The meeting commenced with a unanimous approval of the minutes from the November 13, 2023 meeting. This was followed by the board’s consent for a resolution allowing Robert and Jennifer Gerard to add a second story to their home on Birch Street, after memorializing the board’s findings. In another unanimous decision, the board approved the calendar for 2024, taking into account holidays and other potential conflicts.

A key topic of interest was the application by Peter and Amy Bloom to install a wood-burning fireplace at their residence on Heron Road, which would encroach into the side yard setback by 24 inches. The board meticulously examined the design and dimensions of the proposed fireplace, considering its impact on the neighboring properties and electrical services. The Blooms provided detailed responses to the board’s inquiries, resulting in a review of the addition. The public was invited to comment, but there were no testimonies or questions, leading the board to proceed with the application.

Another discussion focused on William and Fanning Thompson’s proposal to construct a new roof over an existing patio to create an outdoor living space. The board expressed concerns about water runoff and its potential impact on adjacent properties. The board engineer highlighted the importance of managing runoff from the downspouts. The applicants assured the board that they had plans to direct water away from neighboring properties and were open to working with the board and engineer to prevent any adverse effects, including addressing the existing dry wells’ capacity for additional runoff.

The recent flood that inflicted significant damage on a local resident’s property was also a topic of concern. The board expressed relief that no injuries occurred and opened the floor for public comments. This led to discussions about the conditions and timeline of a construction application, showing the board’s attentiveness to both ongoing projects and the community’s welfare.

A notable moment of the meeting was the farewell to Chris Botta, the board attorney, who expressed gratitude for his time serving the board and community. Mayor Amy E. Wilczynski and board members lauded Botta’s commitment to the town as he transitions to his new role as a municipal judge. The appointment of Larry Cali as the new board attorney was met with positive remarks regarding his professional background and previous interactions with the board.