Sunderland meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Sunderland: No decisions yet, but budget, assessor, and retail building on agenda

Recent meetings in Sunderland produced no decisions, as all agendas were published without minutes. The most consequential item on the upcoming calendar is the Zoning Board of Appeals hearing on a 9,100-square-foot retail building on Amherst Road.

Recent meetings

Finance Committee (Aug. 10 and Aug. 17): The Aug. 10 agenda covered year-end final transfers, a review of school funding, and a discussion of the library director's salary correction. The Aug. 17 joint meeting with the Selectboard added FY27 salary budget corrections, further kratom discussions, a Sewer Commission proposal on credit for vacant apartments, and a vote on election officers for the term Sept. 1, 2026–Aug. 31, 2027. No votes were recorded in the agendas.

Assessors Office (Aug. 12, 17, 18): The board interviewed candidates for the Assessor Assistant position, met with the town accountant, and reviewed two invoices from CAI Technologies: $3,000 for WebGIS support and $500 for a Document Upload Tool, with notice of a 15% increase next year. The board also planned to correct real estate exemptions and process abatements and classification applications in executive session.

Energy Committee (Aug. 11): Discussed the transfer station with the Town Administrator, received an update on a Green Communities and streetlights competitive grant, and heard updates on municipal aggregation and a window insert workshop.

Planning Board (Aug. 17): Discussed a cannabis delivery business, a resident question, and received an update on the Dollar General project. Approval Not Required plans were on the agenda if needed.

Conservation Commission (Aug. 18): Reviewed an appraisal and proposed to authorize Conservation Trust Fund use for a Conservation Easement on N Plain Rd. Also discussed FEMA preliminary floodplain map outreach and an invasive species removal plan at the boat launch and Riverside Park Pathway.

Coming up

Assessors Office (Aug. 24): Discuss interim staffing without an administrative assistant, receive an update from the Town Treasurer, and hold an executive session on motor vehicle excise tax abatements, agricultural classification, and real estate abatement.

Selectboard and Board of Assessors (Aug. 24): Review and potentially appoint a new Assessor Assistant, with updates from the Selectboard and Town Administrator.

Zoning Board of Appeals (Sept. 3): Continue a public hearing on a special permit and/or variance for a 9,100 sq. ft. retail building with site improvements on Amherst Road (Rt. 116), Tax Map #9, Plot #44, by Calito Development Group, LLC. The hearing is at 6:30 PM, in person and remotely.

Sunderland boards weigh retail building, budget transfers, and more

Sunderland town boards met over the past two weeks on matters ranging from a proposed retail building to year-end budget transfers, but minutes from those meetings have not yet been published, so no official decisions are confirmed. The most significant item on the recent agendas was a continued public hearing before the Zoning Board of Appeals for a 9,100-square-foot retail building on Amherst Road.

Recent meetings

Zoning Board of Appeals (Aug. 3)

The board held a continued public hearing on an application by Calito Development Group for a special permit and/or variance to construct a 9,100 sq ft retail building with site improvements on Amherst Road (Route 116), at Tax Map #9, Plot #44. The hearing, originally scheduled for February 27, 2025, was continued to August 3, 2026. The board will decide whether to grant the permit and variance under the town's zoning bylaws. The meeting was held in person at Sunderland Town Offices and via Zoom, and broadcast on FCAT.

In a separate meeting the same day, the Zoning Board entered executive session to discuss litigation strategy for the case *Calito Development Group, LLC v. Town of Sunderland* (25 MISC 000629). The board then returned to open session to consider rescheduling the August 3 public hearing and setting a new continuation date for the Calito Special Permit Hearing.

Finance Committee (Aug. 10)

The Finance Committee met to handle routine end-of-year financial business, including final transfers, a review of school funding, and a discussion of the library director's salary correction. The agenda also included updates from the committee and the town administrator, plus planning for future meetings. No votes or decisions were specified in the agenda.

Energy Committee (Aug. 11)

The Energy Committee discussed the transfer station with the Town Administrator, received an update on a competitive grant for Green Communities and streetlights, and heard updates on municipal aggregation and a window insert workshop. The agenda also included approval of minutes and new business.

Assessors Office (Aug. 3 and Aug. 12)

The Board of Assessors met twice. On Aug. 3, the board reviewed applicants for an Assessor Assistant position and approved minutes from May, June, and July 2026. On Aug. 12, the board met with the town accountant, interviewed a candidate for a position, and reviewed the interview. Both meetings were agenda-only; minutes have not been published.

