One notable matter at hand was the town’s non-compliance with the Cannabis Control Commission’s mandate for a municipal equity bylaw. This requirement ensures that municipalities with cannabis operations have formal procedures to promote social equity in host community agreements. The board articulated the urgency of adopting this bylaw, given Whately’s current non-compliance status. The discussion revolved around whether to address this at a special town meeting or to wait for the annual meeting. While a model amendment was available, the board considered a provisional approval of the language to ensure compliance before the next town meeting. This approach sought to align Whately with state regulations and prepare for any future cannabis operations. There was a consensus to engage town counsel to discuss potential adaptations of the model bylaw.

Infrastructure development was another key focus, particularly the proposed installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers at the Memorial Library. The board weighed the pros and cons of two potential locations for the chargers—one near the building and the other at the street front. Safety and accessibility concerns were raised about the street front option, primarily due to potential obstructions to pedestrian access and the significant costs associated with running electrical lines to this location. The estimated $20,000 expense for street front installation was deemed prohibitive given that the current incentive program would not cover it. The board favored placing the chargers closer to the library, which would ensure ADA compliance for one of the parking spaces and eliminate additional costs.

The meeting also addressed the need to extend the town’s open space and recreation plan by three years, transitioning it from a seven-year to a ten-year duration. This extension, driven by changes in the Commonwealth’s requirements, delays the need for hiring a consultant to update the plan, thus presenting a financial consideration for the town. The Fur Cog organization offered assistance in the update process, and the board approved the motion to proceed with the extension, which would push the plan’s applicability to 2033.

In preparation for the fall 2025 special town meeting, the board discussed the inclusion of general and zoning bylaw amendments. The necessity of certified free cash to include any appropriations in the meeting was a critical point of discussion, with concerns that certification might not occur until mid-October. This could delay the meeting until late October or November, impacting budget adjustments, particularly for group health insurance, which is set to increase substantially. The board deliberated on the timing of the special town meeting.

The inclusion of urgent bylaw amendments, particularly regarding battery energy storage and aquifer protection districts, was also discussed. The board expressed a strong sense of urgency regarding these amendments due to existing inadequate protections for solar batteries in aquifer protection zones. While no standalone battery storage applications had been submitted yet, the potential for such applications prompted the need for regulatory safeguards. There was consensus on the critical nature of these amendments, especially concerning public health and safety.

In addition to these discussions, the board received updates on various town projects and events. The water department was reported to be out of compliance on several items, including the lack of a backup generator for the water system. Efforts were underway to address these compliance issues to avoid penalties. Updates on community initiatives, such as the vegetable swap event and the South County Senior Center project, were also shared.

The meeting concluded with discussions about the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust, which is facing a 20% rate increase effective October 1st. This increase was prompted by rising claims that have severely diminished the trust’s reserves. The board discussed the impact of these changes on the town’s budget, noting that an additional appropriation might be required for the upcoming fiscal year.