The planning director, Chris, requested funds for the design and engineering fees needed for the Civil War tablets’ renovation, amounting to $50,000 in the current fiscal year, with an additional $100,000 anticipated for construction. The board was taken aback that the renovation costs were not included in the library budget and weighed the implications of the potentially higher expenses, which could reach $150,000. The question of who owns the tablets arose, as did the pursuit of grants and private funding to support this project.

In a parallel discussion, the board considered the $150,000 request for the demolition and site regrading of the former Hickory Ridge Golf Course clubhouse. Queries about the potential for repurposing the site and the status of its water, sewer, and electricity connections were raised. The fire department’s use of the building for training exercises was also noted.

A major point of interest was the $100,000 request for planning consultants to study housing opportunities, affordable housing pre-planning, the Gateway area, the RG zoning district, and the rezoning of parts of the downtown limited business district. The board debated the necessity of these comprehensive studies and the possibility of developers contributing to the costs. Ongoing dialogues with landowners about public parking and the need for a new parking garage in the downtown area due to increasing parking demand were also topics of discussion.

The Planning Board emphasized the need to hire consultants, including architects, to conduct graphics and density studies for areas such as University Drive and East Amherst, which are under consideration for rezoning. The board also addressed the need to update the sign bylaw and the obsolescence of the FPC zoning district, alongside the possibility of introducing housing to the PRP zoning district.

The Conservation Department’s request for $150,000 for dam and dyke work at Puffer Pond was discussed, with emphasis on securing a grant for the engineering and design of the necessary improvements. The board acknowledged the importance of this project, recognizing the need for additional funds beyond the grant’s matching amount.

The board then shifted its focus to the sustainability project for Town Hall and the $250,000 proposal for various projects, including the engineering studies for weatherizing municipal buildings, Valley Bike infrastructure, and community garden infrastructure and supplies. Detailed debates ensued over the allocation of funds, the need for studies to support grant funding, and the ongoing costs of maintaining the Valley Bike program. The board sought to understand the relationship between planning activities and the execution of proposed projects.

Moreover, the board tackled the practicality of planning activities linked to weatherization and transitioning off fossil fuels, such as installing heat pumps in municipal buildings. The conversation expanded to include the Town Manager’s broader community planning goals, the planning for a permanent shelter, and the interdepartmental collaboration required for the new Fort River School.

The Recreation Department brought forth two projects related to Cherry Hill, seeking funds to replace a greens mower and engineer a solution to a recurring bridge displacement issue due to flooding. The need for these projects was articulated, emphasizing the efficient use of funds and the impact on golf course operations.

The board confronted financial projections for the next five years. The town’s general fund Debt Service was reviewed, revealing increasing future debt and prompting calls for clarification on the projected figures and debt management strategies.

Lastly, the financial planning and borrowing for future projects, such as the Crocker Farm project expected in 2028, were scrutinized. The board weighed the necessity and costs of various projects, including a $250,000 sidewalk plow and $450,000 for planning and surveying at the North Amherst intersection. The discussion also covered the pros and cons of borrowing versus leasing equipment and the legal requirements governing the term of borrowing.