The Public Meeting Index

The Electrical Board met on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 3:29 p.m. Board members present were Don Beavin, Roger Clark, Randy Dierlam, Jacob Gurtz, Ben Ipock, Cody Matsel, Ray Pritchett, Pete Rembert, and James Stidham. Also present were Building Commissioner Johnny McAlister, Electrical Inspector Jimmie Heavrin, Deputy Building Commissioner Marc Weaver, and Compliance Officer Bob Sheller. No minutes were available, so the board did not read or approve minutes. Consent Calendar - The board approved all apprentice license applications on the list, approximately 60 applicants, by unanimous voice vote. All had been pre-approved by the IEC. The board briefly clarified that applicant Tatum Fame was a second-year apprentice and discussed applicant Samuel Denny's enrollment before approving him. Two late additions, Luke Carroll and Alexander Wilson, were also approved. - The board approved all 27 journeyman license applications listed on the agenda by unanimous voice vote. - No master applications or continuing education applications were submitted. Discussion Items - Old News: Johnny McAlister reported that he submitted ordinance changes aligning City and County language for the "four years or 6200 hours in the trade" requirement. The change still needs approval from the License and Disciplinary Board before it can take effect. McAlister also reported that applicant Elvis E. Jaramillo, who had been denied for not having enough hours or years in the trade, spoke to the board. The board was satisfied with the information he provided and approved him to take the Master exam. - New News: Bob Sheller was introduced as the new compliance officer, starting earlier that week. He will look for unlicensed work, missing permits, and other matters not compliant with the building commission. McAlister indicated that public reports can be phoned into the building commission and assigned to the compliance officer, and inspectors will also refer issues to him. - New News: Deputy Building Commissioner Marc Weaver was introduced. He described his engineering and finance background and said he plans to review plans in more detail and place more responsibility on designers to provide complete drawings. He cited a University of Evansville canopy plan that was returned because the foundation was only shown as a rectangle. - ABC applications: Asked about approximately 12 apprentice applications from the ABC from the previous month, McAlister said he had not received anything further, so the applications remain on hold. The board noted questions about whether the ABC's accreditation was still compliant. Key Outcomes - All apprentice and journeyman license applications were approved unanimously. - Elvis E. Jaramillo was approved to take the Master exam. - The ordinance change on the four-years-or-6,200-hours requirement will go to the License and Disciplinary Board for approval. - The ABC apprentice applications remain tabled until more information is received. - The next board meeting will be held on November 5, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. in the same room. A motion to adjourn was made, and the meeting ended.

The Washoe County Board of Adjustment convened at 9:30 AM on October 1, 2026, and adjourned at 2:10 PM. The board heard one public comment and approved three agenda items: a special use permit for a landscape business with an on-site dwelling, an extension of time for a wall variance, and a variance for a carport encroaching into a front yard setback. All votes were unanimous. Public Comments & Testimony - Chris Swanson (Gerlach business owner) stated that his request for a director’s modification to waive the parking lot paving requirement for his store at 395 Main Street in Gerlach was verbally denied by Trevor Lloyd. He submitted an appeal on September 11, 2026, but the matter was not placed on the current agenda. He expressed frustration about not receiving a list of planning requirements to move forward with his business license application. He requested expedited handling and indicated he would submit future appeals directly to the Board of Adjustment. Discussion Items - Item 8A – WSUP 26-0016 (715 U.S. Highway 395 South): Special Use Permit for a Construction Sales and Services Use with an On-Site Dwelling Unit - Proposed by Fermín Muñoz Acuña