The most pressing topic at the meeting was the proposal to implement a fiber optic network in Longmeadow, a project that aims to revolutionize internet service delivery in the town. Representatives from South Hadley Electric and Fiber Springs presented the current status of the fiber project, detailing the engineering and design phases. They emphasized that the network would offer residents superior customer service and community connection, distinguishing it from services provided by larger corporations. The fiber network’s architecture was discussed, with plans for a centralized distribution system to enhance efficiency and reliability.

A crucial aspect of the discussion revolved around the financial projections and potential costs associated with the project. Construction costs were estimated between $27.2 million and $30 million, with these figures being contingent on the subscriber take rate. A scenario was presented where a 40% take rate would result in a cash flow deficit of approximately $4.3 million over 14 years, emphasizing the importance of achieving a sufficient take rate for the project’s financial viability. The board outlined the need for a town vote to authorize funding for make-ready work, which involves adjusting existing infrastructure to accommodate the new fiber installation.

The meeting also addressed the importance of community engagement and education about the fiber initiative. Concerns were raised about misinformation campaigns that could undermine support for the project. The board discussed strategies to counteract this, such as leveraging resources from the Fiber Broadband Association to develop a comprehensive educational campaign. The campaign would aim to inform residents about the benefits of fiber optics, particularly in enhancing internet speeds in schools and providing more affordable internet service.

In addition to the fiber project, the Select Board meeting covered updates on historical programming. The Longmeadow Rev 250 Task Force presented its plans for commemorating the 250th anniversary of significant historical events in Longmeadow. The task force outlined 24 programs scheduled across local venues, focusing on events pertinent to Longmeadow’s role during the Revolutionary War. Despite being self-funded and not receiving state funding, the task force is exploring community involvement options, such as creating a time capsule and organizing a parade to honor Revolutionary War soldiers from the area.

The board expressed support for the task force’s initiatives. They acknowledged the importance of recognizing Longmeadow’s historical contributions and the potential for local events to evoke community pride.

Governance structure discussions also took center stage, with the Form of Government Committee presenting options for revising the town’s governance model. The committee outlined two primary paths for change: establishing an elected home rule charter commission or petitioning the state legislature for special legislation. The presentation included a comparison of different governance forms and the potential trade-offs of each, such as the loss of direct voting rights on specific issues if the town moved to a council-manager format.

The meeting also provided updates on school infrastructure repairs, notably the MSBA accelerated repair project for the Center School roof. The feasibility study cost estimate and draft design were submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority, with a vote anticipated in February. The estimated town share of approximately $4.2 million would be requested at the annual town meeting in May.

An incident of water damage at Wolf Swamp Elementary School was reported, which resulted from a burst sprinkler head due to a missing brick that caused cold airflow. The damage was contained, and the school resumed normal operations shortly after, though some cosmetic repairs remained pending.