Somerset meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Somerset boards to weigh $36M school bond, Taco Bell permit, South School closure

Somerset town boards have a full slate of meetings this week, with the largest items including a $36 million bond anticipation note for the Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School, a possible South School closure, and a stormwater permit for a proposed Taco Bell. No decisions have been reported yet; minutes from these agendas have not been published.

Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School

The Diman school board has several meetings scheduled. On Aug. 13, the full board will discuss and possibly vote on a $36 million Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) sale, reaffirm Prime Contract Change Orders PCCO No. 019 and PCCO No. 020, and reaffirm procurement proposals for Enhance Mats, Custom Mobile Hoppers, and PSI-NESP Storage Products. The board will also discuss the acquisition of the Locust Street property and consider personnel appointments including Lauren Davidson as School Psychologist/504 Coordinator.

Earlier, on Aug. 10, the MSBA School Building Committee will meet after a 4 p.m. construction site walkthrough to vote on gymnasium mats and change orders, including PCCO No. 020 and PCCO No. 020.1, plus PCO 897 (acoustical sealant coordination) and PCO 903 (Liberty Phase 2 fence).

Also on Aug. 13, the LPN Sub-Committee will discuss the LPN program update, a possible BCC buildout expenditure, and additional personnel. The Policy Sub-Committee will review and approve the 2026/27 Staff Handbook, LPN Student Handbook, and Financial Aid Handbook.

School Committees

The Somerset School Committee meets Aug. 11 to vote on a three-year custodians contract (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029) and a side letter with paraprofessionals on long-term substitute teacher assignments. The committee will also discuss a possible South School closure for the 2027-2028 school year, reappoint Dr. Staci Resnick as school physician, and consider prepayment of special education tuitions and sound system upgrades.

The Somerset Berkley Regional School Committee meets Aug. 18 with similar items: a three-year custodian contract, a paraprofessional side letter, approval of the 2026-2027 student and family handbook, and reappointment of Dr. Resnick.

Planning Board

The Planning Board meets Aug. 11 to consider a stormwater permit for a proposed Taco Bell at 721 G.A.R. Hwy (continued from May 26), a Form A subdivision at 110 River Road (Map A12, Lot 12) into two lots, and a draft Priority Habitat Map of Rare Species open for public comment through Oct. 4. The board will also endorse receipt of annual policies and vote on minutes from June 9 and July 21.

Board of Selectmen

On Aug. 13, the Selectmen will act on several licenses: an outdoor dining license for LPMG LLC (The Mallard) at 1104 County Street, a Common Victualler License for From Scratch Desserts at 1129 Grand Army Highway, and a one-day beer garden license for South Somerset Progressive Club on Sept. 12. They will also vote to sign the State Election Warrant for the Sept. 1 primary and make appointments including Marc Greene (Custodian) and Marybeth Buglio (Tobacco Inspector). The agenda includes discussion of the sale of town-owned properties, a complaint investigation policy, and a cannabis equity compliance plan.

Other boards

• **Conservation Commission** (Aug. 10): Review a continuation of a Notice of Intent by Kate Cyr for a dock at 394 Main Street (including a 10'x18' addition, 12'x24' pool, and 8'x24' float) and a Certificate of Compliance request by Derrick Rebello for a dock at 2442 Riverside Ave. (DEP file # 070-0530).
• **Housing Authority** (Aug. 13): Vote on certificates of completion for sidewalk and roof replacement projects, retract a $136,063.16 financial assistance amendment sent in error, and set top five salaries.
• **Board of Water & Sewer Commissioners** (Aug. 17 and Aug. 19): Aug. 17 is an executive session on union strategy with LIUNA. Aug. 19 includes appointing Theodore Small as Maintenance Supervisor, approving a change order with Pare Corporation for the reservoir dam project, discussing the capital plan, and reviewing a Wright-Pierce proposal for WPCF upgrades.
• **Board of Health** (Aug. 20): Discuss and act on conditions related to permitted work at Brayton Point LLC (1 Brayton Point Road).
• **Veterans Advisory Board** (Aug. 20): Review July minutes, after-action report on the Aug. 16 Veterans' Appreciation Cookout, and updates on the WWII Memorial and Hometown Hero Banner project.
• **Southeast Regional Planning** (Aug. 12 and Aug. 18): The JTPG and SMMPO will vote on recommending two draft transportation plans for public comment: the Food Access and Security in Transportation Plan and the Congestion Management Plan.

