On the agenda: South Hadley meeting — data center (Apr 21)

HYBRID JOINT SELECTBOARD, APPROPIATIONS, CAPITAL PLANNING & SCHOOL COMMITTEE (QUAD BOARD) MEETING AGENDA
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2026 – 5:30 P.M.
SOUTH HADLEY SENIOR CENTER MULTI- PURPOSE ROOM
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Note: Not all topics listed here may be reached for discussion. In addition, the topics listed are those which the chair reasonably expects will be discussed as of the date of this notice. This meeting may be audio and/or
visually recorded.
1. QUAD BOARD CALL TO ORDER
2. REORGANIZATION
3. QUAD BOARD PUBLIC COMMENT
4. 5:30 P.M. JOINT MEETING WITH APPROPRIATIONS, CAPITAL PLANNING, SCHOOL COMMITTEE & SELECTBOARD (QUAD BOARD)
A. FY27 Budget
B. Override
C. Special Election
5. 7 P.M. SELECBOARD CALL TO ORDER
6. SELECTBOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS / PUBLIC COMMENT
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Draft Minutes of April 7, 2026
Documents:
DRAFT APRIL 7 MEETING MINUTES.PDF
8. NEW BUSINESS
A.
B.
C.

27 Bardwell Street Update
0 West Main Street - Lien for Site Access for EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant
Annual Town Meeting warrant

Documents:
A. 27 BARDWELL_SPECIAL PERMIT STATUS MEMO_4.16.26.PDF
A. DEED_ SO HAD TO ORG PK MGMT 12986 - 53.PDF
A. 27 BARDWELL STREET FINE LETTER.PDF
B. STATEMENT OF CLAIM - W MAIN STREET (UPDATED).PDF
B. WEST MAIN STREET SITE STATUS MEMO_REV 4.21.26.PDF
B. WEST MAIN AGREEMENT - SIGNED OWNER ONLY.PDF
C. DRAFT 2026 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT ARTICLES LLM.DOCX (1).PDF
C. WORKING SUMMARY BUDGET FY27 (1).PDF
9. OLD BUSINESS
A. Charter Review
B. Tax Exemptions
Documents:
B. LOCAL OPTION EXEMPTIONS_FINAL.PDF
10. RESIGNATIONS
A. Jake Woodruff – Bike Walk Committee
11. REPORTS
Documents:
2026 04 TA REPORT.DOCX (1).PDF
12. ADJOURN

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 7, 2026 – 7 P.M.
HYRBID ON ZOOM AND SOUTH HADLEY SENIOR CENTER
Present in person were Chair Jeff Cyr, Vice Chair Nicole Casolari, Clerk Carol Constant,
members Andrea Miles and Renee Sweeney, Town Administrator Lisa Wong and Assistant Town
Administrator Chuck Romboletti.
CALL TO ORDER
Cyr called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Represenative Homar Gomez presented citations from his office and Senator Jake Oliveira’s
office to outgoing member Andrea Miles for her years of service on the Selectboard. Miles is not
seeking reelection and April 7 is her last meeting. Members also thanked Miles for her time on
the board and presented flowers.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Constant reminded the public about upcoming “Budget Office Hours” hosted by TA Lisa Wong.
Sweeney note the Annual Town Election on April 14.
Katie Van Winkle, of 130 East St. and president of the Gaylord Memorial Library Association,
said their board would like to make sure that its commitment to the town is clear. She said in
order for the Gaylord to endure, the GMLA has an endowment which helps fund operating
expenses. In addition, the historic library has deferred maintenance, as well as planned
improvements to the buildings and grounds. Because of the Gaylord's impact and the part it has
played in many people's lives, it has been named a beneficiary in estates. Gifts like these enable
the GMLA to expand efforts in building improvements and enhancing accessibility without
worrying that the funds for operating costs will dwindle. The GMLA's endowment ensures that
the community can continue to use the Gaylord Library building and grounds at no cost to the
town. The Gaylord Memorial Library Association is committed to providing this service to the
community, and the board hopes that the town sees the benefit in this continued partnership.
Kathy Davis of 7 Saybrook Circle, and Charles Miles of 121 Granby Rd., expressed appreciation
for the Selectboard putting tax exemptions on their agenda this evening and asked the board to
expand the exemptions as broadly as possible.
CONSENT AGENDA
Sweeney motioned to approve the consent agenda as presented. Miles seconded. All in favor.
Unanimous.
The consent agenda consisted of a One-Day beer & Wine License Request from Elizabeth
Sawyer for April 27 at Abbey Chapel, a One-Day beer & Wine License Request from Margaret
Boxold for May 23 at MHC, and multiple (24) 1-Day All Alcohol Requests from Steven McCray
at McCrays Farm on June 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20. 26, 27, July 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31, Aug. 1, 7,8,
14, 15, 21, 22, 28 & 29.

JOINT MEETING WITH THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS
Associate Assessor Melissa Couture Rimbold and Board of Assessors members Kevin Taugher,
Thomas Reidy and Lynn Masson gave an extensive presentation on tax exemptions and local
options that the Selectboard can consider adopting. Rimbold outlined considerations including
potential increases in tax-funded revenue, staffing limitations due to high demand and limited
personnel, and the need to develop new forms, policies, and public education efforts if changes
are implemented. She also mentioned ongoing discussions around residential exemptions and
highlighted state-level activity, particularly efforts to establish a senior means-tested exemption
alongside existing benefits. She also highlighted a bevy of information for the public on the
assessor’s page of the town website, brochures on their office counter, in the hallway at Town
Hall and at the senior center.
Rimbold expressed concern that some tax exemptions are not targeted to those in genuine
financial need, noting that certain individuals may receive benefits despite having sufficient
income and assets. She suggested prioritizing needs-based exemptions and considering
adjustments such as increasing income eligibility thresholds to better support residents struggling
with high tax burdens relative to their income. She also noted that personal pride can prevent
eligible residents from applying for tax relief programs, meaning some intended beneficiaries
may not be reached despite outreach efforts. Lastly she emphasized the importance of ongoing
communication and adequate lead time for implementation of exemptions, highlighting current
logistical challenges, including limited staffing, loss of the prior exemption database, and the
need to rebuild systems, forms, and materials. She cautioned that any new measures would
require significant preparation to meet tight deadlines.
Priscilla Marion of 56 Canal St. asked if the assessors collect data on how many residents have
applied for exemptions who didn't qualify and why. Rimbold said they did and outlined the
thorough process they follow when meeting with a resident looking to qualify for exemptions.
Joel Prough of 8 Silverwood Terr. and Jim Granchamp of 17 Ranger St. asked questions about
the impact of an override, particularly on those with fixed incomes.
Constant and Sweeney noted they wanted more time to digest the information presented rather
than immediately taking a vote tonight on any particular local option or exemption. Cyr agreed.
Miles disagreed and was ready to vote. The board agreed Sweeney would take a deep dive and
work with Wong on actions the board can take to present at a future meeting.
Rimbold’s full presentation can be found here:
https://www.southhadley.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/1166?fileID=61222
8 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING – Linda’s Italian Kitchen General On Premise Beer & Wine
License Application
Cyr opened the hearing at 8:44 p.m. and closed it at 8:47 p.m. Miles motioned to approve the
General on Premise Beer and Wine license for Linda’s Italian Kitchen. Sweeney seconded. All in
favor. Unanimous.

NEW BUSINESS
DISPATCH MOA
Sweeney motioned to approve the Memorandum of Agreement for Regional Dispatch as
presented. Constant seconded. All in favor. Unanimous.
DISPATCH IMA
Miles motioned to approve the Intermunicipal Agreement for Regional Dispatch as presented.
Sweeney seconded. All in favor. Unanimous.
SEWER WARRANT APPROVAL
Collector Treasurer Donna Whiteley requested a Sewer Use Fee Warrant for the billing date of
April 1, 2026 in the amount of $2,214,500. Constant motioned to approve the sewer warrant as
presented. Sweeney seconded. All in favor. Unanimous.
ROTARY REQUEST
Barbara Baran of the Holyoke, South Hadley and Granby Rotary Club requested to continue to
the Flags for Heroes flag installation at town hall again this summer.
Miles motioned to allow the installation of flags at the South Hadley Town Hall as part of the
Rotary Club’s Flags For Heroes campaign from June 13 to July 18, 2026. Casolari seconded. All
in favor. Unanimous.
BUDGET TASK FORCE MINUTES
Miles said she needs to reformat the Jan. 5,12 and Feb 9 minutes. Sweeney motioned to accept
the minutes of the Budget Task Force with the exclusion of those. Constant seconded. All in
favor. Unanimous.
The meeting minutes approved were Oct. 20, 2025, Dec. 1, 2025 and Feb. 2, 2026.
PILOT - AMENDMENT TO POLICY
The changes include eliminating the fire department specifically from the list of organizations in
section two. The second was eliminating the referral to fiscal year 25 in section four “if
applicable” in section 6.
Constant motioned to approve the changes as presented to the South Hadley PILOT policy.
Miles seconded. All in favor. Unanimous.
DLS STUDY
Wong said The Department of Revenue plans to begin the study mid-summer, now joined by the
district prudential committees, to review finance and operations staffing across the town, schools
and district. The review will focus on staffing coverage and structural options, including how
finance functions relate to appropriations and potential roles similar to a Budget Oversight
Committee, with a scope to be finalized once a project manager is assigned.

