During the meeting, a resident inquired about the town’s strategy for dealing with contaminated properties, particularly the former Texaco gas station and a site on Carman Avenue. The council confirmed that while the former gas station site has undergone some cleanup, further testing is required to assess the remaining contamination. The council emphasized the importance of pursuing grants to facilitate these efforts, although they acknowledged the lengthy and potentially costly nature of the process.

Additionally, the council discussed the complexities of property ownership in relation to environmental liabilities. They clarified that while the town is avoiding foreclosure on these properties to prevent assuming responsibility for contaminants, they remain committed to seeking resources for cleanup. This cautious approach aims to balance environmental remediation with fiscal responsibility.

Another topic raised was the recruitment practices for town positions, specifically regarding concerns of nepotism. A resident questioned the transparency of the hiring process for a recent appointment. The council assured that the position was publicly posted, but acknowledged the suggestion for wider dissemination to ensure fairness and inclusivity in hiring.