At the forefront of the meeting was the Hero Act, a proposal from the Upper Pioneer Valley Veteran Service District to enhance tax exemptions for veterans, including those who are not disabled. This initiative would allow for annual adjustments to the exemption amount and could potentially double the motor vehicle excise tax exemption for eligible veterans. The proposal includes clauses 22i and 22j, which would enable yearly increases based on the Consumer Price Index, impacting the total exemption. Despite a lack of precise data on the number of veterans residing in the community, board members speculated there are at least 100 veterans in town. The board members unanimously agreed to place this measure on the warrant for the upcoming Annual Town Meeting.

Attention also turned to the review of newly released draft FEMA floodplain maps. The transition from paper to digital maps aims to simplify flood risk understanding for households. The floodplain administrator requested assistance from town committees to review these maps thoroughly. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address flood risks and enhance community preparedness.

In a related discussion, the board examined a proposed River Corridor Protection Zone, which seeks to implement growth controls and land use protections to mitigate erosion along the South River. This proposal extends beyond current floodplain boundaries to safeguard private properties and the river system. The board agreed to schedule a vote on this matter in an upcoming meeting, recognizing the importance of proactive erosion management.

The meeting also included updates from the Sustainability Committee on a street lights project. The committee, having completed an inventory and audit with Realterm Energy, plans to engage the community in discussions about potentially eliminating unnecessary street lights. A public meeting is set for February 19, with a backup date of February 26, to gather community input. The committee emphasized that eliminating lights in areas where they are not essential could lead to substantial cost savings, as the town’s current annual street lighting bill amounts to approximately $99,000. The potential conversion to LED lighting was also discussed, promising energy savings and reduced costs. The committee aims to align lighting decisions with “dark sky” principles to minimize light pollution.

Infrastructure concerns at Conway Grammar School were another focal point of the meeting. The board discussed the aging boiler systems, with members voicing urgency to address the issue given that the school’s stabilization fund has not been updated since 2013. The proposal to allocate a portion of the town’s free cash to this fund was considered, with collaboration with the sustainability committee proposed to conduct an energy audit and explore smart building technologies. Additionally, an initiative to improve the school’s aesthetics through a community art project was met with enthusiasm.

Further discussions included the signing of a highway bid with the Franklin Regional Council of Governments. The planning board’s budget was reviewed, highlighting the need for adjustments due to unexpected costs from special permit requests. The possibility of providing stipends to planning board and conservation commission members was also considered.

The meeting concluded with updates on various budget items and town administration reports. Notable announcements included additional funding for the South County Senior Center and progress on the Mass Works contract documents. The board also discussed the management of bulky waste and the need for improved live streaming capabilities for future meetings.