The most pressing topic of the meeting was the flood mitigation efforts on Curtis Hall Road and Gibbs Road, largely attributed to beaver activity. The highway department detailed their struggle with escalating water retention due to substantial beaver dams, one towering at least 10 to 15 feet. This situation led to submerged sections of Curtis Hall Road, inciting safety concerns as cones placed to warn motorists had been stolen. Despite the absence of a failed culvert, high water levels were challenging to manage. Emergency permits allowed for the placement of traps, and a licensed trapper successfully removed three beavers, including a female, to help alleviate the problem.

On Gibbs Road, repeated flooding necessitated three cleanouts in one week, prompting discussions about potential trapping and permits. A “beaver deceiver” was suggested as a long-term solution to prevent future flooding without constant manual intervention. The speaker expressed concern over budget constraints, as frequent cleanouts could strain the roads budget. The board considered breaching the dams, but any such action would require careful planning to avoid road damage.

The highway department continued with road maintenance activities, including a quarter-mile tree trimming project on Curtis Hall Road to address debris on communication wires and road obstruction. Illegal asphalt dumping on Schoolhouse Road was another issue tackled by the department, which subsequently improved drainage and road conditions, much to the appreciation of a landowner planning an event on the property. The department’s crew also worked on Nybrook and Buand Road, utilizing 42 tons of stone to enhance road passability. The crew’s training and experience were emphasized, as newer members gained “seat time” operating machinery.

Further, road maintenance efforts extended to George Mard Road, preparing it for resurfacing. The department exceeded its merit system goals by addressing additional roads, receiving positive feedback from residents. An update was provided on a Chapter 90 road project approved by the state, scheduled for June 16th to 18th on South Street Extension and Cobble Mountain Road. Preparatory work, such as ditching and tree trimming, was prioritized to ensure successful asphalt laying.

Plumbing renovation updates were also discussed, with bids received for bathroom work at the highway garage. One quote totaled approximately $5,300 and another $9,450. A third quote was deemed necessary for procurement compliance. The board debated whether the situation was an emergency due to ongoing plumbing issues. The Board of Health had inspected the garage bathroom, noting wastewater backup from the hand sink, raising safety concerns for housing fire trucks.

The meeting also covered the establishment of an ad hoc advisory committee to explore the Massachusetts climate leader community designation. The committee’s role is to gather information on the designation process, with no approval implied for pursuing it at this time. This committee is to operate in compliance with open meeting and conflict of interest laws.

Additionally, there was a resignation from the Hilltown Community Ambulance by John Carrington, effective May 31. The board discussed appointing a new member, potentially from the fire or police department, or the board of health. A meeting with RCAP representatives was scheduled for June 9 to gain an overview of their services, signaling ongoing efforts to enhance municipal operations.

The board addressed issues, including landscaping concerns at Bsentonal Park, technology access for board members, and responses to inquiries from the Department of Public Utilities about battery energy storage. They also discussed the town warrant, noting document availability challenges and the intention to streamline the process by combining similar articles.