A key highlight of the meeting was the approval of a contract for Mark Gold Jr., the newly appointed town manager. The board members expressed enthusiasm about Mr. Gold’s upcoming role, detailing a transparent and positive negotiation process. Mr. Gold, set to assume his responsibilities on September 2, pending his current job’s notice period, conveyed his gratitude and eagerness to contribute to the town’s growth. The board underscored the importance of this appointment, with a formal vote confirming the contract’s signing, which will be publicly accessible.

Another topic was the application for an alcohol license by Champions Indoor Golf, a new business poised to open on Mansfield Avenue. Representatives from the business outlined their plan to create a welcoming environment for golfers, especially during winter, utilizing simulators to replicate the golfing experience. The indoor golf facility aims to attract a diverse clientele, including seasoned players and newcomers. The board scrutinized the application closely, emphasizing the need for compliance with local fire and building regulations. A motion to approve the license was passed, contingent on these approvals.

The meeting also addressed the resignation of two committee members: Peter Paravalos from the historic district commission and Robert Welsh from the traffic safety committee. The board acknowledged their contributions and agreed to send letters of thanks. In response to Welsh’s departure, the board unanimously appointed Steven Bernstein to the traffic safety committee. Bernstein’s expertise as a registered professional civil engineer was recognized as an asset to the committee, which now looks forward to benefiting from his knowledge in infrastructure and road design.

In addition to personnel matters, the board deliberated on various local infrastructure issues. A noteworthy discussion involved the declaration of 150 used fire alarm boxes as surplus, a motion that was unanimously approved. These boxes, no longer in use, were stored at the Barrowsville Fire Station, and their potential interest to collectors was noted. The board also considered the condition of community center facilities, highlighting warranty issues and necessary repairs to ensure continued functionality. The importance of addressing these matters promptly, before warranties expire, was emphasized to avoid unnecessary costs.

The board also took time to acknowledge community events and historical commemorations. A proclamation highlighted July 27, 2025, as Korean War Armistice Agreement Day.

In other business, the board discussed the remote participation policy for meetings, reflecting on the need for updated bylaws to accommodate hybrid meeting formats while encouraging in-person engagement. A suggestion to revisit the policy with legal counsel was made to ensure compliance with current regulations.

Additionally, the board approved a proposal from the fire department to declare fire alarm boxes as surplus, and they addressed a motion to dissolve the Water Bodies Committee due to dwindling participation. The decision to dissolve the committee was unanimous, as was the motion to approve payroll and invoice warrants.