October 20th Select Board Meeting Summary:

Duration: Approx. 7:00–9:00 p.m. Recording available here: https://reflect-willinet.cablecast.tv/store-3/12775-Select-Board-Meeting-10-20-25-v1/vod.mp4

Key Topics: Appointments, Agricultural Commission update, Hoosick Water Quality District, digital notice bylaw proposal, board vacancy decision, affordable housing update.

Key Takeaways from the meeting: 

• Strong alignment between the Select Board and Ag Commission on protecting farmland and updating public communication tools.
• Water Quality District faces major PFAS-related cost and disposal challenges.
• Town is considering modernization efforts—digital notices, website upgrades—but remains mindful of accessibility and local media impacts.
• The Board will remain at four members until May 2026.

Appointment to Board of Registrars

David Westall (Republican) to fill the remainder of Bob Jones’s term (expires March 31, 2028). Westall, a longtime resident and volunteer, emphasized the importance of continuity and support for elections. The Board expressed gratitude for his service and for the late Bob Jones’s 51 years on the Board of Registrars.

Vote: Unanimous approval.

Agricultural Commission Presentation – Sarah Gardner

Sarah Gardner provided an in-depth overview of the Agricultural Commission’s work and challenges.The five-member Ag Commission began in the early 2000s to help towns adopt Right to Farm bylaws. Its roles include:Supporting local farms and mediating disputesWriting letters of support for grants and Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) applicationsHosting Open Farm Day and an annual farmer potluck to build connectionsMaintaining a farm inventory list (last updated 2020)

Key Concerns:Local farms remain economically vulnerable; loss of farmland continues statewide. The commission voted in May against land application of PFAS-contaminated sludge. New state law (M.G.L. Ch. 40, §8L) now allows Ag Commissions to own or lease farmland and create agricultural preservation funds.Gardner urged the town to explore partnerships and funding (via CPA or local agricultural fund) to protect farmland and exercise right of first refusal on Chapter 61A lands. Massachusetts’ 2024 Farmland Action Plan calls for halting farmland loss and charges Ag Commissions with implementing up to 27 local actions.Gardner requested Select Board support for more visibility (including a dedicated webpage on the town site).

Hoosick Water Quality District Update

Presenters: Commissioners Hugh Daly and Russ Howard, and Chief Operator Brad Furlon.

Context: The district serves Williamstown, North Adams, and Clarksburg.It processes wastewater and converts sludge into compost—traditionally sold for non-food agricultural use. PFAS contamination concerns have disrupted the compost market.

Current Situation:~5,200 cubic yards of compost are stored on-site.Plan to transport roughly half (≈2,500 yards) to landfills as daily cover material; remainder in spring 2026 pending budget approval. Composting will continue for now, but due to market collapse, the output will go to landfills rather than be resold.

Budget implications: anticipated increase of up to $750,000 annually once sludge must be shipped out.Commissioners emphasized they are following evolving state PFAS regulations, and future operations (sludge vs. composting) will depend on legislation and market feasibility.

Proposed Digital Legal Notice 

Warrant Article Proposal: Peter Beck drafted a potential home rule petition allowing the town to post legal notices online rather than in print newspapers (currently required by law). 

Could save $5,000–$10,000 annually in publication costs. Most board members supported exploring the option, noting similar petitions have been approved statewide.

Public comment (Leslie G.) raised two concerns: accessibility for residents without internet access and financial harm to local newspapers like the Berkshire Eagle, which rely on public notice revenue. 

The Board agreed to review the draft further before deciding whether to advance it for Town Meeting consideration.

Vacant Select Board Seat due to Jeff Johnson resignation.

The Board discussed whether to:

1. Hold a special election
2. Leave the seat vacant until the May 2026 election
3. Appoint a temporary replacement

Decision: Motion passed unanimously to leave the seat vacant until the next regular election Members expressed respect for Johnson’s contributions but agreed the current four-member board functions effectively. Preference for maintaining democratic integrity by waiting for an election rather than appointing.

More coverage here: https://www.iberkshires.com/story/80629/Williamstown-Select-Board-Opts-Not-to-Fill-Vacant-Seat.html

Affordable Housing Trust Update

The Trust met the prior week and continues to manage Grants for first-time homebuyers at or below the area median income.

Ongoing discussions include strategies to expand housing affordability and community awareness.