Amidst a full agenda, the board’s deliberation over Jason Silva’s request to take on a consulting role with Townsend was a key focus. Silva confirmed Townsend’s interest in having him assist with their interim town administration, a move that mirrored prior successful arrangements between the two towns. The Dunstable board scrutinized the details of this potential side employment, emphasizing the necessity for Silva to secure written approval before proceeding, as per his existing contract.

Board members expressed concerns about the possible impact of this additional responsibility on Silva’s current duties in Dunstable. Silva reassured them that the expected time commitment was manageable, estimating about four hours of work per week through the end of the fiscal year. With Silva assuring that his consulting work would not interfere with his Dunstable responsibilities, the board ultimately moved to approve his request. This decision was contingent upon it not affecting his primary role, and was passed after a member recused themselves due to ethical considerations, having consulted the ethics commission beforehand.

The meeting also addressed the appointment of Mr. Michael Barry as a part-time police officer. Barry, accompanied by family and colleagues, expressed enthusiasm for his new role. The board unanimously approved his appointment, extending congratulations and underscoring the community’s support for its police force.

Infrastructure and community planning were other topics. The board discussed the intersection of Lake, School, and Hall Streets, considering a stop sign proposal. Due to the absence of the proposal’s proponent, the matter was deferred to a site meeting with the town administrator and police chief. Additionally, the board examined the Fendetti property under chapter 61A, focusing on the right of first refusal and potential town interest in purchasing the property to maintain local control, reflecting community sentiment against development by outsiders.

The meeting also involved the selection of a new member for the capital planning committee, an atypical situation due to the high number of interested and qualified candidates. Discussions highlighted candidates’ qualifications, particularly their proficiency with Excel, a critical skill for managing budgets and projects. The board was impressed by the candidates’ diverse backgrounds and commitment to the community, acknowledging the rare enthusiasm for such roles. A final decision was deferred, allowing for more thoughtful consideration of each candidate’s fit for the role.

Jason Silva provided updates on various grants and projects, including ongoing RFPs and IFBs for town infrastructure improvements, such as the town center and trail loop, HVAC upgrades at Town Hall, and landscaping services. Notably, he announced the receipt of a leap grant to aid in redesigning the Oak Main and Mill Street intersection, with an on-site visit planned for early February. Silva also mentioned pending grant applications for community culvert and sidewalk design proposals, with expectations for responses by February or March.

A community survey conducted by the town revealed positive feedback on services and highlighted areas needing improvement. Silva noted that a report was available online but did not delve into specifics during the meeting. Additionally, the board discussed local power rates, noting an increase in the National Grid Basic Service price while the town’s rate remained lower. This prompted a conversation about ensuring residents were informed about opting into the town’s community power program, with suggestions to improve website instructions.