One notable issue was the public hearing regarding a proposed power upgrade on Summers Road by National Grid. Michael Tetro from National Grid presented the plan to install a new pole at the intersection of County and Summers Road. This upgrade seeks to rectify reliability issues plaguing the local subdivision. Residents voiced anxieties about the project’s impact on their properties and the reliability of the power supply. A woman from 104 Summers questioned the placement of the new conduit relative to her property, while Nancy Netherwood from Colony Drive highlighted the lack of accessibility at the meeting venue and critiqued National Grid’s communication during outages.

Tetro, attending as a representative rather than the project designer, assured that the new installation would connect to existing underground networks to minimize disruptions while improving capacity. Despite reassurances, residents expressed ongoing frustrations over insufficient outage notifications and inadequate support during power failures. The Select Board echoed these concerns and underscored the necessity for enhanced communication between National Grid and the town, advocating for a dedicated representative to liaise with the community.

Parallel to the power upgrade discussion, the board addressed the deteriorating condition of Wilbraham Middle School. The school’s infrastructure, notably its water, HVAC, and electrical systems, alongside asbestos-laden tiles and crumbling walls, requires urgent attention. Members emphasized the need for a five-year plan to implement interim repairs while formulating a comprehensive solution. Suggestions included improving ventilation and maintaining transparency in financial management, as past misallocations of maintenance funds were a concern. The board expressed frustration over delays in addressing these issues, stressing the importance of safeguarding the educational environment for current and future students.

Traffic safety was another focal point at the meeting, with particular attention to Raymond Drive and the intersection near a gas station. Increased traffic and speeding, especially by drivers from Connecticut, have raised safety concerns. The board discussed potential solutions, including speed tables and traffic lights, to mitigate these risks. The necessity of conducting a traffic study was highlighted to explore viable improvements. The board also addressed pedestrian safety concerns by considering the reinstatement of a streetlight at a previously illuminated intersection.

In addition to the key infrastructure and safety topics, the board dealt with routine license renewals without incident. Liquor licenses for the upcoming year were renewed, with all inspections completed and no objections raised. However, Discount Liquors is under investigation by the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission, though this did not impede the renewal process. Food vendor licenses were also approved following satisfactory inspections.

The assembly touched on various administrative matters, such as the pending $90,000 earmark for public safety improvements, which will include camera system upgrades in town facilities. The board also discussed potential changes to polling locations and the upcoming annual town meeting.