Michael Findlen

The meeting agenda covered substantial topics related to remote learning protocols during the school closure, resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Discussions detailed the differentiated virtual instruction plans for grades K-6, including pre-recorded lessons, small group instruction, and social-emotional learning check-ins. The committee addressed parent concerns regarding the mandatory versus optional nature of enrichment calendar assignments and confirmed clarity would be provided. Furthermore, the committee voted to cancel the scheduled April vacation and replace those four days with remote learning activities to maintain routines and provide robust instruction, while keeping Monday as a state holiday. Quarterly bullying reports for the period of February 1st through March 12th were reviewed, noting actions taken for incidents at H Olive Day School and Freeman Kennedy School. Minor revisions were made to the 2020-2021 school calendar, primarily concerning Camp Horn Dale dates and a professional development day. Finally, the renewal of Norfolk Rec as a school partner was approved, and minutes from previous meetings were ratified.

The meeting included discussion regarding the September 13th meeting with the Planning Board. Key topics involved drainage, setbacks, and parking information for the fire station project. The Planning Board gave a unanimous straw poll to grant a special permit to reduce parking, but continued the public hearing until October 11th. The committee's current tasks involve providing marked-out drawings, a letter from the design review board regarding the exterior view, and a list of abutters with names and addresses to be placed on the plan. The committee also discussed preparations for a subsequent meeting with the Select Board to present the bidding, special town meeting vote, and debt exclusion ballot vote timelines, including construction start dates. Concerns were raised regarding the required 30 business day price hold for General Contractor bids and the impact of potential additional items on the ballot, such as adding a Select Board person, on the schedule adherence.

The meeting included public hearings and discussions regarding several applications. Key discussions involved the continuance request for the Keeny Pond application until January 2025 and a detailed review of the RDA application for 262 Denham Street, involving significant stormwater management changes, including the proposal of subsurface recharge systems and a constructed pocket wetland. The commission debated whether this warranted a positive or negative determination, focusing on compliance with stormwater regulations and the Wetland Protection Act exemptions for vegetation removal and fencing for the 17 Pine Street project, which involves installing a new children's play area with playsafe mulch.

The meeting commenced with the reading of the mission statement and a roll call. Public comment included an advocate celebrating the work of Mrs. Sharon Levali in the HOD library and requesting increased support for the library, noting the lack of an aid. The Chair's report involved approving PTO grants totaling $3,201.99 for HOD and Freeman Kennedy for various educational materials and resources. A significant discussion centered on the Chapter 70 funding formula, noting that the current calculation does not meet district needs despite an overall increase in education funding. The committee reviewed advocacy efforts, including collaboration with various Massachusetts associations to develop a comprehensive K-12 funding proposal addressing circuit breaker reimbursements, regional transportation, and the recalculation of the formula. The committee voted to support this resolution. A third-quarter budget update was presented, detailing current projected deficits in instructional services and student services, partially offset by anticipated reimbursements, including 75% of circuit breaker extraordinary relief claims and emergency assistance funds related to shelter placement. The committee also discussed year-end balance utilization options, such as prepaying special education tuition or capital purchases, to avoid funds reverting to the town. Finally, the committee addressed the budget shortfall relative to the town's allocation, requiring further collaborative reductions to align the budget with town projections.

The meeting primarily addressed a public hearing for an application by Third Rock Solar for a special permit regarding a ground-mounted solar project at 3360 Main Street in the C3 Zoning District. Key discussions involved the placement of the solar array on a constructed berm, the system's configuration (ground-mounted, no battery), the interconnection method via the line side of the Eversource Transformer, and concerns about visual impact and setbacks from Main Street. The board discussed why a roof-mounted system was not feasible due to the building's structural design not accounting for solar uplift forces. The property owner provided context on the building's prefab nature and the change in contractors. The board also addressed concerns regarding screening for the utility meter and Transformer, with the applicant agreeing to explore landscaping options where space permits while adhering to utility setback requirements. A brief discussion also touched upon the subdivision status of the parcel and its proximity to the horse facilities on the property.