The Fire Apparatus Assessment Committee presented its findings to the board, outlining three proposed options for the development of fire apparatus bays, each ranging from $10 million to $16 million. These options were explored in collaboration with Tecton Architects and Municipal Resources Inc., focusing on addressing the specific needs of the fire department while considering budgetary constraints. The committee’s analysis revealed that the town’s current ISO rating of 8B is favorable, particularly for a town without a municipal water supply, which can positively impact homeowners’ insurance rates. However, despite exceeding the basic fire response requirements, the necessity of maintaining an adequately staffed on-call department was emphasized, with NFPA guidelines recommending a minimum of six personnel for a rural community like Carlisle.

Concerns about recruitment challenges for the on-call force were noted, with financial constraints highlighted as a factor. The on-call staffing costs currently amount to approximately $300,000 annually, which is nearly half of the department’s total operating budget of $637,000. Transitioning to a combination or fully career department would increase costs, potentially raising the budget by $1 million to $2.5 million annually.

The conversation also touched on the logistics of firefighting in Carlisle, where the absence of a municipal water supply necessitates reliance on alternative water sources such as ponds and streams. The department’s vehicles are specially equipped to handle these challenges, carrying more water than typical engines in towns with municipal water systems.

In addition to the fire department discussions, the board also addressed community concerns regarding anti-Semitism in local schools, a topic that had been highlighted in a joint meeting with the Concord school committee. The board acknowledged the issue’s gravity and encouraged residents to utilize various reporting avenues, including the town’s website and local faith leaders. A statement from the Concord school committee was mentioned, acknowledging the problem and outlining action items to address it. The board expressed confidence in Carlisle’s administration for its stance in dealing with such incidents, contrasting it with concerns about the Concord administration’s transparency and engagement.

The meeting also touched on personnel policies, specifically the introduction of a new workplace violence policy, which aims to protect employees and volunteers from harassment and bullying. This policy was described as filling a gap in current protections, providing structured procedures for addressing threats and ensuring workplace safety.

Further discussions included updates on the town’s infrastructure projects and the potential residency requirements for volunteer applicants. The board debated whether to maintain a policy that assumes residency requirements for committee appointments, with some members advocating for flexibility to encompass volunteers with valuable expertise, even if they reside outside Carlisle.