Town of Lancaster

The committee meeting addressed several key areas. Discussions included the monthly ongoing programming, 'Chat with a Nurse,' and the cancellation of the 'Exploring Seabird Islands' program due to weather, with plans to reschedule. Updates were provided regarding the Crier newsletter, as the current publishing software, Microsoft Publisher, will be discontinued, necessitating a transition to Canva, which the director is already familiar with. Transportation services (MART) remain impacted by a driver shortage, and the MART Connects program faces potential discontinuation pending new funding. Furthermore, the committee is preparing a new space off the gymnasium for smaller programming. The revised Council on Aging mission statement was discussed and subsequently approved.

The agenda for the meeting, which was amended and held remotely due to a conflict with the Town Meeting, included administrative items such as approving the minutes from the February 9, 2026 (tabled) and February 23, 2026 meetings. The public hearing item involved a petition by Five SAC Self-Storage Corporation and UHAUL Moving & Storage for a Special Permit, Site Plan approval, and Stormwater Management Permit relative to the renovation of an existing building and new construction of a self-storage facility at 90 Duvall Road; however, the applicant requested a continuance until March 23, 2026. The board also planned to review a Division of Land for which Planning Board Approval is Not Required (ANR) proposal to create two lots from 20 Fire Road 10.

The committee discussed ongoing and guest programming, highlighting the Hand and Foot Card Group and an upcoming presentation on gardening for biodiversity. Discussions also covered the launch of a new monthly Memory Café, the Sand for Seniors program providing free sand buckets, and the referral process for the MOC Home Energy Assistance Program. The committee voted to table the discussion regarding the COA Mission Statement.

The agenda for this remote participation meeting included adopting the remote participation format pursuant to state executive orders. Key discussion items involved the Principal's Leadership Report, which included a student report, an admissions update, and a proposal to approve the Class of 2026 Senior Trip to Camp Winaukee, as well as approval for an International Field Trip to Great Britain. The Superintendent's Leadership Report covered a state update and the presentation of the Program of Studies. The Finance Report and various Subcommittee Reports were also presented. The Policy Subcommittee reviewed four policies for second reading: School Year/School Calendar (ICA), School Day (ID), Curriculum Development and Review (IGD), and Health Education (IHAM). The meeting included an Executive Session to discuss strategy related to contract negotiations with non-union personnel (Business Manager), followed by a vote in Open Session to approve the Business Manager's employment contract.

The committee deliberated on the "Blue Sky" 2026 Initiatives, deciding to continue the focus on evaluating businesses and public-facing entities for accessibility improvements. Key actions include drafting letters to businesses to communicate recommendations based on 2025 canvassing data, researching appropriate contacts, and addressing ADA issues identified in the 2025 'A Look at Lancaster Accessibility' video. The committee also discussed potentially moving to a fully remote operation by utilizing a Google account instead of maintaining a physical office. Miscellaneous items included a discussion about Bigelow Gardens changing its trash disposal policy, which negatively affects residents with disabilities, and a report regarding a complaint about an unplowed accessible parking spot at the library.