A primary concern was Cobble Mountain Road, where significant pothole problems persist despite recent attempts to address them with 32 tons of material. Discussions revealed that a full-depth reclamation is necessary for a complete repair, but budget constraints and rising asphalt costs present challenges. The town’s Chapter 90 funding, although allocated for road maintenance, is not sufficient to cover the extensive repairs required. This has led to frustration among residents and board members, as there is no concrete timeline for when the necessary work will be completed.

In parallel, the meeting addressed issues surrounding a new waterline project, with concerns raised about improper placement of road millings that created an unmanageable slope. This has hindered maintenance activities like mowing and grass growth. Legal and insurance hurdles were highlighted, as written authorization from town attorneys is required before proceeding with repairs. The need for multiple quotes for excavation work was emphasized.

Financial discussions also took center stage. A significant bill for repairs at the highway department’s fuel tank sparked debate over how costs should be distributed among various departments that use the tank, including water, highway, fire, and police. Historical practices were reviewed, revealing that previous bills were much smaller. Suggestions included implementing a key-coded system to track fuel usage by department and managing accounts to equitably distribute expenses.

The urgency of addressing repairs to the fire suppression system was underscored, with a request to use ARPA funds to prevent further complications.

In community maintenance, the board examined issues at Watson Park, where dead grass and deteriorating picnic tables require attention. The high costs of replacement materials were discussed, with suggestions to explore plastic table options or consult a Mennonite vendor known for quality tables. Additionally, the need for a landscape company to evaluate the park’s condition and test soil nutrients was considered, as the park’s historical aspects are to be preserved while ensuring safety and functionality.

The meeting also touched on broader infrastructure projects, highlighting the stalled intersection design project due to regulatory and financial challenges. New regulations necessitate additional engineering work, with costs estimated between $100,000 to $150,000. The lack of funding and cooperation from Eversource for utility line relocations has stalled progress. Board members considered prioritizing smaller projects, such as developing a community path, and deferring major decisions until more information is available in the next fiscal year.

Additionally, the board discussed the condition of the old town hall building amid debates on whether to invest further funds into it. Concerns were raised about the unfavorable lease terms, which do not justify financial support. Suggestions included relocating tenants to generate revenue from the town hall space or repurposing existing structures, such as creating a garage for town vehicles.