A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the proposal to change the Town Clerk and Treasurer from elected to appointed positions. This motion aimed to centralize the appointment power with the Board of Selectmen. The proposal sparked a heated exchange among community members, who raised concerns about the potential erosion of democratic principles and the concentration of power. Richard Patalo, the Town Treasurer, voiced his opposition, arguing that the transition could compromise independent oversight and accountability. He emphasized the importance of maintaining these roles as elected to ensure they remain answerable to the community rather than a select few.

The discussion also touched upon the implications for current officeholders. It was clarified that, should the transition be approved, the existing officials would remain in their roles only until new appointments were made by the Board of Selectmen. This potential change raised apprehension about job security among current officials and the impact on the town’s governance structure.

In addition to the debate over elected versus appointed positions, the meeting revisited the contentious issue of the Senior Center’s renovation and expansion. The proposal to borrow approximately $5.96 million for the project was met with skepticism. Community members voiced concerns about the financial burden on taxpayers, with estimates suggesting a significant cost per household over a 20-year bond period. Critics highlighted that a similar proposal had been rejected by voters twice before, urging the board to respect prior decisions and reconsider the necessity of such a large-scale renovation.

Despite the opposition, proponents of the renovation argued for the importance of updating the facility to meet the town’s growing needs. They emphasized the Senior Center’s role as a community resource, offering various programs and services for seniors. The proposal was ultimately put to a vote but failed to achieve the required two-thirds majority.

The meeting also addressed the establishment of an electric vehicle charging station, with discussions focusing on the funding and management of the proposed revolving fund. There was debate over the financial viability of the station and its potential impact on local businesses. Some participants expressed concerns about whether the revenue generated would cover operational costs, while others highlighted the broader economic benefits of attracting visitors to the town. The proposal to set a $10,000 expenditure limit on the revolving fund was approved.

Furthermore, the board considered a proposal to rename the “Board of Selectmen” to “Select Board,” aiming to modernize the language in line with contemporary standards of inclusivity. While the planning board supported the amendment, the proposal faced opposition from attendees who valued the historical significance of the existing name. The debate underscored differing perspectives on the importance of language in reflecting community values and traditions.