The discussions about the new Senior Center site were comprehensive. After a year-long evaluation process involving over 50 town-owned parcels and site visits to five viable options, the committee recommended a portion of the Department of Public Works (DPW) parcel on Bishop Road. Utilizing town-owned land would save taxpayers money compared to purchasing private land, and the site boasts good soil quality, ample space for construction, and proximity to downtown. The committee emphasized the extensive volunteer effort involved and thanked the DPW and town manager for their assistance. They highlighted the need for further due diligence, including a 21E report to assess any environmental concerns and a potential traffic study at the intersection of Park Street and Bishop Road.

A board member remarked on the progress made and expressed excitement about the project, although it was noted that the project was still in preliminary stages, particularly concerning cost estimates and financing strategies. A borrowing authorization requiring a two-thirds vote at a town meeting, followed by a simple majority approval at the ballot, was discussed. The normal cycle for a town meeting would be in April 2025, but a special town meeting could be called if the timeline warranted it. The committee stressed the importance of engaging the community for feedback and transparency in the planning process.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) award of $287,450 for the town’s housing rehabilitation program was another topic of discussion. Alicia Percy, the community development program manager, explained that the grant would facilitate the rehabilitation of seven housing units for low- to moderate-income families. She detailed changes imposed by the state on program guidelines, including a shift from a 15-year deferred payment loan to an immediate depreciation model. The board agreed on the proposed revisions to the rehabilitation program guidelines, which also included an increase in the funding limit for rehabilitation projects from $40,000 to $60,000 per unit, with an extra $10,000 available for historic renovations.

In another discussion, the Stormwater Utility Advisory Work Group presented their evaluation of establishing a stormwater utility. They proposed a fee structure to provide a dedicated funding source for stormwater management. The work group highlighted the urgency of stormwater management, citing deteriorating infrastructure and the impact of climate change. They proposed a rate of $95 per year per equivalent residential unit (ERU), which translates to the average impervious area of a single-family home. The proposed fee would be added as a line item on water and sewer bills, with adjustments subject to public review. A public hearing on the proposed stormwater utility fee structure followed, with recommendations for a credit policy allowing property owners to receive up to a 50% reduction in fees if they demonstrate effective stormwater controls.

The board also discussed a contract with Calgon Carbon for the GAC media replacement project for the Spectacle Pond water treatment facility, totaling $164,400, which passed unanimously.

Pauline raised safety concerns at the Central Avenue and Adams Street crosswalk. She recounted a personal experience of nearly having a traffic incident due to poor visibility of pedestrians in dark clothing.

Another topic of discussion was the town’s water supply, which was described as steady, with an average daily usage of 1.45 million gallons. The town manager also updated the board on preparations for the upcoming budget and town meeting, including a shift to an automated capital process using the ClearGov platform. The formation of a working group for planning the recently acquired 71 Sandy Pond Road, intended for parks, recreation, and open space use, was also approved.

There were also acknowledgments of retirees, with speakers expressing appreciation for their service and contributions to the community. Fred, in particular, was noted for his 16 years of service, impacting the school district and local community.

The meeting concluded with various administrative updates and approvals, including the amendment to include the Town of Ashburnham in the hazardous waste collection program and discussions about new business inquiries from board members.