On the agenda: South Hadley meeting — Data Center (Oct 6)

HYBRID SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA
TUESDAY, OCT. 6, 2026 – 7 P.M.
SOUTH HADLEY SENIOR CENTER MULTI- PURPOSE ROOM
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By phone: +1 646 558 8656

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Watch live on SHCTV Channel 15 or https://shctv15.com/watch- live/
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. CALL TO ORDER
2. ANNOUNCEMENTS / PUBLIC COMMENT
A. Sgt. Percy Citation
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Draft Minutes of Sept. 22, 2026
Documents:
DRAFT SEPT. 22, 2026 SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES UPDATED.PDF
4. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Multiple One - Day Beer & Wine License Requests from Mike McKenna for Oct. 16 at the Equestrian Center, Nov. 13 at Blanchard, Nov. 13 at the Art Museum
Documents:
OD - 227.PDF
OD - 225.PDF
OD - 226.PDF
5. LISTENING SESSION
A. Food Truck
B. Data Center - https://www.southhadley.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/1348?fileID=64397
Documents:
SOUTHHADLEYMA.GOV MAIL - FWD_ DATA CENTER - NO.PDF
SOUTHHADLEYMA.GOV MAIL - FWD_ DATA CENTER BYLAW.PDF
SOUTHHADLEYMA.GOV MAIL - FWD_ DATA CENTERS AND FOOD TRUCKS.PDF
SOUTHHADLEYMA.GOV MAIL - FWD_ DATA CENTERS AND FOOD TRUCKS 2.PDF
SOUTHHADLEYMA.GOV MAIL - FWD_ DATA CENTERS.PDF
SOUTHHADLEYMA.GOV MAIL - FWD_ DATA CENTERS_FOOD TRUCK FEEDBACK.PDF
SOUTHHADLEYMA.GOV MAIL - FWD_ INPUT ON DATA CENTERS AND FOOD TRUCKS.PDF
SOUTHHADLEYMA.GOV MAIL - FWD_ MOBILE FOOD VENDING.PDF
SOUTHHADLEYMA.GOV MAIL - FWD_ NO TO DATA CENTERS.PDF
SOUTHHADLEYMA.GOV MAIL - FWD_ PLEASE BAN DATA CENTERS.PDF
SOUTHHADLEYMA.GOV MAIL - FWD_ VIEWS ON FOOD TRUCKS AND DATA CENTERS.PDF
SOUTHHADLEYMA.GOV MAIL - FWD_ PUBLIC INPUT ON DATA CENTERS EXPANDING FOOD TRUCK OPERATIONS.PDF
6. NEW BUSINESS
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Police Staffing
Town Meeting Warrant draft
1 West Main Street
Approval of the November State Election Warrant
Town Accounting Services

Documents:
B. DRAFT WARRANT FOR OCTOBER 6 SELECTBOARD MEETING - NOVEMBER 2026 STM.DOCX.PDF
C. SELECTBOARD MEMO - 10.2.26.PDF
D. 2026_STATE_ELECTION_WARRANT.PDF
E. RFP FOR ACCOUNTING SERVICES.PDF
7. OLD BUSINESS
A. Retreat recap – Jeff Nutting recap
B. Selectboard committee discussion
Documents:
A. SELECT BOARD WORKSHOP SEPT 26.PDF
B. SUBCOMMITTEES UPDATED.PDF
8. ADJOURN

B. Selectboard committee discussion
Documents:
A. SELECT BOARD WORKSHOP SEPT 26.PDF
B. SUBCOMMITTEES UPDATED.PDF
8. ADJOURN

DRAFT SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES
SEPT. 22, 2026 – 7 P.M.
HYBRID ON ZOOM AND SOUTH HADLEY SENIOR CENTER
Chair Jeff Cyr, Clerk Priscilla Marion, Member Renee Sweeney, Member Kevin Hennessey, and
Assistant Town Administrator Chuck Romboletti were present in person. Vice Chair Carol
Constant and Town Administrator Lisa Wong were absent.
CALL TO ORDER
Cyr called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. The Board of Assessors and the Planning Board called
their own meetings to order at 7 p.m.
ANNOUNCEMENTS / PUBLIC COMMENT
Sweeney noted the fall yard waste schedule, which runs Nov. 2 – 28. Each route will have two
collections.
CONSENT AGENDA
Sweeney motioned to approve the consent agenda as presented. Marion seconded. All in favor.
Unanimous. The consent agenda consisted of two one-day beer & wine license requests from
Mike McKenna on Sept. 25 and Oct. 5 at MHC and 15 one-day All Alcohol license requests
from Mike McCray for Oct. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31.
JOINT MEETINGS WITH BOARD OF ASSESSORS AND PLANNING BOARD FOR
INTERVIEWS & APPOINTMENTS
Selectboard and Board of Assessors members interviewed Jim Allery and Bernie Gelinas for the
vacant Board of Assessors position.
Kevin Taugher nominated Allery. Cyr nominated Gelinas.
The first candidates to receive four votes would win the seat. Going in alphabetical order, Allery
was up first for votes. The Board of Assessors began first.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Kevin Taugher - Aye
Thomas Reidy - Aye
Hennessey - Aye
Marion - Aye
Sweeney - Aye
Cyr - Nay
Allery was chosen 5-1. (Board of Assessors 2-0 and Selectboard 4-1).
Taugher noted Town Accountant William Sullivan is retiring at the end of October, which is a
crucial time to get the tax rate set and paperwork to the state. He would like to have a schedule
put together starting Sept. 30, outlining what has to get done and when, so the town doesn’t fall
behind. If the town doesn’t establish the tax rate and have the classification hearing before the

end of the year, said Taugher, come Jan. 1, if a tax rate isn’t set, no one has to pay a tax bill until
May 1. He added that if the position is not filled with someone qualified, the town may have to
get a consultant or hire some specialists to get the job done as the town loses much expertise with
Sutton’s retirement.
Sweeney motioned to appoint Jim Allery to the Board of Assessors for the remainder of a term
ending April 2027. Marion seconded. All in favor. Unanimous.
The Board of Assessors adjourned their meeting at 7:23 p.m.
The Planning Board and Selectboard interviewed John Mullin for a full-time Planning Board
position ending June 2027.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Hennessey – Aye
Marion - Aye
Sweeney - Aye
Cyr – Aye
Diane Mulvaney – Aye
Brad Hutchinson – Aye
Bob Szklarz – Aye
Linda Gouin – Aye
Marion motioned to appoint John Mullin to the Planning Board for a full-time position ending
June 2027. Sweeney seconded. All in favor. Unanimous.
The Planning Board adjourned their meeting at 7:30 p.m.

MGL CHAPTER 40 SECTION 71 – BUS SAFETY ARM VIOLATIONS MONITORING
Lt. Mark Baran explained the proposal to allow installation of cameras on school bus stop-arms.
The technology works by recording as the arm extends when the bus stops, to catch any
violators. The footage is sent to whichever vendor with which the police department contracts.
The $250 fine associated with such a violation is divvied among the vendor and the town’s
general fund. The cost for cameras on each bus monthly is $250.
Sweeney asked about the length of each recording and where the cameras are facing. Baran said
the vendor with which they are working currently has seven cameras on each arm that record
vehicles driving literally past the bus from the rear to the stop arm.
Marion motioned to support Town Meeting acceptance of M.G.L. Chapter 40, Section 71. Cyr
seconded. Three in favor, one against (Sweeney). The motion carried.
SELECTBOARD SUBCOMMITTEES

Wong reviewed examples of subcommittees the board can consider to facilitate work between
meetings, including personnel/negotiations, communication, finance, policy/charter and
economic development.
ATA / HR POSITION DISCUSSION
Wong discussed posting a job opening only for the Human Resources component of departing
Assistant Town Administrator / Human Resources Director Chuck Romboletti’s job. Members
reviewed job descriptions for the combined ATA/HR Director position and the HR Director
position. The HR-only job would be bumped down from a Grade 8 to a Grade 6 and the position
would focus only on HR duties that potentially could assist the school department – training,
hiring, employee relation issues, contracts, unions, etc. The current HR department includes the
full-time ATA/HR director, a 0.5 FTE HR administrative assistant, and a contracted benefits
administrator who is available in South Hadley once a week but remote the remainder of the time
in other communities.
DATA CENTER MORATORIUM DISCUSSION
The governor recently signed an executive order halting any permitting processes for data
centers that do not have local approval. Wong wanted to get a sense from the board on data
center moratoriums. Members agreed to have the Planning Board and Bylaw Review Committee
involved in discussions for feedback. They will also solicit resident feedback.
AI USE POLICY
Sweeney motioned to adopt the Artificial Intelligence Use Policy as presented. Cyr seconded.
All in favor. Unanimous.
VILLAGE COMMONS LICENSING AGREEMENT
Sweeney motioned to approve a five-year municipal license agreement for easement use between
the Town of South Hadley and Center Redevelopment Corporation and have the chair or TA sign
on the board’s behalf. All in favor. Unanimous.
OLD BUSINESS
MAIN STREET TIP PROJECT REVIEW & APPROVAL OF LIGHTS
Marion motioned to accept the specifications for the decorative lighting currently installed along
Route 116 and the Town Common and recommend that those specifications be presented to
MassDOT as the town’s preferred decorative lighting choice for the Main Street TIP Project. Cyr
seconded. All in favor.
TRASH / RECYCLING UPDATE
Department of Public Works Superintendent John Broderwick said he could not be happier with
the rollout and how it has gone.
Residents are not able to purchase additional trash carts as it is not cost-effective. They would
need to pay $250 and have it collected every two weeks. The better solution is to contract with
Republic directly for weekly pick-up.
Residents can purchase an additional recycling cart by calling the DPW. Broderick said the
recycling partnership grant closed Sept. 1 and the town received its last check for just shy of

$95,000, which is 1/7 of the total costs for trash and recycling carts. As part of the grant, the
town showed recycling increased and trash volume decreased, up 1,500 tons of recycling and
down 2,000 tons of trash. “Kudos to the residents,” said Broderick.
TOWN MEETING DISCUSSION
Romboletti reviewed the current list of draft warrant articles. He said the Bylaw Review
Committee will work on draft recommendations. The Planning Board has a hearing Oct. 26. The
town has received feedback from a few departments and boards about lifting the marijuana ban.
Wong discussed revisiting a noise ordinance from a few years ago. Members said they would
like to see the food truck bylaw expand but weren’t keen on revisiting a noise ordinance
particularly in an environment with increasingly limited resources.
MARIJUANNA BAN DISCUSSION
Members agreed to push this from the 2026 November Special Town Meeting to the 2027
Annual Town Meeting warrant as more input from other departments is needed for the board to
act.
RESIGNATION
Sweeney motioned to accept the resignation of Nick Remillard from the Bylaw Review
Committee and Zoning Board of Appeals. Marion seconded. All in favor. Unanimous.
TA REPORT
Marion asked if applications have been received for the Town Accountant / Finance Director
position. Wong said yes but the town is not at a point where they are inviting anyone for
interviews.
Cyr asked how gas prices are impacting the transportation program with the schools. Wong said
she doesn’t know the specifics of their budget but overall the program is doing well, under
budget and bringing in additional revenue.
Sweeney thanked department heads for contributing to the TA Report and administration for
linking it on the website for residents to read. She noted the nearly empty room and suggested
folks read the TA reports because they are full of information on what is happening in town.
ADJOURN
Marion motioned to adjourn. Cyr seconded. All in favor. Unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 8:48 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Kristin Maher
Executive Assistant to Administration

September 24, 2026

Town of South Hadley, MA

Record No: OD-227

Primary Location

Applicant

1 Day Alcohol License

No location

Mike McKenna
413-538-2038
[email protected]
Mount Holyoke College/Willits-Hallowell
Conference Center
50 College Street
South Hadley, MA 01075

Status: Active
Submitted On: 9/24/2026

Owner
No owner information

Applicant Email
Check this box if the applicant does not have an email address.

