The Fire EMS Relief Association will be responsible for running a museum in both facilities after upgrades are completed, adding cultural value to the community and enriching Townsend’s historical narrative.

Further discussions at the meeting addressed a proposal that would authorize the Select Board to convey either fee simple or lesser interest in the property on Warren Road, opening possibilities for future developments or property management strategies. This issue, while not as immediately impactful as the museum project, is significant for the potential changes in local land ownership and use.

In terms of fiscal management and planning, the Select Board reviewed the fiscal year 2025 operating budget and the proposal to transfer free cash to balance the budget. These financial matters are critical as they directly influence Townsend’s fiscal health and the ability to fund municipal services, infrastructure projects, and community programs. Additionally, the Board considered funding for the town’s 300th-anniversary celebration, which involves celebrating Townsend’s long history and fostering community spirit.

Environmental and public health concerns were also at the forefront of the meeting. The superintendent of the town’s water department provided an update on the PFAS treatment project, addressing the new EPA guidelines for PFAS compounds in drinking water and the associated health risks. The water department has taken several steps to combat this issue, such as shutting down contaminated wells and planning the construction of a new treatment plant.

The Board reviewed proposed changes to the town’s bylaws, with a focus on outdoor lighting. The Bylaw Review Committee proposed revisions to the outdoor lighting bylaw to address issues like glare, light trespass, and sky glow, while also reducing energy consumption. These changes aim to make the bylaw clearer, more flexible, and technologically up-to-date, including a requirement for lighting installations to have a color temperature no higher than 3,000 Kelvin. The revised sports lighting bylaw was also discussed, with amendments designed to prevent light spillage into nearby neighborhoods, and exemptions for low-lumen lighting and safety purposes.

The proposed changes to the town’s affordable housing trust bylaw, which involved correcting typographical errors without altering the substance of the bylaw, were less controversial but necessary for ensuring clarity and accuracy in the town’s legal framework.

Additionally, the Select Board tackled issues related to the upcoming special town meeting, including the presentation of articles and additional funding requests for the Board of Health, Town Clerk, Highway Department, and Fire Department.

Information regarding the proposed bylaw amendments, including those related to noise control, ground-mounted solar installations, and the deletion of outdoor lighting provisions in the zoning bylaw, was made available on the town’s website. The Select Board emphasized transparency and invited public engagement, directing inquiries to the Town Administrator or the selectman’s office.