One focus of the session was the parcel on Century Way, a two-acre lot previously acquired by the town for tax purposes. The board explored the idea of selling the land to generate capital revenue, a move recommended by the land use committee to support the town’s budget needs. The parcel’s unusual shape, with frontage on Century Way and a long strip connecting it to land trust property, raised questions about its suitability for development. Concerns about grade issues and ledge on the land further complicated its potential use. Despite uncertainties regarding its buildability, the board acknowledged the changing real estate market and the growing interest in housing, which could make even challenging properties appealing to buyers.

The board deliberated on the auction process required for the sale of tax title properties, with discussions on setting a minimum bid based on the lot’s valuation. There was consideration of hiring a brokerage to aid in the sale, though the legalities necessitated an auction. The board recognized that any prospective buyer would need to conduct their own investigations, including perk tests for septic systems, to determine the property’s suitability for building. The history of the lot, which included family disputes and complex inheritance issues, was noted as a potential reason for previous disinterest in the property.

Attention then turned to a proposed $200,000 investment from free cash in next year’s budget, targeting the development of subdivisions for affordable housing. The board expressed concerns about site conditions, specifically the presence of ledge, which could inflate development costs, potentially making the project economically unfeasible unless the land price was reduced substantially.

The board also reviewed a request from the Gunville Conservation Commission to use $22,000 from Wetland Protection Act funds for title searches on two parcels. These funds, derived from filing fees and not taxpayer dollars, would facilitate the acquisition of a landlocked 1.3-acre lot at Lower Massip Poog Pond, potentially enhancing the town’s open space. While some board members questioned the property’s value due to its landlocked status, they acknowledged its contribution to the town’s greenway and recreational space.

In procedural matters, the board opened the warrant for the 2025 annual town meeting, with a close date set for March 28, 2025, and discussed early voting dates for the annual town election scheduled for May 20, 2025. Feedback on previous early voting participation was positive.

The meeting concluded with the board entering an executive session to strategize for negotiations related to non-union personnel contracts, including discussions with the Town Administrator and representatives from the Fire Chief and Police Union. The board did not reconvene in open session after this sensitive agenda item, rounding out a meeting that highlighted significant land and financial considerations facing the town.