Coming up

The Council on Aging meets Aug. 26 to review the June municipal budget, grant expenditures, and the gifts account, and discuss maintenance issues and Christmas party preparations. No major decisions are listed on the agenda.

Somerset boards tackle big-ticket items, but decisions await minutes

Over the past two weeks, Somerset's boards and committees held a full slate of public meetings, but none have published minutes yet, so no official decisions are confirmed. Agendas covered a $36 million school bond, a proposed battery storage facility, a Taco Bell stormwater permit, and several infrastructure contracts. Here's what was on the table.

Infrastructure and development

The Planning Board (Aug. 11) took up a stormwater permit for a proposed Taco Bell at 721 G.A.R. Hwy, continued from a May 26 hearing, and a Form A subdivision at 110 River Road. The Zoning Board of Appeals (Aug. 6) held a public hearing on a Planned Development petition from Somerset Energy Storage, LLC to build a commercial Battery Energy Storage System at 1606 Riverside Ave. The Board of Water & Sewer Commissioners (Aug. 5) discussed a sewer intermunicipal agreement with Swansea and considered several change orders, including one with Biszko Building Systems for VFD replacements at four sewer pump stations.

Schools

The Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School Board met twice. On Aug. 10, the MSBA School Building Committee voted on gymnasium mats and two prime contract change orders (PCCO No. 020 and 020.1). On Aug. 13, the full board discussed a $36 million Bond Anticipation Note sale, reaffirmed change orders and procurements, and considered acquiring the Locust Street property. The Somerset School Committee (Aug. 11) voted on a three-year custodians contract (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029), a side letter with paraprofessionals, and discussed a possible South School closure for 2027-2028.

Housing and town operations

The Housing Authority (Aug. 13) voted on certificates of completion for a sidewalk replacement and a roof replacement at Murphy Village, and voted to retract a $136,063.16 financial assistance amendment sent in error. The Board of Selectmen (Aug. 13) discussed the sale of town-owned properties, a cannabis equity compliance plan, and acted on licenses including outdoor dining for The Mallard and a one-day beer garden permit for the South Somerset Progressive Club.

Other meetings

The Economic Development Committee (Aug. 4) reviewed 2027 goals and updates on the Route 103/Wilbur Avenue project and regional broadband. The Playground & Recreation Commission (Aug. 6) reviewed volleyball clinic proposals and field permits. The Historical Commission (Aug. 6) discussed plaques for British Revolutionary War soldiers and cemetery signage. The Conservation Commission (Aug. 10) reviewed dock permits at 394 Main St. and 2442 Riverside Ave. The Southeast Regional Planning & Economic Development JTPG (Aug. 12) voted to recommend two draft transportation plans for public comment.

Coming up

• **Board of Water & Sewer Commissioners** – Aug. 17, executive session on LIUNA strategy.
• **Somerset Berkley Regional School Committee** – Aug. 18, vote on custodian contract, student handbook, and physician reappointment.
• **SMMPO** – Aug. 18, vote on releasing two draft transportation plans for 21-day public comment.

All meetings are open to the public unless noted. Check town agendas for times and locations.

Somerset boards to weigh battery storage, sewer pact, and school policies

Somerset town boards held a busy two weeks of meetings, but none of the sessions produced final votes — all were agenda-only, with minutes not yet published. The most consequential item on the horizon is a public hearing on a commercial battery energy storage system, along with a proposed sewer agreement with Swansea and several license and appointment decisions.

