09:55In a notable segment of the meeting, the board addressed a request to raise the pride flag in the town center to commemorate Pride Month. Maryanne Mascary presented the request, highlighting its importance for promoting inclusivity and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals. She cited concerning statistics from the Trevor Project regarding the mental health challenges faced by young LGBTQ+ individuals, arguing that displaying the flag would send a supportive and accepting message to marginalized community members.

11:00Throughout the discussion, a board member disclosed their affiliation with the Democratic Town Committee for transparency. The timing of the flag display was confirmed to be from June 7 until the end of Pride Month. One board member shared their previous reservations about the flag’s significance but expressed that the current social environment warranted support for the request, emphasizing a desire for the community to extend beyond mere tolerance to genuine acceptance. Following thoughtful deliberation, the board unanimously voted in favor of raising the pride flag.

02:07In other business, the board addressed a troubling incident that occurred on Memorial Day at Lake Shirley, where a father and his 10-year-old daughter encountered hostility from a local resident. The incident was described as “embarrassing,” with a focus on the importance of the community’s response to such acts of bigotry. The board noted the widespread repudiation of the incident as a hopeful indicator of the community’s values.

18:38The meeting also included discussions on various appointments and reappointments to local boards and commissions. A resident, Mr. Laxo, was unanimously reappointed to the Historical Commission. Laxo, who has been a resident since 1977, highlighted his extensive contributions to the commission, including sourcing a replacement weather vane for the town hall and drafting amendments to town bylaws. His reappointment was set to expire on June 30, 2028.

24:14Additionally, the board engaged with several new applicants interested in volunteering for town committees. This included Brian Venu, who expressed interest in various committees following a long-term health recovery, and Mark and Kim Muzzy, who both showed a keen interest in the agricultural and stormwater task forces, drawing on their family farming background and experience in animal science.

54:16The board also addressed administrative topics, such as transitioning licenses and permits to the OpenGov software system and preparing for upcoming fiscal year training sessions. The Nishoba Associated Boards of Health announced a temporary suspension of their monthly nursing hours and blood pressure clinics due to staffing changes, affecting local senior center attendees.

01:05:32In a community-focused segment, the Select Board accepted cash gifts totaling $900 from the women’s club and friendly seniors for the Lunenburg Adult Activity Center. Clarification was provided on the donations, specifying $400 from the women’s club and $500 from the friendly seniors. Additionally, the board declared 36 obsolete police department phones as surplus to be recycled as e-waste.

01:33:34Finally, the board discussed the establishment of a bylaw review committee, with Jen Duffy appointed to serve, bringing her experience from a past condominium association role. A motion to appoint the chairman to the committee was also passed. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategies, closing the public portion of the meeting.