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Trust discusses RFP responses, forestry timing and options for other town parcels; plans consultant outreach
Summary
Trustees reviewed an RFP response and timber-fund prospects, discussed that town water availability may change development options for a larger parcel, and agreed to seek consultant help (JM Goldson/MHP contact) and reconvene in August to plan an RFP and community engagement.
Trustees used the June 25 meeting to review an RFP response and broader project updates, including forestry timing, potential rethinking of a larger parcel and consultant engagement to design future RFPs.
Staff reported the trust account currently holds roughly $500 (from a prior tree-related receipt) and that timber-harvest proceeds are expected after the contractor completes work; those proceeds could increase available funds for future projects. Trustees said one contractor has accepted terms and that harvesting is likely in the fall/winter season, so proceeds are not immediate.
Members raised a planning point: the larger Wallace Hill/Hannes Road parcel had previously been flagged such that forestry would limit development for five years, but trustees learned town water is available near the site. That changed the practical options and prompted discussion about whether to postpone or re-evaluate forestry on that parcel so it could remain eligible for affordable housing development. Staff and trustees agreed to honor existing contracts but to consult with the forester and state contacts (DCR referenced) about implications.
Trustees discussed engaging a consultant (references in the meeting to JM Goldson and MassHousing Partnership contacts) to help run a community meeting and to write a refined RFP in the fall. Participants noted limited current trust funds and that CPA funding or other grants would require applications and town-meeting approval. The group agreed to collect consultant quotes, reach out to MassHousing Partnership contacts, and schedule follow-up work; the trust set its next meeting for August 27 at 4 p.m. to review gathered materials.
The meeting also included brief procedural items such as adopting AI-assisted minutes going forward (staff offered to pilot AI drafting of minutes from recordings, subject to human review) and routine scheduling; no further formal votes on project direction were taken at this meeting.
