The most significant topic was the impact of the temporary closure of the Noova Valley Medical Center. Chief Johnson led efforts to collect quantitative data on the effects, including man hours and fuel costs for patient transport to other hospitals. The board emphasized the importance of this data in justifying requests for federal and state resources. Qualitative factors, such as stress levels among emergency responders and overall community morale, were also considered.

During the meeting, frustrations were vocalized over the lack of substantive updates regarding the future of the hospital. The absence of communication and planning from leadership was criticized, with one member noting the lack of regular updates. The board discussed the necessity of drafting a letter to the governor, advocating for the reopening of the medical center and stressing the community’s needs. This letter would incorporate elements discussed during the meeting, including a request for a meeting with state officials.

Concerns were raised about the building’s maintenance and potential deterioration during the closure. The need for 24-hour security and proper exterior lighting was stressed to prevent it from becoming a problem property. There was also a call for increased ambulance resources, communicated to both federal and state representatives, highlighting the necessity of financial or equipment support.

Further, the board discussed the idea of establishing a laboratory within the medical building to compensate for the unavailable hospital laboratory services. A proposal was submitted to the state Department of Public Health (DPH) to retrofit unoccupied space for this purpose. Concerns about healthcare access and equity were scrutinized, with apprehensions about the potential focus on establishing only urgent care or emergency room services rather than reinstating the full hospital.

In addition to the medical center closure, the board approved the transfer of an all-alcohol beverages restaurant license from Page Moore Cafe Incorporated to C. Jonathan Moore, doing business as Bard’s Cafe. The transfer was clarified as a change in ownership while retaining the same operational structure, and the motion passed unanimously.

Town Planner Danny Ruiz presented proposed zoning bylaw amendments related to inclusionary housing and MBTA zoning. The new bylaw aims to facilitate affordable housing by updating the triggers for applicability. The main change proposed was to define a net increase of five or more dwelling units as the threshold for triggering affordable housing requirements. The discussion included a proposal to reduce the required percentage of affordable housing from 20% to 10%, aligning with state requirements.

Ruiz also explained the option for developers to provide a payment in lieu of on-site units, particularly for those with fewer than 19 units. This payment structure is intended to incentivize lower prices and ensure contributions to the town’s affordable housing trust. The board plans to present these definitions as a separate article, in addition to the inclusionary housing proposal itself.

Attention was directed to the MBTA multifamily overlay district, mandated by Mass General Law Chapter 48, Section 3A, requiring compliance by the end of the year. The town received interim compliance approval in March of the previous year. The two designated zones for the MBTA overlay include West Ayer Village and Downtown Park Street. The new review process for developments under this bylaw will be referred to as the “mod development approval process,” akin to site plan review but with a more limited scope. A suggestion was made for a clear fact sheet outlining what a site plan review entails to ensure clarity.

The meeting also addressed public infrastructure projects, including the acceptance of the Shaker Pond Road as a public way, and issues related to the Spectacle Pond water treatment plant. The DPW reported a funding gap of $544,500 for replacing carbon used to filter phosphorus from drinking water. They recommended authorizing up to $75,000 from UDA funds to cover contingencies, and the motion was approved unanimously.

The town manager provided updates on various ongoing projects, including the Nova Valley Medical Center, preparations for the fall town meeting, and the senior center site selection. The meeting concluded with discussions on upgrading the first-floor meeting room and the Great Hall with ARPA funds to improve technology and accessibility for public meetings.