The meeting prominently featured debate over Article Four, which proposed allocating $42,900 towards stormwater consulting. The funding was to be sourced from an unexpended capital project. The proposal sparked a discussion, with one board member raising concerns about the necessity of the expenditure. They questioned whether the funds directly addressed specific stormwater issues or merely aimed to establish a stormwater utility fee. It was clarified that the motion was only to include the article in the warrant, not to recommend its approval. The board underscored that the article could still be voted down at the town meeting. After deliberation, a motion to include Article Four passed with a vote of 4-1, although a subsequent motion to reconsider this vote was unanimously approved.

Another focal point of the meeting was the extensive review and amendment of the Salary Administration Plan (SAP). The board examined the language concerning promotions and step increases. A member highlighted the importance of redrafting the language to ensure clarity and fairness. The board agreed that if the revisions were satisfactory, no further vote would be necessary.

The SAP discussion extended to section 70-12A, which addresses the select board’s authority over personnel committee operations. Concerns were raised about the potential dissolution of the personnel committee, with the board considering how to effectively manage this scenario in future motions. Changes in section 70-12B also sparked discussion, with a member questioning the rationale behind certain deletions and language changes. The conversation emphasized the need for careful consideration of changes to established processes and language.

The board also tackled grievance procedures, recommending the removal of certain language and favoring informal discussions between employees and supervisors. The importance of maintaining existing timelines for grievance reporting was underscored, though concerns were expressed about employees’ comfort in approaching supervisors. The board chose to retain some clarifying language for consistency.

Further deliberations on the SAP included considerations of paid vacation policies, particularly for part-time employees. The board focused on clarifying classifications and ensuring equitable access to vacation time. Discussion also touched on sick leave benefits, highlighting the lack of a ramp-up period for new employees and the requirement of a doctor’s note after three consecutive sick days. Concerns were raised about the potential for disparate treatment based on supervisors’ discretion, leading to calls for fairness and consistency in policy enforcement.

As the meeting advanced, the board moved to include Article 16, pertaining to SAP amendments, in the warrant with unanimous support. Article 17, which also addressed salary administration plan amendments and personnel committee roles, was similarly recommended for approval.

Article One, concerning the acceptance of reports from town officers and committees, was recommended for approval. Article Two involved amendments to the fiscal year 2026 omnibus budget, with certain deferrals noted. Other articles, such as Article Five on the public access cable committee’s fund transfer and Article Six on funds for the cemetery commission, received unanimous support.

Articles addressing public infrastructure and community resources were also discussed. Article Eleven, which transferred the care and custody of Kids Kingdom from the school committee to the select board, was approved unanimously. Article Thirteen, involving MBTA zoning act compliance, was included but deferred pending a public hearing.