CHARTER DISCUSSION
Wong explained a charter discussion originated during last summer’s Selectboard strategic
planning session but was delayed due to Budget Task Force priorities. It is now being revisited
with the Selectboard, with options including a formal charter review commission starting next
year or initiating an earlier, more flexible process to define scope, form a committee, and begin
review work sooner. The board agreed to keep this as an ongoing agenda item.
BUDGET OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
Miles said she has been wanting to have this as an agenda item for a while. She noted there had
been a recommendation by the Budget Task Force to have something like this committee, and
recently the Save South Hadley Steering Committee suggested similarly.
Katie DeBeer of 11 Lois Ave and member of the Save South Hadley Committee read a letter by
the Save South Hadley Steering Committee and said a Budget Oversight Committee could play a
significant role in ensuring transparency and building public trust.
James Grandchamp of 17 Ranger St. and Larry Dixon of 89 Amherst Rd. asked about the
budgeting process in general and about a Budget Oversight Committee.
MOTION TO EXTEND MEETING
Miles motioned to extend the meeting to 10:15 p.m. Sweeney seconded. All in favor.
Unanimous.
HEALTH INSURANCE
Ken Lombardi, Director, NFP Corporate Services, the town's benefits consultant, provided a
presentation on recent analysis of the town’s individual claims data over the last two years as
well as plan comparisons including between the HCGIT and GIC. He offered recommendations
to the town regarding options on purchasing arrangements for employer-sponsored health
insurance. He said the town has evaluated all of the healthcare options that are available in the
marketplace and where the town is positioned today is the best financial arrangement that the
town could achieve. He added there just is not another alternative out there where the town could
come in and say, ‘Hey, we're overpaying for the benefit costs that we're incurring.’ He said the
town is actually incurring more costs than it’s actually paying in a premium, which is exactly
what you’d would want any employer to do, where you can benefit from being part of this large
trust.
Joel Prough of 8 Silverwood Terr. and Carlene Hamlin of 16 Priestly Farms Rd. asked Lombardi
questions about health insurance.
For more analysis and information, visit the health and insurance benefit section of the town
website: https://southhadley.org/1411/Health-and-Insurance-Benefits
RESIGNATION
Miles motioned to accept the resignation of Rebecca Whitehouse from the Tree Committee with
regret. Sweeney seconded. All in favor. Unanimous.

ADJOURN
Miles motioned to adjourn. Sweeney seconded. All in favor. Unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 10:14 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Kristin Maher
Executive Assistant to Administration

ANNE CAPRA, AICP, Director of Planning & Conservation

TO:
FROM:
DATE:
CC:
RE:

Lisa Wong, Town Administrator
Selectboard
Anne Capra, Director Planning and Conservation
April 16, 2026
Jason Forgue, Building Commissioner
27 Bardwell Street – Bardwell Library Condominium Conversion – Special
Permit Status

The Special Permit holder, Orange Park Management, LLC, is currently in violation of their
Special Permit for the conversion of the former Bardwell Library to five (5) condominiums. A
project history and permitting timeline is attached (memo dated 3/26/25). The permit
holder has not submitted a progress report to my office since July 9, 2025 (attached). As of
4/1/26, the property owner was delinquent $5,999.89 on their 2nd and 3rd quarter taxes, with
another $3,126.40 due for the 4th quarter on 5/1/26.
The attached memo to the Town Administrator dated March 26, 2025 details a 2015
development agreement for the redevelopment of the property within two years, as well as
lack of progress toward project completion at that time. That notice resulted in the permit
holder’s attorney sending a letter to the Town Administrator dated May 5, 2025 (attached)
claiming that units 3, 4, and 5 were 95% complete, and that units 1 and 2 have some rough
plumbing and electrical but that they were looking for contractors to complete the work. It
is not apparent that there has been any progress since then. Due to lack of progress on
construction, the Building Commissioner revoked the building permit on 4/1/26.
It is my understanding that the permit holder still does not have contractors under contract
to complete units 1 and 2, nor are units 3, 4, and 5 fully completed. The project was
intended to be a catalyst for redevelopment of South Hadley Falls yet the Town has taken
very minimal action to enforce the development agreement and ensure project
completion. It is my recommendation that the Town take all actions necessary to regain
control of the site and engage in a public procurement process to select a new developer to
complete the project.

ATTACHMENTS

Jeff Cyr, Chair
Nicole Casolari, Vice Chair
Carol Constant, Clerk
Andrea Miles
Renee Sweeney

Lisa Wong
Town Administrator

Via electronic mail
First class mail
Registered Mail Return Receipt Requested
Orange Park Management LLC
Patrick Gottschlicht, Manager
35 Center St
Chicopee, MA 01012
Nikolay Dipon
605 Southwick Street
Feeding Hills, MA 01030

Aug. 6, 2025

9 Glenwood Drive
Westfield MA 01085
Yi Sheng, Inc.
Yunyi Liu, Pres.
5 Plainville Circle
South Hadley, MA 01075

Homer Foucher
RE: Notice of Non-Compliance / 27 Bardwell Street, South Hadley (the “Property”)
Dear Sirs;
As you know, on June 18, 2018 Yi Sheng, Inc purchased the property at 27 Bardwell Street, South Hadley from Orange Park
Management, LLC who immediately prior, purchased the Property from the Town. The Deed is recorded in the Hampshire
County Registry of Deeds Book 12986 Page 60. As part of the Deed, a Development Agreement incorporated the terms and
conditions of developing the Property and the Deed was specifically made subject to those prior recorded conditions. This
Development Agreement went to the very heart of the awarding of the Property to Orange Park originally and then to Yi Sheng
given the location and importance of this Property to the Town.
As part of the Development Agreement you were supposed to have completed the project within 24 months. It has now been 7
years. Notwithstanding your notifications on the alleged progress toward completion, which at this point are not representing
any progress, the Board is hereby exercising its rights under the Development Agreement and providing notice to you that
within 30 days of receipt of this letter, you will be required to pay the Town $2,000 monthly until such time as the project is
complete.
The Town has been more than generous with allowing more time to complete the project, but it cannot wait any longer. You
must complete this project and in the meantime you will be expected to pay the Town the foregoing penalty every month the
project remains incomplete.
To confirm, this letter shall serve as notice pursuant to Exhibit B, the Development Agreement, of the deed recorded in Book
12986 Page 53 and the specific incorporation of said terms in the Deed recorded in Book 12986 Page 60.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Town Administrator at 413 538 5030 ext 6136.
Sincerely,
South Hadley Selectboard
By_______________________

Its Chair
cc: Town Counsel

(SPACE ABOVE RESERVED FOR REGISTRY OF DEEDS)

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
TOWN OF HADLEY

1 West Main Street, South Hadley, MA 01075

Statement of Claim
for Expenses Incurred in Connection with
December 12, 2024 Unsafe Structure/Order to Make Safe
The Town of South Hadley hereby states that it has a claim in the amount of
Seventeen Thousand Nine Hundred Eighteen and 00/100 ($17,918.00) Dollars against the
Estate of Casimir R. Kazimierczak, (the “Owner”) and Jan J. Mastej in her capacity as
Personal Representative of the Estate of Casimir R. Kazimierczak (the “Personal
Representative”) for expenses incurred in effecting compliance with the Unsafe
Structure/Order to Make Safe of the Town of South Hadley Building Commissioner dated
December 12, 2024 (the “Order to Make Safe”), including but not limited to, compliance
with the Massachusetts State Building Code and other applicable laws and regulations
(collectively, the “Codes”), at property located at 1 West Main Street, Hampshire County,
Massachusetts (the “Property”) as more fully set forth in the attached Statement of Account
annexed hereto as Exhibit A.
This claim is a result of a certain agreement between the Town and the Personal
Representative dated March 17, 2026 whereby the amount claimed is expressly agreed upon
by the Personal Representative on behalf of the Estate (the “Agreement”).
Pursuant to Paragraph 2 of the Agreement and G.L. c. 139, § 3A, this claim shall
constitute a lien on the Property.
Statement made on this ___ day of ____________, 2026.

[The remainder of this page is left blank intentionally. Signatures to follow.]

TOWN OF SOUT HADLEY SELECT BOARD

Jeffrey Cyr

Kevin Hennessey

Carol Constant

Priscilla Marion

Renee Sweeney

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Hampshire, ss.

____________ ___, 2026

Before me, the undersigned notary public, personally appeared ________________,
proved to me through satisfactory evidence of identification, which were
_________________________, to be the persons whose names are signed on the
preceding or attached document, and acknowledged to me that they signed it voluntarily for
its stated purpose, in their capacity as Members of the Town of South Hadley Select Board.

____________________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires:

2

Exhibit A
Statement of Account
1.
2.

Demolition and removal of trailer
Installation of two (2) fence gates

$8,000.00
$9,918.00
Total: $17,918.00

3

ANNE CAPRA, AICP, Director of Planning & Conservation

TO:
FROM:
DATE:
CC:
RE:

Lisa Wong, Town Administrator
Selectboard
Anne Capra, Director Planning and Conservation
April 16, 2026
Jason Forgue, Building Commissioner
0 West Main Street – Site Cleanup Update

A former brick mill building located at the corner of West Main Street and Carew Street
(Assessor’s Map 4D, Parcel 22) collapsed on May 29, 2024. The structure, estimated to
have been constructed in the 1870s, is part of a contested estate for the former owner
Casimir Kazimierczak, who passed away on October 5, 2023. The Town was awarded a
Targeted Brownfield Assessment (TBA) Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency in August 2025 to help ready the site for redevelopment. Through the grant, the
property will receive soil and groundwater sampling to identify if there are any
contaminants that require cleanup, and a determination of potential cleanup options and
costs.
The estate representative was initially cooperating with the Town to provide site access for
the assessment work however after six months they still had not provided physical site
access for the drill rig needed to take the sampling and drill the groundwater wells. Site
access required installation of a double wide gate and removal of a tractor trailer full of
sheetrock. Without this site access, EPA would withdraw the site assessment grant
funding. The Town working through legal counsel was able to negotiate placement of a
voluntary lien on the property for the work described in the amount of $17,918. Site
assessment work is scheduled to begin April 28, 2026.
The lien agreement must be signed by the Selectboard members, and notarized, prior to
recording it against the property deed.
Property History
(Provided by Diane LaRoche, South Hadley Historical Society)
Archives at the Firehouse Museum were reviewed for any information relevant to the site.
While there really isn't any documentation that addresses specific operations, the deed
history was reviewed, which gives a reasonable idea of the activities at that site. The
building dates back to the early mill complex of the Carew Mills built in 1873. We know that
it served as a stable for the horses used to pull mill carts and early fire fighting equipment.
Later, when the horses were relocated to a site adjacent to the Firehouse on North Main
Street, it seems to have been used as a garage of some sort. There is a 1954 map of the

Associated Factory Mutual Fire Insurance Company that lists it as simply a garage. After
1954, ownership of the site was transferred several times. Alexander Gladu, who owned a
trucking and delivery company, used it as a garage and repair facility in the early 1960s. In
1969 it was sold to Casimir Kazimierczak, who founded the United Tool Company with his
brother. United Tool Company was a tool and die company, but we have no documentation
as to what sort of materials were involved in that type of business, a metal fabricating
company. The United Tool Company seemed to close around 1979, but Mr. Kazimierczak
continued to operate some sort of metal shop independently thereafter.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
SOUTH HADLEY, MASSACHUSETTS
WARRANT
Hampshire, ss.
TO: Either of the Constables of the Town of South Hadley
ADA ADVISORY
Anyone in need of special arrangements for the Town Meeting, please contact the Office of the
Selectboard at (413) 538-5030 ext. 6136 or [email protected] by May 1, 2026 in
order that reasonable accommodations may be made.
GREETINGS:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby directed to notify and warn
the Inhabitants of the Town of South Hadley that the ANNUAL TOWN MEETING will be held
at 153 Newton Street, South Hadley, Massachusetts on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM or
as soon thereafter as the subject matter of this warrant can then and there be reached, and the
Town Clerk is required to notify and warn the Town Meeting Members then and there to meet
and act on the following articles;
Election of Redevelopment Authority
1. Term from July 1, 2026 - 2031

REPORTS
ARTICLE 1:​ ​

HEAR REPORTS

To see if the town will hear and act upon the reports of the Town Officers, Boards, and
Committees; or take any other action in relation thereto.

