Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The Lee Select Board convened on July 7, 2026, at 4:00 PM (UTC) to approve a range of routine items, discuss ongoing odor mitigation efforts by Green Theory Cultivation (Aruna), hear a resident’s complaint about the fire department siren, and receive updates on community grants and events. All votes were unanimous unless noted.
Phil Silverman (Dicente LLP, attorney for Green Theory/Aruna) reported on odor mitigation efforts. The prior chlorine dioxide system had been discontinued due to employee health concerns. Since April 2026, a new management team has been installing charcoal filtration units: four currently in grow rooms, with 16–20 more on order to add units to each grow room and common areas. Roof repairs (identified in Tech Environmental’s report) will begin July 8. Silverman aimed to have a comprehensive odor management plan by the end of August and offered to work with the town’s expert, Mr. Lannon.
Board members expressed frustration that previous promises had not been kept and emphasized the need for measurable, tangible results with no odor leaving the facility, as required by the town’s agreement. Member Sean requested detailed specifics: equipment models, expert consultants (e.g., Cabotrol, Air Purify), routine odor monitoring logs, and documentation of neighbor contacts. He also asked about the status of the CEO search, noting that Upesh remains acting CEO. Member Chris and others discussed incorporating a negative/positive pressure system into the plan for better odor capture.
The board directed Green Theory to return for a formal update at the August 4, 2026 meeting with concrete progress reports, system details, and documentation.
Sinan Torun, a resident of 196 Main Street (across from the fire station), described how the fire siren (measured at 98 decibels on an Apple Watch) causes distress to his 13‑month‑old child and elderly neighbors. He asked that the volume be reduced or the siren be relocated. The board noted that the siren is active from 6 AM to 8 PM and sounded 19 times in July. Chief Brown had earlier attempted to operate without it but faced public demand for its return. Board members acknowledged the community safety purpose (e.g., recall for remote emergencies) and suggested that decibel levels or a statutory requirement be investigated. The board will discuss the matter further with Chief Brown and include the resident to explore feasible options.
All the meeting to order. We are in session. Welcome to the police select board meeting of July 7th, 2026. Notice pursuant to mass general law chapter 30A section 20. I'm hereby informing all attendees that a video and audio recording is being made of this meeting. All right, that being done, uh we have uh the first order business, the approval of the open session minutes of June 15th and June 16th, 2026. Mr. Chair, I would have to recuse myself from the 15th because uh as reflected in the minutes I was absent. Yes. So with that being said, thank you. Uh I would make a motion and I read them. I think they she did a great job capturing what happened at the high school with that with the eighth grade uh service class. Okay, so I'd make a motion to approve the June 15th, 2026 minutes as written. All right, I will second that. Is there any further discussion? No. All in favor? Aye. All right. Unanimously. Mr. Chair, I'd be happy to move to approve the open session minutes from June 16th. As presented. Do we have a second? I I do, I will second that. Any further discussion? No. All those in favor, I say aye. Aye. Aye. Unanimously. Okay, now public comment. Is there anybody in the audience who has uh something they wanted to say or anybody on the line? I don't see any raised hands. I see nothing from the house. So moving on, we will go to general business. Uh first order of business is discussion of tech environmental odor review with green theory cultivation. Yeah, somebody from Green Theory. Thanks. But please uh proceed. Thank you. Good evening. Uh if you could just identify yourself, please. I am Pir Trajrow, uh supply chain logistic manager for the Green Theory Cultivation. Doing business as Aruna. Okay, well, I presume that you are aware of the concerns this board has, and of course, we we did the uh the evaluate the independent evaluation of the facility.