One notable issue brought before the board was the restoration of the Swamp Walk, a cherished public recreational area currently closed to the public. George Saludo, a community member, detailed the Swamp Walk’s role as an educational resource for students from the Essex Northshore Agricultural and Technical School and emphasized the community’s involvement in its original construction. Saludo explained that while the walkway remains structurally sound, it requires repairs to a few planks and additional bracing. To fund these repairs, Saludo sought the board’s approval to initiate a fundraising campaign with a goal of $15,000, which would cover materials and maintenance costs without utilizing taxpayer dollars. The funds would be managed by a special account under the rail trail committee. Although the board expressed support for Saludo’s initiative, it was noted that a formal vote could not be taken at this meeting since the item was not on the agenda. The board was open to scheduling a formal vote at a future meeting to address the matter officially.

In addition to the Swamp Walk discussion, public safety updates were a focal point of the meeting. Jamie Shaffron, Deputy Fire Chief, presented the town’s CASPER plan, which outlines strategies for maintaining effective communication during climate-related emergencies. Shaffron highlighted short-term goals such as mapping communication nodes and ensuring adequate battery backup systems at dispatch centers. He also discussed long-term aspirations, including building a redundant fiber wireless network and exploring renewable energy options to ensure operational capacity during emergencies. The board acknowledged the importance of these initiatives and expressed commitment to ensuring the town’s preparedness for potential crises.

Public health was another area of focus, with Frank Jacalone, Director of Public Health, introducing a neighborhood resilience hub designed to provide residents with essential resources during emergencies. This online hub serves as a guide for residents to access services related to mental health, medical needs, housing, food resources, and transportation. The board supported this initiative, recognizing its value in preparing the community for climate-related events.

The board also approved a one-day wine and malt license for a musical bingo fundraising event organized by Essex Northshore Agricultural Technical School. The event, scheduled for October 17th, aims to support the school’s DECA club, which faces substantial costs for state and national competition participation. The motion to approve the license was passed unanimously, allowing the event to proceed.

Traffic and youth behavior were also topics of discussion. Between June 14 and September 26, the police department responded to 53 youth complaints, primarily in areas such as Liberty Mall and downtown. Community policing initiatives, including collaborations with local schools, aimed to address these concerns and promote bicycle safety among youth. October was designated as school safety month, with enhanced lockdown and bus evacuation drills conducted in collaboration with school resource officers.

Concerns were raised about the presence of Bitcoin ATMs in the community, with incidents of scams prompting discussions about potential regulations. The board considered drafting a bylaw to prohibit these machines, following the lead of other communities that have taken similar measures.

Further discussions included ongoing police training, traffic enforcement, and community engagement efforts. The police chief reported on staffing levels, candidate orientation meetings, and the promotion of Detective Chris Gaffne to sergeant. The department shared crime statistics, emphasizing traffic enforcement and the importance of visible police presence in deterring crime.

The meeting concluded with various community-related updates, including the approval of a commendation for the organizers of the upcoming President’s Cup Taekwondo Championship. The board expressed enthusiasm for this event, recognizing its potential to promote international cooperation through sports.