Public Meetings - Lee, Massachusetts

The Lee Select Board convened on November 3, 2026. The meeting included the approval of prior meeting minutes, setting fines for FY2027 bylaw amendments, appointing members to town committees, signing a letter of support for an east-west passenger rail station, and initiating the open search process for a new Fire Chief. All votes taken during the meeting were unanimous. Consent Calendar - The Board unanimously approved the Open Session Minutes from the October 20, 2026 meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered comments. Discussion Items - FY2027 Fine Schedule: The Board discussed setting fines for bylaw amendments approved at Town Meeting, including those for alcoholic beverage violations, animal rabies, and boat fees. The Chair noted that the proposed fines were based on state averages and were modest in scale (citing examples of $50, $100, and $200 fines). The Scenic Roads fine was noted as remaining outside the Board's new authority and was not set. - Appointments: The Board approved the appointment of Jean Brown to the Greener Gateway Committee, a new member to the Lee Youth Commission (name unclear in the transcription), Edie Kirk to the Appalachian Trail Committee, and Meg Sanders as the Cultural Council representative to the 250th Anniversary Committee. - Letter of Support for East-West Passenger Rail: The Board considered a request from the Town of Chester to sign a letter to Governor Healey supporting an intermediate passenger rail station in the East-West Corridor. The Chair expressed strong support for the East-West corridor while also advocating for the development of a North-South corridor through Lee, tying the project to economic and environmental revitalization along the river corridor and referencing state climate platforms. - Fire Chief Hiring Process: Board member Sean presented a timeline for an open search to hire a new Fire Chief. The plan includes posting the vacancy on the town website, MMA, and job boards. A Search Committee will be formed, comprising representatives from the career firefighters union, call firefighters, the police department, the Town Administrator, the HR Administrator, the Building Commissioner, and a member of the public. The Board set a goal of December 1st to formally appoint this committee. Key Outcomes - October 20th Minutes: Approved. - FY2027 Fines: Approved as presented. - Town Appointments: Jean Brown, Edie Kirk, Meg Sanders, and a representative for the Lee Youth Commission were appointed. - East-West Rail Letter: Approved. The letter will be submitted to Governor Healey. - Fire Chief Search: Initiated. Search committee formation targeted for December 1st. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for November 17, 2026.

The Lee Planning Board held a meeting on October 26, 2026, conducting a preliminary discussion on a commercial development proposal at 940 Pleasant Street and administrative business. Consent Calendar - The Board approved the minutes from the meeting of October 19, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - Robert Raymond, a real estate broker representing the seller of 940 Pleasant Street (Great Barrington Sonoco, LLC), requested guidance on a setback extension. He stated a commercial buyer requires an additional 50 feet of depth for a planned building footprint between 6,000 and 9,000 square feet. - Board members questioned Mr. Raymond on the impact on the adjacent lot, the need for a special permit for parking, and lighting and stormwater management considerations. Mr. Raymond confirmed he would relay these concerns to the buyer. Discussion Items - Setback Extension and Lot Boundary: Board members discussed the consequences of moving the lot line 50 feet westward. They expressed concern that this would increase the non-conformity of the adjacent lot and prevent an ANR (Approval Not Required) endorsement. The Board recommended the potential merger of the two lots. - Legal Precedent on Automatic Merger: The Board debated whether the two lots had merged under Massachusetts common law due to common ownership. Members cited local precedent on High Field Drive and state statutes from 2013, 1957, and 1936. Key Outcomes - No Formal Vote: The item was introductory; no motion or vote was taken on the request. - Guidance Issued: The Board cautioned against the boundary adjustment without a full lot merger, citing the risk of creating an unbuildable lot. - Next Steps: The commercial buyer will likely submit a formal application for a special permit and site plan review. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

