The meeting’s primary focus was a sewer abatement appeal concerning a property at seven Nolan Circle, where the homeowners faced challenges with a malfunctioning sprinkler system. The property owners presented a detailed account of their ongoing water usage issues, including discrepancies in water consumption attributed to the faulty system. They argued that the policy cited by the Department of Public Works (DPW) director, which places maintenance responsibility on the homeowner, was more applicable to water mains than sprinkler systems. Their case included evidence of previous repair efforts and highlighted the difficulty in establishing a baseline for normal water usage due to persistent issues over several years.

They agreed on issuing a sewer rebate, focusing solely on the sewer charges rather than the combined water and sewer costs. The board settled on an abatement amount of $2,380, a decision reached through comparisons of water usage from prior years. This motion was seconded and carried unanimously, providing some relief to the property owners.

Another topic was a proposed license agreement with Hadley Elmwood LLC for snow storage on a designated area of Main Street. This proposal had sparked concerns about the implications of plowing on private property and the precedent it could set. The board consulted legal counsel, who confirmed that the license would not be transferable to new landowners and could be terminated with 15 days’ notice. Updated indemnity language was included to address potential plowing-related damage.

Despite legal assurances, opinions varied regarding the policy implications of plowing private property. One board member expressed strong opposition, citing liability concerns and the lack of negotiation from the other party. They suggested an alternative solution of utilizing town-owned land for snow storage, specifically an underutilized area near a basketball hoop, which could be expanded temporarily. This solution was presented as more cost-effective and less complex than involving private land, with the estimated cost of snow hauling pegged at $2,100 for a five-hour operation, allowing for multiple removals within budget.

As discussions continued, the board considered the broader implications of entering into a snow storage agreement, emphasizing the need to maintain good relations with the landowner while ensuring fiscal responsibility. The idea of pursuing a permanent solution for snow storage rather than relying on annual negotiations gained traction among members.

The meeting also delved into the topic of health insurance reform, with a proposal to explore transitioning town employees to the Group Insurance Commission (GIC). This potential move aimed to assess savings and negotiate a plan that would benefit employees amid escalating health insurance costs. The board recognized the importance of timely discussions due to GIC’s deadline for joining by July 1. A public employee committee, comprising bargaining unit representatives and a retiree representative, would play a key role in these negotiations.

Concerns about employee disruption during the transition were acknowledged, with state law requiring mitigation strategies for affected employees. Proposed strategies included premium holidays or establishing flexible spending accounts with town assistance. The board emphasized the need for careful communication and consideration of employee needs during the transition, especially since the current plans are viewed as generous. A motion to initiate negotiations with the public employee committee regarding GIC health insurance was made, seconded, and carried without dissent.

In addition to these discussions, the board addressed various other agenda items. They received updates on ongoing projects, including the Day Pond project and a proposal for architectural services related to the Hatfield Farm Museum’s roof replacement. The resignation of a member from the Open Space Committee was accepted, and a request from the Rally House, a new pickleball facility, to sell alcohol at an upcoming event was approved.