One notable issues addressed at the meeting was the transition plan for the Town Administrator, who has accepted a position as the Sunderland Town Administrator. The departure, scheduled for November 8, 2024, prompted discussions about hiring an interim replacement to maintain town operations. Concerns were raised about the ambitious timeline for recruiting a new administrator, especially given the ongoing town activities and the unavailability of board members. It was suggested that the Select Board work with the Personnel Committee to revise the job description before advertising for the position. An interim appointment was considered a practical approach, allowing for a thorough vetting process while ensuring continuity. The competitive landscape for town administrators, particularly due to turnover in nearby communities, was highlighted as a key factor in the discussion.

Additionally, the meeting addressed financial implications, such as the added costs during this transition, with the outgoing administrator entitled to compensation for accrued vacation time. The board agreed on the necessity of establishing a timeline and plan for the hiring process.

Another topic was the board’s approval of a 50% means-tested senior exemption, known as the circuit breaker exemption, which offers tax relief to qualifying low-income seniors. During discussions, it was highlighted that the exemption percentage would affect the overall tax rate for other residents, which was projected to decrease due to increased property valuations. The exemption aims to provide financial support for seniors while maintaining predictability in budgeting. The board debated the merits of maintaining a consistent exemption percentage year over year and concluded with a motion to set the allowance at 50%, which passed without further debate.

In environmental matters, the board reviewed the Army Corps of Engineers’ plans for environmental remediation on lot 032. This comes after previous investigations detected oil contamination in test wells. The Army Corps has taken responsibility and hired a contractor to conduct soil and groundwater sampling scheduled for April and May of 2025. Alternative access routes and coordination with ongoing construction activities were discussed to minimize disruptions, particularly concerning the library’s parking and driveway.

The restoration of the historic guide board was also a topic of discussion. Currently being restored in Williamstown with CPA funds, the board deliberated on its future location, ultimately favoring the town common for visibility. Concerns were raised regarding potential moisture damage and protective measures, with Steven Smolski, a local expert in wood preservation, offering to assess the guide board and provide recommendations. The board expressed support for Smolski’s involvement, recognizing his expertise and previous collaborations with institutions like the Clark Museum.

Additional topics included preparations for the special town meeting scheduled for November 19, 2024, with the warrant to close on October 30. The agenda will feature citizens’ petitions, CPA funding requests, and library budget adjustments. The board emphasized the importance of framing articles clearly for public presentation. Discussions on the use of electronic clickers for voting during town meetings were also raised, with concerns about adequate testing before the trial.

The board reviewed a request to sign a letter of support for the Northern Rail Trail, which was approved unanimously, recognizing its potential benefits for the community.

Finally, the meeting touched upon the Massachusetts MVP grant of $222,000, which will be explored for optimal use, and the regional fire study’s phase two, supported by a community contact grant.