John Couture

The meeting included a reorganization of the board, the approval of school, general, and payroll warrants, and a review of FY18 budget submittals indicating a deficit. The board approved a reduction in revenue projections for various municipal inspectors due to changes in fee structure, authorized several financial transfer requests for police and other departments, and reviewed and approved draft motions for an upcoming Annual Town Meeting. Additionally, the board approved a one-day liquor license for a community dinner dance and authorized an alarm system upgrade for the Town House. Public participation addressed concerns regarding signage for a visually impaired resident and objections to proposed town-owned solar projects.

The commission reviewed several environmental and property-related matters. Discussions included supporting herbicide treatment for Lake Lashaway, scheduling a site visit for property at 56 Old East Brookfield Road, and issuing a Negative RDA with conditions for a driveway project at 23 Shore Road. Additionally, the commission addressed a house renovation proposal at 85 Shore Road and provided consultation regarding potential recreational uses for a property at 18-20 Old West Brookfield Road.

The Board of Selectmen discussed the appointment of a new Head Mechanic for the Highway Department, highlighting the candidate's extensive mechanical experience and the critical need for preventative maintenance on town equipment. The Board also reviewed the operational requirements for in-house repairs to reduce external costs. Additionally, the Board approved a spending request for the purchase of a replacement plow for the Highway Department.

The commission addressed several items including the signing of a letter to the Lake Lashaway Association and the receipt of an Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation for a solar facility on 91 Oakham Road, with plans to hold a public hearing in the coming month. The commission reviewed plans for 85 Shore Road and granted approval with conditions for a driveway repair request at 23 Shore Road. Additionally, the commission provided guidance regarding property use at 18-20 Old West Brookfield Road, noting potential habitat restrictions and the requirement for a MESA review.

The committee convened to conduct a review of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget.