Shelley Mello

The Board of Selectmen meeting included the appointment of a new senior clerk and a new patrol officer for the police department. A temporary appointment for a Zoning Board of Appeals clerk was approved. The board rescinded the previous town administrator's signatory authority and transferred the liquor license for the Acushnet River Valley Golf Course to the new town administrator. Additionally, the board discussed the review of federal grant policies and procedures, and authorized the establishment of a committee to plan the 250th anniversary parade.

The board discussed a correspondence letter regarding home care statistics. The primary focus of the meeting was an enforcement action regarding a property at 12 Carol Street, where the owners requested to install a composting toilet system due to difficulties in meeting Title 5 septic requirements. The board deliberated on the lack of proper documentation for previous septic inspections and percolation tests, emphasizing the necessity of engaging an engineer to design a compliant septic and gray water system to ensure environmental protection.

The meeting focused on several key items, including a training session notification regarding clean energy permitting and a continued public hearing for a Notice of Intent at Zero Middle Road, involving a storage facility project with updated site plans and spill management controls. The commission also continued a hearing for a residential development at 72 Middle Road to a future date, discussed an extension request for a solar farm project at 540R Main Street, and reviewed a request for an amended order of conditions at 185 Middle Road concerning site modifications including a grass swale, rip rap, and fencing.

The board discussed ongoing projects including the installation of a veterans memorial wall, the removal of decommissioned vans, and the status of sprinkler system and HVAC improvements. Additionally, updates were provided on upcoming community events, recreational programs, and travel opportunities. A presentation was also given regarding cognitive wellness programs for older adults.

The meeting involved discussions regarding budget scenarios for the school department, specifically addressing needs-driven, level-funded, and constraint-driven budgets. Key topics included the potential impact of staff reductions, adjustments to programs, rising fixed costs such as transportation, water, and insurance, and the expiration of solar credits. There was a significant focus on the systemic budget challenges faced by municipalities across the Commonwealth, with reference to the increasing number of towns requesting Proposition 2 1/2 overrides to address budget deficits.