The public comment session was dominated by complaints from residents like Matt Tuttle and Vinnie Russo, who argued for tighter regulations on concert noise levels. Tuttle advocated for imposing conditions on the number of concerts and suggested an 80-decibel limit, aligning with town noise ordinances rather than the 100-decibel limit suggested by the World Health Organization. He highlighted the increase in concert frequency from the mid-20s in 2024 to over 30 in 2025, noting that while other residents and businesses in Deerfield comply with noise restrictions, Treehouse seems exempt. Tuttle criticized the lack of baseline noise testing during the 2025 concert season, expressing concern that the issue would persist into 2026. He stated, “I did not move next to a nuisance expecting it to change.”

Russo echoed these sentiments, supporting a letter from residents Sue Patterson and Tammy Gaylord, which outlined similar concerns. He shared personal experiences of excessive noise, particularly during August and September, and criticized Treehouse’s reliance on WHO decibel recommendations. Russo stressed the need for action, emphasizing that residents feel unheard and unable to resolve the noise issues.

In response, the board acknowledged the need to address these concerns and discussed the potential renewal, amendment, or rejection of Treehouse’s entertainment license before the January 1 deadline. Proposals included hiring sound engineers to monitor concerts, creating a list of properties for sound assessment, building sound-absorbing structures, and delaying any increase in concert numbers until the noise issue is resolved.

The board emphasized the importance of engaging in productive dialogue with Treehouse Brewing. Plans for further meetings were mentioned. The board referenced recommendations from the World Health Organization regarding sound measurement. This effort reflects an ongoing attempt to balance community concerns with economic development, with the board seeking to facilitate a constructive relationship between the brewery and local residents.

Moving on to other matters, the board discussed the implementation of new sewer regulations. Following the adoption of Chapter 150 in 2022, the board, acting as sewer commissioners, can now establish rules for sewer management. A point was the development of an industrial discharge permit to ensure businesses pre-treat potentially harmful waste, protecting the town’s treatment plant. Addressing unmetered residences on the sewer system, the board proposed an average billing approach to encourage homeowners to engage with the water district for metering, offering a fair solution for residents already paying for services.

A significant agenda item was the revision of the Inter-Municipal Agreement (IMA) for the South County Senior Center. The board proposed changes to the board of oversight, aiming to include one member from each select board of the three towns involved, as well as appointing an active Senior Center member from each town in an advisory capacity. This change seeks to engage more seniors in governance. The board noted that the IMA had not been reviewed for 15 years and emphasized the need for current operational realities to be reflected in the agreement. This included a proposal to base financial contributions on the population of seniors in each town.

Additionally, the board approved a $55,000 amendment to the Cune Riddle contract for the 1888 building project. This amendment covers redesign costs for an elevator and fees for furniture, fixtures, and equipment, addressing challenges like unexpected structural issues that affected design plans.

In personnel matters, Zachary Pelleteer was appointed as an operator in training for the Department of Public Works. With a background in transportation projects and auto repair, Pelleteer will work full-time at a pay rate of $21.90 per hour. The board expressed excitement over his addition to the team, highlighting a thorough search since August for this position.