The meeting’s focal point was the deteriorating condition of the Hemlock Lane landfill and the required repairs, with a detailed report presented by Mike Martin, a senior program manager with TRC Companies. Martin outlined two potential repair plans: a short-term fix expected to cost between $40,000 and $50,000 and a comprehensive overhaul estimated at over $529,000. The latter would address significant erosion issues, improve stormwater management, and involve the eradication of invasive species such as Japanese knotweed. The comprehensive plan’s cost had escalated from earlier estimates due to the expanded scope of necessary repairs.

The board discussed funding strategies for the landfill repairs, considering the use of capital expenditures and exploring grant opportunities, although grant eligibility appeared limited. The comprehensive project could potentially generate revenue through tipping fees from soil imported for construction, offsetting costs. However, it was noted that before contracts could be awarded, funds need to be appropriated, and further analysis of financial viability was deemed necessary.

In parallel, the meeting addressed a grievance filed by the water department’s union concerning overtime pay provisions. The grievance arose from a contractual interpretation dispute, with the union asserting that all time, including holidays, should count as time worked for overtime calculation. The board had previously communicated that overtime should be based on physical hours worked, a stance that was reportedly not adhered to, leading to unauthorized overtime payments. The lack of communication and coordination between the water department and the board was a central issue, with the board expressing frustration over not being informed of grievances until months later.

The board emphasized the need for improved transparency and communication between town departments, particularly regarding financial decisions affecting the town’s budget. The grievance incident underscored governance challenges, highlighting the necessity for a unified approach to managing contracts and department operations.

In addition to these major topics, the meeting featured a proposal for a memorial to honor fallen war hero Joshua Aaron Curtis. David Walsh, representing Veterans of Foreign Wars post 6258, proposed a granite bench funded by the Veterans Foreign Wars post and the Council on Aging, with no financial burden on the town. The board unanimously approved the project, with a dedication ceremony planned for Veterans Day.

The board also discussed other agenda items, including the appointment of Bob Hodgej to the Beautification Committee and Tyler Hughes’s Eagle Scout project to create flower beds at Vaughn Park. Both appointments received unanimous approval. The board granted permits for upcoming events, including a live entertainment permit for a July 2nd event and a fireworks display scheduled for the following Saturday, emphasizing safety and parking restrictions.

The meeting concluded with routine approvals of warrants and budgetary discussions, including a $30,000 transfer from the police wages account to cover excess legal expenses. The board also addressed the authorization of the town accountant for ARPA requests and the allocation of opioid settlement funds for a Junior Police Academy.