The board conducted a public hearing concerning an appeal of a cease and desist order issued by the zoning enforcement officer regarding a fence violation at a residential property. The applicant's counsel argued that the order was procedurally invalid due to an incorrect property address and substantively incorrect, citing long-standing existence of the fence and claiming compliance with zoning regulations. The board discussed the definitions of sightlines and applicable highway design standards for local roads versus state highways.
Mar 12, 2026
Enterprise
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The Board of Finance held a meeting focused on departmental budget reviews for the highway department and facilities management. Key discussions included cost increases in salt and sand for winter maintenance, a mandatory backflow prevention repair, staff overtime considerations for salaried personnel, equipment maintenance expenses, and contractual wage adjustments. Additionally, the Board reviewed potential staffing additions, the replacement of retiring personnel, and updates to the 10-year capital improvement plan, specifically regarding air conditioning repairs for the senior center.
Jan 14, 2026·Board meeting
Board Of Finance Meeting
The Board of Finance meeting commenced with organizational items. Key discussion points included the upcoming budget review process with departments, focusing on those with significant changes, and the reappointment process for members of various boards. An invitation was extended for the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the organics recycling program. Concerns were raised regarding a persistent foul odor at Oldtown Hall, which is being investigated for plumbing or drain issues. Significant discussion centered on selecting an architect for the high school and Whiskiner Middle School roof projects, specifically inquiring about design costs incorporating potential solar installations. An ad hoc group was formed to review architect proposals, with a preference noted for a firm whose bid was substantially lower, pending reference checks. Updates were provided on an NBC project, noting a deviation from required quarterly reporting to the Board of Selectmen, with plans to rectify this in the subsequent month. Other topics included the slow progress on free charging stations, the major implications of the state's new housing bill (HB 802) on local zoning laws requiring prompt action, and the hiring of Silver Petraelli for the community center design following positive reviews from other municipal projects. Further discussion involved ongoing litigation with DEP regarding an adjudicatory hearing concerning pollutant levels, and objections being raised against a proposed cell tower sighting. Finally, a significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to approving an agenda amendment to discuss the critical need to increase dispatcher staffing from one to two per shift, 24 hours a day, as recommended by the Fire EMS Committee and a prior report, to avoid excessive overtime costs and properly staff the consoles.
