The most notable topic at the meeting was the approval of a new inclement weather policy. The policy emphasizes safety and liability concerns, stating that attendance will not be mandated during dangerous weather conditions. Employees are encouraged to contact department heads to assess safety before deciding to come in. The policy also clarifies that if the office remains open during inclement weather, employees who choose to stay home must use their vacation, personal, or compensatory time rather than making up hours later. Concerns were raised over the potential for employees to habitually skip work during storms, which could disrupt operations. However, the need for a structured policy to avoid misunderstandings and ensure accountability was prioritized.

The meeting also addressed the issue of budget submissions, with a deadline looming at the end of December. Several departments, including assessors, building inspectors, and the fire department, had submitted their budgets, but others, such as water, planning, and conservation, were still outstanding. Confusion regarding the cemetery’s budget submission was noted, with a capital expense form incorrectly submitted instead of anticipated expenses. A 2.5% increase guideline was set for budget calculations, but inconsistencies in departmental approaches were evident, particularly with the library seeking guidance on their budget increase percentage.

Communication methods for following up on outstanding submissions were debated. Suggestions included reaching out via text or email to ensure documentation. Timely submissions are critical, as they allow the finance committee and other boards to review budgets before hearings.

In addition to inclement weather and budget discussions, the meeting covered considerable infrastructure concerns. The town’s heating system, managed by Automated Logic, was identified as needing maintenance, with a failed controller and outdated control software. A proposed service agreement is expected to address these issues. The town’s Department of Public Utilities requested the gymnasium for a public hearing regarding the Eversource substation expansion project, pending formal confirmation from the DPU. Concerns over communication delays from the DPU were expressed, emphasizing the importance of timely notice for public participation in such hearings.

The approval of a 5% structure increase from the Franklin Regional Council of Governments for FY27 was another topic. Despite initial confusion over the lack of a clear explanation in the documentation, the board proceeded with approval. Additionally, liquor licenses for a local country store and club were finalized, following previous reviews.

Community involvement was highlighted with the appointment of Dave Converse to the Energy Siting Committee. Converse, a retired engineer, expressed enthusiasm for contributing to the committee, aligning with the board’s efforts to engage residents with relevant expertise.

Maintenance issues were further discussed, including a $2,249.50 cost for recent work, with decisions pending on funding from either the town building condition account or the town hall repairs budget. The importance of preventative maintenance for the heating system was emphasized, especially given the lack of such maintenance since its installation.

In a bid to improve collaboration, the board discussed engaging with neighboring towns to address shared challenges, particularly in energy projects and potential regulations. Representatives from nearby towns may be invited to share experiences and strategize future engagements with state representatives.