Hello Cool Cats,

As summer winds down, it’s a relatively quiet week in local government. Still, there are a few important meetings to keep an eye on—from the Fire District’s tax classification hearing to the Conservation Commission’s public hearing on the skate park. Below you’ll find the full schedule, along with highlights from last week’s coverage.

Meetings This Week

Wednesday, August 27

Berkshire County Retirement Board

• Time: 9:00–10:00 AM (Virtual)
• Agenda: View agenda
• Zoom: Join meeting

Fire District Prudential Committee & Tax Classification Hearing

• Time: 4:30–5:00 PM (Hybrid)
• Location: 25 Water Street, Williamstown
• Agenda: View agenda
• Tax Notice: View notice
• Zoom: Join meeting
• Highlights: Update on fire station progress, personnel reports, request for stabilization funds to repair a tow truck, and a Finance Committee discussion with possible vote.

Thursday, August 28

Berkshire Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board

• Time: 4:00–5:00 PM (In Person)
• Location: BRTA Intermodal Center, One Columbus Ave., Pittsfield (2nd floor board room)
• Agenda: View agenda
• Highlights: Reviewing an Open Meeting Law violation complaint, training implementation, a proposed bylaw change, and BRTA laws.

Conservation Commission

• Time: 7:00–9:00 PM (Hybrid)
• Location: 31 North Street, Williamstown
• Agenda: View agenda
• Meeting Packet: View packet
• Zoom: Join meeting
• Highlights: Public hearing on the proposed skate park.

Highlights from Last Week

• The Hoosac Water Quality District is still grappling with thousands of cubic yards of PFAS-contaminated compost stored onsite. At the August 20 meeting, commissioners weighed costly disposal options, budget impacts, and strong resident calls for landfill use. [Read our full coverage.]
• Our Youth Correspondent covered the August 14 School Committee meeting, where members discussed changes to the Argentina exchange program (seniors-only, yearly trips, potential host family stays), reviewed new staff hires, and continued work on restorative practices. The superintendent search vote was postponed to September. [Read our full coverage.]

Closing Thoughts

It’s a light week, so hopefully everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather as we wrap up summer and turn our eyes toward a busy, colorful fall. I spotted a sugar maple on Green River Road already glowing a brilliant red-orange—leaf-peeping season is almost here!

Thanks, as always, for reading!