A cemetery association representative provided clarity on the financial aspect, explaining that three different quotes were obtained for the tree removal. The selected $69,000 estimate was the middle quote, gathered from a local service. The highest quote, exceeding $90,000, was from a larger company, emphasizing the extensive nature of the project. Removal would necessitate using a 300-ton crane due to the trees’ proximity to the graves, requiring careful handling to avoid further damage.

Concerns were raised about the environmental impact of removing the trees, particularly regarding soil and water drainage. Participants questioned whether specialists had been consulted to assess these risks, but it was noted that the soil had not previously posed issues. Additionally, the need to balance preserving the cemetery’s historical value with the safety of the graves was highlighted. Although no formal arborist evaluation of the trees’ health was conducted, they were described as rapidly deteriorating, with significant limb fall already causing damage to the grave markers.

The discussion also touched on the future plans for the cemetery, which include planting smaller, less invasive trees and bushes post-removal. Despite the debate, the urgency of addressing the tree hazard was underscored by nearby neighbors familiar with the cemetery’s condition.

In addition to the cemetery discussion, the Selectboard addressed several other articles. Notably, article one involved the appropriation of $537,857 for a new ambulance, approved by a vote of 64 to five, with one abstention. This funding would come from the ambulance stabilization fund, ambulance reserve receipts, and free cash.

Another topic was article two, which addressed increased health insurance costs for town employees. This article requested $125,000 from free cash to cover a 20% rise in insurance expenses. Residents sought clarification on the percentage increase, and the motion ultimately passed with 60 votes in favor and seven against, highlighting the town’s approach to managing employee benefits amid rising costs.

Furthermore, article three focused on upgrading the town’s electronic infrastructure, proposing an allocation of $38,025 from free cash. This funding would support necessary hardware upgrades to facilitate a transition to managed IT services. The motion passed with 60 votes in favor.

Article five addressed a long-standing issue of stipend payment discrepancies, proposing a transfer of $23,636 from free cash to rectify underpayments to a town employee over the past decade. This motion passed with 70 votes in favor.

In the area of infrastructure, the Selectboard approved an article to replace the garage roof of the public safety building, combining funds from several sources. This motion passed with 70 votes in favor.

The meeting also included discussions on various smaller articles, such as the allocation of $7,211 for a new fence at the ball field and $24,321 for an ADA self-evaluation of town properties. These motions passed with majority support.