The board devoted considerable time to the topic of trust fund management, which had not been active for some time. Inquiries regarding the authority of the Lunenburg Board of Commissioners of Trust Funds led to a detailed review of the town charter. The charter mandates that this board manage trust funds established for the town’s benefit unless donor stipulations say otherwise. Challenges were identified, such as incomplete historical records and the need for assistance from past commission members to locate missing documentation for certain funds. The discussion also covered the categorization of funds like the American Legion Poor Fund and the J&M Howard Sidewalk Fund, and the role of the treasurer in managing financial transactions. A Trust Funding Commission member raised concerns about overlapping authority concerning cemetery and conservation funds.

Simultaneously, the Lunenburg Municipal Building Design Committee met to address the direction of the town hall and Ritter Memorial building projects. The committee discussed a previous plan that had been narrowly voted down at a town meeting. Concerns about the projects’ scale, budget, and the need for a more informed public dialogue were highlighted. Questions were raised about the inclusion of programs like the Alternative Classroom Experience (ACE) in the new town hall and whether the plan should focus on essential improvements rather than additional features. The committee sought guidance from the Select Board on whether to pursue the original proposal or develop a new approach that aligns with community needs.

Additionally, the meeting addressed town facilities and community needs with discussions on the Turkey Hill project and safety concerns near Mass Avenue. The need for a public safety building and the future of the Eagle House were also noted as requiring attention. The Select Board emphasized the importance of establishing a priority list for town facilities based on the town’s debt load and tax implications. They recognized the risk of overwhelming citizens with financial burdens and the need for a clear, prioritized plan.

The Select Board also conducted annual appointments and addressed resignations, including Officer Jeffrey Hill’s departure to join the state police and conservation agent Sophie Doro’s resignation. Discussions about surplus items from the Department of Public Works and police department followed, leading to a motion to declare vehicles and equipment as surplus for auction management.

The meeting concluded with public comments, including a report on a successful art auction that raised over $4,000 for local scholarships and community programs. The board was encouraged to support future iterations of the initiative.