Hardwick Meeting Notes

Month

April 2026

2 meetings

April 13, 2026

Published

Hardwick Select Board Meeting Regarding Municipal Operations and Infrastructure

04/13/2026 Hardwick, MA. Select Board Meeting

1h 41m

The Hardwick Select Board convened on April 13, 2026, to address a variety of municipal matters, including the approval of meeting minutes, the review of departmental reports, and discussions regarding local infrastructure projects. The board engaged with town officials to coordinate upcoming maintenance schedules and reviewed administrative procedures to ensure compliance with town bylaws.

April 6, 2026

Published

Hardwick Select Board Meeting Regarding Municipal Operations and Infrastructure

04/06/2026 Hardwick, MA. Select Board Meeting

1h 32m

The Hardwick Select Board convened to address municipal administrative matters, including the approval of meeting minutes, review of departmental reports, and discussion of ongoing infrastructure and community projects. The board engaged in deliberations regarding the town's fiscal responsibilities, public safety coordination, and the scheduling of upcoming community events, ensuring transparency and adherence to local governance protocols.

Month

March 2026

5 meetings

March 30, 2026

Published

Hardwick Select Board Budget Review and Financial Planning Meeting

03/30/2026 Hardwick, MA. Select Board Meeting

1h 23m

The Hardwick Select Board conducted a comprehensive review of the municipal budget, focusing on revolving accounts, departmental funding, and long-term debt obligations. Key discussions included the restructuring of payroll expenses within revolving accounts, the financial requirements for library operations, and the management of debt exclusions for infrastructure projects such as the fire truck and sewer department. The board also reviewed insurance costs and staffing budget implications, concluding with a commitment to refine budget line items for the upcoming fiscal year.

March 23, 2026

Published

Hardwick Select Board Meeting: Property Development and Municipal Operations

03/23/2026 Hardwick, MA. Select Board Meeting

1h 10m

The Hardwick Select Board met to discuss the potential development of two town-owned properties, 179 Main Street and the Ruggles Hill Road school, while also addressing administrative matters including the Cemetery Commission's revolving fund, a mowing contract, and the appointment of a new commission member. The Board reviewed and approved several sets of meeting minutes, tabled others for corrections, and received updates from the Town Administrator regarding ongoing projects and municipal training.

March 16, 2026

Published

Hardwick Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Review and Departmental Oversight

03/16/2026 Hardwick, MA. Select Board & Finance Committee Meeting

1h 29m

The Hardwick Select Board and Finance Committee met to review the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget, focusing on administrative, IT, legal, and departmental expenses. The board scrutinized salary increases, IT service costs, and the need for improved financial oversight, including the enforcement of billing policies and the request for detailed transaction reports. Discussions also covered the potential for regionalizing services, the restructuring of the treasurer/collector position, and the administrative challenges within the conservation department.

March 9, 2026

Published

Hardwick Select Board Meeting: Infrastructure, Budget, and Administrative Oversight

03/09/2026 Hardwick, MA. Select Board Meeting

48m

The Hardwick Select Board held a public hearing to approve a National Grid pole installation project on Collins Road to support electrical infrastructure upgrades. The Board addressed various administrative tasks, including the approval of several sets of meeting minutes, the appointment of a new wastewater treatment plant operator, and a review of the fiscal year 2027 sewer budget. Additionally, the Board discussed potential development projects, received updates on town facility repairs and grant applications, and noted important upcoming election and training dates.

March 4, 2026

Published

Hardwick FY26-FY27 Budget Review and Financial Planning

03/04/2026 Hardwick, MA. Select Board & Finance Committee Meeting

1h 3m

The joint meeting focused on a comprehensive review of the Fiscal Year 2026 and 2027 budgets, including a detailed analysis of revenue streams, major expenditure categories, and specific departmental budgets such as the Police Department and Schools. Discussions covered funding mechanisms for capital projects like a new cruiser, the impact of student enrollment changes on school contributions, and the need for greater transparency and detailed breakdowns of general government expenses. Key action items were assigned for financial reporting and further departmental budget presentations, with the next meeting scheduled to continue the review.

Month

February 2026

3 meetings

February 18, 2026

Published

Addressing Administrative Backlog, Public Records, and Community Health Initiatives

02/18/2026 Hardwick, MA. Select Board Meeting

1h 10m

The Hardwick Select Board meeting on February 18, 2026, primarily focused on resolving a significant backlog of open and executive session meeting minutes, establishing a comprehensive plan for their completion and approval by April 30, 2026. Discussions included the potential use of AI tools for drafting minutes, the administrative burden of numerous Open Meeting Law complaints and Public Records Requests, and the clarification of roles and responsibilities in minute-taking. Additionally, residents presented petitions concerning the future of Mary Lane Hospital, advocating for new healthcare models and telemedicine connectivity, while internal board exchanges highlighted ongoing communication challenges.

