The meeting opened with a detailed debate about the conditions at Wilberham Middle School, focusing on the school’s ventilation system, which was identified in a 2015 feasibility study as critical for mold remediation. Concerns were raised by committee members about the capital planning committee’s failure to approve necessary projects to rectify these issues. The urgency of addressing the school’s overcrowding and infrastructure problems was a focal point, as was the need to finalize a regional agreement that would allow the school committee the flexibility to tackle these challenges.

A board member voiced frustration over the perceived inaction on the documented problems. The analogy of a house inspection was used to illustrate the concern: one should not pay full price if inspection reveals flaws. The board member stressed the importance of fairness in investments, questioning the rationale behind Hampden assuming debt for a school they do not own or have a stake in. Discussions also touched on alternative proposals, such as redistributing student populations between schools to mitigate overcrowding. Despite the deliberations, no consensus was reached on how to proceed effectively.

The budget review was another significant topic, with a slight increase noted in the emergency management budget due to the Blackboard Connect reverse 911 program. The board expressed concerns over the overall budget situation, noting that the numbers received were not encouraging and would strain the town’s finances. The timeline for the school committee’s budget assessment, due by April 1, created urgency, as the advisory committee planned its public hearing for April 14, necessitating a brief preparation window.

Within the context of union contracts, the board discussed a potential two-and-a-half percent salary increase, acknowledging adjustments might be needed later if contracts were not settled. Attention was also drawn to a conservation restriction grant on North Road, with questions about the proposed land’s location and the need for clarity on associated projects.

Specific projects, such as a parking area and access driveway, were discussed, with confirmation of an ANR plan submission for the necessary engineering drawings. Concerns arose regarding the prioritization of school project funding, with a representative arguing that resources should focus on pressing safety measures, such as fixing doors and locks, rather than infrastructure enhancements like parking lots and road extensions. The representative highlighted the lack of essential facilities, such as a library, and the inadequate classroom conditions for special education teachers.

The board addressed the ambulance contract, noting the need for a soon-to-be-resolved subsidy issue. The timeline for publishing the warrant was emphasized, with around 35 articles expected, including school department contributions. An update on the master plan was also provided, noting its completion by mid-April and distribution anticipated around town meeting time. The plan comprises eight chapters on various topics, including housing, economic development, and public facilities, with community input encouraged for future action items.

The discussion shifted to the installation of a crosswalk at North Road, initially proposed to be funded through casino mitigation funds, which were denied. The board reevaluated the project’s necessity, emphasizing the importance of safety for schoolchildren and the potential costs involved. Concerns about Main Street’s adequacy for bike lanes and historical parking practices were also raised.

Further topics included a damaged flagpole in the town center, with a local business offering to donate a replacement, pending insurance company response. The board continued discussions on a cable license agreement with Charter, specifically regarding capital funding for audio-visual improvements, and noted ongoing conversations about community mitigation grants for outdoor recreation and marketing.

The board highlighted the need for community involvement in implementing the master plan’s recommendations, emphasizing the challenge of securing volunteers for necessary committees. The logistics for an upcoming regional select board meeting on April 2 were addressed, confirming the meeting time at 5:30 PM.