement at 4034 Mountain Road, tree removal at 6 Silvergrass Lane, and site improvements at 22 Shore Road. The board also planned to discuss a possible enforcement order for stormwater drainage at Brayton Drive and vote on membership renewals for the MA Association of Conservation Commissions ($330) and MSMCP ($50).

Lake Management Committee

The July 9 agenda covered Congamond water quality and flood management updates, including a USACE/DCR Hydrilla Grant Project update. The committee planned to discuss a cease-and-desist request for erosion at 159 Berkshire Avenue, dock permits at 129 North Lake Avenue, and proposed updates to the Lake Protection Plan by the Conservation Commission and Select Board.

Board of Health

The Board of Health's July 7 agenda included a review of septic regulation permit expirations, a property case discussion at 2 Hummel Lane, and policy options for home and green burials. The agenda also listed board job openings and a Western Mass Public Health District nursing report.

Other Meetings

The Open Space Recreation Plan Committee met June 30 to elect a chair, vice chair, and secretary, and to review its work with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. The Agricultural Commission met July 8 to discuss its FY2026/2027 budget, Open Farm Day planning for Southwick's 250th celebration, and USDA Farm to School Grants for 2027. The Park and Recreation Commission met July 9 to vote for a new chair and discuss Whalley Park, the Rail Trail, and Master Plan implementation.

Coming Up

• **July 13 — Housing Authority:** Agenda includes approval of the Annual Plan, review of year-end statements as of 6/30/26, and modernization project updates.
• **July 14 — Planning Board:** Public hearing on WGI, Inc.'s proposed 68,000-square-foot aircraft engine re-manufacturing building at 34 & 36 Hudson Drive, with requests for a Wellhead Protection District Special Permit and earth excavation and stormwater permits. The board will also discuss a street acceptance recommendation for the Greens of Southwick (East) subdivision and updates to bylaws for large-scale ground-mounted solar systems.
• **July 14 — Library Board of Trustees:** FY2026 budget close-out, FY2027 budget, and Summer Reading Program updates.
• **July 15 — Cemetery Commission:** RFP for columbarium bids, development of three new cemetery sections, and parking projects for the Old Cemetery.
• **July 20 — Select Board:** Public hearing on proposed amendments to FY22/23 and FY24 Community Development Block Grant awards, including transfers of $100,881 and $82,915 from grant administration to North Lake Avenue water main construction. Written comments are accepted until July 20 at 2:00 PM.

Southwick boards weighed tax deal, lake issues, and year-end finances; WGI facility hearing ahead

Southwick's boards and committees met throughout late June to address zoning disputes, tax warrants, lake management, and year-end finances. All recent meetings listed below were agenda-only at press time — minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes of scheduled votes are not yet confirmed in the public record.

Select Board — Tax deal, Eversource hearing on agenda

The Select Board's June 22 agenda included a public hearing on an Eversource petition for pole and wire locations, a vote to execute a Tax Increment Financing Agreement with WGI, and a vote on the year-three Stantec Lake Treatment Contract. The board was also scheduled to accept a $1,103.22 grant from Shurtleff Children's Services for the library and a $1,000 grant to the Office of Animal Control. Deficit amortization and an interim Emergency Management Director were also listed for discussion.

Board of Appeals — 351 North Loomis Street hearing

The Board of Appeals held a public hearing on an appeal from abutters challenging the Zoning Enforcement Officer's decision to take no enforcement action against continued commercial use of the property at 351 North Loomis Street. The agenda also included routine business such as approving minutes.

Board of Assessors — FY2027 tax warrants

The Board of Assessors was scheduled to review and sign FY2027 real estate and personal property tax warrants. The agenda also included a supplemental warrant for 97 Sheep Pasture, a personal property warrant for 34 Hudson Dr, a rollback and Chapter 61A lien removal for 177 Klaus Anderson, and payment of a Bishop & Associates invoice.

Finance Committee — Year-end transfers and reserve fund

The Finance Committee's June 23 agenda included a $3,000 reserve fund transfer request for Board of Health consulting services, a vote to authorize the Acting Chair to approve FY2026 year-end transfers under the Municipal Modernization Act, and appointment of an Acting Vice Chair. The agenda reported Free Cash at $706,208 and Stabilization at $3.12 million.

Lake Management Committee — Congamond Lakes issues

The June 25 agenda covered water quality and invasive species treatment updates for Congamond Lakes, including a 2026 Solitude Invasives Assessment & Treatment update and Commonwealth Earmark Funding for cove dredging. Pending dock permits at 129 North Lake Ave were listed as awaiting a Conservation Commission/DEP decision on permanent structures. Erosion at 159 Berkshire Ave into the town detention pond was listed with a request for a cease and desist order. Proposed Lake Protection Plan updates by the Conservation Commission and Select Board on structures and boat stickers were also on the agenda.

Master Plan Implementation Committee — Task completions and transfers

The committee was scheduled to vote on canceling the Climate Change 1.5 education initiative, accept completion of Econ Dev 1.1 (a database of local businesses) and Econ Dev 1.2 (Economic Development Website updates), and discuss transferring historical and housing goals to other commissions.