for a landscape business. The 0.72-acre site is zoned General Commercial. The project includes a 2,790-square-foot building with a workshop (1,500 sq ft), office (645 sq ft), and a one-bedroom dwelling unit (645 sq ft) above the office. The dwelling is for the applicant’s personal use. Staff noted all required findings were met, 20 agencies were noticed with three providing conditions, and no public comments were received. Board member Peter disclosed that the applicant is his landscape contractor but stated it would not affect his judgment. The board discussed the concept positively. A motion to approve with conditions (Exhibit A) carried unanimously. - Item 8B – WAC26-0013 (515 Rhodes Road): Amendment of Conditions for Wall Variance - Requested by Curtis and Judith Coulter. The variance originally approved on February 5, 2026 (and affirmed by the Board of County Commissioners on April 28, 2026) allowed a 15-foot-8-inch-high wall on the eastern property line. A condition required obtaining a building permit within 120 days (by August 6, 2026), which was not met due to delays in securing an engineering firm. The applicant requested either a 180-day extension (Option 1) or a 120-day extension with permit issuance upon county review (Option 2). Staff supported the request. The applicant’s representative noted that the building permit application had been submitted and requested Option 2 to protect the variance. After discussion, the board approved Option 2, which extends the submission deadline to 240 days from the original variance approval. Motion carried unanimously. - Item 8C – WP VAR 26-004 (759 Geraldine Drive, Incline Village): Variance for Carport in Front Yard Setback - Requested by Justin Bilicki and Brittany Lindell-Bilicki. The property has a 15-foot front yard setback; the proposed carport would extend 12 feet into it, leaving 3 feet. The parcel is constrained by steep slopes, a stream environment zone, an open space easement, and a protected old-growth tree (30-inch diameter). The carport would cover an existing parking space and is elevated approximately 9 feet above the roadway, not affecting sight lines. Staff made all required findings and recommended approval. The applicant’s representative highlighted hazards from falling pine cones and ice. The board found the variance justified and approved with conditions (Exhibit A). Motion carried unanimously. Key Outcomes - Item 8A: Motion to approve WSUP 26-0016 with conditions, all five findings made. Vote: unanimous ayes. - Item 8B: Motion to approve amendment of conditions (Option 2) for WAC26-0013 with conditions, all five findings made. Vote: unanimous ayes. - Item 8C: Motion to approve WP VAR 26-004 with conditions, all five findings made. Vote: unanimous ayes. - The board also approved the October 1, 2026 agenda and the September 3, 2026 draft minutes (with a minor spelling correction). No future agenda items or training updates were finalized; board training will be scheduled later in the year.

The Auburn City Council held a special session on October 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. (Note: The provided agenda lists the meeting date as October 16, 2026, which conflicts with the supplied meeting timestamp of October 1, 2026. The remainder of this summary follows the instruction to use October 1, 2026.) The meeting was called to order, followed by roll call and the pledge of allegiance. The agenda included a public comment period for items not on the agenda and a closed session to discuss the employment of the City Manager. No minutes or transcript were available, so no public comments, discussions, or formal actions are recorded. Public Comments & Testimony - The agenda provided a public comment period allowing speakers up to three minutes for items not on the agenda. No public comments are included in the available materials. Closed Session - By consensus without objection, the Council adjourned to a closed session under Government Code § 54957 for public employment: City Manager. - No report out of closed session is documented due to the absence of minutes or transcript. Key Outcomes - No formal decisions, votes, or directives are recorded. The only agenda item following the closed session was adjournment. - The agenda was certified as posted on October 13, 2026, by City Clerk Amy Lind at the entrance of City Hall.

