The meeting began with public comments focusing on wildlife management and the controversial use of conibear traps for beaver control. Residents questioned the legality and necessity of these traps, which are reportedly illegal in several states due to the immense suffering they inflict. One resident noted that the permit for the traps had expired earlier in the month, yet the trapping continued. They argued that alternative solutions, such as dam removal, should be considered to restore natural water flow without harming wildlife. Another community member echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for non-lethal beaver management methods and highlighting the lack of proper permitting for the current trapping practices. They called for clarity on the timeline for ending the trapping and involvement of the Conservation Commission in any future actions.

In parallel with the wildlife concerns, a portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing the challenges posed by PFAS contamination in the town’s water supply. The board expressed frustration over the financial burden of ongoing mitigation and testing efforts, which have placed a significant strain on the town’s budget. The Select Board underscored the importance of continued efforts to seek funding solutions and press for legislative changes that could provide relief.

Beyond these primary issues, the meeting also included discussions on stormwater management, focusing on the Lake Wyola area. The board debated the structure and composition of a proposed stormwater mitigation and implementation committee, ultimately deciding to include a member from the Lake Wyola Association for their expertise in local issues. The acronym SMIC was humorously adopted for the committee, and steps were initiated to solicit applications for membership.

The financial challenges faced by local schools were another significant topic. The board discussed the “combined effort yield” formula used by the state, which often disadvantages rural communities like Shutesbury. There was a call to action for the board to communicate with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) regarding the outdated education funding formula, which has not been revised in 18 years. The board recognized the need for changes to better reflect the financial realities of rural schools, particularly in light of declining enrollments.

Further discussions touched upon regional collaborations for emergency services, with a focus on enhancing training programs for EMTs and paramedics. The potential for regionalizing emergency medical services and fire services was explored, highlighting ongoing efforts to unify service delivery across neighboring communities.

The meeting also addressed the town’s climate action plans, noting the receipt of a grant to develop a guiding document for climate initiatives. This document is seen as crucial for qualifying for the climate leader community program, which would open up access to significant grant funding for energy and climate projects. The board authorized the Energy Advisory Committee to access necessary data for the application process, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and follow-through on these initiatives.