Open Govt
Agricultural Commission
Phone: 413-337-4934, ext. 0
FAX: 413-337-8542
Board of Assessors
WE WILL ENDEAVOR TO BE AS FAIR AND IMPARTIAL IN OUR ASSESSMENTS AS POSSIBLE
Phone: 413-337-4934 Ext. 3
Email: assessors@townofheath.org
Previous meetings:
- Mon, Feb 3, 2020 at 06:30 PM
- Wed, Jan 22, 2020 at 07:00 PM
- Wed, Mar 6, 2019 at 03:30 PM
Board of Health
| Board of Health Clerk: | Cindie Garland |
| Hours: | by appointment |
| Phone: | (413) 337-4934 Ext. #008 |
| Fax: | (413) 337-8542 |
| Email: | boh@townofheath.org |
| Address: | 18 Jacobs Rd. Heath, MA 01346 |
| Mailing Address: |
PO Box 35 Heath, MA 01346 |
| For time sensitive matters, please contact: | |
| FRCoG Health Agent: | Kurt Schellenberg |
| Office phone: | (413) 774-3167 Ext. #201 |
| Email: | kschelle@frcog.org |
Due to limited office hours, the BOH recommends communicating with us via email, whenever possible.
BOH MEETINGS
Regular meetings for the Board of Health are held on the second Wednesday of each month, 9:00 - 10:30 am.
ABOUT THE BOH
Local boards of health in Massachusetts are required by state statutes and regulations to perform many important and crucial duties relative to the protection of public health, the control of disease, the promotion of sanitary living conditions, and the protection of the environment from damage and pollution.
Heath’s BOH works closely with the Cooperative Public Health Service, a program of the Franklin Regional Council of Governments, a regional health department providing environmental health inspections, communicable disease investigation and prevention, code enforcement, education, wellness, and special programs.
Read more, and find staff contact information, at the CPHS website. Please see the CPHS’s Public Health Online Permitting & Scheduling website to learn about the permitting of food establishments, private septic systems and wells, and more.
Previous meetings:
- Wed, Feb 12, 2025 at 09:00 AM
- Wed, Jan 8, 2025 at 09:00 AM
- Wed, Dec 11, 2024 at 09:00 AM
Broadband / MLP
The Heath Municipal Light Board (MLB) manages the Heath Municipal Light Plant (MLP) with the purpose of overseeing the building and operations of a fiber-optic broadband network for Heath homes and businesses.
Sign up for service online
or call Whip City Fiber at
833-991-9378.
SERVICE PLANS
|
GIGABIT INTERNET SERVICE $75 per month Up to 1000 megabits per second ECONOMY INTERNET SERVICE $59 per month Up to 25 megabits per second .................................................................... |
PREMIER PHONE SERVICE $19.99 per month* when bundled with internet $49 per month* without internet Keep your existing phone number |
*additonal mandatory fees & taxes apply to phone service
CONTACT INFORMATION: Whip City Fiber Customer Service:1-833-991-9378
Whip City Fiber Tech Support: 1-833-923-9378
Heath MLP email: HeathBroadband@gmail.com
Heath MLP address: Heath Broadband, c/o Town of Heath, 18 Jacobs Road, Heath, MA 01346
Please let us know if you have questions or any challenges signing up for broadband service by emailing heathbroadband@gmail.com
See the Municipal Light Board page for MLB minutes and meeting information
Previous meetings:
- Tue, Mar 16, 2021 at 11:00 AM
- Wed, Mar 10, 2021 at 06:00 PM
- Tue, Mar 9, 2021 at 11:00 AM
Building Facilities Committee
Previous meetings:
- Wed, Apr 28, 2021 at 06:00 PM
- Wed, Dec 30, 2020 at 06:00 PM
- Wed, Dec 16, 2020 at 06:00 PM
Building Use Committee
The Building Use Committee has oversight of short-term use of Community Hall and Jacobs Road. Short-term is defined as less than 9 months. Click the link below appropriate to your use.
1) Private and Community Use: Fees apply for private and community use except for (1) funerals or memorials, or (2) community events open to the public and sponsored by a town board or committee, or where the fee is waived by the Select Board. Click on Private and Community Use to bring up rental information and an application for use. Click on Building Use Calendar to check availability.
2) Municipal Use: Use by a Town board, committee, department, or employee acting in their official capacity. Click on Building Use Calendar to make a Municipal Request.
Calendar Quick View:
Shared Public Use at 18 Jacobs Road
- The grounds at Jacobs Road are available to residents any time with the exception of areas in use by Hilltown Theater.
