The board’s discussion on Hannaford was the focal point, as frustrations had grown among residents over the availability of town-issued trash bags. A member acknowledged that misinformation had spread, leading many to incorrectly believe that Hannaford no longer stocked the bags. In response, the board proposed issuing a public statement to clarify that trash bags were still available at Hannaford. They planned to release a straightforward message on social media, emphasizing transparency and informing residents of alternative locations for purchasing trash bags in the interim.

Contractual challenges with Hannaford were also a concern. The board had encountered difficulties collecting payments from the store, which had not adhered to the 15-day payment terms offered by the town. This created operational hurdles, as other vendors followed these terms without issue. One member highlighted the financial impact, noting that the town was “72,000 in the whole” due to delayed payments. The board expressed the need to resolve these issues promptly, recognizing the strain on town resources and the importance of maintaining effective vendor relationships.

In a separate discussion, the board addressed pricing violations by Johnny’s Market, which had been selling the town’s trash bags at inflated prices. This was not the first instance of such a violation, leading the board to issue a warning and consider requiring the market’s owner to appear before them to explain. The board expressed frustration over the necessity to oversee market compliance, which they felt was outside their typical responsibilities, but nonetheless essential to ensure adherence to pricing agreements.

As the board moved through its agenda, another significant topic was the regulation of dumpster and portable bathroom facilities. The board reviewed existing regulations from Rehoboth as a model and discussed the need for clear maintenance and size limitations. They agreed to table the regulations until the conservation commission could provide input, showing a commitment to review and community involvement in decision-making.

For portable bathroom facilities, the discussion centered on applying regulations to companies engaged in longer-term projects rather than one-off constructions. This approach aimed to ensure that only substantial developments would necessitate portable facilities for workers, balancing regulatory demands with practical needs.

In administrative matters, the board appointed a new chairperson and discussed the lack of need for a clerk at this time. They also handled permit approvals and set the date for their next meeting. The session concluded with members exchanging Thanksgiving wishes.