The Social Services Committee of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors convened on October 1, 2026, to receive annual updates from the Public Guardian, the Area Agency on Aging, the Department of Child Support Services, and the 12th status update on the State Auditor’s findings regarding the Department of Children and Family Services. No votes were taken; all items were informational. Public Comments & Testimony - Marilyn Harris spoke on Agenda Item I (Public Guardian Annual Update). No other public comments were made. Discussion Items I. Public Guardian Annual Update - Presenters: Vincent Gordon (Program Manager, Dept. of Adult & Aging Services), Samantha N. Stonework-Hand (Assistant County Counsel), Kirsten Voyles (Legal Director, Legal Assistance for Seniors). - Overview of the Public Guardian’s role in probate and LPS conservatorships, governed by the Probate Code (dating to 1931) and the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act. - Staffing: Two probate units with 6 vacancies; average probate caseload rose 40%—from 19 to 27 cases per worker over two years. - Financial oversight: The Public Guardian manages approximately $27.7 million in assets, serving about 155 conservatees (majority over age 70 in skilled nursing facilities). - LPS program: Caseloads remained consistent (avg. 44 cases per worker) but challenging due to mental health recidivism and placement difficulties. - Care Court (presented earlier by Judge Bean) has not increased LPS referrals and may offer a less restrictive alternative. II. Area Agency on Aging Annual Update - Presenter: Kim Fogle (Management Analyst, substituting for Jennifer Stephens-Pierre). - The AAA network provides about 200,000 congregate meals and distributes nearly 10,000 bags of groceries annually; an estimated 80,000 older adults rely on AAA-funded programs. - Contracts: 77 contracts totaling $17.5 million in the last four-year cycle; new RFP awarded 53 contracts worth $15 million for the next four years. - Accomplishments: 140 new Certified Nursing Assistants graduated from the healthcare career pathways program in three years; supported passage of AB 1069 (emergency shelter access for older adults). - Upcoming events: Holiday basket distribution (Dec. 11) and Aging Well & Planning Ahead Forum (Apr. 16, 2027). - Staffing: AAA has two vacancies (clerk and administrative specialist). Assistant Agency Director Faith Battles noted significant understaffing in IHSS social worker positions (caseloads over 400) and ongoing fines for failing to complete annual assessments. III. Department of Child Support Services Annual Update - Presenter: Vangeria Harvey (Acting Director). - Caseload: Over 25,000 families, including 4,000+ currently on CalWORKs; over $72 million collected and distributed in the current federal fiscal year (through August). - Performance metrics: Parentage establishment 98.8%; order establishment 91.2%; current support collections 68.3%; arrears collections 63.9%—ranking in the top quarter of California counties. - Legislation: SB 1264 (expanded notification of estate for child support arrears), AB 2195 (protects low-income parents from commercial license suspension), AB 747 (effective Jan. 1, 2027, requires GPS‑stamped photos for service of process). - Outreach: First Family Resource Fair (200+ families), Dad discussions, and participation in the “Together We Give” campaign. IV. Department of Children and Family Services Status Update 12 - Presenter: Michelle Love (Assistant Agency Director, DCFS). - Progress on State Auditor’s recommendations (2024-108) and the California Department of Social Services Corrective Action Plan (CAP). - Timeliness of investigations: Digital assignment board implemented; supervisor oversight strengthened; vacancy rate in emergency response reduced to 5.8% (down from higher levels in September 2025). - Staffing: Expanding emergency response from 31 staff (Aug. 2024) to 59 by end of 2026; new four-week on-the-job training added. - Family finding contract: From June 1 to Sept. 1, 2026, 394 relatives identified; 91 youth served (ages 14–26); 33 youth completed services. - Transitional shelter care facility: Reopened April 3, 2026; 19 intakes through August; policies submitted; meetings now occurring. - Training compliance: 92.6% of supervisors and 82.5% of workers completed required hours. - Safety culture survey: Response rate 53% in 2026 (similar to 54% in 2025); emotional exhaustion slightly increased (37%); physical safety improved; scores comparable to national benchmarks. - CDSS will oversee the CAP with monthly meetings for two years; the CAP is due October 1, 2026. Key Outcomes - No formal motions or votes occurred; all items were received as information. - Supervisor Fortunato Bas recommended establishing an advisory board (composed of the Interagency Coordinating Council and additional experts) to guide long‑term transformation of child welfare services. Discussion highlighted existing oversight from CDSS and the ICC, with caution about adding extra demands on DCFS staff. - The committee will receive continued updates on the Corrective Action Plan and the organizational assessment by Baker Tilly.

The Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board convened on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 4:00 PM in Ocala City Hall Council Chambers. The board reviewed four Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) applications for properties within the Ocala Historic District, all of which were approved with varying conditions. No public comments were received, and staff provided updates on guideline reviews and upcoming board training. Discussion Items - COA 26-0044 (733 E. Fort King Street – Edward Holder House): Applicant Robert Hayes/BFJ LLC requested replacement of 56 existing wood windows with Norandex PerfeXion Platinum vinyl replacement windows (double-hung, casement, and fixed picture units) installed as retrofit within existing openings. Staff recommended approval with conditions: existing wood frames/sills remain; structural bucking replaced only where deteriorated; existing single-hung windows replaced with single-hung units; alternative manufacturer requires additional review. A key discussion centered on four windows featuring a diamond-shaped grid pattern, which staff noted was likely a later addition. The board requested that those four windows replicate the diamond pattern (simulated divided lights) to maintain visual compatibility. Motion approved unanimously with condition to replicate diamond pattern. - COA 26-0060 (906 E. Fort King Street – William J. Marshall House): Applicants Stacy and John Harris sought to install a custom-made steel handrail with matte black powder finish along the front porch stairs, required after code-mandated stair replacement. Staff found the handrail visually compatible and limited in scale. No public comment. Motion approved unanimously. - COA 26-0062 (723 E. Fort King Street – E.H. Cox House): Applicant Denise Deluna requested installation of 98 linear feet of 4-foot-high aluminum fencing with spear-top pickets in the front yard. Staff noted the fence matches existing adjacent fencing and complies with height limits. Applicant confirmed the design (rectangular with sphere) matches fences nearby (e.g., Discovery Center). Motion approved unanimously. - COA 26-0064 (514 SE 8th Street – Mrs. Henry Sistrunk House): Applicants Roger and Louisa Ogilvie (returning after a previous vinyl fence rejection) requested replacement of dilapidated fencing with 6-foot wood stockade privacy fencing in rear and side yards and 4-foot wood picket fencing along the side yard adjacent to a school parking lot. Staff found the proposal compatible with the district’s residential character and consistent with height regulations. Board clarified that the picket fence location was along the side (not front) and would be 4 feet high. Motion approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - All four COA applications were approved by unanimous votes: COA 26-0044 (with condition to replicate the diamond pattern on four windows), COA 26-0060, COA 26-0062, and COA 26-0064. - Applicants for COA 26-0064 were reminded they have six months to begin work, and extensions can be coordinated with staff. - Staff (Jeff Shrum, Growth Management Director) announced upcoming board training focused on quasi-judicial procedures, staff roles, findings of fact, and competent substantial evidence, likely in November or December 2026. - Next regular meeting scheduled for November 5, 2026. - Board comments included a reminder to keep conversations audible for compliance with sunshine laws and an update on elevator repairs. Staff Comments - Charlita Whitehead noted ongoing review of guideline updates and coordination with the Public Information Office; a workshop or discussion will be scheduled. - Jeff Shrum confirmed board training plans and mentioned the elevator in City Hall was temporarily out of service but expected to be operational by the next meeting.

The Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Committee met on October 1, 2026, to discuss Issue 16, a proposed quarter-percent income tax increase for neighborhood safety that will appear on the November ballot. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz presented the administration’s case for the levy, detailing the city’s $50 million structural budget deficit and specific public safety investments the levy would fund. Council members asked questions about staffing, budget cuts, and program impacts. The meeting also included quarterly reports from the Toledo Police Department (TPD) and Toledo Fire and Rescue Department (TFRD), and supporting testimony from the firefighters’ union president. Mayor’s Presentation on Issue 16 - Mayor Kapszukiewicz stated that the structural deficit is driven by population loss (peaked in 1963) and $288 million in state revenue cuts over 18 years (averaging $16 million per year — equivalent to the annual revenue from the Jeep plant). He argued the city cannot cut its way out of the deficit without eliminating entire departments or laying off police and fire, noting that Toledo already spends less per capita than other major Ohio cities and has the highest bond rating since 1980. - The quarter-percent income tax increase would raise the city’s rate to 2.75% (matching the state rate), generating $25 million annually for the general fund. Even with passage, a $25 million deficit would remain. The tax is on earned income, exempting Social Security and pensions, so many seniors would benefit without paying more. He also noted that non-residents who work in Toledo would also pay the tax. - Specific commitments if the levy passes: double annual police and fire recruit classes from 20 to 40; grow the gang task force by two-thirds; triple demolition of vacant/abandoned properties; create a residential speed enforcement program; commit fire resources to West Toledo, including a new station; and rebuild the fire investigation (arson) unit over four years. The levy must be spent on neighborhood safety per ballot language. The mayor mentioned that the Toledo Police Patrolman’s Association and Firefighters Local 92 support the measure. Councilmember Questions and Discussion - Council President Williams (District 4) expressed support despite her small business concerns, emphasizing quality-of-life issues like grass cutting and the need for resources. She asked Police Chief Trentley for retirement numbers: Chief Trentley reported 40 retirements/resignations in 2026, with sworn strength projected at about 600 by year-end (including a December class of 21). Doubling the class would help but there is a lag before officers are operational. On fire budget cuts, Fire Chief Cheers (or designee) said the department is running very trim and willing to do more. - Councilman Sarantu pressed for specific layoff numbers if Issue 16 fails, arguing that early voters need that information before the October 28 budget hearing. The mayor said that hearing would present two budgets: one with the levy and one without. - Councilwoman McPherson asked about the arson unit commitment and the existing levies. The mayor confirmed that the arson unit rebuild was added after discussions with Local 92. He clarified that the general services levy (renewed in 2024) designates a portion to police and fire, while the new levy would be fully dedicated to neighborhood safety. Even with the levy, the city will still face a $25 million deficit requiring ongoing management. - Councilwoman Kramer asked about the Monsey program. The mayor replied that Monsey would likely be continued if the levy passes, but would be in grave danger of elimination if it fails. - Councilwoman Morse requested actual dollar amounts for the proposed initiatives and pressed for specificity. She asked about officer training: Chief Trentley noted that CIT training has been expanded and a full-day professionalism/cultural competency training is being developed for next year. She also highlighted the economic strain on residents. Public Testimony - Joe Sierra, President of Toledo Firefighters Local 92, spoke in support of Issue 16. He stated that the department needs additional firefighters to keep up with call volume, particularly in West Toledo (Engine 23 has seen an 80–90% increase in runs over 20 years). He warned that aging apparatus and stations are at risk: as of October 1, 2026, there is no spare engine — if the front-line engine breaks down, the station is without a backup. He said the levy would help address attrition and support recruitment. Quarterly Reports - Toledo Police Department (Chief Trentley and Assistant Chief Braun): Current sworn staffing at 609, projected to drop to around 600 by year-end, with further retirements in January 2027. Without additional classes, layoffs may become necessary, and operations would be reduced to core calls for service, eliminating community programs. Year-to-date training includes 40 hours of in-service (legal updates, ICAT de-escalation, use of force, wellness, firearms). Internal affairs data show 150 internal complaints versus 6 citizen complaints, indicating active internal oversight. Citywide crime: overall reductions especially in violent crime, but burglary is slightly up. - Toledo Fire & Rescue Department (Deputy Chief Franklin): Current staffing at 591. Year-to-date retirements: 17 (15 + 2 confirmed). A recruit class of 20 started July 31, 2026, graduating February 19, 2027. Through August, total incidents: 43,944 (1.5% increase), EMS incidents: 36,407 (4.1% increase in total responses). Engine 23 is the busiest apparatus (3,266 runs through August). Fire prevention: 2,631 inspections, 659 plan reviews, 17 code red properties mitigated. Infrastructure issues: roof leaks at headquarters, floor repair at Station 21, ongoing HVAC repairs. Deputy Chief Franklin noted the successful replacement of the headquarters roof and the shop roof, and concrete work at various stations. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken during the committee meeting. - The committee received the mayor’s presentation and the quarterly reports from TPD and TFRD. - Councilman Sarantu directed the administration to provide specific potential layoff figures before the October 28 budget hearing. - Councilwoman Morse requested detailed dollar amounts for each levy-funded initiative. - The committee scheduled a second budget hearing for October 28 to present two budget scenarios (with and without Issue 16).

