On the agenda: Belchertown minutes — flock camera (Sep 8)

TOWN OF BELCHERTOWN
SELECT BOARD’S MEETING MINUTES
September

8, 2026 @ 6:30 PM

Select Board Meeting Room, Town Hall
Whitney Jorns Kuhnlenz, Nicole A Miner, Jonathan Ritter, Lesa Lessard Pearson
Present:
Jennifer D Turner
Virtually
Present:

1)
2)

Public Comment: None.

3)

Sign Documents:
August 17, 2026 Minutes: J Ritter made a motion to approve the minutes from the August 17, 2026
meeting. Seconded by N Miner. Roll Call Vote: J Turner — Aye, J Ritter — Aye, N Miner — Aye, L Lessard
Pearson — Aye, W Jorns Kuhnlenz — Aye. Motion passes 5-0-0.

4

Additions to the Agenda: None.

5)

Appointments:

6:35 p.m. — Public Hearing

—

Belchertown

FY22/23 Community

Development

Block Grant

(CDBG)

Performance Hearing:
Chair Jorns Kuhnlenz opened the public hearing at 6:35 p.m. Erica Johnson of the Pioneer Valley Planning
Commission provided an update on the FY22/23 Community Development Block Grant supporting water
and septic improvements at Sportshaven. The Town received approximately $1.35 million through the
grant, with approximately $400,000 remaining committed but unspent. Work completed to date includes
the new well, water piping, water tank, emergency generator, septic lines, paving, and drainage
improvements. The overall project has increased from an original estimate of approximately $2 million to
more than $5 million due to inflation and the passage of time.
The Town has secured approximately $3.8 million in construction and engineering funding from multiple
sources and has two additional funding requests pending. The project is expected to require at least another
year to complete, with the timeline dependent on additional funding. The existing septic systems remain in
use while the new system is completed.
The Board discussed the estimated $1.2 million construction funding shortfall, approximately $200,000 in
additional engineering and oversight costs, future stormwater and site restoration work, potential
replacement of older mobile homes, and long-term maintenance responsibilities. It was emphasized that
the Town is not responsible for ongoing maintenance of the park’s infrastructure and that the park is being
assisted in establishing a self-supporting maintenance structure.
No written public comments were received, and there were no questions from the audience.
J Ritter moved the Board to close the public hearing. Seconded by N Miner. Roll Call Vote: J Turner —
Aye, J Ritter — Aye, N Miner — Aye, L Lessard Pearson — Aye, W Jorns Kuhnlenz — Aye. Motion passes 50-0. Hearing closed at 6:52 PM.

Gail Gramarossa, Chair — Opioid Settlement Funds Committee — Request for Approval of Funding
Application and Discussion of Proposed Program:
Gail Gramarossa, Chair of the Opioid Settlement Funds Committee, provided an update on a municipal
matching grant with Ware and the RISE Foundation that will fund a full-time housing and care navigator.
The individual will work two days per week in Belchertown and one day at the recovery center, with the
Town providing office space.
The Committee also presented a request from the public schools for $61,611.36 in opioid settlement funds
to supplement their newly renewed federal Drug-Free Communities grant. The funding would support
additional staffing hours and travel expenses for a national conference in February 2027. The schools have
a federal grant of $125,000 annually and will return approximately $66,154.60 in unspent prior funding.
This proposal will get everyone on the same fiscal year.

L Lessard Pearson brought up the need for measurable performance indicators and outcomes for programs
receiving opioid settlement funds. The Committee agreed to consider incorporating anticipated outcomes
and performance measures into future applications and reporting.
J Ritter made a motion to approve 61,611.36 from Opioid Settlement Funds to support the proposal in
front of the Board. Seconded by L Lessard Pearson. Roll Call Vote: J Turner — Aye, J Ritter — Aye, N
Miner — Aye, L Lessard Pearson — Aye, W Jorns Kuhnlenz — Aye. Motion passes 3-0-0.
G Gramarossa also introduced a proposed program, modeled after the HALO program in Boston, to
provide support to Belchertown families following an overdose death, including assistance with funeral
expenses, counseling, mental health services, and other needs. N Miner mentioned that the proposal would
be limited to Belchertown residents and requested clarification regarding allowable public-safety
expenditures. The Board expressed general support for further exploration and L Lessard Pearson
requested to know whether a local social worker could play a role alongside HALO.

