The meeting, which commenced at 6:29 p.m., featured a request from Nexamp for an extension on their site plan review decision for a solar photovoltaic development at the Deerfield landfill. Melinda Castello, a civil engineer representing Nexamp, explained the need for this extension due to ongoing negotiations with Eversource, which she anticipated would conclude within one to two months. Andrea Leibson inquired about the exact duration of the requested extension, which was clarified to be until November 22, 2025. The board unanimously approved the extension, with Rachel Blain moving the motion and all members voting in favor. This decision keeps the solar project on track, allowing Nexamp to finalize negotiations and move forward with their plans.

Following the approval of Nexamp’s extension, the board shifted focus to a site plan review application for a property on Greenfield Road, submitted by Richard Striar of Walters Propane. JD Ross, representing JDR Builders, presented the proposal for a new building designed to encompass office space and a two-bay garage. The board was informed that all necessary permits had been previously obtained in 2013 for a different structure and that preliminary work had been completed, barring the actual building construction. The proposed building aims to house office operations and storage for propane supplies, explicitly excluding the parking of propane trucks due to regulatory restrictions.

The proposal included features such as a handicap-accessible entrance, an accessible bathroom, and a lunchroom for employees, with no alterations to the existing grading or parking plans. During the public comment segment, a resident named Valerie raised concerns about potential nighttime disturbances from lighting and traffic. She sought clarification on whether the new building would generate customer traffic for propane orders. It was confirmed that the building would not function as a retail outlet and would only allow drop-off of payments without sales. Valerie also mentioned an incident involving a truck parked near her home and inquired if it was linked to the business. Clarification was provided that the garage would be used for personal vehicles and supplies, not for commercial propane delivery vehicles.

The dialogue also touched upon the lighting situation, with assurances given that illumination would be minimal and primarily for security purposes. No additional issues were raised during the public comment segment, and the board appeared ready to move forward with the application.

As the meeting proceeded, the chair closed the public hearing segment and transitioned into the deliberation phase. Discussions centered around the proposed conditions for the site plan review, with emphasis on confirming that no changes were anticipated in terms of vehicle traffic or the number of propane trucks. A motion was made to approve the site plan review application, omitting a specific condition regarding peer review, which was deemed unnecessary due to prior evaluations already completed by relevant departments. The board discussed and confirmed the removal of condition number 10, which involved outside consultant engagement, noting that relevant assessments had already been conducted.

The meeting also featured an update from the Open Space Committee, which had recently met with Eric Malloy from Eaglebrook School. The committee was pursuing Article 97 protection for certain parcels of land and preparing to submit a grant for the Mass Trails program, due by February 1st. It was highlighted that two initially concerning pieces of land were already protected under Article 97.

Additionally, updates were provided on the architectural plan for the 1888 building, the former Senior Center, which appeared promising. The town had secured $179,000 for a study related to flooding issues, particularly concerning Bloody Brook and water infiltration, a matter of growing importance given recent weather patterns.