Misty Gratacos

The Select Board reviewed various administrative and project updates, including payroll and bill manifests, along with status reports on ongoing town initiatives such as bridge projects, the volunteer CPA audit plan, and the Highway Garage mold situation. Department reports covered Police Department activity and the submission of a Congressionally Directed Spending proposal for the ambulance service. Public comments addressed the implementation of the ambulance billing policy, the utilization of a donation for ambulance repairs, discrepancies in the budget document, and the upcoming closure of Vilas Pool due to construction. The Board also conducted an executive session regarding a non-public matter.

The Select Board held a meeting where Cheshire County representatives presented an overview of their current initiatives and responded to inquiries regarding bridge repairs and budget increases. Significant discussion occurred concerning the term length for the elected Treasurer, ultimately resulting in a motion to swear the official in for a three-year term. The Board also addressed infrastructure projects, including bridge engineering contracts, the Thayer Brook bypass, and ongoing mold mitigation at the highway garage. Additionally, they reviewed departmental reports, authorized bidding for paving work, and discussed administrative items such as the use of Millot Green for a community vigil and potential community notification systems.

The commission discussed flood planning resources, organized public event planning for 2026 including road clean-up and nature walks, and reviewed strategies for updating the Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) using community surveys and educational talks. Additionally, the commission discussed managing town forest resources and approved the creation of a centralized Google account and a Facebook page for organizational communication and event promotion.

The meeting included signing payroll and bill manifests, and reviewing miscellaneous items. Old business discussions involved no updates on several projects including washed-out glass, bridge projects, and the IT/Phone upgrade. Progress was noted on the Volunteer CPA project plan for auditors, and follow-up was sent to NH DOT regarding the Hill Road project reimbursement. In New Business, public comments focused on the implementation status of the ambulance billing policy, the earmarking of a $15,000 donation for ambulance motor rebuilds, discrepancies noted in the budget document, and the process for posting Selectboard agendas. The Board also discussed the closure of Vilas Pool due to construction. The session concluded with an executive session.

Key discussions included the Comstock Road bridge project, where the Board is acknowledging Hoyle Tanner for construction engineering services, and a decision to send the drafted right of way deed for Newell Pond trees and property to legal counsel for review, with the understanding that the other party will cover associated expenses. Department reports noted the Highway Department ordering additional salt supplies and addressing an issue with a truck hinge. The Police Department reported 134 calls for service and promoted a Contact Person Notification Program. The Director of EMS, Sanitation & Grounds reported progress on the Congressionally Directed Spending proposal for the Ambulance service. Board reports included updates on warrant articles, the ARPA process, and the potential for offering free CPR/Stop the Bleed training to the Town.