- The atrium, cafeteria, gym, and bathrooms are available to residents to drop-in any time the building is open for municipal use with the except when these areas have been scheduled for use. See the Building Use Calendar.
- Scheduling conflicts with Hilltown Theater are to be negotiated by the Town Coordinator, Hilma Sumner.
Previous meetings:
- Mon, Mar 25, 2024 at 03:00 PM
- Mon, Mar 11, 2024 at 03:00 PM
- Wed, Oct 12, 2022 at 09:00 AM
Cemetery Commission
| Burial Agent: | Mary Sumner, Town Clerk |
| Hours: |
The Town Clerk is in the office on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 am until noon. Please call or email for an appointment if those times are not convenient. |
| Phone: | (413) 337-4934 Ext. 006 |
| Fax: | (413) 337-8542 |
| Email: | townclerk@townofheath.org |
| Address: | 18 Jacobs Rd. Heath, MA 01346 |
| Mailing Address: | PO Box 35, Heath, MA 01346 |
Community Hall Windows Fundraising Committee
Dear Friends of Heath,
At the very start of this year, a wonderful opportunity presented itself to those who cherish the historic nature of our Town’s public buildings. Heath was awarded a matching grant from the Mass Cultural Council and Mass Development to renovate the windows of Community Hall. If our Town could raise $17,000, the State would match it for a total of $34,000.
Our committee was tasked with trying to make it happen and so, we got to work. What we did not fully appreciate was that the love for Heath is wide and deep, and in only six months, our goal has not only been achieved, but surpassed - the latest figure we have raised is $22,529.15! At present the State is certifying our match, then a request for bids will go out and we hope to see the work begin as soon as possible.
This could not have happened without the generosity of over one hundred donors. The size of the donations may have varied, but not the hearts behind them. We heard from townspeople past and present. We heard from part-time residents. And perhaps, most amazingly of all, we heard from many folks who have never lived in Heath but share a love for this little hilltown!
We also want to express our gratitude to all those who donated their time and talent: The world class musicians, patrons and volunteers at the stunning benefit concert; the hundreds of dollars donated to cover mailings; beautiful signs and banners created and paid for by Community Hall lovers who joined our cause; and the general heroic efforts that enabled us to reach our goal.
In closing, our committee wants to let you all know what an honor it has been to watch this unfold. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
~ Bob Gruen, Gloria Fisher, Jan Carr and Karen Brooks ~
To donate by check: Make checks payable to "Town of Heath" with memo line of "CH Windows." Mail to Town of Heath, P.O. Box 35, Heath, MA 01346, or drop check off at Town Coordinator's office at Jacobs Road Muncipial Center, or place in the gray town box at Sawyer Hall to the right of the Post Office.
To donate online: Click here.
Please visit this page often for news, progress reports, and notice of fundraising events. Or you may contact the committee at CHWindowsFundraising@gmail.com with any questions, comments or suggestions.
We appreciate your support and together we can make this star shine again.
Thank you,
Bob Gruen, Gloria Fisher, Jan Carr and Karen Brooks
Previous meetings:
- Fri, Aug 30, 2024 at 09:00 AM
- Tue, Aug 27, 2024 at 02:00 PM
- Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 09:00 AM
Conservation Commission
The primary function of the Conservation Commission is to preserve and protect the local wetland resource areas, as defined in the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. Since colonial times, Massachusetts has lost nearly one third of its wetlands. The loss of wetlands means the loss of important benefits they provide. This includes the protection of water quality and water supplies, stormwater and flood damage prevention, and the protection of wildlife and plant habitat. Our goal is to protect the community's natural resources for present and future generations.
The Conservation Commission is composed of appointed town officials who serve as unpaid volunteers. The Commission meets as needed for the conduct of regular business and for public hearings. Check the bulletin board in the entry hall of Sawyer Hall for posted meetings or call the Chair to be added to an agenda (see below for contact info.).
Commission's Legislative Authority
In Massachusetts, Conservation Commission's authority comes from several sources: the Conservation Commission Act (MGL Chapter 40 section 8C) for open space protection; the Wetlands Protection Act (MGL Chapter 131 section 40) for protecting wetlands and waterways (Commissions have real power - they issue the permits); and the home rule provisions of the state constitution for non-zoning wetlands bylaws. All state statutes can be found in the Massachusetts General Laws on the state web site.
Contact Info
Phone: 413-337-4934
FAX: 413-337-8542
Previous meetings:
- Thu, Sep 8, 2022 at 07:00 PM
- Thu, Aug 29, 2019 at 07:00 PM
- Thu, Jun 20, 2019 at 07:00 PM
Council on Aging
Heath Senior Center Programs at 18 Jacobs Road Municipal Building
Ongoing events:
Taijiquan classes offered every Wednesday with Stan Swiercz. Taijiquan is a special form of tai chi that focuses on internal body awareness. Beginner's classes are 3:00 to 4:30 p.m., with advance classes from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. Meets in the cafeteria at JRMB. Monthly donation of $20 welcome. Art Group meets Mondays from 12:30-2:30 p.m., except on a holiday.
