A significant portion of the meeting centered on the Route Five water and sewer project. The project’s engineer updated the board on the schedule, noting that construction was planned to start on April 1. Residents in the project area were informed of the upcoming work through a distributed schedule. The contractor emphasized a challenge of traffic control during events, such as the Big E, and underscored the need for more personnel to manage traffic and prevent delays. The board discussed the qualifications required for traffic control and considered hiring additional personnel to ensure smoother traffic flow during the construction, as well as the potential impact that weather-related delays could have on the project’s timeline.

Additionally, the board discussed the implementation of traffic control officers to minimize disruptions during construction. They planned to reach out to townspeople to compile a list of individuals interested in serving in this role. The board’s aim was to mitigate the impact on property owners, focusing on safety and visibility. Updates on the progress of the pump station work were also given, mentioning the installation of electrical components and the pending removal of fencing. A contract amendment for additional funding was brought up, with an acknowledgment of the need for favorable weather conditions for the construction to progress smoothly.

The board deliberated on the old business of sewer connection fee waivers. There was a discussion about setting a specific end date for the waiver with considerations for the project’s completion timeline and the coordination with homeowners for the connection process. This led to a broader conversation on the necessity of effective communication with residents regarding the timing of sewer hookups and the potential for some homeowners to carry out the tie-ins the following year. Estimates were provided for the percentage of hookups expected both this year and the next.

The feasibility of connecting homeowners to water services was another key topic. The board considered a motion to approve a waiver of a $1,000 fee and to allow a two-year timeframe for homeowners to complete the connection. This was an effort to be sensitive to the financial burdens on residents and to encourage them to initiate hookups promptly.

The board also looked ahead to the FY 2025 budget and the proposed articles for the annual town meeting, which included three projects related to sewer, stormwater, and drinking water asset management. The board members recognized the importance of informing residents about these projects before the town meeting. They also made appointments for the Inspector of Animals and the Recreation Commission.

A noteworthy topic of discussion was the recommendation to increase the pay rate for the assistant treasurer collector, in recognition of the individual’s valuable contributions. A proposed increase of $2.21 per hour, effective retroactively from January 1st, was discussed, emphasizing the board’s interest in retaining skilled employees. The board expressed the need to review additional information from the finance committee regarding the budget before finalizing the pay increase.

In the final agenda item, the board planned to enter into an executive session to strategize for negotiations with non-union personnel and to discuss collective bargaining or litigation matters. The board also addressed a procurement issue where the Department of Public Works purchased a vehicle that did not meet the Green Communities Grant requirements, resulting in the need for a letter of explanation from the town.