Applicants CANNOT purchase alcoholic beverages from a package store. Per the ABCC, please see the list of authorized sources from which to purchase
alcohol here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/apply-for-a-special-license-or-permit-abcc
*APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED AT LEAST TWO WEEKS IN ADVANCE OF AN EVENT. APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED LESS THAN TWO WEEKS IN
ADVANCE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR REVIEW BY THE SELECTBOARD.*

Permit Info
Permit For*

Check This Box to Request Multiple Dates

1 Day Beer and Wine

Check This Box If Event(s) Is/Are Being Held On Town Property

Check this box to acknowledge that individual applicants can be approved for up to 30 permits
per year. *

Event Details

Date of Event*

Alternate Date

11/13/2026

–

I acknowledge that the alternate date is only valid if the event is rescheduled.

Name or Organization Hosting Event*

Mount Holyoke College

Street address of where the event is held*

Hours of event operation (Ex. 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)*

50 College Street

7:00pm-10:00pm

Hours during which alcohol will be served *

7:00pm-10:00pm

Describe in a paragraph specific details of the event and what is taking place.*

Art Museum 150th Anniversary Dinner

Provide a description of where alcohol will be sold and consumed on site.*

Great Room, Blanchard Community Center

Describe how you will designate to where alcohol sales and consumption will be limited on
site.*

Alcohol sales/consumption will be limited to the Great Room.

Signature
I acknowledge that issuance of a 1 Day Alcohol license does not exempt me from additional
licensing requirements (ex. entertainment license, mobile food permit, etc.).*

By checking this box and typing my name I do hereby certify under the pains and penalties of
perjury that the information provided in this application is true and correct.*

Type your full name*

Michael McKenna

Attachments

Record Activity
Mike McKenna started a draft Record

09/24/2026 at 6:34 am

Mike McKenna added file TIPs Certs - Catering Staff.pdf

09/24/2026 at 6:37 am

Mike McKenna submitted Record OD-227

09/24/2026 at 6:38 am

OpenGov system altered payment step License Fee, changed status from Inactive to Active on Record OD-227

09/24/2026 at 6:38 am

OpenGov system altered approval step Application Review, changed status from Inactive to Active on Record OD-227

09/24/2026 at 6:38 am

OpenGov system assigned approval step Application Review to Kristin Maher on Record OD-227

09/24/2026 at 6:38 am

OpenGov system completed payment step License Fee on Record OD-227

09/24/2026 at 6:39 am

Timeline
Label

Activated

Completed

Assignee

Due Date

Status

License Fee

9/24/2026, 6:38:46 AM

9/24/2026, 6:39:22 AM

Mike McKenna

-

Completed

Application Review

9/24/2026, 6:38:46 AM

9/24/2026, 11:22:41 AM

Kristin Maher

-

Completed

Collector/Treasurer

9/24/2026, 11:22:42 AM

-

Donna Whiteley

-

Active

Selectboard

9/24/2026, 11:22:42 AM

-

Kristin Maher

-

Active

License Issuance

-

-

-

-

Inactive

September 24, 2026

Town of South Hadley, MA

Record No: OD-225

Primary Location

Applicant

1 Day Alcohol License

No location

Mike McKenna
413-538-2038
[email protected]
Mount Holyoke College/Willits-Hallowell
Conference Center
50 College Street
South Hadley, MA 01075

Status: Active
Submitted On: 9/24/2026

Owner
No owner information

Applicant Email
Check this box if the applicant does not have an email address.

Applicants CANNOT purchase alcoholic beverages from a package store. Per the ABCC, please see the list of authorized sources from which to purchase
alcohol here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/apply-for-a-special-license-or-permit-abcc
*APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED AT LEAST TWO WEEKS IN ADVANCE OF AN EVENT. APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED LESS THAN TWO WEEKS IN
ADVANCE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR REVIEW BY THE SELECTBOARD.*

Permit Info
Permit For*

Check This Box to Request Multiple Dates

1 Day Beer and Wine

Check This Box If Event(s) Is/Are Being Held On Town Property

Check this box to acknowledge that individual applicants can be approved for up to 30 permits
per year. *

Event Details

Date of Event*

Alternate Date

10/16/2026

–

I acknowledge that the alternate date is only valid if the event is rescheduled.

Name or Organization Hosting Event*

Mount Holyoke College

Street address of where the event is held*

Hours of event operation (Ex. 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)*

1 Equestrian, Center Street (MHC Equestrian Center)

4:00pm-7:00pm

Hours during which alcohol will be served *

4:00pm-7:00pm

Describe in a paragraph specific details of the event and what is taking place.*

Reception for horse show taking place at the Equestrian Center

Provide a description of where alcohol will be sold and consumed on site.*

Patio area outside of Equestrian Center. (Rain Location: Equestrian
Center)

Describe how you will designate to where alcohol sales and consumption will be limited on
site.*

Signage will designate to where alcohol sales and consumption can take
place

Signature
I acknowledge that issuance of a 1 Day Alcohol license does not exempt me from additional
licensing requirements (ex. entertainment license, mobile food permit, etc.).*

By checking this box and typing my name I do hereby certify under the pains and penalties of
perjury that the information provided in this application is true and correct.*

Type your full name*

Michael McKenna

Attachments

Record Activity

Timeline
Label

Activated

Completed

Assignee

Due Date

Status

License Fee

9/24/2026, 6:27:00 AM

9/24/2026, 6:29:00 AM

Mike McKenna

-

Completed

Application Review

9/24/2026, 6:27:00 AM

9/24/2026, 11:24:10 AM

Kristin Maher

-

Completed

Collector/Treasurer

9/24/2026, 11:24:13 AM

-

Donna Whiteley

-

Active

Selectboard

9/24/2026, 11:24:13 AM

-

Kristin Maher

-

Active

License Issuance

-

-

-

-

Inactive

September 24, 2026

Town of South Hadley, MA

Record No: OD-226

Primary Location

Applicant

1 Day Alcohol License

No location

Mike McKenna
413-538-2038
[email protected]
Mount Holyoke College/Willits-Hallowell
Conference Center
50 College Street
South Hadley, MA 01075

Status: Active
Submitted On: 9/24/2026

Owner
No owner information

Applicant Email
Check this box if the applicant does not have an email address.

Applicants CANNOT purchase alcoholic beverages from a package store. Per the ABCC, please see the list of authorized sources from which to purchase
alcohol here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/apply-for-a-special-license-or-permit-abcc
*APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED AT LEAST TWO WEEKS IN ADVANCE OF AN EVENT. APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED LESS THAN TWO WEEKS IN
ADVANCE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR REVIEW BY THE SELECTBOARD.*

Permit Info
Permit For*

Check This Box to Request Multiple Dates

1 Day Beer and Wine

Check This Box If Event(s) Is/Are Being Held On Town Property

Check this box to acknowledge that individual applicants can be approved for up to 30 permits
per year. *

Event Details

Date of Event*

Alternate Date

11/13/2026

–

I acknowledge that the alternate date is only valid if the event is rescheduled.

Name or Organization Hosting Event*

Mount Holyoke College

Street address of where the event is held*

Hours of event operation (Ex. 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)*

50 College Street

4:30pm-7:30pm

Hours during which alcohol will be served *

4:30pm-7:30pm

Describe in a paragraph specific details of the event and what is taking place.*

Beverage service for reception at the MHC Art Museum

Provide a description of where alcohol will be sold and consumed on site.*

Art Museum Lobby / Pageant Green (tent)

Describe how you will designate to where alcohol sales and consumption will be limited on
site.*

Signage will designate to where alcohol sales and consumption can take
place

Signature
I acknowledge that issuance of a 1 Day Alcohol license does not exempt me from additional
licensing requirements (ex. entertainment license, mobile food permit, etc.).*

By checking this box and typing my name I do hereby certify under the pains and penalties of
perjury that the information provided in this application is true and correct.*

Type your full name*

Michael McKenna

Attachments

TIPs certification and list of servers

REQUIRED

TIPs Certs - Catering Staff.pdf
Uploaded by Mike McKenna on Sep 24, 2026 at 6:33 AM

Record Activity
Mike McKenna started a draft Record

09/24/2026 at 6:31 am

Mike McKenna added file TIPs Certs - Catering Staff.pdf

09/24/2026 at 6:33 am

Mike McKenna submitted Record OD-226

09/24/2026 at 6:33 am

OpenGov system altered payment step License Fee, changed status from Inactive to Active on Record OD-226

09/24/2026 at 6:33 am

OpenGov system altered approval step Application Review, changed status from Inactive to Active on Record OD-226

09/24/2026 at 6:33 am

OpenGov system assigned approval step Application Review to Kristin Maher on Record OD-226

09/24/2026 at 6:33 am

OpenGov system completed payment step License Fee on Record OD-226

09/24/2026 at 6:34 am

Kristin Maher approved approval step Application Review on Record OD-226

09/24/2026 at 11:23 am

OpenGov system altered approval step Selectboard, changed status from Inactive to Active on Record OD-226

09/24/2026 at 11:23 am

OpenGov system altered approval step Collector/Treasurer, changed status from Inactive to Active on Record OD-226

09/24/2026 at 11:23 am

OpenGov system assigned approval step Collector/Treasurer to Donna Whiteley on Record OD-226

09/24/2026 at 11:23 am

OpenGov system assigned approval step Selectboard to Kristin Maher on Record OD-226

09/24/2026 at 11:23 am

Timeline
Label

Activated

Completed

Assignee

Due Date

Status

License Fee

9/24/2026, 6:33:28 AM

9/24/2026, 6:34:10 AM

Mike McKenna

-

Completed

Application Review

9/24/2026, 6:33:28 AM

9/24/2026, 11:23:30 AM

Kristin Maher

-

Completed

Collector/Treasurer

9/24/2026, 11:23:31 AM

-

Donna Whiteley

-

Active

Selectboard

9/24/2026, 11:23:31 AM

-

Kristin Maher

-

Active

License Issuance

-

-

-

-

Inactive

Kristin Maher <[email protected]>

Fwd: Data Center - no
Lisa Wong <[email protected]>
To: Kristin Maher <[email protected]>

