The board’s discussions were dominated by concerns over construction on Elm Street, which has been plagued by delays due to design flaws and weather conditions. The project, which requires additional time for utility and sidewalk work, has caused significant inconvenience by obstructing public ways. Stephen King, the town engineer, provided insights into the construction timeline, emphasizing that temporary solutions for sidewalk occupation would continue, impacting public access. The board expressed frustration over the repeated extensions and the lack of a detailed project plan, stressing the importance of timely completion to mitigate traffic and pedestrian safety issues.

Amidst these deliberations, members also addressed the implications of street closures for local events. Concerns were raised about traffic flow disruptions during the upcoming Downtown Rewind block party and other community events. The board discussed street closures from Elm to Locust. The police department’s guidance was sought to manage traffic effectively, which is particularly crucial given past construction-related disruptions.

In a bid to enhance community engagement, the board explored the potential for electronic voting in town meetings. Lauren Steves, a town meeting member, advocated for this change, citing a survey indicating significant support despite cost concerns. She urged the board to pursue cost proposals from various vendors to ensure accuracy and fairness in voting processes. The board recognized the importance of this initiative, noting its potential to improve transparency and accountability.

The role of citizen petitions also emerged as a focal point, with discussions centered on the legal viability and review processes for such petitions. Board members debated the necessity of a legal review, emphasizing the need for petitions to comply with existing laws. The proposal for a legal review aimed to streamline deliberations and prevent time wastage on petitions deemed “dead on arrival.” However, there were differing opinions on formalizing this review process, with some members concerned about potential liabilities and the risk of discouraging citizen engagement.

Board members also addressed parking challenges faced by local employees, proposing a cap on parking passes per business to alleviate the shortage. This discussion was complemented by concerns about safety at a specific intersection, with suggestions for improved signage and traffic rerouting to prevent accidents.

In addition to these issues, the board engaged in a broader conversation about setting goals for the new town manager. The focus was on enhancing community engagement, transparency, and staff development. Members debated the specificity of these goals, advocating for clear, measurable objectives to facilitate performance evaluation.

The meeting concluded with updates from the town manager, including notifications about ongoing road closures and upcoming community events such as the Danvers Fire Department’s open house and the Resilient Danvers community summit. These initiatives aim to foster community participation and keep residents informed about local developments.