One notable topics was the announcement of Katie McKenna’s appointment as the new finance director. This decision comes after a challenging recruitment process marked by multiple interview rounds and the need for flexibility among the town staff. The town manager expressed gratitude to the staff for their perseverance in securing this critical role, emphasizing the importance of stability in the town’s financial leadership. The employment agreement for McKenna is set to be discussed at the next board meeting, providing further details on the responsibilities and expectations associated with the position.

In parallel, the town manager provided updates on ongoing staffing challenges within the finance department. The resignation of assistant accountant Amy Driggers and the planned retirement of payroll and benefits head Nancy Oor have left significant gaps. The town manager highlighted the difficulties in attracting suitable candidates and noted that interim solutions, such as contracting a retired finance director for accounts payable duties, were being considered. Additionally, the resignation of finance director Azie Ayala, who is transitioning to a new role, exacerbates these challenges. To address ongoing financial processes, transitional services from a CPA have been secured to assist during this interim period. The board acknowledged the urgency of these staffing issues and expressed appreciation for the efforts taken to address them promptly.

Another issue discussed was the town’s infrastructure, particularly the roofing concerns at the local school. The board debated whether to undertake partial repairs of the roof or proceed with a full replacement. A professional assessment confirmed existing leaks, recommending against piecemeal repairs due to potential future complications. The estimated cost for a complete roof replacement stands at approximately $1.3 million, while partial repairs could be executed for around $300,000. Despite the high cost, the board considered the broader implications of deferring maintenance, particularly given the need for asbestos remediation in some sections.

The meeting also addressed community engagement and upcoming town events. The 20th anniversary of the Lunenburg Public Library building was highlighted, with a series of celebratory events planned throughout October. These include a kickoff celebration featuring the Lunenburg Middle School marching band, writing contests, and scavenger hunts. The festivities will culminate in a ceremony on October 24th, where winners of the scavenger hunts will be announced.

Additionally, the board approved a toll booth application submitted by the Eagle House supporters and the Lunenburg Teen Center. This initiative aims to raise funds for the Lunenburg Adult Activity Center and the afterschool program at the Teen Center. Initially seeking separate permits, the two groups chose to combine their efforts and split the proceeds. Despite some safety concerns raised by a board member, the application was approved unanimously.

Financial matters extended beyond staffing as the board discussed the potential increase in bag fees, now set to begin on October 15th. This delay provides residents an additional two weeks to purchase bags at the existing price. In a related discussion, the board reviewed the right of first refusal for a property on West Townsend Road under Chapter 61B. After receiving committee recommendations against exercising this right, the board unanimously voted to waive it, preferring the property remain on the tax rolls.

The board also considered a new intermunicipal agreement with Fitchburg for water sales, as the current agreement is nearing expiration. Concerns about potential conflicts of interest in legal representation were deemed manageable, leading to a unanimous vote authorizing the town manager to sign the representation letter.

The meeting concluded with discussions on various community initiatives, including the Whalm 25 years of memories event and the upcoming agricultural fair. Public comments included inquiries about the intermunicipal water agreement and concerns about the Pacios building’s roof condition.