Sept 29th Select Board Meeting: Community Progress, Planning, and Transitions

From new library programs and youth appointments to major renovations at McCann Technical School, the Williamstown Select Board’s latest meeting showcased how the town is investing in its people, its services, and its future. The wide-ranging agenda highlighted a shared commitment to community vitality, long term financial planning, and sustainable growth.

Key Takeaways

The meeting underscored Williamstown’s proactive and inclusive approach to governance:

• Investment in education, infrastructure, and community spaces
• Ongoing innovation in municipal services and sustainability
• Transparent and long-term financial planning
• Engagement of youth in civic roles
• A focus on inclusivity and accessibility across community programs

Municipal Milestones Celebrated

• Town Clerk Nicole Beverly was recognized for earning her municipal clerk certification, a milestone in professional development.
• Appointed Nicholas McWeeney, a high school student, as fence viewer - a win for more youth engagement in local Government
• Welcomed Laura Christensen as the new Communications Director
• The town also acquired an all-electric vehicle for inspectional services, supporting our long term sustainability goals

Our Library: A Community Powerhouse

Under the leadership of Angie Zimmerman, the Milne Public Library continues to show how a library can be so much more than shelves of books. This summer, more than 1,100 children took part in reading programs—a number that reflects not just enthusiasm for stories, but the trust families place in the library as a partner in learning and growth.

The library has also stepped forward to meet community needs in new ways. A recently launched community cupboard now provides food assistance, turning the library into a resource for families who might otherwise go without. Grants are funding a cultural showcase and a sensory-friendly space, opening the doors wider to residents who may not have always felt fully included.

Programs are as varied as the people who attend them: reptile exhibits that bring science to life for children, fitness classes that promote well-being, and cultural workshops that celebrate diversity. There is also the coral reef crochet project with Williams College, where art, science, and environmental awareness come together in a community-created installation.

Viewed together, these efforts reinforce the Milne as a cornerstone of civic life and continues to evolve as one of Williamstown’s most dynamic public institutions.

McCann Technical School: A Visionary and Needed Renovation

The most significant item on the Select Board’s agenda was the much-needed $35 million renovation of McCann Technical School, presented by Superintendent James Brosnan. Beyond the immediate benefits for students, several board members emphasized the broader impact McCann has on the region. In addition to educating local students from Williamstown, the school plays a critical role in training skilled tradespeople, many of whom remain in the Berkshires to live and work.

The renovation addresses pressing needs in both infrastructure and accessibility. Plans include replacing 1961-era single-pane windows and an outdated roof, while also triggering required upgrades to meet ADA compliance standards. The improvements aim to increase energy efficiency, enhance safety, and create a more inclusive and accessible environment for all students.

A distinctive feature of the project is its educational component: McCann students will take part in aspects of the renovation process itself, gaining hands-on experience in technical trades while helping to shape their own learning environment. Looking further ahead, the project leaves room for additional sustainability measures, such as the installation of solar panels.

While the Massachusetts School Building Authority is expected to reimburse 64% of eligible costs, the total expense remains substantial for the nine member communities. Under the current funding formula—based on property valuation and population—Williamstown would contribute 24.76% of the costs, while North Adams, the largest share, would cover 27.65%. For Williamstown households, the project translates to an estimated $50 annually over the next 15 years.

Select Board members weighed how best to move the proposal forward procedurally. While some favored bringing the matter to a special town meeting, concerns were raised about the costs of holding such a session for an item that is likely to pass. As Town Clerk Nicole Beverly noted, “we’re going to spend all the money to put on a town meeting for something that we’re going to likely approve.”

Ultimately, the discussion underscored that the project represents more than just a building upgrade. It is an investment in student education, community infrastructure, and future-ready technical training facilities that will benefit Williamstown and the broader region for decades to come.

Setting 2025 Halloween Hours

After the McCann discussion, the Select Board turned briefly to a community tradition: Halloween trick-or-treating. At the request of the Chamber of Commerce’s Sue Briggs, members considered standard hours to reduce confusion and make it easier for families and event organizers to plan.

