The issue of the budget gap took center stage due to its immediate impact on the town’s fiscal stability. The board debated the implications of altering health insurance deductibles on town employees and the potential savings for the town. They explored adjusting employee benefits, including the implementation of the Paid Family Medical Leave Act, to further reduce expenses. Concerns were raised about the departmental budget increases, notably the 11% rise in health and sanitation and the 34% surge in landfill monitoring. The possibility of evening out fuel and utility expenses across departments was also discussed as a way to control costs.

The board’s financial discussions extended to the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, with a decision to approve $1,800 for fuel removal at South Elementary School and deliberation over electrical repairs. The Town Administrator updated the board on the submission of warrant articles, and public comments prompted the board to reconsider the percentage of free cash used to balance the budget, especially in the absence of capital project funding.

Infrastructure was another focus of the meeting. A request from Frontier for a reallocation of $200,000 for maintenance and equipment upgrades, such as replacing the fire alarm panel system, garnered support from the board due to the critical nature of these needs. The board also tackled the ongoing concerns about ditches and potential flooding, discussing the challenges of maintaining ditches on private property and the necessity for property owner cooperation. There were debates on the feasibility of the town taking over maintenance and potential solutions, which included incentivizing property owners to maintain the ditches themselves, along with considering the legal and environmental implications.

The maintenance of streams in Sunderland and the subsequent legal implications for homeowners downstream if a stream is not properly maintained were also topics of considerable debate. The legal rights of homeowners downstream and the town’s responsibility in maintaining the streams were thoroughly discussed, highlighting the complexities of managing natural resources within municipal boundaries.

The meeting addressed community concerns regarding the construction of outdoor sports courts in Sunderland. A member of the public raised the issue of potential noise pollution and suggested a sound study to assess the impact on neighboring residents. The board members debated the design plans for the sports courts, considering the potential impact on nearby events and activities, such as those at the library. The challenges of finding a suitable location for the sports courts were discussed at length, with the board considering the overall impact on the community and the need to balance the interests of various stakeholders.

Lastly, the board proposed encouraging eco-friendly practices by considering incentivizing all-electric mowing companies despite potential cost increases. The board weighed the practicality of this environmentally conscious move against its financial implications.