Dana Beardsley

The agenda for the meeting includes a joint session with the Finance Committee to conduct an FY27 budget review and discuss capital requests. Other topics include an appointment for the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Center Cemetery winter maintenance policy, as well as general updates from the Town Manager, the Select Board, and various other departments and committees.

The meeting focused on several administrative and operational updates. The board approved business licenses for local nurseries and gardens and authorized an increase in the police detail hourly rate. Discussions included the development of a shuttle bus policy to manage student and senior transportation, as well as Planning Board updates regarding town parcel disposal, zoning bylaw compliance, and potential seasonal community designation. The board also reviewed Town Manager updates concerning staff training, hiring initiatives, and website improvements, and addressed resignations and equipment-related policy questions, while approving various purchase orders.

The board reviewed sealed bids for paving projects at the Town Hall and Silverbrook road. The Department of Public Works Superintendent provided updates on winter operations, grant applications for infrastructure projects, and road maintenance. The board reviewed and accepted bids for drop ceiling and electrical work at the Old Town Hall. Additionally, the meeting included the appointment of an interim Records Access Officer, the approval of an Ambulance Billing Policy, a comprehensive review of the FY27 budget across various town departments, and updates from the Town Manager regarding legal matters, insurance claims, and state-funded infrastructure projects.

The meeting covered the implementation of the Community Connect program to improve communication between residents and the Fire Department. The Board established a civilian traffic control unit, defined its procedures, and appointed several individuals to serve in this capacity. Extensive discussions took place regarding the fiscal year 2027 budget, which included proposals for equipment acquisition, the fire chief's salary, and the financial viability of a pilot interfacility transport program. The Town Manager provided updates on insurance claims, financial training, electricity aggregation rates, and staffing. Additionally, the Board discussed administrative policies regarding training reimbursements for employees and reviewed upcoming facility repairs.

The meeting focused on the prioritization of fire station building repairs, including addressing fire code violations, structural and electrical compliance needs, and associated cost estimations. The board discussed and approved a new bunk room program and policy for the fire department, contingent upon ensuring life safety requirements like ventilation and smoke/carbon detection. Additionally, the board reviewed the proposed FY27 fire department budget, covering requests for increased stipends, training allocations, salary adjustments for executive leadership, and funding for ambulance operations and essential equipment repairs.