A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to a discussion about a delayed project, with members expressing frustration over the lack of accountability from the project management team. One participant highlighted the ongoing financial obligations being met without sufficient progress or communication. Concerns were raised about the qualifications of the current project managers, with suggestions that the team had been replaced by less experienced individuals, leading to diminished oversight quality. This prompted questions about whether the town should continue with the current group or seek new management.

The board acknowledged the financial implications of their indecisiveness, with some members worried that continued uncertainty could lead to increased costs. The need for a clear escalation point for project managers was emphasized, with calls for all parties involved to align their efforts toward the project’s success. In response to these issues, the board discussed the possibility of assigning a new project team to address ongoing challenges, though no final decision was reached during the meeting.

Infrastructure concerns also took center stage, particularly regarding a bridge project on Beach Hill. The town has a looming deadline of January 9th to apply for phase two of a grant program that could provide up to one million dollars for construction costs. The estimated construction costs for the bridge range between $595,000 and $700,000, which aligns with the anticipated grant amount. The board outlined the specifics of the grant, aimed at ensuring efficient use of funds across the Commonwealth. However, a final design must be completed and approved by Mass DOT before application submission.

The urgency of the bridge repair was underscored by its significance for emergency services. Access issues have arisen during winter months, affecting ambulances and fire trucks due to road closures. This highlighted the need for treasury involvement, as the town must have funds available to initiate the project before receiving grant reimbursement. Further discussions touched upon capital requests, including a $50,000 allocation for a new road grader, with plans to pursue grants for unpaved roads to keep equipment within the town.

In addition to these infrastructure needs, the board addressed road maintenance and bonding issues. The topic of photographic documentation before and after road work was debated, with some members cautioning against relying solely on photographs. A systematic approach to documentation was deemed necessary to avoid potential disputes about road conditions post-construction. The board expressed a desire to maintain these issues on the agenda for future meetings, particularly regarding the necessity of a comprehensive bonding process and the town’s steps if contractors fail to adhere to bonding requirements.

A discussion on logging activity on Nybrook Road raised concerns about the potential impact on freshly paved surfaces. The board considered the logistics of logging trucks and the condition of a closed bridge unsuitable for heavy traffic. Further talks were suggested to ensure all parties involved were aligned on the project’s requirements and any special town meeting prerequisites.

The meeting also included updates on ongoing building projects, such as plumbing and floor installation in a specific building. The urgency of replacing a failed backflow meter was noted, with members debating the emergency nature of the replacement and the potential use of reserve funds for financing. Compliance with legal requirements for a rebuild kit was mentioned, along with the upcoming oversight from the EPA regarding water safety tests.

As the meeting progressed, a property between Route 23 and North Lambert Road was discussed as a potential site for the fire and highway departments. Members expressed confusion over why a feasibility study had not commenced despite available funding, emphasizing the need for clarity on project responsibilities and timelines.