---------- Forwarded message --------From: S. M. Strand <
Date: Sat, Sep 26, 2026 at 10:51 AM
Subject: Data Center - no
To: <[email protected]>

Thu, Oct 1, 2026 at 2:09 PM

>

To the Selectboard:
Anyone who follows the news has reason to be alarmed by the environmental and quality-of-life impacts that large data centers are having on communities across the country. These facilities can require enormous amounts of
electricity and, depending on their design, significant quantities of water for cooling.
For residents living near these facilities, the impacts are especially difficult to escape. They report persistent light pollution and, more troubling, noise pollution - a constant, low-frequency hum that can be heard day and night,
even from homes a half mile away.
This is not the kind of industrial impact that should be imposed on a residential community.
Yes, we need economic development, but not at any cost.
If you would not want a data center in your own backyard, please help protect the rest of South Hadley from having one in ours.
Respectfully yours,
Stephanie Strand
10 Wright Place

Kristin Maher <[email protected]>

Fwd: Data Center Bylaw
Lisa Wong <[email protected]>
To: Kristin Maher <[email protected]>

---------- Forwarded message --------From: Ashley Crawley <
Date: Fri, Sep 25, 2026 at 10:41 PM
Subject: Data Center Bylaw
To: <[email protected]>
Cc: <[email protected]>

Thu, Oct 1, 2026 at 2:09 PM

>

Dear Selectboard,
I am writing in response to the recent discussion regarding the formation of a town policy for data center developments and whether they should be allowed in South Hadley. While I understand that this is a financially sensitive
time for the town and that additional tax revenue may look appealing, I want to highlight the many negative impacts associated with data centers and why I do not believe they are appropriate for South Hadley.
Data centers are large industrial facilities that can be significant eyesores, and would fundamentally change the landscape and character of our quiet, farm town. They are also known to produce continuous mechanical noise in
multiple frequency ranges, 24/7, regardless of whether they are cooled by air or water. Server fans, HVAC systems, generators, airflow, and vibrations all contribute to the noise pollution, which can reach up to 90 decibels for a
data center. If you have an Apple Watch, it alerts you with a warning/concern when the noise around you reaches or exceeds 80 decibels. If you have ever received one of those alerts from a baby crying, a dog barking, or
another loud sound, imagine living near an industrial facility where mechanical equipment at that decibel operates continuously, day and night.
A large data center could place significant additional demands on the town's water resources and infrastructure. If the Connecticut River were to be used, there could also be impacts on river levels, aquatic life, recreation, and
water quality. There is also the potential for chemicals, refrigerants, or other substances associated with these facilities to enter groundwater or surface water.
As a ratepayer, I am also extremely concerned about the potential impact a data center could have on our electricity system and rates, as a data center can require an enormous amount of electricity. South Hadley Electric Light
Department could need to obtain substantially more power and potentially make significant infrastructure upgrades to accommodate that immediate demand, in turn increasing electrical rates significantly for residents.
These are just some of the many concerns I have with the thought of a data center being allowed in our town. I do not believe the promise of additional tax revenue should outweigh the potential long-term impacts on South
Hadley's residents, natural resources, infrastructure, quality of life, and community character.
Thank you for allowing me to communicate my concerns.
Sincerely,
Ashley
Sources:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1062040149722101
https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/communities-are-raising-noise-pollution-concernsabout-data-centers
https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/publications/TP121/how-data-centers-impact-surface-and-ground-waters/#how-do-data-centers-use-water
https://acousticalsolutions.com/data-center-noise-pollution?srsltid=AU7gw4VeYSgi3ia3guiilH2pEpyJlPyGfXdIyKhvu6qfjeDYhMcMNOqE
https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/ask-expert-are-data-centers-driving-my-electricity-bills
-Ashley Crawley

Kristin Maher <[email protected]>

Fwd: Data centers and food trucks
Lisa Wong <[email protected]>
To: Kristin Maher <[email protected]>

---------- Forwarded message --------From: jackie young <
Date: Mon, Sep 28, 2026 at 8:39 AM
Subject: Data centers and food trucks
To: <[email protected]>

Thu, Oct 1, 2026 at 2:09 PM

>

Good morning,
I am writing to express my opinions on two matters. In regards to data centers, I am strongly opposed to them being built in South Hadley due to environmental and quality of life concerns. Second, I would like town to allow food
trucks to expand operations beyond the 14 days.
Thanks
Jackie Henderson
30 Silver St
Jackie Henderson
Sent from my iPhone

Kristin Maher <[email protected]>

Fwd: data centers and food trucks
Lisa Wong <[email protected]>
To: Kristin Maher <[email protected]>
---------- Forwarded message --------From: Lia Wilkerson <
Date: Mon, Oct 5, 2026 at 6:26 AM
Subject: data centers and food trucks
To: <[email protected]>

Mon, Oct 5, 2026 at 8:03 AM

>

Dear Selectboard,
I am writing about the upcoming discussion of food trucks and data centers.
I am not opposed to limited food trucks in areas zoned for business if they are well regulated. I would not want to see food trucks in non business areas.
I am strongly opposed to data centers. I moved to South Hadley because of the environment here, which would be destroyed by a data center. The environmental impact and noise impact of a data center would ruin what is
most valued in our town. I would like to see South Hadley adopt a bil preventing data centers here.
Thank you.
Kelly Lia Wilkerson
K. Lia Wilkerson, M.Ed., C.A.G.S.

Kristin Maher <[email protected]>

Fwd: Data Centers
Lisa Wong <[email protected]>
To: Kristin Maher <[email protected]>

Thu, Oct 1, 2026 at 3:51 PM

---------- Forwarded message --------From: Meghan Bristol <
>
Date: Thu, Oct 1, 2026 at 3:06 PM
Subject: Data Centers
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>

I admittedly have not had time to watch the recording of the selectboard meeting where the proposal regarding data centers was brought forth, however, when reading the agenda for that meeting the
agenda references a moratorium discussion regarding data centers. But after reading the documents attached to the agenda and seeing the public advertisements soliciting opinions only on "banning"
them, I am concerned. A moratorium and a ban are not the same thing. Reading that agenda and then learning that the discussion has turned to banning them, I certainly wasn't on notice that a "ban"
would be discussed.
There should be a temporary one year moratorium put in place to conduct the appropriate studies relative to South Hadley's specific infrastructure capabilities and needs, considerations of whether
there are conditions through zoning that can be imposed to alleviate any concerns short of banning all data centers, and to eventually enact a well thought out and developed zoning amendment. This
is what many other communities in Massachusetts have done or are in the process of doing. I would also be gravely concerned about not being able to hold up under legal scrutiny should a quick and
unstudied permanent ban on an otherwise legal use be enacted.
What was presented to the selectboard (attached to the September 22nd agenda) is not developed and is overly broad. The definition of "data centers" there could have unintended consequences (like
encompassing SHELD/fiberspring operations or impacting other small businesses). There should be serious concern over the broad banning of all "data centers". Not all data centers are the same. I
think what most people think of are the hyperscale data centers associated with AI and it is leading to inaccurate assumptions and rash decisions.
This town can't afford to be rash about anything.

Kristin Maher <[email protected]>

Fwd: Data centers/Food Truck Feedback
Lisa Wong <[email protected]>
To: Kristin Maher <[email protected]>

---------- Forwarded message --------From: Michael Beauchemin <
Date: Thu, Oct 1, 2026 at 5:57 PM
Subject: Data centers/Food Truck Feedback
To: <[email protected]>

Thu, Oct 1, 2026 at 6:10 PM

>

Good evening,
I may not make it to the 10/6 meeting, so thank you for the solicitation for input. Additionally, thanks for your service to our community, it does matter.
Data centers
We are uniquely situated on a hydroelectric dam, where clean energy is produced in large amounts.
All data is stored in cloud facilities and processing centers and that will not change.
Government banning private enterprise suppresses growth and prevents jobs from developing.
I oppose a ban strongly.
Food Trucks
I fully support expansion of food truck operation.
These small businesses are a cornerstone of our country. Small business is family business.
The more supply of business is available the lower prices become and the more plentiful jobs become.
With the oppressive reputation our health department already has, there is no need to scare away even more business and joy in our community.
Regards,
Michael F. Beauchemin
68 Columbia St, South Hadley, MA 01075
Precinct E

Kristin Maher <[email protected]>

Fwd: Input on data centers and food trucks
Lisa Wong <[email protected]>
To: Kristin Maher <[email protected]>

---------- Forwarded message --------From: Melissa Taylor <
Date: Sun, Sep 27, 2026 at 12:07 PM
Subject: Input on data centers and food trucks
To: <[email protected]>

Thu, Oct 1, 2026 at 2:09 PM

>

Thank you for soliciting input on data centers on food trucks.
1. Data Centers: I am opposed to data centers in South Hadley.
South Hadley urgently needs economic development to grow our tax base. However, data centers are not the answer. They consume enormous resources and generate very little local benefit. They require massive amounts
of electricity, water and land and bring environmental risks. But they ultimately produce almost no jobs.
Because there are no proposed data centers in South Hadley, I worry that extended discussion of this issue risks becoming performative. A straightforward moratorium or ban would simply prevent an incompatible use from
occupying our limited commercial land. More importantly, it would allow us to focus our time and energy on the real priority: attracting businesses that genuinely strengthen our commercial tax base.
2. Food Trucks: I support extending the 14-day monthly limit on food trucks
_______________
Thank you,
Melissa Taylor Dresler
Precinct A
--

Kristin Maher <[email protected]>

Fwd: Mobile Food Vending
Lisa Wong <[email protected]>
To: Kristin Maher <[email protected]>

Fri, Oct 2, 2026 at 10:56 AM

---------- Forwarded message --------From: John Lorenz <
>
Date: Fri, Oct 2, 2026 at 9:33 AM
Subject: Mobile Food Vending
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>

To whom it may concern:
My name is John Lorenz. I'm part owner of Mel's Ice Cream and Coffee. And I of course support a change to 177-4 to eliminate the 14-day rule. Our trailer sits at the same spot 365 days a year. We
have to follow the same health codes whether we are open 3 days or 7 days. We should be able to operate and collect taxes on any of those days. I believe we are the only food trailer operating in South
Hadley on a commercial property for 14 days each month right now. The process that we had to go through to meet the requirements and obtain a permit was not easy, which most people don't know.
For this reason, even if the 14-day rule was eliminated, it doesn't change the process by which you have to obtain a permit. People think that if you increase the days a business can operate, it means
that the town is just handing out vending permits and this is not the case. We hope that you will send this to the town meeting in November and allow them to vote on it. Thank you!
John Lorenz
478 Amherst Rd

Kristin Maher <[email protected]>

Fwd: Please Ban Data Centers
Lisa Wong <[email protected]>
To: Kristin Maher <[email protected]>

