At the forefront of the meeting was a dispute between neighbors on Renee Street concerning trash management. The Board discussed complaints from David and Joanne Beck, who described a problematic situation with their neighbor, Mr. Chab, regarding the placement of trash cans. The Becks expressed that Mr. Chab consistently placed his trash cans in front of their property, resulting in garbage being left out for several days, often blown around by wind and wildlife, including crows. This situation has reportedly led to trash, including sensitive materials such as police reports, ending up in the Becks’ yard. Despite interventions by local police, which included requiring Mr. Chab’s family to assist in cleaning up when he was not home, the issue persisted, and Mr. Chab allegedly refused to take responsibility.

Concerns were also raised about potential health risks, with one resident mentioning a decomposed deer carcass found in a trash can, which had since been removed. This incident prompted fears of rodent attraction. The Board heard how the neighbor worked night shifts, which sometimes led to early trash placement, contrary to the designated collection schedule. Previous efforts to address the issues included police advisories to escalate the complaints to town authorities, with a suggestion of possible fines if the behavior continued.

The conversation also highlighted the existence of a long-standing neighborhood dispute involving property lines, which had been contentious enough to reach the courts. This boundary dispute added to the animosity between neighbors, further complicating attempts at resolution. A resident expressed skepticism about the possibility of amicably resolving the issues, citing a lack of willingness from the involved parties.

In addition to trash management, drainage issues were a significant topic of discussion. Residents described water pooling on the Becks’ property, attributed to high water tables and runoff from neighboring properties. The Board suggested that the Becks address these concerns with the Board of Public Works, as drainage issues fall under their jurisdiction. It was recommended that the residents contact Dan Menard, the superintendent, to explore potential solutions. The discussion acknowledged that drainage problems had been ongoing in the neighborhood for decades, exacerbated by developments in the area.

Residents expressed a desire to enjoy their retirement without ongoing disputes, emphasizing the stress caused by these confrontations. Suggestions were made for residents to collaborate and petition the Board of Selectmen for a comprehensive solution, such as the installation of subsurface drains or a French drain system. This approach was seen as a way to leverage community cooperation to address the flooding issues effectively.

The dialogue also touched on historical drainage problems, with references to past issues dating back over 30 years. A cul-de-sac, built by a developer named Norman, had recently been officially recognized as a public way after resolving paperwork issues.