Coming up

• **July 6 — Conservation Commission:** Public hearings on a handicap ramp at 157 Feeding Hills Road (Crepes Tea House), shoreline rock placement at 4034 Mountain Road, tree removal at 6 Silvergrass Lane, and site improvements at 22 Shore Road. Also: possible enforcement order for stormwater drainage at Brayton Drive, and votes on membership renewals ($330 for MA Association of Conservation Commission, $50 for MSMCP).
• **July 6 — Finance Committee:** Votes on FY2026 year-end transfers. Agenda reports Free Cash at $706,208, Stabilization at $3.12 million, and Reserve Fund at $69,541.39.
• **July 6 — Planning Board (joint with Select Board):** Discussion and appointment of John (Giovanni) Allsop to the Planning Board. Hybrid meeting, Town Hall and Zoom (Meeting ID: 826 7858 6933, Passcode: 671280).
• **July 6 — Select Board:** Scheduled financial transfers including $26,300 for Assessors Personal Property Appraisal Contract, $8,900 for Treasurer Collector Copier, and a $3,000 reserve fund transfer for Board of Health consultant. Also: one-day liquor license for Congamond Coffee, and donations of $750 from American Legion Post 388 and $159 from Interstate Building Supply to Animal Control.
• **July 7 — Board of Health:** Septic regulation permit expirations, property case at 2 Hummel Lane, home and green burial policy options, and board staffing updates.
• **July 14 — Planning Board:** Public hearing on WGI, Inc.'s proposed 68,000-square-foot re-manufacturing building at 34 & 36 Hudson Drive (Industrial Restricted zone), including a Wellhead Protection District Special Permit request and Earth Excavation and Stormwater Management permits.
• **July 20 — Select Board:** Public hearing on proposed CDBG budget amendments, including transferring $100,881 from FY22/23 grant administration and $82,915 from FY24 grant administration to North Lake Avenue water main construction (total up to $183,796). Written comments accepted until July 20 at 2:00 PM.

Southwick Select Board Weighs Tax Agreement with WGI; Finance Panel Eyes Year-End Transfers

Southwick’s Select Board held a public hearing on an Eversource pole and wire location request and was set to vote on a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreement with WGI during a June 22 session, while officials across several boards lined up year‑end financial actions. Minutes of that and other recent meetings had not been published as of press time, leaving final votes unconfirmed.

Select Board

On June 22, the board was scheduled to vote on a TIF deal with WGI, which plans a 68,000‑square‑foot re‑manufacturing facility at 34 & 36 Hudson Drive. The panel also accepted two donations: a $1,103.22 grant from Shurtleff Children’s Services for the library and a $1,000 grant to the Office of Animal Control. A public hearing was held on an Eversource petition for pole and wire locations, and a vote on the year‑three contract with Stantec for lake treatment was on the agenda.

Finance Committee

Meeting June 23, the Finance Committee considered a $3,000 reserve fund transfer for the Board of Health’s consulting services. Members also planned to appoint an acting vice chair and authorize the acting chair to approve fiscal 2026 year‑end transfers under the Municipal Modernization Act. Free cash was reported at $706,208, stabilization funds at $3.12 million, and the reserve fund at $69,541.39.

Board of Assessors

On June 22, the Board of Assessors was set to finalize the fiscal 2027 real estate and personal property tax warrants and commit them to the collector. Supplemental and personal property warrants for 97 Sheep Pasture and 34 Hudson Drive also appeared on the agenda, along with a rollback and Chapter 61A lien removal for 177 Klaus Anderson and payment of a Bishop & Associates invoice.

Master Plan Implementation Committee

The committee, meeting June 24, reviewed a request to cancel the “Climate Change 1.5” education initiative. Members also considered accepting completion of two economic development tasks—a local business database and updates to the economic development website—and transferring responsibility for a historical commission goal and a housing authority goal to those respective bodies. The Planning Board’s progress on permitting alternative home designs was discussed.

Open Space Committees

On June 30, the Open Space Recreation Plan Committee elected a chair, vice chair, and secretary. The panel also reviewed the status of the Open Space Recreation Plan and discussed a recent meeting with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission.

Coming up

The Conservation Commission will hold public hearings July 6 on a handicap ramp and walkway for Crepes Tea House at 157 Feeding Hills Road, shoreline rock placement at 4034 Mountain Road, tree removal at 6 Silvergrass Lane, and site improvements at 22 Shore Road. The commission will also discuss a possible enforcement order for stormwater drainage at Brayton Drive and vote on membership renewals totaling $380.

That same evening, the Finance Committee will vote to authorize the acting vice chair to sign and approve fiscal 2026 year‑end transfers. The Select Board meets jointly with the Planning Board at 6:30 p.m. to consider appointing John (Giovanni) Allsop to the Planning Board; a separate Select Board session will handle a $3,000 reserve fund transfer for the Board of Health consultant, an $8,900 year‑end transfer for a treasurer‑collector copier, a $26,300 year‑end transfer for an assessors personal property appraisal contract, a one‑day liquor license for Congamond Coffee, and $909 in animal control donations.

On July 14, the Planning Board will hold a public hearing on WGI’s proposal for a 68,000‑square‑foot re‑manufacturing building at 34 & 36 Hudson Drive. The board will consider special permits for work in the Wellhead Protection District, earth excavation, and stormwater management.