The Lake County Board's Financial and Administrative Committee met on October 1, 2026, at 8:30 AM. The meeting included public comment from the State's Attorney, approval of consent agenda items, and discussion and resolutions related to capital improvements, including a major multiple department building project. An executive session was held on pending litigation. Consent Calendar - Items 8.1 through 8.14 were approved unanimously on a motion by Member Hewitt, second by Member Clark. Public Comments & Testimony - Eric Reinhardt, Lake County State's Attorney, expressed support for strategic investments in public safety for FY2027. He specifically addressed the need to retain experienced prosecutors by adjusting pay grade maximums and incorporating cost-of-living increases. He noted the county's strategic plan's top goal is community safety and asked the committee to consider these public servants during budget planning. Discussion Items - FY2027 Facilities Capital Improvement Plan: Director Carl Carrar presented the recommended capital projects, with the Multiple Department Building (MDB) as the top priority. Other projects include sheriff's training facility, court tower build-out, first floor remodel, and center courts renovations. The presentation highlighted the daisy-chain dependencies among projects (e.g., MDB must be completed before Babcox jail medical expansion). Discussion covered project rankings, funding strategies (bonding vs. cash), parking lot size, sustainability goals, and security at the Libertyville campus. The committee deferred finalization until November for further input. - Resolution 8.15 - Whispering Oaks Apartments Bond Amendment: Patrice Sutton and Barbara Adams explained that the county acts as a conduit issuer for tax-exempt bonds. The owner is refinancing the debt, but the county retains compliance oversight to ensure affordable housing covenants. The resolution approved three documents. Approved. - Resolution 8.17 - MDB Design Services (2,746,416 dollars): Carl Carrar and Mark Price (FGMA) presented the schematic design for a 75,000 square foot facility to house the coroner and sheriff offices on the Libertyville campus. Construction cost estimated at 47.6 million dollars, plus sustainability add-ons (geothermal and solar) estimated at 5.85 million dollars. Discussion included site planning, parking compliance with Libertyville PUD, wetland protection, and net-zero design lessons from the Rock building. The resolution authorized the design contract. Approved unanimously. - Resolution 8.18 - HVAC Improvements and Fire Alarm Replacement (98,850 dollars): For the DEPC juvenile complex and Children's Advocacy Center. Approved. - Resolution 8.19 - Contract Modification for DEPK Juvenile Justice Complex (118,000 dollars): Fourth modification to continue design services for Phase 2 expansion, funded via capital funds. Approved. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda (8.1–8.14) was approved unanimously. - Resolutions 8.15, 8.17, 8.18, and 8.19 were all approved (8.17 with a motion by Member Clark, second by Member Hewitt; others similarly). - The committee entered executive session to discuss pending litigation (case 24 CV 10864) and subsequently approved settlement authority for that case. - The FY2027 capital improvement plan will be finalized at the November F&A committee and board meeting after additional input. - Meeting adjourned.

