During the meeting, the board focused on scheduling the much-anticipated sewer rate hearing. It was proposed that the hearing be held on October 30, 2024, coinciding with a regular Select Board meeting. This date was chosen to ensure compliance with the requirement to post the meeting notice a month in advance. ALS had offered to meet with the sewer commissioners before the hearing to discuss several ongoing and upcoming projects, such as the outflow pipe to the river, pending SRF funding, and the replacement of aging infrastructure throughout Deerfield. The board discussed the logistics of ensuring all members could attend, even suggesting the possibility of attending via Zoom from abroad.

The discussion then turned to the appointments of representatives and the screening committee for the Town Administrator position. It was confirmed that Ann Buchanan Weiss had been appointed from the planning board. To ensure a thorough screening process, various names were proposed for inclusion in the committee, including Denise Mason and Brenda Hill. The board also emphasized the importance of involving someone from the Personnel Board. Joan Carney was mentioned as a potential candidate due to her relevant background, though her availability remained uncertain. The board agreed that flexibility was essential to accommodate any candidate’s potential unavailability.

The goal of the committee, as discussed, was to present two to three viable candidates for the final public interview stage. There was a consensus that the candidates put forward should be well-suited for the Town Administrator role. The board acknowledged that if the shortlisted candidates did not accept the position, they would need to consider reposting the job or maintaining a list of standby candidates. The position would remain open until it was filled, with the possibility of accepting applications on a rolling basis.

In addition to the sewer rate hearing and the Town Administrator screening process, the board discussed the appointment of individuals to another committee. An initial list of potential candidates included Brenda Hill, John Petur, Rayon or her designate, and Joan Carney. It was decided to appoint four candidates, emphasizing their strong backgrounds and understanding of the town’s needs. Concerns were raised about the quality of the initial applications received for the Town Administrator position, with some members suggesting that the first few applicants might not qualify as serious candidates. The deadline for applications was noted as October 4.

The meeting also covered the Deerfield Select Board’s participation in a heat meeting, where findings from various feasibility studies conducted by 20 communities were discussed. This led to a discussion about the South County Senior Center Board of Oversight, which had convened earlier that week. A feasibility study was underway to evaluate potential properties for a senior center, with specific locations in Sunderland, Whately, and Deerfield being considered. The consultants highlighted challenges related to the required square footage, which might exceed what community members would find acceptable.

A proposal was made to update the existing memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the three communities involved in the senior center project. The current agreement was described as outdated and in need of significant revision. The board emphasized the need for a clearer structure and responsibilities within the consortium, especially concerning financial commitments and oversight. There were concerns about the feasibility of the consortium operating independently, particularly regarding the commitment to purchasing a building without the backing of the individual towns.

Additionally, the discussion covered the South County Senior Center’s collaboration with the Pioneer Valley Transportation Authority (PVTA) for transportation services. The sharing of a van and the associated policies, particularly regarding alcohol and drug use, were highlighted as areas of concern. The board stressed the importance of ensuring that the policies adhered to Deerfield’s regulations, as the employees involved would be Deerfield’s staff. Safety and liability issues were also raised, with the need for a new MOU between Deerfield and PVTA seen as necessary to clarify responsibilities and coverage.