6)

Discussion/Action Items:
a.

Review Application of One Day Liquor License Application — McCarthy’s Pub:
The Board reviewed a one-day liquor license application for McCarthy’s Pub for the Fair. The Board noted
that this is an annual request.
J Ritter made a motion to approve the one-day liquor license for McCarthy’s. Seconded by N Miner. Roll
Call Vote: J Turner — Aye, J Ritter — Aye, N Miner — Aye, L Lessard Pearson — Aye, W Jorns Kuhnlenz —
Aye. Motion passes 5-0-0.
Request to Place Signs on Town Property — Fair Committee:
Town Manager Williams presented the Fair Committee’s annual request to place approximately 30 step-on
signs and a sandwich board on Town property from September 18 through September 27, 2026. The signs
will be used for advertising as well as traffic control and detour management.
N Miner moved the Board to approve the request of the Fair Committee for Fair sign placement of a
sandwich board and 30 step-on signs on Town property from September 18" through September 27%,
2026. Seconded by L Lessard Pearson. Roll Call Vote: J Turner — Aye, J Ritter — Aye, N Miner — Aye, L
Lessard Pearson — Aye, W Jorns Kuhnlenz — Aye. Motion passes 5-0-0.

Right of First Refusal — Ablicki, South Liberty Street:
The Board considered a request involving approximately 40,000 square feet of property on South Liberty
Street. The Conservation Commission and Planning Board recommended that the Town not exercise its
right of first refusal.
J Ritter made a motion to not exercise their right of first refusal on the Ablicki property on South Liberty
Street. Seconded by N Miner. Roll Call Vote: J Turner — Aye, J Ritter — Aye, N Miner — Aye, L Lessard
Pearson — Aye, W Jorns Kuhnlenz — Aye. Motion passes 5-0-0.

Declare Law Books Surplus:

The Board discussed outdated law books located in the Select Board meeting room, with the most recent
edition dating to approximately 2009. The Town Manager recommended declaring the books surplus
rather than moving them into storage. The Board also discussed potentially using the cleared space for a
presentation screen or other purposes.
N Miner moved the Board to approve the request of the Town Manager to declare the law books in the
Select Board Meeting Room as surplus property. Seconded by J Ritter. Roll Call Vote: J Turner — Aye, J
Ritter — Aye, N Miner — Aye, L Lessard Pearson — Aye, W Jorns Kuhnlenz — Aye. Motion passes 5-0-0.
Board requested that the Town Manager review whether the Town Manager has authority to declare
certain low-value surplus property without bringing the matter before the Board.
€.

Approve updated of Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Policy:

Town Manager Williams explained that the State’s Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is already followed by
the Town, but the Town's corresponding internal policy had not been recently documented and dated.
Town Counsel reviewed and recommended adoption of an updated policy.
N Miner moved the Board to approve the updated Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Policy. Seconded by J
Ritter. Further Discussion: The Board discussed ensuring appropriate private spaces are available for
lactation and other accommodations at various Town facilities. Staff confirmed that accommodations are
handled on a case-by-case basis with consideration given to privacy, proximity, refrigeration, and other
requirements. Roll Call Vote: J Turner — Aye, J Ritter — Aye, N Miner — Aye, L Lessard Pearson — Aye, W
Jorns Kuhnlenz — Aye. Motion passes 5-0-0.

