The formation of subcommittees emerged as a key point of debate during the meeting. Council members weighed the benefits and drawbacks of establishing subcommittees dedicated to managing the opiate settlement funds, particularly concerning burial funds. Concerns were raised about the efficiency and necessity of these subcommittees, as some members questioned whether the full commission could adequately address issues in a timely manner. Conversations also veered into legal considerations, with a focus on compliance with open meeting laws and the town charter.

Despite divergent opinions, there was a shared understanding of the urgency associated with addressing burial fund requests. Some argued that a dedicated subcommittee could expedite responses to these matters, while others posited that the commission should handle these responsibilities collectively. The debate underscored ongoing challenges in balancing operational efficiency with transparency and legal compliance.

As the meeting progressed, the council turned its attention to refining the burial fund application process. Members emphasized the importance of making the application clear and accessible to families in need. Discussions were held about the criteria for funding, such as confirming residency and linking the cause of death to substance use. A focus was on avoiding “double dipping”—a term replaced by “no overlapping compensation” to better communicate the intent to applicants. The council agreed that the application should ask about other funding sources and clarify that receiving assistance from multiple sources would not disqualify applicants. This approach was aimed at fostering honesty and transparency in the application process.

The council also considered the logistical aspects of the application, such as requiring a W9 form for reimbursement. Some members suggested including this form upfront to streamline the process for grieving families, while others debated the timing to avoid adding complexity during a difficult time.

In addition to burial fund matters, the council touched upon broader community engagement efforts, notably the establishment of a commission Facebook page for outreach and education. Although the city currently does not allow new official pages, there was enthusiasm for potentially creating an unofficial page to facilitate community interaction.

Finally, the council addressed procedural elements, such as reviewing rejection notices for applications and discussing a vendor pledge form for funeral homes, which were tabled for further consultation with financial and legal departments. The council’s meeting concluded with a unanimous approval of a burial fund application and plans to reconvene on January 19, 2026, to continue addressing these issues.