The meeting’s most significant discourse centered on a request from a local establishment to extend its operating hours and utilize outdoor seating. The establishment, currently operating from 5 PM to 8 PM Tuesday through Saturday, sought permission to adjust its hours to 4 PM to 9 PM daily. This request aimed to provide flexibility for future operations, especially during darker winter months. However, the Board emphasized that the change in hours would be contingent upon the Board of Health’s approval, particularly due to potential impacts on the septic system and parking logistics.

Concerns were raised by community members regarding parking, as past approvals had allowed for 75 seats, but the current request was for a modest increase within existing limits. Issues about signage and the use of designated parking spaces were highlighted, as was the potential for creating an “attractive nuisance” with increased hours. The motion to approve the hours, pending health clearance, passed with four members in favor.

Attention then turned to the police department’s transition from Sig Sauer P320 firearms to the newer M18 model with an M17 optic. The decision was driven by past issues with the P320, including concerns about accidental discharges. The Board approved several financial allocations, ensuring the department could advance these upgrades, including switching to industry-standard handguns and optics.

In infrastructural developments, the Board approved a contract for water meters, funded by a grant, to facilitate automatic readings. Despite some opposition regarding the project’s impact on local roads, the contract was passed with three members in favor. The Board also sanctioned a change order for a waterline project due to unforeseen structural concerns, approving additional costs that remained within grant allocations.

Financial oversight was another focal point, with Tony Roselli from Roselli and Clark presenting the FY2024 financial audit. Despite technical difficulties during the presentation, Roselli reported a clean audit with no significant findings, praising the town’s financial health and operational efficiency. He underscored the importance of managing long-term liabilities, particularly pensions and Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB), advising a more aggressive funding strategy post-pension fulfillment.

Tax liens and abatement processes were scrutinized, with increased tax liens and an abatement liability of $1.2 million prompting recommendations for further investigation. The Board also addressed stagnant balances in special revenue accounts, committing to resolving these discrepancies and potentially reallocating funds to benefit the town.

Among other agenda items, the Board approved a request for the 2025 National Night Out at the old high school, aimed at strengthening police-community relations. They also considered personnel matters, including the reappointment of police officers and a newly proposed communication and community relations coordinator position for the Council on Aging.

The meeting concluded with updates on town operations, including the scheduling of a shredding event and the assessment of surplus equipment for auction. Infrastructure improvements at the transfer station were noted, with state grant-funded paving work completed and future enhancements planned.