Endorse Performance Review for Town Manager:
The Board considered its FY2026 performance review of the Town Manager. The review had an overall
average score of 3.36. Members discussed retaining decimal scores for accuracy and agreed that potential
changes to the evaluation process could be considered during the next review cycle.
J Ritter made a motion to approve the Town Manager’s evaluation for fiscal year 2026 as presented in
front of the Board. Seconded by J Turner. Further Discussion: The Board also discussed improving the
review timeline, including establishing a deadline for the Town Manager's self-assessment before the
Board completes its evaluation. The Town Manager noted that his written self-assessment should ideally
have been submitted before the Board conducted its review. Roll Call Vote: J Turner — Aye, J Ritter — Aye,
N Miner — Aye, L Lessard Pearson — Aye, W Jorns Kuhnlenz — Aye. Motion passes 5-0-0.
Discuss Select Board Member Appointment to MVP Housing Trust:
The Board discussed the appointment of a Select Board representative to the newly established MVP
Housing Trust Board of Trustees. The Board reviewed the structure of the trust and the requirement for a
Select Board member. The Board discussed the appropriate length of the appointment and whether it
should align with the Board’s annual liaison appointments. The Town Manager will consult with Town
Counsel regarding the appropriate term.
N Miner moved the Board to nominate Lesa Lessard Pearson as the Select Board member to serve on the
MVP Housing Trust. J Ritter seconded the motion. L Lessard Pearson accepted the nomination. Roll Call
Vote: J Turner — Aye, J Ritter — Aye, N Miner — Aye, L Lessard Pearson — Aye, W Jorns Kuhnlenz — Aye.
Motion passes 5-0-0.
Discuss Individual Select Board Member Projects, Communications,
and Initiatives:
The Board discussed the importance of keeping members informed about individual projects and
initiatives. Members agreed that projects involving significant work or Board interest should be placed on
meeting agendas so the full Board can discuss them and, when appropriate, formally establish them as
Town initiatives.
The Board also discussed the challenges of communicating among members while complying with the
Open Meeting Law. Staff will investigate potential project-management or communication tools that could
facilitate information sharing without creating Open Meeting Law concerns. Members were also
encouraged to review MMA strategic alignment webinars regarding Board communication, group norms,
and project coordination.
Tadgell Update — MVP 2.0 Grant, Project Scoping:
The Board discussed the future of the Tadgell building and the recently awarded $1 million MVP 2.0
grant. The grant will fund additional planning, design, and public outreach related to a potential resiliency
hub and mixed-use redevelopment of the approximately 40,000-square-foot building. At least 40% of the
proposed space must be dedicated to community space to qualify for the grant, with the remaining space
contemplated for business use.
The Town Manager emphasized that no decision has been made regarding the future ownership or use of
the building. Options discussed included retaining the building and acting as landlord, pursuing a publicprivate partnership, or selling the property and potentially leasing space for a resiliency hub.

Board members expressed differing views regarding the feasibility and cost of retaining the building and
discussed the possibility of selling the property. L Lessard Pearson was in favor of returning the grant
money if the funding was only available to use the Tadgell Building to build a resiliency hub, despite cowriting the grant that was awarded. Members raised questions regarding whether the Board would be
required to repay the grant under several scenarios. Specifically, they questioned if a repayment would be
triggered if the Town sells or demolishes the building after accepting the funds, if the Town sells the
property while grant funds are actively being expended, or if a future owner fails to maintain the facility as
a resiliency hub.
The Town Manager will seek written clarification from the MVP program and Pioneer Valley Planning
Commission regarding these issues. The Board also discussed potentially developing an RFP for the
property while continuing to pursue available grants. No final decision was made regarding the future of
the building.

7)

Town Manager’s Report:

8)

Review of Weekly Mail:
a.
N Miner brought up incoming mail item number 5 regarding flock cameras. The Board discussed
correspondence regarding Flock cameras, including questions about ownership and use of cameras in
Town. The Police Chief reported that no municipal entity was currently using Flock cameras and that the
cameras identified were believed to be privately owned or associated with the State. The Board discussed
the possibility of developing a Town policy regarding Flock cameras and requested additional information
about the camera located near Dwight Station.
b. N Miner brought up incoming mail item number 9 regarding a curb cut on Aldrich Street. The Board also
discussed resident concerns regarding a proposed curb cut on Aldrich Street. The DPW reviewed the
location and determined that sight distance appeared adequate. Staff followed up with the affected
residents, who indicated that their concerns had been addressed.
C. N Miner brought up incoming mail item number 8 regarding a public hearing form the Water Resources
Commission. The Board discussed an upcoming public hearing concerning an inter-basin transfer
application involving the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority and additional water from the
Quabbin Reservoir. Although the Town does not have a vote on the application, members noted that the
Town can participate in the public hearing and provide comments. A related public hearing was noted for
September 30 at 11:00 a.m. at Town Hall.
W Jorns Kuhnlenz brought up outgoing mail items 1, 6, 8, and 10 regarding committee member
resignations. It was confirmed that letters of appreciation were sent to those individuals.

