Pride Month Funding, Plaques, and Farewells at the May 12 Select Board Meeting
Meeting Date: Monday, May 12, 2025
Location: Town Hall & Zoom
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Town Hall & Zoom
Time: 7:00 PM
The Williamstown Select Board covered a wide range of community matters at its May 12 meeting, from liquor licenses and local recognitions to preparations for Town Meeting and a farewell to a departing board member.
Pride Month Events Approved with Full Support
The Board unanimously approved a $5,000 budget for 2025 Pride Month events, a milestone celebration organized by a coalition of local residents and supported by the DIRE Committee. Select Board member Randal Fippinger, who has been working closely with DIRE on planning, presented the budget at the meeting.
Highlights of the proposed celebration include:
A community meal on the Milne Library lawn on Sunday, June 1 (1–4 PM)
A bouncy house and family activities
A Pride flag raising at the library
Collaborations with Images Cinema, the Milne Library, and local small businesses
Board member Jeff Johnson called it “a long time coming” and expressed pride in launching these celebrations in Williamstown.
Consent Agenda & Approvals
Liquor License: Approved a one-day special alcohol license for Ye Olde Forge Restaurant to serve at multiple Williams College events on Friday and Saturday.
Water & Sewer Warrant: Approved in the amount of $167,768
Public Hearing Scheduled: A hearing will be held on June 9 at 7:05 PM regarding a Seasonal All-Alcohol License for Sweet Hospitality Group at the ‘62 Center for Theatre & Dance.
Plaque Dedication: Scarborough-Salomon Flynt Award
Willinet and the Williamstown Community Chest presented a new Scarborough-Salomon Flynt Community Service Award plaque, honoring past recipients and continuing a tradition that began over three decades ago. The new plaque joins the original in Town Hall and highlights the first nine recipients of this expanded community honor.
Agricultural Commission Appointment
The Board voted to appoint Severin Berkwith to a three-year term on the Agricultural Commission. Berkwith, an apprentice at Caretaker Farm and Williamstown resident since 2022, expressed enthusiasm for connecting with local farmers and contributing to agricultural planning.
Article 6 Update: Pre-Town Meeting Prep
The Board confirmed a pre-Town Meeting session for 6:30 PM at Mount Greylock High School on May 21, in case a revote is needed following the Hoosic Water Quality District’s May 14 meeting in North Adams.
Climate Planning & Green Communities Grant
The Net Zero Climate Plan team continues its work, with a public event, “Energize Williamstown,” planned for May 20 at 5:30 PM.
The Town Manager reported that a Green Communities grant application (~$200,000) was recently resubmitted after addressing technical follow-up questions from the state.
Citizen’s Academy: A Strong Start
The inaugural session of the Williamstown Citizen’s Academy drew 30 participants (out of 25 registrants) and received positive feedback. The event included a Q&A with town leaders and will be followed by a Town Moderator session on May 13. Additional sessions are planned for the fall.
Ongoing Initiatives & Farewell Remarks
The Affordable Housing Trust (AHT) has not met since the last update.
The DIRE Committee update centered on Pride event planning.
No public comments were submitted during this meeting.
Board member Randal Fippinger was recognized at his final meeting with warm thanks from colleagues:
Jeff Johnson thanked Fippinger for his service and praised Chair Jane Patton for her support during his first term.
Stephanie Boyd and Matthew Neely expressed appreciation for the year’s collaboration and the guidance they received from fellow board members.
Jane Patton, noting she had nearly forgotten the moment, closed with heartfelt thanks and an apology: “Sorry again, Randy, for forgetting it was your last meeting!”
📅 Upcoming Dates
May 13: Town Moderator Session (6:30 PM)
May 20: Energize Williamstown Climate Event (5:30 PM)
May 21: Town Meeting at Greylock High School
June 9: Next Select Board meeting + Board Reorganization
June 23: Regular meeting (tentative)
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