The Lee Conservation Commission convened on October 21, 2026. The meeting included the approval of prior minutes, continuances for two Notices of Intent (NOI), and a preliminary discussion on potential local bylaw amendments to the Wetland Protection Act. Consent Calendar - The meeting minutes from October 7, 2026 were approved as written. Discussion Items - Notice of Intent: I 90 Route 720 and 102 Road Maintenance: Commissioners reviewed special conditions for routine road maintenance, drainage work, and culvert cleaning. Concerns were raised about the timeframe for the commission to respond to project category changes. Members expressed that an automatic approval or very short deadline is unfavorable for a volunteer board. The item was continued to the next meeting. - Notice of Intent: 165 Whosatonic Street (Marriott Hotel): The project involves the construction of a new 3-4 story, 69-room, 13,235 square foot Marriott Hotel. The applicant requested a continuance to address findings from Commissioner Dave Cameron's report. The item was continued. - Proposed Local Bylaw Amendments (Tabled from Formal Action): - A commissioner proposed amending local bylaws to close gaps in the Wetland Protection Act regarding intermittent streams, isolated vernal pools, and small land subject to flooding. The commissioner argued these changes protect drinking water and prevent storm surge damage, citing nearby examples where human interference has exacerbated flooding. - Concerns Raised: Other commissioners expressed significant concerns about the fairness of enforcement, the complexity of the appeal process, creating unenforceable regulations, and the potential for the board to be used in neighbor disputes. - Proposed Path Forward: A commissioner successfully advocated for a focused, single-issue approach, specifically suggesting starting with a bylaw to protect vernal pools, an area historically treated as protected by the board without a formal bylaw. The commission informally agreed to pursue this incremental approach. - State Consolidated Permitting Update: The commission received an update on the state's new consolidated permitting process for clean energy projects. Commissioners voiced skepticism regarding state-level review of local zoning and conservation board decisions. - Other Updates: The commission received brief updates on a new town trolley for the 250th anniversary, a potential solar project on Route 102, and upcoming site visits. Key Outcomes - Meeting Minutes from October 7, 2026 approved. - I 90 NOI (Road Maintenance): Continued to November 4, 2026. - 165 Whosatonic Street NOI (Marriott Hotel): Continued to November 4, 2026. - Bylaw Discussion: Formally tabled. Informal consensus to develop a specific bylaw focusing on vernal pool protection. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 PM. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for November 4, 2026.

Lee 250th Anniversary Committee Presents One-Year Countdown Plans (October 21, 2026)\n\nOn October 21, 2026, the Town of Lee's 250th Anniversary Committee hosted a public presentation to launch the official one-year countdown to the town's 250th birthday in October 2027. Town Administrator Chris opened the meeting, noting the committee of over 25 members had divided into four subcommittees. Committee Chair and Select Board member Bob Jones, along with the chairs of each subcommittee, presented their plans for the year-long celebration. Today is the 249th anniversary of the town's founding.\n\n Commemorative Book Subcommittee (Bob Jones)\n- Bob Jones, chair of the overall committee and the book subcommittee, announced plans for a roughly 400-page commemorative book detailing Lee's history.\n- Jones highlighted Lee's national significance, noting it was the largest paper-producing town in the United States in the mid-19th century and that marble from local quarries is used in Washington, D.C. monuments.\n- He framed the book as a responsibility to pass on the story of Lee to future generations, covering history from the 18th century, families, veterans, places of worship, businesses, and nonprofits.\n\n Economic Impact (Alex Hedinger, Lee Chamber of Commerce)\n- Alex Hedinger, speaking on behalf of the Lee Chamber of Commerce, expressed full support for the celebration, identifying four ways the anniversary will benefit Lee's economy: bringing people to town, encouraging discovery of businesses, creating sponsorship and partnership opportunities, and building Lee's long-term identity as a destination.\n- He positioned the celebration as an investment in Lee's future beyond 2027.\n\n Historical Exhibits & Permanent Memorials (Dorothy French)\n- Dorothy French detailed plans for 27 \"then and now\" photographic displays (scrims) placed in their original locations across South Lee, East Lee, and Main Street. These will be on display from May through November 2027.\n- A permanent marble plaque will commemorate the town's founding.\n- Historical exhibitions showcasing Lee's papermaking and quarry history will be held at the library in August and at the Prime Outlets in September and October.\n\n Parades & Cultural Events (Dave Carlino)\n- Dave Carlino outlined a year of monthly events, including a concert following the Memorial Day Parade on May 31, 2027.\n- The subcommittee plans to expand the Founders Day Weekend (September 17\u201319, 2027) with additional historical activities and a float competition.\n\n Birthday Celebration & Communications (Brooke Healy)\n- Town Planner Brooke Healy announced a signature block party for October 21, 2027, described as the largest celebration in the town's history.\n- The event will feature a live band, food trucks, and a spectacular drone show.\n- Healy encouraged the community to save the date and follow \"Lee MA's 250th Anniversary\" on Facebook for updates.\n\n Key Outcomes\n- The committee successfully presented the status of planning for the 250th anniversary to the public.\n- No formal votes were taken. The meeting concluded with a thank you to Clark's Nursery and the Lee 4-H for decorations, followed by a photo opportunity in front of the town's new trolley.\n- The official celebration kickoff event is scheduled for October 21, 2027.

