Town of Grafton

The meeting began with a reorganization of the committee, resulting in the designation of the chair, vice chair, and clerk by reaffirming current roles, with one member returning to the committee. A significant portion of the discussion centered on an informational update regarding the Open Space Inventory, which proved useful for the trails committee seeking information on town-owned land not controlled by Concom for potential trail work. The committee considered the protection of two large, town-owned parcels at 27 Milford Road, which are currently unprotected. There was discussion about the feasibility of future field use or a recreation center on this land, contrasting with the original intent for permanent conservation. Concerns were raised about potentially spending funds on a feasibility study when the land's history suggests it should be protected as open space, though it was noted that recreation use might be compatible with conservation protection. The committee acknowledged that permanent protection would likely require a town meeting vote to place the land under the control of the conservation commission.

The Board meeting commenced with a review and approval of the minutes from the November 10th, 2025 meeting. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the implementation of the new Voter Registration System (VRIS) from the Secretary of State's office, noting its delay and the need for registrar training. The Board also discussed coordination with the Select Board, with a planned meeting in February. Key topics included reviewing and clarifying the political calendar, specifically confirming absentee ballot application deadlines and return procedures. The Board is prioritizing transparency by planning to create a public service announcement video detailing the entire election process, including election worker training, ballot counting oversight, and the Board of Registrars' role. Furthermore, the annual strategy discussion outlined responsibilities for the year, such as making recommendations for in-person early voting, managing the street listing review, and addressing residency issues.

The committee meeting focused on reviewing the cost estimate for implementing pay-as-you-throw and automated collection programs. Discussion included current revenue and costs under the existing program, which currently results in a deficit requiring general fund supplementation. A bag fee increase scenario was modeled, showing how new rates might approach cost neutrality. Furthermore, the committee reviewed the potential transition to an automated system, discussing expected labor cost reductions (estimated around 10%) versus anticipated increases in operational costs, resulting in a projected net addition to the program cost. The initial capital expenditure for toters, estimated at $75 per unit for approximately 5,620 households, was analyzed regarding funding options (free cash vs. rate increase). Discussions also covered the structure of the automated system, specifically whether it should include only two toters (trash and recycling) or a three-toter system, considering resident usage patterns and potential increased costs for residents with low trash output.

The meeting covered the approval of the 2026-2027 school calendar, which was noted to be straightforward and scheduled parent conferences around an election day. A significant portion of the meeting addressed an erroneous calculation in staff attendance data reported to the state, where professional development days and absences for split-assignment staff were incorrectly recorded, leading to a falsely low teacher attendance percentile. Corrections were made, shifting the teacher attendance percentile from the 98th percentile (near the bottom) to the 67th percentile. Discussions also included updates on goals, including a goal to visit 1000 classrooms, and preliminary discussions regarding the fiscal year 2027 budget and potential reductions, noting that the town administrator was unavailable to present the full forecast. Concerns were raised regarding the town's preliminary appropriation for schools being significantly lower than the desired level service budget, and the ambiguity concerning how budget reductions would be applied (school override vs. town override).

The document references a School Committee Special Meeting. No specific discussion topics are detailed in the provided text snippet.