Thu, Oct 1, 2026 at 2:08 PM

---------- Forwarded message --------From: Jessica <
Date: Thu, Oct 1, 2026 at 1:06 PM
Subject: Please Ban Data Centers
To: <[email protected]>
Dear South Hadley Selectboard,
Please ban all Data Centers in S Hadley. They are an environmental blight and we do not need further demands on water and electricity. They are also not a sound financial investment in the sustainable quality of life for the
people of S Hadley.
Thank you.
Jessica Mohedano
S Hadley resident.
Sent from my iPhone

Kristin Maher <[email protected]>

Fwd: views on food trucks and data centers
Lisa Wong <[email protected]>
To: Kristin Maher <[email protected]>

---------- Forwarded message --------From: Mary Jane Else <
>
Date: Thu, Oct 1, 2026 at 8:34 PM
Subject: views on food trucks and data centers
To: <[email protected]>
Hello!
Thank you for asking for input on these two decisons!
I am 100% in favor of a ban on data centers, largely on environmental and community-impact grounds.
I see food trucks as an economic opportunity for those operating them, and extending operations beyond 14 days per month seems fair

Fri, Oct 2, 2026 at 10:59 AM

Kristin Maher <[email protected]>

Fwd: Public Input on Data Centers & Expanding Food Truck Operations
Lisa Wong <[email protected]>
To: Kristin Maher <[email protected]>

Thu, Oct 1, 2026 at 2:09 PM

---------- Forwarded message --------From: Michael Wozniak
Date: Mon, Sep 28, 2026 at 2:34 PM
Subject: Public Input on Data Centers & Expanding Food Truck Operations
To: Laura Krutzler <[email protected]>
Cc: Lisa Wong <[email protected]>

Dear Selectboard members,
I am writing to express my opposition against data centers coming to town. These massive data centers require huge amounts of water and electricity and are extremely
noisy when using massive fans for cooling down servers. I don't know any place in town that could even accommodate a data center. In my opinion, they are a public
nuisance. Additionally, most of the companies building these behemoth monstrosities are always looking for tax breaks before coming to town which we cannot afford. I
would vote a resounding NO to any data center proposed by the Town of South Hadley selectboard.
Regarding expanding food truck operations, I have no problem with that and would vote yes.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Wozniak

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 October 21,
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 SPECIAL TOWN MEETING will be held
at 153 Newton Street, South Hadley, Massachusetts on Monday, November 9, 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;

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.

FINANCIAL ARTICLES

ARTICLE 2:​ ​

Animal Control Transfer

To see if the Town will transfer $15,600 from Health Expenses to Health Personnel, or take any
other action relative thereto.

GENERAL ARTICLES
ARTICLE 3:​ ​

Speaking at Town Meeting

Bylaw Review Committee working on draft recommendations
ARTICLE 4:​ ​

Adopt MGL Ch 40 S 71 - Bus Cameras

To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of MGL Chapter 40 Section 71 to allow the
Town to install and operate a school bus violation detection monitoring system on a school bus to
enforce violations pursuant to sections 14 and 14C of chapter 90, or take any action relative
thereto.
ARTICLE 5:​ ​

Food Truck Bylaw

To see if the Town will amend:
Chapter § 177-3 Vending on public rights-of-way to eliminate: (7) Be limited to no more than 14
days per calendar month at any one location and correct affected numbering;
Chapter § 177-4 Vending on private commercial properties to eliminate C. Limited to no more
than 14 days per calendar month at any one location
ZONING ARTICLES

ARTICLE 6:​ ​

Sign Bylaw Amendment

Amend Chapter 225-85 Signs - Amend 255-85(G) Enforcement to correct fine amounts that
were rejected by the Attorney General in their September 4, 2026 decision letter.
The Planning Board held a hearing on October 5, 2026.
ARTICLE 7:​ ​

Amend Article IX Chapter 255-128(H)

Amend Chapter 255 Article IX Special Permits - Allow transfer of Special Permits by approval
from Special Permit Granting Authority.
The Planning Board held a hearing on October 5, 2026.
ARTICLE 8:​ ​

129 College Street

The Planning Board voted on the report to Town Meeting Members October 5, 2026.

ARTICLE 9:​ ​

Agricultural Use Bylaw

To see if Town Meeting will vote to repeal Zoning Bylaw Chapter 255-25 "Agricultural,
horticultural, and floricultural uses" and replace with "Agricultural Uses Accessory to
Residential Uses"; repeal Chapter 255-26 "Stables and riding academies" and replace with
"Commercial Agricultural Uses"; amend 255-10 "Terms defined" by adding certain terms related
to agricultural uses; amend 255-24 "Accessory uses and buildings" by adding reference to new
definition for agricultural uses and new standards as included in Chapters 255-25 and 255-26;
repeal 255-41 "Outdoor recreation facilities"; and amend Chapter 255 Attachment 1 Use
Regulation Schedule to reflect the uses as articulated in the amended bylaws, 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.
The Planning Board voted on the report to Town Meeting Members October 5, 2026.

ARTICLE 10:​

​

Data Center Bylaw

To see if the Town will Amend Zoning Bylaw Use Regulations Schedule 255-10 Terms Defined
- Prohibit Data Centers.
Planning Board to hold a public hearing October 26, 2026.
CITIZENS PETITIONS

ARTICLE 11:​

​

Recall of Elected Officials

To see if the Town will Pursuant to Article 8 of the 1780 Massachusetts Declaration of Rights, in
order to prevent those who are vested with authority from objectively failing to act in accordance
with the results of votes cast by the majority of voters, or objectively failing to act in the best
interests of the electorate, the citizens of South Hadley shall have a right, at such periods and in
such manner as Town Meeting shall establish, and the Commonwealth shall approve, to cause
their public officers to return to private life. Grounds for removal (malfeasance, misfeasance, or
nonfeasance in office; conviction of a felony; Incapacity to serve; abuse of authority, and/or
failure to disclose conflict(s) of interest, actions relevant thereto, and procedures to fill vacant
offices by established elections and/ or appointments are provided in Appendix A attached
hereto, or take any other action relative thereto.

APPENDIX A
RECALLS OF ELECTED OFFICIALS
Section 1. Any holder of an elected office in the Town of South Hadley may be recalled, and removed
from that office, by the qualified voters of the town as provided herein.
Section 2.
Step 1:
Any fifty (50) registered voters may initiate a recall petition by filing with the Town Clerk of the Town
of South Hadley an affidavit containing the name of the officer sought to be recalled and a statement
of the grounds for recall, which may include: (a) malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance in office;
(b) conviction of a felony; (c) Incapacity to serve; (d) abuse of authority, and/or (e) failure to disclose
conflict(s) of interest.
Step 2:
After the Town Clerk has certified that the form of the affidavit constitutes a legally sufficient recall
ballot question, the Town Clerk shall within four (4) business days, deliver to the voter submitting the
affidavit a sufficient number of copies of blank signature forms demanding the recall. These blank
petition forms shall be issued by the Town Clerk with his or her signature and official seal attached to
them. They shall be dated and addressed to the Select Board, demand the election of a successor to the
office, and contain (i) the name of the person sought to be recalled, (ii) the office from which recall is
sought, and (iii) grounds for recall stated in the affidavit. Every registered voter signing the petition
shall also include the voter's place of residence including the street & number. An original copy of the
petition shall be entered in a record book to be kept in the office of the Town Clerk.
Before any officer can be subjected to a recall ballot, the petition shall be signed by at least five
percent (5%) of the registered voters or seventy-five percent (75%) of the average number of voters in
local Town Elections for the previous three (3) years, whichever is the lesser amount.
Step 3:
The completed recall petition shall be returned and filed with the Town Clerk on or before 5:00 p.m.
of the thirtieth (30th) day after the issuance of the petition to the filer. If the thirtieth day is a Friday,
Saturday, Sunday, or a holiday, the petition may be filed on the next business day.
The Town Clerk shall, within five (5) business days after the date of its filing, submit the recall
petition to the Board of Registrars of voters of the Town of South Hadley, which shall, within five (5)
business days certify in writing the number of Town voter signatures. Upon completion of its
certification the Board of Registrars shall return the petition to the Town Clerk.
Section 3. If the petition has a sufficient number of valid signatures it shall be certified by the Town
Clerk and Board of Registrars, the Town Clerk shall submit it to the Select Board within two (2)
business days. The Select Board shall, within three (3) business days, give written notice to the officer
subject to the recall that they have received the certification. If the officer does not resign within five
(5) business days after receipt of the notice, the Select Board shall order a special election to be held
not less than sixty (60) nor more than seventy-five (75) days after the date of the Town Clerk's
certificate that a sufficient petition has been filed. However, if any other town election is to occur
within one-hundred eighty (180) days after the date of the certificate, the Select Board may, in their
reasonable discretion, postpone the holding of the recall election to the date of that other election. If a
vacancy occurs in the office subject to recall after the election has been ordered, the election shall

nevertheless proceed as provided in this Section. If the officer subject to recall is a member of the
Select Board, he or she shall recuse from participating in decisions on whether and when to hold a
special election or postpone as provided herein.
Section 4. Any officer subject to a recall petition may be a candidate to succeed to the office if they
file the required application. The nomination of other candidates, the publication of the warrant for the
recall election, and the conduct of the election shall all be in accordance with the Town's bylaws
governing local elections, unless otherwise provided in this Chapter.
Section 5. The officer shall continue to perform the duties of the office until the recall election. If the
recall fails, or if the officer is re-elected, the officer shall continue in the office for the remainder of
both terms. If the recall is successful and the officer is not re-elected, he or she shall be considered
removed upon certification of the election by the Town Clerk.
Section 6. Ballots used in a recall election shall submit the following proposition in the order
indicated:
Part One (Recall) Vote YES___ or NO___Shall [Name of Officer] be removed/ recalled;
Part Two (Candidates) [List names of all qualified persons] - elect One (1) successor candidate.
If the majority of the votes cast on the recall question are in the affirmative, then the candidate who
received the highest number of votes in the special election to fill the vacancy shall be elected. If the
majority of the votes cast on the recall question are in the negative, the ballots for candidates to fill the
potential vacancy need not be counted.
Section 7. No recall petition shall be filed against an officer within six (6) months after taking office,
nor in the case of an officer subjected to a recall election and not removed thereby, until at least six (6)
months after that election.
Section 8. No person who has been recalled from an office or who has resigned from office while
recall proceedings were pending against him or her shall be eligible for appointment to the office from
which the person resigned or has been removed within two (2) years after such removal by recall or
resignation.

