The safety of the intersection at Pemble, Lake, and Station Streets emerged as a concern during the meeting. A community member named Will raised the issue, citing a serious accident on October 17 that involved multiple patients. He highlighted a history of accidents at the site, including an incident involving a student, and pointed to malfunctioning pedestrian crossing lights near Silver Lake school as contributing factors to the unsafe conditions. The board acknowledged the severity of the issue and discussed recent safety improvements, such as new signage and lane painting, but recognized the need for further action. Suggestions included exploring the addition of a crossing guard, which would require coordination with the regional school committee. The board expressed a commitment to addressing these safety issues promptly.

In another discussion, the board considered a proposal by the police chief to promote an additional full-time police sergeant, effective January 1, 2026. This promotion was part of a broader strategy to enhance the department’s family services unit, which aims to integrate mental health services into local policing. The chief reported working with a group funded by the Department of Mental Health to develop a job description for a mental health clinician or social worker. The board deliberated the budget implications of the promotion, ultimately authorizing it with a narrow vote of three in favor, one against, and one abstention.

The meeting also addressed the substantial increase in funding for a school project. The board was informed of a change in the funding amount from $1.2 million to $1.5 million, prompting questions about the necessity of a revote. The increase was attributed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and solar preparation for the roof. The board acknowledged the complexities of the project and considered the possibility of conducting parallel projects to assess cost efficiency. Concerns about the timing of the funding announcement were raised, highlighting the need for clear communication and systematic project management.

Additionally, the board held a public hearing on the transfer of an alcohol license from Pazano’s Restaurant, Inc. to Riverhouse Hospitality LLC, doing business as Duke’s Riverhouse. The transfer was approved unanimously after confirming no concerns from the police chief or community members.

The meeting concluded with routine matters, including the declaration of a surplus vehicle, the approval of razor clam licenses, and the appointment of a library technician. The board also accepted a donation to the Council on Aging and discussed the appointment of Paula Fay to the Cultural Council. The discussion about the cultural council emphasized the importance of local representation and effective resource allocation.