One notable issue discussed was the financial accountability related to vendor balances for the town’s trash bag program. Health Agent Matt Tannis highlighted the problem by presenting an Excel spreadsheet detailing amounts owed by various vendors. The most notable debt was owed by Hannaford, which accounted for $47,400 of the total $73,000 owed across vendors. The board acknowledged the necessity of revising vendor agreements, which had not been updated since 1998, to establish a more structured approach to managing overdue accounts. Liz, the office manager, described the difficulties in managing accounts receivable, particularly with Hannaford, noting that the process of tracking payments was convoluted and repetitive. The board agreed on the need for clarity and organization in vendor agreements to prevent future discrepancies and discussed sending an official notice to vendors regarding price increases for trash bags to avoid confusion.

The board’s focus on financial accountability underscored the need for updated agreements with vendors to streamline processes, reduce losses, and enhance operational efficiency.

In parallel, the board addressed public health concerns, particularly around animal control and environmental issues on Pleasant Street. Resident Ellie Bedro raised concerns about the number of animals on a nearby property and the resulting odors, which she claimed became unbearable during the summer. The board acknowledged the issue, noting the presence of standing water contributing to unpleasant smells and health concerns. The animal control officer explained the town’s limitations in regulating the number of animals on private properties due to the right-to-farm designation and the lack of definitive state guidelines limiting animal ownership.

Ellie expressed frustration with the situation, citing the negative impact on her family’s health, especially when her daughter was pregnant. She urged the board to take action, stating that the smell made it difficult to breathe during the summer. The board engaged in a debate regarding potential solutions, including addressing the standing water issue. However, the officer explained that the property’s wetland designation limited the effectiveness of remediation efforts.

The discussions also revealed an understanding of the difficulty of changing bylaws, indicating that any proposed changes would require a town vote, which might not be favorable given the community’s agricultural interests. The conversation touched upon the duration of the issue, with Ellie stating that it had persisted for about 10 years. The board expressed a commitment to exploring potential solutions, awaiting further information from Matt, who would conduct additional research into comparable situations.

The board emphasized the need for a balanced approach that considers the rights and responsibilities of both residents and property owners.

In other matters, the board discussed the status of the town nurse position, currently filled by Melissa, who works across multiple towns. They expressed a desire to keep the position active to avoid losing funding and considered continuing the job posting for a nurse to cover one to two hours weekly. The board agreed that maintaining the town nurse is beneficial, as long as Melissa is available to fill in when not scheduled elsewhere.

The board also addressed the need for barn permit refunds, unanimously agreeing to issue refunds to those who had paid for permits that are no longer required. Additionally, the board approved a motion for a signature authorization form for Vincent Heert to ensure payroll could be processed in the absence of Barbara, who handles payroll matters.