In another notable discussion, the board addressed the waiver of permit fees for the West Street municipal building project. The committee chair raised the question of whether the town should waive its own fees, considering the project is on town property. Although some board members viewed waiving the fees as reasonable, the building commissioner explained that fees for plumbing and electrical inspections should remain since these inspectors are paid through these fees. Ultimately, the board agreed to waive the building permit fee while ensuring essential inspectors are compensated.

The issue of relocating the town’s temporary maintenance garage was also discussed, with the state-mandated well testing necessitating potential moves. The board explored various placement options within town properties, mindful of proximity to existing septic systems and regulations. The conversation emphasized the need for adequate storage for maintenance equipment and compliance with state regulations, leading to suggestions for potential locations like the five corners area near Dunkin Donuts.

The meeting also featured discussions on the town’s emergency services management, specifically regarding the ambulance fleet. The fire chief proposed retaining the 2016 Ford F550 ambulance as a spare unit while awaiting a new vehicle. The board considered this a cost-effective measure, as the older ambulance, despite its 150,000 miles, remains in good condition and could provide additional coverage during peak times. The trade-in value of the vehicle being minimal further supported the decision to keep it operational, potentially even servicing other towns to enhance operational capacity and cash flow.

Additionally, the board approved a wage increase for part-time paramedics and firefighter-paramedics, responding to the competitive job market. Proposed rates included $30 to $32 per hour for paramedics and $32 to $33 per hour for firefighter-paramedics, based on experience. The board agreed that paying more to attract qualified personnel was justified due to the critical nature of emergency services work.

The board also explored transitioning curbside collection services from manual to automated systems, driven by safety concerns. They discussed obtaining quotes for both methods to evaluate costs and effectiveness before making a decision. The need for a Request for Proposals (RFP) was highlighted to better understand the financial implications, with an update expected at the next meeting.