During the meeting, the board addressed concerns about current inspection practices being perceived as invasive. The newly adopted policy requires that not only employees but also subcontractors, such as those from PK Consulting, adhere to the same standards. The policy is designed to protect privacy by ensuring inspections are conducted with appropriate permissions. One member highlighted the potential increase in costs if contractors adjust their fees due to the new procedures, but it was clarified that PK Consulting operates under a “not to exceed” contract, minimizing financial risks.

The conversation also touched on the need to periodically review and regulate the procedures of both internal staff and external contractors to ensure best practices and adherence to state requirements. The board aims to maintain accurate property assessments while respecting privacy, emphasizing that any refusal by property owners to allow inspections should be honored without further enforcement actions.

In another agenda item, the board discussed the integration of property codes into the town’s new website. This initiative seeks to provide residents with clear and accessible information about property classifications. The board agreed to make these codes available online, allowing property owners to easily decipher information on their property cards.

The board also considered the potential benefits of adding Zoom links to meeting agendas to increase public engagement. While there was a general consensus on the value of providing remote access, the logistics of managing such a system were still under review. The possibility of allowing live viewing without interactive participation was deemed a feasible option, pending discussions with the IT director.