47:01A prominent topic was the board’s discussion regarding the property on Sunset Avenue, which involved the implications of a recent foreclosure ruling. The board decided that the town should receive full payment within 14 days following their vote to vacate the foreclosure judgment and withdraw from the Massachusetts Land Court. This decision passed unanimously.

Further foreclosure discussions centered on properties on Reservoir Road and Car Avenue. A recent change in state law necessitates that the Select Board determine whether to retain these properties for municipal use or proceed with their sale within 14 days of a final judgment. This decision-making process is influenced by a Supreme Court ruling that addressed property value retention rights. Board members expressed concern about the short timeline imposed by the new law, citing the need for comprehensive property information to make informed decisions. The board agreed to defer their decision to gather additional data.

17:16Attention then turned to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, where the board emphasized the importance of tracking expenditures and maintaining transparency with the public. A suggestion was made to regularly update the community on ARPA fund allocations, potentially through a newspaper advertisement. This initiative aims to keep residents informed about funded projects and enhance public engagement.

The meeting also covered the Lunenburg Skate Park project, with a letter of support prepared for the T-Mobile Hometown Grant Review Committee. The letter, which outlines the skate park’s development and community fundraising efforts, seeks up to $50,000 from T-Mobile’s initiative to support local projects. The board reviewed and approved necessary modifications to the letter.

0:00In addition to these discussions, the board addressed licensing renewals, unanimously approving several licenses, including alcohol, auto dealer, common victualler, and limousine licenses.

1:02:50Another discussion revolved around the challenges faced by the Master Plan Steering Committee, particularly concerning a public meeting that was improperly posted, leading to concerns over transparency and the resignation of a committee member. The planning board chair is considering restructuring the committee to enable more effective participation, highlighting the ongoing efforts to improve governance and community involvement.

The board’s conversation also touched on the integration of the Public Access Cable (PAC) studio into the municipal building design. The Municipal Building Design Committee faced challenges in accommodating PAC’s unique acoustic needs, pointing to the complexities involved in municipal planning and resource allocation.

Public comments during the meeting acknowledged the board’s efforts and improvements in meeting sound quality, with suggestions for further enhancements to audio systems at public events.