The Lee Select Board convened on October 20, 2026, for a regularly scheduled meeting. The Board addressed a full agenda, including the annual tax classification hearing, the establishment of a Cultural District Steering Committee, the adoption of financial policies, multiple license and permit approvals, and several municipal appointments. Public Comments - No members of the public provided comment. Classification Hearing & Tax Rate (FY27) - Assessor Sarah Naven presented the annual classification hearing for Fiscal Year 2027. The town's total valuation is $1,566,877,740. The average single-family home value rose to $454,811.69 from $429,358.84 in FY26. New growth added $13,839,840 to the tax base. The Board voted unanimously to accept the Assessors' recommendation to maintain a single tax rate for FY27. Cultural District Steering Committee - Town Planner Brookheel Yard proposed forming a steering committee to apply for a Mass Cultural Council Cultural District designation, intended to promote arts, culture, and downtown revitalization. The Board unanimously approved the creation of the committee and appointed the following members: Chris Davis, Alex Hettinger, Bob Jones, Mayor Patel, Meg Sanders, Sabrina Twee, Damon Voice, and Holly Jones. Adoption of Debt and Reserve Policy - The Board adopted a new Debt Management Policy and Reserve Policy to establish guidelines for borrowing for long-term capital projects and to set minimum reserve requirements. These policies are expected to support the town's bond rating (currently AA+). Licenses, Permits, and Appointments - Senior Tax Programs: The Board signed the annual letter for the Elderly and Disabled Taxation Fund and Senior Center Property Tax Work-Off Abatement Program. - Locker Room Pub: Approved a one-day wine and malt license and a one-day entertainment license for the pub's anniversary party. - Kiwanis Club: Approved a one-day BYOB permit for an event at the Lee Senior Center. - First Congregational Church: Approved a temporary sign permit and fee waiver for a holiday fair. - Berkshire Gas: Approved a permit for gas service installation at the new Public Safety Building (49 Railroad Street). - Opioid Recovery Collaborative: Approved a letter of commitment for the South Berkshire Regional Opioid Recovery Collaborative. - Council on Aging: Appointed Jerry Porter to the Council on Aging. (The motion referred to the candidate as Gary Porter.) - Election Workers: Appointed Mitch Arsenal, Robin O'Haren, Chris Werywowski, and Gene Tyre. - Police Appointment: Appointed Brian Huntley as a full-time police officer via lateral transfer, effective November 3, 2026. - Sign Permit: Approved a temporary sign permit for the Berkshire Potters Collective holiday sale. Town Manager Report & Other Business - Town Manager Chris informed the Board that the FY28 budget process is beginning, with a draft expected by mid-December. - The Board set official Trick-or-Treat hours for Saturday, October 31st from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. - The Town Manager noted the 249th anniversary of the incorporation of Lee on October 21st, which marks the start of a year of planning for the 250th anniversary in 2027. Key Outcomes - All motions before the Board passed unanimously. - Single Tax Rate adopted for FY27. - Cultural District Steering Committee formed and members appointed. - Debt and Reserve Policy adopted. - New Police Officer (Brian Huntley) appointed. - Trick-or-Treat hours established (Oct 31, 5-7 PM).

