Hardwick Select Board Meeting: Project Bids, Licenses, and Town OperationsDecember 9, 2025 at 7:00 AMOlder meeting →
Hardwick Select Board: Tax Rate, Solar, Trusts, and GovernanceNovember 11, 2025 at 8:04 AM
PublishedOpen on YouTube
Bylaw Updates, Grant Applications, and Staffing Priorities
Original title: 11/24/25 - Hardwick, MA Select Board Meeting
Summary
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.
Discussion Highlights
- Active work is underway on bylaw updates for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Associate Planning Board Members, and Farm Animals, with a goal to draft and prepare them for a special town meeting, ideally in February.
- Town Counsel consultation on bylaw changes is advised, particularly for areas with recent legislation like solar and ADUs, to ensure compliance during the implementation phase.
- Preparation for the FY26 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application cycle is in progress, with a focus on identifying priority projects for Gilbertville revitalization, including potential use of funds for acquiring and preparing sites.
- Past CDBG qualification for Gilbertville faced issues due to difficulty in gathering income data via door-to-door surveys, as residents were reluctant to participate.
- The appointment of two Library Assistants was discussed due to a resignation and the anticipated 6-8 week medical leave of the Library Director, ensuring adequate staffing.
- Discussion regarding Schoolhouse #6 was tabled until the first meeting in December due to the absence of the requesting party.
- The Page Mixer Trust item will remain on the agenda for the next meeting, as the statute of limitations has expired for the Regulus Hill Street School building.
- The Town Administrator reported that three bids for the Townhouse Revitalization Grant exceeded the budgeted amount, prompting exploration of options with OIG.
- The town's tax rate and free cash have been certified by the Department of Local Services (DLS).
- Ongoing work is being conducted to standardize financial policies and procedures.
- Chief Landine was recognized for positive changes in department morale, positive feedback from other departments, securing a $30,000 grant for a cruiser, and managing IT needs.
- Concerns were raised about critical staffing shortages in the Sewer Department, which is down one fully certified position, and the difficulty in finding qualified applicants for both Highway and Wastewater positions despite widespread advertising.
Decisions
- Discussion on Schoolhouse #6 was tabled until the first meeting in December.
- The Page Mixer Trust item will remain on the agenda for the next meeting.
Motions and Votes
- To appoint Patricia Lally as Per Diem Library Assistant.
- To appoint Elizabeth Buck as Library Assistant (19 hours/week).
- To accept the abatement for 19-21 Grove Street.
- To adjourn the meeting.
Action Items
- Town entities/departments involved in bylaw draftingFinish drafting bylaws (ADUs, Associate Planning Board Member, Farm Animals) this calendar year, submit to the Select Board, hold public hearings, incorporate feedback, and prepare warrants for a special town meeting.Due: End of calendar year
- UnassignedOther town entities or individuals wishing to propose bylaw changes (e.g., occupancy tax) are encouraged to utilize the established timeline for bylaw updates.
- Town boards (e.g., Capital Planning, Planning Board, Select Board)Proactively identify priorities for the FY26 CDBG application.
- Gilbertville residents and residents of other qualifying areasProvide accurate income information during future CDBG surveys to help the town secure grant funding.
- Select BoardAdd the CDBG topic to a future agenda for open discussion, including broadcasting on YouTube, to inform Gilbertville residents about the grant process and their role.
- Town AdministratorContact OIG to explore options for the Townhouse Revitalization Grant, such as completing a partial project, instead of re-bidding, due to bids exceeding the budget.Due: Tomorrow
- Town AdministratorFollow up with outstanding liquor license holders regarding renewals.Due: Wednesday
Topic Timeline
- Bylaw UpdatesDiscussion on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Associate Planning Board Member, and Farm Animals bylaws.
- Town Counsel Consultation for BylawsClarification on when to consult Town Counsel for bylaw changes, especially concerning recent legislation.
- Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) & Gilbertville RevitalizationPreparation for FY26 CDBG application, maximum grant amount, and potential use for condemned buildings in Gilbertville.
- New Business: Library Assistant AppointmentDiscussion on the appointment of Patricia Lally as a Library Assistant, pending CORI check.
- Library Staffing & Appointments DiscussionDiscussion on the need for two new library positions due to resignation and anticipated Director's medical leave.
- Motion to appoint Patricia Lally as Per Diem Library Assistant
- Motion to appoint Elizabeth Buck as Library Assistant (19 hours/week)
- Schoolhouse #6 DiscussionItem placed on agenda at Chairman Wohlheim's request, but requesting party was not present.
- Page Mixer Trust UpdateUpdate on the statute of limitations for the Regulus Hill Street School building.
- Sewer Commission Abatement (19-21 Grove Street, Gilbertville)Discussion and motion regarding abatement for a vacant multi-family property.
- Town Administrator's Report - Townhouse Revitalization GrantUpdate on bids received, all exceeding the budgeted amount.
- Town Administrator's Report - Department of Local Services (DLS)Certification of town's tax rate and free cash.
- Town Administrator's Report - Financial PoliciesOngoing work to standardize financial policies and procedures.
- Town Administrator's Report - Meetings AttendedList of various meetings attended by the Town Administrator.
- Town Administrator's Report - Job PostingsAdvertising for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, Highway Equipment Operator, and Van Driver.
- Town Administrator's Report - License RenewalsProcessing liquor license and Class 2/3 auto renewals.
- Town Administrator's Report - RecognitionRecognition of Chief Landine for various achievements.
- Town Administrator's Report - AnnouncementsAnnual 'Stuff a Cruiser' Toy Drive and ongoing Food Drive.
- Select Board Roundtable - Sewer Department StaffingDiscussion on staffing shortages and difficulty finding qualified applicants for Sewer and Highway departments.
- Thanksgiving WishesSpeaker extended Thanksgiving wishes to attendees.
- Motion to Adjourn
Uncertainties
- The specific 'other town entities or individuals' wishing to propose bylaw changes (e.g., occupancy tax) were not named.
- The exact reasons for residents' reluctance to participate in CDBG income surveys were not fully detailed beyond general reluctance.
- The specific 'personnel matters' discussed with the Chair, Berry Chair, and Town Administrator were not detailed.
- The specific 'options' the Town Administrator will explore with OIG regarding the Townhouse Revitalization Grant are not yet known.
- The names of the 'six outstanding liquor license holders' were not specified.
- The specific details of the 'positive change in department morale' and 'positive feedback from other departments' regarding Chief Landine were not provided.
- The specific 'IT needs' managed by Chief Landine were not detailed.
- The specific 'board member' who raised concerns about Sewer Department staffing was not named.
- The exact nature of the 'probationary period' for the Sewer Department employee and the specific certifications lacking were not detailed.
- The specific 'distant locations' of applicants for Highway and Wastewater positions were not detailed.