0:03During the meeting, discussion unfolded about the water department project, currently stalled as the board awaited important agreements from the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust. The absence of a physical copy of the contract with Wright-Pierce and the lack of documentation for other vendors added to the board’s anxiety. Members stressed the need for legal oversight and thorough record-keeping, acknowledging previous oversights and vowing to reform their procedures to prevent future complications.

13:31A financial discussion centered around the skater project and its associated grant funding, with a substantial sum of $482,000 pending reimbursement. The board expressed frustration over project delays hindering the allocation of free cash for other initiatives. Specific grant allocations for engineering design and construction were discussed, emphasizing the requirement for state approval. The town was operating under a cycle of fronting project costs and awaiting reimbursement, which could take several weeks. This situation highlighted the need for financial discipline and strategic planning in managing grant funds.

25:29In addition to financial concerns, staffing issues were a prominent topic. The administrative assistant role was under review, with proposed adjustments to both hours and pay to better fit the town’s needs. A suggestion to create a full-time position to manage combined responsibilities in the water and broadband departments was made, aimed at easing the administrative burden and providing continuity. The hiring process for a part-time position was also mentioned, with the board expressing optimism about the sole candidate.

Training and department operations were also scrutinized. The board discussed the necessity of bringing in a representative for Vadar software training to enhance staff capabilities in managing meter readings and billing. The need for additional training underscored the increasing demands of regulatory compliance and the importance of having well-trained staff to handle the evolving complexities of department operations.

Issues with overdue water bills were another focal point, with plans to bring them up at the next special town meeting. Previously ineffective billing procedures had led to payment complications, prompting the board to prioritize addressing these issues to ensure financial accountability and transparency.

Community safety was addressed with concerns about two non-functioning fire hydrants on North Boulevard. These hydrants had been out of service for two years, prompting calls for immediate repair to ensure neighborhood safety and adequate emergency response capabilities.

The board also discussed insights gained from a recent Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) conference. Information on state funding for emergency responses and potential grant opportunities for vehicle replacement was shared, along with a promising connection to a resource for local funding assistance.

Concluding the meeting, the board moved into an executive session to discuss sensitive personnel matters. This session was necessary to address issues related to reputation, character, and health in a confidential manner, with an agreement to reconvene afterward to complete the remaining agenda items.