The meeting’s central topic was the presentation by a local Girl Scout, Sienna, about her Gold Award project to install AEDs at five strategic locations around town. As a junior at a local high school and a soccer player, Sienna emphasized the importance of AEDs in emergency situations, especially in light of increasing cardiac incidents among young athletes. Her initiative aims to place AEDs at Alumni Field, Fowler Fields, Rocklands, Memorial Park downtown, and Test Landing. The board expressed admiration for her efforts, approving both the donation of $16,150 for the installation and the project itself, contingent on necessary approvals. The discussion included logistical aspects of installation and maintenance, with a third-party vendor responsible for installing self-standing boxes that would alert emergency services when accessed. The board also discussed the importance of CPR training to ensure community members could use the devices effectively.

In another significant topic, the board deliberated on water and sewer rates. A public hearing opened at 7:50 p.m. addressed two proposed rate increases: a 7% increase to cover operational requirements for FY26 and a 9% increase that included a $100,000 water filtration rebate program to assist residents experiencing discolored water issues. After extensive discussion about the fairness and implications of the rebate program, the board approved the 9% increase, emphasizing community support for residents in need. Concerns about the authenticity of claims regarding water discoloration were also raised. The board member living in an affected area recused themselves from the vote. The board also approved an increase in the sewer-only customer fee from $50 to $275 for FY26.

The board also addressed fiscal considerations for the upcoming fiscal year. A $62,125 increase in revenue projections allowed for a recommendation to increase reserves from $175,000 to $225,000, benefiting various departments, including the school department. Discussions centered around the proposed health insurance rate increase of 9.92%, with a proposal to adjust the health insurance plan design to save $263,000, redirecting it toward the school budget. The select board debated allocating the additional funds to the school budget to alleviate the taxpayer burden, potentially decreasing the school department’s override request.

The board also focused on appointments to the board of registrars. The town clerk reported efforts to stabilize the board’s composition. The Democratic and Republican Town Committees presented candidates, resulting in the appointment of Taylor Leak for the Democrats and Ronald Lady for the Republicans. These appointments aim to strengthen the board’s oversight of elections and compliance with voting laws.

Infrastructure projects were another topic of discussion, with the board approving a contract with Stantec Consulting Services for $495,000 for the Powder Mill sewer pump station and force main improvement. The grant, secured from economic development funds, aims to modernize the town’s wastewater infrastructure, addressing capacity constraints and preparing for future development.

The meeting also touched on the approval of the annual and special town election warrants, with amendments concerning funding amounts for various projects. The special town election is set for May 27, 2025, at the Fowler School Auditorium. Additionally, the board discussed the Green Meadow School building project, noting a recent groundbreaking ceremony and an approved change order for geotechnical construction administration services.