Battery storage project heads to Zoning Board

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on a Planned Development petition from Somerset Energy Storage, LLC to construct a commercial Battery Energy Storage System (B.E.S.S.) at 1606 Riverside Avenue. The proposal falls under Section 6.10 of the town's zoning by-laws. No decision has been recorded yet.

Selectmen to review licenses, appointments, and a fundraiser

The Board of Selectmen met July 30 to consider a license transfer for a Class II Used Car Dealer at 4052 County Street to Alicia Carvalho Real Deal Auto Sales & Services LLC, and an outdoor dining application for the All Alcoholic Beverage License at The Mallard, 1104 County Street. The board also discussed appointing Jacob Clark as Firefighter/Paramedic, filling a vacancy on the Board of Registrars, and naming a representative to the Taunton River Stewardship Council. A request for temporary use of town property for lawn signs from August 12 to September 21 for a pediatric brain cancer fundraiser was also on the agenda.

Water & Sewer board talks Swansea agreement and infrastructure contracts

The Board of Water & Sewer Commissioners met August 5 to discuss a Sewer Intermunicipal Agreement with Swansea officials, including the Swansea Sewer Commission chairman and the town's director of engineering and highway services. The board also considered authorizing Christopher Wickman as Authority to File for the Booster Pump Station & THM Removal System Installation project (DWSRF #7134), approving a Balancing Change Order with Pare Corporation for the Somerset Reservoir Dam Resiliency Improvements Project, signing Wright-Pierce Task Order No. 40 for a Wastewater Collection System Smoke Testing Investigation, and approving Change Order No. 4 with Biszko Building Systems, Inc. for removing and replacing VFDs at sewer pump stations on Cherry Street, Gay Street, Durfee Court, and Owen Avenue.

Economic Development Committee reviews 2027 goals and projects

The Economic Development Committee met August 4 to discuss its 2027 goals and objectives. Updates covered the Route 103/Wilbur Avenue Project, Town Planner activities, regional broadband initiatives through the Southeast Regional Planning and Massachusetts Broadband Initiative, the Brightman Bridge Overlook/Fishing Pier, and Keep Massachusetts Beautiful efforts. The committee also considered new business opportunities.

Historical Commission weighs plaques, cemetery signs, and budgets

The Historical Commission met August 6 to decide on plaques for British soldiers from the Revolutionary War, possibly in coordination with the British and Commonwealth Remembrance Project. The commission also discussed selecting the next group of historic cemeteries for signage using Community Preservation Act funds, reviewed installation of the first five signs, and held budget discussions for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. Commissioner Healey's transcription of The Book of Records of Shawomet Lands 1680-1830 was also on the agenda.

Veterans Advisory Board plans cookout and raffle

The Veterans Advisory Board met July 30 to plan the Somerset Veterans' Appreciation Cookout on August 16, 2026, which will feature a Red Sox ticket raffle donated by Dan Medeiros. Ticket sales are scheduled at Auclairs on August 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with volunteers needed. The board also reviewed May 2026 meeting minutes and set its next meeting for August 20.

School committees review policies and hold workshops

Several school committee meetings took place in late July. The Somerset Berkley Regional and Somerset School Committee policy subcommittees held a joint meeting July 27 to review policies on time-out, seclusion, and physical restraint of students (IKAA), special education transportation (EEAB), facility rental fees (KF & KFR), medication administration (JLCD/JLCDC), acceptable use and internet safety (IINDB), and school choice (JFBB). On July 28, the two committees held workshops on roles, responsibilities, and operating protocols. The Regional School Committee's Executive Session Minutes Subcommittee also met to consider approving and releasing executive session minutes from June 30, 2026.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed in the next 14 days. Residents should check the town's official meeting calendar for any newly scheduled sessions.

Somerset boards set water rates, school construction changes, and Taco Bell permits on crowded July agenda

Somerset boards and committees covered a wide range of business over the past two weeks, from proposed water and sewer rates for FY27 to construction change orders at Somerset Middle School and stormwater permits for a planned Taco Bell. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of the meetings below, the items reflect what was on each agenda — not what was ultimately voted on. Residents should watch for posted minutes to confirm outcomes.

