Stuart Johnstone of the Great Brook Farm ski touring center presented to the board details about the difficulties posed by the surge in visitors and the subsequent parking challenges. The ski center’s current parking facilities are often inadequate on busy days, resulting in unauthorized parking on local streets. To address this, Johnstone proposed using Church Street and Banta Davis Field for overflow parking, coupled with a shuttle service to transport skiers to the park at the business’s expense. Although the economic feasibility of this arrangement remains uncertain, the board expressed a willingness to allow the ski center to utilize these areas for parking during weekends, contingent upon further discussions with the school department regarding the use of their parking facilities.

Concerns were raised about the school department’s refusal to allow its parking lot for overflow use, with some board members questioning the validity of the school’s scheduling conflicts as a reason. The board intends to revisit this issue to explore potential solutions. The approved motion for overflow parking includes the requirement of addressing insurance issues and formalizing the arrangement through a vote.

In addition to the parking issue, the board delved into a comprehensive climate resilience presentation led by environmental planners Ellie Baker and Gabriella Spitzer. The presentation outlined several resilience goals, including ecosystem protection, social resilience, and fire protection, as well as the role of agricultural lands in addressing vulnerabilities. The planners emphasized that strategies would not only involve regulatory changes but also policy shifts, community engagement, and educational initiatives. Recommended actions include increasing firefighting water systems and ensuring continued power service, particularly during winter storms.

The topic of fire protection emerged as a critical concern, with discussions about the risk of wildfires and the town’s preparedness. The board considered recommendations to update codes and re-evaluate building regulations to mitigate fire risks, including creating buffer zones between homes and trees. Education for residents on responsible land management and fire safety in wood-construction homes was also discussed, alongside collaboration with larger landowners and conservation groups for forest management.

Another topic was the proposed modification of Town Hall hours. The board considered shifting to a four-day work week with extended hours from 8:30 AM to 4 PM, aligning with trends in other towns and potentially offering a three-day weekend. The proposal aimed to enhance employee retention and recruitment by providing a more attractive work schedule. However, concerns were raised about the impact on residents needing in-person services, particularly contractors. The board decided to test a half-day Friday schedule initially, allowing for adjustments based on usage patterns and feedback.

Preparations for the 250th celebration, scheduled for April 19, were also discussed, with traffic management and parking identified as concerns. Historical estimates suggest a large influx of visitors, and the board recognized the need for a comprehensive safety plan involving multiple town departments. Financial implications, including police and fire overtime, were also a topic of discussion, with efforts being made to secure state funding to offset costs.

In other matters, the board reviewed the annual town meeting warrant articles, focusing on the operating budget and capital plan. Budget challenges, particularly substantial increases in school budgets and healthcare costs, were highlighted, with a recognition that exceeding the select board’s guideline of a 3% increase in tax bills might be unavoidable. The board also considered various bylaw changes, including the accessory apartment bylaw and the planned MBTA community work.