The revised five-year summary plan for fiscal years 2025 through 2029 was a focal point of the meeting. Members of the committee engaged in a discussion about adjustments made to achieve a balanced plan, including the deferral of certain projects and the examination of financing options. A concern was the impact of borrowing on future fiscal years and the necessity to track and reconcile cash projects with immediate fiscal year spending. The projected debt related to the Jones Library project and the potential for short-term borrowing in anticipation of funds from library trustees and grants were also points of discussion.

Financial considerations for upcoming projects were debated. The board contemplated borrowing up to $900,000 for a chiller replacement, depending on the final cost assessment. They also discussed the allocation of funds for roof replacements at the fire station, flooring at the fire department, and Town Hall, as well as the timing of the Munson Library shed project. The decision to delay the radio system project by a year spurred concerns over potential communication issues and the need for a plan that involves coordination across different departments.

The absence of a police chief was mentioned as a possible factor contributing to the absence of requests for FY 2728 and 29 for police projects. The allocation of capital for Crocker Farm generated debate, with members seeking more thorough justification for the expenses and clarity on whether the expenses were for Crocker Farm alone or for the entire school system. The relevance of the field maintenance allocation to the proposed artificial turf and the impact on capital costs was also questioned. Additionally, there was a reduction in the proposed amount for the Conservation department’s sustainable projects due to budget constraints.

The Planning Board also discussed downtown parking, Civil War tablets, and the demolition of the clubhouse at Hickory Ridge. The appropriateness of using capital funds for zoning and feasibility studies was debated, with members skeptical about hiring outside consultants based on past experiences. The purchase of vehicles, including police vehicles and a sidewalk plow, was examined, with suggestions to reallocate funding sources for efficiency. The financial status of Cherry Hill and its ability to cover expenses through fees was another topic of inquiry, along with the need for a new mower for the high school’s field hockey program.

Debate over the surplus generated in the budget arose, with differing opinions on whether it should be adjusted to avoid potential political issues. The board considered whether to show a surplus or balance the budget for the out years, with skepticism expressed about the accuracy of projections beyond the immediate future.

Resident proposals, particularly those related to traffic calming measures near schools and residential areas, were a significant topic of discussion. While there was support for funding measures near schools for safety reasons, the lack of a consistent evaluation and approval process for such proposals was a concern. There was also debate over the allocation of funds for sidewalks and other infrastructure projects included in the resident proposals. The use of movable signs for traffic calming and the involvement of the Transportation Advisory Committee in developing a process for these measures were also discussed.

The need for clarification on funding for high school or middle school projects was discussed, with questions about the town’s sole responsibility for funding. The DPW building project’s timing was debated, with concerns about the lack of progress and agreement on the location. Members considered the possibility of breaking up the borrowing for the project into phases.

The session concluded with an acknowledgment of the need for traffic studies or engineering studies before implementing proposed traffic calming measures and the importance of town staff involvement in decisions regarding locations and prioritization. Updates on various ongoing projects were provided, along with a summary table and five-year plan of projects, before a vote to adjourn the session.