The Lee Planning Board met on October 19, 2026. The meeting included the withdrawal of a special permit application for 165 Housatonic Street, an informal pre-application discussion for a self-storage facility at 815 Pleasant Street, and the endorsement of a lot split plan on Bradley Street. Staff provided updates on board appointments, zoning bylaw revisions, and upcoming training opportunities. Consent Calendar - The board approved the minutes from September 10th and September 14th. Public Comments & Testimony - A member of the public, Marilyn Wyatt, who is represented by legal counsel (Donovan O'Connor & Dotage), addressed the board regarding the withdrawal of the 165 Housatonic Street application. She expressed concerns that the withdrawal without prejudice would require her to re-raise her specific concerns anew in the subsequent proceeding. She sought clarification on whether the board's previous requests for certain documents would remain active and whether her previously submitted letter outlining her specific concerns would be automatically entered into the new record. Her core concerns regarding the project's impact on the neighborhood and its compliance with the zoning bylaws and master plan remain unabated. Discussion Items 1. 165 Housatonic Street – Withdrawal of Special Permit Application - The applicant requested to withdraw the application without prejudice, citing significant changes in project scope (altering building heights and lot configuration) and the reality that the board was operating with only four full members, requiring a unanimous vote. The applicant promised to resubmit a clean, cohesive application immediately. - Board members expressed disappointment at the delay but acknowledged the wisdom of a clean start given the extensive edits required and the reduced board capacity. They noted the burden this placed on abutters like Marilyn Wyatt to refile their concerns but stated that the applicant is fully aware of all prior feedback and concerns. - The board voted unanimously to approve the withdrawal without prejudice, and the public hearing was formally closed. 2. 815 Pleasant Street – Good Friends Storage (Informal Pre-Application) - Attorney Egan, principal Mark Slayton of Good Friends Storage, and engineer Charlie Labat presented a preliminary proposal to develop a climate-controlled self-storage facility. The project involves reusing an existing 40,337 sq ft one-story building and adding two new one-story storage buildings (5,450 sq ft and 4,200 sq ft) closer to Pleasant Street, further away from the river. - The project requires a special permit under the industrial zone's "warehousing" use category. The applicant argued the project is harmonious with the zone's purpose of promoting economic development and reusing existing buildings. - Board members inquired about lighting plans (expressing concerns about light spillover onto Meadow Street based on other facilities), building coverage (projected at 25% compared to the 50% limit), parking, signage, stormwater management, and the need for Conservation Commission approval due to the 100-foot river buffer zone. - The board generally expressed support for the reuse of the existing building and the reduction in impervious surface area. 3. 205 Bradley Street – Plan Endorsement (Bearish Lot Split) - Surveyor Patrick Mologan presented a plan to split the property into two conforming lots: Lot 1 (7.87 acres) and Lot 2 (4.71 acres), divided by a brook. The remaining existing parcel (Lot 3) is non-conforming with only 70 feet of frontage on Golden Hill Road. - The board confirmed the proposed split creates conforming lots and noted that future development will require Conservation Commission and Building Inspector approvals. - The board approved the plan endorsement for the lot split unanimously. Staff Reports and Board Discussions - Board Appointments: Staff announced the resignation of alternate member Blade Still and noted the passing of Dan Stoddard, who served on the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Community Preservation Commission (CPC). The board discussed the need to appoint a new alternate member and a planning board representative for the CPC, with former member Peg being a potential candidate for the latter role. - Zoning Bylaw Update: Board member Peter initiated a discussion on the stalled zoning bylaw revision. He voiced reluctance to merely reformat the existing 18-page table of uses without making substantive changes. He proposed a broader cleanup to standardize use definitions and advocated for the board to explore form-based zoning, which emphasizes community character and walkability over strict use separation. Staff confirmed a meeting with zoning consultant CJ is scheduled within two weeks, with a goal of presenting substantive changes for the May Town Meeting. - Training and Development: Staff shared upcoming training opportunities, including a 40A webinar from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (October 29th), a potential in-person session with new DOER representative Doug Finn, and a CPTC refresher training. Key Outcomes - 165 Housatonic Street: Application withdrawn without prejudice. Applicant will refile immediately. The board will schedule a new public hearing upon receipt of the new application and fees. - 205 Bradley Street: Plan endorsement for the lot split was approved unanimously. - Zoning: The board will continue discussions on the scope of the zoning bylaw revision (cleanup vs. form-based) and evaluate bringing in a consultant to present on form-based zoning. - Appointments: The board will seek to fill alternate member and CPC representative vacancies.

