One notable issue discussed by the Select Board was the public engagement strategy for the new Senior Center. The Board highlighted the importance of involving various community groups, including public safety professionals, early in the process to gather support and input. The potential environmental issues related to the proposed building sites were also a topic of concern, with the Board considering outreach to environmental groups and other committees like the Conservation Commission and Community Preservation Committee.

The Board discussed the necessity of a consistent message throughout the public engagement process. A previous presentation at Autumn Ridge that covered the background, need, and vision for the new Senior Center was mentioned, and the Board planned to review this presentation for potential reuse. There was an understanding that the architect had reached out to town department heads, including the police and fire departments, to gather input on the project.

A comprehensive public relations campaign was on the agenda, including the creation and distribution of promotional materials such as flyers and yard signs. The Board debated funding these efforts and explored various avenues to reach the public, including through social media, community events, and church presentations. There was talk about comparing the town’s plans with those of other communities to anticipate potential objections and barriers.

The possibility of hosting a large meeting at the senior high school was considered to engage with the community and receive feedback. The Board also discussed the timing of outreach efforts in relation to the mailing of the town meeting warrant and considered targeting seniors through informational mailers or inviting them to specific meetings.

The Board acknowledged the diversity of feedback expected from the community, noting that some may be insightful while others might not lead to actionable changes. The effectiveness of surveys was debated, with a focus on formulating the right questions to potentially inform alterations to the building design. The distinction between a senior center and a community center was discussed, along with the potential for including additional features like a full-size gym or swimming pool.

Presenting information on the benefits of a senior center to a broader audience was seen as crucial. The Board emphasized the need to highlight financial aspects, such as the substantial initial land cost, and the long-term benefits to the community, including the center’s potential use during weather emergencies. The logistics of outreach efforts were also discussed, with a focus on maximizing attendance at the town meeting to secure approval for the project.

Despite these differences, there was a concerted effort to explore and evaluate various strategies for promoting their plans and soliciting public feedback.

The discussion of the outreach plan was thorough, examining the potential impact on different demographics and considering the importance of addressing any concerns or questions from the public to ensure informed decision-making. The meeting concluded with the scheduling of the next meeting and considerations about the venue for future discussions.