The appointment of Sarah Ernst as the new Parks Director was a focal point of the meeting.

Financial matters were also at the forefront of the discussion. The board addressed Reserve Fund transfer requests, which are essential to maintaining the town’s fiscal health and operational capabilities. The first request sought $30,000 for the Town Council Legal Services account, a necessary move due to unforeseen legal expenses related to a property enforcement matter. The board scrutinized the financial implications before approving the transfer.

Two additional Reserve Fund requests were presented and approved. The second request aimed to allocate $2,178 to the unemployment compensation account, while the third sought $40,000 for the IT account.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) report presented updates on the storm water utility advisory work group’s progress and the current status of the town’s water supply. The work group is drafting a rate structure and policy for the storm water utility and is set to involve public input in the process. Concerning the water supply, the DPW acknowledged ongoing challenges with outdoor water restrictions, attributable to the reduced production capacity at the Grove pond water treatment plant. The DPW did not propose any immediate changes to the existing restrictions but promised to keep the public informed on the matter.

Another action item discussed was the approval of the intermunicipal agreement for regional dispatch services between Ayer and Shirley. The agreement, which addresses personnel issues and cost assessment, aims to establish a fair cost-sharing framework for both towns.

The meeting also shed light on the administrative update provided by the town manager, who spoke about the fiscal year-end closing and the preparations for the upcoming fiscal year. Moreover, the board was briefed on the acquisition of land on Sandy Pond Road, with the closing expected in June. The site is being considered for potential interim parking solutions during the beach season.

The board was encouraged to contemplate goals for the upcoming year and to consider reorganization in the next gathering. While there was no new business or member questions, and the approval of meeting minutes was deferred to a subsequent meeting, the board’s actions during this session were decisive in shaping the town’s future operations and services.