The Lee Select Board held its regular public meeting on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. The board approved fire ambulance and inspection fee adjustments, signed the 2026 state election warrant, adopted a resolution opposing statewide ballot Question 8, supported a river access grant request, authorized $28.7 million in bond anticipation notes for the public safety facility, and approved permits and appointments. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - The board unanimously approved the open session minutes of September 15, 2026, as written. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered during the designated public comment period at the start of the meeting. - Later in the meeting, public testimony was heard from Nelson Daly and Marilyn Wyatt on Barnes Brook flooding, and from Eric Williams on ballot Question 8; their statements are summarized in the relevant sections below. Discussion Items Fire Department Ambulance and Inspection Fee Adjustments - Acting Fire Chief Brian Schultz proposed raising ambulance transport rates to the state average, except for the intercept fee, which he recommended keeping at the county average of $400 rather than $450. - He proposed moving the standard permit fee from $30 to $50 and increasing smoke detector inspection fees to the $50 level, aligning with most county communities. - Schultz said first-quarter budget figures showed a 36% increase in fuel costs and about a 15% annual increase in medical supply costs over the past three to four years. - The board approved the proposed fee adjustments unanimously. Barnes Brook Flooding Discussion - Nelson Daly, a Maple Street resident for 41 years, said water backs up because large stones and sediment block the brook downstream of the culvert, causing cellar flooding and threatening a wall; he described the fix as inexpensive and expressed frustration with state permitting delays. - Town Planner Brooke Keely said she and Conservation Agent Colby had walked through the culvert; the stones are downstream, not inside the culvert, and actually help slow water; she attributed flooding mainly to the narrow stream channel and reduced vegetation, and warned that removing boulders could harm the stream ecosystem and cause downstream problems. - Marilyn Wyatt, 150 Maple Street, said the retaining wall near the culvert appears close to collapse, that water forces against it, and that the entire brook corridor—including the proposed hotel site—should be assessed holistically. - Board members noted the town owns the culvert but may not be responsible for private retaining walls; they agreed to investigate ownership, easements, and possible next steps and report back to Mr. Daly. Green Theory Cultivation Update - Tirutra Jravel, supply chain logistics manager for Green Theory Cultivation, reported that the company stopped new plantings after architectural inspections found cracks in the foundation, walls, and roof of the facility. - The last harvest is expected in about a week; after that, the facility will remain open with only Jravel as an employee while a reconstruction plan is developed. - A reconstruction plan must be submitted to the town and the Cannabis Control Commission; Jravel said the architectural plan should be ready by the end of October or early November, and that the retaining wall is not currently a problem. 