June 25, 2024

“Ms. Frecha moved to appoint Lesley Fulford to the Open Space Committee for the remainder of a three- year term ending June 30, 2026. Mr. Constantzos seconded the motion. Ms. Fulford attended the OSC meeting in June. Ms. Fulford said she is excited to be involved with the town and with this committee and is passionate about preserving open space. Chair Toole called for a vote and the motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Frecha, second: Constantzos)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

“Ms. Frecha moved, in accordance with Chapter 140, section 151A of the Massachusetts General Laws, to approve the annual Animal Control Warrant, dated June 25, 2024 and effective for one year from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, and to authorize the Chair to sign it on behalf of the Board. Mr. Constantzos seconded the motion. Board members discussed the language of the Warrant. This is the standard language from MA General Law Chapter 140, section 153. The office will research this for next year's Warrant to see what language surrounding towns use if they issue a Warrant. Chair Toole called for a vote and the motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Frecha, second: Constantzos)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

“Ms. Frecha moved to approve and sign the BAN renewal for Lower Village traffic improvements. Mr. Constantzos seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Frecha, second: Constantzos)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

“Ms. Frecha moved to approve the Climate Action Plan from the Green Advisory Committee. Mr. Constantzos seconded the motion. Arnold Epstein, Chair of the Green Advisory Committee (GAC), acknowledged the members of the GAC, the many residents and members of town government who contributed to the plan, and especially the Town Administrator for her support. Mr. Epstein explained that the state's greenhouse emissions reductions targets are through 2050, and Stow's Climate Action Plan (CAP) aligns Stow with the targets through 2030. One of their goals was to make the CAP informative and accessible. Going forward, the GAC will focus on implementation of the plan via collaboration with town committees, departments, volunteer groups, schools, etc. They will lead focused initiatives, track progress, and report to the Select Board annually. Chair Toole thanked everyone on the GAC for their diligence and hard work. Chair Toole expressed his gratitude and admiration to Mr. Epstein for the immense amount of time and effort that he devoted to this project. Chair Toole asked how the Board can help with the implementation process and to get the CAP out to homeowners. Select Board members also expressed their thanks to Mr. Epstein and the GAC. They asked about the lack of solar panel support from Hudson Light and Power (HL&P). Mr. Epstein said there are currently two solar fields in Stow and 115 rooftop solar installations. HL&P operates under a different set of rules than large investor-owned utilities. They asked about homes getting an energy audit to describe efficiency and how much CO2 they produce. Mr. Epstein said that for many years HL&P had offered free home energy audits, and the GAC is in discussions with the new general manager of HL&P for a new audit plan. Ms. Dembkoski and Mr. Epstein will meet soon to discuss redefining the GAC's membership, role, and priorities. Then there will be a collaborative discussion between the GAC and the Select Board. Chair Toole called for a vote and the motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Frecha, second: Constantzos)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

“Ms. Frecha moved to approve the extension of the Common Victualler license for Stow House of Pizza through December 31, 2024. Mr. Constantzos seconded the motion. Ms. Dembkoski said that the owners have met all the requirements of the Planning Department. They are in compliance and the TA recommended that the Select Board approve the CV through the remainder of the year. Chair Toole called for a vote and the motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Frecha, second: Constantzos)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

“Ms. Frecha moved to declare as surplus, a 2006 Ford Ranger, belonging to the Town but not suitable for road use, valued at less than $10,000 and to be sold for parts, and further, to authorize the disposal of this surplus item. Mr. Constantzos seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Frecha, second: Constantzos)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

“Chair Toole proposed that the Board meet on July 9 but not on July 23, and to meet on August 13 and have the meeting on August 27 be a work session. So moved by Mr. Constantzos, seconded by Ms. Frecha. Ms. Dembkoski said that if business necessitates a meeting, one will be scheduled. Motion as amended by Mr. Constantzos. Discussion ensued, with the suggestion of keeping to the regular schedule and if there is no business then the meeting would be cancelled. However, if a meeting is scheduled Ms. Dembkoski said that items will be added to that agenda. Chair Toole called for a vote and the motion passed unanimously..” (Motion: Constantzos, second: Frecha)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

“Ms. Frecha moved to accept the meeting minutes of the June 11, 2024 meeting as written. Mr. Constantzos seconded the motion and it passed unanimously..” (Motion: Frecha, second: Constantzos)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)