A prominent point of debate at the meeting was whether to hold separate votes for the KellSchool project and the active living project or to combine them into a single ballot initiative. Concerns were raised about the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) rules that may affect the feasibility of a combined vote. The question of legal opinions on this issue highlighted the importance of understanding the implications of the voting structure on project progress and community impact.

The committee also discussed the Community Preservation Act, particularly the implications of a new tax amount and the state matching funds. The act could provide financial support for projects related to recreational fields, affordable housing, and open space preservation, which intertwine with the broader goals of community enhancement.

Another aspect of the discussion was the current status of the Pleasant Street Center. Members provided a detailed breakdown of the usable program space, interactions, and events held at the center, emphasizing the need to present this information clearly to the select board and voters. The committee’s goal was to ensure stakeholders are fully aware of the space’s limitations and the necessity for a new senior community center.

In preparation for the presentation to the select board, the committee members debated the organization of the slides. The inclusion of the Gerontology report from 2016-2017 was considered to illustrate the long-term efforts behind the initiative. The debate continued over whether to include detailed site selection processes in the presentation’s timeline. Financial presentation slides were scrutinized for clarity and conciseness, and the committee discussed incorporating comparative data from neighboring towns.

The visual design of the presentation also prompted discussion, with members debating the use of color coding and the inclusion of images, such as pickleball courts, which some felt might introduce confusion. Opinions varied on the appropriate duration for the upcoming presentation, with an emphasis on balancing visual elements and clear, concise information.

Amidst technical difficulties with file sharing and concerns over the size of the presentation, the committee also considered the potential delay in presenting to the select board due to the need for additional information. The possibility of extending the committee’s duration and forming a recommendation to the permanent building committee to establish a special building committee was proposed.

The debate about the Charter and priorities concluded with discussions about the order and content of the presentation slides. Confusion arose over the inclusion of slides related to other town initiatives, and the potential sites for the Active Living Center were considered with respect to historical integrity and geographic centrality.