Select Board defers Cushman Park tree dispute

Select Board · Meeting of June 10, 2026

Bernardston Select Board stalls Cushman Park tree work pending legal review of an 1860s will. The Cushman Hall/Park Committee told the board "things are going on that we don't know about," citing unauthorized plantings and two hazardous trees near a shuffleboard court still awaiting a $2,200 removal estimate. The board, citing the elected tree warden's independent authority, said it would wait for Town Counsel Donna McNichol's review before authorizing any work.

Separately, the board approved CDBG grant administrator Brian McHugh's Country Estates septic project documents, including $106,000 held in retainage, and a $856,397.93 vendor warrant covering a $702,268 Pioneer Valley Regional School District assessment. The town administrator said the Finance Committee's two vacancies are urgent: "We desperately need those two vacancies filled." The board also agreed to trim its summer meeting schedule to roughly once a month.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 3,380 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of June 10, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.