Marshall W. Gale

The board discussed several items, including the potential implementation of live streaming for public meetings, which remains under assessment. Appointments to the Conservation Commission were approved. Discussions regarding the sponsorship of the 250th anniversary celebration for insurance purposes were tabled pending further information. The board approved an amendment to the LWCF G-1 grant and authorized the Town Administrator to execute associated documents. Additionally, the board voted to post town roads with spring weight limits effective March 1, 2026. Reports were provided regarding recent Planning Board and Parks and Recreation meetings. The board discussed inviting school board representatives to present the upcoming budget, reviewed a new ambulance response fee schedule for external towns, and approved a new hire during a non-public session. Finally, updates were provided regarding staffing levels within the Water and Sewer Department.

The meeting centered on the review of an application for a two-lot subdivision, with significant discussion regarding stormwater management, culvert replacement, potential flooding impacts, and environmental assessments concerning wetland preservation and wildlife habitats. The board also engaged in ongoing reviews of the subdivision and excavation regulations. Additional items included discussions on tax increment financing, the adoption of a new FEMA flood insurance study and rate maps, an inquiry regarding a historical lot line adjustment, and potential zoning ordinance items for town vote, such as the regulation of games of chance.

The Board discussed proposed revisions to site plan and subdivision regulations, specifically focusing on the definitions of conversion apartments, abutters, and subdivisions, as well as the criteria for major versus minor site plan reviews for home-based businesses. Administrative procedures for application submissions were reviewed, including preferences for colorized plans and electronic submittals. The Board addressed updates to the Tax Increment Financing District, the status of the Economic Development Committee, and transportation programs. Furthermore, the meeting covered internal planning reports regarding upcoming subdivision applications, state-issued permits, and vacancies on the Southwest Regional Planning Commission.

Key discussions included a recap of the Community Fair Business Fair, noting issues with email delivery to promotions folders, potential date changes for future fairs, and the need for better janitorial service. Regarding the EDDM mailer, one change was requested, and planning for the next mailer will involve creating a list of specific, short-term volunteer opportunities. For the Town Meeting Warrant Article, a request for $4,200 to cover the budget was discussed, along with the cost-saving possibility of using the Town Hall printer. For the 250th Celebration Committee, coordination with the Selectboard regarding insurance coverage under the Town was reviewed, and the Community Board offered to disseminate volunteer requests. Other business included noting the candidates running for board seats and scheduling a future planning session.

The meeting addressed several agenda items, including the request for live streaming of public meetings, which was deferred pending further research, policy development, and cost analysis. The Board unanimously approved the purchase and authorization for use of a new Dominion ImageCast Precinct 2 Bundle electronic ballot counting device. The Select Board accepted the resignation of a member from the TIF Committee and approved the hiring of a new part-time Firefighter, Brody Edmunds, upon the recommendation of the Fire Chief. The Town Administrator provided updates on the Tax Recommittal Warrant and Audit, requesting confirmation to post budget drafts for the upcoming Budget Hearing. The Board discussed conceptual plans for a potential cottage court development and reviewed budget matters concerning open enrollment and home school registrations. A service agreement for municipal prosecution services with Anthony W. Gray, Esq., was approved, replacing the previous agreement with the Hillsborough Police Department. The Board convened in a non-public session to review and revise all current tax payment plans to reflect current values, obligations, and solvency ability.