The meeting’s most pressing topic was the request to reduce the speed limit on Center Street from 30 miles per hour to 25 miles per hour. This request was presented by the superintendent of Bristol County Agricultural High School, who emphasized the safety risks posed by the high volume of traffic, particularly with 640 students crossing the street multiple times a day. The superintendent expressed gratitude to the Chief of Police for monitoring traffic and stressed the importance of further studies to ensure student safety.

During the debate, one board member expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of simply lowering the speed limit. However, the superintendent countered that a lower speed limit could increase driver awareness, particularly with changes to traffic signaling before reaching critical areas. Concerns were also raised about student visibility and the availability of crossing guards.

Ultimately, the board agreed that a comprehensive traffic study would provide the necessary data to make an informed decision. A motion was made to lower the speed limit and request a traffic study if necessary, which passed unanimously.

In addition to traffic safety, the meeting featured a detailed update on the Dighton-Rehoboth School District’s progress within the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) project framework. Superintendent Mr. Rooney provided an overview of the early stages of the MSBA project, focusing on Module One. This module includes initial compliance certification, formation of the school building committee, submission of an educational profile, and preparation of maintenance and capital planning documents.

Mr. Rooney highlighted the collaborative efforts with Rehoboth in collecting necessary data for online enrollment submissions. He noted that the MSBA is expected to meet with him by October 28th for enrollment certification, a critical step in the process. The district’s business administrator and facilities manager are tasked with submitting comprehensive maintenance and capital planning information by the same date. Local authorization of funds is needed by January 27th, and Mr. Rooney expressed appreciation for the involvement of 12 dedicated volunteers on the building committee, emphasizing the diverse expertise represented.

The communication plan includes launching a project website on October 1st to provide access to meeting agendas, minutes, and various MSBA documents. Community open houses are scheduled for October 30th and November 2nd to address questions and dispel myths surrounding the MSBA process. The feasibility study will explore options such as renovation, addition with renovation, and new construction, with the understanding that new construction is not guaranteed to be the most expensive option.

Mr. Rooney provided context on the costs associated with feasibility studies, which average around $1.25 million. He assured the community that a portion of these costs is reimbursable under the MSBA agreement, currently set at 55.6%. This means that even if the project funding is ultimately declined, the town would still recover a substantial portion of the feasibility study costs.

In other business, the board denied a local business owner’s request to unload his truck on Saturday mornings, despite town regulations prohibiting work on weekends. The business owner argued that it would help manage his work week more effectively, but the board expressed concerns about past disturbances and emphasized adherence to existing regulations. The request was ultimately denied.

The board also addressed several appointments, including the ratification of Ralph Raco as the new Town Administrator, subject to minor edits for scrivener’s errors. Mr. Raco, expected to start in late October, received a warm welcome from the board members. Additionally, Christine Blanchard was appointed as a member of the Dighton Housing Authority, and other representatives were appointed to various committees.

The meeting concluded with discussions on an informational mailer for a debt exclusion vote and a review of the use of facilities policy and fee schedule. The board agreed to revisit the fees associated with the Carl Sprat Memorial Field and to ensure that public funds for the mailer were used appropriately.