One notable issues brought forth during the meeting was the persistent flooding impacting residents near the train tracks. A resident, Caroline Donahue, described the severe flooding her yard experiences due to runoff, causing significant erosion and property damage over the years. Donahue highlighted her 26-year struggle to resolve the issue, expressing frustration over the lack of action from town officials despite numerous attempts to address the problem. She depicted the situation dramatically, stating, “We have a lake, a swimmable lake in our backyards,” and called for the Select Board to visit her property during a rainstorm to witness the flooding firsthand.

The board also celebrated the promotion of several firefighters, a point of pride for the community. Fire Chief Fursky introduced and commended the newly promoted individuals, including Captain Douglas Bouvier and Lieutenants Jacques Vilsen and Allen Gentile. The board members expressed gratitude for their service, recognizing the firefighters’ contributions to the community.

In addition to public safety matters, the board engaged in a discussion about the future of the Johnson School property. The conversation focused on potential redevelopment and the need for a comprehensive approach to planning that considers both community desires and town needs. There was a clear emphasis on the importance of community input, with discussions surrounding the possibility of forming an advisory committee to guide the planning process. The board also considered the financial implications of various proposals, including the potential costs associated with maintaining or demolishing existing structures. The sentiment was that while addressing the community’s recreational needs, careful consideration must be given to the financial feasibility and long-term impact of any development plans.

A notable element of the meeting was the board’s decision to engage more with the community through surveys and workshops, aimed at gathering resident feedback on future projects. The recent workshop on property use received positive responses, with the majority of participants feeling that their voices were heard. The board acknowledged the need for ongoing dialogue and transparency to ensure that community priorities are accurately reflected in future planning efforts.

Additional discussions focused on the potential opening of T Market, an Asian grocery store set to fill a niche within the community by offering specialty foods and beverages. The board addressed logistical concerns, such as the management of alcohol sales within the store, and confirmed that necessary approvals were in progress. The anticipated opening was set for the following May, with the store expected to enhance local shopping options significantly.

The meeting also included routine matters related to town administration, such as finalizing the sale of Rhode Island Avenue property and updating policies regarding board appointments. The board reflected on the need for flexibility in appointment processes for key positions like the police chief, highlighting ongoing considerations for succession planning and departmental authority delegation.