A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Festival of the Hills, specifically the parking arrangements due to the unavailability of Reeds Field. A representative from the Logistics Committee proposed using South Meadow, which could accommodate approximately 120 cars. They noted that while parts of the meadow are prone to wetness, most of the area remains dry and suitable for parking, even after heavy rains. The representative also highlighted the need for public safety considerations, particularly concerning access to the parking area from Shelburn Falls Road, which lacks sidewalks. A shuttle service was suggested to assist attendees in traversing the quarter-mile distance from the parking area to the event site.

The Selectboard agreed that securing the necessary permissions from the Natural Heritage organization was essential, as they oversee development in the area. Plans to consult with Don Fates on traffic management and safety measures were also mentioned. The board expressed a consensus on the practicality of pursuing these permissions and ensuring all safety aspects were thoroughly addressed.

Moving on from the festival logistics, the Selectboard reviewed and approved several warrants, including the accounts payable and payroll warrants, without any objections or amendments. The contract with RTE Energy Solutions for a street light study was also discussed and approved. The Town Council had reviewed the contract, valued at $9,950, and the Selectboard members voiced satisfaction with the terms before passing a unanimous vote to approve it.

Another topic was the introduction of a public comment policy. The chair read the proposed policy aloud, which outlined that each individual could speak for up to two minutes and that comments must be orderly and respectful. The policy emphasized that public comments were not intended for debate, and questions requiring detailed responses should be answered after the meeting. The Selectboard acknowledged the restrictive nature of the policy but agreed it was necessary to maintain order during meetings. They also noted that the policy could be extended if needed through a formal vote, ultimately adopting it with unanimous approval.

The meeting included several appointments, with the most notable being the extension of Véronique Blanchard’s term as the Animal Control representative to the Sheriff’s Office until June 30, 2025. A motion was also made to appoint election workers, all of whom were unanimously approved, with the board expressing gratitude for their service in prior elections. Additionally, Heidi Flanders was appointed as Assistant Emergency Management Director, a position previously held by Bill Caner, reflecting positive remarks about her qualifications and experience.

The Selectboard debated the approval of a one-day beer and wine license for the library’s social event scheduled for August 29th. Although there were concerns about the appropriateness of the gathering, the consensus ultimately led to a unanimous vote in favor of the license.

Local infrastructure issues were also on the agenda, with updates on the Shelburn Falls culvert replacement and ongoing workforce challenges in the highway department. Limited responses to recent job postings prompted discussions on expanding outreach through platforms like Indeed, acknowledging that engagement from local newspapers had not yielded results.

A significant concern was raised regarding erosion at the site of Reeds Bridge, with visible changes to the riverbank noted. One participant remarked on the rapid erosion observed, highlighting the precarious positions of houses along the river and the need for immediate attention to this issue.

Finally, the Town Administrator provided updates on various matters, including meetings related to the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and an Americans with Disabilities Act self-evaluation for the town. The Administrator emphasized the importance of getting on the list for project funding and proposed applying for a design grant next year to stabilize the banks on Shelburn Falls Road. The Administrator also presented a draft packet intended for residents about the transfer station, which faced skepticism about its effectiveness. Alternative methods of conveying this information, such as engaging digital content or videos, were suggested.

The meeting concluded with the appointment of Luis Becket to the Conway Currents Newsletter Committee, with a term ending June 30, 2027, and acknowledgment of the need to remain engaged with community issues, especially in light of challenges faced by local businesses.