A point of discussion was the parking situation on Kenneth Welch Drive, where vehicles were reported to be parking dangerously and encroaching onto private properties and cranberry bogs. This issue raised significant safety concerns, especially regarding access for emergency vehicles. The board acknowledged these hazards and deliberated on possible solutions, including the introduction of a parking ban. The Chief of Police highlighted enforcement difficulties due to many vehicles being parked on private property, making it challenging to issue tickets. A previous attempt to mitigate the problem by installing a wooden guardrail had little effect.

The board considered reaching out to business owners to encourage alternative parking solutions and discussed the historical context of parking regulations in the area. They also raised the possibility of adjusting parking fines, noting that current fines for violations, such as blocking a fire hydrant, are considerably lower than those in neighboring towns. The Chief of Police was tasked with gathering information on parking citation practices from other towns in Plymouth County for further consideration.

Simultaneously, the board successfully awarded bond anticipation notes to Truest Securities at a rate of 3.5%, notably lower than the 4% offered by other bidders. This was a significant improvement over the previous year’s rates, which ranged from 4% to 4.75%. The notes, set to mature on October 10, 2026, reflect the town’s robust financial health, as emphasized by the board’s recognition of their strong bond rating, which facilitated the sale of over $13 million in bonds. This financial maneuvering is crucial as it includes renewing existing notes and adding new funds for the ongoing fire station construction project.

Another focal point was the contentious Rocky Woods development plan, which sparked debate among residents and board members. The proposed 40B project includes 176 residential units, prompting concerns about increased traffic and the strain on public services. Some residents advocated for rezoning the area to accommodate business or industrial developments, while others preferred maintaining the current zoning to avoid a potential warehouse development. The board considered the possibility of organizing an open house with the developer to allow residents to express their views and ask questions, seeking to foster dialogue and understanding among stakeholders.

Residents expressed varied concerns, with one highlighting the traffic congestion during school hours and the proximity of proposed access roads to residential properties. Another resident, Donna Gay, who has lived in Lakeville since 1991, acknowledged community growth and traffic issues while expressing appreciation for the board’s engagement with the community on the development proposal. She noted the ongoing development proposals by Mr. Ratani, emphasizing a preference for residential projects over last-minute requests to rezone for commercial use.

The board also discussed the economic development strategy, buoyed by a recent $94,000 grant from the rural development fund. This grant aims to reduce the town’s dependency on residential property taxes by exploring commercial and industrial development opportunities. The board plans to initiate surveys for residents and business owners, with a formal procurement process to hire a consultant set to follow.

Additional topics included the potential implementation of townwide speed limit signage, the operating hours of Town Hall, and the establishment of “hometown heroes” banners to honor veterans. The board considered adopting a policy to standardize speed limits to 25 mph under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 17C, recognizing the need for a review of speed limits across the town. Discussions on Town Hall hours highlighted discrepancies among departments, with proposals to extend hours to better serve the community.