Lynn S. Berube

The Commission held a hearing regarding the demolition of a property at 562 Main St., resulting in a unanimous vote to waive the 6-month waiting period due to extensive structural damage. The commission addressed the status of the Montaup Plant demolition, determining it currently falls outside their scope. Other agenda items included progress on the digitization and proofing of the Book of Records of Shawomet Lands, plans for cemetery headstone cleaning involving community volunteers, and a discussion regarding concerns over the language in the Code of Conduct for appointed positions.

The board reviewed financial reports, including gift and grant account balances, and discussed the recent resignation of the office assistant. New business included the welcoming of a new board member, upcoming luncheon events, and a schedule change for transportation services. The board also reviewed a list of proposed capital improvement projects, including building repairs and replacements. Additionally, the meeting covered the launch of a new local food bank program and a discussion on potential improvements for remote voting accessibility at town meetings.

The committee held a joint discussion with the Water & Sewer Commission regarding the proposed FY2027 budgets. The discussion covered payroll changes, operating expenses, and the consolidation of budget line items. Specific line items for emergency water line replacements, administrative assessments for town services, and electricity costs were reviewed. The committee also examined debt service principal and interest payments for both departments, state revolving fund grants, and revenue projections. Furthermore, the status of water meter replacements, fire hydrant updates, and ongoing water demand negotiations with neighboring towns were addressed.

The Board of Selectmen discussed several agreements for the purchase of equipment, including cardiac monitors for the Fire Department and evidence lockers for the Police Department. Additionally, the Board reviewed and approved a Water Service Agreement, held a joint meeting with the Community Preservation Committee to discuss Fiscal Year 2027 project funding and planning, approved a window and door restoration project for the Swansea Friends Meeting House, authorized temporary use of Town property for various community events, and approved an agreement for solid waste and recycling collection. The board also addressed the purchase of a new pickup truck for Town Hall, a basketball court replacement project at O'Neil Field, and discussed budget presentation procedures for the upcoming fiscal year. Finally, the Board touched upon informal planning for a 250th National Celebration Committee and received updates regarding winter storm preparations and bus stop safety.

The committee meeting included the recognition of an award recipient, the approval of a revision to the 2025-2026 Student & Family Handbook, and an update on student enrollment. The committee discussed the appointment of a voting delegate for the upcoming MASS/MASC conference, reviewed the annual building/facilities inspection report, and received financial updates regarding the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 budgets. Additionally, the committee approved hourly rate adjustments for non-union personnel and conducted a second reading and approval of several district policies, including attendance, student promotion and retention, commencement exercise participation, and background checks.