Michelle S. Bixler

The council held a public hearing to discuss the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget. During the regular meeting, the fire department and enhancement committee provided reports on operations and upcoming community events. The council authorized the town manager to execute contracts for groundwater exploration and development services, as well as design development services for Bradford Park. A resolution of recognition was approved for a former Tree Board president. Furthermore, the council discussed a tax due date extension and finalized contract negotiations with a new trash and recycling service provider.

The meeting included discussions regarding the resignation of a member and the initiation of a process to accept applications for the vacancy. Additionally, the authority approved the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding for professional services provided by the RiverLink Group. The members also participated in a virtually-facilitated session to brainstorm a mission statement and prioritize organizational focus areas, including business attraction, for an upcoming two-year work plan.

The council meeting addressed several major items, most notably the approval of a special use permit for a Wawa fuel station and convenience store following extensive public and council discussion on traffic, safety, and infrastructure impacts. The council also recognized Brain Injury Awareness Month, received reports from the Fire Department and Enhancement Committee, and approved a resolution supporting the removal of a town-owned high hazard dam. Additional actions included authorizing a sidewalk encroachment easement and reduced parking requirements for hotel renovations at 109 South Main Street, as well as the first reading of a floodplain district code amendment to maintain compliance with federal programs.

The meetings covered multiple agenda items across two committees. The Water and Sewer Committee discussed the acquisition of real property for a secondary water source project in executive session and recommended contracting with GZA for the development of groundwater test wells. The Finance Committee reviewed the proposed FY2027 budget and approved an allocation of funds, directing a portion to the Capital and Debt Services Fund while maintaining the remainder in the General Fund contingency. Furthermore, plans were established for an upcoming public hearing regarding the budget.

The council held a public hearing regarding a special use permit for a fuel station and discussed several items including the reallocation of contingency funds for diving boards and a town office vehicle, the acquisition of a replacement work van for public works, and the adoption of new design-build guidelines for capital projects.