The meeting began with a presentation from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) on greenhouse gas emissions reduction, emphasizing the need for a community-wide plan. Mim Klan, a senior land use and environmental planner with PVPC, highlighted that Longmeadow received funding from the Department of Energy Resources to assist in creating this plan. Klan explained that the planning process, which must be completed by May 2025, involves developing a scope of work for the full plan, which will be essential for applying for future grants.

A greenhouse gas inventory, developed with the Clean Energy Extension at the University of Massachusetts, revealed that transportation, electricity use, and building heating fuels are significant contributors to Longmeadow’s emissions. Transportation accounted for 34% of emissions, while electricity use and heating fuels made up 40% and 26%, respectively. The residential sector was identified as the primary contributor, responsible for 73% of emissions.

Klan noted a decrease in emissions from electricity due to efficiency measures and the adoption of renewable energy sources like solar power. However, transportation emissions remain challenging to assess due to outdated data. Recommendations included increasing residential weatherization, transitioning to air and ground-source heat pumps, and promoting electric vehicle (EV) adoption. A board member raised concerns about the town’s high electricity rates affecting EV adoption, prompting a discussion on potential collaborations with state and utility companies to address this issue.

The urgency of developing a comprehensive approach to reducing emissions was underscored, with a focus on community involvement to establish realistic goals and timelines. The collaboration between the Select Board and the Energy Sustainability Committee was emphasized as crucial for addressing these environmental challenges.

The meeting also addressed an incident involving a dog named Hank, which had lunged at and bitten another dog. The Select Board deliberated on whether Hank should be classified as a dangerous or nuisance dog, based on Massachusetts statutes. The board weighed various options for remedial action, including muzzling Hank during walks and potential euthanasia in extreme cases.

The dog’s owner described Hank as “dog reactive” and expressed a desire to keep him, stating that he had already procured a properly fitted muzzle. The board discussed the long-term implications of classifying Hank as dangerous, noting that such a classification remains unless a new incident occurs that does not meet the dangerous criteria. The board members expressed reluctance to euthanize the dog and leaned towards requiring a muzzle and secure confinement measures to prevent future incidents.

Community members expressed differing opinions on the dog incident. One member emphasized the importance of public safety, while others highlighted the emotional weight of the decision. The board ultimately reached a consensus to classify Hank as dangerous while ensuring measures were in place to balance community safety with the dog’s well-being.

In addition to these major topics, the board discussed electric vehicle adoption challenges, with residents expressing frustration over high charging costs and the role of public transportation in reducing carbon emissions. Concerns about lithium battery recycling and the need for a comprehensive climate action plan were raised, with suggestions for the Energy and Sustainability Committee to lead this effort.

The board also addressed issues related to the town’s electricity program, including a public hearing scheduled for September 16 to review the Long Meadow Community Electricity program. This program aims to offer residents and businesses vetted options for electricity supply, with public review open until October 7.

Tom Shay, a resident, raised concerns about improper storage of pool chemicals at Bliss Pool, emphasizing the need for accountability and improved safety protocols. The board also discussed a recent low water level alert in the town’s water system, caused by a telemetry system malfunction, and the subsequent measures taken by the Department of Public Works to address the issue.

The meeting covered updates on infrastructure projects, including the resurfacing of Bark Hall Road Bridge and the installation of playground equipment at elementary schools. The Middle School Building Committee announced a preferred design for a new facility, which will advance to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for consideration.

The board also addressed an open meeting law complaint, confirming compliance with legal requirements and emphasizing the importance of respectful discourse within the community. The meeting concluded with the ratification of the Department of Public Works collective bargaining agreement and the approval of several one-day liquor license applications and a street closure for the Long Meadow Pride Festival.