The holiday lighting contest, a popular local event, was a central topic, with discussions highlighting the need to address the voting process to ensure fairness. The previous contest saw 1,550 votes cast across nine participating homes, with one house receiving an overwhelming 1,549 votes compared to others. This disparity prompted the board to consider changing the voting mechanism from one vote per email per day to one vote per email to avoid vote stacking. The board plans to revisit this issue in October.

In addition to the lighting contest, sponsorship programs were reviewed, revealing ten sponsors contributing $6,000, including four new ones. The board expressed a desire to attract more sponsors. The upcoming town cleanup event, scheduled for April 11th, coincides with the town election, providing an opportunity for increased community participation. Sponsors such as Old Station and Annum, a pharmaceutical company, have already committed support, with Annum offering both funds and volunteers. The board emphasized the importance of reaching out to local businesses and previous participants for further sponsorship.

Reviving Founders Day was also on the agenda, with the board deciding that the Parks and Recreation department will manage the event this year due to the planning board’s limited capacity to do so. The decision was made following discussions with the town manager, and the board agreed to provide necessary documentation and support to the VFW, which may oversee the event. This shift in responsibility reflects a collaborative approach, enabling the planning board to focus on other initiatives.

The Spring Egg Hunt, slated for March 28th at Chapel Lawn, was another key topic. Volunteers are needed for the event, and a notable return is expected from Frank, a former park and recreation director known for his Easter Bunny portrayal. Previous challenges with indoor event management led to a decision to cancel the event in the event of rain, avoiding a repeat of last year’s costly and chaotic experience.

Additional plans include a yard sale on May 9th and various golf programs set to run from May through August, catering to juniors, ladies, and seniors. The board also approved a change in meeting times to 6:00 p.m., previously set to accommodate a member no longer on the board. This adjustment was unanimously agreed upon after considering members’ personal schedules.

The meeting concluded with lighter discussions, including the appointment of a new clerk to replace a departing member. The vice chair, who had been fulfilling note-taking duties, was proposed and confirmed for the role, with unanimous consent. Discussions touched on involving the Girl Scouts and an intern in filling Easter eggs for the hunt.