2026 State Election Warrant - The board signed the warrant for the 2026 state election, as required by law, with a unanimous vote. Resolution Opposing Ballot Question 8 - A board member said the cannabis industry brings Lee approximately $400,000 to $600,000 in annual revenue and noted his past work in a local dispensary, where many senior customers used cannabis for pain relief. - Eric Williams, a resident, co-founder/COO of a local cannabis company, and president of the Lee Chamber of Commerce, said the Chamber also passed a resolution opposing Question 8. - Williams said Question 8 is funded entirely by the out-of-state group Smart Approaches to Marijuana, would cost the Commonwealth about $300 million in direct tax revenue and close to $500 million with other taxes, eliminate a minimum of 18,751 jobs, and with multiplier effects up to about 37,500 jobs, remove $1.2 billion in direct payroll, and potentially cost about $500 million in unemployment benefits; an industry-commissioned study estimated $3.9 billion in lost economic output in 2027. - He also said the ballot question would end home cultivation. - The board unanimously adopted the resolution opposing Question 8 and urging residents to vote no on November 3, 2026. Housatonic Valley Association River Access Support Letter - The board approved a letter of support for a Housatonic Valley Association grant request for a Route 102 parcel bought with Community Preservation Act funds and subject to a conservation restriction. - The proposed project would create a small parking area, trail to the river, canoe takeout, and signage. Public Safety Facility Bond Anticipation Notes - The board approved the sale of $28,700,000 in general obligation bond anticipation notes and related financing documents for the public safety facility. - The town is renewing one-year notes rather than issuing long-term debt until final project costs are known; the notes carry an SP1+ rating, the highest short-term rating. - A longer-term bond, likely 25 years, is expected in about a year. Temporary Sign Permits - Approved a temporary sign permit for Monster Mania, a wrestling fundraiser at St. Mary's, as submitted. - Approved a St. Mary's School Holiday Bazaar sign permit and waived the fee. - Approved an All Hours Lee sign permit and waived the fee, contingent on receipt of a permission letter from the church; representatives said it is their third year and they are adding a second sign. Berkshire Gas Permits - Approved Berkshire Gas's permit for a new test station with anodes on a gas main at the West Park and Park View Terrace intersection, off the road, with DPW and police sign-off. - Approved Berkshire Gas's gas service repair permit serving 60 and 90 George Street. Appointments - Appointed Natalie Broadrick as student member and Gretchen Weber as member of the Lee Youth Commission. - Appointed June Ethier to the 250th Anniversary Committee as the Lee Lions alternate. Announcements and Other Business - Trunk or Treat will be held October 22, 2026, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the high school/middle school; car registrations are being taken. - A board member thanked past and present Board of Public Works members, especially Dave Forrest for 30 years of service, after all articles at the recent town meeting passed. - The town administrator reported receipt of approximately $390,000 in MassWorks funding for Marble Street renovation and sidewalks, plus rural development funds for downtown improvements; paving is expected next spring/summer and some downtown work could begin sooner. - The next regular meeting is scheduled for October 20, 2026, at the same time and place. Key Outcomes - All votes were unanimous: fee adjustments, election warrant, Question 8 resolution, HVA support letter, $28.7 million BAN authorization, sign permits, Berkshire Gas permits, and appointments. - The board directed staff to research the Barnes Brook culvert, retaining wall, ownership, and permitting options, and to report back to Nelson Daly. - Green Theory Cultivation will submit its reconstruction plan to the town and state regulators once completed. - The next regular Select Board meeting is October 20, 2026.

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.