Upcoming meetings

Several meetings are scheduled for the next two weeks, with some items up for votes.

Selectboard and Finance Committee joint meeting (Aug. 17)

The Selectboard and Finance Committee will meet jointly to approve year-end budget transfers, correct FY27 salary figures, and discuss kratom regulations and sewer credits for vacant apartments. They will also vote on election officers for the term Sept. 1, 2026–Aug. 31, 2027. The meeting includes public comment and an executive session.

Planning Board (Aug. 17)

The Planning Board will hold a public meeting to discuss a cannabis delivery business and a resident question, receive an update on the Dollar General project, and handle any Approval Not Required (ANR) plans. The agenda also includes approval of minutes, mail, and committee reports.

Assessors Office (Aug. 17 and Aug. 18)

On Aug. 17, the Board of Assessors will interview two candidates for the Assessor Assistant position, meet with the Town Accountant, and review the interviews. On Aug. 18, the board will review two invoices from CAI Technologies for FY 2027: WebGIS Support at $3,000 and Document Upload Tool at $500, with notice of a 15% increase next year. They will also correct real estate exemptions from May 28, 2026, and enter executive session to process abatements and classification applications.

Conservation Commission (Aug. 18)

The Conservation Commission will review minutes from prior meetings and discuss new and old business. They will review an appraisal and vote on authorizing Conservation Trust Fund use for a Conservation Easement on N Plain Rd. They will also discuss FEMA floodplain map outreach and an invasive species removal plan at the boat launch and Riverside Park Pathway.

Coming up

• **Aug. 17** – Selectboard and Finance Committee joint meeting (budget transfers, kratom, sewer credits, election officers)
• **Aug. 17** – Planning Board (cannabis delivery, Dollar General update)
• **Aug. 17** – Assessors Office (candidate interviews)
• **Aug. 18** – Assessors Office (CAI invoices, exemptions, abatements)
• **Aug. 18** – Conservation Commission (Conservation Trust Fund vote, FEMA maps, invasive species)

All meetings are open to the public unless noted as executive session. Check the town website for agendas and participation details.

Sunderland boards meet on assessor hiring, ZBA litigation, retail building hearing

Sunderland's Assessors Office and Zoning Board of Appeals met Aug. 3, but minutes have not yet been published. The following is based on the published agendas.

Assessors Office

The Board of Assessors met to review applicants for an Assessor Assistant position and to approve minutes from May, June, and July 2026. The meeting was in-person only. No decisions were recorded in the agenda.

Zoning Board of Appeals – Litigation and Rescheduling

The Zoning Board of Appeals entered executive session to discuss strategy for pending litigation in Calito Development Group, LLC v. Town of Sunderland (case 25 MISC 000629). In open session, the board considered a request to reschedule the Aug. 3 public hearing and to set a new continuation date for the Calito Special Permit Hearing. No votes or outcomes were listed in the agenda.

Zoning Board of Appeals – Continued Hearing for Retail Building

The Zoning Board of Appeals held a continued public hearing on an application by Calito Development Group for a special permit and/or variance to construct a 9,100 sq ft retail building with site improvements on Amherst Road (Route 116), identified as Tax Map #9, Plot #44. The hearing was originally scheduled for Feb. 27, 2025, and was continued to Aug. 3, 2026. The meeting was held in person at Sunderland Town Offices and via Zoom, and was broadcast on FCAT. The board's decision on the permit and variance has not been published.

Coming up

The Planning Board will meet Aug. 17 at a time and location to be announced. The agenda includes a public appointment to discuss a cannabis delivery business, a resident question, an update on the Dollar General project, and any Approval Not Required (ANR) plans. The board will also consider approval of minutes, mail, and committee reports.

Sunderland boards eyed library roof, special ed funding; retail hearing continues Aug. 3

Sunderland's Selectboard, Finance Committee, and Board of Assessors met jointly on July 13 to take up several fiscal items — including emergency funding for library roof repairs, a special education invoice, and end-of-year transfers — but minutes from that meeting have not yet been published, so no outcomes or vote tallies are available.

All six recent meetings on the town calendar fall into the same category: agendas were posted, but minutes have not been released. What follows is a summary of what each body planned to discuss, not what was decided.

