The approval of CSS’s public relations proposal was a central focus. The firm, represented by CEO Nicole Figero and Jennifer Thompson, offered flexible services without a monthly retainer, charging $165 per hour. The board emphasized the importance of having a script or guideline for responding to public inquiries, particularly for new board members. The approval followed assurances from CSS about their ability to handle crises swiftly, preparing press releases within an hour and being available beyond business hours. The board also discussed the merits of communication templates, which would aid in media interactions during emergencies.

A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to discussing the transfer of properties to the Conservation Commission, particularly the River Bank Terrace parcels. Concerns were raised about potential restrictions that could limit future community-oriented developments, like public parks or rental facilities. A proposed joint meeting with the Conservation Commission was suggested for late October to further discuss these implications. The board agreed that more dialogue was needed before making any decisions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining flexibility in the use of town properties.

Another topic involved a citizen’s petition aiming to amend residential zoning regulations, specifically targeting parcels on Blood Road and West Elm Street. The lack of affordable housing options in Townsend was highlighted, with board members noting the community’s paradoxical desire for such housing alongside resistance to its development. This discussion touched on the broader need for diverse housing types, including mixed-family developments and senior housing, addressing the town’s housing challenges.

The board also handled surplus requests from the fire and highway departments. The fire department sought to dispose of outdated equipment, including a generator and an ambulance, while the highway department proposed declaring several old vehicles as surplus. Concerns were raised regarding the lack of estimated values for these items, with board members stressing the importance of including valuations in surplus requests.

The meeting also addressed the town’s noise regulations, following the failure of a noise bylaw proposal at a previous town meeting. Without a bylaw, the board noted the town’s reliance on police discretion for noise complaints, highlighting the need for a comprehensive events policy to manage noise, traffic, and parking issues. The board considered revisiting the noise bylaw proposal to provide a clearer framework for enforcement.

Another agenda item involved a mandatory referral related to a property with a house and nine cabins, which had shifted from short-term to long-term rentals. The board discussed the potential for these cabins to provide affordable housing, although opinions varied on the town’s need for such housing. The importance of incorporating affordability into housing developments was underscored, given the town’s current affordable housing percentage was below the state’s mandated threshold.

In other discussions, the board addressed fiscal year goals, a request to use the Harbor Fire Station for a film shoot, and an ARPA grant opportunity for telehealth services at the senior center. The town administrator provided updates on infrastructure projects, including the nearing completion of the Kids Country playground and ongoing roadwork, with the highway department’s efforts to perform work in-house noted as cost-saving measures.