Water & Sewer rates and capital plan

The Board of Water & Sewer Commissioners met July 22 to discuss FY27 water and sewer enterprise rates and projected revenues, along with the department's capital plan and funding strategy. The agenda also listed FY26 encumbrances and special article carry-forwards, abatements for 3 Philip Drive, 90 Angus Street, and 474 Luther Avenue, and a new water connection application for 3 O'Neil Road.

Somerset Middle School construction

The Somerset Middle School Building Committee met July 21 via Zoom to hear reports from the owner's project manager and architects. The agenda included review and approval of construction change orders and owner contingency expenditures, discussion of building committee membership, and approval of the June 1, 2026 minutes.

Taco Bell proposals advance through two boards

A proposed Taco Bell appeared before two boards. The Planning Board on July 21 reviewed a stormwater permit for a Taco Bell at 721 G.A.R. Hwy. The Zoning Board of Appeals on July 23 had a request from DDO New England, LLC for a continuance of a planned development for a fast-food restaurant at 79 N. Main Street, Mansfield, to the August meeting. The ZBA agenda also listed public hearings on five special permit petitions for in-home occupations: Craig Brown at 24 Knapp St. for real estate administrative work; Jason Ledoux at 31 Riley Ave. for handyman administrative work; Luis Cabral at 2835 County St. for landscaping equipment storage; and Rose Scott at 263 Mass. Ave. for nursing administrative work.

Brayton Point activity

Brayton Point, LLC appeared on multiple agendas. The Planning Board reviewed a stormwater permit at 1 Brayton Point Rd. for cooling tower decommissioning and water quality basins. The Board of Assessors entered executive session July 23 to review Brayton Point LLC under G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(7); that session was closed to the public.

Board of Selectmen: licenses and appointments

The Board of Selectmen met July 30 to consider a license transfer for a Class II Used Car Dealer at 4052 County Street to Alicia Carvalho Real Deal Auto Sales & Services LLC; an outdoor dining application for an All Alcoholic Beverage License for The Mallard at 1104 County Street; appointment of Jacob Clark as Firefighter/Paramedic; temporary use of town property for lawn signs from August 12 to September 21 for a pediatric brain cancer fundraiser; and appointments to the Board of Registrars and a representative to the Taunton River Stewardship Council.

School policy reviews

Joint policy subcommittees of the Somerset Berkley Regional School Committee and Somerset School Committee met July 27 to review policies on time-out, seclusion, and physical restraint of students (IKAA); special education transportation (EEAB); facility rental policy and fees (KF & KFR); administration of medication to students (JLCD) and self-administration (JLCDC); acceptable use and internet safety (IINDB); and school choice (JFBB). On July 28, the committees held workshops on roles and responsibilities and development of operating protocols. A separate subcommittee considered approval and release of executive session minutes from June 30, 2026.

Diman LPN program

The LPN Sub-Committee of Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School met July 23 to discuss the Licensed Practical Nursing program financial report, review a report from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (BORN), and consider a program remediation proposal by the Program Administrator. The agenda noted the sub-committee may take a vote.

Other boards

The Council on Aging met July 22 to review June municipal budget updates, grant expenditures, gifts account activity, maintenance, and upcoming events. The Veterans Advisory Board met July 30 to plan the Somerset Veterans' Appreciation Cookout on August 16, 2026, featuring a Red Sox ticket raffle donated by Dan Medeiros, with ticket sales at Auclairs on August 1, 2026, from 1000 to 1300.

Coming up

The Economic Development Committee meets August 4 at Town Hall to discuss 2027 goals and objectives, with updates on the Route 103/Wilbur Avenue Project, regional broadband initiatives, and the Brightman Bridge Overlook/Fishing Pier.

