A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the senior center project, with discussions centering around fundraising efforts and public outreach. The Friends of the Ayer Senior Center have been participating in local events, such as the Newton Street Fair and the Harvard Flea Market, to generate support. They plan to set up booths offering drawings for donations, emphasizing that participation is voluntary and not a raffle. The committee discussed the necessity for coordination in fundraising approaches to avoid duplicate requests to businesses. There was an emphasis on leveraging existing relationships for outreach rather than making unsolicited requests.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of public communication regarding the senior center. It was noted that many residents remain unaware of the current center’s existence. Social media and local events were identified as crucial channels for increasing awareness. The committee proposed using National Senior Center Month in September to bolster outreach efforts, focusing on the center’s role in serving the community’s elderly population.

Public engagement was another focal point, with discussions about enhancing opportunities for community input during meetings. Concerns were raised about inconsistent practices regarding public comments, and suggestions were made to establish clearer procedures to ensure balanced representation of community perspectives. The role of the town moderator in managing public input at town meetings was discussed, with a call for clearer guidelines on allowing non-residents, such as project managers and architects, to speak without requiring a unanimous vote from attendees.

In addition to the senior center, the committee reviewed infrastructure plans involving National Grid. One favored proposal involves a cost-effective route for a project that requires minimal disruption to the area, although some temporary disturbances are expected. Compliance with environmental regulations, particularly concerning the Blandings Turtle, was noted, with an understanding that necessary permits would be obtained.

The committee also discussed the movement of a gate at Devons, which is slated for relocation. Collaborations are ongoing with the Department of Public Works and Mass Development Engineering to finalize plans for widening the area near the new gate location to improve vehicle access. Although the gate relocation is contingent on a letter of agreement from Devons, this will not occur until after the town meeting.

Public outreach efforts were a priority, with strategies to remind residents about the town meeting date and increase attendance. Initiatives included robocalls from the senior center and presentations at local churches and events. The committee planned information sessions at the senior center and the library, aligning with local festivals for maximum community engagement. Volunteers were sought for logistical support at these events.

The committee agreed on a meeting schedule to focus on public outreach and town meeting preparations, setting dates for October 1, 14, and 20. There was a consensus on the importance of the Owner’s Project Manager’s presence at the town meeting to address questions, especially given the recent collaboration with architects and estimators to finalize project costs.