LONGMEADOW – The Longmeadow Select Board voted on May 2 to support a grant-funded long-range plan for which Assistant Town Administrator Corrin Meise-Munns was preparing to submit the proposal for a Municipal Vulnerability Program (MVP) action grant.

The long-range plan, which lays out goals and identifies barriers, as well as possible solutions, has not been updated in nearly 20 years. The plan that would be developed through the MVP funding would incorporate a climate sustainability focus. At the Special Town Meeting in fall of 2021, residents voted to develop a climate plan and keep climate in mind with all projects, and this plan would do that.

Creating a long-range plan will require the establishment of a steering committee, data collection and public engagement – including engagement from the senior population, which is strongly affected by climate issues, Meise-Munns explained. There would also be an educational component. Meise-Munns floated a partnership with the Massachusetts Audubon Society to educate high school juniors and seniors, as well as a climate democracy program for students in eighth grade and up.

One example of how municipal vulnerability would help shape town decisions is through a review of the capital planning process to make sure the budget accounts for environmental upgrades and needs. Meise-Munns said a diversity, equity and inclusion strategic plan would be incorporated to review hiring practices and interactions with the public, among other tasks.

While the long-range plan creation is expected to cost $330,375, the MVP action grant would cover $234,000, while the town would be required to make an in-kind contribution of $96,500 in goods and services.

Select Board member Thomas Lachiusa asked if electric vehicle (EV) charging stations would be included in the project. Meise-Munns explained that the grant would pay for the planning process only, but that EV stations could be identified in the plan to encourage electric vehicle use.

Select Board Clerk Josh Levine asked if the creation of the plan will make Longmeadow more likely to receive grant funding in the future. Meise-Munns said that while the MVP program does not require a climate action plan, it will increase their chances of receiving grants for shovel-ready projects identified in the plan.

“We’ve had a terrible job of keeping to our long-range plans. Does this imply any method of sticking to the plan,” asked Select Board member Mark Gold. Meise-Munns told him the long-range plan is a guide for prioritizing projects. The previous long-range plan did not have much buy-in from the public or town officials, she said, but acknowledged that she was not with the town at that time and could not speak from experience. That said, she added that an implementation committee will help with follow-through.

The board voted unanimously for the project.

Historic District Violation

Tim Casey, chair of the Historic District Commission asked the board to fine a resident who had not responded to issues regarding gas meter placement. Casey said that in 2020, the resident at 780 Longmeadow St. had gas piping work performed by Columbia Gas, now Eversource. Casey explained that older homes “only have limited spaces” for pipes to be run without “compromising” the structure. Nine other Historic District homes also had similar work done.

The Historic District Commission had worked with Eversource to identify the homes and said the owners were sent “certificates of appropriateness,” which required a signature acknowledging the limited location for meter placement. While the other homeowners signed the documents and returned them, the owner of 780 Longmeadow St. had not, despite repeated attempts at contact.

Casey asked the board to impose a fine of $10 per day retroactively to the first notice sent on Sept. 1, 2020, which would total roughly $6,000.

Gold suggested sending a registered letter to the owner, which requires a signature, so the person cannot claim to have not received it. Marantz agreed and said if the homeowner ignores the document after the letter is received, “jack it up to $50 per day.” In the end, the board approved a registered letter and a $30 per day fine.

Other Issues

The cost of solid waste disposal has risen from $83 per ton to $108 per ton. The change came because the town switched vendors to K&W Transfer Station after the previous vendor went out of business.

Simmons reported that there were 71 active cases of COVID-19 in Longmeadow, up from the previous period. She reminded residents that cold and flu symptoms can appear similar to COVID-19 and recommended rapid testing and reporting positive cases to the town’s Health Department.

The Longmeadow Adult Community Center has medical equipment available for loan. The town is working with JGS Lifecare to collect donated canes, wheelchairs, walkers and other equipment for the program.

Lachiusa took a moment to speak about his admiration for Ukrainians who are fighting against Russian forces. He said that some Americans take their freedom for granted and asked everyone to stand when reciting the pledge.