A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to celebrating National Library Week, with a presentation by Library Director Katie McGonagal. She highlighted the library’s critical role in transforming lives and strengthening communities under the theme “Drawn to the Library.” Her presentation underscored the library’s role in fostering lifelong learning and cultural enrichment for all ages. McGonagal shared that in 2024, the library registered over 100,000 visitors, issued more than 660 new library cards, and responded to nearly 7,000 reference inquiries. She emphasized the library’s continuous engagement efforts through various programs and outreach activities, encouraging council members and patrons to subscribe to their weekly e-newsletter for updates. A council member queried about the library card issuance process, leading to a discussion about the prospects of waiving the $2 replacement fee.

The council also deliberated on a liquor license transfer for Iicura Asian House LLC, located on North Main Street. The applicant explained the transfer details, noting that the new LLC would take full ownership while continuing existing operations without interruption. The transfer was straightforward, with the council approving the motion unanimously after confirming the correct address. The council then discussed a one-day liquor license for Oneway Brewing, scheduled for an Earth Day cleanup event, which also received approval, albeit with one abstention.

Another topic was the proposal to regulate private vehicle sales on residential properties. The council discussed a zoning amendment initiated by the planning board. This proposal sought to address concerns about individuals operating unofficial used car lots, with enforcement anticipated to be complaint-driven. The debate included considerations for property owners and tenants, with suggestions to refine the language to include family members residing at the premises. Questions about enforcement and potential abuse by licensed dealers were raised, alongside discussions on how to balance individual rights with community regulations.

The council further explored transparency in employee contracts and salaries, prompted by a proposed bylaw draft. The conversation acknowledged the benefits of transparency and public accountability, despite logistical challenges in managing and updating such information on the town’s website. The council agreed to refer the bylaw proposal to the bylaw review committee for further assessment.

Additionally, the council reviewed financial matters, including the FY26 budget draft and the third-quarter FY25 budget update. The town manager presented the budget process, highlighting significant cost increases in essential services and the proposed tax rate, which incorporates funding for the new high school project. A council member inquired about potential impacts from the Governor’s budget, with the manager suggesting that historical deviations were typically minor. The discussion also noted positive developments in the legal budget, attributed to improvements in the human resources department.

The meeting also addressed the possibility of introducing a banner program on town fields, considering financial implications and community standards. Concerns about content appropriateness, particularly in fields where children play, were discussed. The council contemplated forming an ad hoc committee to develop a cohesive policy that harmonizes with existing school regulations.

Finally, the council discussed the town manager’s contract and performance evaluation process, with plans to initiate evaluations soon. The dialogue emphasized aligning evaluation timelines and scales to ensure clarity and effectiveness.