The Lee Select Board held its regular meeting on September 15, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Key agenda items included an update from Spectrum on network upgrades and community programs, approval of an easement for NSTAR/Eversource, signing of the special town meeting warrant for October 1, 2026, approval of a one-day liquor license for the Taste of Lee, and a gas permit for 40 Fox Run. The board also discussed upcoming Founders Day weekend events and changes to the MPO delegation. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Unanimously approved the open session minutes of September 1, 2026. - Easement: Unanimously approved an easement to NSTAR Electric Company (Eversource Energy) for 35 and 39 Railroad Street, covering approximately two square feet for a conduit. - One-Day Wine & Malt License: Unanimously approved a one-day wine and malt license for The Locker Room to serve alcohol at the Taste of Lee on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the Lee Library parking lot. - Gas Permit: Unanimously approved a Berkshire Gas permit for a new gas service at 40 Fox Run, which does not disrupt any public way. Public Comments & Testimony - None. Discussion Items Spectrum Government Affairs Update Nancy Clark, Director of Government Affairs for Massachusetts for Spectrum, and John Hunter, Area Vice President for Field Operations, presented on recent company changes and upcoming network upgrades. Key points: - Network Evolution Upgrade: Scheduled to begin November 23, 2026, overnight (11 PM to 7 AM). The upgrade will replace nodes to enable 100 Gbps symmetrical speeds and support emerging technologies. Existing customers will be automatically upgraded at no charge upon completion, though some modems may need swapping (at no cost). - Low-Income Program: Spectrum Internet Assist offers 100 Mbps internet for $25/month (no data caps, no contracts) plus a free modem and complimentary Amazon Prime (valued at $139/year). Income-qualified. - Bundling Savings: A new internet and phone bundle guarantees $1,000 savings in the first year when switching from competitors. - Mobile Service: Spectrum Mobile customers can use the internet speeds of any Spectrum Wi-Fi hotspot they visit at no charge, including in other homes. - Community Outreach: Spectrum seeks local nonprofit partners for sponsorships, digital education grants, and support. Contact Nancy Clark for details. - Board Feedback: - Board member Gordon expressed frustration with frequent price increases every few months and the need to call in to get promotional rates restored. The representatives acknowledged this and said such frequency is unusual. - Board member Chuck criticized the TV remote (unfriendly, complicated), ad volume increases during commercials, and the lack of a local customer service center after the Lee store closure. He also inquired about nonprofit cable services and the inability to watch Patriots games (due to being in the Albany market). Spectrum noted a new remote expected Q1 2027 and that ad volume issues are content-based. They acknowledged the loss of the Lee store impacted Southern Berkshire. - Board member also complained about poor mobile coverage in Lee (SOS signal) due to terrain and reliance on Verizon; Spectrum is testing small cell technology in other regions but deployment is likely 2+ years away. - Patriots Games: Board members asked why they cannot get Patriots games on channel 3 (Hartford) or other channels. Spectrum explained it is a market zoning issue beyond their control but promised to get an answer. Special Town Meeting Warrant The board reviewed and approved the warrant for a Special Town Meeting to be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 6 PM at the Lee Middle High School Auditorium. The warrant contains four articles: - Article 1: $8,500 reimbursement to a homeowner for incorrectly repaired private sewer main damage (caused by a previous town contractor now out of business). Finance committee recommended approval. - Article 2: Capital item for a tire repair machine for the new fleet mechanic position (in-house servicing for police, DPW, Council on Aging vehicles). - Article 3: Amendments to general bylaws Chapters 248 and 235 (water, sewer, water supply conservation). - Article 4: Zoning amendment consolidating and updating solar, wind, and adding battery energy storage system (BEST) regulations. Town Planner Brooke explained that the changes are necessary because state law now permits battery storage as a protected use; the town cannot prohibit it, so they are creating regulations to control siting and standards. The current bylaw regulates by acreage; the new version uses megawatt-hours to align with state DOER regulations. The amendment combines three existing sections into one. Board member emphasized this is regulatory, not promotional. There is no article for 88 West Park Street property acquisition, as negotiations are ongoing; it may appear at a February special town meeting. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of September 1, 2026 (unanimous). - Approved easement to NSTAR/Eversource (unanimous). - Approved one-day wine and malt license for The Locker Room (unanimous). - Approved Berkshire Gas permit for 40 Fox Run (unanimous). - Signed the special town meeting warrant for October 1, 2026 (unanimous). - Board member Sean confirmed his new role as MPO delegate. - Town Administrator provided details on Founders Day weekend (Sept. 18-20): Main Street closure Friday evening for Taste of Lee (vendors, music, fireworks at 8 PM), parade Saturday at 10 AM, and car show. Cancellations will be posted on the town website. - Next regular meeting: October 6, 2026, at 7 PM. - Motion to adjourn carried unanimously.