The meeting’s central topic was the discussion and approval of the municipal solid waste and recycling contract. The Director of the Department of Public Works (DPW) reported that three bids were received, including the current hauler, Waste Management, and GW Shaw. Waste Management, being a large corporation, received the highest technical score, but their bid exceeded the town’s budget. GW Shaw’s bid, more financially aligned with the town’s budget, included competitive pricing for bulky waste and appliance pickups. The DPW director emphasized that a thorough vetting process, including reviewing financial records and checking references, found all bidders to be positive.

In response to a board member’s request for clarification on the criteria used to evaluate the technical proposals, the DPW director explained that factors such as prior experience, completeness of proposals, quality of services, provider qualifications, financial strength, and project completion capacity were considered. The board acknowledged the need to evaluate alternative waste removal systems in the future, although the current contract with GW Shaw would ensure a seamless transition and continuity in pickup routes and schedules.

The board next addressed the high employee turnover and board vacancies, as highlighted by Logan O’Connell, a new town employee. O’Connell stressed the need for comprehensive documentation to prevent “information rot” when long-term staff leave or retire. He criticized the underutilization of tools like SharePoint due to a lack of training, emphasizing the importance of merging technical and institutional knowledge to improve town processes. His comments were well-received, with a board member expressing gratitude for his insights.

Community concerns were further echoed by Dave McDonald, who provided updates on a recall effort and criticized the lack of clarity in some government dealings, including a supposed deal with a lawyer about tax payment extensions. McDonald emphasized the need for community unity and an end to personal attacks during discussions. Ronda Lucio, another resident, shared her experience of feeling threatened at a previous meeting, prompting the chair to express regret and reiterate the need for a safe environment for all.

The meeting also focused on enhancing town communication and online presence. Josie Gilchrist presented initiatives from the Lunenburg Business Association and the Small Towns Economic and Community Development Collaborative, which aim to foster economic development and support local businesses. A proposed website initiative was discussed, designed to serve as a comprehensive resource for visitors exploring North Central Massachusetts. The board responded positively to the $11,200 funding request, representing Lunenburg’s share of the startup costs for the website.

The Lunenburg Business Association’s recent and upcoming initiatives were also highlighted. These include community engagement events such as a Meals on Wheels project, an ice cream social, and a charity golf tournament. The association’s efforts to digitize licensing and event applications through OpenGov were discussed.

The meeting addressed routine matters such as the renewal of earth removal permits, which were reported as compliant by the Building Commissioner. The board also discussed appointments, ratifying the appointments of Madison Berett as the administrative assistant for the Conservation Commission and Christopher Riley as the land use director.

Budget adjustments were a significant topic, with discussions on reallocating ARPA funds and addressing discrepancies in project cost estimates. The interim Town Manager provided updates on staffing, tax assessor certification timelines, and preparations for the special town meeting. The board also debated the fiscal year 2025 goals, focusing on long-term budget analysis, recruitment, retention, and addressing the needs of aging municipal buildings.

The need for standard operating procedures (SOPs) across town departments was emphasized to ensure continuity and efficiency. Discussions on speed limits and driver behavior highlighted the complexities of setting appropriate limits and the potential need for advisory speed signs.