The meeting began with residents voicing their grievances about noise emanating from The Wine House. One resident, Frank G. Frank, presented a statement on behalf of his son, Alex, who described the disruptive impact of loud music, noting, “When the Wine House is playing music, the windows of my house rattle, and objects inside vibrate.” Alex, who works night shifts, highlighted the difficulties in resting during the day when music events occur. Another resident, Raymond Moret, expressed disappointment over what he perceived as a shift in the winery’s business model, originally intended to focus on quieter events. He stated, “What’s going on here…is affecting my wife and I.”

Desre Bernard added to the chorus of dissatisfaction, pointing out issues with a newly established access road and personal safety concerns. Bernard urged the board to enforce a cease-and-desist order against the winery. However, not all feedback was negative. Julie Richards countered complaints by praising The Wine House, stating she found the noise levels acceptable and appreciated the business as a community asset.

Jim Trumpy, the winery’s owner, rebutted the accusations, arguing that the cease-and-desist order was improperly handled and emphasized his operation’s alignment with local agricultural laws. He noted the winery’s contributions to local organizations and asserted that farms are generally exempt from certain local zoning laws, which should cover his entertainment activities.

The select board acknowledged the complaints but emphasized the need to consider all perspectives. They reassured residents that the board is attentive to community concerns and is committed to addressing these issues.

Another topic of the meeting was the Forge Pond dam project update, presented by David Leonard of Leonard Consulting Service. Leonard, recovering from foot and knee surgeries, provided details about the collaboration with McLure Engineering and the state-funded grant supporting the project. The state extended the completion deadline to June 30, 2025, allowing for more comprehensive planning and execution. Leonard detailed the need for improvements, particularly concerning the compromised north embankment, which currently relies on a makeshift rubber tire retaining wall.

Leonard proposed constructing a concrete wall to stabilize the north wall. This solution would replace the existing patchwork of materials with a permanent structure, meeting state safety standards. The board discussed property lines and potential easements, noting the project is in preliminary stages and open to feedback. Leonard highlighted that current grant funding covers design and permitting, with future grants available for construction phases.

The board considered the community’s safety and well-being, particularly concerning shallow wells if the dam were to be removed. A consensus emerged around the importance of replacing the dam to ensure safety, with Leonard emphasizing the need to understand the project’s financing structure and readiness for a potential town meeting vote.

The meeting also addressed proposed changes to the fee schedule for building-related permits and inspections. The Building Commissioner presented comparisons to neighboring communities, noting the outdated nature of Granby’s fee schedule. Proposed changes included lowering the fee for temporary structures like tents from $150 to $75 per 30 days, with a consensus forming around extending the usage period to 90 days to reduce the need for repeated inspections.

Fee adjustments also included increasing the inground pool permit fee from $100 to $120 and removing the additional $50 charge for certificates of occupancy to reduce confusion. The board discussed a tiered reinspection fee structure to encourage timely compliance, proposing a free first reinspection, with subsequent fees increasing incrementally.

In a nod to local governance, the board appointed a new member to the Joint School Committee, filling a vacancy open since March. The appointee emphasized the importance of community involvement in local governance, asserting, “Your schools are a reflection of your community and what you value.”

The board also tackled routine business, approving payment warrants and an intermunicipal agreement with Northampton for veteran services. They discussed ongoing projects like the Mass 202 project and future goals for fiscal year 2025, including coordinating with other committees and boards.

The meeting concluded with announcements of upcoming community events, such as a holiday meal for seniors and a tree lighting ceremony, encouraging community participation.