The primary issue stemmed from two specific poles, numbered 7250 and 7650, which were near the proposed solar field project. The conservation commission had previously mandated that soil and sand piles be covered securely if left overnight, and these poles did not receive approval due to their proximity to the solar project. Board members expressed skepticism over the necessity of the upgrade, given the lack of apparent issues with the current service. Concerns were raised about the timing of the reliability upgrade coinciding with the pending solar project. Ultimately, a motion was made to deny the petition based on the conservation commission’s earlier recommendations, which was seconded and unanimously approved by the board.

In another discussion, the board addressed state funding for road projects and the anticipated increase in Chapter 90 funding to $300 million, with an additional $80 million in supplemental funding. The board noted concerns about a potential decline in funding for Hampden due to the town’s stagnant road mileage compared to other towns. The representative pointed out that the town would typically present a specific funding amount at the town meeting, but given the uncertainty this year, they accepted “all available funding from MassDOT.” This situation led to discussions about potential miscommunication regarding funding amounts.

The meeting also covered updates on various paving projects and infrastructure improvements. With nearly $990,000 available for paving projects, the board discussed moving forward with a schedule that included rehabilitating roads affected by a recent water project, the senior center parking lot, and some side streets. The representative suggested that some roadwork be postponed to allow for settling, specifically on roads like Main Street and South Mason, where utility line placements during a water project had caused infrastructure issues. The South Road Bridge project, a state initiative, was also mentioned, with timing uncertainties due to engineering oversight and budget increases.

Hiring updates were another focal point, with discussions on filling the part-time accountant and town facilities manager positions. The accountant position attracted 16 applicants, resulting in a recommendation to offer the job to a candidate named Elise, pending a favorable reference and background check. The town facilities manager position received 29 applications, and Herb Foley was recommended for the role due to his knowledge of building operations and commitment to the role long-term. Additionally, the board received updates on the ongoing search for a new chief of police and efforts to replace the chief assessor.

Public comments highlighted traffic concerns, particularly at various intersections in town. Residents expressed anxiety over increased traffic from Connecticut, noting dangerous conditions at intersections like Main Street and Summers. The discussion included a proposal for a drive-thru quick-service restaurant at the former Rosewood establishment, raising concerns about traffic impact. A suggestion was made to consider constructing a roundabout, although the estimated cost of $5 million to $6 million posed challenges regarding land acquisition and funding.

The meeting concluded with updates on several town projects, including senior center bathroom renovations, asbestos abatement, and an energy audit targeting three buildings for energy efficiency assessment. The board also discussed the transfer station’s operations. Lastly, the board considered a net metering credit agreement with Lucy Renewables, which promised a 25% savings on electricity costs, although the project was fully subscribed and would not yield further savings.