Tracey M. Watson

The committee discussed the status of the MVP grant after the Select Board withdrew from the latest application, expressing interest in revisiting the River Road resiliency project at a future date. Discussions centered on the committee's future role, exploring the possibility of conducting a smaller project with town resources, and determining if engaging the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission for project management tasks is feasible, especially since multi-town projects are favored by the MVP program. Further actions included planning to propose the same project again next year, looking into reviving the Living Shoreline Technical Committee, and considering outreach to the Cowasuck band. The committee also planned to propose a five-minute presentation on addressing sea level rise and extreme weather at an upcoming MVPC workshop. Community engagement via Facebook was tabled for future consideration. Progress was made on coordinating flood notifications using the Code Red system with the Emergency Management Chief, and a member volunteered to inquire about the current practice of using riprap material for River Road erosion control. A joint meeting with the Open Space Committee was scheduled to review Greenbelt mapping tools.

Key discussion points included the review and acceptance of the minutes from the previous meeting. The council unanimously voted to accept a formal phrasing of their guidelines amendment. There was a brief discussion regarding listing sponsored events on the website, including dates and venues, to promote community attendance. The survey, which was approved by the town, was formatted as a PDF for easier completion by the community; however, an older survey must be removed before the current one can be uploaded. The feedback from this survey will inform the priorities for the yearly report. Additionally, the logo competition is now open, and contact will be made with the high school.

This document outlines the town's workplan, projects, and initiatives for both the near term (January-June 2026) and long term (FY27 and later). Key strategic areas include Finance/Administration, Infrastructure, Planning/Land Management, and Public Services, with a focus on enhancing municipal operations, developing infrastructure, managing land resources, and improving public services.

The meeting focused on reviewing the Treasurer's Report for the period ending November 30, 2025, which indicated positive financial standing with strong donations. The Director's Report detailed activities including a slight decrease in Meals on Wheels deliveries, a significant increase in Food Pantry demand due to a government shutdown affecting SNAP benefits, successful holiday bag distribution, and well-attended programs like Lunch & Learn, Exercise & Yoga, and Sound Bath Meditation. The report also noted low attendance for Cribbage & Games and the Pentucket Intergenerational Program, and highlighted the need for more volunteer drivers for NEET Rides. The Senior Tax Work-Off program was reported as fully staffed with 20 volunteers participating, and the third fall Vaccine Clinic was well attended. Old business included confirming nineteen attendees for the upcoming Stoneham Theatre Trip.

The Finance Committee agenda outlines a joint meeting with the Select Board, including a public comment period. Key discussions involve Town Manager Updates, such as the status of the proposed FY27 budget assessment following the Pentucket School Committee meeting, and the withdrawal of two articles for the spring Town Meeting warrant. The committee will review and discuss proposed operating budgets for various departments, including Council on Aging, Library, and Parks & Rec Commission, but recommendations on the overall budget are anticipated at the April 1st meeting. Furthermore, the committee plans to review and vote on recommendations for several proposed warrant articles, primarily capital articles like the Compact Excavator and Water/DPW Garage. The agenda also includes determining whether to vote on non-financial bylaw amendments concerning dogs, vehicles, parking, and cannabis zoning.