A key item that dominated discussions was the potential expansion of the select board. The Government Study Committee presented a report suggesting an increase from three to five members, arguing that a larger board would distribute the workload more evenly and prevent delays in decision-making due to absences. Members of the board discussed how a five-member board could better interface with the Town Administrator’s full-time duties. The change was also seen as a way to attract a wider pool of candidates for positions like Town Clerk and Treasurer Collector by switching from elected to appointed roles. The board considered the implications for the town’s budget and the need for competitive salaries to attract qualified applicants.

Another topic was the proposal to change the voting method at town meetings to a show of hands. While some viewed this as a progressive step towards expanding voting capabilities, there were concerns regarding the logistics and the procedural changes required, such as separate town meeting votes and legislative petitions. Additionally, the impact on positions within the town, such as the introduction of a dedicated HR person or an assistant town manager, was debated, and plans were made for presenting these proposals at a future town meeting.

The meeting also tackled the Great Horse Country Club’s request to change its liquor license manager. The board voted to authorize this change, although there was some confusion about the process. The discussion extended to the reopening of the warrant for zoning articles, particularly noting that certain proposed language had not passed the Massachusetts legislature. A suggestion was made to revisit this in the fall meeting.

The board discussed a one-year moratorium on battery energy storage systems due to funding concerns and the possibility of needing an override question if the project faced opposition. This led to broader discussions on budget reviews, where adjustments to expenses such as transportation testing and wildlife control were proposed. Appointments for positions like the Board of Assessors and Cemetery Commissioners were also on the agenda, along with the scheduling of a special town meeting.

Technical difficulties throughout the meeting were a recurring issue, with participants struggling to connect via audio. This sparked a conversation on the effectiveness of virtual meetings and the need for improvements in meeting management.

Furthermore, the board deliberated on extending the contract with U Action Ambulance. They considered the annual cost, potential rebates, and the benefits of a three-year contract versus budget reductions. The town website’s budget and its upgrade were discussed, alongside the creation of a new job description for an IT facilities person. The replacement of the Board of Health coordinator and the allocation of funds for infrastructure projects like bridge matches and traffic studies were also debated.

The Town Administrator highlighted discrepancies in the accounting of funds, which called for a examination to inform future decisions on project funding. The board authorized the purchase of new windows for the Town Hall and acknowledged the Senior Center’s receipt of tablets and a grant aimed at enhancing senior technology learning.

The meeting concluded with a motion to enter an executive session to discuss collective bargaining with the police union.