Hampden Board of Selectmen Tackles Health Code Violation and Water District Expansion

Overview: The Hampden Board of Selectmen meeting on December 23, 2024, addressed pressing local issues, prominently featuring a health code violation involving a travel trailer on Scanic Road and the ongoing water district expansion project. The board made several decisions, including setting an appeals hearing date for the health violation and awarding a contract for the water district project, while also discussing the fiscal implications and community concerns surrounding these matters.

East Longmeadow Library Board Reviews Borrowing Policies and Honors Departing Member

Overview: The East Longmeadow Library Board convened in December to delve into library policy revisions, focusing on borrowing procedures, overdue items, and confidentiality of records, while also recognizing the contributions of departing member David Boucher. The meeting, called to order by Vice Chair Amy Paul, highlighted changes in the library’s borrower policy, discussing the intricacies of loan limits and overdue item management.

Westfield City Council Tackles Battery Storage Facility Controversy Amidst Environmental Concerns

Overview: The Westfield City Council meeting focused on pressing environmental and infrastructure issues, with discussions surrounding a proposed lithium battery storage facility, the Valley Bike share program, and various financial appropriations. Council members and residents expressed concerns about the potential environmental impacts of the battery project, the implementation of bike-sharing, and the allocation of funds for city improvements.

Southwick Water Commission Approves Elderly Rate Adjustments Amid Ongoing Water Infrastructure Plans

Overview: The Southwick Water Commission meeting focused on approvals for elderly rate adjustments, discussions about water infrastructure projects, and an update on local water usage management. Two residents were granted adjustments to their water bills under the elderly rate scheme, highlighting the commission’s ongoing efforts to address the needs of senior citizens in the community. Additionally, updates were provided on Springfield Water and Sewer’s new facility and the formation of a multi-community aquifer advisory committee.

Southwick Community Preservation Committee Advances Town Hall Renovation, Discusses Pickleball Courts and Grant Agreements

Overview: The Southwick Community Preservation Committee recently convened to address several key agenda items, including the approval of a significant project application for the preservation of the historic Southwick Town Hall. This project, along with discussions regarding new pickleball courts and a grant agreement for the Historical Society, dominated the meeting.