The primary focus of the meeting was the application from the Lake Wola Advisory Committee for phase one of the Lake Wola Dam preservation and repairs. The representative from the advisory committee explained the intricacies of the funding situation, emphasizing the significance of the anticipated grant from the Massachusetts Office of Dam Safety. This grant is expected to cover a substantial portion of the project expenses, particularly for the design work necessary for dam restoration. Concerns were raised regarding the uncertainties surrounding this state funding, especially in light of potential federal budget cuts that might impact state-level grants.

The committee considered the possibility of revising the grant agreement language to allow flexibility in the project timeline, accommodating the potential need to apply for alternative state grants if the initial application is unsuccessful. The dam engineering firm, GZA, is working on the grant application and exploring various funding sources.

Another topic involved the restoration of gravestones at the West Cemetery. The representative present provided insights into the ongoing gravestone restoration project, which aims to address damage sustained by some of the cemetery’s oldest stones. Although the precise number of gravestones requiring future restoration was not specified, it was suggested that most of the damaged stones were already targeted in the current project phase. The potential for publicizing the restoration work through the town’s newsletter or the AR commission web page was discussed, with a consensus that engaging the community with stories and photos could highlight the gravestones’ transformation and historical importance.

The meeting also addressed a proposal concerning the historic town guide board. Plans to relocate the guide board slightly back from the road to protect it from plow debris during winter storms were discussed. This relocation, supported by the select board, involves moving the guide board four to eight feet back. The committee deliberated on the foundation for the guide board, deciding to seek bids from local concrete companies after the town’s highway department opted out of the project. The design aims to elevate the foundation above the frost line to direct moisture away, maintaining the board’s structural integrity.

The proposal for repairing trails in the Southbrook Conservation Area was another topic of interest. The committee reviewed two options: one comprehensive application for trail repairs, including new blazing and bridges, and a second proposal dividing the construction costs over two years. The latter option was considered to mitigate the financial burden on the Community Preservation Act (CPA) budget, especially given the concurrent Lake Wola Dam application. The trails assessment, previously conducted using CPA funds, informed the current needs, and a quote was received from a contractor experienced in conservation work. The anticipated costs are significant, particularly due to the need for extensive construction in areas where streams cross the trails.

In discussions about invasive plant management at the Top of the Lake Conservation Area, the committee reviewed ongoing efforts funded by previous CPA allocations. The current application was seen as a continuation of these efforts, with questions arising about invasive plant issues in the Southbrook Conservation Area. It was noted that the situation was not as severe there as at Top of the Lake.

The meeting concluded with a focus on a potential partnership with the Leverett Affordable Housing Trust. Barbara Kuli, the trust’s chair, proposed a collaborative effort to hire an affordable housing advisor to serve multiple towns, including Shutesbury, addressing shared challenges related to limited CPA funding for affordable housing projects. The idea involves pooling resources to employ a full-time staff member capable of addressing various housing-related needs across the participating towns. Concerns about whether this position qualifies for CPA funding were discussed, along with the feasibility of establishing a housing trust in Shutesbury. Suggestions were made about developing a new committee dedicated to affordable housing initiatives.