One notable issue discussed was the significant concern raised by Dina Stander, a resident of Sand Hill Road, who highlighted the deteriorating condition of local roads. Stander expressed frustration about a dangerous ditch near her property and criticized the highway department’s management. She argued that the poor state of the roads was exacerbated by the inexperience of the highway department chief, emphasizing the need for proper training. “If it’s well-maintained, it holds during weather,” she stated, demanding that the board acknowledge the issue and devise a plan for personnel training to ensure safety. Although the board typically refrains from responding directly to public comments during meetings, they acknowledged her concerns. Stander stressed the urgency of addressing the road conditions, especially the stability of telephone poles in her area, before leaving the meeting for another commitment.

The board then moved to accept the resignation of Gabe Vulkar, the assistant town treasurer, and Linda Newcome, a part-time police officer. Vulkar’s resignation was accepted with an agreement to send a letter of thanks for her service. During the discussion of Newcome’s resignation, she voiced concerns about issues within the police department and the select board, urging residents to come together to address these problems. However, the board reiterated that personnel matters could not be discussed during the meeting and encouraged her to communicate via email.

Attention then shifted to the appointments to various town boards, with a particular focus on the planning board and zoning board of appeals. A point of discussion was the lack of representation from the planning board on the Owac, with board members expressing a need for more research before proceeding with appointments. Concerns were raised about the implications of delaying the appointments, particularly regarding fiscal year 2025. The discussion revealed differing views on the urgency of making appointments versus the necessity of ensuring thorough and correct processes. Despite the debate, appointments were made, including the appointment of John Arstock as an associate member of the zoning board of appeals and Kathleen Lugosh as a full-time member, both receiving unanimous support.

The reappointment of Tom Seaffort as an associate member of the planning board was also addressed. Board members acknowledged Seaffort’s consistent engagement and participation, noting his attendance at every meeting. The planning board had previously voted to recommend Seaffort’s reappointment, and the select board’s members voted in favor without opposition.

The meeting also addressed procedural issues, such as the need for signatures on a document related to a prior poll hearing and a contract amendment for the library building project. The board unanimously passed a motion to appoint a contract manager for the MBLC grant.

In the latter part of the meeting, a member introduced the topic of opioid settlement fund programs in the Commonwealth. The member had conducted extensive research and planned to present findings at an upcoming meeting, highlighting the need to form a committee to manage any funds received from such settlements.

Before closing the public session, there was a technical discussion about the need for a separate link for the executive session. The board planned to discuss strategies related to collective bargaining or litigation in the executive session, emphasizing the importance of maintaining confidentiality to protect the public body’s bargaining position. As the meeting prepared to transition to the executive session, there was some confusion regarding attendee access, which was quickly addressed to ensure proper participation.