The public hearing concerning a petition from Eversource and Verizon New England was a focal point of the meeting. The companies proposed the installation of a new utility pole and underground cable to replace the current aerial service on Manhan Road, which was deemed an aerial trespass. The proposal aimed to address utility service needs while adhering to the scenic road designation of Manhan Road, as tree trimming had previously been a contentious issue.

Residents voiced divergent opinions on the proposal. Justin Violet, a resident, expressed skepticism about the underground installation, citing concerns over geological conditions like ledge and drainage. He highlighted existing infrastructure issues and criticized past interactions with Eversource personnel. Meanwhile, Constance Rod, who was involved in the scenic road designation, supported the revised plan, arguing it was a reasonable compromise that avoided extensive tree removal. She emphasized the importance of maintaining the road’s aesthetic quality.

Another resident, Just Lane Turon, advocated for relocating the poles to the street to facilitate the removal of dead trees, which he described as a safety hazard. Turon characterized the area as a “walking time bomb” due to the risk posed by aging trees, urging a comprehensive approach to utility management that balanced safety with environmental concerns.

Amid these discussions, Bruce Kums from 33 Manhan Road raised concerns about the plan’s lack of prior consultation with the Highway Department, given the road’s scenic designation. Kums pointed out dead trees in the area that threatened safety, particularly during snow plowing, and called for action to address these hazards. The board decided to postpone the public hearing for four weeks to allow the planning board to review the proposal and consult with the Highway Superintendent.

In other developments, the board announced that Southampton had been elevated back into the finalist list for the Brun Historical Grant, securing $96,000 to repoint the mortar on the Old Town Hall/Police Station. This came after another community dropped out of the running, allowing Southampton to capitalize on the opportunity. The grant is expected to help preserve the historic site, and a site visit will be scheduled to ensure the work meets historical preservation standards.

Financial matters were also discussed during the meeting. The board reviewed the town’s investment strategies, noting that the managed trust funds had achieved a modest return rate of 1.55% over nearly 14 years. Concerns were raised about management fees and the potential for higher returns through alternative options, such as the Massachusetts Municipal Depository Trust. It was suggested that the finance committee further review the investment strategies to potentially enhance the town’s financial performance.

Additionally, updates regarding ARPA funding were provided, with a focus on ongoing and future projects. The board highlighted the need for a sewer study with a $31,000 allocation, emphasizing the importance of accurate accounting and timely updates. A proposal to reallocate up to $32,000 from ARPA funds for a public safety building redesign was also discussed.

Administrative updates included the completion of the first phase of LED lighting conversion at the library, with future plans for the police station and town hall. An all-boards virtual meeting was scheduled for November 14th to discuss budget preparation, highlighting the need for cyber resiliency reviews and technology audits, especially following recent security incidents.