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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Lee Select Board Meeting Summary - January 20, 2026

Selectboard & Town Boards — Tuesday, January 20, 2026

BodyLee, Massachusetts

SessionSelectboard & Town Boards

DateTuesday, January 20, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 1:17:30

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.

Speaker 1

0:01

I'll open the meeting.

0:02

Well, welcome to the Lee Select Board meeting of January 20th, 7 o'clock.

0:09

And before we get started, I'll read that pursuant to Mass General Law, Chapter 30A, Section 20.

0:16

I'm here by informing all attendees that a video and audio recording is being made of the meeting.

0:21

Just so that everyone is aware.

0:23

And with that, we will jump into our agenda for tonight.

0:27

Our first order of business being the open session minutes of January 6th.

0:33

Have both of you had the chance to review these.

0:35

And are there any comments or issues?

Speaker 2

0:40

Okay, here does there were two very slight adjustments, but nothing substantial.

Speaker 1

0:46

Do I have a motion for approval then?

Speaker 3

0:50

Um Mr.

0:51

Sharon, we will approve the minutes uh of January 6th.

0:55

I will second time.

Speaker 1

0:56

And if there's no further comment, all those in favor.

1:01

Aye.

1:02

Uh next order of business we have public comment.

1:06

Uh this is the time for anybody who would like to speak to a specific agenda item or other item to come forward and say what you have to say, either on in person or on Zoom.

1:20

Please just introduce yourself and let us know what uh what you have for us tonight.

Speaker 4

1:30

Hello, I'm Cindy Matthias from Lee.

Unassigned speaker

1:35

Okay.

Speaker 4

1:36

Um I'm here today to raise an alarm regarding the other source smart meters.

1:42

The letter Eversource sent out dated 11.4 and 12425, left out the fact that we have an option to opt out.

1:51

95% of people have no idea that this is even a possibility.

1:56

One of the reasons to opt out is because of the signal the meter sends out.

2:01

It's an RF, a type of electromagnetic field EMF radiation.

2:05

It pulses 24-7.

2:08

There are numerous studies that state that this is not safe health-wise.

2:13

There is a fire concern too, especially for houses built before 1990.

2:18

PGE Electric Company in California is being sued because it is being linked to some of the fires in LA.

2:29

There are now 50 local governments in California that voted to ban the smart meters altogether.

2:36

There is also a concern about electric prices rising significantly because the meters can now look at your usage during peak hours.

2:48

Eversource wants a one-time opt-out fee of 42 dollars and a monthly opt-out fee of 34.

2:55

This is totally unaffordable, and especially for people on a fixed income.

3:01

The state of Vermont allows an opt-out with no fees.

Unassigned speaker

3:06

So

Speaker 4

3:06

I'm asking, can the town negotiate a lower fee?

3:09

Perhaps $10, like other states.

3:16

I am asking the select board to put this topic on a future agenda for a full discussion, along with the Tri-Town Health Department participating.

3:27

I feel the best option for the town of Lee is to take a stand and for the town to vote to say no to smart meters all together.

3:37

I ask that the select board tell Eversos the town is not opting out.

3:42

We are refusing to opt in.

3:45

I have a handout for everyone listing documentaries, videos, and other sources that have the best information about why we should not have smart meters.

3:58

Thank you for your cooperation.

Speaker 2

4:00

Thank you.

4:00

Thank you.

Unassigned speaker

4:06

Okay,

Speaker 2

4:06

thank you very much.

Speaker 4

4:07

I know it's a lot of work to do for these.

Speaker 2

4:09

Yeah, I am that's okay.

Speaker 4

4:12

Okay.

4:13

Thank you.

4:13

I'm really hoping.

Unassigned speaker

4:16

Thank you.

Speaker 1

4:18

You have one for Sabrina too.

4:19

Yeah, just for the record.

4:21

Just for the record.

4:22

Yeah.

Speaker 2

4:23

Thank you very much.

