Carol Ann Days

The Select Board held a meeting to address several administrative and community matters. The Board recognized National Police Officer Week and National Public Works Week, accepted donations for human services and a rescue tool, and appointed a member to the Human Services Council. Legislative actions included authorizing grant submissions for housing and zoning planning, approving special event permits for road races, granting a mobile food truck permit, and awarding a contract for library renovations. The Board authorized the Town Administrator to negotiate a franchise agreement with Verizon and appointed a per diem building inspector. Discussions also covered potential solar energy initiatives, the handling of a high school mural, and evaluating potential shared service partnerships with a local school.

The board discussed the allocation of additional Chapter 70 funding to the school department, which was approved. A joint meeting with the finance committee addressed the fiscal year 2027 budget, focusing specifically on the proposed reduction of four mid-year firefighter positions. Discussions involved concerns regarding adherence to town charter notification requirements for budget recommendations, the fiscal sustainability of the fire department's staffing levels, the utilization of ambulance receipts to support operations, and the overall budget planning process.

The board conducted reorganization activities, appointing a new Chair and Clerk. A joint meeting with the School Committee was held to discuss the School Department's budget and proposed increases, with input provided by the Superintendent and School Business Administrator regarding financial constraints and staffing challenges. The discussion included potential revenue sources, departmental cost drivers, and the impact of stabilization fund policies. Furthermore, the meeting involved a review of the warrant articles for the Spring Town Meeting, including capital requests for HVAC improvements at the pool, Martin School drainage and curbing, and classroom locks at the middle school. Additional topics included police and fire department budget considerations and the potential for increased inter-departmental collaboration in future budget cycles.

The board meeting addressed several key agenda items, including appointments to the Historical Commission and a change in employment status for a dispatcher. The board established an early voting schedule for the upcoming annual town election and held public hearings regarding FY2027 department fees and the overall municipal budget, which discussed structural fiscal challenges and departmental costs. Discussions also covered e-bike safety initiatives, the post-storm impact of the 2026 blizzard, and the budget for local cable access TV9. Furthermore, the board selected designers for the Medeiros Farm project, awarded an Owner's Project Manager contract for the Library Building Project, and reviewed a proposed billboard zoning bylaw. The meeting also included executive sessions concerning potential litigation and real estate matters.

The Select Board convened to address several municipal items, including recognizing residents for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Key actions included multiple board and committee appointments, the acceptance of a resignation, and the appointment of a new assistant animal control officer. The board also handled license hearing requests for a one-day liquor license and a common victualler license. Financial matters included awarding a Bond Anticipation Note for public infrastructure projects and discussing capital improvement recommendations. A joint session was held with the School Committee to address budget concerns and authorize the submission of a Statement of Interest for a high school building project to the Massachusetts School Building Authority. Furthermore, the board deliberated on zoning by-law amendments, denied a request for a waiver of an Earth Import/Export permit, and prepared warrant articles for the upcoming Spring Town Meeting.