Town of Charlton

The Advisory Board meeting included the Chairperson opening the meeting, a roll call conducted by the Clerk, and reports from administration. The agenda also allocated time for business from the public, during which inquiries submitted via email, phone, or website would be addressed at the Chairperson's discretion. The meeting concluded with a potential roll call vote to adjourn.

The agenda for this meeting included a recording announcement, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a Moment of Silence. Key items included a showcase by the Charlton Elementary School Principal. The Consent Agenda covered approval of the Warrant, Out of State Field Trips, and the approval of the previous month's Regular Meeting Minutes. New Business items featured a report from the Dudley Elementary School Principal, discussion on proposed Handbook Changes for SY2026-2027, a preview and discussion of the FY27 Budget, a review of the Program of Studies for Shepherd Hill, evaluation of the MSBA Statement of Interest (SOI) Priority, a Subcommittee and Liaison Review, and a policy review of JJIB-A Extracurricular Participation.

Key discussions during the meeting included citizen concerns regarding the frequency of bringing similar items to town meetings and requests to study options for limiting rapid reconsideration of votes, potentially related to citizen petitions. The Board addressed public inquiries concerning the Library Trustees' authority over town-owned property, specifically regarding a new overnight parking policy, and sought clarification from Town Lawyers regarding the Library's ability to enact policies banning weapons given state law. The Board also deliberated on procedural matters, including amending the Select Board Rules of Procedure for policy adoption votes. Action items involved approving the Environmentally Preferable Products Policy, appointing poll workers until December 31, 2026, appointing a liaison for the Bylaw Review Committee, accepting resignations from the Council on Aging and Economic Development Commission, and approving Special Alcoholic Beverage Licenses for St. Joseph's Church fundraisers. The Board opened the warrant for the May 18, 2026, Annual Town Meeting and discussed budget priorities, emphasizing schools and public safety. Two pole hearings were held and approved for utility installation/relocation requests. The Board also addressed issues with the Fay Mountain Farm Committee quorum by appointing new liaisons.

The Board of Assessors meeting agenda included opening the meeting, conducting Board Certification, a vote regarding Residential Solar installations, and addressing any new business. The agenda also specified an adjournment to an executive session to discuss sensitive matters concerning abatement or exemption applications, motor vehicle excise applications protected under DPPA, and confidential financial forms protected under state law.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the September 25, 2025 minutes, noting a correction on the adjournment time. Discussions covered the signing of deeds for plot sales, including perpetual care fees. The monthly burial count for September and October was reviewed. Old Business included an update confirming the Fall cleanup was proceeding well despite staffing shortages, and an agreement to postpone the discussion on the "green burial" site in Northside Cemetery. The Commissioners also reviewed a new quote from All Funeral Services for fieldwork, GPS mapping, and digitization services, agreeing it was a necessity for the future but not immediately required. New Business addressed the resignation of a Cemetery/Facilities laborer due to health reasons, followed by a review of over 20 applications for the vacant position, with eight candidates selected for interviews. The group confirmed the passing of a Special Town Meeting article that allocated $34,000 for paving cemetery roads, for which an RFP will be created. Finally, the Commissioners voted to maintain current cemetery service rates and fees for the coming calendar year.