ARTICLE 2:​ ​

BORROW

To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the
Selectboard, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the fiscal year
beginning July 1, 2026, in accordance with the provisions of G.L. c. 44, § 4 and to renew any
note or notes as may be given in accordance with the provisions of G.L. c. 44, § 17, or take any
other action relative thereto.

ARTICLE 3:​ ​

BANKING AGREEMENTS

To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the
Selectboard, to enter into compensating balance agreements with bank offices having their
principal offices in the Commonwealth during Fiscal Year 2027, as permitted by G.L. c. 44, § 53
(F), or take any other action relative thereto.

ARTICLE 4:​ ​

DEFEND AGAINST SUITS

To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectboard to defend all suits that may be brought
against the Town during Fiscal Year 2027 and to prosecute all suits on behalf of the Town, to
engage counsel for same, and to settle such suits as they deem advisable, or take any other action
relative thereto.

ARTICLE 5:​ ​

APPLY/ACCEPT FEDERAL, STATE GRANTS

To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectboard to apply for and accept such federal or
state grants or monies as may be available and to authorize the Selectboard to expend any funds
received there from in accordance with the terms of said grants, or take any other action relative
thereto.

ARTICLE 6:​ ​

CHAPTER 90 HIGHWAY FUNDS

To see if the Town will vote to accept a sum of money for highway improvements under the
authority of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 and other applicable law; determine
whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, or by
borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; authorize the Selectboard to apply for,
accept, expend and borrow in anticipation of state aid for such projects, or take any other action
relative thereto.

ARTICLE 7:​ ​

ELECTIVE OFFICER SALARIES

To see if the Town will vote to fix the salary and compensation of the following elective officers
of the Town of South Hadley during Fiscal Year 2027 as provided by G.L. c. 41, § 108, as
amended: Moderator, Selectboard Members, Assessors, or take any other action relative thereto.

ARTICLE 8:​ ​

REVOLVING FUNDS

To see if the Town will vote to authorize the total expenditures for the following Revolving
Funds pursuant to G.L. c. 44 § 53E ½ for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2026 to be expended
in accordance with Chapter 65 - 5 of the town bylaws, or take any other action relative thereto:
Buttery Brook Park ​
​ $50,000
COA Woodlawn Café
​ $50,000

ARTICLE 9:​​

CONTRACTS OVER 3 YEARS

To authorize the Selectboard and School Committee, pursuant to G.L. c. 30B Section 12, to enter
into contracts in excess of 3 years in Fiscal Year 2027, or take any other action relative thereto.

FINANCIAL ARTICLES

ARTICLE 10:​

OPERATING BUDGET

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and transfer from available funds and
retained earnings the sum of $59,881,421 or a greater or lesser sum, to constitute the Operating
Budget for Fiscal Year 2027 as further articulated in “Appendix A” as attached, or take any other
action relative thereto.

ARTICLE 11:​
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS AND EXPENSES OF
SEVERAL DEPARTMENTS
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds a sum of
money to supplement the Town’s General Government and school department operating budget
beginning in FY2027, contingent upon the passage of a Proposition 2½, so called, ballot
question, or take any action relative thereto.

ARTICLE 12:​

OVERRIDE STABILIZATION FUND ESTABLISHMENT

To see if the Town will vote, pursuant to MGL c. 40, § 5B, to establish a special purpose
stabilization fund to be known as the “Override Stabilization Fund,” for the purpose of funding
the future operating costs of the Town of South Hadley Public Schools and the Town of South
Hadley General Government, to be funded from available funds, including but not limited to
proceeds from a Proposition 2½ override, and further to raise and appropriate or transfer a sum
of money into said Override Stabilization Fund; or take any other action relative thereto.

ARTICLE 13:​

OVERRIDE STABILIZATION FUND ALLOCATION

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds a sum of
money to the Override Stabilization Fund, contingent upon the passage of a Proposition 2½, so
called, ballot question, or take any action relative thereto.

ARTICLE 14:​

CAPITAL BUDGET - GENERAL

To see if the Town will transfer from Unreserved Free Cash or other Available Funds the sum of
$1,250,000 to make the following capital purchases, repairs, or replacements:
Dept
Capital Request
Category
Cost
DPW

Replace #6 Dump / plow 2014

Vehicle

$105,000

DPW
Facilities

Truck #38 sander 2017

Vehicle

$250,000

Town Hall - Masonry maintenance

Building

$50,000

Facilities

Town Hall mini splits

Building

$60,000

General

Preventative Maintenance

Building

$50,000

General

Capital Stabilization Fund

Fund

$50,000

Library

Replace 3 boilers

Building

$55,000

Library

Tree maintenance

Maintenance

$15,000

Library

Flooring replacements

Building

$25,000

Police

generator replacement

Building

$75,000

Police

replace boiler

Building

$35,000

Police

Upgrade Electronic Weapons (tasers)

Equipment

$21,000

Police

Firearms Replacement, 33 units with optics

Equipment

$45,000

Police

Technology: Computers

Technology

$9,000

Police

2 Vehicle Replacement

Vehicle

$70,000

School

Middle School HVAC repairs

Building

$50,000

School

High School-roof replacement cafeteria

Building

$110,000

School

High School-HVAC repairs

Building

$75,000

School

High School-carpet in library and guidance

Building

$100,000

; or take any other action relative thereto.

ARTICLE 15:​

WASTEWATER CAPITAL BUDGET

To see if the Town will transfer from WWTP Enterprise Fund Receipts the sum of $625,000 to
make the following purchases, repairs, or replacements:
Dept
Capital Request
Category
Cost
WWTP

Phase 1 design services Main St. Pump Station

Building

$500,000

WWTP

AMP Grant

Building

$25,000

Various maintenance

Building

$100,000

WWTP

; or take any other action relative thereto.

ARTICLE 16:​

LEDGES CAPITAL BUDGET

To see if the Town will transfer from Ledges Retained Earnings the sum of $100,000 to make
capital purchases, repairs, and replacements, or take any other action relative thereto.
Capital Request Detail by Department

Category

Cost

Ledges

Clubhouse Phone system

Equipment

$18,000

Ledges

Convection oven

Equipment

$16,000

Ledges

Restaurant doors

$18,000

Ledges

Cart Path Paving and general repairs and maintenance

Building
Maintenance

$48,000

; or take any other action relative thereto.

ARTICLE 17:​

SPECIAL EDUCATION RESERVE FUND

To see if the Town will vote to transfer from Free Cash the sum of $100,000 to the Special
Education Stabilization Fund, or take any action relative thereto.

ARTICLE 18:​

REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

To see if the Town will transfer from Free Cash the sum of $150,000 to the South Hadley Falls
Redevelopment Fund, or take any action relative thereto.

ARTICLE 19: ​

FY2026 SNOW AND ICE

To see if the town will vote to transfer from Free Cash the sum of $400,000 to pay for Snow and
Ice bills incurred in Fiscal Year 2026, or take any action relative thereto.

GENERAL ARTICLES & CITIZENS PETITIONS
ARTICLE 21: ​

REPEAL AND REPLACE 255-91 FLOODPLAIN REGULATIONS

To see if Town Meeting will vote to repeal and replace Zoning Bylaw Chapter 255-91 Floodplain
Regulations, as further articulated in the Planning Board’s Report to Town Meeting on file at the
Town Clerk’s office, or take any other action relative thereto.

ARTICLE 22: ​

ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENTS RELATIVE TO SIGNS

To see if Town Meeting will vote to repeal and replace Zoning Bylaw Chapter 255-85 Signs;
amend Section 255-10 Terms defined by inserting various new terms and their definitions;
amend 255-22 Home Occupations by deleting 255-34E(4) and inserting reference to the
provisions of 255-85; amend 255-34 Professional Business Uses by deleting 255-34F(1) and
inserting reference to the provisions of 255-85; and, amend 255-39 Bed-and-Breakfast Facilities
by deleting 255-39a(2)(e) and inserting reference to the provisions of 255-85, as further
articulated in the Planning Board's Report to Town Meeting on file at the Town Clerk’s office, or
take any other action relative thereto.

ARTICLE 23:​

CITIZEN PETITION

To see if the Town will vote to amend Chapter 72-13 of the General Bylaws as follows (new text
in BOLD and deletions set forth in strikethrough:
§ 72-13 Speaking at Town Meeting.
Only voting members residents of the Town of South Hadley are entitled to address any
Annual or Special Town Meeting, except that others may speak to articles at the discretion of the
Town Moderator or upon a majority vote of the voting members. All persons desiring to speak
shall signify their interest by a show of hands and, upon obtaining recognition from the Town
Moderator, each speaker shall state his or her name and stand while speaking, unless the Town
Moderator otherwise directs. The extent and frequency of any comments or debate shall be at the
discretion of the Moderator or by a majority vote of the voting members present and voting.

