Ed Sullivan

The Select Board held a meeting that included the reorganization of the board, appointing a new chair, vice chair, and clerk. Key discussion topics included announcements regarding board and committee vacancies, a holiday schedule for town offices, and a summer meeting schedule. The Board recognized the assistant town clerk for being named to the 2026 municipal clerk's honor role and discussed local athletic successes. Additionally, the Board ratified the police chief's contract for fiscal years 2027 through 2030 and conducted an interview with a member seeking reappointment to the Conservation Commission.

The public hearing focused on a request for the removal of an American larch tree at 74 Benedict Terrace. The removal was proposed due to a damaged sewer line requiring excavation. The Tree Warden determined that the proximity of the excavation to the tree would likely cause significant damage, risking tree failure and mortality. The request for removal was approved, with a requirement for a 1:1 ratio tree replacement as mitigation.

The committee held a meeting to deliberate on Article 7, which proposes municipal bonding for a town-wide fiber network project. Discussion centered on concerns regarding debt service length, taxpayer risk, the financial model, and the potential impact on the town's bond rating. The committee reaffirmed its decision not to recommend Article 7 for the upcoming annual town meeting, citing insufficient financial analysis and policy concerns. Members also planned additional information for their upcoming presentation to clarify the nature of the project as a taxpayer subsidy for the Municipal Light Plant.

The Board discussed and approved the elimination of methyl wood alcohol and milk permits, noting that both are no longer required by the state. The meeting included an overview of the regional shared public health services, including its workplan, funding status through FY2026, and the election of an advisory group representative. Additionally, the Board explored expanding the public health nurse's role as an educator and discussed potential community surveys regarding the allocation of opioid settlement funds. The Board agreed to move to an as-needed meeting schedule.

The Select Board meeting addressed departmental monthly reports, including public works initiatives such as road construction, water main replacements, and stormwater management. Discussion topics included updates on board and committee appointments, town office holiday scheduling for Juneteenth and Independence Day, a block party application for Captain Road, and a complaint regarding contractor damage to a sidewalk. Additionally, the board reviewed applications for changes in liquor license management and addressed resident concerns regarding trash disposal and cardboard recycling capacity at the town dump.