February 9, 2026

Published

Key Municipal Initiatives, Infrastructure Updates, and Administrative Oversight

02/09/2026 Hardwick, MA. Select Board Meeting

1h 42m

The Hardwick Select Board meeting addressed a range of critical municipal matters, including updates to the regional school agreement and progress on the Hardwick Elementary School roof project, alongside a public hearing for National Grid and Verizon pole relocations. Significant attention was given to advancing rural healthcare through a federal grant program and a strategic partnership with UMass, following the finalization of the Gilbert Trust's transfer to Baystate. Administrative challenges were a prominent discussion point, particularly concerning delays and accuracy in meeting minutes and disputes over public records request charges. The board also reviewed the preliminary Fiscal Year 2027 budget, supported the Health Care Task Force, and discussed staffing updates and ongoing regional collaborations.

February 5, 2026

Published

Aquifer Protection, Landfill Contamination, and Public Health Initiatives

02/05/2026 Hardwick, MA. Board of Health Meeting

1h 44m

The Hardwick Board of Health convened on February 5, 2026, addressing critical public health and environmental concerns. Key discussions included the development of Nicotine Free Generation (NFG) regulations, with a public hearing suspended to allow for an updated draft incorporating NFG language and aligning local fines with state standards. A significant portion of the meeting focused on confirmed groundwater contamination at the Hardwick Landfill, specifically with PFOA/PFAS and 1,4-dioxane, impacting the Muddy Brook Aquifer. The Board decided to hire a Licensed Site Professional (LSP) for data interpretation, is actively pursuing legal counsel, engaging the DEP, and drafting comprehensive aquifer protection regulations. Other agenda items covered Lower Road Landfill monitoring, rural health initiatives, and administrative reports, all aimed at safeguarding community health and resources.

Month

January 2026

2 meetings

January 28, 2026

Published

Hardwick Select Board: Boiler Crisis, Grants, and Records

01/28/26- Hardwick, MA Select Board Meeting

1h 4m

The Hardwick Select Board convened to address critical infrastructure concerns, primarily focusing on the school's failing boiler system and the urgent need for funding and long-term energy solutions. Discussions included exploring various grant opportunities for town projects, particularly for school decarbonization and historic revitalization. A contentious debate arose regarding the town's handling of public records requests, specifically concerning fee collection, accounting, and the potential for a refund. The Board also approved several administrative items, including meeting minutes, the appointment of an Acting Fire Chief, and an updated electrical inspection fee schedule, alongside receiving updates on ongoing town projects and financial planning.

January 12, 2026

Published

Hardwick Select Board Meeting: Governance, Transparency, and Administrative Procedures Review

01/12/26- Hardwick, MA Select Board Meeting

1h 8m

The Hardwick Select Board addressed a range of municipal matters, including the approval of a pole installation on Barry Road and an addendum to the West Brookfield Ambulance contract. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public concerns regarding Open Meeting Law compliance, the status of meeting minutes, and allegations concerning the Town Administrator's conduct. Discussions also covered the volume and cost of public records requests, the process for agenda item submissions, and the need for clarified roles and responsibilities within town administration. The board approved a schedule for handling open meeting minutes and committed to addressing outstanding issues.

Month

December 2025

2 meetings

December 22, 2025

Published

Hardwick Select Board: Key Projects, Conservation, and Public Safety

12/22/25 - Hardwick, MA Select Board Meeting

48m

The Hardwick Select Board addressed a range of municipal matters, including the approval of a pole installation on High Street and various auto renewal licenses. Significant discussion occurred regarding delays and grant concerns for the Townhouse project, the status of the Center School, and a proposal for a conservation restriction on 36 acres at 1232 Turkey Street, which was unanimously approved. The Board also recognized two police officers with Life Saving Awards for their heroic actions at a vehicle accident. Updates were provided on elementary school projects (roof, solar, boiler), the Page Building deed transfer, and ongoing administrative initiatives such as budget planning, payroll standardization, and website updates.

December 9, 2025 at 7:00 AM

Published

Hardwick Select Board Meeting: Project Bids, Licenses, and Town Operations

*12/8/25 - Hardwick, MA Select Board Meeting

28m

The Hardwick Select Board convened to address several key municipal matters, including the recognition of heroic actions by public safety personnel, challenges with the Townhouse Project bids exceeding budget, and the approval of liquor license renewals, with one conditional approval for the Old Furnace General Store due to a zoning violation. Discussions also covered the declaration of surplus equipment, the finalization of the Page Building deed with a reversion clause, and the disposition of funds held by the Historical Society for a non-existent Schoolhouse #6. The Town Administrator provided a comprehensive report on ongoing grants, financial planning, staffing efforts, and community initiatives, concluding with a motion to adjourn.

