The meeting’s primary focus was Eversource’s plan to install a mobile battery unit and utility pole, a project designed to enhance electricity reliability during winter outages. Jesse Martin from Eversource presented the proposal, explaining that the battery unit would connect to the existing electrical circuit to provide immediate power restoration in case of outages. The project includes installations at two locations: Shelurn Falls Road and Wilder Hill.

Residents expressed concerns about the visual impact and safety of the installation. One resident, living across from the proposed site on Shelurn Falls Road, questioned the aesthetic impact of the battery unit, described as a “small cargo trailer.” The fire chief raised significant safety concerns, highlighting the area’s susceptibility to vehicular accidents and the potential danger posed by the battery unit’s proximity to the road. He demanded clarity on the exact distance of the unit from the road and detailed protective measures to prevent accidents.

Eversource representatives assured that the unit would be placed on elevated ground and that a driveway would be constructed for easier access. However, the fire chief insisted on knowing the specific property ownership and requested written assurance of the unit’s distance from the road and protective measures. Additional concerns about brush fires were raised, with the fire chief suggesting a concrete pad to mitigate fire risks. Eversource representatives clarified that the installation is temporary, with the trial expected to last through winter until April.

Integration into Eversource’s dispatch system was discussed. However, concerns about the grounding method for the unit remained unresolved, with Eversource representatives indicating they would follow up on the matter. The project represents a new application of Eversource’s mobile battery technology, addressing unplanned outages rather than planned ones.

The meeting also addressed other topics, including the financial matters of the town. A joint session with the finance committee saw discussions on town meeting warrant articles, including an article to fund a self-evaluation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, contingent on a Massachusetts Office of Disability grant. The urgency of addressing this article before the annual town meeting was emphasized to expedite the process if grant funding is secured.

The condition of town hardware was another issue. An IT assessment revealed that the town’s technology needs were not accurately captured due to the external appearance of hardware not reflecting its internal state. The town had already signed a contract with an IT firm, creating limitations in negotiating further concessions. The board expressed concerns about the lack of firewalls in two of the town’s buildings and the financial implications of upgrading the equipment.

Financial reallocation and project approvals were also discussed, including reallocating $37,000 appropriated in 2022 for the transfer station for “right to farms” signs and interior work at the Conway Mall. The retirement of the town accountant prompted a proposal to contract Cabbiz for additional accounting services, with a motion to approve this article receiving unanimous support.

The board considered the repair of a fence on Weightley Road and the replacement of the old highway garage roof. The roof, suffering from multiple leaks, required immediate replacement, with the estimated cost for a new metal roof around $83,000. The delay in addressing the roof was attributed to scheduling issues with the Franklin County Tech School, which used student labor for construction tasks.