Given under our hands this 21st day of April 2026:

________________________
Chair​ ​
​
​
​

​

​
​

​ __________________________
Vice Chair
​ ​
​

​

​ __________________________
Member

​
________________________
Clerk​ ​
​
​
​
​

​

​
​

​

​

​

​

​

​
________________________
Member

​

SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF SOUTH HADLEY

True copy, attest:

________________________
Sarah Gmeiner, Town Clerk
Town of South Hadley

​

FY2027
Summary Budget Request
FY 24
Department

FY 25

Expended
Expended
1220 Selectboard

Selectboard-Personnel Services $
Selectboard-Other Expenses $
Total Selectboard $

Cable Access-Personnel Services $
Cable Access-Other Expenses $

Total Cable Access $

Total Reserve Fund $
Accounting/Auditing- Personnel Services $
Accounting/Auditing- Other Expenses $
Total Accounting/Auditing $

238,345
35,174
273,519

$
$
$

1250 Cable Access
84,136
25,571

109,707

$
$

Human Resources Personnel Services $
Human Resources Other Expenses $
Total Human Resources $

Assessor-Personnel Services $
Assessor-Other Expenses $
Total Assessor $

4/16/2026

FY 27

Budgeted

TA Recommended

235,294
42,161

$
$

245,510
30,650

$
$

251,675
30,650

88,411
23,063

$
$

100,431
24,100

$
$

102,440
24,100

277,455

$

276,160

$

282,325

$

111,474

$

124,531

$

126,540

-

$

-

$

25,000

$

25,000

231,256
-

$
$

240,454
-

$
$

244,062
300

$
$
$

264,062
300

264,362

90,000 $
(84,003) $
5,997 $

50,000 $
(30,264) $
19,736 $

100,000
100,000

$
$
$

80,000
80,000

117,671
27,031

142,954
27,009

147,060
31,600

$
$

150,001
14,600

1410 Assessor

169,963

$
$

154,712
37,977

165,207
27,809

$
$

168,359
30,765

$
$

171,564
30,765

1320 Reserve Fund

1350 Accountant/Auditor

231,256

$

240,454

1360 Wage and Classification

Merit Plan $
Transferred/Expended $
Total Wage and Classification $

FY 26

$

1370 Human Resources

144,702

192,689

$
$
$

$
$
$

193,016

$

$

244,362

178,660

199,124

$

$

164,601

202,329

FY2027
Summary Budget Request
FY 24
Department

FY 25

Expended
Expended
1460 Treasurer/Collector

Collector/Treasurer-Personnel Services $
Collector/Treasurer-Other Expenses $
Total Collector/Treasurer $
Total Town Audit $
Town Clerk-Personnel Services $
Town Clerk-Other Expenses $
Total Town Clerk $

190,112
45,056
235,168

$
$
$

1490 Town Audit

FY 26

FY 27

Budgeted

TA Recommended

157,341
43,977

$
$

160,394
45,875

$
$

173,490
45,875

201,318

$

206,269

$

219,365

34,000

$

1500 Town Clerk

34,000

$

36,000

$

48,000

154,375
5,445

$
$

159,749
5,416

$
$

165,833
14,500

$
$

153,325
11,500

159,820

$

1510 Legal Services

165,165

$

180,333

$

164,825

Total Legal Services $

83,224

$

72,976

$

95,000

$

95,000

Information Technology-Personnel Services $
Information Technology-Other Expenses $

80,644
341,898

$
$

$

83,980
354,256

$
$

$

85,652
378,140

463,792

$
$

$

87,365
369,722

457,087

$
$

$
$

12,500
30,150

$
$

30,500
22,375

$
$

215,194
48,875

$
$

214,264
21,375

1550 Information Technology

Total Information Technology $

1620 Elections

438,236

Elections-Personnel Services $
Elections-Other Expenses $

14,915
38,583

27,817
37,370

Total Elections $

422,542

53,498

$

65,187

1750 Planning/Conservation

Planning/Conservation-Personnel Services $
Planning/Conservation-Other Expenses $
Total Planning/Conservation $

4/16/2026

205,215
56,461
261,676

$
$
$

210,971
39,856
250,827

$

$

42,650

264,069

$

$

52,875

235,639

FY2027
Summary Budget Request
FY 24
Department

FY 25

Expended
Expended
1920 Facilities

Facilities -Personnel Services $
Facilities-Other Expenses $

Total Building Maintenance $

181,104
233,958
415,062

$
$

104,400
292,135

$

396,535

1930 Internal Service Fund

Total Internal Service Fund $
Total Town Reports $
Police-Personnel Services $
Police-Other Expenses $
Total Police $

Inspection Services-Personnel Services $
Inspection Services-Other Expenses $
Total Inspection Services $

FY 27

Budgeted

TA Recommended

$
$

105,970
312,500

$
$

108,081
326,830

$

418,470

$

434,911

7,870

$

4,489

$

8,000

$

8,000

1,223

$

1,145

$

1,000

$

500

3,044,235
264,878

$
$

3,305,981
292,379

$
$
$

3,555,088
269,030

3,824,118

$
$

3,225,224
264,560

$
$

199,662
28,450

$
$

207,289
18,450

1950 Town Reports

2100 Police

3,309,113

$

3,598,361

2410 Inspection Services
202,488
14,148
216,636

$
$
$

228,562
6,746
235,307

2440 Weights and Measures

$

228,112

$

$

3,489,784

225,739

Total Weights and Measures $

7,087

$

7,581

$

8,200

$

8,200

DPW-Personnel Services $
DPW-Other Expenses $

889,469
614,668

$
$

903,826
653,867

$
$

971,753
663,260

$
$

919,717
558,260

4000 Department of Public Works

Total Department of Public Works $

4/16/2026

FY 26

1,504,137

$

1,557,692

$

1,635,013

$

1,477,977

FY2027
Summary Budget Request
FY 24
Department

FY 25

Expended
Expended
4230 Snow and Ice Removal

Snow and Ice-Personnel Services $
Snow and Ice-Other Expenses $
Total Snow and Ice Removal $
Total Street/Signal Lighting $
Board of Health-Personnel Services $
Board of Health-Other Expenses $
Total Board of Health $

Human Services-Personnel Services $
Human Services-Other Expense $

Total Total Human Services $
Library-Personnel Services $
Library-Other Expenses $
Total Library $

25,433
165,808
191,241

$
$

57,590
227,713

$
$

FY 26

FY 27

Budgeted

TA Recommended

21,000
81,100

$
$

21,000
81,400

$

285,303

$

102,100

$

102,400

90,604

$

90,007

$

105,000

$

105,000

240,540
53,855

$
$

220,290
67,262

$
$

236,153
75,725
311,878

$
$

$

214,917
75,725

290,642

555,021
296,802

536,014
400,094

$
$

$

471,146
369,668

6100 Library

851,823

$
$

840,814

520,070
293,363

564,477
280,467

$
$

575,483
267,440

$
$

513,901
268,265

4240 Street Lighting

5110 Board of Health

294,395

$

287,551

5300 Human Services
622,629
289,129
911,758

813,433

$
$

$

$
$
$

844,944

6710 Old Firehouse Museum

$

$

$

936,108

842,923

$

782,166

4,680

$

5,845

$

7,650

$

6,975

Total Principal: Long-Term Debt $

2,432,472

$

2,418,885

$

2,490,428

$

2,467,103

Total Interest: Long-Term Debt $

930,765

$

843,790

$

762,971

$

680,506

Total Interest: Short-Term Debt $

-

$

-

$

3,000

$

3,000

Total Old Firehouse Museum $

7110 Retirement of Debt

7510 Interest: Long-Term Debt

7520 Interest: Short-Term Debt

4/16/2026

9110 Retirement

FY2027
Summary Budget Request

Department

FY 24

FY 25

FY 26

FY 27

Expended

Expended

Budgeted

TA Recommended

Total Retirement $

4,343,569

$

4,765,712

$

5,170,346

$

5,277,322

Total Unemployment Insurance $

62,641

$

94,175

$

101,000

$

101,000

9130 Unemployment Compensation

4/16/2026

FY2027
Summary Budget Request
FY 24
Department

FY 25

Expended
Expended
9140 Group Health Insurance

FY 26

FY 27

Budgeted

TA Recommended

4,596,638

$

5,049,929

$

6,979,927

$

8,288,000

443,131

$

485,525

$

520,000

$

520,000

Total Liability Insurance $

429,036

$

493,199

$

578,430

$

535,180

Total Ct. River Channel Marker $

2,920

$

-

$

5,000

$

5,000

67,663
1,232,510

$
$

$
$

107,351
1,284,500

$
$

111,740
1,305,500

Total Group Health Insurance $
Total Fica/Medicare $

9160 Fica/Medicare

9450 Liability Insurance

2950 Ct. River Channel Marker

DPW:Landfill-Personnel Services $
DPW:Landfill-Other Expenses $
Total DPW: Landfill $

4340 DPW: Landfill

102,656
1,247,799

1,300,173

$

1,350,454

$

1,391,851

$

1,417,240

TOTAL DPW:Sewerage $

73,346

$

44,424

$

82,500

$

82,500

DPW:WWTP-Personnel Services $
DPW:WWTP-Other Expenses $

592,547
1,005,650

$
$

624,285
1,144,444

$
$

643,615
1,166,300

$
$

663,841
1,194,300

4360 DPW:Sewerage

4430 DPW:Water Pollution Control

Total DPW: Water Pollution Control $

1,598,197

$

1,768,730

$

1,809,915

$

1,858,141

1,439,329

$

1,593,653

$

1,624,409

$

1,663,484

6800 Ledges Golf Course/Valley View

Total Ledges Golf Course $

4/16/2026

FY2027
Summary Budget Request
FY 24
Department

FY 25

Expended
Expended
SCHOOL
Total School $

24,584,772

$

25,521,460

$

Conservation Land Fund
Budgeted
Budgeted
Conservation Land Fund $

15,000

$

Workers' Compensation
Budgeted
Budgeted

Total Workers' Compensation $

Total Injured on Duty $

150,000

$

50,000

Total OPEB $

150,000

Injured on Duty
Budgeted
Budgeted
$

OPEB
Budgeted

Total Capital Stabilization $

15,000

500,000

50,000

500,000

Capital Stabilization
Budgeted
Budgeted
-

$

-

Mosier School Stabilization
Budgeted
Budgeted

Budgeted

TA Recommended

25,771,460

$

15,000

150,000

50,000

$

150,000

$

50,000

TA Recommended

500,000
Budgeted

$

5,000

TA Recommended

Budgeted
$

$

TA Recommended

Budgeted
$

26,286,889

TA Recommended

Budgeted
$

$

$

300,000

TA Recommended
-

Budgeted

$

-

TA Recommended

Total Mosier School Stabilization $

750,000

$

Total General Fund $
Total Misc. Trust $
Total Receipts Reserved $
Total DPW: Landfill $
Total DPW: WWTP $
Total Ledges $
Total School $

23,213,288
1,465,000
2,920
1,300,173
1,671,543
1,439,329
24,584,772

$
$
$
$
$
$
$

24,557,606
715,000
1,350,454
1,813,154
1,593,653
25,521,460

$
$
$
$
$
$
$

27,470,624
715,000
5,000
1,391,851
1,892,415
1,624,409
25,771,460

$
$
$
$
$
$
$

28,063,167
505,000
5,000
1,417,240
1,940,641
1,663,484
26,286,889

$

53,677,025

$

55,551,327

$

58,870,759

$

59,881,421

4/16/2026

-

FY 27

Budgeted

Budgeted
$

FY 26

$

-

$

-

Exemptions
M.G.L. Chapter 59 Section 5

Clauses 1-16, & 58; property or personal property based
Clauses 17- 57; person based

What is an exemption?

• A discharge, established by statute, from the obligation to pay all or a portion of a
property tax. The exemption is available to particular categories of property or
persons upon the timely submission and approval of an application to the assessors.
Properties exempt from taxation include hospitals, schools, houses of worship, and
cultural institutions. Persons who may qualify for exemptions include disabled
veterans, blind individuals, surviving spouses, and seniors.
• Money is set aside within the budget annually to offset the deductions in taxation.

Preamble:
• Section 5. The following property shall be exempt from taxation and the date of determination as to
age, ownership or other qualifying factors required by any clause shall be July 1 of each year unless
another meaning is clearly apparent from the context; provided, however, that any person who receives
an exemption pursuant to clause Seventeenth, Seventeenth C, Seventeenth C1/2, Seventeenth D,
Twenty-second, Twenty-second A, Twenty-second B, Twenty-second C, Twenty-second D, Twentysecond E, Twenty-second F, Twenty-second G, Thirty-seventh, Thirty-seventh A, Forty-first, Forty-first B,
Forty-first C, Forty-first C1/2, Forty-second, Forty-third, Fifty-sixth or Fifty-seventh shall not receive an
exemption on the same property pursuant to any other provision of this section, except clause
Eighteenth or Forty-fifth.

Property based
• Clause 1 – US Government
• Clause 2 - Commonwealth
• Clause 3 – Charitable Organizations
• Clause 4, 4A – Horticultural Societies, Agricultural Societies
• Clause 5, 5A, 5B, 5C – Veterans Organizations
• Clause 6 – Military regiment, corps.
• Clause 7 – Fraternal Organizations
• Clause 8 – Retirement Association
• Clause 9 – Pension or endowment Association
• Clause 10, 11 – Religious Organizations, Parsonages
• Clause 12 – Cemeteries
• Clause 13, 14, 15 16 – Personal property – Cities, towns, religious organizations,
cemeteries; Water company; Credit Union; Banks
• Clause 58 – Workforce Housing

Personal
For each type of exemption offered an applicant must:
 Own
 Occupy as their domicile
 Meet status requirements
 Pass means test
 Provide documentation of eligibility

as of the annual qualification date of July 1.
Deadline for filing is April 1

Senior, Minor child with deceased parent, and surviving spouse
Clauses 17, 17C, 17C ½ and 17D

Age

Ownership

Whole
Estate

Amount
Granted

Reimbursement

Date
Adopted

17

Statutory

70, minor, any

10 years

$20,000

$175.00

$175

n/a

17C

Local Option

70, minor, any

10 years

$40,000

$175.00

equal to the
reimbursement
granted for the most
recent fiscal year in
which it received such
reimbursement.

5/5/1984

17C 1/2

Local Option

70, minor, any

10 years

$40,000

$175.00

Same as 17C

n/a

17D

Local Option

70, minor, any

5 years

$40,000

$175.00

Same as 17C

2/10/1987

Senior, Minor child with deceased parent, and surviving spouse
Clauses 17, 17C, 17C ½ and 17D (cont’d)

Age

Ownership

Whole
Estate

Amount
Granted

$40,000

$175.00

equal to the reimbursement
granted for the most recent fiscal
year in which it received such
reimbursement.

5/8/2024

$40,000

$175.00

Same as above

5/8/2024 Capped at
2.5% over
last year’s
exemption or
100% of
COLA,
whichever is
less

17E

Local Option – increases whole 70,
estate by COLA as determined minor,
by DOR
any

5 years

17F

Local Option – increases
exemption amount annually by
any % amount up to COLA –
vote of legislative body to set %

5 years

70,
minor,
any

For FY2025 $41,360
(3.4%)
For FY2026 $42,559.44
(2.9%)

For FY2025 $179.38
(Cola =
$180.95)
For FY2026 $183.86
(Cola =
$184.58)

Reimbursement

Date
Adopted

Financial Hardship Exemption
Clause 18

18

Statutory

Limits/
Requirements

Amount
Granted

Reimbursement

Persons who do not have the financial
means to pay their taxes because (1)
they were called into active military
service, or (2) are older and have a
physical or mental illness, disability or
impairment, may receive a partial or full
exemption at the discretion of the
assessors.

Any

none

Date Adopted
n/a

Financial Hardship Deferral
Clause 18A
Limits/
Requirements
18A

Statutory

18A

Local Option –
reduce interest rate
below 8%

Persons who are having temporary
financial difficulties and meet certain
domiciliary requirements may receive
a partial or full deferral at the
discretion of the assessors. The
taxpayer may be of any age and the
financial hardship may be due to any
number of reasons, including a
change to active military status.

Domicile
Domiciled
in MA for
the 10
consecutive
years before
the
exemption
year

Amount
Granted

Reimbursement

Date
Adopted

Any

none

n/a

Veterans
Clauses 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, 22F, 22G, 22H, 22I, 22J

Type/Status

Domicile
Veterans with minimum Domiciled in MA for the 6
10% service-connected consecutive months before
entering the service OR
disability
domiciled in MA for the 5
consecutive years (2 years
beginning in in FY 2020)

Amount
Granted

Reimbursement

Date
Adopted

$400.00

$225

n/a

22a

Statutory

22b

Statutory

Veterans of certain preWorld War I conflicts

same as 22(a)

$400.00

$225

n/a

22c

Statutory

Veterans awarded purple
hearts

same as 22(a)

$400.00

$225

n/a

Veterans
(cont’d)
Clauses 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, 22F, 22G, 22H, 22I, 22J

Type/Status

Domicile

Amount
Granted

Reimbursement

Date
Adopted

22d

Statutory

Spouses (when property is owned by same as 22(a)
spouse, not veteran) and surviving
spouses of Clause 22(a) –(c)
veterans or of soldiers and sailors
who died serving in certain 22(b)
pre-World War I conflicts

$400.00

$225

n/a

22e

Statutory

Gold star parents

same as 22(a)

$400.00

$225

n/a

22f

Statutory

Surviving spouses of World War I
same as 22(a)
veterans whose whole estate, less
mortgage balance on property, does
not exceed $20,000

$400.00

$225

n/a

Veterans
(cont’d)
Clauses 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, 22F, 22G, 22H, 22I, 22J

Type/Status

Domicile

Amount
Granted

Reimbursement

Date
Adopted

22A

Statutory

Veterans who lost, or had permanent loss of
same as 22(a)
use of, one hand, foot or eye in the line of duty
or who were awarded the Congressional Medal
of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy
Cross or Air Force Cross (and Prisoners of War
beginning in FY2020)

$750.00

$575

n/a

22B

Statutory

Veterans who lost, or had permanent loss of
same as 22(a)
use of, two hands, feet or eyes in the line of duty

$1,250.00

$1,075

n/a

22C

Statutory

Veterans with 100% disability in the line of duty same as 22(a)
and whose domicile is specially adapted
housing acquired with assistance from VA

$1,500.00

$1,325

n/a

Veterans
(cont’d)
Clauses 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, 22F, 22G, 22H, 22I, 22J

22D

Statutory

Amount
Granted

Type/Status

Domicile

Surviving spouses (who have never
remarried) of active-duty military
personnel (including National
guardsmen on active duty) or veterans
who (1) died as a proximate result of
injuries sustained or diseases during
active duty, or (2) are missing in action
and presumed to have died

Domiciled in MA for
Full
the 5 consecutive
years (2 consecutive
years beginning in FY
2020) before the
exemption year OR
deceased spouse
domiciled in MA for the
6 consecutive months
before entering the
service

Reimbursement

Date
Adopted

Amount Granted

n/a

Veterans
(cont’d)
Clauses 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, 22F, 22G, 22H, 22I, 22J

22E

22F

Type/Status
Domicile
Statutory Veterans with 100% disability in the same as 22(a)
line of duty (annual certificate
required)
Statutory Paraplegic veterans, Veterans with same as 22(a)
100% disability for serviceconnected blindness

G.L. c. 59, § 5,
Local
provision added Option
by St. 1993, c.
110, §110 (within
last paragraph of
c. 59, § 5, Clause
22F)

Reduces residency requirement for Domiciled in MA for the 5 consecutive
veterans who were not domiciled in years (2 consecutive years)
Massachusetts 6 months before
entering the service from 2 to 1 year
before application - Applies to all
veteran exemptions, except Clause
22H

Amount
Date
Granted
Reimbursement Adopted
$1,000.00 $825
n/a

Full

All but $175 of
exemption
granted

n/a

n/a

n/a

Veterans
(cont’d)
Clauses 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, 22F, 22G, 22H, 22I, 22J
Type/Status

Domicile

Amount
Granted

Reimbursement
n/a

22G

Local
Option

Exempts persons otherwise eligible for
a Clause 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E or
22F exemption when legal title is held
by a trustee, conservator or other
fiduciary for the person’s benefit

n/a

22H

Local
Option

Exempts surviving parents or guardians
of active duty military personnel
(including National guardsmen on
active duty) or veterans who (1) died as
a proximate result of injuries sustained
or diseases during active duty, or (2)
went missing in action and are
presumed to have died. (Beginning in
FY2020)

Domiciled in MA for Full
5 consecutive years
before applying OR
deceased soldier
domiciled in MA for
6 consecutive
months before
entering the service

None

Date
Adopted

5/10/2023

Veterans
(cont’d)
Clauses 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, 22F, 22G, 22H, 22I, 22J

Type/Status

Amount
Granted

Reimbursement

22I

Local Option Increases all veteran exemption amounts annually
by the COLA determined by DOR

None

22J

Local Option Increases all veteran exemption amounts by up to a
percentage (not to exceed 100%) voted by
legislative body before July 1 of the fiscal year the
percentage first applies

None

Date
Adopted

Legally Blind
Clause 37, 37A

Limits/
Requirements

Amount
Granted

Reimbursement

Date
Adopted

37

Statutory

Legally Blind

$437.50

$87.50

n/a

37A

Local Option –
Increases amount of
exemption to $500

Legally Blind

$500.00

$87.50

5/8/2024

Senior
Clauses 41, 41B, 41C, 41C ½ and 41D

Age
41

Statutory

70+

41B

Local Option Increases
gross receipts
and whole
estate limits

70+

Ownership

Owned and
occupied the
property, or
any other MA
property, as
domicile for
any 5 years

Amount
Granted

Reimbursement

Date
Adopted

Gross Receipts

Whole Estate

$6,000 Single
$7,000 Married

$17,000 Single
$20,000 Married

$500.00

$500.00

n/a

$40,000

$175.00

equal to the
reimbursement
granted for the
most recent fiscal
year in which it
received such
reimbursement.

