Paul Kelly

The Board discussed various municipal matters, including the Conservation Commission's pursuit of a 604(b) Watershed Grant for Darrah Pond and the approval of a deputy tax collector position. Key infrastructure and community requests were addressed, such as the denial of a request to display the Town Seal on a private building exterior, the appointment of an alternate Library Trustee, and a review of facility maintenance challenges at the library, including septic issues. The Board also approved the 2026 Paving Plan, a transcription services contract, two land-use change taxes, and the placement of senior recognition signs on municipal property. Additionally, the Board received updates on legislative developments, town administrator reports, and internal committee activities, concluding with a non-public session regarding personnel and reputation matters.

The board discussed and approved several items, including an Earth Day community cleanup request, donations for the town's 250th celebration, and a lease renewal for town property. Several tax-related assessments, including Land Use Change, timber, and gravel taxes, were approved. The board also handled conservation commission membership changes, conservation property leases, and hawker's and peddler's license applications. Financial actions included transfers to trust funds, the write-off of uncollectible ambulance funds, and the approval of an IT Managed Services RFQ. Additionally, the board addressed employee wage increase procedures, performance review policies, and vacation carryover requests. Updates from the Town Administrator covered clean fleets reimbursement, fire hydrant costs, state legislative updates, capital improvement planning, and road pavement assessments.

This watershed plan addresses a 30-year decline in Darrah Pond's water quality, characterized by increasing total phosphorus levels and reduced visibility, which has led to algae blooms, oxygen depletion, and habitat loss, including a recent fish kill. The plan's objective is to identify the source of these issues and implement remediation. Key actions involve contracting a professional survey to collect detailed data and developing a comprehensive, long-term watershed remediation strategy. The plan outlines a funding strategy focused on securing 604.B grants and seeks formal approval from the Board of Selectmen to proceed.

The board conducted a review and approval of various consent items, including financial manifests, tax-exempt financing applications, and veteran tax credit recertifications. Key business included the reorganization of board leadership, the consideration of multiple property tax abatement requests, and the appointment of new members to the Recreation Commission and Planning Board. The board also discussed preliminary plans for the town's 250th anniversary celebration, reviewed upcoming policy updates, authorized a field maintenance contract, held a first reading for the Fire Chief's employment contract, and established a mission statement for the newly formed Circumferential Highway Exploratory Committee. Additionally, updates were provided on legislative matters, regional water system developments, and building maintenance needs.

The Board of Selectmen convened a nonpublic session to discuss the hiring process for a public employee, specifically focusing on the open Building Inspector position. Discussions covered the candidate's education and professional background. The board subsequently voted to conclude the nonpublic session and adjourn the meeting.