TO:
FROM:
DATE:
CC:
RE:

Selectboard
Anne Capra, Director Planning and Conservation
Jason Forgue, Building Commissioner
October 2, 2026
Lisa Wong, Town Administrator
Jason Forgue, Building Commissioner
1 West Main Street – Collapsed Building

It is our recommendation that the Selectboard take action pursuant to their authority under
MGL c. 143 Section 6 to pursue demolition and cleanup of 1 West Main Street to remove
the existing immenint hazard posed to the public. Subsequent, under 143, Section 8 the
town needs to appoint a three person board consisting of a surveyor, fire chief, and a
"disinterested" person which comes to the same conclusion as the Building Commisisoner
regarding the blighted and dangerous condition of the building and site (property is vacant,
open to weather, and owner refuses to rectify). Thereafter, the Buildign Commissioner can
order it demolished/cleaned up and the town can lien the property for those costs under
MGL c.143 Section 9.
This guidance is under review by Town Counsel however we are requesting the Selectboard
appoint the required three person board. The Selectboard is required to appoint a surveyor
and a fire chief, and the Building Commissioner appoints a disinterested person.
The representative to the owner of the property, the Estate of Casimir Kazimierczak, has
declined to sign the 120 Day Notification of a Release of Hazardous Material Form for
submittal to Mass DEP, a requirement of the Massachusetts Contingency Plan for the
assessment and cleanup of hazardous materials. Further, the Estate also has proceeds
from the sale of two properties in Huntington, Massachusetts that they are choosing not to
utilize toward the cleanup of this site. It was with the funds from the sale of that property
that they were able to payoff the access lien in the amount of $17,918 in June, 2026.
Kazimierczak Casimir Est and Jan M. Mastej to Travis L. Hess and Dorcas S. Hess, Basket
Street, $22,500, July 2025
Kazimierczak Casimir R EST and Jan M. Mastej to Jameson L. Leveille, 46 Bromley Road,
$225,000, May 2026

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
WILLIAM FRANCIS GALVIN
SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALTH

WARRANT FOR 2026 STATE ELECTION
SS.
To the Constables of the City/Town of South Hadley

GREETINGS:
In the name of the Commonwealth, you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of said city or town who
are qualified to vote in Elections to vote at:
PRECINCT A, B, C, D, & E
SOUTH HADLEY HIGH SCHOOL, 153 NEWTON STREET, SOUTH HADLEY, MA, 01075

On TUESDAY, THE THIRD DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2026, from 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. for the following purpose:
To cast their votes in the State Election for the candidates for the following offices and questions:
SENATOR IN CONGRESS
FOR THIS COMMONWEALTH
GOVERNOR and LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
FOR THIS COMMONWEALTH
ATTORNEY GENERAL
FOR THIS COMMONWEALTH
SECRETARY OF STATE
FOR THIS COMMONWEALTH
TREASURER
FOR THIS COMMONWEALTH
AUDITOR
FOR THIS COMMONWEALTH
REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
FIRST DISTRICT
COUNCILLOR
EIGHTH DISTRICT
SENATOR IN GENERAL COURT
HAMPDEN, HAMPSHIRE & WORCESTER DISTRICT
REPRESENTATIVE IN GENERAL COURT
SECOND HAMPSHIRE DISTRICT
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
NORTHWESTERN DISTRICT
REGISTER OF PROBATE
HAMPSHIRE COUNTY
QUESTION 1: LAW PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION
Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives
before May 6, 2026?
SUMMARY
This proposed law would make most records held by the Legislature and the Office of the Governor public records under
the Massachusetts Public Records Law. This proposed law would exempt documents related to the development of public
policy and communications between legislators and their constituents, if those communications are reasonably related to a
constituent’s request for assistance in obtaining government-provided benefits or services or interacting with a
government agency.
A YES VOTE would make most records held by the Legislature and the Office of the Governor public records under the
Massachusetts Public Records Law.
A NO VOTE would make no change to the Massachusetts Public Records Law.
QUESTION 2: LAW PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION
Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives
before May 6, 2026?

SUMMARY
This proposed law would specify that employees of the Committee for Public Counsel Services (“CPCS”) are permitted to
engage in collective bargaining with their employer. It would also require CPCS, after executing a collective bargaining
agreement, to request the appropriation necessary to fund such agreement from the Governor.
A YES VOTE would specify that Committee for Public Counsel Services employees may form a union to collectively
bargain with their employer.
A NO VOTE would make no change to the law governing labor relations for Committee for Public Counsel Service
employees.
QUESTION 3: LAW PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION
Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives
before May 6, 2026?
SUMMARY
This proposed law would eliminate political party primaries for state elections and instead establish a system where there
would be a single, all-party primary in which all candidates, regardless of their party affiliation, would be listed on one
ballot, and voters could vote for any candidate on the ballot. The two candidates receiving the most votes in the primary
would advance to the general election ballot.
This proposed law would require candidates for governor and lieutenant governor to run and be listed jointly on the ballot
in the primary.
This proposed law would provide political party status to any group whose candidates for any statewide office received at
least 3% of the ballots cast in the state primary.
A YES VOTE would eliminate separate party primaries for state elections and require a single primary in which all
candidates appear on one ballot, voters could vote for any candidate, and the top two candidates would advance to the
general election.
A NO VOTE would make no change to the laws governing primary elections.
QUESTION 4: LAW PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION
Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives
before May 6, 2026?
SUMMARY
This proposed law would permit eligible individuals to register to vote or update their voter registration address on
Election Day.
An individual who is eligible to vote could register to vote on Election Day by going to the polling place in the precinct
where they live during voting hours and presenting proof of residency and signing a written oath. Proof of residency could
be a valid photo identification, or documentation showing the individual’s name and the address where the individual
resides, such as a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, residential lease, wireless telephone statement,
paycheck, current student fee statement or other document from a post-secondary school, or another government
document or correspondence. The written oath would require the individual to certify that they are a citizen of the United
States, are at least 18 years old, are not legally prohibited from voting, and have not and will not vote in the same election
at another location. The oath would require the individual to acknowledge that providing false information is a felony
punishable by not more than 5 years imprisonment or a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.

2

If an individual did not present proof of residency, they would be allowed to cast a provisional ballot, which would be
counted only if the individual returned to provide the required information before the close of polls for a municipal
election; within two days after a state primary; or within six days after a state election.
Individuals who register to vote on Election Day would be registered to vote in future elections as well as in the election
taking place that day.
Individuals who are already registered to vote would not be able to change their political party affiliation on Election Day.
The proposed law would take effect on January 1, 2028.
A YES VOTE would permit eligible citizens to register to vote or to update their voter registration address at their polling
place on Election Day.
A NO VOTE would make no change to the laws governing voter registration.
QUESTION 5: LAW PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION
Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives
before May 6, 2026?
SUMMARY
This proposed law would change the limit on how much revenue the state can collect in a given year. The proposal would
limit state revenue in a given year to the net amount of state revenue from the year before, increased by a rate equal to the
average growth of wages and salaries in Massachusetts over the most recent three years. If revenue collected by the state
in a given year exceeds the limit, the excess amount would be refunded to taxpayers the following year. The proposed
law would include all revenue from the surtax on incomes over $1 million when calculating the revenue limit and when
determining whether state revenue exceeds the limit.
The provisions of the proposed law would all be effective as of July 1, 2027.
The proposed law states that, if any of its parts were declared invalid, the other parts would stay in effect.
A YES VOTE would change the limit on state revenue collection, tying it to prior year collections plus average wage and
salary growth, and provide for a rebate of revenue exceeding that limit.
A NO VOTE would make no change in the law relative to state revenue collection.
QUESTION 6: LAW PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION
Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives
before May 6, 2026?
SUMMARY
This proposed law would establish a Nature for All Fund that, subject to appropriation by the Legislature, would receive
50% of state taxes collected from the sale and use of sporting goods, recreational vehicles, and golf courses for the first
year of its operation. After July 1, 2028, the Nature for All Fund would begin receiving, subject to appropriation by the
Legislature, 100% of state taxes collected on the sale and use of sporting goods, recreational vehicles, and golf courses.
The sales tax revenue received by the Nature for All Fund would exclude sales tax revenue transferred to the
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority State and Local Contribution Fund and the School Modernization and
Reconstruction Trust Fund. The proposed law would allow the state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental
Affairs to spend the money in the Nature for All Fund for natural resource conservation.

3

The proposed law would allow public and private donations to the Nature for All Fund. The proposed law would prevent
the state comptroller from transferring surplus funds in the Nature for All Fund at the end of the fiscal year. It would also
allow state agencies, municipalities, public charities involved in natural resource conservation, tribal governments, and
other regional public entities to receive money from the Nature for All Fund.
Natural resource conservation would include the conservation or restoration of land to protect drinking water, streams,
rivers, lakes, coasts, farms, forests, connectivity between open spaces, and lands and natural resources of indigenous
cultural significance. Natural resource conservation would also include the creation, improvement, and management of
parks, trails, greenspaces or outdoor recreation access.
The proposed law would establish a 15-member Nature for All Board that consists of five state officials and ten members
of the public appointed by the Governor. The proposed law would require the ten members of the public to include
representatives of underserved communities and indigenous peoples and at least one person with expertise or experience
in natural resource conservation. The proposed law would allow the state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental
Affairs to spend money from the Nature for All Fund to hire staff to manage the fund. The proposed law would also
require the Nature for All Board to establish rules about how the money in the Nature for All Fund should be spent,
including rules regarding alignment with environmental justice principles, access to and restoration of lands and natural
resources of indigenous cultural significance, promotion of affordable housing development, and other matters regarding
spending and bond issuance.
The proposed law would require the state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to submit an annual
report to various state committees regarding the funds spent to buy or improve land in cities and towns containing
environmental justice populations.
The proposed law would take effect on July 1, 2027.
A YES VOTE would create a fund that could be utilized for natural resource conservation that would receive some state
taxes collected on the sale and use of sporting goods and recreational vehicles, and the use of golf courses.
A NO VOTE would not create this natural resource conservation fund or change how sales and use taxes are spent.
QUESTION 7: LAW PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION
Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives
before May 6, 2026?
SUMMARY
This proposed law would allow single-family homes to be built in a residentially zoned area as long as the land on which
it is to be constructed is at least 5,000 square feet, has at least 50 feet of land bordering the street, road, or public way that
it faces, and has access to public sewer and water services.
The proposed law would allow cities and towns to reasonably regulate certain aspects of those single-family homes,
including their height, distance from neighboring buildings, open space, parking requirements, and whether they can be
rented out on a short-term basis. The proposed law would also allow the Executive Office of Housing and Livable
Communities to issue guidance or regulations to administer the proposed law.
A YES VOTE would allow single-family homes to be built on lots of 5,000 square feet or more in residential areas,
subject to reasonable local regulation of certain aspects of those homes.
A NO VOTE would make no change to the law relative to building single-family homes.
QUESTION 8: LAW PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION
Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives
before May 6, 2026?

