05:34The most notable item on the agenda was the public hearing regarding a petition from Verizon New England and NStar Electric, doing business as Eversource Energy. The companies sought permission to erect a line of poles, wires, and fixtures on Lower Road. An Eversource representative outlined the necessity of installing two new poles, designated as pole 87 over 62s and pole 87 over 50M, to support heavier lines. The new installations were prompted by environmental considerations rather than landowner requests, necessitating relocation to the opposite side of the road near Albany Road West. The board raised questions about the poles’ nature and placement but encountered no objections. Following a motion to close the hearing, the board unanimously approved the proposed pole locations.

10:07In a lighter moment, the board commemorated the milestone birthday of Stella Connor, a local resident who recently turned 110. The gathering in her honor featured the presentation of the Boston Post cane. Board members attended the event, celebrating her long life and contributions to the community.

07:04The agenda also included administrative matters, such as the completion of a collective bargaining agreement with the police department, which was set to be signed imminently. The board approved the contract with Brenda Hill, the temporary town accountant, and discussed the Mohawk area public health coalition’s recent acquisition of two solar-powered battery charging units for emergency use. These units are stored at the Department of Public Works and available for the police department’s use.

12:47The board approved minutes from several previous meetings and authorized the second sewer commitment for FY25, amounting to $145,141.94, based on water department readings. Additionally, an abatement for the town’s athletic fields was approved, with a total water usage resulting in an abatement amount of $3,887.92.

16:12Attention then turned to a change order request from Eastern A Graves for drainage work, tied to a WPA notice of intent and Army Corps of Engineers self-verification notification. The board approved the $5,850 request, reflecting ongoing efforts to address drainage along Sugarloaf Brook and its tributary. GZA Geo Environmental Incorporated, having completed an initial assessment costing over $5,000, will proceed with filing necessary permits with the conservation commission and the Army Corps of Engineers. Funding for this project is expected from the storm damages fund under ARPA.

20:06Personnel matters were another focal point, with the board addressing amendments to the personnel board manual, transitioning from a personnel bylaw to a manual. The amendments included a conflict of interest policy and an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) non-discrimination statement, both approved unanimously. Additionally, the board discussed vacation leave codification to formalize current practices for negotiating additional vacation time for new hires.

25:01The board approved several appointments, including the resignation of Diane Kolicowski from the Tritown Beach Commission, expressing gratitude for her service. Deborah Austin was appointed as a part-time administrative assistant backup, and additional appointments to town staff, boards, and commissions were approved, including the addition of Blake Gilmore to the ad hoc senior housing committee.

26:51Updates from the town administrator included progress on the Still Water Bridge project, with an upcoming meeting with EA and DCR to address mitigation land for Article 97. Additionally, the Park Street project was discussed, with a successful meeting involving Furcog and Mass DOT.

The board received information about the 1888 building project, nearing contract finalization with the USDA. A preliminary construction meeting is anticipated soon. The town administrator announced a successful technical assistance grant application, which will provide an archivist to help preserve important historical documents.

Finally, plans for the Nex AMP landfill solar project were outlined, with a pre-construction walkthrough scheduled and performance and payment bond materials under review by legal counsel. The project is expected to begin construction shortly.