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Charlemont Selectboard approves animal-control and laydown-yard agreements, designates signatory for opioid settlement; addresses insurance and cannabis policy
Summary
The Selectboard unanimously approved agreements for animal control and an Asplundh laydown yard, designated Town Administrator Sarah Reynolds as signatory for a new Purdue opioid settlement participation, and discussed health-insurance changes as well as updates to the town’s marijuana host community policy.
At its Aug. 4 meeting, the Charlemont Selectboard voted unanimously to approve several routine agreements and take procedural steps related to town governance.
The board approved agreements with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office for an Animal Control Officer and for regional dog shelter services. Kim Blakeslee moved to approve and sign both agreements; Wilder Sparks seconded and the motion passed with all in favor. The board also approved an agreement allowing Asplundh Construction to use a laydown yard at the end of Avery Brook Road; that motion was moved by Blakeslee, seconded by Sparks, and approved unanimously.
On insurance and litigation matters, Town Administrator Sarah Reynolds reported on a proposed health-insurance rate increase driven partly by high use of Ozempic. The Insurance Trust voted to exclude coverage for Ozempic beginning in October except for medical-necessity cases; Reynolds said the town’s budget can accommodate the increase. The Selectboard then voted to designate Reynolds as the town’s signatory for paperwork associated with a new round of opioid litigation involving Purdue. Blakeslee moved, Sparks seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
The board reviewed updates to the Marijuana Host Community Agreement policy under new Cannabis Control Commission rules. Wilder Sparks will contact Emily Thurber about developing the town’s Community Equity Plan; the board discussed creating a single online resource explaining steps and permitting requirements for prospective operators.
The Selectboard also approved a correction to the July 21 minutes clarifying a question to Police Chief Jason Pelletier about Officer Kyle Sweeney’s hours, approved payroll and vendor warrants, and adjourned at 8:49 PM. All motions recorded in the minutes were moved by Kim Blakeslee, seconded by Wilder Sparks, and recorded as 'all in favor'.