Somerset boards weigh gasoline storage, battery facility, and FY2026 transfers in busy meeting stretch

Somerset's town boards and committees covered a wide range of business in the first half of July, from gasoline storage hearings to a proposed battery energy storage facility and year-end budget transfers. All meetings listed below are reflected by agendas only; minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes of scheduled votes are not yet confirmed in the public record.

Board of Selectmen — gasoline storage and trash bag pricing

The Board of Selectmen met July 9 and again July 16, with both agendas centered on a public hearing for Somerset Marine, Inc.'s application to store gasoline at 3828 Riverside Avenue. The application includes a 2,000-gallon aboveground tank (class 1B), 5,500 gallons of boat storage (class 1B), and 30-gallon maximum portable tanks (class 1B).

The July 9 agenda also included a license change application for AMF Bowling Center, Inc. (AMF Holiday Lanes) at 231 Riverside Avenue; a vote to contract Energy Management Services for a variable refrigerant flow heat-pump project at Town Hall; a vote to adopt Designer Selection Procedures; and a vote to approve a price increase for town trash bags and use of the Transfer Station. Additional scheduled votes covered FY 2026 year-end budget transfers, a plan to comply with Cannabis Control Commission equity mandates, and establishing a fee for host-community agreements for marijuana establishments.

The July 16 agenda included discussion and action on an Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Patrick Higgins on July 9, 2026.

Zoning Board of Appeals — battery energy storage hearing

The ZBA held a public hearing July 16 on a request from Somerset Energy Storage, LLC for a Planned Development to build a commercial Battery Energy Storage System (B.E.S.S.) at 1606 Riverside Ave (Map B2, Lot 203).

Advisory & Finance Committee — FY2026 transfers

The Advisory & Finance Committee met July 8 and July 14. Both agendas centered on discussing and voting on year-end transfer requests for Fiscal Year 2026. The July 8 agenda also included waiving reading of May 20 and May 28, 2026 meeting minutes and introducing new committee member George Kelly.

Housing Authority — FY2027 Annual Plan hearing

The Somerset Housing Authority held a public hearing July 9 on its Proposed Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2027. Items included a proposed 3-year Capital Improvement Plan, a Maintenance and Repair Plan, the current operating budget, responses to Performance Management Review findings, and a list of waivers from EOHLC regulations.

Conservation Commission — dock and pool at 394 Main Street

The Conservation Commission met July 13 to consider a Notice of Intent filed by Kate Cyr for work at 394 Main Street. The project includes a 10'x18' addition, pervious paver patio, 12'x24' pool with apron, 2 dock piles, an 8'x24' float, and retroactive permitting of an existing 1'x100' dock and 42 sq ft floater.

Economic Development Committee

The committee met July 7 to review a $2,200 invoice for America 250 video production, a Slades Ferry Overlay District bylaw change recommendation related to BBQFest, a Route 103/Wilbur Avenue Project update, a Brightman Bridge Overlook / Fishing Pier update, and a Shirley May France 10K update.

Other meetings

• **Board of Registrars** (July 10): Reviewed poll worker lists — supplemental, Democratic, Republican, and unenrolled — to recommend to the Board of Selectmen.
• **Taunton River Stewardship Council** (July 9): Scheduled election of a new Co-Chairperson; next meeting set for September 10, 2026.
• **Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School Board** (July 13): Reviewed project updates from Colliers, Kaestle Boos, and Suffolk; considered procurement of carpentry dust collector hoppers, storage items, and gymnasium mats; discussed prime contract change orders including PCCO No. 019, PCO 750 (Baseball and Softball Field Bleachers), and PCCO No. 019.1.

Coming up

• **Planning Board** — July 21, 2026: Reviewing stormwater permits for a proposed Taco Bell at 721 G.A.R. Hwy. and for Brayton Point, LLC at 1 Brayton Point Rd. for cooling tower decommissioning and water quality basins.
• **Somerset School Committee / Middle School Building Committee** — July 21, 2026 (Zoom): Hearing owner's project manager and architect reports, reviewing construction change orders and owner contingency expenditures, and discussing building committee membership.

