A point of discussion was the consideration of a new electricity supplier for municipal buildings, excluding schools, as the town seeks to reduce costs in light of rising electricity prices. The current supplier, Dunable Community Power, has a fixed rate of 14.074 cents per kilowatt-hour, valid until December 2026. The board reviewed bids from alternative suppliers, with NRG Constellation offering a competitive rate of 12.799 cents per kilowatt-hour for a 36-month term. This change could save the town approximately $2,500, representing a 10% reduction in spending. While the savings were acknowledged as modest relative to the overall budget, any cost reduction was seen as beneficial.

The board also debated the complexities of natural gas procurement. Current market conditions were deemed unfavorable, prompting the decision to delay any changes. Additionally, the town’s solar farm credits have produced more than needed, leading to negative balances on some utility accounts. Suggestions were made to partner with state programs for deferred maintenance projects to better utilize these excess credits.

A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to discussing the issuance of electrical permits to homeowners. Under current practices, permits are issued to licensed homeowners, a policy the board is considering tightening due to safety concerns. The discussion was influenced by a proposed bill that would prevent electrical inspectors from rejecting permit applications from unlicensed homeowners performing work on their own single-family residences. While some expressed support for the bill, citing homeowner autonomy, others raised safety concerns, noting the risks of unlicensed work.

Another pressing matter involved the condition of a property on Pleasant Street, described as the most neglected in Dunstable. The board discussed strategies to compel the owner to address issues such as overgrown vegetation and structural damage. Options included issuing daily fines or holding a formal hearing to prompt compliance. The board acknowledged previous unsuccessful communication attempts and underscored the need for equitable enforcement across similar cases in the community.

The board also discussed the potential waiver of building permit and water connection fees for twelve affordable housing units being developed by MCO. While there was hesitation due to a lack of clarity on past agreements, the financial implications of waiving these fees were noted, particularly concerning water connections. Members agreed that a review of prior discussions was necessary before making a decision.

In other business, the board approved a contract with CK SK Roofing for bandstand repairs after reviewing bids. Concerns about the significant difference in bid amounts were addressed by confirming the vendor’s references. The project includes installing roof caps, replacing light fixtures, and painting, and was approved at $27,513.

The meeting also addressed updates to the town’s compensation plan, supported by a $20,000 grant for a classification study conducted by UMass Boston College Center. The proposed salary structure aims to make the town’s compensation competitive, with recommendations for a 10-step schedule and a 3% increase between steps. Concerns about higher initial costs were discussed, with careful consideration urged before voting on the changes.

Lastly, the board tentatively scheduled a fall town meeting for November 17th to discuss the ambulance service and other matters, and swiftly filled vacancies on the Dunstable Cultural Council with new appointments.