The Senior Intergenerational Room is open every Saturday from 9:30-1:30 p.m. for a social cafe. Drop in to socialize, catch up with intergenerational events, read, do jigsaw puzzles, etc. Coffee and refreshments provided.
Senior hot meals in the cafeteria on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. Please sign up in advance with Lyra. Brown Bag Lunch on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 11:30 a.m., followed by a Game Time from 12:30 on.
Senior Foot Clinic on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Contact Senior Program Coordinator Lyra Johnson-Fuller for further information and to make appointments: email at seniorcenter@townofheath.org or call 337-4934, ext. 065. Donations welcome.
*Check the monthly flyers outside the library and at Sawyer Hall for other events and activities.
Meeting Schedule: Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. 18 Jacobs Road (JRMB) as scheduled
Previous meetings:
- Wed, Jan 22, 2025 at 01:30 PM
- Thu, Oct 17, 2024 at 01:30 PM
- Thu, Aug 22, 2024 at 01:30 PM
Energy Advisory Committee
Previous meetings:
- Mon, Jan 22, 2018 at 06:44 PM
- Thu, Dec 7, 2017 at 06:00 PM
- Thu, Nov 9, 2017 at 06:00 PM
Finance Committee
WE WATCH OUT FOR YOUR MONEY
Finance Committees are established in accordance with Chapter 39, Section 16 of the Massachusetts General Laws. It reads as follows:
Every town whose valuation for the purpose of apportioning the state tax exceeds one million dollars shall, and any other town may, by by-law provide for the election or the appointment and duties of appropriation, advisory or finance committees, who shall consider any or all municipal questions for the purpose of making reports or recommendations to the town; and such by-laws may provide that committees so appointed or elected may continue in office for terms not exceeding three years from the date of appointment or election.
In every town having a committee appointed under authority of this section, such committee, or the selectmen if authorized by a by-law of the town, and, in any town not having such a committee, the selectmen, shall submit a budget at the annual town meeting.
The Town of Heath has a Finance Committee (FinCom) composed of five elected members. It works cooperatively with the Selectboard in preparing the budget.
In addition it makes recommendations with regard to warrant articles, conducts special studies, investigates town expenditures and, in general, performs an oversight function of the Town's financial decisions. The role of the FinCom is advisory but its opinions usually carry significant weight at Town Meetings.
Next meeting:
- Tue, Mar 18 at 6:00 PM
Previous meetings:
- Tue, Mar 4, 2025 at 06:00 PM
- Tue, Feb 18, 2025 at 06:00 PM
- Tue, Feb 4, 2025 at 05:30 PM
Franklin County Technical School Committee
The Contact Information for FCTS:
Richard J. Martin, Superintendent 413-863-4239
Shawn Rickan, Principal/ Assistant Superintendent 413-863-9561
Heath School Committee Member
Art Schwenger
Phone: 413-337-4077
Email: artschwenger@gmail.com
FAX: 413-337-8542 (Town)
Mailing Address:
- 68 Burrington Road, Heath, MA 01346
- Or Town Of Heath
- 1 East Main St.
- Heath, MA 01346
FCTS Website
The Apprentice Restaurant
Heath Cultural Council
Previous meetings:
- Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 10:00 AM
- Wed, Dec 6, 2023 at 07:00 PM
- Mon, Oct 23, 2023 at 06:30 PM
Heath Regionalization Study Team
The Heath Regionalization Study Team was tasked to look at multiple possibilities for Heath's school students, regionalization with Hawlemont being one of the possibilities.
Historical Commission
Phone: 413-337-4934
Fax: 413-337-8542
Previous meetings:
- Thu, Mar 6, 2025 at 05:00 PM
- Mon, Mar 4, 2024 at 07:00 PM
- Sat, Feb 10, 2024 at 12:30 PM
Library Trustees
The Board of Library Trustees oversee the operation of the library.
We typically meet on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM in Sawyer Hall but this can change due to scheduling conflicts. The Trustees also meet as needed; please see the posting board or calendar for those occasions. The public is invited to attend meetings, or to contact Board members with any questions or concerns regarding the Library.