He endorsed Warrant #2707, $2,422.,190.03; #2708, $880,892.70.
He attended Re-Scoping Meeting to discuss the use of MVP Funds for the Tadgell Building Reuse Design.
He met with MVP Program Administrator re: Tadgell Grant.
He met with Energy & Sustainability Committee Members re: Rooftop Solar.
He attended MMA Seminar re: Municipal Bond Ratings.
He attended Rural Check-in with Anne Gobe.
He conducted meeting with various Department Heads re: Implementation of a Self-Help Kiosk. He would
like to discuss the Board's preferences on placement before moving forward.
He met with Eric Weiss, Community & Economic Development Planner, re: Priorities. N Miner requested
that Eric Weiss meet with the Board on a regular basis.
He attended meeting with Cutchins School. Emergency responses have been reduced, incidents have been
investigated and the school has not been found to be negligent.
He attended Quad-Board Meeting.
He met with Fair Committee Chair, Vice Chair, and John Fanelli to review and sign Annual Fair Contract.
He met with Rec Director Kyle Thibeault to discuss offer to rehab Front Softball Field at CHCS. L Lessard
Pearson requested notes from the meeting.
He conducted Economic Development internal team Meeting.
He met with the Chair of Finance Committee and Town Accountant/Finance Director re: Financial Policies
and FY28 Budget Planning. Several policies may be brought to the next Tri-Board Meeting.
He worked on resolving power supply issues to Sportshaven.
He was on vacation from 8.31 to 9.4.

9)

Individual Board Member’s Reports:
J Turner:
e She went to the Skate Park Mural event, stating that it was very impactful.
e She attended the economic development internal meeting, stating that a lot of the conversation surrounded
marketing and the new Cultural District Manager's role.

L Lessard Pearson:
e
e
e
o

She went to the scoping meeting for the resiliency hub on August 17.
She attended the EDIC meeting on August 19 where they were meeting with different vendors.
She attended the Cutchins School meeting on August 20.
She attended the Quad Board meeting on August 24, and complimented the Chair for running the meeting
well.
e She attended the Belchertown MVP meeting on August 27 where they discussed the next steps for the
Housing Trust.
e She met with the chair of the Finance Committee on August 27.
N Miner:
e She attended the 250" Celebration Task Force meeting on August 24. Volunteers are needed.
e She attended the Quad Board Meeting on August 24.
e She attended the Planning Board meeting on August 25 where they discussed the possibility of the
Conservation Commission joining the Quad Board.
e She attended the Historical Commission meeting on August 26.
e She attended the fireworks planning meeting on August 26.
e She went to the McPherson Garden Committee meeting on August 26. They discussed the possibility of
modifying their charge to add more members as well as adding their name to a Wayfinding sign, which
was discussed briefly.
J Ritter:
e He met with the Recreation director about brainstorming future plans for the Town fields on August 18.
e He attended a Complete Streets meeting on August 19 where they discussed potential projects.
e He attended the swearing in of the new firefighter on August 24. The department gained another firefighter
on top of that, and the department is now full.
He attended a grant reception for the Cultural Council on August 24.
He attended the Quad Board on August 24.
The Fair is moving forward, Stars, Stripes and Fair Nights is the theme.
He attended the Pathfinder new orientation group on August 25. This is the largest class with 225 students.
The Board discussed having the Pathfinder Superintendent attend a meeting as well as the Board attending
a ribbon cutting on September 18. They also hired a new Student Resource Officer for Pathfinder.
e He attended the Fireworks meeting on August 26, things are moving forward. The fire marshal approved
the site. There will be food trucks. They raised $19,000.00 for the firework show, parking will be
facilitated by volunteers. Non-service dogs are not allowed. Bring bug spray and a blanket. They are
asking for a voluntary $5.00 donation to fund the show in coming years.
He attended the Back-to-School Veteran's event on August 26, which was a positive event.
He attended the Lake Wallace and Foley Field planning meeting on August 27.
He served lunch to charity riders at the VFW on August 29 which acts as a fundraiser for veterans.
He attended the School Committee meeting on August 31.
He went to the International Overdose Awareness event on August 31.
He met with the superintendent on September 3 and they discussed embracing change.

