Selectboard Meeting - Mar. 24th, 2025

Agenda

1. Call to order
2. The Pledge of Allegiance
3. Review and or approve school roof bids
4. Review and or approve MVP letter of support
5. ADA Grant focus
6. Briggsville Water District Discussion
7. Public Comment
8. Adjourn

Minutes

Present were Selectboard members Robert Norcross, Dan Haskins, Colton Andrews, Town Administrator Ron Boucher, Superintendent John Franzoni, Clebe Scott, Mary Giron, Tom Bona, Peter Gentile of Northern Berkshire Community Television, John Fosser and Sarah Hurlbut

Chair Robert Norcross opened the meeting at 5pm

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited

Review & approve school roof bids: Dan asked if they should consider completing both flats not knowing the future of the school or should they focus on the main part for now?  Robert liked Wooliver being the lowest cost depending on the damage. One possibility is a debt exclusion if it goes over depending on the findings.  Wooliver has a good reputation, and they are local.  The children still need to attend school until a decision is made.  This needs to be done during the summer.  Ron believes the town’s best interest is to repair the school roof and move forward.  The school will be appraised on Wednesday.  Mary Giron from the School Committee asked if the gym roof was included in the renovation.  The board verified it was.  Tom feels the building is the town’s responsibility whether it’s a school or not.  The building is paid for and is an asset to the town.  Wooliver gave an honest price for the roof.  They are reputable, honest and Tom believes Wooliver is the best way to go.  John Franzoni is trying to get in touch with an engineer to see where the building stands, and an accurate assessment of what work needs to be done.  The walk through at the school was an eye opener.  The next plan is to see what’s affordable and reasonable to the town moving forward.  Options are more limited.  John will be meeting with other local superintendents regarding a regional study regarding options down the road.  The Clarksburg School student population has increased due to families prioritizing living in Clarksburg so that their children can attend the school.  Tom Bona thinks all the flat roofs should be done instead of piecemealing it.  Colton motioned to accept the bid from DJ Wooliver, Dan second, motion carried. 

Robert gave an MVP update.  The design will be finished by June to fix the drainage problem at Town Field.  Dan motioned to approve letter of support for the MVP program.  John recommended a joint meeting with a presentation given by BRPC..

ADA grant focus: The previous 2 years the grant was not obtained.  Evan George met with Ron and Robert and suggested picking one building and applying for the grant verses several projects.  Now the Selectboard knows why the grant has not been awarded prior.  Robert believes the school has the most need for the ADA grant.  Dan spoke regarding entering the studies and not knowing what direction the school is going in is worried it may be a waste.  Colton agrees either way.  Robert stressed the importance of it being a town building and students will need to be there for another 2-3yrs regardless.  Colton spoke regarding re-purposing an old school can be difficult.  Many schools get demolished.  Ron spoke regarding not having to match the money.  John referenced the fall of 2021 study recommended updating the bathrooms and the engineering price range.  Colton motioned for the ADA grant to go towards the school, Robert second, motion carried.

Clebe Scott is concerned about Briggsville Water and is at the meeting as a concerned resident, as a customer he will abstain till public comments.

Robert said the town is involved with Briggsville Water.

Public comments: Clebe attends all Briggsville Water meetings.  His concern is they are running out of volunteers.  John, Mary and Carl have been handling Briggsville Water.  Clebe feels the district needs liaison.  Ron believes an operator is expensive & if Briggsville water can support an operator then discussions should take place.  Colton asked about liabilities ballpark figures if Briggsville was overseen by the town.  Clebe informed the board that for over 40yrs it has taken care of itself purchasing properties and buildings to protect the water system.  Clebe said it is a part time job for 4 hours per day.  A grant could replace the entire system and provide a gravity-fed water tank.  Clebe produced a study with different alternatives for the board to review.  Robert asked why Briggsville can’t be like the water/ sewer enterprise fund with the town reading the meters.  Briggsville is not looking for money, they are looking for help with an overview of the grants.  Clebe verified the engineering would be done through the BRIK grant and they have a follow-up grant for the system.  Colton wants hard numbers.  Sarah spoke regarding licenses required for DPW and licensing for water meter readings may require an increasing payrate for such an employee.  Mary spoke regarding the DEP stating minimal 20- 30 hrs. per week which was not feasible.  The system is not that large & does not require someone for that duration.  Clebe stressed the importance of communication while seeking out grants to keep an eye out for water related grants.  Mary urged the board sooner than later to come up with a plan.  She does not want to lose momentum with the grants.  Robert spoke regarding a plan to present to the town.  Courtney and the BRPC are involved in the process as well.  The board agreed to work with Briggsville on the current situation.

Robert motioned to adjourn at 5:40pm, motion carried.

A TRUE MOTION ATTEST,

Rachelle Bleau

Administrative Assistant

SELECTBOARD,

       Robert Norcross, Chair                     Dan Haskins                                  Colton Andrews