Somerset boards weighed gas storage, budget transfers, and trash bag price hike; outcomes pending

Several Somerset boards and committees met over the past two weeks, but minutes have not yet been published for any of the sessions, so confirmed outcomes — including votes and dollar amounts — are not available. The following reflects what each body had scheduled for discussion or action, based on official agendas.

Board of Selectmen (July 9)

The Board of Selectmen scheduled a public hearing on Somerset Marine, Inc.'s application to store gasoline at 3828 Riverside Avenue, including a 2,000-gallon above-ground tank and 5,500-gallon boat storage. The board also planned to consider a license change for AMF Bowling Center, Inc. (AMF Holiday Lanes) at 231 Riverside Avenue.

Agenda items set for votes included contracting Energy Management Services for a variable refrigerant flow heat-pump project at Town Hall, adopting Designer Selection Procedures, and approving a price increase for town trash bags and Transfer Station use. The board also listed FY 2026 year-end budget transfers, a plan to comply with Cannabis Control Commission equity mandates, and establishing a fee for host-community agreements for marijuana establishments.

Board of Water & Sewer Commissioners (July 1)

The board was scheduled to discuss and possibly approve a request from Liberty Utilities to use a town sewer easement for a gas main relocation between Hanley Road and Hebb Street. Also listed: a vote on Contract Addendum No. 6 with Pare Corporation for the Somerset Reservoir Dam Resiliency Improvements Phase I, discussion of the Water & Sewer Department Capital Plan and funding strategy, and acknowledgment of an Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Patrick Higgins.

Advisory & Finance Committee (July 8)

The committee was set to discuss and vote on year-end transfer requests for Fiscal Year 2026. New committee member George Kelly was scheduled to be introduced. Members could also raise topics not anticipated 48 hours in advance.

School Committees (June 30)

The Somerset Berkley Regional and Somerset School Committees held a joint meeting to discuss the Central Office Model. A separate Regional School Committee meeting included end-of-year financials review, budget amendments, a change in Policy Subcommittee member (Jenifer Andrews replacing John Ventura), and an anticipated vote to reaffirm Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 32B, Section 9B regarding health insurance. Both meetings included executive sessions — one on employee discipline or character, another on an Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Victor Machado, Jr. regarding audio issues.

Conservation Commission (June 29)

The commission was scheduled to continue a hearing on a Notice of Intent for a new dwelling on Grandview Avenue (Harding), review a resource area delineation at 1606 Riverside Avenue (Somerset Energy Storage LLC), and consider a Certificate of Compliance for a dwelling at 2 Pilot Drive (Vieira).

Housing Authority (July 9)

The Housing Authority held a public hearing on its Proposed Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2027, covering a 3-year Capital Improvement Plan, Maintenance and Repair Plan, current operating budget, responses to Performance Management Review findings, and a list of waivers from EOHLC regulations.

Other meetings

The Economic Development Committee (July 7) reviewed a $2,200 invoice for America 250 video production, a proposed Slades Ferry Overlay District bylaw change related to BBQFest, and updates on the Brightman Bridge Overlook and Shirley May France 10K. The Board of Registrars (July 10) discussed recommending poll workers to the Board of Selectmen. The Taunton River Stewardship Council (July 9) scheduled an election for a new Co-Chairperson.

Coming up

• **Conservation Commission** — July 13: Notice of Intent hearing for a dock and pool project at 394 Main Street, including a 12'x24' pool, 8'x24' float, and retroactive permitting of an existing unpermitted dock.
• **Diman Regional MSBA School Building Committee** — July 13: Project updates from Colliers, Kaestle Boos, and Suffolk; potential votes on carpentry dust collector procurement, gymnasium mats, and prime contract change orders including baseball and softball field bleachers.
• **Advisory & Finance Committee** — July 14: Vote on year-end transfer requests for Fiscal Year 2026.
• **Zoning Board of Appeals** — July 16: Public hearing on Somerset Energy Storage, LLC's request for a Planned Development to build a commercial Battery Energy Storage System at 1606 Riverside Ave.

