Kelli M. Russ

The meeting included station reports detailing the acquisition of new hose for Station 1, updates on the new truck procurement for Station 2, the addition of new crew members at Station 3, and the enactment of new EMS procedures. Key old business items involved the installation and use of dispatch books and planning for a town-wide drill. New business centered on the commencement of capital budget planning for 2025 and operating budget planning for 2026, discussions regarding EMS crew splitting and rescue call response protocols, and consideration of tuition for a firefighter in Fire 1 training.

Key discussions during the public meeting included the Board gathering information for a presentation to the Charter Review Committee and the Treasurer seeking clarification on conveyance tax changes. Under Old Business, archery permits continued to be issued, and the closing on property P13/L46 was finalized as previously approved. Stewardship items involved a motion to establish a monthly Safety Committee composed of the full board to review protocols. Other stewardship notes included the completion of boundary sign repair at the Grass property, the discovery of an illegal deer feeding station, the completion of leaf blowing in parking areas, and the logging of a citizen clearing fallen trees at Spencer. The November Dam report for Dunbar was also completed. In the Grants report section, the 2025-26 Trust Safety/Security Grant was submitted. The Executive Session involved discussions regarding necessary repairs/litigation for dam #526, security devices for FLT properties, acquisition of real property (P10/L35A), and investment of public funds.

The meeting centered on a pre-application conference regarding a proposed animal sanctuary at 88 Danielson Pike, which requires a Formal Development Plan Review and adherence to kennel licensing bylaws. Key discussion points with the applicant included the structural suitability of the existing building, septic system capacity (including a request for an OWTS determination from DEM due to change in use), and waste management plans involving specialized removal and disposal protocols. The Board discussed necessary site improvements, such as perimeter fencing and kennel design, and addressed concerns regarding housing capacity (30-50 dogs), noise mitigation, and parking allowances. The Board stipulated several conditions related to noise limits, site runoff mitigation (berms), 24-hour on-site presence, septic system engineering, and generator capacity for emergency situations. Following the conference, the Board conditionally approved the landscape plan for the Police Station, requiring professional maintenance and replacement of crushed stone with asphalt. The Board also approved a letter of recommendation concerning environmental liability notifications for abutters of the dam behind 6 Cucumber Hill Rd and noted recent administrative and minor subdivision approvals.

Key discussions during the meeting centered on ongoing conversations with the Spencer family regarding the design and placement of an HA Bench at Spencer Pond. In Old Business, the RIDEM draft MOU concerning hunter-landowner management plans was reported as temporarily halted due to a Federal Government shutdown. Stewardship activities included repairing sign damage at the Grass property, installing 'Closed from dusk till dawn' signs, and clearing debris and removing four beavers from the Dunbar property overflow screen, as well as clearing debris from the Spencer W property overflow screen. A motion was made to establish a FLT Safety Committee comprising Board members to meet monthly. Under Grants, a motion passed unanimously to apply for a Trust Safety Grant. Liaison reports covered planning for Earth Day through the Conservation Commission and sending a letter to the Town Council regarding Terrain Alteration impact on development via the Planning Board. Board members were also informed about the availability of a Trust podcast and Ethics Training review. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss necessary repairs/litigation related to dam #526 and the acquisition of abutting real property for public purposes.

The Commission discussed numerous items, including updates on event planning, outreach to local groups, and potential community partnerships with Boy Scouts and the DAR. Fundraising efforts centered on mug sales, noting proceeds to date. New business included the tentative approval of May 17, 2026, for a Ladies' Tea fundraiser. The Commission also discussed distributing a community survey, establishing a Town website page for updates, and developing a draft procedure for electronic payments for fundraising activities. Conceptual discussions covered participation in the Memorial Day parade and the possibility of fireworks or a bonfire event. Guest input focused on ideas such as historic photo exhibits, food-history programming, and student research projects.