4

SUMMARY
The proposed law would change the type and amount of marijuana that may legally be possessed in Massachusetts by
repealing the laws that legalize, regulate, and tax the retail sale of adult recreational use marijuana in Massachusetts. The
proposed law would also permit persons 21 years of age and older to possess 1 ounce or less of marijuana including no
more than 5 grams in the form of concentrate, and to gift or transfer to another person 21 years of age and older 1 ounce
or less of marijuana including no more than 5 grams in the form of concentrate. The proposed law would also impose a
civil penalty of $100 and forfeiture of the marijuana for the possession of marijuana between the weight of 1 and 2
ounces.
For persons 21 years of age and younger, the proposed law would make the possession of 2 ounces or less of marijuana a
civil infraction subject to a $100 fine, forfeiture of the marijuana, completion of a drug awareness program and
community service, and notification to their parents or legal guardian of the offense and penalties.
The proposed law would allow currently licensed adult recreational marijuana businesses to apply on an expedited basis to
become a licensed medical marijuana dispensary and to sell their remaining inventory of adult recreational marijuana to
medical marijuana dispensaries. The proposed law would retain the Cannabis Control Commission but modify its
authority so it would regulate only the medical marijuana market.
The proposed law states that, if any of its parts were declared invalid, the other parts would stay in effect.
The proposed law would take effect on January 1, 2028.
A YES VOTE would prohibit the legalization, regulation, and taxation of the retail sale of adult recreational use
marijuana, and change the penalties for possession of marijuana.
A NO VOTE would make no change to the law relative to marijuana.
QUESTION 9: REFERENDUM ON AN EXISTING LAW
Do you approve of a law summarized below, which was approved by the House of Representatives on July 18, 2024 by a
vote of 124 to 33, and approved by the Senate on July 18, 2024 by a vote of 35 to 5?
SUMMARY
This law makes a number of changes to Massachusetts laws governing firearms.
The law adds school administrators and licensed healthcare providers as parties permitted to ask a court to issue an
Extreme Risk Protection Order – requiring an individual to surrender or relinquish their firearm licenses, permits, and
firearms - if an individual is a present danger to self or others. The law also provides that, when issuing an Harassment
Prevention Order, a court may also order the surrender of firearms licenses, permits, and firearms.
The law imposes penalties for possessing, creating, and transferring untraceable “ghost gun” firearms and requires all
firearms except antiques and relics, including unfinished frames and receivers that can be readily made into a finished
product, to have serial numbers. The law includes privately-made guns like 3D-printed guns within the provisions
governing untraceable “ghost gun” firearms.
The law changes firearms licensing requirements to: (1) allow local licensing authorities to request prior license and
permit information from the state, as well as access petitions for involuntary mental health commitments denied by a court
in addition to prior involuntary commitments, as a part of their review of applications for licenses to carry firearms,
firearm ID cards, and licenses to sell firearms; (2) require an individual to be 21 years of age to own semiautomatic rifles
or shotguns; (3) add the possibility of incarceration of up to six months for a second offense of failing to report a firearm
loss or theft; and (4) enable 12-15 year olds to apply for a self-defense spray permit with parental permission, and 15 to 18
year olds to apply independently.
The law allows local firearm licensing authorities to transfer the responsibility to inspect firearm dealers to the State
Police. The law requires local licensing authorities to attend statewide training regarding those inspections. It requires
dealers to confiscate expired or suspended licenses and report them to the state and to local licensing authorities.

5

The law changes the definition of “machine gun” to include bump stocks, trigger cranks, Glock switches and auto sears
among the devices whose possession and use are subject to penalties. It expands the definition of “silencer” to include the
parts used to construct a silencer.
The law clarifies how to determine whether a firearm is an assault-style weapon and the circumstances under which a
person may continue to possess assault-style weapons and large capacity feeding devices they already own.
The law requires the state Firearm Control Advisory Board and the state Secretary of Public Safety and Security to review
and update the rosters of prohibited assault-style firearms, approved firearms, and approved firearms sold for target
shooting.
The law clarifies requirements relating to the carry and transport of firearms in motor vehicles and ATVs. It prohibits the
carrying of firearms in government buildings, polling locations, and schools, with certain exceptions.
The law expands data compilation and reporting requirements to and from the state, and creates a publicly-accessible
dashboard of anonymized aggregate firearm data, along with a commission to study that data.
The law requires the State Police to provide training and a test for new applicants for licenses to carry or Firearm ID
cards.
The law establishes two special legislative commissions – one to examine funding for violence prevention services, and
one to study emerging firearms technology.
The law criminalizes discharging a firearm and striking a building in use.
A YES VOTE would keep in place the law, which increases the regulation of firearms, including ghost guns, machine
guns, and assault-style weapons.
A NO VOTE would repeal this law.

Hereof fail not and make return of this warrant with your doings thereon at the time and place of said voting.
Given under our hands this 6th day of October, 2026.
_____________________________________

_____________________________________

_____________________________________

_____________________________________

_____________________________________
Selectboard of South Hadley
Posting Locations: Town Hall, Library, Council on Aging, District 1 Water, District 2 Fire
_____________________________________
Signature of Server of Legal Notice

6

_______________________________
Date of Posting

Request for Proposals
ASHFIELD ACCOUNTING SERVICES
412 Main Street in Ashfield, MA 01330

Proposals due Monday, June 12 at 12:00 PM

CONTACT INFORMATION:
PAUL MCLATCHY III
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR, CPO
412 Main Street
Ashfield, MA 01330
413-628-4441 X7
[email protected]

Request for Proposals
ASHFIELD ACCOUNTING SERVICES
412 Main Street in Ashfield, MA 01330
•

•

•

•
•
•
•

The Town of Ashfield seeks proposals from qualified accounting firms to provide professional
municipal accounting services for the town on a long-term basis, as well as temporary additional
services to bring FY24 books up to date.
The Town is requesting three separate price quotes:
1. This quote includes working to bring FY24 books to date and is not expected to be a
recurring annual cost.
2. This quote includes just the higher-level functions of a town accountant, including, but not
limited to: the filing of the Schedule A, Free Cash certification, journal entries, budget
entries, cash reconciliation, entry of commitments, etc.
3. This quote that includes the processing of biweekly warrants and posting receivables.
The final award will be made only to one entity- either for just numbers 1 & 2, or all three. Separate
bids will not be awarded to multiple vendors. A detailed scope of services can be found in Parts
2A, 2B, and 2C.
Services are expected to be needed on or about July 1st, 2024, through June 30th, 2025, with the
opportunity for Town, at their sole discretion, to extend for two additional one-year terms, subject
to Town Meeting appropriation and the availability of funding.
The Town may cancel this procurement, in whole or in part, if such an act is deemed to be in the
Town’s best interest.
The Town will not be responsible for any costs incurred by a proposer in preparing and submitting
a response to this RFP.
Questions should be directed to Paul McLatchy III, Ashfield Town Administrator, at 413-628-4441
x7 or [email protected] by 12 PM on Monday, June 3, 2024.
Sealed proposals should be marked “Ashfield Accounting Services” and will be received by the
Town of Ashfield until June 12 at 12 PM. Emailed proposals will not be accepted. Proposals may
be delivered via the following addresses:
United States Postal Service

UPS, Fedex, In-Person, etc.

Town of Ashfield
PO Box 560
Ashfield, MA 01330-0560
Town of Ashfield
412 Main Street
Ashfield, MA 01330

Proposals received after the deadline will not be accepted.

Paul McLatchy III
Town Administrator/Chief Procurement Officer

Town of Ashfield

Request for Proposals – Accounting Services

Page 2 of 21

IMPORTANT DATES
06/03/2024

12 PM

06/07/2024
06/12/2024

Deadline for Written Questions
Addenda disseminated, if needed

12PM

Deadline for Submission of Proposals

ESTIMATED DATES
06/12/2024 through 6/21/2024

Proposals evaluated

6/24/2024

Contract Award

Town of Ashfield

Request for Proposals – Accounting Services

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PART 1

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Town of Ashfield (“The Town) seeks to contract with a vendor to discharge the duties
contained in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 41, Sections 55 through 61, et al., for the proper
and prudent management of the financial affairs of The Town. Accordingly, Ashfield is seeking
an accountant for up to three years who is experienced, competent, and learned in public sector
financial and legal matters and well-qualified to advise and assist The Town in the provision of
town accounting services. The extension of services to a second and third year shall be at the sole
discretion of The Town and subject to the availability of funding.
The Town of Ashfield has a population of 1,695. Ashfield’s finance office includes a 0.75 FTE
Treasurer, a 1.00 FTE Collector, a 0.50 FTE Assessors Clerk, and a 1.00 FTE Town Administrator
that serves as the Chief Financial Officer. The Town’s FY24 operating budget is $7.1 million.
Ashfield transitioned in FY24 from Zobrio Fund Accounting to Vadar Systems. During this
transition the town also converted to a new chart of accounts.
Prior to July 1, 2023, The Town contracted with the Franklin Regional Council of Governments
(FRCOG) to provide accounting services. This did not include end-of-year closeout. After July 1,
2023 The Town has been through two part-time accountants.
Due to turnover and a delayed closure of FY23 books, The Town has contracted with an outside
consulting firm to close and correct FY23 accounting books. While warrants and receivables have
been kept current, FY24 will undoubtedly require additional work to ensure that it is up to date and
accurate. We estimate that fifty (50) hours of extra work may be needed to bring the accounts into
proper order, though the final number may be more or less.
The scope of services will be split into three parts- 2A, 2B, and 2C. 2A and 2B will be awarded to
the most advantageous proposal. 2C will be an optional service The Town may elect to contract
for if deemed to be advantageous to The Town.

Town of Ashfield

Request for Proposals – Accounting Services

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PART 2A

SCOPE OF SERVICES – FY24 CLEAN-UP

The Accountant shall work with the financial team to ensure that all FY23 closing balances are
properly carried forward and accurately posted to FY24 accounts, and work to reconcile accounts,
receivables, and cash with appropriate officials. Accounts payable warrants and receivables have
been kept current, but no balancing with the treasurer or collector has occurred due to FY23
remaining open. As stated in Part 1, The Town is estimating approximately 50 hours of additional
work will be needed to bring the FY24 books up to date. This is a one-time scope of service that
will not be needed in future years.
PART 2B

SCOPE OF SERVICES – GENERAL ACCOUNTING

The Accountant shall perform the necessary professional services required by The Town in the
areas of town accounting services in a professional, competent, and expeditious manner under the
direction of the Town Administrator.
•

•

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Act as the Town Accountant in conformity with the provisions of the Massachusetts
General Laws, including, but limited to General Laws, Chapter 41, Sections 55 through
61, inclusive, et al., and the bylaws of the Town.
Maintenance of detailed accounting records, assuring that accounting practices conform
with the established policies and procedures and meets town, state, and federal
requirements;
Prepare year-end Schedule A report;
Prepare Combined Balance Sheet and other financial records for DOR Free Cash
certification;
Conduct monthly reconciliation of cash with Treasurer;
Conduct mandatory annual reconciliation with Treasurer;
Conduct quarterly reconciliation with Collector;
Conduct mandatory annual reconciliation with Collector;
Entry of budget from town meeting votes and budget amendments into accounting
system;
Year End closing to include Balance Sheet, Income Statement, as well as preparation
and submission of Town’s Annual Report;
In collaboration with Town Assessors, Town Clerk and other town employees as
mandated, preparation of Recap;
Prepare for town’s next financial audit.
Work to provide customized reports to department heads;
Meet with town officials and department heads as needed.
Run reports for department heads as requested.
Other duties as needed

Town of Ashfield

Request for Proposals – Accounting Services

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PART 2C

SCOPE OF SERVICES – ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/ RECEIVABLE

This portion of the scope of services is an optional service the town may wish to contract for with
the selected vendor. If not, the AP/payroll warrants and posting receivables will be handled by inhouse staff trained in the software. Responsibilities would include:
•

•
•

Preparation of the biweekly AP and payroll warrants and examination of bills for
legality; note: the Treasurer is responsible for creation of the payroll, but the accountant
enter the charges into the accounting software. A typical warrant usually contains 50100 bills to be paid (including payroll entries).
Create and upload to the website biweekly reports comparing budgets to actual
expenditures;
Review, and if accurate, post receipts into the revenue/general ledgers as submitted by
the Treasurer.

