The board appointed Steel McEr as the new Fire Chief, with his term starting from September 13, 2024, to June 30, 2027. The motion was approved unanimously, and a congratulatory picture with the new chief followed. In addition to McEr’s appointment, Henry Fontaine was appointed as the Building Commissioner and Zoning Enforcement Officer, and John Kazangian was promoted to Parks and Recreation Community Education Program Supervisor, both receiving unanimous approval.

The meeting’s most discussions revolved around the renovation of sports facilities, including tennis courts and Wicker Field. The renovation project, estimated at $734,000, has faced logistical and financial challenges. Initially, the tennis courts at Cooper Farm were considered, but the high costs and logistical issues led to a shift in focus to the courts at Littleton High School. Activitas presented design options, but issues with the original misorientation of the courts and potential obstructions from school buses necessitated significant alterations, including a retaining wall near the Indian Hill parking lot.

Concerns were raised about the cost and the necessity of a substantial retaining wall. The project has been ongoing since 2016, with studies and assessments highlighting the need for more field space and updated facilities. The current plan proposes converting high school tennis courts to multi-use courts and constructing new courts at Littleton Middle School, with school board approval already secured.

Financial discussions revealed significant costs, with Activitas estimating $600,000 for constructing four asphalt tennis courts and $350,000 for baseball field improvements. The board discussed the potential $299,000 additional request to meet project goals, highlighting the need for Community Preservation Committee (CPC) funding.

Maintenance issues for the fields were also a focal point, with the Department of Public Works (DPW) criticized for neglecting full-size baseball diamonds for a decade. The DPW’s role in maintaining these fields, which require more intensive upkeep than rectangular fields, was scrutinized. The proposal to reorient a field to create more parking space was discussed, noting the potential $6,000 cost for moving home plate and the need for significant modifications to the backstop for safety.

The board also discussed the growing youth baseball program and the necessity of maintaining facilities to support this resurgence. Concerns about parking and field space for various sports were addressed, acknowledging the collaboration with the Bible Church to alleviate pressure on local resources. The new jet field, ideal for softball, was noted as a potential solution for concurrent sports programs.

In a discussion about the athletic fields’ development, issues of drainage, maintenance, and financial requests were thoroughly examined. The need for additional $300,000 from CPC funds was highlighted to complete the project, with a breakdown of costs associated with building tennis courts and improvements to Wicker Field. The funding request included considerations for setbacks and construction nuances not accounted for in earlier estimates.

The meeting also touched on the proposal for an ADA-compliant boardwalk connecting Lake Shore Drive to Two Brothers Trail, aimed at enhancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Historical context revealed that the trail project had faced disputes over land ownership, but a 2010 court judgment allowed the town to use Long Lake Park for trail purposes. The proposal for a 128-foot boardwalk, compliant with ADA standards, was discussed, highlighting its alignment with the 2023 bicycle and pedestrian master plan and the 2024 open space and recreation plan.

Concerns about the boardwalk’s practicality and the safety of users, especially those with disabilities, were raised. The discussion included environmental impacts, with the necessity of approvals from various town boards and commissions emphasized. Divergent views on the timing and location of the boardwalk were noted, with some advocating for immediate action and others suggesting a more strategic approach for greater connectivity.

Additionally, the board tackled financial matters, including a proposal for borrowing $334,000 and securing $200,000 from the Light and Water Department before making recommendations. The need for a facilities director to manage these funds was discussed, along with an increase in the Parks and Recreation Department’s revolving fund limit from $1.5 million to $1.8 million due to inflation and increased participation in programs.

Finally, the board reviewed various articles for the upcoming town meeting, including funding for professional services and construction expenses at Indian Hill Music School, and the transfer of $135,400 for capital projects associated with municipal buildings. The importance of clear communication regarding budgetary needs and the allocation of funds was reiterated.