The Board engaged with a presentation by the Mass Audubon Society regarding the Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary, currently closed due to hazardous conditions posed by dead trees, is under consideration for a habitat management project. This project would involve both Mass Audubon and town-owned land, emphasizing the need to protect rare ecosystems.

Further, the Board discussed a recent state audit of shared services, which revealed the need for an amendment to the contract. The amendment added $160,000 to the budget for fiscal year 2024, bringing the total to $393,000 and extending the contract to 2033. The discussion also touched on the projected shortfall for the year and the previous year’s budget increase, particularly concerning admin support and other expenses covered by the state grant. This audit and subsequent budget amendment play a role in the health department’s operations, which have been satisfactory to the board. The department’s benefits to Long Meadow were highlighted, and the potential expansion of the health district was deliberated, emphasizing the need to finalize the intermunicipal agreement by the fiscal year’s end.

During the meeting, concerns were raised about the new plumbing code requirement for a single unisex bathroom in unoccupied buildings, which could impact the town’s infrastructure and potentially necessitate a variance from the state. The implications for the town’s sewage system were considered, along with the challenges of implementing these changes in areas with well fields. The estimated costs of the construction project, including a pump station and distribution system, were evaluated. The possibility of seeking grants from the Rural Development Fund to offset these costs was also discussed, along with the timing and phasing of the project.

The Board scrutinized the reallocation of casino funding, particularly its use in the pump house restoration project, which could necessitate borrowing $1.1 million. Discussions revolved around the application for funding under the One Stop program and the potential impact on the town’s tax levy. The debate extended to the reimbursement of funds and the use of any surplus for crosswalk and tourism projects. A notice of intent for the water pering and the status of the school review were also mentioned.

The Selectmen also reviewed a change in managers for a liquor license, with the new manager’s address and residency requirements coming into question. Additionally, there was a discussion on the Tyan Bond water district, focusing on the proposal to proceed with the pump station and connecting services to the existing system.

In addition to the above, the Board addressed various other topics. They considered a quote for $50,000, and a plan for an additional $153,000 or more, and talked about reopening the warrant for a battery storage systems article. Concerns from the planning board about a potential moratorium on battery storage impacting the Glendale Road Project were voiced, along with the aggressive schedule for public hearings. The annual budget and spending limits were reviewed, with adjustments to public health nurse and Board of Health coordinator numbers. Shared services, information technology, and website redesign were also topics of deliberation.

The meeting included updates on the building committee, planning meetings, and the appointment of a new member to the CPA board. Discussions on fiber optic committee negotiations, a fire safety grant, applications for Zoom operators, and the potential purchase of solar-powered light units for town flags were also part of the meeting. Lastly, the Board discussed the upcoming community immersion day with consultants on the master plan and a decision to enter an executive session to discuss collective bargaining related to the police patrolman’s union.