5/5/1984

Senior
Clauses 41, 41B, 41C, 41C ½ and 41D
Age Ownership

Gross Receipts

Whole Estate

41C Local Option –
$17,500 Single $33,600 Single
70+ Owned and
Legislative body may vote to:
occupied the
$20,000 Married $36,000
Reduce eligibility age to 65;
property, or any
Married
Increase exemption amount by up to
other MA property,
100%; Increase gross receipts limit up to
as
$20,000 single and $30,000 married;
domicile for any 5
Increase whole estate limit up to $40,000
years
single and $55,000 married;
Exclude value of up to 4 family home from
whole estate

Amount
Granted

Date
Reimbursement Adopted

$600.00

$500 per
2/10/1987
exemption, up to
the number of
Options
exemptions
increased
granted in the last to current
year Clause 41
(shown)
used plus
5/12/2012
additional max of
$2.00 per
exemption for
administrative
costs incurred in
determining
eligibility

Senior
Clauses 41, 41B, 41C, 41C ½ and 41D

41C½

Age

Ownership

Local Option –
70+
Legislative body may vote to:
Reduce eligibility age to 65; Increase exemption %
up to 20%; Reduce durational residency
requirement to 5 years; Adjust income limits to
apply to combined household income; no whole
estate limits

Owned and
occupied the
property, or
any other MA
property, as
domicile for
any 5 years

Amount
Granted

Date
Reimbursement Adopted

$500 per
Up to 5% of
exemption, up to
the average
the number of
assessed
exemptions
valuation of
granted in the last
residential
year Clause 41
property
(which can be used plus
increased up additional max of
$2.00 per
to 20% by
exemption for
legislative
administrative
body)
costs incurred in
determining
eligibility

Requires

voter
approval of
a ballot
question at
a regular
municipal
election

Senior
Clauses 41, 41B, 41C, 41C ½ and 41D

Reimbursement
41D

Local Option –
n/a
Increases Clause 41, 41B or 41C gross receipts and whole
estate limits automatically each year by COLA determined
by DOR

Date Adopted

Senior Tax Deferral
41A

Age Ownership
41A

Statutory

Gross Receipts

65+ Owned and
$20,000 or less
occupied the
property, or any
other MA property,
as domicile for any
5 years
Domiciled in MA
for the 10
consecutive years
before the
exemption year

Amount
Granted

Date
Reimbursement Adopted

Any

n/a

n/a

Surviving spouse and Minor Child of Firefighter and Police
Clauses 42 and 43

Limits/
Requirements

Amount
Granted

Reimbursement

Date
Adopted

42

Statutory

Spouse of police officer or
firefighter killed in the line of
duty

Full

None

n/a

43

Statutory

Surviving minor children of
police officer or firefighter
killed in the line of duty

Full

None

n/a

Housing provided for person 60 or older who is not the owner
Clause 50

Limits/
Requirements
50

Local Option

Amount
Granted

Reimbursement

The increased
Exempts value of
None
improvements to residential value as a result
of alterations or
property made to provide
improvements not
housing for person 60 or
older who is not the owner to exceed $500.00

Date
Adopted
6/2/1990

Deployed Guardsmen & Reservists
Clause 56

56

Local Option

Limits/
Requirements

Amount
Granted

Reimbursement

Exempts up to 100% of
property taxes assessed to
Massachusetts national
guardsmen and reservists
deployed overseas

up to 100%

None

Assessors have the
discretion to establish
specific eligibility criteria for
the exemption. The
exemption expires two years
after acceptance unless the
community’s legislative body
votes to extend it.

Date
Adopted

Senior
Clause 57

Limits/
Requirements
57

Local Option

Amount
Granted

Exempts seniors up to amount up to 100%
of “circuit breaker” state income
tax credit received for domicile

Reimbursement
None

Date
Adopted

All Exemptions
Clause 5C½

Limits/
Requirements
5C½

Amount
Granted

Local Option Increases all personal exemption amounts up to 100%
by up to percentage (not to exceed 100%)
voted by legislative body before the July 1 of
the fiscal year the percentage first applies

Reimbursement
None

Date
Adopted

Veteran Deferral
Clause 5L
Limits/
Requirements
5L

Local Option

Amount
Granted

Any taxes due under this chapter by a
any
member of the Massachusetts National
Guard or reservist or a dependent of a
member of the Massachusetts National
Guard or reservist shall be deferred while
that member is on active service outside
the commonwealth and for the next 180
days after that service. No interest or
penalties shall be assessed for any period
before the expiration of those 180 days.

Reimbursement
None

Date
Adopted

Work Off Programs
Clause 5K, 5N
Limits/
Requirements
5K

Amount
Granted

Date
Reimbursement Adopted

Municipal Discretion:
Local Option - Allows persons
over the age of 60 to volunteer to
provide services in exchange for a For FY2026–
reduction on real property taxes. Age 65+

Up to
$2,000

none

Local Option – Allows veterans or Municipal Discretion
spouse if veteran is deceased to
volunteer to provide services in
exchange for a reduction on real
property taxes.

Up to
$1,500

none

Income limits (calendar year 2025):
$75,000
Single Individual who is NOT head of
household
$94,000
Head of Household
$112,000
Married Couples Filing Jointly

5N

11/15/2023

Expenditures by category

• Clause 17F – can vote to change % up to 100%
Cola
• Clause 18A – reduce interest rate
• G.L. c. 59, § 5, provision added by St. 1993, c. 110,
§110 (within last paragraph of c. 59, § 5, Clause
22F) – can vote to reduce residency requirement
from 2 years to 1

Remaining Options

• Clause 22G - Exempts persons otherwise eligible
for a Clause 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E or 22F
exemption when legal title is held by a trustee,
conservator or other fiduciary for the person’s
benefit
• Clause 22I - Increases all veteran exemption
amounts annually by the COLA determined by
DOR
• Clause 22J - Increases all veteran exemption
amounts by up to a percentage (not to exceed
100%) voted by legislative body before July 1 of the
fiscal year the percentage first applies
• Clause 41C – have not maximized allowable
changes
• 41C½ – Legislative body may vote to:
Reduce eligibility age to 65; Increase exemption %
up to 20%; Reduce durational residency
requirement to 5 years; Adjust income limits to
apply to combined household income; no whole
estate limits

• Clause 41D - Increases Clause 41, 41B or 41C
gross receipts and whole estate limits
automatically each year by COLA determined by
DOR
• Clause 5N – Veteran Work off program
• Clause 56 – Exempts up to 100% of property taxes
assessed to Massachusetts national guardsmen
and reservists deployed overseas

Remaining Options

• Clause 57 - Exempts seniors up to amount of
“circuit breaker” state income tax credit received
for domicile
• Clause 5C½ - Increases all personal exemption
amounts by up to percentage (not to exceed 100%)
voted by legislative body before the July1 of the
fiscal year the percentage first applies
• Clause 5L - Any taxes due under this chapter by a
member of the Massachusetts National Guard or
reservist or a dependent of a member of the
Massachusetts National Guard or reservist shall
be deferred while that member is on active service
outside the commonwealth and for the next 180
days after that service. No interest or penalties
shall be assessed for any period before the
expiration of those 180 days

Other Considerations
Local:
• Potential of more money directed from taxation to fund these options
• Potential additional office staff needed
• Constraints on processing time due to staff limitations
• Creation of any related new forms, policies, informational releases etc. will need to be
accomplished
• Education
• Previous Selectboard discussions on Residential Exemption adoption
State:
• Traction in State House surrounding the Senior Means tested exemption (many communities
have created this on their own through home rule petition) including within the governor’s
budget. This would be in addition to any other exemption a senior is eligible for.
• When searching The 194th General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for
“property tax relief” you will find that there are 81 results.

Thank You

Prepared and presented by Board of Assessors
April 7, 2026

Town Administrator’s Monthly Report
April 2026
Administration, Finance and Operations
●​ Administration:
○​ Selectboard: The board will welcome two new members at the April 21 meeting.
Congratulations to Priscilla Marion and Kevin Henessey. The board will also vote on
Chair, Vice Chair and Clerk positions. The Selectboard will be evaluating whether to
initiate a charter review.
○​ Town Meeting: There will be an Annual Town Meeting on Wednesday, May 13 at
6pm at the High School. The Selectboard will vote on the warrant on April 21 and
there will be a hearing and review of the warrant on April 28. Agenda and information
is on the agenda center on the town’s website. Town meeting members will be sworn
in and then consider 19 articles focusing on the budget, various capital and financial
articles, two zoning amendments, and proposals from the Redevelopment Authority
and a Citizens Petition to all residents to speak at town meeting.
○​ State/Federal news: The Governor’s budget provides a net reduction of ~$6k to the
town in FY27 compared to FY26. The House Ways and Means released their budget
on April 15, that is an overall $33m less than the Governor’s budget. The House
budget does increase Unrestricted General Government aid and Chapter 70 School
aid, which could mean about $100k more on the revenue side. The Senate will work
on their budget next, then there will be a consensus budget and the final budget.
○​ Elementary School Building Project: The deadline to submit the Preferred
Schematic Report to MSBA is June 25, 2026. This was originally April but has been
delayed to consider additional options.Fuss and O’Neil began discussions about the
traffic study that will be undertaken. The schematic design is due to MSBA by October
22 with their approval vote for the project budget and scope on December 9, 2026.
www.southhadleyschools.org/our-schools/south-hadley-elementary-building-project/home

○​ Proposition 2 1/2: The binding ballot questions for a tax levy increase did not pass at
the Annual Town election. Selectboard will consider whether to place a different option
or options before voters again this year at their April 21 meeting.
○​ Needs Assessment: The town is seeking volunteers to be part of the Needs
Assessment advisory committee. Contact [email protected] for info.
Project is 100% grant funded

