The most pressing topic of the meeting was the approval of a liquor license transfer for Sanctuary, a local venue on Main Street. The transfer application was submitted by Tomorrow Never Knows, Incorporated, under the management of Shannon McNolty. During the public hearing, the new owners introduced themselves and outlined their plans for enhancing the venue’s offerings, including upgrading the sound system and developing a commercial kitchen to attract more events. The board expressed enthusiasm for the new ownership and unanimously approved the license transfer, authorizing the use of digital signatures and empowering the town administrator’s office to distribute the license upon approval from the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC).

In another discussion, the board addressed the relocation of a historic watering trough. Ellen provided detailed insights into the historical significance of the trough, which dates back to 1891. The trough, originally positioned at the corner of N Street and Main Street, had been moved several times and was now at risk due to land sales. Ellen proposed relocating it to a town-owned property on Summer Street, a site chosen for its visibility to the public and proximity to the original location. The estimated cost for the move, around $20,000, would be sought through a Community Preservation Committee grant. The board unanimously approved the relocation, recognizing the importance of preserving the town’s historical artifacts.

The meeting also touched on the potential need for a tax override in the coming spring related to school funding. The board deliberated on including a ballot question concerning the construction of facilities at Alumni Field in the November 2024 presidential election. The proposed question would seek authorization for the town to exempt certain costs from property tax provisions related to bond financing. The board emphasized the need for clear communication with voters about the financial implications and potential tax increases. The motion to approve the inclusion of the ballot question passed with a narrow vote of three to two, reflecting some division among members.

Additionally, the board discussed the Green Meadow School building project, particularly the upcoming demolition phase and the need for a stormwater permit. There was some confusion about the membership of the school building committee, which required clarification and approval. The board also noted the importance of complying with environmental regulations and proper planning for municipal projects.

Another topic was the approval of a maintenance agreement for a proposed pedestrian path connecting Emerson Medical’s property to the municipal parking area near the movie theater. The attorney representing 21 Manor LLC outlined the project, emphasizing its benefits for pedestrian access. Despite concerns about the potential loss of a parking space, the board approved the maintenance agreement, supporting the development of the accessible path.

The board also addressed several other items, including the leasing agreement for acquiring a new ambulance, annual agreements with the Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA), and compliance maintenance for stormwater management. The approval of these items was unanimous.

In a related discussion, the board touched upon the Senior Center project, noting an extension for the Request for Information (RFI) and the potential use of a recent $50,000 earmark for senior programming and operational costs. The board expressed appreciation for the ongoing efforts of the Senior Center committee, recognizing the importance of addressing the community’s needs for adequate facilities.

The meeting concluded with the approval of minutes from previous meetings and a report from the Town Administrator. Notable updates included the retirement of the town clerk, the introduction of a new veteran service officer, and upcoming traffic light and safety improvements. The board also acknowledged the contributions of community members and expressed appreciation for collaborative efforts in various town projects.