The board grappled with the Highway Superintendent’s contract, which became a focal point amid discussions about a requested 5% salary increase for the third contract year. The increase was considered in light of the Superintendent’s contributions during the pandemic and the town’s economic state. After a lengthy debate that included various calculations and differing opinions on the percentage increase, a 5% increase was agreed upon. The contract amendment reflected this decision and aligned with the overall salary adjustments for town employees and the current consumer price index.

Additionally, the board reviewed the necessity of proceeding with a road project, with the Water Commission emphasizing its importance for the town’s infrastructure. There was also deliberation on whether to secure grants or wait until fall for further funding. The board left phase B of the project on the warrant for future consideration.

The meeting took a turn to financial matters concerning the town’s Enterprise fund. Topics included potential adjustments to bag costs and permit fees, and the allocation of revenue from various sources such as Amresco and solar projects. The board discussed the need for additional funding from the tax levy due to increased hauling charges, as well as the appointment of the master plan committee and the term limits for its members. The ambulance contract extension for Action Ambulance for the fiscal year 25 was approved.

In terms of property management, there was a significant proposal from the land trust regarding the purchase of land for conservation purposes, which would service the existing conservation land and avoid involvement in home development. The board also addressed the possibility of using Community Preservation Act funds for library windows, with a decision to pay out of existing maintenance funds.

The meeting included an extensive review of budget requests from various departments, with $2,759,965 requested for general government services. Notable discussions took place regarding the Highway Department’s budget, including tree warden services, snow and ice removal, and other highway accounts. The potential purchase of property by the land trust for trail access and parking, not to exceed $110,000, and the police department’s budget, including the need for a new cruiser, were also discussed.

Further discussions on funding and improvements spanned conservation funds, State Highway, Library additional state aid, and assessors funding for state-mandated programs. The Senior Center expansion, with a proposed budget of $6.6 million requiring a 2/3 vote at the town meeting, was also a topic of discussion.

The Scantic Valley water district improvements were detailed, with the first phase estimated at $1.2 million and the potential for grant funding to offset costs. The possibility of expanding the water district to include new homes was deliberated as well.

A temporary moratorium on battery energy storage systems was discussed, but no action was taken due to the planning board’s inability to hold a hearing in time and guidance from the Attorney General’s office. A bylaw committee was proposed to address regulations for such systems before the fall town meeting.

The lease extension for a landfill tower was approved, and the fire station design committee reported on their progress in seeking an architect. Discussions on funding for Hampden’s 150th anniversary events and the fiber optic initiative were also informational.

Concerns were raised about electronic voting at town meetings and the town’s current IT situation, with a review of articles related to school resource officer reimbursement, advisory committee reserve fund, general stabilization fund, and tax rate reduction. The Advisory Committee planned to continue refining these issues before the final recommendations for the town meeting.