Speaker 1

4:24

Thank

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Personnel Matters█████████████████17%

Community Engagement█████████████████17%

Environmental Protection█████████████13%

Public Engagement████████████12%

Cannabis Regulation███████████11%

Procedural█████████9%

Zoning and Land Use██████6%

Economic Development█████5%

Electromagnetic Radiation Safety████4%

Summary of Proceedings

Lee Select Board Meeting - January 20, 2026

The Lee Select Board met at 7 p.m. on January 20, 2026. The board approved minutes; heard public comment about Eversource smart meters; received a Green Theory update; approved a CDC South Berkshire fee-relief agreement, a DLTA technical assistance application, a Bee City resolution, an internal police chief posting, a flag policy amendment, several Lee Pride items, and a Lee Historical Society sign permit; and appointed two firefighter/EMS candidates. All recorded votes were by voice vote and appeared unanimous.

Consent Calendar

Open session minutes of January 6, 2026, were approved with two minor, non-substantive adjustments.

Public Comments & Testimony

Cindy Matthias of Lee expressed opposition to Eversource smart meters. She stated that Eversource letters dated Nov. 4 and Dec. 4, 2025, did not mention the opt-out option and that 95% of people are unaware they can opt out. She cited health concerns from pulsing RF/EMF radiation, fire risk for pre-1990 houses, a PG&E lawsuit linked to California fires, and 50 California local governments banning smart meters. She said Eversource charges a one-time $42 opt-out fee and a $34 monthly fee, while Vermont allows fee-free opt-out. She asked the board to negotiate a lower fee (about $10), place the topic on a future agenda with Tri-Town Health Department participation, and consider refusing smart meters for the town.

Discussion Items

Green Theory Update

Yupesh, an investor and interim CEO of Green Theory Cultivations, reported that the previous CEO resigned Dec. 2 after misconduct findings by the CCC. He said the facility's Clean Theory odor-mitigation system had not run for about 1.5 years and that refilling/calibration is scheduled for the upcoming Thursday after a delivery truck breakdown delayed it. He also said water/property tax payments are on a signed payment plan: the first payment has been made and the next is due Feb. 1. Board members encouraged the company to keep the odor system running and said the town wants Green Theory to succeed.

CDC South Berkshire Fee-Relief Agreement

Jim Harwood, president of CDC South Berkshire, presented a written request for a 50% reduction in building permit fees, estimated at about $120,000 in total fee relief. Water and sewer fees are excluded and will be addressed separately with the Public Works Board. Funding for the project would come through EOHLC and MassDevelopment. The board approved and signed the agreement.

DLTA Technical Assistance Application

Town Planner Brooke Healy explained that the town was designated a seasonal community and is applying for a DLTA technical assistance grant through the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. Lee would be the lead municipality in a collaborative effort with Williamstown and Lenox to research possible seasonal-community bylaws. The service is free to the town and includes letters of support from Williamstown and Lenox. The board approved signing the application.

Bee City Resolution

Healy presented a Bee City/B City resolution supporting native pollinators, pollinator habitat, and reduced pesticide/herbicide use. Lee already does much of this through pollinator pathways and Greener Gateway programs. Board discussion covered the nonprofit sponsor, the $100 annual fee for towns under 9,999 population, and the annual reporting role of the Greener Gateway Committee. The board adopted the resolution.

Police Chief Internal Posting

Police Chief Craig DeSantis is retiring in early fall. The board discussed starting with an internal posting, with the option to go external later if needed. Members noted the department has qualified internal candidates and a history of successful internal promotions. The board voted to authorize an internal posting.

Flag Policy Amendment

The board considered adding language to allow flags designated in a select board proclamation to be flown. Concerns were raised about unintended consequences, future boards, church approval because the flagpole is near First Congregational Church, and available flagpole capacity. The board approved the amendment with a condition that any nonstandard flag must come back to the board with its proposed size and duration for approval.

Lee Pride Requests

Josh Broom, a volunteer with Lee Pride/Berkshire Pride, requested a one-month temporary sign permit for a 48-square-foot banner from May 15 to June 13, with the fee waived; two one-day entertainment licenses for June 13; and the 2026 Pride proclamation. He explained that police recommended closing the parking lot for Pride in the Park (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) due to car-ramming security concerns, and that the $633.60 police cost is budgeted by Berkshire Pride. The event also includes drag bingo at 5 p.m. and a 21-plus drag show/dance party at Starving Artists Cafe. He noted new additions: an LGBTQIA+ history scrapbook for the Lee Library, a walking tour, and a Jacob's Pillow exhibit at the library in June. A separate request for extended serving hours at Starving Artists Cafe would need to be submitted by letter and did not affect the entertainment license.