- Massachusetts Public Library Trustee Pocket Guide
- Massachusetts Public Library Trustee Handbook (Complete Version)
- Roles & Responsibilities Chart
- Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Trustee Home Page
Meeting Schedule: Third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM in Sawyer Hall
Next meeting:
- Mon, Mar 17 at 7:00 PM
Previous meetings:
- Mon, Feb 3, 2025 at 07:00 PM
- Mon, Jan 6, 2025 at 07:00 PM
- Mon, Dec 2, 2024 at 07:00 PM
Mohawk District School Committee
Heath students are part of the Mohawk Trail Regional School District (MTR
SD) which encompasses eight towns. The Heath elementary school is Colrain Central School and the High School is Mohawk Trail Regional High School. The Heath Representative to the MTRSD is Budge Litchfield, blitchfield@mtrsd.org.
For students who want specific technical programs Franklin County Technical School (FCTS) is a 4-year, public high school. Admission is through application and an acceptance process. The Heath Representaive to the FCTS is Art Schwenger. Link to Heath's FCTS page.
2025 NEWS:
Sustainabilty Study Presentation for March 18 2025 Select Board Meeting
It is important to understand what options we have as we face increasing costs with level funding from the state.
2D8T Sustainability Study Project Work to Date February 2025
This documents the results of the study which are included in the presentation with more detail.
2 Districts/8 Towns Sustainability Study
Municipal Light Board
The Heath Municipal Light Board (MLB) manages the Heath Municipal Light Plant (MLP) with the purpose of overseeing the building and operations of a fiber-optic broadband network for Heath homes and businesses.
Previous meetings:
- Tue, Mar 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM
- Tue, Feb 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM
- Tue, Jan 14, 2025 at 09:00 AM
Parks & Recreation Committee
Previous meetings:
- Thu, Jan 23, 2025 at 06:30 PM
- Thu, Apr 25, 2024 at 06:30 PM
- Thu, Sep 28, 2023 at 06:00 PM
Planning Board
Phone: 413-337-4934
Next meeting:
- Mon, Mar 17 at 7:00 PM
Previous meetings:
- Wed, Mar 5, 2025 at 07:00 PM
- Wed, Feb 26, 2025 at 07:00 PM
- Wed, Feb 5, 2025 at 07:00 PM
Select Board
The Town of Heath Select Board consists of three (3) members elected for three-year overlapping terms. The Select Board is the chief executive body of the town and has overall responsibility for the general operations of the town government. While most other town boards and offices serve a particular function (e.g. assessors, finance, school, health), the select board's responsibilities are much broader. Their job is often one of sorting out the various positions of different departments and boards to determine the best overall course of action for the town. Among their general powers and duties are:
- Play an active and strong role in the financial management of the town Adopt policy directives and guidelines
- Enact rules and regulations to implement its policies
- Act as the licensing authority
- Responsible for the efficient and orderly operation of all departments and boards of the town except those under the direction of another elected town entity
- Meet jointly with elected boards of the town for the purpose of sharing information on an annual basis or as needed
- Appoint most employees and members of all multiple-member boards, committees, and commissions except as otherwise provided in the town bylaws or laws relating to municipal finance and taxation
- Prepare the annual proposed operating and capital budgets with input from Finance Committee
- Call Town Meeting and create and post warrants
- Enter into contracts on behalf of the municipality
Next 8 meetings:
- Tue, Mar 18 at 5:00 PM
- Tue, Mar 25 at 5:00 PM
- Tue, Apr 1 at 5:00 PM
- Tue, Apr 8 at 5:00 PM
- Tue, Apr 15 at 5:00 PM
- Tue, Apr 22 at 5:00 PM
- Tue, Apr 29 at 5:00 PM
- Tue, May 6 at 5:00 PM
Previous meetings:
- Tue, Mar 11, 2025 at 05:00 PM
- Tue, Mar 4, 2025 at 05:00 PM
- Tue, Feb 25, 2025 at 05:00 PM
Town Facilities Task Force
Previous meetings:
- Wed, Jun 3, 2020 at 01:00 PM
- Thu, May 28, 2020 at 06:30 PM
- Thu, May 21, 2020 at 06:00 PM
Veterans Memorial Committee
Previous meetings:
- Wed, Apr 24, 2024 at 10:00 AM
- Wed, Oct 4, 2023 at 10:00 AM
- Sat, Nov 4, 2017 at 11:00 AM
Zoning Board Of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals is a five member board appointed by the Select Board with responsibility and authority to hear and consider requests application of Zoning Bylaws and to consider appeals of decisions made by the Building Inspector.
Phone: 413-337-4014 (Chair)
FAX: 413-337-8542 (Town Hall)
Previous meetings:
- Mon, Jun 4, 2018 at 06:30 PM
- Mon, Aug 21, 2017 at 06:30 PM