The board’s primary focus was on approving two signs designed by students at Faress School as part of the Safe Routes to School program. Brenda Sullivan, chair of the Wellness Committee and a physical education teacher, was acknowledged for organizing the project, even though she could not attend the meeting. The signs, produced by the Department of Transportation, were chosen from a statewide competition and were the only two to be installed locally. The board confirmed that bus drivers had been consulted to ensure the signs would not disrupt their routes. There was a light-hearted discussion about bus duties among board members before the motion to approve the signs passed unanimously, contingent upon adherence to public safety guidance.

The meeting then transitioned to a public hearing about transferring a restaurant liquor license for Brave Family Corp, doing business as Maynard Pizza Bar. Eduardo Braga, the manager and owner, clarified that no changes were planned for the restaurant’s ambiance. The board inquired about Braga’s choice of Maynard for his new venture, to which he replied that he already owns another restaurant in the area. The public hearing yielded no comments, leading to a unanimous approval of the liquor license transfer and a separate motion authorizing the distribution of the license upon approval from the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC).

Next, there was a public hearing regarding the installation of a new utility pole by NSTAR Electric Company, doing business as Eversource Energy, and Verizon New England. The pole was deemed necessary to provide electric service to a new construction project on Main Street. A board member sought clarification on the pole’s location, initially expressing concern that it might detract from the building’s appearance. A representative from Eversource confirmed that the pole would be positioned behind the building, alleviating the concern. The board unanimously approved the installation, followed by a motion to close the public hearing.

The board addressed the ongoing issue of town meeting attendance, referencing a report from the League of Women Voters. They discussed strategies to improve engagement, such as expanding babysitting services and facilitating transportation for elderly residents. The absence of a local newspaper was noted as a challenge for voter education, with suggestions to provide clearer explanations for articles presented during meetings. The practice of bundling articles, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic, was debated. One member argued that bundling could confuse attendees, while another cited positive feedback and the efficiency it brought to lengthy meetings.

Discussions continued about the structure of presentations at town meetings, with a flexible approach recommended to ensure thorough discussions. Concerns about the aging demographic of attendees and the absence of younger residents were raised, alongside the perceived value residents feel they receive for their taxes. The tight timelines for preparing special town meetings were also discussed, with calls for better communication and collaboration among board members and the finance committee.

The board then addressed a proposal for a cannabis social equity policy, aimed at promoting social equity in the cannabis industry. The policy mandates that at least 50% of cannabis businesses in Maynard be owned by social equity applicants. Existing businesses would be “grandfathered” into this policy. The board decided to revisit the policy at a future meeting to allow for further review, emphasizing the importance of streamlining the permitting process for social equity applicants.

Finally, the board reviewed a Host Community Agreement (HCA) for Rivers Natural Healing Inc., a proposed marijuana dispensary on Main Street. The representative for Rivers Natural Healing highlighted plans for cultural artwork at the storefront. The HCA, based on a standardized template from the state, included more impact fees to address negative externalities from marijuana businesses. The board unanimously approved the HCA, expressing congratulations to the representative.

The meeting concluded with updates on various community projects, including the senior center planning and the Green Meadow School building project. The acceptance of funding from Representative Hogan for senior programming was also unanimously approved.