Somerset boards weigh cannabis equity plan, utility easement, and school admin postings in busy meeting week

Somerset's town boards and committees covered a wide stretch of business in the final week of June, from a proposed cannabis equity plan and host community agreement fees to a gas-line easement request and school district leadership vacancies. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, the items below reflect what was on each agenda; outcomes are not yet confirmed in the public record.

Board of Selectmen — June 25

The Board of Selectmen was scheduled to vote on several open-session items, including promoting Highway Department Laborer Jeffrey Silvia to Heavy Equipment Operator, signing a plan to comply with Cannabis Control Commission equity mandates, and establishing a submission review fee for Host Community Agreements for marijuana establishments. The board also planned to continue a license hearing for Brasas Meat Market's Common Victualler License with outdoor seating. An executive session was listed for non-union personnel negotiations involving the Treasurer/Collector, Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, and Finance Director.

Water & Sewer Commissioners — June 24 and July 1

On June 24, the Board of Water & Sewer Commissioners was set to review a fiscal year 2027 compensation change for Superintendent Christopher Wickman.

On July 1, the board was scheduled to discuss and possibly approve a request from Liberty Utilities to use a town sewer easement for a gas main relocation between Hanley Road and Hebb Street. Also on the agenda: a possible vote on Contract Addendum No. 6 with Pare Corporation for the Somerset Reservoir Dam Resiliency Improvements Phase I, discussion of the Water & Sewer Department Capital Plan and funding strategy, and acknowledgment of an Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Patrick Higgins.

School Committees — June 23 and June 30

The Somerset Berkley Regional School Committee and Somerset School Committee held a joint meeting June 23 to discuss and act on postings for a Director of Teaching and Learning and an Assistant Superintendent of Finance/Chief Financial Officer, plus a Memorandum of Understanding for shared positions.

On June 30, the Regional committee was scheduled to review end-of-year financials, act on budget amendments, and replace Policy Subcommittee member John Ventura with Jenifer Andrews. The committee also planned to discuss and vote on reaffirming Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 32B, Section 9B regarding health insurance. An executive session was listed for an Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Victor Machado, Jr.

Zoning Board of Appeals — June 25

The ZBA scheduled public hearings on a Planned Development for a Taco Bell fast-food restaurant at 79 N. Main Street, home occupation variances at 64 Dias Terrace, 1801 Read Street, and 65 Ailanthus Avenue, and a Planned Development Permit modification at 202 Slade's Ferry Avenue.

Planning Board — June 23

The Planning Board continued reviews of two stormwater permit applications: a proposed Taco Bell at 721 G.A.R. Highway and structure decommissioning and grading at 1 Brayton Point Road, the former power plant site.

Conservation Commission — June 29

The Conservation Commission was set to continue a hearing on a Notice of Intent for a new dwelling on Grandview Avenue, review an Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation for an energy storage facility at 1606 Riverside Avenue filed by Somerset Energy Storage LLC, and consider a Certificate of Compliance for a dwelling at 2 Pilot Drive.

Other boards

• **Board of Assessors (June 25):** Executive session to review a settlement offer from New England Power.
• **Council on Aging (June 24):** Reviewed May municipal budget updates, grant expenditures, door replacement, a handicapped bathroom remodel, and planning for a 250th anniversary celebration.
• **Somerset Health Plan Group (June 25):** Discussed FY27 stop loss insurance renewal options and a financial monitoring report through April 2026.
• **Veterans Advisory Board (June 25):** Discussed a Coffee Hour with the Office of Veterans' Advocacy on July 11, 2026, and a Veterans Appreciation Cookout on August 16, 2026, featuring a Red Sox ticket raffle donated by Dan Medeiros.

