Town of Warwick
Minutes of Hybrid Meeting of the Warwick Selectboard
Warwick Community School
Monday, August 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Selectboard Members Present: Alan Genovese, Chair; Keith Ross, Vice Chair; Brian Snell, Clerk
Others Present: Lizzie Alwan, Town Coordinator; Diana Noble, Assistant to the Town Coordinator; Bruce Kilhart
CALL TO ORDER – Genovese called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm
- Announcements, and introductions
- This meeting is noticed under legacy OML so requires a quorum of the board in the room and if the remote aspect fails the meeting may continue.
- Chapter 268 Section 20C and 20D Ethics disclosures or exemptions – none
- Appearances for Requests and Updates
- Old Home Days – The Board finalized plans for the Old Home Days recognition ceremony, scheduled for approximately 11:30 a.m. The ceremony will honor five retirees, former Boston Post Cane holder Larry Carey, and present the Boston Post Cane to Arlene Lincoln. Members discussed having David Young present the award one final time, contacting the recipients’ families, and noted that the original cane remains with the Historical Society while recipients receive a commemorative pin.
- Six Town update – Genovese shared an economic analysis showing the long-term relationship between declining enrollment and reduced educational opportunities. He reported that a draft legislative change out of the state house may allow for a single ballot question covering both five-town and six-town regionalization, rather than the two separate ballot questions that have been discussed up until now. A meeting for Selectboards and town leaders is planned for September 3 in Gill at the Town Hall to review the proposal and answer questions. Discussion clarified that the meeting would be informational rather than deliberative, though local boards could post meetings if they anticipated a quorum. The timing of any special election will depend on the legislative process. Genovese shared that it may be possible to hold this election concurrently with the upcoming Franklin County Technical School election.
- WRAP grant use ($146k) – The Board discussed recent state funding intended to offset the previous winter’s snow and ice expenses. Noble will seek clarification from state officials regarding how the reimbursement can be spent and accounted for.
- DCR Land Acquisition – Ross and Snell shared that the Town received a notice from DCR of their intention to acquire the Whipple property. Ross opined that the land should continue to be privately owned with conservation restrictions, rather than be owned by the state. Ross will follow up with the DCR representative to discuss financial and tax concerns.
- National Grid Pole Hearing – The Board scheduled a public hearing for August 31 at 6:30 pm regarding a utility pole relocation associated with construction of a new home on Holden Road. Alwan confirmed that permits, abutter notifications, and related approvals would be completed beforehand.
- Discussions and report
- Coordinator Report
- Town Coordinator Lizzie Alwan provided her first report, describing meetings with neighboring municipal officials, FERCOG staff, and town departments. She also outlined plans to attend Old Home Days and continue community outreach.
- Compost – The Transfer Station Commission will pursue a contract with Greenfield Co-op to haul transfer station compost, while the school expects to work with a local pig farmer to collect food waste at no cost. The Town Coordinator will prepare simple agreements for both arrangements and has requested technical assistance from MassDEP’s RecyclingWorks program to support future on-site municipal composting efforts.
- Alwan is working with the Buildings and Energy Manager to apply for a grant to support fire safety equipment at the school. Alwan and Snell discussed dishwasher repairs and other needs to maintain Town Hall.
- Assistant Coordinator Report – Noble mentioned billing issues with Verizon, and reminded Board Members to look at the school playground upgrades so far.
- Selectboard Reports
- The Board discussed police detail reimbursements, confirming that contractors generally reimburse the town through a revolving fund for paid details, while town-funded projects remain municipal expenses.
- Board members mentioned Janice Starmer’s proposal to build a walkway at the school pond, and noted that they still need to arrange a site visit.
- Coordinator Report
- Actions
- Citizens’ concerns and suggestions for future agenda items
- Minutes of previous meetings
- MOTION: Snell moved to accept the minutes from July 27, 2026 with the addition of open meeting disclaimer copied from meeting agenda. 2nd Ross. Snell – aye; Genovese – aye; Ross – aye. Voted unanimously.
- Items unanticipated at time of posting.
- Town Meeting Location vote – Kilhart asked the Board about the outcome of the straw vote. Noble shared that the vote is being kept open for one more day, but also, the votes so far have showed overwhelming support to hold future town meetings at Town Hall.
- Review topics for future meetings
- Meeting schedule: Mondays at 6pm: 8/31/26. 9/14/26, 9/28/26
ADJOURNMENT: Snell MOVED to adjourn the meeting at 7:15 pm. 2nd Ross. Snell – aye; Genovese – aye; Ross – aye. Voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by Heather Berlin, Town Secretary.
