The meeting opened with the reorganization of the Select Board, an agenda item that sparked debate over nominations for chair and vice chair positions. Leah Fabian and Lorraine Carboni were both nominated for the chair position. Concerns were raised about the length of Carboni’s meetings, with some members noting that prolonged sessions could strain staff resources. Despite these concerns, the board ultimately voted in favor of Carboni, with a roll call vote reflecting a divided stance—Hunt, Howard, and Carboni supported her election, while Fabian opposed. For the vice chair position, Chris Planka was nominated and elected, his appointment receiving unanimous support due to his experience as chair of the finance committee.

Following the leadership elections, the board turned its attention to public safety, acknowledging the dedication of the town’s emergency responders during recent adverse weather events. The Chief of Police praised the commitment of police officers and the Department of Public Works staff, emphasizing their prioritization of community service. The board echoed these sentiments, recognizing the collective effort of all departments involved. A particular mention was made of Chief O’Brien’s absence from the recognition list, with a board member highlighting his leadership and coordination during the emergency management efforts.

The Select Board also discussed the introduction of two new board members, Kristen Howard and Leah Fabian, who rejoined after a hiatus. Their presence marked a transition back to a full five-member board, which was welcomed by the chair with enthusiasm for future collaborative efforts. As part of community engagement, the board initiated an outreach program with high school students, inviting them to observe the local government process. Two students, Aubrey Durant and Ella Maru, attended the meeting as part of a civics program, a step towards bridging communication between the student body and the board.

Operational overrides for future taxation emerged as a topic, with the board reviewing proposed language for a debt exclusion vote set for May 19, 2026. The board discussed the necessity of clear and accurate wording to ensure residents understood the implications of the proposed increases. Leah Howard sought clarification on whether the ballot questions would be separate, a point confirmed by Andrew, likely a town administrator’s office member, who assured that the questions would allow for independent choices by voters. The board approved the ballot question after a detailed reading, with the understanding that each question would require a majority vote to pass.

Community outreach efforts were emphasized, with several meetings scheduled to engage residents on important town matters. These sessions, aimed at informing and soliciting feedback from the community, were planned at various locations and times. The board underscored the significance of clear communication, particularly through the town calendar, to keep residents informed about upcoming events.

Another notable discussion involved the selection of town council services, with a proposal to appoint Me Talman and Costa LLC, effective April 7, 2026. This decision was prompted by a request from KP Law to transition sooner due to the forthcoming town meeting and budget season. The motion passed unanimously, and the board considered inviting the new council to a future meeting for a formal introduction.

The board also addressed a letter of support to state senators and representatives, advocating for increased Chapter 70 funding, vital for the town’s budget.

Attention was given to the approvals for public events and licenses, such as the Patriot Half and Cranberry Trifest races. The board confirmed all necessary paperwork was in order, addressing fee structures and the significance of public notice distribution along race routes.

Towards the end of the meeting, the board reviewed subcommittee updates, covering various aspects from vocational technical building projects to communication strategies. The necessity for reorganizing subcommittee memberships was acknowledged, with plans to address these adjustments in upcoming meetings. The next select board meeting was scheduled for April 14th at 5:45 p.m., focusing on a budget review session with department heads.