The meeting’s primary focus was the approval of a contract with Funtown Entertainment LLC for an iceless skating rink at the forthcoming Holidays in Halifax event. The chair outlined the longstanding tradition of the event, celebrating over 30 years, and expressed enthusiasm for the new addition of a synthetic ice rink, similar to the one at Jordan’s Furniture. This initiative aims to enrich the holiday festivities.

The board swiftly reviewed the contract details, with specific attention given to insurance provisions to ensure adequate coverage. Following a brief discussion, a motion to approve the contract was proposed, seconded, and passed with unanimous support. The board also authorized the town administrator to sign the contract.

Attention then turned to the progress of the senior center building project. Michael Carroll from Collins Engineering provided an update, detailing the ongoing designer selection process. The board had previously issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in September, which attracted nine submissions—a notable indicator of interest and alignment with market expectations. From these submissions, a shortlist of four candidates was curated, with public interviews scheduled to further assess their qualifications.

Carroll emphasized the importance of ensuring that the designer’s objectives align with the town’s needs, particularly in maintaining budget constraints over seeking accolades. He outlined the next steps: conducting interviews with the shortlisted candidates and negotiating with the preferred choice. The process aims to rank the candidates based on qualifications and subsequently enter negotiations.

The discussion also delved into the authority of the school building committee in contractor selection for upcoming projects. Clarification was sought regarding whether the select board or the building committee had the final say. It was confirmed that the building committee, as a subcommittee appointed by the select board, would ultimately vote on the contractor, adhering to procurement laws that emphasize qualifications over price.

The board explored the procedural aspects of the selection process, noting that if negotiations fail with the top-ranked candidate, the committee would proceed to the next. This methodical approach ensures that the town partners with a contractor who meets their standards and expectations. Concerns about potential appeals from unsuccessful candidates were acknowledged, though the strength of all four finalists was emphasized.

Board members expressed appreciation for the clarity and thoroughness of the discussion, recognizing the collective effort to navigate the complexities of the project for the first time.