Town of Ashfield

Request for Proposals – Accounting Services

Page 6 of 21

PART 3

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

All applicants must possess the following minimum qualifications:
1. Applicable professional registration and licensing in accounting, including Certified
Governmental Accountant (CGA) as designated by the Massachusetts Municipal Auditors’
and Accountants’ Association and working knowledge of the Uniform Massachusetts
Accounting System (UMAS), Massachusetts municipal finance laws, and standards
established by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).
2. Thorough knowledge of the Massachusetts municipal financial statutes and regulations
governing municipal entities.
3. Experience serving as a Town accountant in Massachusetts for a minimum of 3 years or
related experience, including audit or financial oversight in Massachusetts municipalities
for a minimum of 3 years.
4. Documentation of the ability to provide adequate staffing throughout the contract. If a sole
proprietor, qualified support must be documented.
5. Must have prior to the signing of the contract:
a. Bonded and insured in a minimum amount of $500,000
b. Workers’ Compensation insurance in accordance with all applicable state laws

Town of Ashfield

Request for Proposals – Accounting Services

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PART 4

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1.

The submission and review of such proposals must comply with the provisions of
Chapter 30B of the Massachusetts General Laws and any other applicable State and
Federal regulations. Acceptance of any proposal to provide such services is subject to
the continued availability of funds through the Town.

2.

IMPORTANT: Proposals must be divided, with pricing information submitted
separately from the balance of the proposal. A sealed envelope should clearly identify
the party submitting the proposal and indicate that it contains pricing or non-pricing
information. An original and one (1) copy of both the pricing and the non-pricing
information must be contained in your submission. Both envelopes should be submitted
to:
Town of Ashfield
Attn: Town Administrator
PO Box 560 / 412 Main Street
Ashfield, MA 01330-0560

3.

Proposals must be received no later than 12:00 PM on June 12, 2024. Proposals may be
changed or withdrawn prior to but not subsequent to this date by submission of such
change in writing in a sealed envelope, identifying the submitting party and indicating
that it contains a correction of the pricing or non-pricing section for the Ashfield
Accountant Services proposal.

4.

The contents of proposals will be kept confidential until the evaluation process is
completed. However, at the time the non-price proposals are opened, a register of
proposals, including the name of each proposer and the number of proposal
modifications submitted by each proposer, will be made available to the public.

Town of Ashfield

Request for Proposals – Accounting Services

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PART 5
1.

2.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Each proposal submitted should contain the following:
a. Table of Contents;
b. A section with narrative responses to the Comparative Evaluation Criteria,
explaining how each is met. The Criteria are listed in Part 6 below;
c. A list of at least five (5) references;
d. A list of projects, including a brief description of all similar projects completed
within the past three (3) years within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for
similarly-sized communities. Note: For purposes of this proposal, services as an
accountant or similar position for one (1) entity over a three (3) year period shall be
considered as three (3) projects. Similar sized communities shall include any with
a population of under 5,000.
e. A project staffing plan, including the name, title (if any), and role of all those who
will be assigned to provide services;
f. A completed Price Proposal Submission Form (Attachment A);
g. A completed Compliance Certification (Attachment B);
h. For Corporations/LLCs/LLPs/Entities only, a completed Certificate of Authority (Attachment C);
i. Plan of Services. A detailed plan of service describing the method undertaken to
provide requested services.
If any part of the scope of services under this RFP is to be completed by a subcontractor,
the proposer will provide a complete description of the services to be subcontracted for,
along with a complete description of the qualifications and capabilities of the
subcontractor. As part of the contract award for services, the Town reserves the right
to approve or disapprove any and all such subcontractors and revoke any previous
approval.

Town of Ashfield

Request for Proposals – Accounting Services

Page 9 of 21

PART 6

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION CRITERIA

Each competing firm or individual must provide a brief narrative indicating if and how they meet
the following Comparative Evaluation Criteria. Responses to each of these criteria will meet the
following Comparative Evaluation Criteria. Responses to each of these criteria will be judged in
four rating categories:
•
•
•
•

Highly advantageous
Advantageous
Not advantageous
Unacceptable

To what extent are the following met?
1. Relevant experience of the primary staff to be assigned to this project. Provide qualifications,
including dates.
Highly Advantageous
Advantageous

Not Advantageous

Unacceptable

10 or more years’ experience in municipal accounting,
municipal finance, or related governmental experience
At least 5 but fewer than 10 years’ experience in municipal
accounting, municipal finance, or related governmental
experience
At least 3 but fewer than 5 years’ experience in municipal
accounting, municipal finance, or related governmental
experience
Fewer than 3 years’ experience in municipal accounting,
municipal finance, or related governmental experience

2. Number of qualified backup/temporary FTE staff who can fill in if the primary staffer is not
available, not counting the primary project staff person.
Highly Advantageous
Advantageous
Not Advantageous
Unacceptable

Town of Ashfield

More than 2.00 FTE staff.
Between 1.00 FTE staff and 2.00 FTE staff
More than zero (0), but less than 1.00 FTE staff.
Zero (0).

Request for Proposals – Accounting Services

Page 10 of 21

3. Amount of time to be spent physically on-site at Ashfield Town Hall during business hours in
the span of one month (assume four weeks equals one month for the purpose of this criterion).
Highly Advantageous
Advantageous
Not Advantageous
Unacceptable

More than 8.00 hours
Between 4.00-8.00 hours
More than 0.00 but less than 4.00 hours
Zero (0.00) hours – I.e. completely remote

4. Number of similar general accounting service projects provided within the past three (3) years
within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, for similarly sized communities by the staff to be
assigned to this project. Provide a brief service description and dates of services rendered.
Note: For purposes of this proposal, serving as an accountant similar position for one (1) entity
over a three (3) year period shall be considered as three (3) projects. “Similarly sized” shall include
municipalities under 5,000 in population.
Highly advantageous
Advantageous
Not advantageous
Unacceptable

10 or more projects
At least 5 but fewer than 10 projects
At least 3 but fewer than 5 similar projects
Fewer than 3 similar projects

5. Projects where the vendor has had to provide audit-like services to help bring financial books up
to date in a town that was behind (a project being defined as a situation requiring at least 15 total
hours above and beyond the normal amount of time needed to perform routine accounting services
or 15 or more hours on a contracted basis focusing solely on bringing books up to date).
Highly advantageous
Advantageous
Not advantageous
Unacceptable
6. References
Highly Advantageous
Advantageous
Not advantageous
Unacceptable

Town of Ashfield

4 or more projects
2-3 projects
1 project
0 projects

All five (5) references, very good to excellent
Four (4) of five (5) references very good to excellent
Two (2) or three (3) fewer references very good to
excellent
Only one (1) reference very good to excellent or lower

Request for Proposals – Accounting Services

Page 11 of 21

PART 7 – RULE FOR AWARD
Proposals will be evaluated and ranked by a Review Committee comprised of representatives from
the Town:
1. Price and non-price proposals will be separated. Price Proposals will consist of three parts as
described in Parts 2A, 2B, and 2C.
2. Non-price proposals will be evaluated according to the Comparative Evaluation Criteria
specified in Part 6 of this RFP. Evaluations will be in writing and will indicate the rating given
for each criterion, the reasons for the rating, a composite rating of each proposal, and the reasons
for the composite rating.
3. References will be conducted, and subject to the results, the proposal evaluation will be
modified, and ratings adjusted as necessary.
4. If deemed necessary, the top proposers will be interviewed. Upon completion of interviews,
the proposal evaluations will be modified and ratings adjusted as necessary.
5. After the non-price proposals have been fully evaluated and ranked, price proposals will be
opened. Price comparisons will be based on the total fee proposal submitted, including all tasks
in the Scope of Services listed in Part 3. For comparison, the total of Parts 2A, 2B, and 2C will
be considered.
6. Finally, the most advantageous proposal will be chosen based on price and non-price factors.
The Town will determine the issuance of a Notice of Award and recommendations to enter a
contract. The Town, through its Select Board, will contract with the identified most
advantageous respondent. The selection will be based on weighting both qualifications and
price as well as the following factors:
a) Whether or not the submission procedures and requirements as set forth in this RFP
have been met;
b) Whether or not the minimum requirements as set forth in this RFP are met;
c) Whether or not the firm’s or individual’s references are satisfactory;
d) The merits of the proposed plan of services;
e) Results from personal and/or telephone interviews, if conducted;
f) The comparative evaluation ratings; and
g) The price submission

Town of Ashfield

Request for Proposals – Accounting Services

Page 12 of 21

As previously noted, the Town reserves the right to reject any proposal which, in its judgment, fails
to meet the requirements of this RFP or which is incomplete, conditional, or obscure; or which
contains additions or irregularities; or in which errors occur; or if it is determined to be in the best
interests of the Town and the participating communities.
The Town reserves the right to waive minor discrepancies or permit a competing firm to clarify
such discrepancies and conduct discussions with all qualified competing firms in any manner
necessary to serve the best interests of the Town. The Town reserves the right to award the contract
up to thirty (30) days after the proposal due date. The Town also reserves the right to award a
contract based upon written proposals received without additional discussions or negotiations.
The Ashfield Selectboard will be the awarding authority.

