The meeting opened with residents voicing concerns over the political affiliations of board members and stressing the importance of a balanced representation. The focal point of the meeting became the discussion about the appointment of a new member to the Board of Registrars. The board debated whether to continue the tradition of having two Republicans and one Democrat or to adopt a different approach. Public comments from town committees highlighted the need for fair representation of the two main political parties. The board considered legal requirements and the implications of their decision, leading to a motion that appointed a Republican to maintain the existing political composition of the board.

In addition to addressing political balance, the board approved a special permit for Let’s Roll LLC and authorized the town manager to sign a permission slip for water management work that raised concerns about the impact on organic gardens. The board reviewed the status of capital projects, including the Main Street sewer extension, the dog park, and the McManus Manor project, noting progress and funding secured.

The discussion also extended to the Gardner field site plan modifications to meet historic district commission standards and updates on the DPW facility project, including the selection of a project manager and designer for the fueling station replacement. Updates were provided on the 53 River Street project, with a focus on soil remediation and construction funding.

One of the key policy debates included the draft of a leaf blower bylaw, which aimed to ban gas-powered leaf blowers. The board considered feedback from various committees and stakeholders, including groundskeepers and contractors, to understand the potential impacts of the bylaw. The goal was to ensure a review process that factored in different perspectives and practical concerns.

The possibility of a fall town meeting was another significant topic, with discussions on who should lead the preparation and the suggestion of a public hearing in September for further input. The debate also touched on the policy regarding Town Council review of citizen petition articles, with a proposal to formalize the convention of Town Council reviewing petitions after certification by the clerk. A resident’s suggestion to limit the legal review of petition language before gathering signatures to only the legality was also considered.

Finally, the board contemplated the idea of adding a meeting evaluation as a standing agenda item to improve meeting effectiveness. While some members saw the benefits, others expressed concerns about extending meeting duration and potentially disenfranchising the public.