Charlemont Selectboard authorizes speed-recorders, joins National Grid fleet study and approves routine warrants and events

The Charlemont Selectboard met July 1, 2024, at Town Hall and by conference call and approved a package of small but practical steps on traffic safety, town records and routine municipal business.

Town Administrator Sarah Reynolds reported she had spoken with Patrick Tierney in MassDOT’s traffic division, who said it was unlikely the village center speed limit could be reduced to 25 mph. Reynolds recommended collecting traffic-count data that records vehicle class and speed to support any petition. The board authorized Reynolds to spend up to $400 to buy speed recorders for the village center; the devices cost roughly $150 each. Chair Valentine Reid moved the authorization; member Kim Blakeslee seconded. The motion passed on a unanimous recorded voice vote of members present.

The board also discussed technical problems with existing solar speed signs and plans to reprogram one to flash “slow down” when speeds exceed thresholds. Members asked Reynolds to contact the Highway Department about contractors who can paint center lines; roads identified for signage or striping include Legate Hill Road, Tower Road and Avery Brook Road. Reid noted that the stretch of W. Hawley Road to South River Road currently has a 40 mph state speed limit and may be petitioned for change by letter in some circumstances.

Reynolds reported on research into the town’s adopted roads and subdivision plans. She found a 1944 list of named and described town roads and identified a portion of the Potters Road extension that was not adopted by the town and lacks a culvert; the board asked Reid to draft a list of roads that may be discontinued or need remediation.

On emergency preparedness, the board agreed to digitize a Town Hall binder titled “What to do in an emergency,” update contact information and improve opt-in notification processes. Members noted the Fire Department maintains a list of residents who require ventilators.

The board voted to participate in a National Grid vehicle-fleet electrification plan being prepared by consultant ICF, a step the administrator said could support future grant applications for EV chargers. Reid moved that the Town Administrator participate, with discretion to withdraw if the process becomes onerous; Kim Blakeslee seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Several administrative and property items were decided. The board deemed surplus clothing and water-bottle items from the town’s 250th anniversary and authorized free distribution in Town Hall for one month beginning August 1, after which remaining items will go to Good Neighbors. The board also deemed a vintage culvert on Warner Hill Road surplus and approved removal on a first-come, first-served basis provided the taker removes it within 45 days.

Chair Reid updated the board on 180 Route 8A, noting the owner’s Class II license is contingent on complying with a Conservation Commission enforcement order to remove vehicles. The board voted to send a prepared letter to the Conservation Commission requesting a written response.

The board approved payroll warrants (2449, 2450) and vendor warrants (2452, 2500, 2451, 2452), approved the minutes from June 17, 2024, and approved the Green Mountain Adventure Racing Association special-event application for Aug. 17–18, 2024. The board also discussed an ESC bike event special-event application; police have granted clearance and the board will place the permit on its next agenda for a formal vote if required.

Appointments to committees and commissions were approved for one year; emergency-services personnel appointments were limited to one month to expire at the end of July because of outstanding concerns. The board scheduled further review of Conway School plans and fairgrounds proposals and agreed to convene a working-group meeting at the fairgrounds in early August with Parks & Recreation.

The meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m.; the next regular meeting is July 15, 2024.