The Great Barrington Board of Health met remotely on October 1, 2026. The meeting included discussion of West Nile virus cases, a proposal to hire additional health department staff, updates on the manganese filtration system at the water plant, concerns about groundwater contamination from an auto wrecking facility, and a review of solid waste hauler regulations. The board also heard public comment regarding vaccine education. Approval of Minutes - The board approved minutes from September 3, 2026, with Dr. Ruby Chen abstaining due to absence. The August 6, 2026 minutes remain unapproved and will be revisited at the next meeting. Board Health Updates & Discussion West Nile Virus Update - Dr. Ruby Chen reported 11 human cases of West Nile virus in the Boston suburbs, predominantly elderly males, with one female. Most cases involved meningitis or encephalitis. No local cases in Great Barrington, but she urged residents to protect against mosquitoes due to recent heavy rain. Staffing Support for Health Agent - Dr. Chen proposed sending a letter to the Select Board and Town Manager requesting the hiring of a part-time administrative/inspector to support the health agent, noting the heavy workload and upcoming permitting season. Board members agreed but first will consult with Health Agent Liz by email to gather her input before drafting the letter. Manganese Filtration System – Water Works - Dr. Chen reported ongoing contact with Solo Dennis of Mass DEP regarding the manganese filtration plant. Recent media reports indicate a lack of funds to complete the system. The board will follow up. Auto Wrecking Company – Groundwater Concerns - A board member raised concerns about potential groundwater contamination from the All-Star auto wrecking site, referencing a 2022 fire, an oil spill, a dry well, and DEP fines for non-compliance. The board discussed the need to identify which town agency is responsible for monitoring wells and groundwater quality in the area. Dr. Chen will start conversations with relevant departments. Solid Waste Hauler Regulations - The board discussed updating the town’s hauler regulations using a new Mass DEP template. Key issues include whether to cover residential only or both residential and commercial haulers, and how to enforce compliance for haulers that take waste out of state. The first step will be to circulate the draft to current permit holders and the Town Manager for feedback before scheduling a public hearing. Permit Fee Schedule - The board reviewed the fee schedule, which was updated earlier in 2026. They decided to take up a comprehensive review again next year at the same time. Pool Barrier at Lantern Motel - Health Agent James reported coordination with the Building Department on pool barrier fencing at the Lantern Motel. The board is flexible about the fence type as long as it meets safety requirements. The building department is managing the permitting process. COVID-19/Flu Test Kits and Lipton Mart Fine - James noted that new COVID/influenza test kits have arrived and are being distributed. The Lipton Mart fine remains unpaid; a second notice was sent, and a hearing may be scheduled if payment is not received within 21 days. Seasonal Inspections - The permitting season for wells is beginning, and approximately 23–25 barn and animal inspections are pending. Restaurant inspections are going well with the help of Rebecca. Future Regulations - The board prioritized updating hauler regulations before taking up other regulations such as mobile body art and noise. Public Comments & Testimony Dina Fisher (84 Cottage Street) - Ms. Fisher requested that the board develop an educational program about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 and flu vaccines, citing community fear due to federal changes. She argued the board has an obligation to educate the public. Dr. Ruby Chen responded with a detailed explanation of Massachusetts’ vaccine regulatory process, noting that state oversight remains robust. The board thanked her for her comment and stated they would take it under advisement, with a response possible at the November meeting. Key Outcomes - The September 3 minutes were approved (Dr. Ruby Chen abstained). - The board will consult with the health agent and then draft a letter to the Select Board/Town Manager requesting part-time staff support. - The board will follow up with Mass DEP on the manganese filtration system funding issue. - The board will begin investigating groundwater monitoring responsibility for the area near the auto wrecking site. - The board will circulate the draft hauler regulations to permit holders and the Town Manager for feedback. - The next meeting is scheduled for November 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM, with a hybrid format.