Joint Selectboard, Finance, and Assessors meeting

The July 13 joint meeting agenda listed several funding and personnel items:

• **Emergency repair funding for the library roof** — the amount was not specified in the agenda.
• **Funding a Smith Vocational invoice for special education** — no dollar figure was listed.
• **FY26 fiscal year-end transfers** — no amounts specified.
• **Appointment of a new assessor** to replace Michael Skibiski, with James Houle scheduled for an interview.
• **Signing the state primary warrant.**

The agenda also included a public comment period and an executive session.

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors agenda for the same evening included the interview of James Houle for the assessor vacancy, a review of property boundary issues on Sheep Hill Road, motor vehicle excise tax abatements, a senior tax deferral application, and a recreational land classification application. Two FY 2027 invoices were also listed for approval.

Planning Board

The Planning Board's July 13 agenda included an update on the Dollar General project, approval of prior minutes, any ANR (Approval Not Required) plans if needed, and committee reports. No decisions are confirmed because minutes have not been published.

Energy Committee

On July 14, the Energy Committee planned to discuss municipal electricity aggregation following a resident inquiry, review transfer station site options with Jan Ameen, receive updates on Green Communities initiatives and the streetlight program, and elect officers for FY 2027.

What residents should watch

The library roof funding and the special education invoice are the items most likely to affect town services and the municipal budget. Residents who want to know whether those items were approved should watch for the release of minutes from the July 13 joint meeting, or contact the Town Administrator's office.

Coming up

Zoning Board of Appeals — Monday, Aug. 3, 2026: A continued public hearing on an application by Calito Development Group for a special permit and/or variance to build a 9,100 sq ft retail building with site improvements on Amherst Road (Route 116), Tax Map #9, Plot #44. The hearing was originally scheduled for Feb. 27, 2025, and has been continued to Aug. 3, 2026. The board will decide whether to grant the permit and variance under the town's zoning bylaws. The meeting will be held in person at the Sunderland Town Offices and via Zoom, and broadcast on FCAT.

Sunderland Boards Tackle Library Roof Funding, Dollar General Update, and Fiscal Transfers

Sunderland's town boards met across the second week of July to weigh funding decisions, review property matters, and discuss ongoing projects. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, the items below reflect what was on each agenda — not what was formally voted or decided. Readers should consult the official minutes once released for confirmed outcomes.

Finance Committee and Selectboard: Library Roof, Special Ed Invoice, FY26 Transfers

The Finance Committee and Selectboard held a joint meeting July 13 to consider several funding items: FY26 fiscal year transfers, funding for a library roof repair, and payment of a Smith Vocational invoice for special education. The agenda also listed an executive session and a public comment period. A separate Selectboard agenda for the same date described the library roof item as emergency repair funding, though no dollar amount was specified. The Selectboard, Board of Assessors, and Finance Committee were also scheduled to sign the state primary warrant.

No vote tallies or dollar figures are available because minutes have not been published.

Planning Board: Dollar General Project Update

The Planning Board met July 13 and was scheduled to receive an update on the Dollar General project, listed as ongoing. The agenda also included approval of prior minutes, any ANR (Approval Not Required) plans if needed, and committee reports. No details on the project update were provided in the agenda.

Conservation Commission: Site Visits and Floodplain Education

The Conservation Commission met July 7 to review minutes from June 16 and take up new business. Site visits were listed for five properties: 24 Old Amherst Rd (screened deck), 166 N Main St (garage with ADU), 296 N Silver Lane (certificate of completion), 445 Montague Rd (new screened porch), and 23 N Bears Den (24x26 garage, noted as Natural Heritage). The commission also planned to discuss floodplain map education options for the fall, review conservation restriction language, and receive an update on a no-littering sign.

Board of Assessors: Personnel, Boundaries, and Tax Applications

The Board of Assessors met July 13 to review prior minutes and approve two FY 2027 invoices. The agenda included an interview of James Houle to replace Michael Skibiski as Assessor, a review of unavailable property boundaries for a sale on Sheep Hill Road, Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Abatements, a Senior Tax Deferral application, and a Recreational Land Classification application.

Energy Committee: Aggregation, Transfer Station, and Officer Elections

The Energy Committee met July 14 to discuss municipal electricity aggregation following a resident inquiry and review site options for the town transfer station with Jan Ameen. Members were also scheduled to receive updates on Green Communities initiatives and streetlight programs, and to elect officers for fiscal year 2027.

