A representative from National Grid, Kyle Jur, presented the necessity of a new pole position to support a new circuit and to meet pole loading analysis requirements. The request spurred a debate regarding the backlog of double poles in the town but was eventually approved, with at least one member expressing reservations before conceding their vote in favor.

Following the National Grid discussion, the board tackled the issue of budget adjustments. A significant topic was the increase in the administrative assistant’s work hours from 32 to 35 per week, which sparked a broader conversation about employee benefits and the repercussions of pay raises on insurance costs. The discussion further delved into the anticipated 21% increase in property and liability insurance, prompting questions about the necessity of the hike and the addition of specific vehicles to the policy. The board members sought clarity on various expenses, such as a new hot water tank or generator for townhouse maintenance, and expressed concerns over aging equipment and the need for facility management solutions.

The shared services, particularly Finn’s operation, faced a deficit due to underfunding or flat funding from the state, with a projected shortfall of $25,000 for the next year. The ambulance service reported a projected $60,000 rebate and received commendations for its response time. The water district’s budget was projected to see a significant increase of at least $100,000 in testing costs. On employee compensation, the board reached a consensus to recommend a 3.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).

In terms of property matters, the board was uncertain about the details of a property purchase using Community Preservation Committee (CPC) funds. Concerns over the accuracy of the proposed purchase price and the division of costs between the town and the land trust led to demands for more information. The Conservation Commission’s annual appropriation was noted to receive funds from the solar landfill lease.

A key discussion point was the funding for a fire station design, with the board weighing the need for a consensus on an override vote. The potential length of a mortgage for the fire station and different funding options were debated, with an agreement that public forums would be important to inform the town and gather input before deciding on a course of action.

The environmental concerns were addressed with talks about water testing requirements and long-term strategies for detecting substances near public landfills and transfer stations. The board considered the costs and frequency of testing, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency’s involvement in ongoing negotiations.

A financial undertaking discussed was the first phase of the water district project estimated at around $700,000 for upgrading the pump house and well system, with the second phase costing approximately $1.5 million. The possibility of using ARPA funds for the project and the need for borrowing authorization were notable topics, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures and the potential savings in testing costs.

The board also scrutinized the police department’s vehicle purchases, debating the cost of a new cruiser and the implications of outfitting the vehicle. The idea of extending the service life of police vehicles and tracking maintenance costs was considered, alongside concerns about the timing of new purchases given the inclusion of dispatch operations in the police budget.

Education technology was on the agenda, with a proposal for wireless access points in the school district leading to discussions on whether it should be classified as a capital or operating expense. The board also noted the need to amend bylaws based on the school committee’s recommendations.

Other brief mentions included the potential purchase of a pickup truck with a plow for the highway department and proposed amendments to bylaws in articles 21 through 26.