1

○​ IMA: The districts both voted to sign the Intermunicipal Agreement with the Town and
Westfield, allowing for the transition to regional dispatch which is later to save a net of
$200k per year.
○​ Health Insurance: The town opted to stay with the Hampshire County Group
Insurance Trust as a review of options by the consultant NFP showed this would be
the least costly option to the town. The town will continue to evaluate options on a
regular basis.
○​ Professional Development: The TA was accepted into a program focusing on local
government and Artificial Intelligence. About 2 dozen leaders across the state were
selected to join the Spring 2026 AI Government Leadership Program that will be a
monthly training session from April to July 2026.
○​ Grant: Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) awarded the South Hadley
Affordable Housing Trust Fund with direct technical assistance to support the trust in
establishing a plan to invest its financial resources.
●​ Accounting:
○​ The fieldwork is complete for the annual audit. We are awaiting the final audit report.
○​ The department is preparing the FY27 budget book.
○​ The department continues to work on various budget information and reviewing of the
town meeting warrant information.
●​ Assessor:
○​ Continued work with residents and property owners to understand both the valuation
(assessment) process as well as the related taxes and budget processes.
○​ Continued explanations of override, tax bills and tax levy impacts.
○​ Finalizing the last of the fiscal 2026 real estate abatement requests.
○​ Presented a local option exemption presentation at the joint Selectboard and Board of
Assessors meeting.
○​ Processed over one hundred (100) requests for abatement on motor vehicle excise as
the first commitment was issued and bills are due on 4/15/2026.
○​ Starting review and entry of approximately five hundred (500) Forms of List related to
business personal property accounts.
○​ Processed, submitted and received approval of the fiscal 2026 personal exemptions
with Division of Local Services (DLS) in the amount of $114,918.61.
○​ Continuing review building permits from July 2025 forward for fiscal 2027 processing.
○​ Begin testing of exemption form processing through Open Gov platform.
○​ Losing office support staff provided recently through Administration due to retirement.
○​ Starting to craft upcoming presentations for two (2) county associations.
○​ Department staff continue on working to restore, replace, update and streamline
digital data and processes.

2

●​ Cable:
○​ Cable Studio staff assisted in coverage of Municipal Meetings including Special
Community Forums and the Elementary School Building Project Committee
meetings.
○​ Community Events at the Public Library and PVPA were also covered and will be
broadcast/archived upon completion of editing.
○​ Assisted SHHS in Sports Network, Tiger Times broadcasts and assisted Criminal
Justice class in recording PSAs.
○​ Helped troubleshoot the Lighting Board issue at SHHS Auditorium and consulted
with the Principal and a vendor for a replacement.
○​ Helped to produce the bi-monthly recording of BHMA’s Good News
○​ Received Closed Captioning equipment purchased through the ADA Grant and
have begun installation in Head End rack. More updates on completion of the
project are expected by May.
●​ Collector/Treasurer
●​ Motor Vehicle Excise Commitment #1 due April 15th
●​ Q4 Real Estate bills were mailed April 1st and due May 1st
●​ 2nd Half Sewer Fee bills mailed April 1st and due May 15th
●​ Losing office staff due to retirement
●​ Continue to review investments to receive highest returns
●​ Filed annual ACA reports
●​ IT:
○​ Configuration of equipment for BBP Wireless Network​
○​ Continued working with counterparts on phone issue RE: Dispatch Regionalization
○​ Replaced main copier resulting in cost savings
○​ Research T1 decommission through Windstream
○​ Improved security for remote access
○​ Worked with Dell for warranty replacement and extension of support at data center
○​ Evaluated and implemented Cloud Backup for DR
○​ Planned for migration for ARCGIS
Building and Zoning
●​ Energy Code Updates: State continues to modify and review the most recent adopted
energy code. Dozens of appeals have been filed and granted across the state denoting
the difficulty homeowners are having achieving compliance which has led the state to
rethink/reestablish ratings requirements for renovations/tiny homes/electric only
homes/etc. There appears to be a realization at the state level of how these
requirements have made construction unaffordable for many. Numerous training
sessions attended to try and keep up with the changes to properly serve applicants.

3

●​ Problem Properties: All notices have been resent to properties with long-standing
issues (unregistered vacancies, zoning/building code violations). Fines for several
properties have been accruing daily.. All accrued fines will be added to quarterly tax bills
going forward as soon as possible. There have been numerous new (well above normal
levels) complaints received in the past month for a variety of different issues.
●​ Short Term Rentals: All newly registered properties which will need to comply
immediately. We are continuing to investigate dozens of properties throughout the town
to have visual confirmation of these properties in operation that are not in compliance
with the local or state regulations. To date, no new properties have been registered with
the town Notices will be sent in the coming month to those in non-compliance.
●​ Certificates on Inspection (3 families and above): Fines continue to accrue for any
long-standing non-compliance addresses (about 20 properties currently.) We are at
nearly 80% of buildings in town now compliant (from just over 10% when we started) with
more than 10 working through final details.
Clerk
●​ Town Election Results: Visit https://southhadley.org/156/Clerk for election results. Voter
turnout was almost 47%.
●​ State Ethics Commission - public employee political activity: The conflict of interest
law restricts certain activities public employees may engage in political activity. Full guide:
www.mass.gov/advisory/state-ethics-commission-advisory-11-1-public-employee-political-activity

The guide discusses different types of employees, including elected, policy-making,
appointed and paid public employees.
●​ Dog Licenses: Dog License renewal season for 2026 ended March 31st. There is now a
$5 late fee to register a dog previously licensed in South Hadley. Dogs registering for
the first time will not have the late fee applied. All dogs over 6 months old residing in
the Town of South Hadley must be licensed annually.Residents can register their dog(s)
in our office or online: https://southhadleyma.portal.opengov.com/categories/1084/record-types/6425
●​ Additional Liquor Licenses: You can follow the progress of the Act submitted submitted
by Representative Gómez here: malegislature.gov/Bills/194/HD5438
Department of Public Works
1.​ Center/Warner/Graves Project:finish paving and punch list are left to complete project.
2.​ Buttery Brook Park: Spring 2026 construction underway. May 2026 completed date.
3.​ Main Street TIP Project: MassDOT recorded DPH April 14, 2026. Design Public Hearing
date: April 23, 2026, 6pm at Library. January 2028 bid date: PVPC.
4.​ DPW: Stanton Avenue drainage install; easement approved with MHC. Construction
spring 2026.
5.​ RT 33 paving: Spring 2026: punch list loam, seed, recessed line striping.

4

6.​ Spring 2026 Ch. 90: Road Paving and Cracksealing Projects: Cracksealing:
completed. Roadway paving work: milling starts 4/17; structure adjustments and paving
start 4/22.
7.​ Main Street pump station permanent by-pass project: Bypass work completed.
Spring 2026 painting, complementary consult loam and seed to complete project.
8.​ WWTP: CWMP: Final Report presented to Selectboard, and filed with DEP. Next step,
decide upgrade plan order, and choose a design engineer for phase 1 design work.
9.​ WWTP: AMP grant approved. Capital project: $50k needed: $25k for FY27 and $25k for
FY28.
10.​ WWTP: Underground storage tank removal April 2026.
11.​2025/26 Sidewalk Program: new sidewalk installations: plans in progress for new
installations on : Park Street, Brainerd Street, Hartford Street, Lathrop Street,
bidding/oversight/construction as funding allows. DPW removal of existing sidewalks:
Upper Prospect Street, Bombardier Street, Douglas Street, Berwyn Street, Camden
Street during 2026. Design phase in progress.
12.​Rt. 116 brick sidewalk lighting upgrades: In review with lighting consultant/engineers.
Will provide safer lighting. UPDATE 3/10/26: SHELD has issued a P.O. for the first phase
(1/3 of the fixtures) and hope to begin change out this May. Replacements will begin at
the southern end of College Street near Leahey Avenue. This is for replacement of
streetlight heads on the black, decorative poles: the original 1986 fixtures have become
obsolete.
13.​Landfill: Contracted services required for gas well repairs, and run-off swale repairs from
heavy rain events: Spring 2026.
14.​RRFB Installs: MassDOT grant: Spring St. at Main St.: Spring 2026; ADA ramps
installed January 2026.
15.​Speed Sign Grant: DPW was awarded a MassDOT speed sign grant for (2) fixed speed
boards : Lincoln Avenue, and Pine Street, and (1) portable trailer unit, to assist with traffic
calming measures in South Hadley. Installations in May 2026.
16.​Morgan Street Bridge: meeting with MassDOT completed: to discuss bridge
improvement options to extend the lifespan of the structure, to include concrete, steel and
decking upgrades. MassDOT FAIR (Funding for Accelerated Infrastructure Repair)
Program. Fully funded by MassDOT. Engineering review to design repairs course of
action.
17.​Eversource Gas: gas system infrastructure improvement project underway: Summit
Street, Young Circle, Upper Prospect Street, Carlton Street. Main line and service line
replacements.
18.​Regional Household Hazardous Waste Day (South Hadley/Granby): Tentative: May
9, 2026: FULL. No more spots available. Please call for availability in other reciprocal
communities.

5

Emergency Management
● Emergency Management Team Meeting – Meeting held to discuss group direction and
resources available and needed for first responders.
● Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA): Quarterly meeting.
● Hazard Mitigation Grant: Grant is closed out and now waiting for reimbursement.
● Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grant: After completing
the Hazard Mitigation Grant, the Federal BRIC Grant, is available to the community.
Facilities
●​ MS: The elevator modernization project has been completed and inspected. It is in full
service. The Building Automation System project is approximately 50% complete.
●​ PD: Camera system installation begins 4/13
●​ Capital Planning: All FY27 requests have been submitted and the CPC voted for their
recommendations at the April 7th meeting.
●​ Mosier School-roof repairs over the kitchen were completed.
●​ DPW-roof leaks over the garage have been repaired.
Human Services
●​ Recreation:
○​ Construction underway at the new pickleball courts at Buttery Brook.
○​ The electrical and lighting work on the new bandshell has also started there.
○​ Buttery Brook Park pavilion and log cabin rentals are open.
○​ The grand opening event for Buttery Brook Park will be Saturday, May 16.
○​ Fireworks will be Friday, Jul 3, 2026 with a rain date of Sunday, July 5, 2026.
●​ Veterans:
○​ April 18th there will be a 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War event at
Evergreen Cemetery at 11:00. A similar event will follow at Village Cemetery. There is
to be a plaque installed listing Revolutionary War Veterans at both sites. This is being
run by the American Legion
○​ Flagging of Veterans’ Graves-Saturday, May 16 at 8:45 AM (Rain date: Sunday,
May 17) Location: Notre Dame & Mater Dolorosa Cemeteries, 63 Lyman Street We
will meet at the flagpole on the Notre Dame side for a brief ceremony led by the South
Hadley American Legion. Approximately 2,500 veteran graves will be flagged. This
event is open to the public
○​ We will also be flagging four additional cemeteries with Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Girl
Scouts, Sea Scouts, and local families during the week of May 11–15 (evenings).
○​ Memorial Day – Monday, May 25, 2026 (Rain date for both ceremonies: Sunday,
May 24) Honoring South Hadley’s Fallen – Civil War Monument Ceremony Time:
8:45 AM (program begins no later than 9:00 AM) Location: Town Commons, 20
College Street, South Hadley This is our shorter ceremony, approximately 30 minutes.
Immediately following, we proceed to the main ceremony at Town Hall.