Coming Up

No upcoming meetings are listed for the next 14 days. Residents are encouraged to check the town's official postings for any meetings added after this roundup was prepared.

Sunderland weighs library roof funding, special ed invoice; recent boards met on retail proposal, conservation

Sunderland boards and committees are set to tackle several funding decisions this week, including emergency repairs to the library roof and a special education invoice, while recent meetings focused on a proposed retail building on Amherst Road and conservation site visits across town.

Because minutes have not yet been published for any of the four recent meetings covered in this roundup, only agenda items can be reported — not outcomes of votes or discussions.

Recent Meetings

Selectboard (June 29) — The Selectboard's agenda included a discussion about the South County Senior Center, a review and vote on the fiscal year 2027 appointment list, and a presentation on a proposed 10-year contract with Comcast. The board also planned to meet with the FCAT manager about equipment changes and discuss Selectboard planning meeting goals. Minutes have not been published.

Zoning Board of Appeals (June 30) — The ZBA held a continued public hearing on Calito Development Group's application for a Special Permit and/or Variance to construct a 9,100 sq. ft. retail building with site improvements at Amherst Road (Route 116). The hearing was continued from February 27, 2025. No outcome is available; minutes have not been published.

Conservation Commission (July 7) — The commission's agenda listed site visits for five properties: 24 Old Amherst Rd (screened deck), 166 N Main St (garage with ADU), 296 N Silver Lane (certificate of completion), 445 Montague Rd (new screened porch), and 23 N Bears Den (24x26 garage, flagged as Natural Heritage). The agenda also included discussion of floodplain map education options for the fall, an update on a no-littering sign, and conservation restriction language review. Minutes have not been published.

Board of Assessors (June 29) — The assessors planned to review June 24 meeting minutes, discuss a Selectboard memo regarding board needs, hold an executive session on MGL 61A requirements, and review Vadar Bridge results. Minutes have not been published.

Coming Up

Joint Selectboard, Board of Assessors, and Finance Committee (July 13) — The three bodies will meet jointly to consider emergency funding for library roof repairs, appoint a new assessor, approve FY26 fiscal year-end transfers, fund a Smith Vocational invoice for special education, and sign the state primary warrant. The dollar amount for the library roof funding is not specified in the agenda.

Finance Committee and Selectboard (July 13) — A joint meeting will discuss FY26 fiscal year transfers, library roof funding, and the Smith Vocational special education invoice. The meeting includes a public comment period and an executive session.

Planning Board (July 13) — The board will receive an update on the Dollar General project, address any ANR (Approval Not Required) plans, approve prior minutes, and hear committee reports.

Board of Assessors (July 13) — The board will interview James Houle to replace Michael Skibiski as assessor, review property boundary issues on Sheep Hill Road, process Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Abatements, and consider a Senior Tax Deferral application and a Recreational Land Classification application.

Energy Committee (July 14) — The committee will discuss municipal electricity aggregation following a resident inquiry, review transfer station site options with Jan Ameen, receive updates on Green Communities initiatives and streetlight programs, and elect officers for fiscal year 2027.

Sunderland meeting roundup: Boards weigh Comcast contract, retail hearing, and upcoming funding votes

Sunderland's town boards held a busy stretch of meetings in late June, but because minutes have not yet been published for any of them, no formal decisions are confirmed in the public record. Agendas show several consequential items were scheduled for discussion, including a proposed 10-year Comcast contract, a continued zoning hearing on a 9,100 sq. ft. retail building, and a Selectboard review of fiscal year 2027 appointments. Residents should watch for published minutes to confirm what was actually voted on.

Selectboard: Comcast contract, senior center, and FY27 appointments

The Selectboard met June 29 with a packed agenda. Items listed include a discussion about the South County Senior Center, a review and vote on the FY27 appointment list, and a presentation on a proposed 10-year contract with Comcast. The board was also scheduled to meet with the FCAT manager to discuss equipment changes and to discuss Selectboard planning meeting goals. A separate June 23 Selectboard meeting was largely procedural, with an executive session listed for strategy on non-union personnel negotiations. No vote tallies or outcomes are available because minutes have not been published.

