01/26/2026 SELECT BOARD Minutes (2)

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Select Board January 26, 2026 Minutes Matthew Porter, JBCC Executive Director, provided an update on the JBCC Comprehensive Master Plan. He reported that the planning process began several months ago and is currently in the information-gathering phase. The engineering ﬁrm is conducting outreach to stakeholders and working with the Town and GIS sta? to review existing conditions, with a focus on land holdings, including areas associated with the Air Force property in Town. Porter noted that additional information and materials will be presented in the coming months as the process advances. Alex McDonough, Deputy Commander at Camp Edwards, provided an overview of the base’s mission and recent activities. Camp Edwards trains soldiers in land navigation, engineering, drop and landing zones, and other specialized operations, supporting tenant agencies and National Guard mobilization. Weekend training populations range from 2,000 to 3,000 soldiers. McDonough reported ongoing and planned projects, including construction of a Readiness Center (pending funding), interior renovations to a dining facility, and renovations to three barracks. He discussed collaboration with the National Academy of Sciences on a study of potential small arms range impacts, which will take approximately 18 months and include opportunities for public input. A public program will begin in May, o?ering tours of remediated areas and information on conservation and training activities. For VIPs, attendees were asked to contact Mr. McDonough, Paul, or Cathleen in advance and identify themselves to reserve a seat. A QR code is available for additional information on base training activities. Chair Wyman-Colombo noted interest in the study of training impacts on the aquifer. McDonough explained that the National Academy of Sciences manages the study and the Board will be updated when it begins. Questions about PFAS contamination and wastewater impacts were raised by Selectman Weeden; McDonough clariﬁed that PFAS is not currently under Army oversight but o?ered to connect the Board with the appropriate team for further information. Colonel Kelly provided an overview of the 102nd Air Wing. The wing currently has 1,200– 1,300 airmen assigned, with approximately 400 full-time employees. It is organized into ﬁve primary groups: the 102nd Operations Group, which conducts real-time intelligence missions worldwide; the 202nd Cyber Intelligence Group, focused on cyber defense and protecting military platforms; the 252nd Communications Group, which installs hardline communications globally; the Medical Group, which maintains personnel health and FEMA Region 1 domestic response readiness; and various support functions, including facilities, 5