Lee Historical Society Sign Permit

The board approved a 6-square-foot temporary sign permit with a fee waiver for the Lee Historical Society on March 26, May 28, Sept. 24, and Nov. 18, 2026, for its speaker series.

Roll Road Toll Applications

The board announced the annual roll-road toll application for nonprofits. Deadline is Feb. 23, 2026. Guaranteed spots are held for Housatonic River Initiative, Lee Middle/High School Golf Program, and Lee Middle/High School Boys Basketball Booster; four additional spots are available, with random selection if oversubscribed.

Firefighter/EMS Appointments

The board appointed Brooke Healy as per-diem EMT/firefighter with a Section 20 exemption and Mitchell Arsenal as full-time firefighter/EMS. Both are current town employees.

Town Administrative Updates

Administrative updates included: a redesigned town website coming by the end of January, with leema.gov replacing lee.ma.us through a redirect; notice to proceed with J&J Construction for the public safety building; site work beginning Feb. 2, 2026; estimated completion end of July 2027; and thanks to DPW for snow removal work.

Key Outcomes

Approved Jan. 6, 2026 minutes.
Approved and signed the CDC South Berkshire building fee relief agreement (50% reduction; approx. $120,000).
Approved signing the DLTA technical assistance application.
Adopted the Bee City/B City resolution.
Authorized an internal posting for police chief.
Amended the flag policy to allow proclamation-designated flags, subject to board approval of flag size and duration.
Approved Berkshire Pride sign permit with fee waiver, both one-day entertainment licenses, and the 2026 Pride Month proclamation.
Approved Lee Historical Society sign permit with fee waiver.
Appointed Brooke Healy per-diem EMT/firefighter and Mitchell Arsenal full-time firefighter/EMS.
Next regular meeting set for Feb. 3, 2026; meeting adjourned.

Meeting Transcript

I'll open the meeting. Well, welcome to the Lee Select Board meeting of January 20th, 7 o'clock. And before we get started, I'll read that pursuant to Mass General Law, Chapter 30A, Section 20. I'm here by informing all attendees that a video and audio recording is being made of the meeting. Just so that everyone is aware. And with that, we will jump into our agenda for tonight. Our first order of business being the open session minutes of January 6th. Have both of you had the chance to review these. And are there any comments or issues? Okay, here does there were two very slight adjustments, but nothing substantial. Do I have a motion for approval then? Um Mr. Sharon, we will approve the minutes uh of January 6th. I will second time. And if there's no further comment, all those in favor. Aye. Uh next order of business we have public comment. Uh this is the time for anybody who would like to speak to a specific agenda item or other item to come forward and say what you have to say, either on in person or on Zoom. Please just introduce yourself and let us know what uh what you have for us tonight. Hello, I'm Cindy Matthias from Lee. Okay. Um I'm here today to raise an alarm regarding the other source smart meters. The letter Eversource sent out dated 11.4 and 12425, left out the fact that we have an option to opt out. 95% of people have no idea that this is even a possibility. One of the reasons to opt out is because of the signal the meter sends out. It's an RF, a type of electromagnetic field EMF radiation. It pulses 24-7. There are numerous studies that state that this is not safe health-wise. There is a fire concern too, especially for houses built before 1990. PGE Electric Company in California is being sued because it is being linked to some of the fires in LA. There are now 50 local governments in California that voted to ban the smart meters altogether. There is also a concern about electric prices rising significantly because the meters can now look at your usage during peak hours. Eversource wants a one-time opt-out fee of 42 dollars and a monthly opt-out fee of 34. This is totally unaffordable, and especially for people on a fixed income. The state of Vermont allows an opt-out with no fees. So I'm asking, can the town negotiate a lower fee? Perhaps $10, like other states. I am asking the select board to put this topic on a future agenda for a full discussion, along with the Tri-Town Health Department participating. I feel the best option for the town of Lee is to take a stand and for the town to vote to say no to smart meters all together. I ask that the select board tell Eversos the town is not opting out. We are refusing to opt in. I have a handout for everyone listing documentaries, videos, and other sources that have the best information about why we should not have smart meters. Thank you for your cooperation. Thank you. Thank you. Okay, thank you very much. I know it's a lot of work to do for these. Yeah, I am that's okay.

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