Coming up

• **July 7 — Economic Development Committee:** Discussion of a $2,200 invoice for America 250 video production and a proposed Slades Ferry Overlay District bylaw change related to BBQFest.
• **July 9 — Housing Authority:** Public hearing on the proposed FY2027 Annual Plan, including a 3-year Capital Improvement Plan, maintenance plan, operating budget, and requested waivers from EOHLC regulations.
• **July 16 — Zoning Board of Appeals:** Public hearing on a Planned Development request from Somerset Energy Storage, LLC for a commercial Battery Energy Storage System at 1606 Riverside Avenue.

Somerset boards weigh Taco Bell, gas line easement, and school leadership hires in packed week of meetings

Town boards and committees tackled a wide range of issues in late June and early July, with agendas covering infrastructure, cannabis regulation, school administration, and restaurant permits. All recent sessions remain listed as agenda-only, as official minutes have not yet been published, so final votes and decisions were unavailable by press time.

Water and sewer board considers gas line easement and dam contract

The Board of Water & Sewer Commissioners met July 1 to discuss a request from Liberty Utilities to share a town sewer easement for a gas main relocation project along the stretch from Hanley Road to Hebb Street. The board also considered a contract addendum with Pare Corporation for Phase I of the Somerset Reservoir Dam Resiliency Improvements. A capital plan for the department and a response to an Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Patrick Higgins rounded out the agenda.

Selectmen take up cannabis equity, highway promotion

At its June 25 meeting, the Board of Selectmen was scheduled to vote on promoting Highway Department Laborer Jeffrey Silvia to Heavy Equipment Operator. The board also planned to consider signing a plan to comply with Cannabis Control Commission equity mandates and establishing a submission review fee for host community agreements between the town and marijuana establishments. A continued hearing on a common victualler license for Brasas Meat Market with outdoor seating and an executive session for non-union personnel negotiations were also listed.

School committees eye top administrative hires

Two joint meetings of the Somerset School Committee and the Somerset Berkley Regional School Committee on June 23 and June 30 focused on filling leadership posts. The agenda for the June 23 session included discussion and potential action on postings for Director of Teaching and Learning and for Assistant Superintendent of Finance/Chief Financial Officer, along with a memorandum of understanding for shared positions. On June 30, the regional committee alone was set to review end-of-year financials, act on budget amendments, and vote on reaffirming Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 32B, Section 9B regarding health insurance. Both joint meetings also scheduled executive sessions tied to Open Meeting Law complaints by Victor Machado Jr. concerning audio issues.

Planning, zoning boards review Taco Bell and energy storage

Permitting for a new Taco Bell dominated multiple land-use agendas. The Planning Board on June 23 continued reviews of stormwater permits for the Taco Bell at 721 G.A.R. Highway and for structure decommissioning at 1 Brayton Point Road. That same evening, the Zoning Board of Appeals opened public hearings for a Taco Bell fast food restaurant at 79 N. Main Street and for several home occupation variances. Separately, the Conservation Commission on June 29 took up an abbreviated notice for a resource area delineation for an energy storage facility proposed by Somerset Energy Storage LLC at 1606 Riverside Avenue.

Other meetings in brief

The Board of Assessors entered executive session June 25 to review a settlement offer from New England Power. The Council on Aging discussed door replacement, a handicapped bathroom remodel, and planning for the town’s 250th anniversary celebration. The Somerset Health Plan Group considered Fiscal Year 2027 stop loss insurance renewal options, and the Veterans Advisory Board began planning a coffee hour with the Office of Veterans’ Advocacy on July 11 and a Veterans Appreciation Cookout on Aug. 16 featuring a Red Sox ticket raffle.

Coming up

The Economic Development Committee meets July 7 with a $2,200 invoice for an America 250 video production, a proposed bylaw change for the Slades Ferry Overlay District related to BBQFest, and updates on the Route 103/Wilbur Avenue Project and Brightman Bridge Overlook. On July 9, the Housing Authority will hold a public hearing on its Proposed Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2027, including capital improvements, maintenance plans, and waivers from state regulations. The Zoning Board of Appeals returns July 16 for a public hearing on a commercial battery energy storage system at 1606 Riverside Avenue.