Chris Maynard

The 2015 Oak Creek Comprehensive Plan serves as an update to previous plans, reflecting community changes and vision. It addresses key concerns such as affordable housing, economic diversification, and preserving small-town character, while also focusing on infrastructure improvements, enforcing regulations for property appearance, and enhancing public transportation and recreation facilities. The plan outlines policies and action items across various chapters including Environment & Natural Resources, Economy, Land Use & Community Character, Transportation & Infrastructure, and Human Services, Health & Wellness, Arts & Recreation, to guide land use and development decisions and achieve community goals.

The board discussed several items, including a conceptual plan and cost estimates for science room renovations at the school, as well as the status of the firehouse project. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing and revising the town's purchase policy, specifically focusing on bid thresholds, the use of state-contracted vendors, and the requirement for competitive quotes. The meeting also addressed the upcoming budget season, outlining the schedule for receiving and reviewing departmental budget requests.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the minutes from the October 9th special meeting. Correspondence included quotes for a water heater replacement for the Board of Education, notification letters regarding appointments to the building committee, and discussion regarding a loan agreement between the WPCA and the county for sewer pipe repair costs. Committee reports covered the organization of the Science Room Building Committee, including the election of officers and scheduling future meetings, as well as discussions on potential renovations in Norwich. The board proceeded with the election of officers, nominating and electing Wayne Donaldson as Chair and Wayne Zaski as Vice Chair. Other agenda items involved approving the schedule of finance board meetings for 2026 and 2027, requesting the audit budget for the year ending June 2027 totaling $33,960, approving the budget for finance board supplies and expenses ($800), and reviewing the 2024-2025 annual report narrative timeline. A dairy abatement request for What Farms at 20 Road in Lisbon was granted. Finally, a motion was passed to add the water heater replacement at Lisbon Central School to the agenda for discussion.

The meeting included unanimous approvals for appointments, including Richard Rogers to a full-time finance position and David Woods as an alternate. Discussions covered the Lisbon Emergency Response (L) monthly statements, which were delayed. The Board also addressed the King and King audit invoice for $12,315, noting ongoing issues with the Board of Education's grant accounting that required resolution before the final audit report. The central Lisbon science room project update indicated concept approval, though mobile station dimensions created a potential issue regarding floor integrity due to estimated weight (350 lbs). The committee aims to have HVAC and flooring packages ready for bid soon, targeting completion by the end of August/beginning of September. The fire house update confirmed that construction is complete, with remaining items being addressed internally while the project is tied up in litigation. The Board also reviewed the fiscal year 2026-2027 Board of Education budget request submission and the status of the annual report narrative submissions.

The Board discussed various financial matters, including updates on pilot funds, adult education funding, special education adjustments, and town road aid. There was a discussion regarding a discrepancy in the Board of Education's grant account, which auditors are currently investigating. The board also reviewed construction project updates for the science room, including bid timelines and budget constraints related to HVAC systems. Additionally, the Board addressed the firehouse construction project lawsuit, the status of outstanding financial reports, and the transfer of funds between assigned and committed fund balances.