Merlene Dolan, a resident of Woodrest Road, confirmed these inconsistencies by sharing her experience of having trash collected but not recycling. The board emphasized the importance of community reporting to manage the situation. The chairman provided a reminder about the regular collection schedule, with Monday designated for the western side and Tuesday for the rest of the town. Discussions revealed that the DPW had intervened to collect trash on some days, but the situation remained far from resolved.

The board also considered the broader implications of these disruptions on community satisfaction and municipal operations. An ongoing dialogue with Republic Services was highlighted, underlining the critical nature of restoring regular service. Plans to draft a letter urging Republic to negotiate a resolution were mentioned.

In parallel, the Select Board examined the evolving role and effectiveness of the Downtown Improvement Planning Committee. This committee has undertaken several initiatives, including collaboration with the DPW on a comprehensive downtown enhancement plan. Their efforts span complete streets projects, public outreach, and minor refinements based on community feedback. Parking enforcement initiatives and efforts to establish public restrooms and improve signage for tourists were also discussed.

A representative from the committee, Steve Carheart, outlined their marketing strategies aimed at attracting small businesses to downtown Manchester, which are important for economic vitality. Plans for a curated incubation program focused on specific business types, such as Asian takeout and computer repair shops, were in development. The committee stressed their intent to function as a “volunteer business improvement district,” avoiding new taxes on local businesses.

However, the committee faced challenges related to its original charter, which defined its role as advisory rather than decision-making. Concerns were raised about the expanded focus on business support, which had sidelined beautification efforts due to other ongoing projects, such as the Culver project. The need for coordination with the DPW, particularly regarding project timing, was highlighted.

The Select Board also addressed a water and sewer bill abatement request from Mr. Jewel, who reported an unexplained spike in water usage. With consumption higher than his five-year average, the board advised identifying the cause, possibly through a plumbing inspection and new meter installation, before considering any bill adjustment. Jewel’s frustration was acknowledged, but the board maintained the importance of resolving the issue first.

In addition to these discussions, the board reviewed a letter of support for House Bill 108, aimed at refining drought measurement responsibilities in Essex County. They voted unanimously to endorse the bill.

Attention shifted to committee appointments, with Brandon Lamp being appointed to the Parks and Recreation Committee. Lamp’s focus on supporting existing programs, particularly for girls’ sports, was well-received, leading to his unanimous appointment for a term ending June 30, 2028.

The meeting also highlighted updates from the Cape Ann Transit service, expected to commence on August 1, providing seniors with transportation on select days. Additionally, the successful resolution of a water main break during the Fourth of July celebration was noted, underscoring effective interdepartmental cooperation.