Town of Ashfield

Request for Proposals – Accounting Services

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ATTACHMENT A – PRICE PROPOSAL SUBMISSION FORM
PRICE PROPOSAL SUBMISSION FORM
Ashfield Accountant Services
Name of Firm/Individual: ________________________________________________________
Street: ________________________________________________________________________
City/Town: ____________________________________________________________________
State: ____________________________

Zip Code: _________________

Refer to Part 2 for Task Descriptions
Price Proposal, Part 2A, for FY2025:

$_____________________________

In Words: __________________________________________________________
Price Proposal, Part 2B, for FY2025:

$_____________________________

In Words: __________________________________________________________
Price Proposal, Part 2C, for FY2025:

$_____________________________

In Words: __________________________________________________________
Total Price Proposal, Parts 2A, 2B, 2C for FY2025:

$_____________________________

In Words: __________________________________________________________

This price proposal is inclusive of all labor, overhead, and indirect and direct costs.
SUBMITTED BY:
Name/Title:
Signature:
Date:

Town of Ashfield

Request for Proposals – Accounting Services

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ATTACHMENT B – COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATIONS
Certificate of Non-Collusion
The undersigned certifies under penalties of perjury that this bid or proposal has been made and
submitted in good faith and without collusion or fraud with any other person. As used in this
certification, the word "person” shall mean any natural person, business, partnership, corporation,
union, committee, club, or other organization, entity, or group of individuals.
Non-Discrimination and Affirmative Action
The Contractor agrees to comply with all applicable Federal and State statutes, rules and regulations
prohibiting discrimination in employment, including but not limited to, the Americans with
Disabilities Act 42 USC 12101, 28 CFR Part 35, or as amended; 29 USC S.791 et. seq.; Executive
Orders 227, 237, 246; MGL C. 151B; and MGL C. 272, S. 92A, S98 et.seq., or any amendments
to these provisions. Pursuant to Executive Orders 227 and 246, the Contractor is required to take
affirmative actions designed to eliminate the patterns and practices of discrimination including
providing written notice of its commitment to non-discrimination to any labor association with
which it has an employment agreement, and to certified minority and women-owned businesses
and organizations or businesses owned by individuals with disabilities. The Town shall not be
liable for any costs associated with the accountant’s defense of claims of discrimination.
Public Contracts Debarment
In connection with this bid and all procurement transactions, by signature thereon, the respondent
certifies that neither the company nor its principals are suspended, debarred, proposed for
debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from the award of contracts, procurement
or non-procurement programs from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, United States Federal
Government and/or the municipalities. "Principals" means officers, directors, owners, partners and
persons having primary interest, management or supervisory responsibilities with the business
entity. Vendors shall provide immediate written notification to the municipalities at any time
during the period of the contract of prior or prior to the contract award if the vendor learns of any
changed condition with regards to the debarment of the company or its officers. This certification
is a material representation of fact upon which reliance will be placed when making the business
award. If at any time it is determined that the vendor knowingly misrepresented this certification,
in addition to other legal remedies available to the municipalities, the contract will be cancelled
and the award revoked.
Qualifications
The Contractor represents that it is qualified to perform the services required under this contract
and possesses or shall obtain all requisite licenses and permits.

Town of Ashfield

Request for Proposals – Accounting Services

Page 15 of 21

Tax Compliance Certification
Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 62C, §49A, I certify under the penalties of perjury that, to the best of my
knowledge and belief, I am in compliance with all laws of the Commonwealth relating to taxes,
reporting of employees and contractors, and withholding and remitting child support.
Employment Security Contributions and Compulsory Workers' Compensation Insurance
Pursuant to MGL C.151A, S.19 and MGL C.152, the Contractor certifies with all laws of the
Commonwealth relating to payments to the Employment Security System and all Commonwealth
laws relating to required worker's compensation insurance policies.

__________________________________________
Signature

__________________________________________
Name of Person Signing Proposal

__________________________________________
Name of Business

__________________________________________
Date

Town of Ashfield

Request for Proposals – Accounting Services

Page 16 of 21

ATTACHMENT C – CERTIFICATE OF VOTE
CERTIFICATE OF VOTE
(to be filed if Contractor is a Corporation)

I, _______________________________, hereby certify that I am the duly qualified and acting
(Secretary of the Corporation)

Secretary of ______________________ and I further certify that a meeting of the Directors of
(Name of Corporation)

said Company, duly called and held on _______________________, at which all Directors were
(Date of Meeting)

present and voting, the following vote was unanimously passed:
VOTED:

To authorize and empower
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________

Anyone acting singly, to execute Forms of General Bid, Contracts or Bonds on behalf of the
Corporation.
I further certify that the above vote is still in effect and has not been changed or modified in any
respect.
By:________________________________
(Secretary of Corporation)
A True Copy:
Attest:_________________________________
(Notary Public)
My Commission Expires:__________________
(Date)

Town of Ashfield

Request for Proposals – Accounting Services

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ATTACHMENT D – SAMPLE CONTRACT
AGREEMENT
The following provisions shall constitute an Agreement between the Town of Ashfield, with an
address of 412 Main Street, Ashfield Massachusetts, acting by and through its Selectboard,
hereinafter referred to as "Town", and ___________________________________, with an address
of _____________________________, hereinafter referred to as "Contractor", effective as of the
____ day of ______________, 2024. In consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein,
the parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1: SCOPE OF WORK:
The Contractor shall perform all work and furnish all services necessary to provide the Town with
Municipal accounting services for the contract term in accordance with the specifications contained
in Parts 2A, 2B, and if applicable, 2C.
ARTICLE 2: TERM OF CONTRACT:
The contract term shall commence on July 1, 2024 and terminate on June 30, 2025. The Town may
in its sole discretion exercise its option to extend the term of the Agreement for two additional one
(1) year terms, which shall be exercised not less than thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the
current term.
ARTICLE 3: COMPENSATION:
The Town shall pay the Contractor for the performance of the work outlined in Article 1 above the
contract sum of _________________ per month for regular accounting services for FY25.
ARTICLE 4: CONTRACT DOCUMENTS:
The following documents form the Contract and all are as fully a part of the Agreement as if
attached to this Agreement or repeated herein:
1.
2.
3.

This Agreement.
Amendments, or other changes mutually agreed upon between the parties.
All attachments to the Agreement.

In the event of conflicting provisions, those provisions most favorable to the Town shall govern.

Town of Ashfield

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ARTICLE 5: CONTRACT TERMINATION:
The Town may suspend or terminate this Agreement by providing the Contractor with ten (10) days
written notice for the reasons outlined as follows:
1.
2.
3.

Failure of the Contractor, for any reason, to fulfill in a timely and proper manner its
obligations under this Agreement.
Violation of any of the provisions of this Agreement by the Contractor.
A determination by the Town that the Contractor has engaged in fraud, waste,
mismanagement, misuse of funds, or criminal activity with any funds provided by this
Agreement.

The Town may terminate this Agreement at any time for convenience by providing the Contractor
written notice specifying therein the termination date which shall be no sooner than thirty (30) days
from the issuance of said notice. Upon receipt of a notice of termination, the Contractor shall cease
to incur additional expenses in connection with the Agreement. Upon such termination, the
Contractor shall be entitled to compensation for all satisfactory work completed prior to the
termination date as determined by the Town. Such payment shall not exceed the fair value of the
services provided hereunder.
The Town may immediately terminate or suspend this Agreement in the event that the
appropriation(s) funding this Agreement is eliminated or reduced to an amount which will be
insufficient to support anticipated future obligations under this Agreement.
ARTICLE 6: INDEMNIFICATION:
The Contractor shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Town and its officers, agents, and
all employees from and against claims arising directly or indirectly from the contract. Contractor
shall be solely responsible for all local taxes or contributions imposed or required under the Social
Security, Workers' Compensation, and income tax laws. Further, the Contractor shall defend,
indemnify and hold harmless the Town with respect to any damages, expenses, or claims arising
from or in connection with any of the work performed or to be performed under this Agreement.
This shall not be construed as a limitation of the Contractor's liability under the Agreement or as
otherwise provided by law.
ARTICLE 7: AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS:
The compensation provided by this Agreement is subject to the availability and appropriation of
funds.
ARTICLE 8: APPLICABLE LAW:
The Contractor agrees to comply with all applicable local, state and federal laws, regulations and
orders relating to the completion of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Town of Ashfield

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ARTICLE 9: ASSIGNMENT:
The Contractor shall not make any assignment of this Agreement without the prior written approval
of the Town.
ARTICLE 10: AMENDMENTS:
All amendments or any changes to the provisions specified in this Contract can only occur when
mutually agreed upon by the Town and Contractor. Further, such amendments or changes shall be
in writing and signed by officials with authority to bind the Town. Additionally, all amendments
and changes shall be approved by the Town Accountant prior to execution by the awarding
authority. No amendment or change to the contract provisions shall be made until after the written
execution of the amendment or change to the Contract by both parties.
ARTICLE 11: INSURANCE:
The Contractor shall be responsible to the Town or any third party for any property damage or
bodily injury caused by it, any of its subcontractors, employees or agents in the performance of, or
as a result of, the work under this Agreement. The Contractor and any subcontractors used hereby
certify that they are insured for workers’ compensation, property damage, personal and product
liability. The Contractor and any subcontractor it uses shall purchase, furnish copies of, and
maintain in full force and effect insurance policies in the amounts here indicated.
General Liability
Bodily Injury Liability:
Property Damage Liability
(or combined single limit)

$1,000,000 per occurrence
$ 500,000 per occurrence
$1,000,000 per occurrence

Automobile Liability
Bodily Injury Liability:
Property Damage Liability
(or combined single limit)

$1,000,000 per occurrence
$ 500,000 per occurrence
$1,000,000 per occurrence

Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Coverage for all employees in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws
Prior to commencement of any work under this Agreement, the Contractor shall provide the Town
with Certificates of Insurance which include the Town as an additional named insured and which
include a thirty-day notice of cancellation to the Town.

Town of Ashfield

Request for Proposals – Accounting Services

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed on the
day and year first above written.
CONTRACTOR

TOWN OF ASHFIELD

______________________________

___________________________________

Signature

Steven Gougeon, Chair

______________________________

___________________________________

Printed Name

Thomas Carter, Vice-Chair

______________________________

___________________________________

Title

Todd Olanyk, Member

Approved as to Availability of Funds for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2024:
______________________________
Financial Officer

Town of Ashfield

($__________________)
Contract Sum

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Select Board Workshop Sept 26, 2026
Draft from my notes

Items discussed during the workshop
1. FY 28 Budget - Process in place. Decisions on budget priorities later in the
process.
2. Economic Development Subcommittee.
3. Public Engagement Subcommittee.
4. Governance Task Force.
5. TA/SB chair or member Attend coffee hour and public meetings.

Memo
To: Selectboard
From: Lisa Wong, Town Administrator
Re: Selectboard Subcommittees/ Working Groups
Date: Oct. 6, 2026
_________________________________________________________________
The following are examples of committees and/or working groups for consideration by the
Selectboard in order to facilitate work between regular meetings.
Personnel/Negotiations: Negotiate contract with town administrator, including recommendations
on compensation and terms. Provide input for and if available, join negotiations with collective
bargaining units.
Communication: Convenes interested residents and stakeholders to improve communication
with residents and between government entities.
Finance: Liaison to Appropriations Committee, Reviews Financial Policy, Oversees PILOT
program.
Policy or Charter/Rules: establishing and recommending ordinance language, code revisions
and town policy to the full board / bylaw review / town meeting. Oversee recommendations of
the Town Meeting Review Committee.
Economic Development: Planning redevelopment. Housing. Sale of city-owned land.
Commerce, Tax incentives and the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Ledges: Committee will review reports and make recs on improvements or changes to the golf
course.