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Votes at a glance: Select Board approves withdrawal from insurance trust, Mass Audubon partnership, recycling policy and emergency ratification
Summary
At its March 3 meeting the Select Board authorized withdrawal from the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust with a plan to amortize any runout claims over five years, approved a Mass Audubon partnership to accept $18,900 toward a previously-approved land purchase, adopted a sustainable purchasing policy to qualify for recycling grants, and ratified a state-declared emergency for a named storm.
The Southampton Select Board recorded several formal actions at its March 3 meeting.
Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust withdrawal and five‑year amortization: The board authorized the town to withdraw from the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust effective July 1 and to spread any runout claims over a five‑year amortization period. Staff said the town has placed $25,000 in this year's budget to begin the runout amortization and expects final runout figures in mid‑ to late fall. The signature page submitted tonight certifies the town's intent to withdraw; the actual dollar amount to be amortized will be reported when known. The motion passed by roll call.
Mass Audubon partnership for Rattle Hill property: The board approved a direct agreement to accept $18,900 from the Mass Audubon Catalyst Fund toward the previously authorized $50,000 purchase of roughly 40 acres at the back end of Rattle Hill Road. Town staff said Kestrel Land Trust will provide the balance of the purchase price and that there will be no net cost to the town. The board moved and approved the partnership agreement by roll call.
Adoption of sustainable purchasing policy: The board adopted a revised sustainable purchasing policy intended to minimize waste, prioritize reuse and support purchases containing post‑consumer recycled content. Staff and members noted the policy helps make the town eligible for recycling grants and relates to the transfer station. The board authorized the chair to sign the policy and approved the motion.
Ratification of state of emergency: Town emergency management staff had declared a local state of emergency during a storm named by the governor so the town could pursue potential reimbursements for storm response; the Select Board ratified that declaration by roll call.
Other routine business: The board approved retirement certificates and minutes from January 6 and February 3; members asked staff to remove municipal plates from an old fire pickup and to pursue disposition once the chief can transfer needed equipment to the new vehicle.
Votes at a glance (roll calls recorded in the transcript): - Withdraw from Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust; authorize five‑year amortization if runout claims occur — approved. - Approve partnership agreement with Mass Audubon for $18,900 toward the Rattle Hill purchase — approved. - Approve Sustainable Purchasing Policy and authorize chair to sign — approved. - Ratify local state of emergency declaration for named storm — approved. - Approve minutes for January 6 and February 3 — approved.
The board asked members to stop by town hall to sign documents that require physical signatures and to continue detailed budget work with the finance committee.
