Ashley Elder

The Town Council meeting agenda included several key items. Discussions covered the presentation of the Library Department Strategic Plan (2026-2030), which focuses on transforming physical space, adapting communication strategy, improving programming, and augmenting services based on community needs. The Council also addressed proposed amendments to several ordinances concerning the dissolution of the Human Relations Commission, the Mass Transit and Highway Advisory Committee, changes to meeting schedules for other commissions, and the dissolution of several inactive boards and commissions, including the Accessibility Advisory Committee and the Transparency Task Force. Furthermore, the Council discussed setting a public hearing for these ordinance amendments, reviewing tax and sewer use fee reduction possibilities for seniors and veterans, and reviewing recommendations for Boards & Commissions, which included merging commissions and changing meeting frequencies from monthly to quarterly for some bodies. The Mayor provided remarks highlighting Black History Month and recognizing an honor received by Deputy Mayor Paternoster.

The meeting included an executive session to discuss the Gateway Development Tax Abatement, which involved the Town Manager and Town Council Liaison. Following the executive session, the main discussion item was the Resolution Approving the Town Manager's proposed Tax Abatement for the Gateway Development Project. The Commission voted to approve the proposed Tax Abatement and forward the application to the Town Council for their consideration and approval.

The meeting commenced with an executive session to discuss the Gateway Development Tax Abatement, including the Town Manager and Town Council Liaison. Following the executive session, the main agenda item involved the consideration of the Town Manager's proposed Tax Abatement for the Gateway Development Project, which the Economic Development Commission approved and forwarded to the Town Council for final consideration and approval.

The primary action taken during the meeting was the approval of Application 25-49P submitted by Downeast, LLC. This approval involved a zone change for approximately 46.91 acres, transitioning from Designed Commercial zone and Rural Residential zone to Buckland Gateway South Overlay Zone, and the approval of a General Plan of Development for a 203-unit age-restricted residential community, to be named Wheeler Road Carriage Home Restricted Housing, located at 22 Wheeler Road, 281, 285, and 367 Smith Street.

The Council meeting included the Mayor's remarks, where Black History Month was proclaimed and recognized, alongside discussions about state and local cultural programs and an award presentation. The Manager's report covered ticket collections, a successful emergency response during severe weather, and an update on a law abatement application for a development project. The Council addressed several committee reports, including the recommendation to change meeting frequencies for several committees and merge the Human Relations Commission with the Social Justice & Racial Equity Commission. The Consent Agenda involved multiple first and second readings concerning appointments and reappointments to various boards and commissions, such as the Inland Wetlands Agency, Park and Recreation Commission, and Agricultural Commission. Unfinished Business included finalizing the appointment of Robin Pendleton to the Parks and Recreation Commission and a discussion on potential amendments to the Town Council Rules & Procedures, specifically deferring a decision on the Mayor selection process. New Business featured a discussion on reducing tax and sewer use fees for seniors and veterans, a review of boards and commissions with proposed structural changes, an announcement for an upcoming Mayor's Forum on Economic Development and Business Incentives, and the approval of a tax refund batch. The Council concluded by entering executive session to discuss matters concerning security and personnel.