Stephanie DeMarco

The public hearing focused on the Board of Health's proposed regulation regarding the Keeping of Livestock and Manure Management. Discussions included concerns over new permitting requirements for livestock ownership, the impact of setback and management provisions on smaller properties, and potential administrative burdens. Attendees questioned the alignment of these regulations with zoning bylaws and state Right-to-Farm protections, while suggesting alternatives such as complaint-driven enforcement, better educational programs on agricultural practices, and regional composting options.

The joint meeting focused on the review of departmental budgets for fiscal year 2027. Departments presenting included Public Works, which detailed enterprise funds and equipment upgrades; the Fire Department, which discussed staffing and ambulance revenue; the Planning Department, covering wage studies and commercial property analysis; the Library, regarding salary adjustments and state certification requirements; Veterans Services, addressing burial benefit trends and service outreach; and Information Technology, emphasizing infrastructure needs and replacement cycles. Additionally, the Capital Program Committee proposed a new approach for funding major infrastructure through periodic tax overrides rather than debt exclusions, and the Town Administrator provided a summary of the current general fund budget deficit and ongoing efforts to identify further reductions.

The Board conducted a public hearing regarding a town-initiated major site plan review and land disturbance permit for the construction of a water treatment plant for PFAS removal on Jersey Street. Key discussions included the project's construction timeline, environmental safety measures, waste disposal, and the necessity of a third-party stormwater review. The board also received updates regarding an upcoming joint meeting with the Select Board, progress on member goal submissions, and a request from the Barn Door representatives for an informal future presentation.

The agenda covers financial matters including abatements, adjustments, aged receivables, collections, FY2027 budget planning, and FY25 retained earnings. Policy discussions involve the sewer district, PFAS in Pepperell, water treatment plant operations, the Jersey Street Fire Station RTN, a federal lawsuit, and the Lead and Copper Rule. Capital projects and Department of Public Works items include staffing, training, and inter-municipal agreements regarding Dunstable Water and Groton Sewer.

The primary discussion involved a motion to continue the public hearing for the 24 Bancroft Street/Woodland Ridge 40B Comprehensive Permit. The hearing was officially continued to Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Albert Harris Center. No other agenda items were discussed. Future meetings scheduled include a continuation hearing on March 4, 2026, for the 59 Leighton Street/Leighton Landing 40B project and the continuation hearing for the 24 Bancroft Street project on March 25, 2026.