Public safety issues took center stage, with concerns raised about properties on Main Street and Albano Drive. An individual named Jen detailed ongoing complaints about an empty pool on Main Street, which posed a serious danger to children. The board discussed the necessity of documented complaints before issuing fines and considered options for effective communication with the property owners. A trailer on Albano Drive also drew attention due to reports of occupants living without proper septic facilities, confirmed by a building inspector’s observations. The board deliberated over sending a letter to the property owners, emphasizing the urgency of resolving these issues given past police interactions and the welfare of the residents.

Infrastructure concerns, particularly those related to logging operations and road conditions, were another focal point. Rainey expressed frustration over the damage caused by logging trucks on Buland, which allegedly affected drainage systems. The conversation highlighted the lack of a requirement for loggers to submit cutting plans for highway department approval, which could help prevent road damage. The board acknowledged the complications introduced by Springfield Water’s objections, which made enforcing a bond for road repairs challenging. To address these concerns, there was consensus on creating a checklist or criteria for logging operations.

Financial oversight challenges surfaced as the board discussed persistent accounting problems and the lack of clarity in financial reporting. Members expressed dissatisfaction with the delayed response from Kiner, a company handling their accounts, and the insufficient reporting on department expenditures. The board planned to meet with Kiner to clarify contract terms and improve response times, especially concerning specialized reports and expenditure tracking. The discussion also touched on the complexities of the town’s trust funds, with calls for a forensic audit to unravel historical financial practices and ensure transparency.

The board also tackled staffing and budgetary issues within the highway and police departments. The highway department’s budget for winter supplies was nearly depleted, prompting discussions on potential deficit spending to prepare for unpredictable weather conditions. There was a proposal to review the highway superintendent position’s job description, considering the possibility of increased salary and additional support through a part-time secretary. The police department explored the feasibility of adding administrative support, potentially sharing resources with the highway department to enhance operational efficiency and attract qualified candidates.

In other matters, the board reviewed potential sites for the fire department, focusing on the salt shed and an abandoned property on Russell Road, after the original site on Main Street became unavailable. Real property negotiations were slated for discussion in an executive session, signaling ongoing efforts to secure suitable locations for public services.