Hardwick Select Board: Tax Rate, Solar, Trusts, and GovernanceNovember 11, 2025 at 8:04 AMOlder meeting →
10/14/25 - Hardwick, MA Select Board MeetingOctober 15, 2025 at 7:26 AM
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Hardwick Select Board: Landfill Contamination, Solar Lease, Appointments
Original title: 10/27/25 - Hardwick, MA Select Board Meeting
Summary
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.
Discussion Highlights
- A resident questioned the appropriateness of discussing three historic buildings and the Zukos contract in executive session, citing public interest and a potential $15,000 town liability.
- A resident expressed dissatisfaction with the idea of hiring additional staff for grant writing, suggesting a focus on more qualified employees.
- A resident reported that retirement funds for senior work-off program participants from the previous year were not deposited into the Empower Retirement Fund as required, prompting concerns about 'missing money.'
- Inquiries were made regarding the status of several items from the last meeting, including the Personnel Committee, Finance Committee, Mary Lane update, certified free cash, and the Town Administrator's annual review.
- The composition of the Personnel Committee was clarified, and an opening for an at-large citizen member was noted, with a resident expressing interest.
- A resident proposed implementing an occupancy tax on short-term rentals (under 31 days) to generate town revenue, suggesting a town meeting vote.
- The board is operating under the assumption that zoning by-laws are in effect upon town meeting approval, subject to eventual Attorney General (AG) approval, with the AG requesting an extension due to submitted opposition.
- A debate ensued regarding whether meeting minutes should reflect what was said in a public meeting, even if the factual accuracy of the statement is disputed, specifically concerning a deletion from the June 9th minutes.
- Dr. Romano, representing the Board of Health, presented findings from 2024 and 2025 environmental monitoring reports detailing groundwater contamination at the Hardwick Landfill on Patriot Road.
- Contaminants identified at the landfill site include PFAS (exceeding state drinking water standards), 1,4-Dioxane, trace Cyanide, and Acetone.
- The landfill is situated on a high-yield aquifer in the Muddy Brook Valley, with contaminants expected to flow southward, impacting neighboring communities like Ware and the Hardwick Pond area.
- The Board of Health plans to hire a Licensed Site Professional (LSP) to interpret landfill studies and will apply for a Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) from the DEP.
- A hydrologist from Tufts University and graduate students are actively studying the valley's hydrology to determine the movement of the contamination plume.
- Concerns were raised about potential town liability and the significant future costs associated with monitoring the Patriot Road landfill, which is considerably larger than the Lower Road site.
- Discussion centered on the aquifer as a major threat to drinking water for residents in Hardwick and Ware, extending downstream.
- PFAS measurement in test wells reportedly only began in 2024, with data analysis ongoing to identify trends in contaminant levels.
- The estimated cost for comprehensive PFAS testing for one well, including sample collection, is approximately $925.
- A board member reiterated the importance of a grant writer for the town, citing support from various committees and clarifying past grant application issues.
- Holly Mann was introduced as the proposed Town Accountant, with discussion on her reporting structure (directly to the Select Board per MGL Chapter 41, Section 55) and an offer letter discrepancy.
- The Town Clerk identified discrepancies in current Historical Commission membership terms, necessitating the establishment of clear term lengths for the five-member commission.
- Discussion began on the Kearsarge Solar Lease, with concerns raised about proximity to the river and discrepancies in the lease document regarding per-megawatt payments.
- The town's revenue from the Kearsarge Solar Project is projected to increase to over $300,000 annually (from lease and PILOT) due to an increase in proposed megawatts from 5-7 MW to 10 MW.
- An opportunity was identified for the town to excavate and surplus significant gravel deposits at the proposed solar project site, potentially generating approximately $500,000.
- Concerns were raised about the Kearsarge Solar Lease referencing 48 acres while the project intends to use only 24-26 acres, prompting questions about potential future uses of the remaining leased land.
- A strong request was made for a detailed, blueprint-sized site drawing with physical markers to clearly define the exact leased area for the Kearsarge project before signing the lease.
- The 'Quabbin Stewards' Initiative seeks additional compensation for 12+ communities surrounding the Quabbin Reservoir from the Mass Water Resources Authority (MWRA).
- The Town Administrator provided updates on security cameras, the Town House project rebid, Memorial Park planning, office relocation, road paving, hydrant repairs, FY25 closure, financial policies, job postings, and health insurance projections.
- The September legal bill exceeded $5,000, largely due to a resident complaint, with the board to be informed monthly of legal expenses.
- The Town Attorney was granted permission to negotiate with KSI, and a review of these negotiations occurred, with questions for clarification posed.
