The most significant item on the agenda was the adoption of the planning board’s new code of conduct. The board engaged in discussions to clarify specific sections of the code before proceeding to a vote. Key points of debate included the language under “Community Responsibility,” the handling of complaints, and the board’s role in personnel matters. After several amendments aimed at refining the document for clarity and precision, a motion was made and unanimously approved to adopt the new code of conduct.

In a related matter, the board reviewed and approved bills from Inis Associates for work completed in August concerning MBTA communities. The Town Administrator and Cooper had addressed questions raised by HLC. The board expressed confidence in their responses and readiness to meet these standards.

The board also discussed the importance of transparency and accountability in reviewing town expenditures. There was a debate over whether to continue allowing all members to review bills during meetings or to streamline the process by adopting a consent agenda approach. The consensus leaned towards maintaining the current practice to ensure all members remained fully aware of town expenses.

Updates on various development projects were another focal point of the meeting. The Northern Bank situation remained unresolved, with no recent developments reported. The board acknowledged community inquiries regarding the bank’s progress and speculated that delays might stem from lease issues or environmental considerations related to demolition.

Further discussion addressed the ongoing demolition work in town, noting that most buildings had been removed except for the dilapidated subway building. A suggestion was made to require developers to provide biannual updates on their projects to reduce ambiguity and keep the board informed. This proposal aimed to emulate the recent communication strategy employed for the project on King Street.

The board then turned its attention to the state of the building department, which was described as “in flux.” Concerns were raised about the process of communication between the town planner, Marin, and board members. Some members preferred collective discussions rather than individual consultations to maintain a deliberative process. Despite differing opinions, the board recognized Marin’s expertise and long tenure, emphasizing the need for clear communication to ensure that any interactions with developers did not imply pre-made decisions.

The Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) process was another topic of extensive discussion. The board clarified that while the town has no jurisdiction over the MEPA process, which is state-controlled, they can provide input. The conversation introduced the concept of “front door mitigation,” referring to measures for traffic and access related to building entrances and exits.

The status of a property on Fossil Street was also addressed. The application from Mr. Dhy had been withdrawn, allowing the property to revert to the original owner, who now intends to pursue a definitive industrial plan instead of residential development.

Special permit application forms for firearms businesses were discussed, noting that no filings had been made since the bylaw update. The board emphasized the need for clear and accurate citations on the forms to reflect current zoning bylaws. There was also a suggestion to include a checklist for the board’s internal use to streamline the application review process.

Public input was anticipated for an upcoming hearing on a zoning bylaw amendment related to registered marijuana dispensaries and adult-use marijuana establishments. The amendment aims to remove outdated provisions and limit the number of marijuana cultivation facilities in town. Odor control measures were highlighted as a primary concern for local residents, with the board emphasizing the need for an odor control plan using the best available technology.

The proposed zoning bylaw map and its implications for the retail district and King Street common district were scrutinized. Concerns were raised about the potential for marijuana distribution near schools and the appropriateness of certain areas for industrial use. Despite some dissenting opinions, a motion to recommend the bylaw to town meeting was passed.

An update on the sewer project was provided, with expectations set for project completion by late fall or early winter, contingent on weather conditions. The representative noted that while there were delays in constructing a new pump station at the high school, it was not expected to affect the overall schedule. Capacity concerns were also discussed, with efforts to increase discharge capacity ongoing.