The board concentrated heavily on the survey process, which had previously encountered technical issues. Initially, the survey suffered from formatting problems on mobile devices due to compatibility issues with the application Survey 123. As a result, the survey was re-developed using a more user-friendly version of the same software. Board members were encouraged to review this new survey version, which included restructured questions aimed at improving clarity and respondent engagement, particularly concerning park maintenance.

There was a consensus on keeping the survey open until the next board meeting, with flexibility to extend the deadline if necessary, to ensure comprehensive community input. The importance of collecting a representative sample of responses was emphasized, as this would guide outreach strategies and potentially involve social media and local networks to boost participation.

Discussion also touched on the logistics of conducting interviews related to the survey to enhance data collection. A shared document was proposed to track outreach and facilitate communication among board members.

In addition to the survey, the board addressed the broader aspects of community engagement. They discussed the need for additional public events to enhance involvement and examine community needs regarding recreational facilities. An existing schedule was reviewed, outlining tasks such as data collection and field usage evaluations, crucial for future planning efforts. The timeline set for the survey’s closure was mid-February, with a facility use evaluation completion target by early March. These evaluations would inform the visioning process for utilizing existing recreational facilities.

Attention then turned to the lower dial curve project and an update from the Community Preservation Committee (CPC). The board was informed that a meeting with an electrical contractor was scheduled to assess the capacity of a building that could house equipment for a scoreboard and lights. Solar energy’s benefits for the school board were briefly discussed.

Regarding the CPC, it was noted that all projects had been approved except one, with a meeting planned to address bond-related approval. The absence of an administrator was highlighted as a barrier to project progress, including a bridge project pending for years. There was a call for hiring an administrator to manage the backlog of projects effectively.

The meeting also covered the Pebble project, highlighting cost savings from purchasing equipment ahead of the 2026 deadline. However, installation was pending due to the need for a bidding process. Budget discussions revealed that some funds had been returned due to lower water usage, prompting considerations for reallocating these funds to address maintenance needs.

Further, there was a call for connecting with other committees, utilizing survey results to support funding requests, and engaging with the open space and recreation committee for funding. Delays in architect engagement for various projects were acknowledged as a hindrance to obtaining grant funding.

Updates were provided on successful local programs, including winter youth basketball and well-attended CPR courses. Plans for another CPR clinic during the February break were shared, with gratitude expressed to local organizations for their support.