The highway department raised alarms about the structural integrity of N Brook, a crucial local road. The highway superintendent cautioned that heavy rainfall could wash out a major culvert, emphasizing, “If we don’t do some, the next serious rainfall going to lose the road.” To address the imminent threat, the board was asked to approve an emergency repair declaration to facilitate swift action. Estimates for the culvert repair were set “under 50,000,” with additional guardrail costs ranging from “25 to 35 dollars per foot.” The board endorsed the emergency declaration, allowing for expedited repairs without utilizing state resources, provided three quotes were secured for the work.

The highway department also highlighted the need for broader roadwork, including urgent repairs on Old Chester Road. These repairs could reach “around 100 to 115,000” due to the necessity of replacing outdated culverts. Discussions included a proposal to utilize Chapter 90 funds for emergency repairs, bypassing the usual bidding process. This would ensure timely completion and maintain the integrity of the roads serving as vital routes for emergency services.

In a separate but equally issue, the board addressed mounting frustrations with the town’s accounting services. A notable concern involved the handling of a shared Water Services grant, with persistent difficulties arising from delayed and incomplete financial reporting by the accounting firm. A board member expressed exasperation over the inadequate responses received when requesting detailed documentation, stating, “if I had submitted what our accountant had given us, it would look like we still had $113,000 in this grant account and we don’t.” The lack of sufficient training on the Vadar financial software compounded the issue, limiting the staff’s ability to access necessary data. This situation prompted serious discussions about potentially sourcing a new accounting firm, as the current contractor’s performance was deemed unsatisfactory.

The board debated inviting a representative from the accounting firm to a future meeting to address these issues directly, though this would incur a significant fee.

The meeting also included discussions on a series of maintenance and operational challenges. The condition of town equipment, particularly the need for repairs and potential replacements, was a recurrent topic. There was a consensus on the necessity for a strategic plan to manage equipment investment and maintenance, considering leasing options or collaborations with neighboring towns for cost-effective solutions.

Noise violations and property maintenance issues were another focal point. New fines were introduced for noise complaints, particularly for barking dogs, with a structured fee schedule implemented to address persistent disturbances. The board also considered measures to tackle the accumulation of junk on town properties, with proposals to involve the town’s lawyer if necessary. These efforts aimed to uphold community standards and address resident concerns effectively.