The proposed shooting range aims to provide a dedicated space for police training, adhering to state mandates for regular firearms practice. The police department has been reliant on external facilities, which has led to logistical challenges and additional costs. Establishing a local range would mitigate these issues, offering more flexibility and control over training schedules. The facility is intended to ensure that all equipment is serviced and that officers are adequately trained without the complications of relying on out-of-town resources.

However, the project has raised several concerns, particularly regarding noise and environmental impact. Residents near the proposed site have voiced apprehensions about the potential for increased noise, especially since the range would be used for shooting sessions involving numerous rounds. Acknowledging these concerns, the board discussed the importance of scheduling training sessions during reasonable hours and avoiding night-time activities. The Massachusetts Police Training Council’s requirement for occasional low-light training could mean some activities during late afternoon hours in winter, but the board emphasized transparency with residents about this aspect.

Environmental considerations were also a major topic of discussion. The need for lead-free ammunition was underscored to prevent contamination, especially due to the proximity of the site to former cranberry bogs and monitoring wells from a landfill. Although the additional cost for lead-free rounds is relatively minimal, the board recognized the importance of addressing potential environmental impacts proactively.

Site selection for the range was based on strict criteria. The police department expressed confidence that the chosen location met all necessary requirements, although a permit might be required if challenges arise. The board also discussed access control, emphasizing that the range would be restricted to law enforcement personnel under police supervision.

In response to these concerns, the board decided to hold a public hearing on May 6, inviting community members to share their views on the proposed shooting range. Proper notification will be made through the town’s website, and maps detailing the range’s location will be available to the public to provide clarity on the project. This move aims to ensure that community feedback is considered before any final decisions are made.

In addition to the shooting range proposal, the board tackled several other important agenda items. The renewal of razor clam licenses was discussed, with a recommendation to reduce the number of licenses from eleven to nine due to declining interest. The board supported this change, agreeing to renew the licenses for the upcoming term at a set fee, without imposing a minimum catch requirement.

The meeting also addressed a request for a one-year employment contract for Deputy Chief Adam Hatch. The board considered the logistics of early voting for the upcoming town election but ultimately supported the town clerk’s recommendation against it, citing manageable election logistics. Additionally, the board approved the posting of the warrant for the annual town election scheduled for May 17, 2025.

A notable item was the acceptance of Timber Ridge and Sequoia Drive as town roads. The board held a public hearing to discuss the process and costs for property owners, emphasizing the importance of community support for the acceptance to proceed. The board expressed a commitment to assisting residents in securing the necessary notarized signatures to advance the road acceptance process.

The board then addressed the authorization for the police chief to recruit a civil service lateral transfer for a full-time police officer position. This action serves as a contingency plan to ensure quick recruitment if current officer candidates face unexpected issues. The chief assured the board that they would be kept informed of any developments regarding the recruits.

Finally, the board unanimously approved several requests, including six one-day liquor licenses for the “Grace Beach Music Nights” events and the appointment of Ryan McKe as a wastewater laborer. Updates from the town administrator included the receipt of grants for the fire department and road work progress on Main Street, as well as a significant grant for updating the town’s housing protection plan.