The board was presented with a request from Eversource and Verizon for the installation of new utility poles intended to support upgraded cables by reducing wire sagging between current poles. The proposal involved placing 15 or 16 new midspan poles, which sparked debate due to the potential visual impact on residential properties. One resident voiced concerns, stating, “When I look out my front door, my picture window, all I see is an ugly telephone pole in the middle of my yard.” This sentiment was echoed by others who were troubled by the deviation from traditional pole placements along property lines.

Concerns were further compounded by perceived inconsistencies in pole spacing along the same road, leading residents to question the necessity of the proposed placements. A particular point of contention involved the rationale behind a midspan pole on Middle Road, with one resident remarking on the apparent randomness of the decision. The board and residents expressed a desire for more collaborative planning with utility companies, emphasizing the importance of consulting homeowners before finalizing pole locations. A representative from Verizon acknowledged the concerns and committed to discussing potential adjustments with their engineering team.

Due to the absence of several affected residents and ongoing concerns, the board moved to continue the discussion of the petitions MA2024-23, MA2024-25, and MA2024-26 to a future meeting on May 13th. This decision was framed as a respectful response to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to voice their opinions and potentially influence the outcome.

Another topic of discussion was the installation of a new utility pole on Middle Road, specifically pole 1045.5, which was proposed to support the existing pole line and maintain wire height over a driveway. Concerns were raised about the pole’s proximity to a resident’s driveway, potentially obstructing access and highlighting ongoing issues with sagging wires. The board acknowledged the need for further assessment and suggested a site visit to evaluate the situation more thoroughly.

The meeting also saw the reorganization of the Board of Selectmen, with a motion to appoint David Wer as the new chairman, which was unanimously approved. Wer expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead and commended his predecessors for their contributions.

On the financial front, the board was introduced to the finance team’s efforts to review and adjust the town’s budgets. James Glas, the assistant town accountant, detailed efforts to ensure accurate financial data tracking, highlighting collaboration with the town administrator and department heads. The discussion also covered concerns about encumbered funds within the school budget, leading to an agreement to stop further charges against those funds to allow for clearer budgeting.

Further discussions centered around ongoing financial audits and strategies to improve departmental efficiency. The board emphasized the importance of accurate reporting and timely documentation submission, with a proposal for an in-house audit to complement external efforts. The need for a comprehensive understanding of the town’s financial landscape was underscored, particularly with the retirement of the finance director. Suggestions included developing an organizational chart to clarify roles and assessing the true cost of employees, beyond just salaries, to inform decision-making.

The board also considered the renewal of a bond anticipation note for the school roof, deliberating on the timing and term length to align with fiscal planning. Concerns about the timing of town meetings and available funds were discussed, with a longer renewal period suggested as potentially more effective.

A proposal to appoint Tanya Tvaris as assistant treasurer collector was also considered, though contingent upon ongoing union discussions. The board expressed a desire to proceed with the appointment despite these negotiations.

Finally, the board moved into executive session to discuss litigation strategies related to a health insurance alliance, noting that an open meeting could jeopardize their position.