Decisions
- The board decided to have the disputed sentence (Bill Cole's statement) re-inserted into the June 9th minutes, which will be reviewed for other issues and presented again.
- Discussion on sending a letter to the Energy Siting Board regarding the battery plant was deferred to the next meeting.
- The Hardwick Board of Health is taking action to investigate the groundwater contamination issue further.
- The Select Board will be formally notified of the groundwater contamination findings.
- The Ware Board of Health will be notified of the groundwater contamination findings.
- The Board of Health will proceed with hiring a Licensed Site Professional (LSP).
- An application for a Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) from the DEP will be submitted.
- The Planning Board and Conservation Commission will be formally notified of the landfill study findings.
- The revised offer letter for the Town Accountant, effective October 27th, from the Select Board, was approved.
- Holly Mann is appointed Town Accountant, effective October 27, 2025.
- The term structure for the Historical Commission is approved as one 1-year term, two 2-year terms, and two 3-year terms.
- Liz Siren and John Betraglia are appointed to 3-year terms on the Historical Commission.
- Cheryl Wolf and Trisha Tinker are appointed to 2-year terms on the Historical Commission.
- Ryan Witkos is appointed to a 1-year term on the Historical Commission.
- The board decided not to sign the Kearsarge Solar Lease at the current meeting.
- Discussion on an item (likely related to land/school) is postponed until a clear title is available.
- The board can vote to sign the Quabbin Stewards' Initiative letter in concept, even if the final version is not yet complete.
- The proposal for half-day holidays for town employees was confirmed to be an existing item on the next meeting's agenda.
- The tax rate setting will occur at the next meeting on November 10th.
Motions and Votes
- To table the June 9th minutes again.
- To approve the August 23rd meeting minutes as written.
- To approve the revised offer letter for the Town Accountant, effective October 27th, from the Select Board.
- To appoint Holly Mann as Town Accountant, effective October 27, 2025.
- To establish the Historical Commission term structure as one 1-year term (ending 2026), two 2-year terms (ending 2027), and two 3-year terms (ending 2028).
- To appoint Liz Siren and John Betraglia to 3-year terms on the Historical Commission.
- To appoint Cheryl Wolf and Trisha Tinker to 2-year terms on the Historical Commission.
- To appoint Ryan Witkos to a 1-year term on the Historical Commission.
- To adjourn the meeting.
Action Items
- ChairSchedule a Personnel Committee meeting once the Finance Committee Chair provides an available date.
- TreasurerSpecifically investigate the resident's missing retirement funds.
- TownConsider and investigate the implementation of an occupancy tax for short-term rentals, tying it into broader development and planning discussions.
- ResidentApply for the open at-large position on the Personnel Committee.
- Board membersSend any relevant information regarding the battery plant to the board.
- Clerk/SecretaryRe-insert the disputed sentence into the June 9th minutes, clean up other identified issues (e.g., spelling, Mr. Tinker's points), and present the revised minutes at the next meeting.
- Board of HealthApply for the DEP Technical Assistance Grant (TAG).
- Board of HealthHire a Licensed Site Professional (LSP).
- Board of HealthNotify the Planning Board and Conservation Commission of landfill study findings.
- Tufts University Hydrology Study TeamContinue the hydrology study of the valley.
- Board of HealthInvestigate and potentially develop new regulations to prevent future contamination.
- UnassignedContinue analyzing existing data to identify contaminant trends.
- UnassignedDevelop new regulations for the valley.
- UnassignedInvestigate the term of liability for monitoring test wells.
- ResidentLook for the free water testing postcard.
- ChairSign and present the approved offer letter to Holly Mann.
- Liz SirenSet up the next Historical Commission meeting.
- Town AttorneyReview the Kearsarge Solar Lease, correct all discrepancies, clarify the town's rights regarding gravel excavation, and ensure accurate financial figures.
- Town AttorneyPresent the updated Kearsarge Solar Lease document and numbers to the board at a subsequent meeting.
- Town CouncilClarify whether the Kearsarge Solar Lease will be for 48 acres or the intended 24-26 acres for the solar project.
- UnassignedRequest a detailed, blueprint-sized site drawing with physical markers (stakes, flags) to define the exact leased area, easements, and setbacks for the Kearsarge project.
- AttorneyBe consulted regarding the specific questions about the Kearsarge Solar Lease acreage and site definition.
- KP LawWork on clarifying the title for the tabled land/school item.
- Quabbin Stewardship GroupDraft a sign-on letter to the MWRA Advisory Committee requesting town representatives attend MWRA meetings to present their case for compensation.
