The board approved a $400,000 contract with Stantec Consulting Services Inc. for the Department of Public Works drinking water supply and treatment master plan. Among the projects discussed was the potential replacement of the OMAR site water treatment plant, which could cost an estimated $80 million. The magnitude of this expense and the over-arching financial implications for future water infrastructure projects, including the reliance on Enterprise funds, were central to the discussion. Additionally, the board considered the potential for a lawsuit related to PFOA contamination, with expected funds between $3 and $3.5 million, and noted the limited impact this would have on the overall costs.

The board also delved into legislative efforts and the need for state support in water infrastructure, emphasizing the differences in approach between the Metro West region and the North and South Shore regions. The complexities of funding these projects were a focal point, as was the feasibility of various water treatment plans. Notably, the discussion touched on the challenges of potentially joining the MWRA and stressed the importance of sticking to the initial plan.

Community engagement emerged as another significant theme of the meeting. The board discussed a report from the League of Women Voters on town meeting attendance, expressing a commitment to enhancing community participation. To this end, the board plans to speak with the town moderator about the issue and is considering a town forum to explore ways to improve engagement. Furthermore, the board welcomed a new member and highlighted upcoming community events, including band performances and the Shakespeare in the Park event at Memorial Park.

The board’s discussion about the senior services and the Green Meadow School Building Committee highlighted ongoing community projects. The Senior Center Committee presented a detailed timeline for the Request for Information (RFI) process and a cost analysis for a potential lease space, as well as a feasibility study for the long-term Maynard Community Active Living Center project. The Green Meadow School Building Committee updated on the cafeteria and gymnasium plans and the next steps for the site plan review with the planning board.

Another topic of considerable debate was the regulation of food trucks and mobile vendors in the community. The board scrutinized the current $90 fee for food trucks, considering whether it was commensurate with the overhead of brick-and-mortar businesses. Members debated the notification process for abutters and other businesses, the implications of overly restrictive policies, and the need for clarity and potential changes in permit pricing. The discussion also covered the impact of meal taxes, facility requirements for food truck employees, and the authority over the application process, whether it should rest with the Select Board or the Board of Health.

Further discussions centered on the operation of food trucks in the downtown overlay district, where the board weighed the merits of absolute restrictions versus exceptions for town events. Concerns were raised about the impact on existing businesses and the challenges posed by limited parking availability. It was suggested that the food truck regulations be reviewed regularly and that input be sought from the Economic Development Committee.

Regarding hawkers and peddlers, the board considered the need for local licensing in addition to state regulations, the authority to shut down unlicensed vendors, the impact on public parking spaces, and the distinctions between food truck operations and traditional restaurants. The board debated whether to delegate licensing authority to the Town Administrator and the enforcement role of the police department. There was also discussion on the restrictions of items that hawkers and peddlers could sell, such as small artificial flowers and miniature flags, and the alignment of town regulations with Massachusetts General Laws.