The appointment of Deputy Chief Andrew Booth as interim police chief was a focal point of the meeting. The board discussed the transition following Chief Amandola’s departure and unanimously approved Booth to step into the role starting at midnight. Booth, a long-term resident of Carlisle and a veteran of the police department, was promoted to sergeant in 2013 and has over 13 years of service. The appointment period was debated, with some members suggesting a full year to allow Booth to navigate a complete budget cycle. However, the consensus settled on a seven-month interim period to avoid leadership transitions during the holiday season and to allow for a thorough evaluation of Booth’s performance. The board emphasized the importance of maintaining strong union relationships and implementing community policing strategies under Booth’s leadership, as the police union expressed unanimous support for his appointment.

The interim period will include continuous evaluations focusing on financial management, community policing, and leadership development. The board was keen on ensuring that Booth would present a “state of the department” report to provide insights into current policies, equipment status, mutual aid agreements, and more. This initiative aims to familiarize the Select Board with departmental operations, especially given the new board members’ need for comprehensive understanding.

In addition to the police department discussions, the Select Board addressed the management and consolidation of town trust funds. A working group, including community members and a non-voting member from the Council on Human Services, presented recommendations to streamline fund administration. The group proposed consolidating similar trust funds, pending state attorney general approval, while ensuring legacy intentions were honored. Discussions included maintaining the integrity of scholarship funds and exploring strategies to broaden access.

The board also focused on the interim appointment of volunteer members across several committees. The Conservation Commission, Environmental Sustainability Committee, and other boards saw motions passed to appoint or reappoint members, often following discussions on the roles and responsibilities of each committee. Emphasis was placed on ensuring diverse representation and addressing potential conflicts of interest, such as spouses serving on the same committee, which could have Open Meeting Law implications.

Community projects were another significant area of focus. The Select Board received updates on the Diamond Park toddler playground project, with plans to begin construction next summer if CPA funding is approved. The Cranberry Bog Dam repairs were also highlighted, with temporary fixes made following erosion issues but indicating the need for more extensive evaluation and future work.

Further updates included ongoing building projects, such as police station renovations and fire station contracts expected to commence in August. The library renovation plans were also discussed, with preparations for temporary relocations during construction.

State budget updates brought good news, with increased local aid projected to reduce tax impacts. Ongoing discussions about earmark requests for school-related projects and dam inspections, including the Cranberry Bog Dam and Curve Street Dam, were reported.

Employee recognition and community engagement were also part of the meeting’s agenda. The board acknowledged an Eagle Scout project and recognized individuals for their contributions to town operations, including a memorial for a community member.