Stanley Bell

The meeting included a second reading and subsequent approval of three policies: Policy EBAA -- Chemical Hazards, Policy IHBG -- Home Schooling, and Policy JLDBG -- Reintegration of Students From Juvenile Correctional Facilities. Key new business items included a District Audit Presentation by Craig Costello of Branter, Thibodeau & Associates, and noting the retirement of LHS Principal Dan Bowers in June 2026. The board entered executive session for the evaluation of the Superintendent, followed by a motion to approve the Superintendent's contract as negotiated.

The Budget Committee meeting involved a review of several departmental budgets for the Fiscal Year 2026/2027. Key discussions included the Code Enforcement Budget, where the CEO requested additional hours due to increased state requirements and permit influx, detailing current pay rates and mileage reimbursement. The Police Department budget review focused on funding for a new officer, justified by high call volume benchmarks indicating operational risk with only three full-time officers, and discussions on primary crime issues like drugs. The Library Budget was presented, noting increases in office supplies costs and security expenses, with the new extension expected to be completed by April. The next meeting agenda was set to cover Fire & Rescue, Highway Maintenance, Debt Services, and Non-Profits.

The Budget Committee meeting agenda included several action items requiring discussion and potential action. Key topics slated for review were Fire & Rescue matters led by the Chief, Highway Maintenance updates, Non-Profits considerations, and Debt Services reviews. The agenda also provided a scheduled time slot for comments and questions from the public.

The agenda for the meeting included several action items such as the approval of previous meeting minutes from December 23, 2025, a Special Town Meeting for CDBG Application Warrant, and discussion regarding the Town Mowing RFP. Key discussion topics involved updates on the ambulance delivery, a Year-to-Date (YTD) Budget Update, addressing Nuisance Properties, and an update on the Fire Station. The agenda also listed Executive Session for Labor Negotiations and the approval of the Treasurer's Warrant dated January 13, 2026.

The meeting addressed several key action items, including approving the 2025 Tax Commitment by adopting a 13.9 mil rate with a $120,073 overlay. Appointments were approved for the Budget Committee (Joy Jandreau) and Parks & Recreation (Ken Paul). A motion was passed to recognize Constitution Week, noting September 17th as the 238th Anniversary. Discussion items included obtaining a Clerk of the Work for the fire station construction, addressing ambulance revenue, particularly concerning services provided to Burnham, and noting delays in updates regarding nuisance properties and the Crosswalk/Sidewalk project at Old Mill Park. Progress on the new fire station construction was reported, with concrete pouring scheduled for the following week. The Treasurer's Warrant #5 in the amount of $296,750.65 was approved.