Wendy Bloomquist

The meeting included updates from Tecton regarding project design reviews, including requirements for a commercial-sized kitchen exhaust hood and discussions on property turn radius tests, which were confirmed as successful using ladder truck dimensions. The committee reviewed and unanimously approved three proprietary specified items already in use by the Town: Automated Logic for the HVAC Instrumentation and Controls System, Plymovent for the Vehicle Exhaust Extraction System, and Verkada for the Integrated Security System, with an agreement to investigate a past security issue related to Verkada. The Leftfield team provided a schedule update, noting that Bid Documents will be released on 1/30/26, and project completion remains on track for late April. The committee also agreed to change future meeting dates to Tuesdays and established a strategic order for considering Add/Alternates based on potential budget allowances: Expanding Radiant Floor Slab first, followed by the Parking Canopy for Staff, and then the BDA Deduct Alternate (which will be requested as Unit Pricing).

The meeting included a special recognition for an Auburn High School Senior, Panos Poniros, and a moment of silence in honor of John Doherty, a retired teacher. Student representatives provided updates on Winter Carnival activities, upcoming senior night, track states, spring sports registration, the spring play, and the Mr. Auburn event. The Superintendent presented on the selection of an Auburn Middle School student as a Project 351 Ambassador. Professional development activities for staff on January 16, 2026, focusing on iReady scaffolding and vertical articulation, were reported. Unfinished business included discussions on the FY27 Draft Budget, where the administration is exploring potential cuts, and an update on the audit and verification of Auburn High School Student Activity accounts. Policy JJE was approved on its third reading. The committee approved the continuation of the School Choice program for the 2026-2027 school year and discussed the distribution timeline for the mid-year cell phone policy survey. A request for a one-year postponement of the NEASC Accreditation visit was noted, and the initial read of the policy review sub-committee recommendations occurred. Financial matters involved accepting the Bring Change 2 Mind Student Activity Club and its associated grant award, reviewing the Year-to-Date Budget Report, and approving the School Department Warrant Articles for the Annual Town Meeting scheduled for May 5, 2026.

The meeting agenda included the Chairperson opening the meeting, a roll call by the Clerk, public comments, the Administrators Report from Rickman, and other administration items. Potential action items included a roll call vote to adjourn. The board provided contact information and procedures for public inquiries and accommodations, ensuring compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The community meeting focused on the feasibility study for a municipal swimming pool, an initiative prompted by a significant one-million-dollar donation offer from the Pappas Foundation. Key discussion points included the process for gathering resident input via surveys (with over 731 responses recorded at the time) to inform the decision. The presentation covered critical data areas required for an informed decision, such as resident demand, potential programming (like swimming lessons, water fitness, and therapy classes being major income generators), cost of construction and ongoing operations, management options, and potential funding sources beyond the initial donation. Preliminary data from other municipalities showed that most swimming pool facilities operate at a deficit, ranging from $37,000 to $390,000 annually, which the town would need to absorb if the project proceeds. Initial resident preference indicated a strong preference for a year-round indoor pool over an outdoor facility.

This document appears to be a transcript from a Candidates Forum/Debate regarding the town moderator race, where candidates Dorene Goodbridge and Glenn Feldman presented their qualifications and addressed questions. Key discussion points included the candidates' reasons for running, their approach to orienting newly elected town meeting members, and their strategies for fostering discussion on warrant articles, especially those introduced via citizen petition. The candidates emphasized the importance of the representative form of town meeting and ensuring all voices within that structure are heard.