The Town of Lee held a Special Town Meeting on October 1, 2026 at 6:02 PM, adjourning at 6:46 PM. Registered voters debated and voted on four articles: reimbursing a property owner for water line damage, funding a tire machine for the fleet mechanic, amending water and sewer bylaws (including a contested change to the abatement process), and updating zoning bylaws for clean energy systems. Consent Calendar - Article 2: The town unanimously approved transferring $17,500 from available funds to purchase a tire machine for the fleet mechanic. Motion passed by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Article 1 – Reimbursement for water line damage: John Cody (Lee resident) questioned whether the contractor (Borges) was bonded and why the town was responsible. Scott Lipovo (property owner) stated that the contractor covered up damage, the water line was only buried 22 inches (causing freeze-ups), and that the property owners paid a plumber (Van Zant) in good faith expecting reimbursement from the town. He requested the town’s support. - Article 3 – Bylaw amendments (abatements): Dave Forrest (Planning Board member and member of the Board of Public Works) moved to strike the proposed changes to the abatement process, arguing that the Board of Public Works should retain the authority. Robert Wright (20 Peace Terrace, Board of Public Works member) defended the current system, stating only two appeals had occurred in four years and both were granted. Monica Ryan (former BPW member) noted that interest/penalties were waived while abatements were pending. Richard Britton (Davis Street) recalled a case where a woman with complete documentation was sent away for two weeks. Several speakers supported the change, including the Town Administrator who explained it would provide a faster, fairer system with an appeal to the Select Board. - Article 4 – Zoning amendments for clean energy: Peter Hoffman (Devon Road, Chair of Greener Gateway Committee) asked about surety bonds for decommissioning (questioning why solar only requires land value), the need for adjusting bonds over time, and whether recycling requirements could be strengthened. Buck Donovan (Planning Board Chair) responded that the bylaws give the board flexibility through special permits. Monica Ryan (Laurel Street) expressed concern about wind turbine setbacks and blade throw; Donovan confirmed setbacks remained unchanged. Discussion Items - Article 1 – Appropriation of $8,535.21 for 104 Center Street: The town considered reimbursing the property owner for damages caused during construction of the municipal water line by a contractor (Borges) that is now out of business. The three-year statute of limitations had passed, and the bond/insurance were no longer valid. The damage was discovered after a sewer pipe failure, as the contractor had covered it up. The property owner noted the water line was buried only 22 inches, causing freeze-ups. The town concluded it was a “parade of horribles” and the owner should be reimbursed. The motion passed with a voice vote (ayes have it). - Article 3 – Amendment to water and sewer bylaws (Chapters 248, 235, 195): The Town Administrator introduced the proposed changes, which included correcting errors (e.g., removing “asbestos water pipe”), procedural updates, and simplifying the abatement process by having the DPW Superintendent handle abatements instead of the Board of Public Works, with an appeal to the Select Board. Lee was noted as one of only 17 out of 351 Massachusetts towns still using a board for abatements. After extensive debate, Dave Forrest’s motion to keep the Board of Public Works for abatements (i.e., striking all changes in sections A–D) was voted down (voice vote, noes prevailed). The main motion to adopt the amended bylaws then passed (voice vote, ayes have it). - Article 4 – Zoning bylaw amendments (Chapters 199.9, 199.10, 199.12): The Planning Board unanimously recommended the changes to comply with the state’s new consolidated clean energy permitting process. Solar and wind regulations were updated to measure by kilowatts instead of acreage, and a new battery energy storage (BESS) bylaw was added. Bonding and decommissioning requirements were discussed; the board noted flexibility through special permit conditions. The motion passed with the required two-thirds vote (unanimous). Key Outcomes - Article 1: Passed – $8,535.21 appropriated to reimburse the owner of 104 Center Street for water line damage. - Article 2: Passed unanimously – $17,500 transferred for a fleet mechanic tire machine. - Article 3: Dave Forrest’s amendment to retain the Board of Public Works for abatements was defeated (voice vote: noes). The main motion to adopt the amended water and sewer bylaws (including shifting abatement authority to the DPW Superintendent with appeal to the Select Board) passed (voice vote: ayes). The changes will be effective upon approval by the Massachusetts Attorney General. - Article 4: Passed with two-thirds vote (unanimous) – zoning bylaw amendments to address solar, wind, and battery energy storage, aligning with state regulations. The meeting was adjourned at 6:46 PM.