The proposal for a new senior transportation on-demand service garnered unanimous support from the board. This pilot program is designed to expand transportation options for senior citizens, allowing them to travel for more than just medical appointments and grocery shopping. The program will compensate volunteer drivers at a rate of 67 cents per mile, in addition to covering tolls and parking fees. Drivers will be subject to background checks and vehicle inspections to ensure safety and reliability. The service aims to address the limitations of current transportation services, offering more flexibility and independence to the town’s senior community.

In parallel, the Festival of the Hills, a staple community event in Conway, was discussed with the intent of transitioning it into a town committee. The Department of Revenue had previously rejected the setup of a revolving fund for the festival, leading to the exploration of special legislation. The board is working on finalizing the necessary bylaw and statute language for the transition, which would allow the festival to become a town entity by the following year, pending approval from both the town meeting and the legislature. The festival committee has shown unanimous support for this change, which aims to provide the festival with a more sustainable and official status within the town.

The board also addressed the festival organization’s request for the town to cover liability insurance and emergency services detail charges. This move is seen as a way to provide a financial safety net for the festival and a more cost-effective insurance solution.

Another topic of discussion was Jessica Corin’s presentation proposing to lower the voting age to 16 for town elections and meetings. Corin advocated that this change would increase civic engagement and voter participation among teenagers. The board members expressed their support for the proposal, recognizing the potential benefits of involving younger residents in local politics.

Furthermore, the board voted to appoint Michael Catella as the town accountant for a three-year term starting July 1, 2024, and subsequently signed letters of support for Conway’s fiscal year 25 MVP application and the Resilient Deerfield River Watershed Partnership MVP project.

The meeting also covered potential bylaw amendments proposed by the planning board, which would permit non-residents to serve as associate members on town boards, committees, and commissions. There was a debate concerning the implications of this change, particularly the possibility of non-residents having voting power on critical decisions. The board decided to seek further clarification on the proposed amendment’s scope and limitations before making a decision.

Financial matters were also a focus, with discussions revolving around salary increases, budget allocations, and the transfer of funds for various expenses, including a new phone system for the Conway grammar school. Debates emerged over the necessity of certain purchases, like a plow truck and a police cruiser, and the specifics of a preliminary study of town street lights by an energy consultant aimed at saving money and reducing the carbon footprint.

Additionally, the board grappled with procedural and legal topics, including the renumbering of articles, affirming votes due to deed changes, and closing the warrant for the upcoming town meeting. Salary increases became a contentious topic, with discussions about setting a range for increases and the impact of taxation on senior citizen abatements.

The board also contended with discussions around the snow and ice budget and the legality of paying overtime to certain employees, highlighting the need for clarity and adherence to legal guidelines. The potential expansion of the highway department’s role and compensation for additional tasks was another topic that prompted careful consideration.