The board settled on 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. as the official window. An earlier start ensures younger children can participate while it’s still light outside, while a 7:30 cutoff keeps festivities from running too late. Residents of high-traffic neighborhoods such as Southworth, Moreland, and Cole Avenue shared feedback that extending hours later was too burdensome, especially as those streets often carry what was described as the “Halloween tax” of supplying extra candy for large crowds, including visitors from outside town.

To help ease that burden, the Chamber and town officials reminded residents about the annual candy donation program, which collects and distributes candy through town hall to households in the busiest trick-or-treating areas. By contributing to the donation effort, residents in other parts of town can help ensure that families living in the most popular neighborhoods aren’t carrying the cost alone. Candy drop-off locations and details will be announced soon by the Chamber. Keep an eye out for updates, and consider pitching in to help spread the Halloween spirit.

Decorative Holiday Lighting

The board also heard a request from the Chamber of Commerce regarding downtown holiday decorations. For years, lighted snowflakes and pre-lit garlands, dating from the 1990s, have brightened Spring Street, but after decades of repairs the fixtures are no longer usable.

The Chamber proposed a $35,000 replacement and expansion project that would include Latham and Water streets. Williams College has pledged $15,000, landlords are contributing, and the Chamber asked the town to provide $10,000.

Board members praised the Chamber’s role in facilitating the effort and noted the value of a festive downtown in winter. But concerns were raised about the off-cycle funding request and about long-term ownership of the project.

Amy Jeschawitz, owner of Nature’s Closet on Spring Street and the only business owner present, added that the issue points to a larger challenge: the lack of a coordinated plan for the business district. While she supports holiday decorations, she suggested that business owners themselves should take more responsibility. “Maybe this is the year that we really encourage the business owners to do a little more,” Jesuit said, noting that smaller efforts could still make downtown feel festive without requiring a large investment from the town.

In the end, the board chose not to approve the expansion plan outright. Instead, members asked for a revised proposal focused solely on replacing existing fixtures on Spring Street. The goal is to see how that cost fits within the $15,000 already committed by Williams College, plus business and landlord donations, and then determine if any town contribution is necessary to cover the remaining gap. A cohesive look, members agreed, is preferable—but it should be pursued in a way that balances community pride with financial responsibility.

Transfer Station

Williamstown is making big progress on waste and recycling. Thanks to our partnership with the Northern Berkshire Solid Waste Management District, residents now benefit from expanded services, cost savings, and new sustainability programs.

• A new paper compactor reduces hauling trips and saves the town over $20,000 a year.
• The food waste composting pilot has already diverted more than 43,000 pounds (20+ tons) from landfills.
• Free services include recycling for paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, metals, and textiles, plus a book exchange and used motor oil drop-off.

Looking ahead, DPW Director Craig Clough announced plans to implement a digital point-of-sale system at the station. This upgrade will replace handwritten invoices, allow residents to pay on the spot, improve billing accuracy, and give the town better data to guide future planning and rates.

Finance and Capital Planning: Building a Long-Term Framework

The Finance Committee reported on its debt study and the rollout of new capital planning tools, designed to give the town a clearer, long-range view of its financial obligations. The study paired a capital investment strategy—how Williamstown acquires assets like buildings, fire trucks, and public safety equipment—with a debt policy that outlines how those purchases are financed.

A major outcome was the creation of standardized templates for capital requests, ensuring departments use consistent definitions when identifying repairs, new assets, or financing terms. This common framework allows for fairer comparisons across departments and a shared understanding of long-term needs.

The process was launched with department heads in September, and the February budget cycle will be the first test of how effectively the templates streamline requests. The information will be updated annually as bonds are issued and debts retired, with snapshots posted on the town website for both officials and residents.

Committee members stressed that the goal is not new bureaucracy but stronger decision-making—equipping both town leaders and voters with the information they need to make informed choices at town meeting.

Leadership and Vision

The meeting closed with recognition of outgoing board member Jeff Johnson, who concluded his service after playing a role in guiding the town since 2021. Neely reflected on the progress made during his tenure and expressed optimism for Williamstown’s future, emphasizing the importance of continued community engagement and steady governance.