One focus of the meeting was the employment contract for the town’s police chief. The board also approved the transfer of an all alcohol beverage license to a new business and appointed a new manager for the establishment. Questions were raised by board members concerning the current and proposed hours of operation as well as the transfer and pledge of the license.

The Memorial Day Parade, a cornerstone event for the town, was discussed with attention to its new route and dedication ceremony planned at the newly established Veterans Memorial.

The board proceeded to fill several key positions within the town government, including the Building Commissioner, parking clerk, sign officer, and member of the stormwater phase 2 committee, among others. Additionally, a common victualer’s license was granted to a business known as wandering waffles, and a catering service and cafe received approval for a wine and malt beverage license.

Infrastructure and public safety were also addressed through discussions on the removal of an underground storage tank as part of the West Street building project and updates on numerous ongoing projects, including the Route 2 Mass DOT project and the Green Communities initiative. The board decided against allowing residents to observe the tank removal process, citing safety concerns.

During the meeting, the board addressed the spring cleanup at the highway department, expressing concern over being shorthanded and the potential need for volunteers. There were debates regarding the limitations of resources and staffing for parks maintenance and the feasibility of volunteers assisting with park maintenance given potential liability issues.

The board discussed the need for volunteers to help spread specialized infield dirt on the fields to make them safer for children and debated the prospects of the lacrosse team using the town’s field. The conversation extended to the review of various articles for the upcoming town meeting, touching on topics like authorizing the select board to conduct fiscal year 2025 activities, compensation for services rendered by departments, and the acceptance of gifts for cemetery lot care.

Funding allocations were a major theme, with the board considering the need to adjust personnel compensation, transfer funds for highway construction, and appropriate funds for the Pathfinder Regional Technical High School District. Concerns were raised about the specific details of compensation and the potential impact of proposed amendments to bylaws on the town’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Further discussions centered on funding the town’s other post-employment benefits liability, purchasing vehicles for various departments, and addressing infrastructure needs such as insulation at the Carnegie Pavilion and fencing at the COA building. The board also considered replacing equipment for the police and fire departments, including security cameras and a fire engine.

The meeting also featured a debate on the affordability and sustainability of adding personnel to the fire and ambulance departments, with the chair of the finance committee raising concerns about the continuous addition of personnel and the long-term implications for the town’s finances. The majority of salaries for these personnel were funded by the fire department due to insufficient revenue from the ambulance service.

The board voted to enter an executive session to discuss the negotiation strategy with nonunion personnel and approved the town annual election warrant, which included votes for various town offices and positions.