The FERA transportation service, a vital link for many residents in the hilltown area, faced an uncertain future. The administration and garage operations, previously managed by the Board of Selectmen in Huntington, were discussed following their decision to cease managing these aspects of the service. This decision led to the termination of the driver. The board showed concern over the future use of the FERA vehicle, especially since the sole regular user of the service had passed away. The discussion broadened to include the number of people who utilized the service, the reliance on volunteer drivers, and the need for a wider investigation into how other hilltowns were utilizing their cherry sheet money.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the upcoming road improvement projects. A member of the public sought the Select Board’s endorsement for these projects and the appropriation of town funds towards them. With large financial implications, the board members sought to clarify funding sources, including potential grants. The projects’ scope covered work on drainage and other infrastructure needs, with the meeting highlighting the need for support from Springfield. Letters of support from other organizations were shared to emphasize the community backing for these improvements. Additionally, a request for funding to rectify issues with the town’s fuel tanks was presented, along with a report on an event by the Massachusetts Municipal Association where the affordable housing act was a topic of discussion.

The meeting also touched on concerns related to the town’s growth and infrastructure. The potential influx of families moving to Blandford raised questions about the capacity of the local schooling system and whether the taxes from new households would be sufficient to cover the educational costs of additional children. The conversation shifted to regional development with talks about a proposal for a high-tech industry in Boston and the development of an East-West rail line. These topics underlined the board’s focus on balancing growth with the town’s resources and infrastructure.

In the realm of municipal maintenance, there was a proposal to approve a quotation for necessary work on the town’s generator, including battery replacement and engine issues. The board also approved a request for a fund transfer for the Assessor’s computer and discussed appointments to the Cultural Council.

A point of historical and cultural interest was a discussion about an old school building situated on a resident’s property. The board considered the building’s historical significance and debated over the potential teardown of the structure. The logistics of preserving historical items within, such as a chalkboard, were deliberated. Furthermore, there was an idea proposed to donate a playhouse to the local library, which seemed to pique the interest of some members.