Lunenburg Select Board Addresses Budget, Bylaws and Community Involvement

Overview: In a gathering of the Lunenburg Select Board, topics centered on the town’s fiscal management, proposed bylaw amendments, and calls for increased community engagement. The meeting saw the board engage in thorough discussions concerning the upcoming budget, potential discrepancies in warrant articles for a Proposition 2 and a half override, and modifications to the town’s salary administration plan. Public comments underscored the community’s vested interest in these issues, with particular emphasis on the impacts of financial decisions on local services and education.

Cape May Prioritizes Environmental Initiatives at Commission Meeting

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Cape May Environmental Commission focused on several initiatives aimed at bolstering the city’s environmental policies and engagement with the community. A significant portion of the discussion centered on the potential development of a restaurant and bar at H&H Snug Harbor Marina and its implications for the area. The commission also highlighted the successful adoption of the Dark Skies resolution and contemplated public events to raise awareness during Dark Skies week. Additionally, the commission explored the idea of a Dune Day event to promote native vegetation planting and discussed energy sustainability, including the use of solar panels on new constructions.

Shutesbury Grapples with Groundwater Contamination and Solar Bylaw Litigation

Overview: The Shutesbury Select Board meeting raised concerns about groundwater contamination and ongoing litigation regarding the town’s solar bylaw. Top of the agenda was the environmental challenge posed by gasoline and potential PFAS contamination affecting local groundwater supplies. The board debated the necessity of a new monitoring well on private property, the long-term management of treatment systems, and the financial implications for the town. A related issue was the potential need for a public water system due to the absence of one, highlighting the town’s reliance on wells and the risks posed by contaminants. The discussion also encompassed a potential class action lawsuit against 3M for PFAS mitigation and the challenges of establishing a new water supply in the face of contamination and high costs.

Amherst Committee Grapples with Complex Solar Bylaw Development

Overview: The Amherst Community Resources Committee recently engaged in a review of a draft solar bylaw that has been in development for the past 18 months. In a meeting marked by discussion, the committee examined the need for further refinement of the bylaw, which aims to regulate large-scale ground-mounted solar installations while considering environmental impacts and state laws. Concerns were also voiced regarding the bylaw’s potential to deter developers given the and labor-intensive review process, and the necessity of a separate battery storage bylaw was debated.

Bridgewater-Raritan School Board Tackles Ethics and Training

Overview: The Bridgewater-Raritan School Board recently convened to discuss a variety of topics, including the ethical training of board members, the district’s handling of finances, and the recognition of community contributions. One notable issue centered around the mandatory ethics training for board members, with the New Jersey School Boards representative emphasizing the importance of completing this training to maintain high standards of conduct and avoid potential ethical violations.