A focus of the meeting was the discussion led by Dave Blat, chair of the Green Committee, regarding energy efficiency improvements at the primary school. The committee is seeking a grant to install heat pumps, initially intended for cooling, but now considered for heating to unlock state and utility rebates. The project, which involves transitioning to a central unit system to improve energy efficiency, is estimated to cost $480,000. Of this amount, $200,000 is expected from the Green Communities grant and an additional $110,000 from UNATIL, contingent on the central system’s installation. This initiative aims to capitalize on the town’s reduced electricity costs due to solar energy reliance. The retrofitting plan includes a central operating system to control individual classroom units, with anticipated funding covering approximately 65% of the project costs.

Blat highlighted the need for better collaboration among town boards to identify energy projects eligible for grant funding and suggested restructuring the Green Committee to include alternate members with voting rights to enhance quorum attendance. This restructuring aims to address the committee’s challenges in executing projects due to limited proactive communication from other departments. Blat emphasized the importance of a comprehensive energy audit to prepare for future projects, particularly for Turkey Hill and the public safety building, to ensure the town can leverage potential funding opportunities.

The board also addressed preparations for the upcoming annual town meeting, scheduled for May 3. The meeting will involve voting on several warrant articles, including two excluded debt articles related to Marshall Park and municipal buildings, and a citizen’s petition for an override. Town Manager Heather R. Lemieux noted that booklets for the meeting had been mailed out, with large print versions available for accessibility. The board discussed the possibility of scheduling a pre-town meeting to address deferred articles requiring further clarification.

A detailed review of the annual town meeting consent calendar took place, with a town moderator advocating for the removal of certain articles for a more transparent discussion. These articles included borrowing in anticipation of revenue and expenditure of funds for state highway aid. The moderator argued that, despite being non-controversial, these items deserved deeper scrutiny. The board considered the complexities of voting procedures and the necessity of presentations for these articles to ensure adequate public understanding.

The meeting also included a discussion on the protocol for handling motions during town meetings. There was a proposal to allow non-select board members, such as the chair of the parks commission, to make motions related to their respective warrant articles. The board reached a consensus that this approach would provide a more authentic representation of proposals, as these individuals are elected to oversee those areas. Citizen petitions should also be moved by their submitters, akin to how traffic tickets are contested if the petitioner is not present.

In committee reports, the school committee’s recent meeting was highlighted, focusing on the potential use of $500,000 in free cash for staff replenishment and a draft report on necessary repairs for Turkey Hill Elementary School. The report outlined $16 million in repairs needed to maintain the school’s functionality for the next 20 to 30 years, encompassing crucial aspects like the building envelope, roof, windows, and doors. The school committee is also in the process of interviewing candidates for the superintendent position, with a decision expected in early May.

The board also addressed ongoing vacancies, particularly for the executive assistant to the town manager and select board, with six candidates interviewed and three invited for second-round assessments. The shortage of sewer commission members was noted, with a potential mailer to residents proposed to address the issue.

Public comments emphasized the importance of participation in town meetings, as this year’s meeting will feature budgetary decisions, including a $49 million omnibus budget and a $22 million municipal building project. However, concerns were raised about the timing of town meetings on Saturdays, which could conflict with religious observances and family events, potentially limiting attendance.