The conversation on water quality emerged as a issue, with the board debating their authority to intervene. While one member questioned whether the Board of Health had the jurisdiction to instruct the water district unless a true health emergency was declared, others pointed out the urgency due to potential carcinogenic effects of the water. The elevated levels of contaminants were a cause for concern, and the possibility of implementing water testing and filtration was discussed. The financial aspect of resolving the contamination was also a major topic. A suggestion was made that the federal government should assist financially to help communities like Dighton manage such water quality crises.

On a related note, the Board of Health’s motion to reorganize was halted due to concerns about proceeding before a new member joined in July. Furthermore, residents of 2651 Pleasant Street raised issues regarding farming activities that could pose health concerns, such as animal noise, stench, feces, and flooding. The board considered consulting with various departments such as conservation, planning, and mosquito control to address these problems.

The meeting also delved into the administrative aspect of public health in Dighton. The resignations of the public health nurse and the health director were notable, prompting motions to accept these resignations and discussions on the need to revise job descriptions and possibly redefine the public health nurse role. The hiring process for a new public health nurse and board member was debated.

In addition to public health, the handling of temporary food permits was scrutinized. The Board of Selectmen discussed the fee structure for these permits, especially for vendors attending multiple events. This led to a proposal for a workshop to refine the fee structure and explore the possibility of a reduced fee for vendors participating in multiple events within a 30-day period.

Another administrative concern was the use of town vehicles. The Selectmen proposed the implementation of a log book system to monitor usage, which sparked a debate over whether the vehicle was intended for specific departments or for general town use. Sharing the vehicle with departments like conservation was also considered. A decision was made to hold a workshop to address this issue and ensure efficient management of town resources.

Furthermore, the board tackled operational planning, such as office coverage during a member’s vacation and the scheduling of storm water committee meetings. The planning board’s approval was sought for scheduling, and there was a discussion about the job description for a health agent position that would include storm water responsibilities. Concerns over budget constraints were raised, yet there was consensus on the importance of having a qualified individual to manage storm water-related tasks.