Williamstown Select Board Meeting Summary – April 28, 2025
Attendees:
Select Board Members: Neely, Patton, Boyd
Town Manager: Attended via Zoom
Select Board Members: Neely, Patton, Boyd
Town Manager: Attended via Zoom
Public Hearing
Taconic Golf Club – Represented by Duffy Judge, the club announced a change in directors and officers. Patton noted this was a pro forma hearing, as the club has no violations. The changes were unanimously approved.
Items for Consideration
Williamstown Civics Academy
The League of Women Voters announced a free public Civics Academy to be held at the Milne Library. Registration details are available online.
The League of Women Voters announced a free public Civics Academy to be held at the Milne Library. Registration details are available online.
Open Spaces and Recreation Plan
Seath Jenkins presented an updated seven-year plan to replace the provisionally approved 2016 version, which lacked an ADA self-evaluation. Key updates include:
Seath Jenkins presented an updated seven-year plan to replace the provisionally approved 2016 version, which lacked an ADA self-evaluation. Key updates include:
1. Establishing a Parks Commission
2. Improving ADA access
3. Enhancing transit options to parks
4. Promoting public awareness of park spaces
5. Expanding bike networks or a bike-share program
6. Incorporating nature-based climate solutions
Next Steps: The plan requires approval from the Select Board, Planning Board, and the Regional Planning Agency before submission to the state by September 30th to qualify for grants.
Fire Chief Recognition
The Fire Chief is retiring after 37 years. Suggestions for honoring him included dedicating a plaque at the new firehouse. Patton and the Town Manager will finalize plans outside the meeting.
The Fire Chief is retiring after 37 years. Suggestions for honoring him included dedicating a plaque at the new firehouse. Patton and the Town Manager will finalize plans outside the meeting.
Spruces Dog Area
Discussion focused on improving signage and boundaries for the off-leash area.
Discussion focused on improving signage and boundaries for the off-leash area.
It was clarified that dogs must remain leashed in public parks unless in designated zones.
Some residents requested expanding the off-leash area to a nearby field; the board reaffirmed last fall’s decision to keep the current boundaries.
A 20–50-yard buffer exists between the off-leash area and the multimodal path.
Noted: The town lacks a Parks Department; maintenance is handled by DPW and is seasonal.
Rodenticides and Pest Control
Residents asked the board to consider banning second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides in municipal buildings, noting their use at the elementary school. A presentation was given, but no vote was taken due to the absence of two board members.
Residents asked the board to consider banning second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides in municipal buildings, noting their use at the elementary school. A presentation was given, but no vote was taken due to the absence of two board members.
Home Rule Petition – Article 32
A proposal to stagger elections for Library Board of Trustees seats was unanimously approved, despite only three board members being present.
A proposal to stagger elections for Library Board of Trustees seats was unanimously approved, despite only three board members being present.
FY26 Town Meeting Warrants
The board unanimously approved the current draft of the FY26 warrants.
The board unanimously approved the current draft of the FY26 warrants.
Announcements
Upcoming Select Board meetings: May 12, June 9, June 23
The Net Climate Plan will be presented April 29 at noon in Griffin Hall, Williams College. Open to the public.
