The stormwater management program was a focal topic, featuring a presentation on the town’s efforts in managing stormwater, including compliance with the required permit, the condition of impaired water bodies, and the enforcement of stormwater bylaws. The board reviewed accomplishments in the sixth permit year and planned activities for the seventh. These activities included public education and outreach, collaboration with the Connecticut River stormwater committee, and the promotion of stormwater management practices to residents and businesses.

The presentation detailed the town’s adherence to stormwater management protocols, including dry and wet weather outfall screenings, with no illicit discharges detected. It also reported no violations or enforcement actions needed in relation to construction site and post-construction stormwater management. Continued review and enforcement of the stormwater bylaw were recommended. Additionally, the board assessed the municipal stormwater retrofit inventory, noting the installation of a storm scepter at East Street bridge and the selection of Conant Park for a best management practice retrofit demonstration project.

The discussion on stormwater management also touched on the issue of jurisdictional responsibility for clogged catch basins, and the importance of clear delineation of responsibilities to avoid penalties for the town was expressed. The requirements for the seventh permit year were reviewed, with a suggestion to revisit regulatory recommendations from previous years.

In terms of town property management, the board approved the sale of a tax title property on Cottage Avenue, with Chad Alexander’s bid of $1,134, which met the minimum requirement. The tax title custodian was authorized to finalize the sale’s paperwork.

The meeting proceeded to address the appointment of individuals to various town committees. The reappointment of members to committees included the grant search committee, agricultural commission, public safety building committee, senior center building committee, ad hoc technology committee, zoning board of appeals, Council on Aging board, and bylaw advisory committee. New appointments were also discussed for the hazardous mitigation plan and the Council on Aging board. All motions for reappointments and new appointments were seconded and passed.

The board engaged in a debate over the appointment of four individuals to town commissions, following letters of interest from the candidates. The Town Administrator provided updates on the Safe Roads to School program, the Norris transportation van, and a second opinion on engineering specifications for the Manhan River bridge. Updates from the Norris School Committee, Conservation Commission, Housing Authority, and other committees were reported, focusing on topics like invasive species management and recruitment for the Housing Trust.

A proposed remote work policy was deliberated, which aimed to offer employees the flexibility to work from home under certain conditions while ensuring the town’s operational needs were met. Concerns over the review process for this policy were raised, specifically about potentially bypassing the Personnel Policies and Procedures Board. The board emphasized the importance of consistency across the town and decided to review the policy further at a subsequent meeting.

The board approved a request for a staff member to carry over up to 32 hours of vacation time into the next fiscal year. Additionally, administrative matters such as payroll processing, warrants approval, and the hiring of part-time firefighters and paramedics for the fire department were addressed. The compensation scale for full-time fire department employees was recognized as an issue, with discussions indicating potential changes.