Christie Bliss

The meeting included the approval of appointments for Senior Work-off participants. The Town Administrator provided an update on the budget, noting work with Department Heads on capital and budget requests, and a meeting with the Finance Committee. The Administrator also reminded citizens about the Winter Overnight Parking Ban rules. The Board voted to approve several treasury warrants, including one for Veterans, a general warrant, and reissues. The meeting concluded with the approval of minutes from meetings held on October 27, 2025, November 17, 2025, and December 15, 2025.

Key discussions during the meeting included follow-up actions from the Director's Report, such as addressing salt/sand needs for Meals on Wheels homes, outreach regarding assistance with the Shine program, and planning for the Valentine's lunch event, potentially involving firefighter escorts and flowers. The Program Planning segment involved summarizing survey results for the subsequent meeting, pursuing future "Lunch & Learn" programs, deciding to include newsletter information about local tax assistance at other senior centers, and arranging for the commencement of Mahjong activities.

Key discussions centered on administrative updates, including bill review and previous minutes approval. Program updates included registration status for the Penguins Swim Team (capped at 38) and Shirley Youth Soccer, with team formation pending registration closure on March 26th. For Aver Shirley Youth Soccer, registration was extended, and practice locations were set for March due to outdoor field unavailability. The Adult Pickup Basketball program requested expanded space at ASRMS. General business involved planning to invite a Selectboard member to a future meeting with a package of 'wish lists,' including proposals for accessing grant writers for the Wilde Rd soccer fields acquisition and developing a rough job description for a dedicated soccer and field maintenance employee. The Commission also addressed equipment storage sharing logistics with the Enhancing Shirley Committee and explored opportunities for land donation through coordination with the Conservation and Open Space Committees.

The key discussion points included updating the pay for the Summer in Shirley camp director, which requires coordination with the accounting office. For the Adult Pickup program, registration policies were adjusted to tie waivers to the school year. Regarding the Penguins Swim Team, registration is strong despite minimal communication, leading to a suggestion for creating an organization chart to clarify roles for sponsored programs and codifying policies and procedures. The Shirley Youth Soccer program discussed ordering new jerseys, confirming distinct styles from basketball, and leadership sharing responsibilities for the upcoming spring season. The After Shirley Youth Soccer board is awaiting league details. For Shirley Basketball, end-of-season planning, including scheduling events with pizza time, was discussed. Concerns were raised regarding the After Shirley Basketball board's communication and the perception that their travel program resembles a glorified recreation program rather than a true travel league.

The meeting agenda included a call to order, pledge of allegiance, and roll call. Key items involved consent agenda actions, specifically the approval of the January 21, 2026, Regular Session Minutes and the approval of several warrants, including an Accounts Payable warrant and a Payroll warrant. New business focused on the approval of the 2026-2027 High School Program of Studies and the approval of grants received to date. Ongoing business included updates and discussions regarding the FY26 Budget, the FY27 Preliminary Budget, and the 2027-2032 Five Year District Strategic Plan. The session concluded with potential items for communications, an executive session, and adjournment.