The meeting’s most notable moment came with the approval of the contract for the Festival of the Hills, specifically involving the use of the school kitchen for the event. A motion was made to sign the contract, seconded, and unanimously approved by the board. Parking arrangements for the event were also discussed, with plans to utilize South River Meadow for up to five years under certain conditions.

Attention then shifted to ADA compliance, particularly the need to install an ADA-compliant restroom at the transfer station. The board discussed the increased costs but emphasized the necessity of the switch to provide adequate space for users, especially during winter when staff might be wearing bulky clothing. A motion was made to approve the switch, which was seconded and unanimously agreed upon. The placement of the restroom was also a point of concern, with suggestions to locate it outside the gate near existing structures to avoid obstructing operations.

The conversation about public safety and mosquito control emerged as another topic. An update from the rural affairs director highlighted the rising number of human cases attributed to mosquito-borne diseases, prompting the board to consider establishing a mosquito control district. The previous program allowing for opting out of aerial spraying during emergencies had expired, leading to discussions about new strategies. The use of drones to deploy mosquito control products in hard-to-reach areas was suggested, and the Board of Health was tasked with researching the feasibility of joining a mosquito control district given the changes in available options.

The board also tackled issues related to the town’s cleaning services, particularly at the highway department. Challenges in finding reliable cleaning help had led to hiring a cleaning company that was reportedly not meeting expectations. The board discussed hiring a part-time employee solely for cleaning duties, potentially integrating this position with the school’s cleaning services. A motion was made to formally open the part-time cleaning staff position, which received unanimous approval.

Budget preparations for the upcoming season were another key focus of the meeting. The board outlined a new strategy involving the Personnel Committee to answer questions that arise during budget preparation. This plan includes meetings in September, October, and November with the Finance and Personnel Committees, followed by a comprehensive gathering in December to address salary increases and capital budget requests. The objective is to enter the budget process with pre-established recommendations.

The board also addressed the status of the Community Preservation Committee, expressing concern about its lack of members and a chair. It was noted that Mary Kay Costello had agreed to represent the Conservation Commission, while the Parks and Recreation Committee was expected to select their representative soon. The necessity of revisiting the bylaw structure, which required most members to fulfill dual roles, was highlighted as a potential deterrent for taking on the chair position.

Public safety discussions extended to the procurement of floodlights for the transfer station. A specific product was discussed, noted for its grip and perforated design allowing for snow and water drainage. The delivery timeline for these floodlights was projected at two to three weeks. The board also considered the materials for the floodlights, weighing the benefits of metal versus wood for durability and comfort during winter conditions. The option of insulating the floor of the transfer station’s shed was raised to improve working conditions for the staff.

Lastly, the meeting touched on the sale of a property on Ashfield Road, which had finally closed, concluding a lengthy process. Changes in real estate laws were discussed, particularly those affecting the sale of properties and how they might complicate future transactions. There was concern that the new laws could lead to an influx of short-term rentals, altering the character of the town. Additionally, a discussion on changes to the common driveway bylaw was prompted by the new regulations that would allow more dwelling units on properties, necessitating a reevaluation of existing laws to prevent unintended consequences.