Tammy Broderick

The agenda for this hybrid meeting includes calls to order, review and potential approval of the consent agenda which covers minutes from previous meetings (Tri-Board, Personnel Committee, Region 1 BOE, and ABC), and the January Cash Report. Key discussion topics include public comment periods, comments from the Board Chair, review of written communication such as a retirement letter, a Board of Education training session on the Minimum Budget Requirement (MBR) presented by Sam Herrick, discussion of the budget time line, various subcommittee reports (Communication, Building Committee, Personnel Committee), action items regarding Architectural and Engineering Services Proposals, first readings of several policies (including FMLA, Nondiscrimination, and Library Material Review), anticipated adoption of Region One Transition Policies (2000 Series), discussion of updating bylaws, administrative reports, a Board of Education Round Table, and adjournment.

The workshop session focused on discussing options regarding signage on the Main Green and related considerations for the Clock Tower.

The meeting involved discussions regarding a speed study conducted on six town roads and a proposal for speed enforcement cameras, including reviewing a template agreement and planning to consult with the Town Attorney regarding the necessary ordinance adoption. The Board reviewed applications for two town positions (Non-CDL Facilities Maintainer and Recreation Director) and determined which applicants to interview. Approval was granted for the Parks & Recreation Committee's Application for Use of the Green for a Crafts Fair on August 1, 2026, and the Sharon Day Care's request to use town roads for a race on May 2, 2026. Additionally, an applicant was appointed to the Sharon Housing Authority Board. Updates were also provided on the town newsletter volunteer group and the mailing of informational postcards.

Key discussions included the approval of the agenda with two additional applications to accept for the February meeting, and an extension request for a pending application regarding a structure, septic, well, and driveway at 6 Weeds Dam Road. The commission requested updated site plans and proper staking for a site visit scheduled for the following month. New business included the acceptance of two applications: one for an underground propane tank at 61 Surdan Mountain Road and another for a beaver baffle installation at 238 Sharon Mountain Road. Members were also tasked with reviewing the current Plan of Conservation & Development (POCD) and bringing ideas to the next meeting for submission to Planning & Zoning regarding town-wide invasive aquatic plant management programs.

Key discussions included the low turnout for the free public information session on home energy assessments and strategies to determine the cause. A well-attended presentation on invasive and native plants led to discussions about forming a team to address invasives on Sharon roadsides. The commission also reviewed methods for distributing the town calendar directly to subscribers via email, similar to Salisbury's method. Updates were provided on partnership creation meetings and the SEEC's 2026 budget request of $2500. The topic of resiliency was addressed, focusing on increasing emergency notification sign-ups and establishing a refuge location for general crises. Finally, the possibility of using timers for lights in the town hall parking lot and Sharon Center School to mitigate light pollution was briefly considered.