Zoning Board of Appeals: Continued hearing on Amherst Road retail building

The Zoning Board of Appeals held a continued public hearing June 30 on Calito Development Group's application for a Special Permit and/or Variance to construct a 9,100 sq. ft. retail building with site improvements at Amherst Road (Route 116). The hearing was continued from February 27, 2025. The meeting was scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in person and via Zoom. No decision is recorded in the available materials.

Board of Assessors: Future needs and motor vehicle abatements

The Board of Assessors met June 24 and June 29. The June 24 agenda included a draft memo to the Selectboard on the board's current and future needs and a confidential executive session to review motor vehicle abatement applications. The June 29 agenda listed review of June 24 minutes, continued discussion of the Selectboard memo, an executive session regarding MGL 61A requirements, and a review of Vadar Bridge results. Outcomes are not yet available.

Energy Committee: Municipal aggregation and Transfer Station survey

The Energy Committee met June 23 to discuss and possibly decide on changing the first optional product in the town's municipal aggregation program. The agenda also included a review of Transfer Station survey results and a Green Communities update. No minutes have been published, so it is not confirmed whether a decision was made.

Coming up

• **July 7 — Conservation Commission:** Site visits for 24 Old Amherst Rd (screened deck), 166 N Main St (garage with ADU), 296 N Silver Lane (cert of completion), 445 Montague Rd (new screened porch), and 23 N Bears Den (24x26 garage). Also on the agenda: floodplain map education options for fall, a no-littering sign update, and conservation restriction language review.
• **July 13 — Finance Committee and Selectboard (joint):** Discussion and potential approval of FY26 fiscal year transfers, library roof funding, and a Smith Vocational invoice for special education. An executive session is listed.
• **July 13 — Planning Board:** An update on the Dollar General project, plus any ANR (Approval Not Required) plans and committee reports.
• **July 14 — Energy Committee:** Municipal aggregation update following a resident inquiry, transfer station site discussion with Jan Ameen, Green Communities and streetlight program updates, and election of officers for FY27.

ZBA Continues Route 116 Retail Hearing; Library Roof, Special Ed Funding on Deck

No major decisions were confirmed from recent Sunderland municipal meetings, as minutes had not yet been published. However, agendas show a week of land-use hearings, personnel strategies, and contract presentations. Significant funding decisions are expected in the coming week when the Finance Committee and Selectboard meet jointly.

Zoning Board hears Route 116 retail plan

The Zoning Board of Appeals held a continued public hearing on June 30 for a special permit and/or variance sought by Calito Development Group. The applicant proposes a 9,100-square-foot retail building with site improvements at Amherst Road (Route 116). The hearing was originally continued from Feb. 27, 2025. The board did not release an immediate decision.

Selectboard reviews appointments, Comcast deal

At its June 29 meeting, the Selectboard planned to review and vote on the fiscal year 2027 appointment list and receive a presentation on a proposed 10-year contract with Comcast. The board also discussed the South County Senior Center and met with the FCAT manager about equipment changes. A separate executive session on June 23 focused on strategy for negotiations with non-union personnel. No minutes were available from either meeting.

Energy Committee considers aggregation change

The Energy Committee on June 23 discussed changing the first optional product in the town’s municipal electricity aggregation program. Members also reviewed results of a Transfer Station survey and received an update on Green Communities initiatives.

Assessors outline future needs

The Board of Assessors met on June 24 and June 29. The board worked on a draft memo to the Selectboard detailing current and future needs, reviewed motor vehicle abatement applications, and held an executive session regarding MGL 61A requirements. The June 29 meeting included a review of Vadar Bridge results.

Coming up

July 7 – Conservation Commission will review site visits at 24 Old Amherst Rd (screened deck), 166 N Main St (garage with ADU), 296 N Silver Lane (certification of completion), 445 Montague Rd (screened porch), and 23 N Bears Den (garage, Natural Heritage review). The commission will also discuss options for fall floodplain map education.

July 13 – Finance Committee and Selectboard (joint) will consider FY26 fiscal year transfers, library roof funding, and a Smith Vocational invoice for special education. The meeting, which includes a public comment period and an executive session, could result in decisions on those spending items.

July 13 – Planning Board will receive an update on the Dollar General project and address any Approval Not Required (ANR) plans.

July 14 – Energy Committee will discuss municipal aggregation following a resident inquiry, review transfer station site options with Jan Ameen, and elect officers for fiscal year 2027. Updates on Green Communities and streetlight programs are also on the agenda.