Sarah Burden

The joint meeting addressed the proposed FY27 Sewer and Water Budgets, which include funding for updated billing/administrative software and a finance coordinator position, as part of a larger water meter replacement program. Discussions centered on long-term system resilience, specifically evaluating options for a supplemental water source, including connecting to the MWRA, installing additional local wells, or continued monitoring. The group generally supported the MWRA connection option. Additionally, the possibility of transitioning from quarterly to monthly billing was discussed, contingent upon the completion of meter and software upgrades.

The Select Board meeting included several key actions and discussions. The Board ratified the appointment of Steve Maio as Tree Warden with a 5-0-0 vote. Patrick Deschenes presented zoning articles for the Spring 2026 Town Meeting regarding use regulations, with the Board deferring a sponsorship vote until the next meeting to allow the Planning Board the opportunity to sponsor. The Board voted 5-0-0 to award the bid for Sewer System Improvements to National Water Main Cleaning Co. for $798,041.20, and also approved the request to declare various Department of Public Works vehicles as surplus. The deadline for the Spring 2026 Town Meeting Warrant was extended to January 20, 2026. The Board approved several consent agenda items, including gifts and a request to hold Walpole Day on May 9, 2026. The Town Administrator provided updates on the successful December joint board meeting, the affirmation of the town's Triple-A bond rating by S&P, and the ongoing finalization of the FY27 budget draft.

The meeting featured a presentation by the Deputy Chief of the Walpole Fire Department regarding EMS operations, the impact of Norwood Hospital closure, mutual aid needs, and departmental staffing challenges, including retirement forecasts and outreach coordination with the COA. The Outreach Update detailed high volumes of service requests, including open enrollment assistance, in-person visits, and protective services referrals, alongside the success of the recent Flu Clinic. The Center Update reviewed September events, such as a pool tournament and declutter series, and detailed issues encountered during SHINE Medicare Open Enrollment due to system changes. Financial discussions covered the Operating Expense Budget, Formula Grant utilization, and Gift accounts. New Business included updates on the Walpole Housing, Master Plan, and Friends of Walpole initiatives. The Board also reviewed the Select Board's actions, including updates on the Fall Town Meeting outcomes (passage of budget adjustments and capital projects, failure of the Sewer & Water Advisory Board article), and an Open Meeting Law complaint.

Key discussion topics for this meeting included the formation of a subcommittee for Board By-Law revisions and a review of the June meeting minutes. The agenda detailed significant operational and financial updates, such as increases in new members, virtual wallet balances, outreach metrics (total and unique people served), and ride activities, noting a growing need for medical transportation. Financial updates covered Expenses, Formula Grant, Gifts, Grandparents, and Program Revolving Account performance. Other items included discussion and a vote on the Holiday Schedule, updates on the Walpole Housing Authority, Master Plan, Friends of Walpole Elders, Select Board, and Norwood Hospital updates, planning for future meetings, and an open forum.

The document details the proceedings of the Annual Meeting and the subsequent Monthly Meeting. Key discussions during the Annual Meeting involved forming a subcommittee to review Policies and Procedures, with several members volunteering and suggesting a review of the Terms of Office. During the Monthly Meeting, the State of the Center report highlighted significant operational activity, including all programs being full, increased unique and total people served, and the successful implementation of a new pre-registration program. Concerns were raised regarding staff needing a retreat day and the uncertainty of future State and Federal funding, which impacts salaries. Outreach efforts showed high utilization, particularly concerning demanding Eviction Help cases, leading to a suggestion to track these complex cases for presentation to the Town. Capital requests included funding for a new 9-passenger van, and progress on a new website was noted. Financial updates covered FY25 expenditure rates for the General Fund and Formula Grant, noting a substantial carryover balance from the Formula Grant. The Finance Update also detailed activity within the Gifts account and the Grandparent Raising Grandchildren Gift Account. The board set the dates for the November and December meetings. New business included updates on Walpole Housing Authority unit availability and plans to seek grant funding for an Outreach Department. Discussion on the Norwood Hospital situation included reviewing letters to send to the Governor and the Commissioner of Mass Public Health. Future meeting topics were also suggested, including presentations from various town departments and an AI Workshop.