The most notable decision during the meeting was the proclamation to designate Dighton as a Purple Heart Town. This initiative aims to honor military veterans from the community who received the Purple Heart for their service. The town will observe August 7th annually as Purple Heart Day, encouraging citizens and organizations to display the American flag in recognition of these veterans. Discussion of logistical details, such as flag placement and community involvement, including potential participation from groups like the Boy Scouts, was also addressed. The proclamation is set to culminate with a ceremony in mid-August, where local Purple Heart recipients will be officially honored.

In the realm of cultural enrichment, the board unanimously approved the appointments of Kristen Currance and Laura Reynolds to the Dighton Cultural Council. Currance, a former chairperson, expressed her intention to reinvigorate the council’s efforts in utilizing funds for cultural initiatives, while Reynolds, a librarian, highlighted her plans to promote cultural activities. Both appointees were met with appreciation for their willingness to volunteer.

The board also deliberated on a one-day liquor license request from the Dighton Baseball and Softball League for a family day event. Despite the late submission, the board recognized the challenges faced due to the pandemic and approved the request, contingent upon the acquisition of necessary signatures. The event, scheduled for June 8th, will feature activities such as home run derbies and face painting.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing a dispute involving a local resident, Michael Fisado, whose business license had expired following his retirement. Fisado expressed concerns about his neighbor’s complaints regarding alleged disturbances, describing these actions as harassment. The board clarified that the issue seemed to stem from a civil matter, suggesting that any further action would require documentation and involvement from the appropriate town authorities, such as the building commissioner. The board’s response underscored the importance of mediation in community disputes while maintaining respect for civil processes.

The board further discussed the appointment of Tom Maness as a part-time dispatcher, a move recommended by Chief Good to alleviate overtime costs by reducing mandated hours for full-time employees. Despite concerns about recent hiring increases, the board confirmed that this appointment would not incur additional financial obligations for the town, leading to unanimous approval of Maness’s appointment.

In matters of local development, the board received a presentation from Michelle Tinger of SERPENT regarding updates to the conservation subdivision bylaw. The presentation emphasized the need for community engagement and the reduction of environmental footprints through conservation subdivisions. The discussion explored the balance between higher-density development and environmental protection, with board members engaging in queries about the implications of such updates.

The meeting also encompassed discussions about the sanitation enterprise fund, communication strategies for informing residents, and the involvement of the stormwater committee in ongoing projects. A focus on improving public access to information through various channels, including cable broadcasts and social media, was highlighted as a key strategy in enhancing community engagement and transparency.

A contentious property issue involving another local resident, Mr. Frisado, was brought before the board. Concerns were raised about the property’s state following the expiration of a junk dealer’s license. The board proposed referring the matter to the zoning enforcement agent to clarify permissible activities on the property, acknowledging the challenges of enforcing property upkeep.