The meeting addressed the nuanced subject of ICE detainers, underscoring that these do not carry the same legal weight as warrants issued by a court, as per the Lund decision. The draft policy, in development for several years, seeks to reaffirm that local police should not engage in federal immigration enforcement, focusing instead on addressing serious crimes.

Community members provided diverse perspectives on the draft policy. While some residents expressed concerns that adopting such a policy could lead to increased crime and strain on local resources, others supported the policy as a necessary step to protect vulnerable populations and maintain trust between residents and local officials. Advocates emphasized that the policy would help avoid wrongful detentions and align with existing practices, thereby mitigating potential legal liabilities for the town.

The board also discussed the draft’s impact on public safety and the town’s resources, with differing opinions on its potential consequences. Despite fears of increased crime, supporters argued that the policy reinforces the town’s values of inclusion and mutual respect. They suggested that the policy has undergone thorough public engagement and aligns with similar initiatives in other municipalities. The board plans to continue discussions in upcoming meetings, inviting further community feedback.

In addition to the immigration policy debate, the meeting covered several other topics. The Select Board approved Nicholas Arthur’s appointment to the Historic District Commission following a discussion about his qualifications and potential conflicts of interest.

The board also addressed a water and sewer abatement appeal from a resident facing financial hardship. After a detailed review of the case and calculations, the board approved a one-time abatement.

Another agenda item was the update on the Five Auburn Street project. The discussion involved the progress of community engagement, permitting status, and funding efforts for the development, which aims to secure state and federal historic tax credits. The timeline for the project’s completion depends on the outcomes of the zoning board’s permitting process and funding applications.

The board discussed various financial policies and public engagement processes. Updates on the South Natick Dam project were also provided, with ongoing efforts to secure funding for spillway removal and river restoration.

Finally, the board considered changes to the town’s alcohol policy, focusing on requests from local businesses to extend operating hours to 1:00 AM. This change aims to enhance competitiveness with nearby establishments. Discussions included the role of managers in licensed establishments, surveillance requirements, and the public posting of alcohol licenses.