The meeting’s most discussion centered around the proposed amendments to liquor license regulations, specifically the prohibition on single-serving sales, which local liquor businesses argued were detrimental to their operations. Amanda Shannon, representing Mirabel, articulated the concerns of her clients, emphasizing that the regulations could threaten the viability of local stores by forcing residents to purchase alcohol outside of Dunstable due to limited options. She suggested adjustments to the definition of single servings, advocating for regulations based on specific volume measures rather than blanket bans on smaller sizes.

The dialogue underscored the competitive disadvantage faced by Dunstable stores compared to those in New Hampshire, where pricing and inventory diversity are more favorable. Shannon proposed allowing smaller quantities for sale, such as permitting no fewer than two units for beverages under 12 fluid ounces, to encourage responsible consumption and frequent customer visits. The board acknowledged these concerns, recognizing the need to balance business interests with community standards on responsible alcohol sales.

Further complicating the discussion were questions about whether the current regulations stemmed from concerns over litter, a non-issue previously dismissed during discussions on opening a package store.

Equally pressing was the proposal to enhance emergency response coverage during the hours of 4 PM to 8 PM, identified as the busiest for emergency calls. The fire chief presented data showing significant call volumes during this period, advocating for the hiring of an additional firefighter to cover these peak hours. The current staffing schedule, which leaves a gap in coverage after 4:30 PM, raised concerns about community safety and the potential for delayed responses during emergencies.

Board members expressed support for this initiative, recognizing it as a step towards achieving 24-hour coverage in the long term. The chief remained optimistic about the trial, noting positive feedback from staff willing to participate in the new shift. However, there was caution regarding the potential budget impact, with the board expressing confidence in the financial feasibility based on past trends.

Finally, the meeting touched on other topics, including a notice of intent to remove property from Chapter 61 designation and a change in brokerage for health and life insurance. The board also discussed a compensation and classification study. Additionally, they confirmed the appointment of Heather Gerten to the Helen Morgan Babcock and Alfred Babcock Memorial Scholarship Committee, setting her term to expire in November 2028.