6

○​ “From Lexington to Today — 250 Years of Service and Sacrifice,” highlighting
South Hadley’s involvement from the very beginning of our nation’s story. South
Hadley Town Hall Monuments – Memorial Day Ceremony Time: 10:00 AM
Location: 116 Main Street, South Hadley This is our primary program, running
approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
●​ Council on Aging:
○​ Julie Pearce left on March 20. We are actively seeking a replacement for the Council
on Aging director.
○​ A Volunteer Appreciation Event will be held on Thursday, April 23.
○​ Fuel Assistance application assistance will take place until April. For any recipients, all
funds must be expended in full prior to April 30, 2026. Fuel Assistance has additional
program aspects, which include furnace repair/replacement for recipients and home
energy audits.
○​ The COA has a SHINE counselor on site multiple times a month to answer insurance
questions for older adults. Appointments can be booked at the Welcome Desk.
○​ For individuals seeking used medical equipment, Dave Fenton from the Hampshire
County Sheriff’s Department can be contacted at 413-582-7787. Pick up and delivery
are provided.
Human Resources
●​ Now Hiring!: The Town seeking a qualified and passionate individual for the position of
Council on Aging Director within the Human Services Department. Located at the
Senior Center, this position oversees all aspects of the Council on Aging operations
including social services, food, transportation, facility operations and staff management.
Interested candidates can find the full posting and application here. The posting will be
open until filled.
●​ Insurance/Benefits: FY27 Open Enrollment for employee benefits will be May 1st
through May 15th, 2026. Updated rate charts and related information has begun being
shared with employees and posted on the Human Resources page of the Town website.
Employees with questions may contact [email protected] or
[email protected].
○​ Informational Sessions: Virtual info sessions are conducted by BCBS to explain
the health plan changes for FY27, and employees are encouraged to attend any to
help inform open enrollment decisions
Library
●​ Picture Book Fair: Our first annual Picture Book Fair will take place on Saturday, May 9
at 10:00. We are thrilled to welcome seven authors (including one author-illustrator) to
present their latest picture books in an epic storytime! Odyssey Bookshop will be here
offering books for sale, which the authors will be happy to sign, but buying a book is not
required to attend and enjoy this free family event!

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●​ Become Involved in Politics: Join local and state leaders on Wednesday, April 22 as
they share practical, realistic ways on how to become involved in politics with no time and
money. Panelists include Town Clerk Sarah Gmeiner, Senator Jake Oliveira, UMass
Amherst Director of Public Policy Jane Fountain, Town Administrator Lisa Wong, and
representatives from the League of Women Voters.
●​ School Vacation Week: Multiple programs for kids are planned during school vacation
week: Book Bingo on Tuesday 4/21, Teen Duct Tape Crafts on Wednesday 4/22, Henry
the Juggler on Thursday 4/23, and Magical Balloon Twisting on Friday 4/24.
●​ Technology Grant: New computers are due to arrive this month through the
Massachusetts Broadband Institute’s Connected & Online grant program. Most of the
public desktop computers will be updated and Chromebooks will be made available for
borrowing through SHPL’s Library of Things.
Planning and Conservation
●​ Floodplain Bylaw Update: Sending bylaw amendment to Town Meeting in May 2026.
●​ Subdivision Regulations Update: The Planning Board adopted updated Subdivision
Regulations 2/9/26; to be posted through the Town Clerk.
●​ Agricultural Uses Zoning Bylaws: A public listening session on proposed amendments
was held on March 23rd. Based on the overwhelming support for agricultural uses
expressed at the meeting, the draft bylaws will be revised, and presented for Board
discussion in May/June.
●​ Sign Bylaw Amendment: Planning Board is working to create a content neutral sign
bylaw in compliance with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Reed v. Gilbert. Public hearing
on 4/13/26; hope to send to Town Meeting in May,
●​ Planning Board Permit Applications: Current applications under review by the
Planning Board may be viewed online: Permit Applications | South Hadley, MA - Official
Website
●​ Conservation Commission Permit Applications: Current applications under review by
the Conservation Commission may be viewed online here: Project Plans | South Hadley,
MA - Official Website
●​ Redevelopment Authority: Board has submitted a request for $150K capitalization to be
added to the ATM Warrant. Applications are being accepted for the Falls Business
Improvement Grants Falls Business Improvement Grant | South Hadley, MA - Official
Website; Falls Digest February edition available Redevelopment Authority | South
Hadley, MA - Official Website
●​ Arbor Day Celebration: Friday, April 17th 9:30-10:30 at the Hahn-Warner Arboretum, up
the hill from MES Middle School. Join the Tree Committee & 5th Graders in this annual
celebration that includes planting a new tree in the arboretum in honor of someone who
has worked tirelessly to the protection of trees and/or natural resources in our community.
This year’s recipient is Rebekah Cornell.

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●​ Tree Planting Program: roughly 50 residents have signed up for a free tree to be
planted this spring. Those interested in signing up or learning more should visit the Tree
Planting Program website here.
https://www.southhadley.org/1063/Tree-Planting-Program.
Public Health
●​ Septic System Inspector/Soil Evaluator: Attended a field refresher class to maintain
our licenses required for our oversight of Septic Systems (Percolation test, System siting,
System Plan Review and Installation). Jennifer Jernigan, Georgina Maende and Sharon
Hart.
●​ Hampshire Public Health Preparedness Coalition: Regional Public Health meeting
monthly to put together a Public Health tabletop exercise in Hampshire County for May
2026.
●​ Harm Reduction, Impaired Driving and Medication Management Presentation: Was
held last month along with TAPESTRY. The presentation on harm reduction, impaired
driving and medication management at the COA, featured an engaging activity with
goggles.
● SHELD new building: Director and Assistant Director witnessed soils/percolation test for
the stormwater at the new location near Big Y.
● School “walk-thru” with Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH)
Asthma in Schools Project is being scheduled for the Michael E. Smith Middle School
in May.
● Pilot Project: Air Quality Meeting: We met with Dr. Angelica Patterson, Curator of
Education and Outreach from Mount Holyoke College and Dr. Krystal Pollitt, Assistant
Professor of Epidemiology and Chemical and Environmental Engineering from Yale
University who will be working with the data from our Air Quality Sensors, that we
received from a Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection grant, and
providing the Health Department with information/dashboard that we can then make
available to the community.
● School Wellness Program: Participated in the school wellness program meeting, where
we discussed the potential collaboration between the South Hadley Health Department,
Mount Holyoke College and Yale University regarding our air sensor/air quality program.
● Public Health Excellence Grant: Grant check in Term 2 (T2) meeting with our Program
Coordinator for the Office of Local and Regional Health (OLRH) at Massachusetts
Department of Public Health (MDPH). Our workplan-related activities are on schedule
Term 3 (T3) has been completed and now working on Term 4 (T4).
● BIOBOT: We will be providing an update on the findings to Police, Fire and Tapestry.
Opioid & Substance Use:
●​ Harm Reduction 101 & Impaired Driving - Facilitated by Tapestry Health and Regional
Public Health Nurse at the Council on Aging in mid-March. Only one person attended but
took away information about harm reduction principles and syringe disposal services
available through Tapestry. Opportunity to explore other locations and strategic
scheduling of future harm reduction education programs. Department is increasing
promotion of Tapestry’s mobile harm reduction services, including pick-up of used
syringes and distribution of sharps containers.

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●​ Naloxone Boxes - being installed outside Town Hall by Beachgrounds Park parking lot,
and Canal Park. Tapestry will monitor and restock boxes.
●​ SHHS Day of Safety - Substance Use & Risk Mitigation Education - South Hadley
Police Department, state police, and Peer Leaders will facilitate activities focused on safe
driving and the impact of substance use (particularly alcohol) on driving. Health
Department will offer resources and education on preventing substance-related harms
and reducing risk of substance use.
●​ Cannabis Prevention Opportunities - Exploring opportunities to increase youth
cannabis education, considering anecdotal evidence of youth cannabis use and 2025
Prevention Needs Assessment data that illuminated several individual and environmental
risk factors including 1) perception that cannabis is relatively low risk, 2) perception that
cannabis is easy to access, 3) pervasive cannabis advertising, regionally.
Public Safety
●​ Activity: In March, Police personnel conducted investigations for 32 incident reports that
did not include criminal charges, and Dispatch personnel handled 1,711 calls for service.
A detailed call summary can be found here. Summary of reported incidents: Larceny or
Fraud – 4 | Referral to Community Agency – 5 | Unattended Death – 1 | Welfare
Check/Person at Risk/Involuntary Hospitalization – 2 | Suspicious
Circumstance/Attempted Scam – 3 | Assault and Battery – 1 | Sexual Assault -- 2 |
Motor Vehicle -Leaving Scene of Crash – 2 | Civil Dispute-1 | Motor Vehicle Issues-- 2 |
Other Civil Complaints-- 7 | Threat to Commit a Crime-- 2 |
●​ In March, 27 persons were criminally charged for violations.
●​ During April, there will be increased traffic enforcement as part of the grant funded
Distracted Driving Campaign.
●​ Effective April 11, 2026 Ofc. Josh Helems has been reassigned from the South Hadley
High School as the School Resource Officer to the patrol division. This move was
necessary due to recent staff vacancies.
●​ Chief’s Community Office Hours: Police Chief Jennifer Gundersen will hold the
following office hours for community members to stop by and share questions or
suggestions:​
​
April 21, 2026: . 5:00-6:00 p.m.Library/Canal St​
April 30, 2026: 11:00 a.m-12:00 p.m. Council on Aging
May 12, 2026: 5:00-6:00 p.m.Library/Canal St

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