The board’s deliberations on the school roof repair project revealed a critical need to address water infiltration issues. With $500,000 already allocated for the project at a town meeting, the board faced a procurement error that necessitated rebidding the project under specific regulations. The urgency of the situation was underscored by the potential for worsening damage and safety concerns for students. One board member vividly captured this sentiment, stating, “the roof isn’t going to repair itself,” highlighting the necessity of immediate action.

The decision to move forward was not without its challenges. The possibility of receiving MSBSA funding, which could cover up to 50% of repair costs, added a layer of complexity. The application process for such funding is notoriously lengthy, often requiring multiple attempts. Board members weighed the risk of delaying repairs in hopes of securing future grants against the need to address the current roof issues. Ultimately, the consensus was to “stop the bleeding now” and use the available funds for immediate repairs, while considering future grants for other projects like window and door replacements.

In another notable topic, the meeting addressed the municipal fiber project aimed at connecting various town buildings, including schools and the police department. The project, partially funded by a grant, has already seen fiber installed on utility poles. However, further coordination is required between different IT providers servicing the town hall and police department. The board leaned towards a collaborative approach, utilizing the services of Netrospec for the town hall in conjunction with Charlie Stockwell for the police department, to ensure seamless communication infrastructure.

The board also tackled the awarding of contracts for roadway materials for the fiscal year 2027. After reviewing multiple bids, they approved contracts with All States Construction, which emerged as the lowest bidder for several items, including highway salt and stone seal services. Additionally, an agreement with Saltine Wire Incorporated was approved for the supply of treated and untreated highway salt, with the company name drawing lighthearted remarks from the board.

Further discussions centered around IT support services for 2026 and 2027. The board reflected on the relationship with the current IT provider, who charges $140 an hour, and debated contract termination clauses. A member proposed extending the notice period from ten to 45 days to allow adequate time for re-bidding and securing a new contractor if necessary. The board unanimously agreed to amend the contract to reflect this change, as well as other adjustments to the contract language.

The board also approved an agreement with NSI for a roof replacement at Fire Station 3, part of a larger project addressing the original roof’s condition. NSI was chosen despite not being the lowest bidder due to bid rule compliance issues with the lowest bid. The approval was seen as a step in completing the project.

Additionally, the board discussed and approved several interdepartmental fund transfers. These included reallocating $90,000 from the reserve fund for unexpected expenses like water damage repairs and rising electricity costs. The board highlighted an anticipated 12% reduction in electric bills through a new solar agreement. Other transfers addressed legal fees, health insurance costs, and emergency measures from a fire incident.

The meeting also touched on the pay rate for seasonal staff involved in the town’s summer concert series. With the community program director position vacant, other personnel were set to assist. The board proposed stipends for the manager and assistants.

In a display of community involvement, the board expressed gratitude toward local Girl Scouts for their project at Hathaway Park, which included installing water safety stations. The board acknowledged the quality of the work and the community spirit displayed by the Scouts.

Concluding the meeting, the board deliberated on scheduling future meetings to ensure continuity in operations. The members considered adding meetings on June 22 or June 29 to fill gaps between the upcoming town meeting and the next scheduled meeting, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in planning.