The meeting began with the approval of a Class 2 license for Car XP Auto Group, Inc. to sell motor vehicles on Summer Street. Rosanne Santos, representing the business, detailed their plans to expand operations from Lameiser to Lunenburg, including hiring a full-time mechanic to handle in-house vehicle repairs. This move was important for the business as it complied with legal requirements and improved service efficiency. Following a brief discussion, the board unanimously approved the license.

Attention then turned to the town’s fiscal matters, with a significant announcement regarding an FY27 budget and override meet-and-greet event scheduled for April 28th at the Lunenburg Adult Activity Center. This event aims to engage residents with department heads and town officials, offering a platform to discuss and clarify budget concerns before the annual town meeting on May 2nd. The need for transparency and community involvement in fiscal decisions was emphasized, with officials urging residents to participate actively.

During the public comment segment, resident Anna Lockwood raised concerns about the balanced budget, specifically addressing contentious issues within the fire department’s budget. Lockwood refuted claims that the budget cuts services, explaining that it actually supports staffing a second ambulance for about 10 hours per day. She advocated for a strategic and paced expansion of services, particularly during peak hours. Lockwood also addressed misleading statements about police personnel reductions, clarifying that no such reductions were planned. She emphasized the importance of transparency and a better understanding of the budgetary process among residents.

Another resident, John Rabbit, spoke about the 41A tax deferral program, highlighting its potential benefits for seniors. Rabbit urged greater awareness of this program, which could provide crucial assistance to eligible residents. He argued for the passage of the override to prevent severe impacts on community services, particularly within schools, and encouraged seniors to seek information from assessors about available financial support.

The board then addressed a one-day liquor license application for home fruit wine at the upcoming Lunenburg Fair on May 30th. The applicant, Lorie Perkins, participated via Zoom and confirmed this would be her second year at the fair. The board unanimously approved the application, expressing satisfaction with the previous year’s event despite weather challenges.

In personnel matters, the board ratified the appointments of several lifeguards and a beach director, noting that these individuals were returning staff. There was also acknowledgment of a few open positions due to some staff not returning. The resignation of John Dexre as senior videographer was accepted, with board members expressing appreciation for his contributions and wishing him well in future endeavors.

The Town Manager’s report highlighted several ongoing projects, including a public forum on an RFP at the library and upcoming bid deadlines for various initiatives. The report also mentioned the senior tax workoff program, which still had open positions, and recruitment efforts for a police executive assistant and an outreach coordinator.

The meeting addressed the potential sale or retention of properties at 250 and Hollis Road, with members having conducted drive-bys to assess them. The board considered soliciting input from relevant groups before making a decision, while noting the tight timeline for a vote by May 25th. There was a suggestion to allow feedback until May 12th from planning, agriculture, open space, and conservation committees to ensure inclusivity without missing deadlines.

The board also discussed the upcoming budget open house, which would allow public inquiries about the budget and override. Members debated whether to post the event as a meeting due to the presence of a quorum, ultimately deciding to post it to avoid potential open meeting law violations.

Finally, the board entered an executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategies concerning negotiations with local municipal employees’ unions. The session was confirmed with a unanimous roll call vote, concluding the open meeting.