The most discussion centered on the infrastructure work ahead. The superintendent of highways presented three bids for the hot mix asphalt necessary for road repairs, with Northeast Paving’s last-minute bid winning despite concerns about the distance of their plant and the risk of plant closures. The board decided to proceed with Northeast Paving and to negotiate a possible extension of the contract for two additional years at the same rate.

The board reviewed several upcoming road projects, including milling and paving sections of Allen Street and M Road, as well as bridge repairs on M Road. The superintendent proposed additional improvements to the surfaces of Oakn and Fernwood roads and efforts to address drainage issues on Riverside Drive due to a resident’s complaint. There was also a dialogue about the potential for extra projects if additional funding became available, with Glendale Road identified as a candidate for attention due to its deterioration.

In their conversation about road maintenance, the board addressed historical funding issues for the Transfer Station Road overlay, noting the insufficient funds in the Enterprise fund set aside for this purpose. The practicality of the road projects, the allocation of state funding, and the impact of the gas company’s projects on road restoration were also topics of debate.

Another area of discussion was the town’s computer and data systems. Members exchanged views on whether to move the town’s system to a cloud-based platform, with debates centering around the need for remote access versus the security concerns of online accessibility. Concerns were raised regarding the current server’s potential failure and software compatibility issues, with members advocating for improvements to the security and reliability of the system.

The conversation about technology continued with issues raised about past experiences with cloud-based services, including connectivity problems and the performance of banking and accounting programs. The town’s internet infrastructure was identified as a critical factor in supporting operations, emphasizing the need for reliable internet services.

The board also engaged in a budgetary discussion related to the H and Regional school budget. The potential discrepancy in budget assessments between Hampden and the neighboring town of Wilbraham was a topic, including how a lower assessment from Wilbraham could affect the school committee’s response and the potential impact on town meetings and budget deadlines.

The potential rescheduling of town meetings to weekends was debated, weighing the benefits against possible conflicts and the need for community input. This was part of a broader discussion on government studies and the importance of gathering resident feedback before making changes to meeting schedules.

Personnel discussions included the need for a Board of Health coordinator and field facilities management positions, with the board exploring options within the current staff structure to address these responsibilities efficiently.

Finally, the board touched on the internal posting of job positions, the possibility of seeking advice from the town attorney and a senator on ballot issues, and Selectmen reports on committees and the upcoming town meeting. The Town Administrator mentioned administrative tasks such as signing a landowner concurrence form and preparations for the town meeting, particularly in regard to layout and sound systems. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session to discuss collective bargaining with the police patrolman’s union.