Topic Timeline
- Executive Session Appropriateness Questioned
- Discussion on Grant Writing Support
- Report of Missing Retirement Funds for Senior Work-Off Program
- Follow-up on Previous Meeting Items
- Town Administrator's Annual Review Status
- Personnel Committee Composition and Openings
- Proposal for Occupancy Tax on Short-Term Rentals
- By-law Approval Process and AG Review
- Mr. Tinker's Opposition to By-law Changes
- Inquiry on Energy Siting Board Letter for Battery Plant
- Dispute over June 9th Meeting Minutes Content
- Motion to Table June 9th Minutes
- Motion to Approve August 23rd Meeting Minutes
- Presentation on Groundwater Contamination at Hardwick Landfill
- Plan to Hire Licensed Site Professional (LSP) and Apply for DEP Grant
- Hydrology Study of Muddy Brook Valley
- Notification of Other Boards on Landfill Findings
- Discussion on Potable Wells and Aquifer Proximity to Landfill
- Status of Existing Monitoring Wells and PFAS Testing
- Leachate and Surface Water Contamination
- PFAS Testing Data Analysis and Historical Reports
- Support for Expert Reviewers for Landfill Issues
- Resident Offers Well for Water Testing
- Discussion on PFAS Water Testing Costs
- Resident Reports Free Water Testing Offer
- Reiteration of Need for Grant Writer Position
- Introduction and Discussion of Holly Mann as Town Accountant
- Motion to Appoint Holly Mann as Town Accountant (pre-vote discussion)
- Motion to Approve Revised Offer Letter for Town Accountant
- Motion to Appoint Holly Mann as Town Accountant
- Discussion on Historical Commission Terms and Members
- Motion to Establish Historical Commission Term Structure
- Motion to Assign 3-Year Terms to Historical Commission Members
- Motion to Assign 2-Year Terms to Historical Commission Members
- Motion to Assign 1-Year Term to Historical Commission Member
- Kearsarge Solar Lease Discussion Begins
- Riverfront Zone Considerations for Solar Project
- Solar Project Financial Projections and Increased MW
- Opportunity for Gravel Excavation at Solar Site
- Lease Document Discrepancies Identified
- Decision Not to Sign Kearsarge Solar Lease
- Easements and Panel Placement for Kearsarge Solar Project
- Discussion on Town's Gravel Pit Revenue
- Solar Project Revenue and Benefits (PILOT, SRECs)
- Lease Area Discrepancy (48 acres vs. 24-26 acres)
- Request for Detailed Site Drawing for Solar Project
- RFP for Rubber Hill Street School Discussion
- Item Tabling (Land/School) Due to Unclear Title
- Quabbin Stewards' Initiative / Quabbin Bill Discussion
- Town Administrator's Report
- Monthly Legal Bill Update
- Town Attorney Negotiations with KSI
- Employee Half-Day Holidays Proposal
- Tax Rate Setting Date Confirmed
- Motion to Adjourn Meeting
Uncertainties
- Is the Town Administrator's annual review public information?
- The exact steps taken or missed regarding the transfer of senior work-off retirement funds remain unclear to the resident.
- Should there be more than one citizen on the Personnel Committee?
- The specific details of the Mary Lane resolution and the town's future urgent care plans remain somewhat vague.
- The factual accuracy of Bill Cole's statement in the June 9th minutes remains disputed, though the board decided to include it as having been said.
- The board has not yet discussed or decided whether to send a letter to the Energy Siting Board regarding the battery plant.
- What specific actions should be taken with the information regarding groundwater contamination at the landfill?
- Who is liable for the costs of testing and monitoring (Town vs. Casella) for the landfill contamination?
- What are the implications for the 40 households in the Hardwick Pond area, located roughly a half-mile downstream/downgradient from the landfill?
- Will the existing monitoring wells (e.g., near the old ambulance barn) be tested for PFAS?
- How will the town differentiate contamination originating from the landfill versus other upstream sources?
- What is the true relevance of the 'no potable wells within 500 feet' disclaimer, given the underground aquifer?
- What specific actions will be taken to address the contamination found in surface water?
- What is the specific term of liability for monitoring (not remediating) the test wells, particularly regarding the 30-year period?
- Have there been noticeable or increasing levels of other contaminants (beyond PFAS) in the test wells over the past 20 years?
- Should additional testing wells be established above and below the landfill (e.g., at the pond) to better track contaminant movement and origin?
- What was the outcome of a past Board of Health initiative to require PFAS testing for every new private well?
- What are the exact boundaries and acreage of the land to be leased for the Kearsarge solar project?
- How will potential future uses of the leased land (e.g., battery storage) be addressed in the lease agreement, especially if the full 48 acres are leased but only a portion is initially used?
- Is the board ready to proceed with taking proposals for the Rubber Hill Street School?
- The tabled item (likely related to land/school) lacks a clear title and information regarding distance to a well.