The decarbonization roadmap focuses on the electrification of municipal buildings and vehicles. A detailed presentation highlighted the reduction targets and methodology using data from Massachusetts Energy Insight. This included an analysis of emissions from municipal buildings and the projected timeline for converting facilities to electric power. Specific calculations were discussed, such as the impact of vehicle idling and the potential savings from transitioning to electric police vehicles. The board emphasized the importance of clear visual representations to help the public understand the plan’s phases and goals.

The zero-emission vehicle policy received preliminary support from the finance committee, and discussions included a comparison of gasoline, hybrid, and electric vehicle costs. It was noted that while electric vehicles reduce fuel expenses and promote sustainability, the carbon footprint of electricity generation could offset some benefits. The police chief expressed cautious optimism about adopting high-performance electric vehicles, highlighting the potential for significant operational savings and state program subsidies.

In addition to the decarbonization initiatives, the Select Board addressed the accessory apartment bylaw. The planning board proposed aligning local regulations with state law, allowing for more flexible housing options. Key changes included increasing the maximum size of accessory apartments to 1,200 square feet, shifting from a special permit process to a site plan review process, and eliminating the owner occupancy requirement. The board acknowledged the need for continued review to ensure these changes effectively diversify housing options and enhance community equity.

The meeting also covered the establishment of a more structured process for accepting community donations. A proposal was made for a pilot program to streamline donation acceptance for various committees, including the Cultural Council and Energy Sustainability Committee. This initiative aims to modernize donation processes and increase contributions to local programs. The board considered the logistics of managing online donations and the regulatory implications of such a system. There was a consensus on the importance of providing a clear mechanism for accepting donations to support community activities and initiatives.

Another discussion revolved around the town’s compliance with new state legislation on accessory apartments and multi-family housing. The MBTA communities subcommittee reported on the requirement for Carlisle to zone for a minimum of 95 new housing units at a gross density of 15 units per acre. The subcommittee explored various strategies, including developing multi-family housing on town-owned sites and converting single-family homes. Challenges such as nitrogen-sensitive land and septic regulations were discussed, emphasizing the need for creative zoning solutions to meet state mandates.

The Select Board also tackled financial management practices, including a proposal to retain uncashed payroll and accounts payable checks within the town rather than transferring them to the state’s unclaimed property division. This change aims to retain funds that would otherwise be lost to the state and potentially earn interest for the town. The board discussed the current amount of unclaimed checks and the difficulties in locating individuals owed money.

Additionally, the board reviewed a proposal to transition from quarterly to biannual tax billing while maintaining quarterly due dates. This change would reduce administrative burdens and save printing and postage costs. The board acknowledged the need for clear communication to mitigate potential confusion among taxpayers regarding billing amounts.

The board expressed the importance of community engagement and timely decision-making to ensure successful implementation of these changes.