W Jorns Kuhnlenz:
e
e

She congratulated the schools for opening smoothly.
She had coffee with Representative Saunders, who would like to come to a meeting before 2027.

10)

Future Items for Discussion: N Miner requested a discussion on the Gather initiative at a future meeting.

11)

Questions from The Press: None.

12)

EXECUTIVE SESSION MOVE TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION, RETURN TO OPEN
SESSION: MGL C.30A, Section 21, Subsection

8 — to consider or interview applicants

for employment

by a preliminary

screening committee,

if the chair declares that an open meeting will have a detrimental

effect in obtaining qualified applicants. This shall not apply to any meeting regarding applicants who
have passed a prior preliminary screening. (Screening of Employee, Volunteer, and Citizen of the Year)
J Ritter moved the Board to enter into executive session, return to open session: MGL C.30A, Section 21,
Subsection 8 — to consider or interview applicants for employment by a preliminary screening committee, if
the chair declares that an open meeting will have a detrimental effect in obtaining qualified applicants. This
shall not apply to any meeting regarding applicants who have passed a prior preliminary screening. (Screening
of Employee, Volunteer, and Citizen of the Year). Seconded by N Miner. Roll Call Vote: J Turner — Aye, J
Ritter — Aye, N Miner — Aye, L Lessard Pearson — Aye, W Jorns Kuhnlenz — Aye. Motion passes 5-0-0.

13)

Return to Open Session to Vote on Results of Executive Session:
The Board returned to open session and reported that it had reviewed nominations for Volunteer of the Year,
Employee of the Year, and Citizen of the Year.
N Miner made a motion to nominate Allegra Giovine as Volunteer of the Year. Seconded by J Ritter. Roll Call
Vote: J Turner — Aye, J Ritter — Aye, N Miner — Aye, L Lessard Pearson — Aye, W Jorns Kuhnlenz — Aye.
Motion passes 5-0-0.
J Ritter made a motion to nominate Kyle Thibeault as Employee of the Year. Seconded by N Miner. Roll Call
Vote: J Turner — Aye, J Ritter — Aye, N Miner — Aye, L Lessard Pearson — Aye, W Jorns Kuhnlenz — Aye.
Motion passes 5-0-0.
L Lessard Pearson made a motion to nominate Ed Comeau as Citizen of the Year. Seconded by N Miner. Roll
Call Vote: J Turner — Aye, J Ritter — Aye, N Miner — Aye, L Lessard Pearson — Aye, W Jorns Kuhnlenz — Aye.
Motion passes 5-0-0.

14)

Adjournment: J Ritter made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by L Lessard Pearson. Roll Call Vote: J Turner —
Aye, J Ritter — Aye, N Miner — Aye, L Lessard Pearson — Aye, W Jorns Kuhnlenz — Aye. Motion passes 5-0-0.
Meeting Adjourned at 10:17 PM.

Minutes submitted by Steven J Williams, Town Manager
Board approved/endorsed:

09/

hy, / J 0 20

Select Board - Town of Belchertown
Endorsed py a majority:

Hom

Whitney Jorns

POA

JO6nathan Ritter, Clerk

=x
:

ayyFrner, Member

Jennif

——.

Miner, Vice Chg r

La

Suppbrting Documents:
Belchertown FY22/23 CDBG Performance Hearing
Opioid Settlement Funds Grant Application
One Day Liquor License Application
Request to Place Signs on Town Property — Fair Committee
Right of First Refusal — Ablicki, South Liberty Street
Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Policy
Town Manager Performance Review

Housing Trust Warrant Article
MVP 2.0 Grant Revised Scope
2023-2026 Substance (Mis) Use Calls

Attendance Sheet
Public Comment Sign Up Sheet

Pearson, Member