Month

November 2025

2 meetings

November 24, 2025

Published

Bylaw Updates, Grant Applications, and Staffing Priorities

11/24/25 - Hardwick, MA Select Board Meeting

20m

The Hardwick Select Board convened to discuss a range of municipal matters, including progress on several bylaw updates for Accessory Dwelling Units, Associate Planning Board Members, and Farm Animals, with a target for a special town meeting in February. Preparations for the FY26 Community Development Block Grant application cycle were initiated, focusing on Gilbertville revitalization and addressing challenges in income data collection. The Board approved the appointment of two Library Assistants to address staffing needs, particularly in light of an anticipated medical leave for the Director. Administrative reports covered updates on the Townhouse Revitalization Grant, financial certifications, ongoing policy work, and various meetings. Significant concerns were raised regarding critical staffing shortages in the Sewer and Highway Departments and the difficulty in attracting qualified applicants. The meeting concluded with holiday wishes and announcements for upcoming community drives.

November 10, 2025

Published

Hardwick Select Board: Tax Rate, Solar, Trusts, and Governance

11/10/25 - Hardwick, MA Select Board Meeting

1h 22m

The Hardwick Select Board addressed several key municipal matters, including the unanimous approval of a single tax rate of $12.74 for Fiscal Year 2026 and the appointment of Judy Corzic to the Master Plan Steering Committee. Significant discussion revolved around the Mary Lane Trust, with the Board learning that the Attorney General had already approved Baystate Health's "Convenient Care" proposal in Ware, leaving the town with no legal recourse but to pursue negotiations for local healthcare programs. The Board also approved a lease agreement for the Kearsarge Solar project, including a negotiated $100,000 upfront payment and specific termination clauses. Administrative items included the approval of past meeting minutes, a half-day closure for Thanksgiving, and updates on various town operations and personnel matters. A procedural concern was raised regarding the omission of several requested agenda items, prompting a call for policy development.

Month

October 2025

2 meetings

October 27, 2025

Published

Hardwick Select Board: Landfill Contamination, Solar Lease, Appointments

10/27/25 - Hardwick, MA Select Board Meeting

1h 42m

The Hardwick Select Board convened to address a range of critical municipal issues, including significant groundwater contamination at the Patriot Road Landfill, the ongoing negotiation of the Kearsarge Solar Lease, and various financial and personnel matters. Key discussions involved the potential health and environmental impacts of PFAS and other contaminants from the landfill, the financial implications and terms of the solar project, and the appointment of a new Town Accountant. The Board also reviewed meeting minutes, discussed grant writing, and established terms for the Historical Commission, while acknowledging several outstanding questions regarding town operations and future planning.

October 14, 2025

Published

Hardwick Select Board Meeting: Administrative Updates and Committee Appointments

10/14/25 - Hardwick, MA Select Board Meeting

50m

The Hardwick Select Board addressed various administrative matters, including public concerns regarding town management, the status of the town accountant hiring process, and the ongoing Quabbin legislation advocacy. The Board approved appointments to the Historical Commission, discussed the status of the Kierge solar lease, and received an administrative report detailing recent town projects, including the acquisition of a new fire truck and ongoing grant-funded infrastructure initiatives.

Month

September 2025

2 meetings

September 29, 2025

Published

Hardwick Select Board Meeting: Infrastructure, Development, and Town Goals

09/29/25 - Hardwick, MA Select Board Meeting

1h 43m

The Hardwick Select Board met to discuss ongoing town projects, including the townhouse bidding process, conservation efforts at Ware River Park, and Quabin legislation. The board addressed concerns regarding the hiring process for a town accountant, the status of vacant town buildings, and the potential solar lease with Kearsarge Solar. Additionally, the board held a working session to discuss long-term goals for town development, infrastructure improvements, and potential revenue-generating strategies.

September 15, 2025

Published

Hardwick Select Board: Appointments, Financial Cleanup, and Solar Project Progress

09/15/25 - Hardwick, MA Select Board Meeting

55m

The Hardwick Select Board meeting on September 15, 2025, included the appointment of a full-time police officer and a contentious discussion leading to the appointment of a Town Accountant. Significant time was dedicated to reviewing and rectifying past financial discrepancies, implementing new internal controls, and discussing the proposed solar array project, including gravel pit access. The Board also approved several special event permits, renewed a transit contract, and discussed the format for an upcoming goal-setting workshop.