The board thoroughly evaluated proposals from three consulting firms – Good Energy, Mass Power, and Colonial Power – before deciding. The selection criteria included experience in the industry, capability of outreach, client satisfaction, and the handling of the opt-out process for residents. With the program, the town aims to offer three levels of pricing for renewable versus non-renewable energy, including a completely renewable option, allowing residents to choose an energy solution that best fits their needs. The costs of the consultant will be covered by the ratepayers with no direct expense to the town budget.

In addition, the Select Board tackled the issue of the One Touch Make Ready process, a pending legislation in Massachusetts. This process simplifies the approval for fiber lines installation, potentially reducing the timeline from several years to a few months. The board discussed the implications of this legislation for Longmeadow.

The board also addressed concerns about Waste Management’s failure to complete trash routes on time. The need for timely communication to residents was emphasized, and the board stressed the importance of resolving this issue promptly to maintain the quality of municipal services.

Updates from the Town Manager included approval of contracts for various infrastructure projects such as pool work, water tank mixer installation, and Colly Brook design work. The meeting also covered plans for the Iron Man race and tree removal hearings.

The Energy and Sustainability Committee recommended municipal aggregation as a strategy to stabilize utility rates and provide easier access to renewable energy. The committee discussed the benefits of this approach, including the potential for offering renewable energy options.

The meeting continued with a proposal by the fire department to increase EMS rates by 3% to sustain services amid an expected increase in call volume. The board reviewed the department’s billing inquiries and operations.

Furthermore, the board approved the Emergency Services cost recovery rates for fiscal year 2025, which are primarily used for hazardous materials incidents and are based on FEMA and Massachusetts DPW Association rates.

The local 1903 collective bargaining agreement for 2024 to 2027 was also discussed, leading to an agreement that reflects current practices and includes improvements to educational benefits. The board highlighted the importance of fair wages and the positive impact of the agreement on employee retention.

Concerns were raised about the increasing costs associated with the town’s retirement plan. The board considered the possibility of separating from the Hampton County Regional Retirement Board and the feasibility of self-administering the retirement plan.

The meeting concluded with logistical matters, including setting a deadline for the town manager’s annual evaluation process, approving the town election warrant, and discussing street closures and one-day liquor licenses for upcoming community events. The board also clarified the tree hearing process to ensure proper notification and procedures are followed for any opposition.