A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing safety issues related to a local rink where pucks had reportedly been entering a neighbor’s yard, posing a risk to children. A community member, Jesse Grove, voiced his concerns about the safety of his children due to pucks from the rink landing dangerously close to them. Despite the installation of $8,000 worth of fencing, the problem persisted, leading to a proposal for a new netting system costing $6,700. The board questioned the effectiveness of this proposed solution and decided to further evaluate the situation during a site visit scheduled for October 16. They agreed on the importance of involving a consultant during the visit, hoping for additional insights or solutions.

The board also tackled the issue of e-bikes and e-scooters in the park, particularly near Turners, after receiving complaints from elderly residents. A board member reported an incident where an elderly woman fell after being startled by an e-bike. Temporary signage had been placed to prohibit e-bikes in the area, and the board discussed whether to make these signs permanent. They noted state regulations prohibiting e-bikes on natural paths and opted to keep the temporary signs while further assessing the situation, especially since usage would likely decrease with colder weather.

The meeting addressed several Community Preservation Committee projects, with updates provided on the rehabilitation work proposed for the high school softball field and the soccer field at Andrews. The board noted that funding applications for these projects were due on November 7. They also discussed the condition of the dugouts at Kelly Field, expressing satisfaction with the contracted company’s work.

The board reviewed the arrangements for an upcoming site visit, emphasizing the importance of allowing the consultant to focus on assessments without being overwhelmed by public engagement. Although the meeting would be posted publicly, it was suggested that less public participation might benefit the consultant’s observations.

In sports-related discussions, the board reported that fall sports were proceeding smoothly, despite some rain affecting the opening weekend. A collaboration with Curry College was highlighted, where the college would provide grass space for Milton soccer on Sundays during the fall and spring seasons. The field, though not fully regulation size, was considered adequate. However, a fee for its usage was mentioned, though the exact amount was yet to be determined. The board considered field availability, particularly during the spring when soccer competes for space with baseball and softball.

Summer camp activities were reviewed, with one member noting the summer as among the easiest, citing positive cooperation from staff and parents. A financial concern arose due to an unexpected bill of $5,346 for 198 campers, stemming from a rate not clearly communicated beforehand. The board stressed the need for better cost communication and planning for future programs, expressing willingness to pay for necessary services but requiring clearer expectations.