A crucial decision during the meeting involved the approval of a contract with Papus Industries for the exterior restoration of the Union Building, a historic site requiring attention. The Board considered two bids for the project, ultimately endorsing the lowest bid of $655,000, which was well within the budget set by Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds. The contractor assured timely completion of the restoration, a fact that seemed to reassure the Board, leading to a swift and unanimous approval of the contract.

Alongside the Union Building project, the Board tackled the matter of library repairs. Earlier, a contract with AT Painting was approved for $39,900 to conduct needed repairs. This decision followed a competitive bidding process where the lowest bidder was disqualified for failing to comply with all requirements, including acknowledging an important addendum. While the contract price exceeded the remaining state budget allocation for the library by $6,200, the Board expressed confidence in the contractor’s ability to deliver quality work, approving the contract unanimously.

Another discussion revolved around the allocation of retained earnings for water system upgrades. The Board considered withdrawing approximately $35,000 from retained earnings, which were certified at about $68,000, to create a dedicated fund for water system improvements and repairs. This fund aims to address both emergency situations, such as those caused by recent lightning damage to the pump station’s SCADA system, and planned maintenance projects. The intent is to avoid burdening taxpayers with increased water rates, opting instead to use existing resources wisely. The Board debated whether the fund’s title should be revised to prevent public misunderstanding, ultimately deciding that the detailed description accompanying the fund would clarify its purpose.

In addition to these major agenda items, the Board reviewed the annual town meeting warrant, which included new articles for a Lardfield master plan and enhancements to tennis and pickleball courts. These projects received approval from the Community Preservation Committee, highlighting the town’s ongoing efforts to enhance recreational facilities. The warrant also addressed the need for supplemental appropriations for stormwater drainage work, contingent on planning board recommendations, though no immediate changes to town properties were anticipated.

The meeting also touched on the appointment of a new treasurer collector. After several months of interviews, the Board announced that Theresa Roleri, with experience as Acton’s treasurer collector since 2017, had accepted the position. Although the Board was not ready to finalize her appointment, they expressed enthusiasm about her joining the team, acknowledging Bonnie Ricardelli’s valuable interim support during the transition.

Lastly, the Board discussed Article 21, concerning amendments to the floodplain district, which raised concerns regarding impacts on homeowners’ property values and insurance rates. The Board clarified that no changes affected Dunstable properties, emphasizing that any issues with floodplain designations fall under FEMA’s jurisdiction, not the town’s. Homeowners were reminded of their option to pursue a Letter of Map Amendment if they believed their properties were incorrectly classified.