The Hazard Mitigation Plan was a focal point of the meeting, outlining strategies to address various natural hazards. The plan, sponsored by FEMA, included an inventory of critical facilities and their proximity to flood areas, and it integrated climate change considerations. The recommendations proposed by the plan, spanning the next five years, involve creating open space parcels for flood mitigation, adopting cluster bylaws for residential development, and extending wetland buffer zones. The plan also covers measures for other hazards, such as wildfires, winter storms, and geologic events. Public engagement was encouraged, with the plan available for review and comments invited by June 18th. The importance of the plan was underscored, as it could open the door to crucial grant funding, including BRIC grants, and it was noted that the plan could be amended within the five-year period if necessary.

During the meeting, the significance of the plan’s flexibility was discussed, acknowledging that amendments could be made to address changing circumstances over the five-year update cycle. The existence of such a plan positions the town to tap into a second revenue stream and is considered critical, especially when neighboring towns have experienced severe weather events. The inclusion of infrastructure projects, like the sewage treatment plant and specific parking lots, was outlined for hazard mitigation consideration.

The Clean Lakes Committee delivered a presentation addressing the impact of lost funding on managing invasive species in local ponds. The committee underscored the challenges they faced due to reduced income and the recurrence of invasive species. The dialogue with the board highlighted the committee’s need for financial support and emphasized the eligibility of these projects for funding from the Community Preservation Committee (CPC). The importance of conservation efforts for local ponds was discussed, as well as the need to explore multiple funding sources for such initiatives.

In light of the Clean Lakes Committee’s concerns, there was a discussion on the collaborative funding approach between the town, the CPC, and the water department. The sustainability of water management funding was debated, with board members expressing concerns over resource strain and the necessity of a collaborative approach. The timeliness of communication and planning in the CPC funding cycle was emphasized, and the cost-effectiveness of potentially purchasing eco-harvesting equipment was considered.

The board also deliberated on naming the new Senior Center, with suggestions such as “the center on Chatic Street” and “the center at Shad Street.” An open hearing was decided to be held to further consider the matter. Additionally, financial matters were addressed, including the transfer of $150,000 to the special injury leave Indemnity fund and the amendment of the town’s compensation grid schedule for temporary seasonal employees. The appointment of Kim Prel as the assessing clerk and Benjamin T. Henkins Jr as a member of the Housing Authority for a three-year term were approved.

Updates on community events were shared, and the board held a public input session where residents expressed concerns about funding for eco-harvesting and the maintenance of Wetland Park, the increase of invasive plant growth in Lake Monomonac, and traffic safety in the Long Lake neighborhood. Host Community Agreements (HCAs) with cannabis businesses were renegotiated, with draft agreements presented and a debate on their necessity and compliance process ensuing. The board postponed the final decision on HCAs, highlighting the need for further review and amendments.

Further discussions included the imposition of impact fees on businesses, the vetting process for special permits, social equity in the regulated market, the development of an equity plan, and the scoring system for HCAs. The board acknowledged the lack of clarity and the need for further guidance from the Cannabis Control Commission.

The meeting addressed the town’s policy on HCAs, touching on the scoring system and the anticipated model grading matrix from the commission. Liaisons to town boards and committees were reviewed and adjusted, and authorizations for contracts related to the renovation project on King Street and the Shaker Lane Elementary school project were granted. Financial flexibility for fiscal year 2024 was discussed, and performance evaluations for key town positions were debated, with a need for clarity on the review process.