Lee Select Board Meeting - February 17, 2026

The Lee Select Board met on February 17, 2026, to address a continued public hearing on utility poles, approve a building department fee schedule, hear a municipal vulnerability grant proposal, discuss the town's seasonal community designation, receive extensive public testimony on EverSource smart meters, consider internal police chief candidates, name the Stockbridge Road property, act on a municipal aggregation amendment, and appoint police officers. The meeting also included a public safety update on Railroad Street construction and adjourned with the next regular meeting set for March 3, 2026.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of February 3, 2026 were approved unanimously without edits.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Catherine Lazone (Scientific Alliance for Education) detailed fire hazards from smart meters, dirty electricity causing health issues, and surveillance concerns. She urged the board to require safety guarantees and full disclosure from EverSource.
• Jim Wallace (Tricon Health Director) stated that the Board of Health lacks jurisdiction over the Department of Public Utilities but can investigate nuisances. He advocated for a no-cost opt-out option and noted an SJC case on board of health authority over EMF.
• Jonathan (Hilltown Health) suggested the Board of Health might have plenary power, and recommended conditions such as informing residents about radio frequency radiation. He noted that 95% of residents are unaware of the radiation aspects of smart meters and shared that a moratorium in Charlemont was deemed non-binding.
• Amy (Dalton biologist) expressed support, noted FCC regulations are outdated (dating to 1996), and asked about meeting archives.
• A resident who locked her meter stated that insurance does not cover smart meter fires and that she will not allow installation.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearing Continued – Woodland Road Poles: The board continued a hearing on installing two new jointly owned poles. They sought information from GE about underground options but received no response. A motion to continue to March 3, 2026 passed unanimously.
• Building Department Fee Schedule: Matt from the building department explained that the updated schedule aims for uniform rates across five towns. The board accepted the schedule, incorporating suggested changes to legal headings. Motion carried with one abstention.
• Municipal Vulnerability Grant (MVP) – Culvert Prioritization: Town Planner Brook Hill and BRPC's Alison Dixon proposed a two-year regional culvert assessment project with zero percent town match. The project would identify the top 10 replacement priorities and strengthen future infrastructure grant applications. The board authorized the chair to sign a letter of support.
• Seasonal Communities Designation: Hill presented Lee's new designation, which requires two zoning bylaw changes within two years (allowing undersized lot development and tiny houses as of right). Benefits include access to up to $2 million in grants (with a per-town cap of $175,000 in the first year), the ability to create a year-round housing trust serving 80–250% AMI, and infrastructure funding. No vote taken; the board will consider placing the article on the town meeting warrant and plans a public informational session with state officials.
• EverSource Smart Meter Discussion: The board heard extensive public concern and acknowledged limited authority under DPU jurisdiction. Options discussed included a moratorium (likely non-binding) or a bylaw, with recognition that legal challenges are probable. The board may also engage with the legislature.
• Internal Police Chief Candidates: Lieutenant Stephanie Burdick is the sole internal applicant. A motion to schedule an interview passed.
• Stockbridge Road Property Naming: From 32 public submissions (13 from students), "Corn Hill Preserve" ranked highest in scoring. After discussion, the board preferred "Corn Hill Farm Park" and voted to put that name out for town comment.
• Municipal Aggregation Amendment: The board authorized the town administrator to sign an amendment due to a cost recovery fee imposed by DPU/ISO New England, raising the delivery rate from approximately 13.042 to 14.292 cents/kWh. Residents may opt out without penalty.
• Police Officer Appointments: Connor Fitzsimmons and Mason Mileck were appointed as police officers effective February 27, 2026, with seniority per the chief's recommendation. Motion passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved.
• Public hearing on Woodland Road poles continued to March 3, 2026.
• Building Department fee schedule approved with heading revisions; one abstention.
• MVP grant letter of support authorized.
• Police chief interview scheduled for Lieutenant Stephanie Burdick.
• Stockbridge Road property to be named "Corn Hill Farm Park" pending town comment.
• Municipal aggregation amendment signed.
• Two new police officers appointed.
• Next regular meeting: March 3, 2026.