Wendy Bloomquist

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.

The public hearing concerned the cable television franchise renewal for Spectrum (Charter). Key discussion points involved identifying the town's cable needs and evaluating Charter's past and current performance. Specific issues raised for further ascertainment included the need for increased capital and operating support from Spectrum, and the critical need to transition local PEG (Public Educational and Government access) channels to High Definition (HD), noting that Charter is currently lagging behind other providers in offering HD PEG channels. Town officials emphasized the vital role of cable television for government communication, especially regarding public health information during the pandemic, and for school events. Operational updates highlighted infrastructure improvements under the last contract, such as the installation of fiber throughout town and educational facilities, maintenance of fiber, and financial contributions towards IT staff salaries and equipment for the high school media class, including a drone purchase. The committee welcomed public input, which could be submitted in writing even after the hearing's close.

The agenda items for this meeting included an introduction, an opportunity for public comment, and discussions regarding the CY 2026 Safety Performance Measures, specifically the potential action to adopt the State's Safety Targets. Key topics under the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) involved the potential action to release Proposed Amendment #4 to the FFY 2026-2030 TIP Highway Project Listing for public review, updates on TIP Readiness Day, MicroProjects, and PM scoring review for FFY 2031 TIP Project Candidates. Additionally, the meeting covered the TIP/UPWP Guidance Summary and Staff Updates.

The meeting included a Student Spotlight presentation from Bryn Mawr first-grade teachers and students focusing on the Empowering Writers program. New Business addressed a civil citation received from the Department of Labor following a workplace injury involving a ladder fall at Bryn Mawr Elementary School on June 26, 2025, necessitating training on ladder safety, Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) usage, and hazard communication. Compliance measures, including scheduled safety training, were outlined. Unfinished Business involved reviewing the FY27 Draft Budget submissions and timelines, providing updates on the progress of the Auburn High School Student Activity accounts audit, and discussing Policy JJE survey feedback. The committee also addressed the replacement of windows at the Central Office using ARPA funds. A major action was the approval to access the Special Education Stabilization Account for $85,489 to cover outplacements for four students. Furthermore, the committee approved the employment contract for incoming Superintendent Dr. R.J. Skaza and approved the discontinuance of several inactive student activity accounts (Blast Off Cafe, Fish & Game Club, Alliance, and Bowling Club), with the disposition of assets held pending the internal audit completion.