The meeting commenced with the board addressing a significant agenda item: the liquor license transfer for Blondville’s Market. The license was successfully transferred to Golden Liquors Corp., which will operate on South Main Street under the stewardship of Christopher Flood and JJ Shihara. Shihara, although nervous, assured the board of his qualifications. The board emphasized strict compliance with regulations to prevent underage sales and secure storage of alcohol. The approval was unanimous, and the matter was forwarded to the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission for further investigation.

Attention then turned to financial administration, where a major focus was on reserve fund transfers and departmental budget adjustments. The board approved reserve fund transfers totaling $43,200 to cover expenses for the fire department, police, and liability insurance. Additionally, intra-departmental transfers amounting to $263,100 were authorized to address deficits within budget line items. The board highlighted the importance of adhering to proper financial procedures, with efforts being made to rectify past oversights. A particular emphasis was placed on ensuring accurate payroll adjustments and preparing for a Schedule A recap for free cash certification by September.

In a bid to enhance financial efficiency, the board discussed transitioning to a paperless system for utility accounts and the implementation of the Munis software, scheduled for launch in August. This shift aims to improve department heads’ access to budget information, thus reducing reliance on monthly reports from the accounting office. The board underscored the importance of certifying free cash before the proposed fall town meeting, tentatively set for mid-October, to set the tax rate.

The conversation also delved into the procedural intricacies of the assessment center for promoting police leadership roles, specifically the police chief and deputy chief positions. There was debate over the cost and necessity of running separate assessments for the two roles, given their similarities. The board expressed concerns that forcing candidates interested only in the deputy chief role to take the chief’s exam could lead to complications. A Request for Proposals for the assessment center was discussed, with an emphasis on selecting a vendor based on both cost and quality of services. The board resolved to approve and execute the delegation letters for the positions, with the goal of expediting the process.

Amidst these administrative discussions, the board announced the resignation of Mark Mitten, the conservation agent, effective July 11. The board expressed confidence in collaborating with the conservation commission and Town Administrator James Kelley to ensure continuity of services post-resignation. Plans were set in motion to develop a strategy to move forward effectively.

Finally, the board addressed community concerns about the impact of recent storms. They acknowledged the efforts of local departments, including the DPW, police, and fire departments, in managing storm-related issues. A particular concern was raised about uncleaned storm drains, which could exacerbate flooding with impending weather conditions. The board urged the public to exercise caution and recognized the contributions of community members who assisted during power outages at the local golf course.