The most urgent topic was the condition of the Lake Biola Dam, where a leak prompted emergency actions. Concerns about the dam’s safety led to the decision to lower the lake level by three feet. The select board was advised by the emergency management director to revoke public access to the dam to ensure safety. The dam’s precarious state was highlighted by sinkholes and issues with the trash rack, which had required debris removal and ongoing monitoring. An engineering firm, GZA, was engaged to outline necessary repairs, and the board considered utilizing Community Preservation Act funds to assist with funding. A motion to formally revoke public access to the dam was approved, with provisions for authorized personnel to continue monitoring and repairs. Coordination with adjacent property owners was identified as crucial for enabling equipment access.

In administrative matters, the board appointed Ann Dunn as the interim town clerk. Dunn, with eight years of municipal clerk experience, was considered a knowledgeable and suitable candidate. Though her start was delayed until mid-January, leading to concerns about timing relative to upcoming election and census duties, temporary email monitoring solutions were proposed. The board’s decision was unanimous, contingent on her official appointment at the annual town meeting pending proposed changes.

Efforts to enhance the town’s purchasing policy with an environmentally preferred approach were also discussed. The board aimed to refine the policy to encourage local purchasing while balancing cost-effectiveness and administrative efficiency. Suggestions included prioritizing local vendors where feasible and merging this policy with the existing recycling policy to avoid redundancy. The board emphasized flexibility in policy language to cater to logistical constraints and agreed to review the merger suggestion the following week.

Financial discussions highlighted budgetary concerns, particularly regarding the highway department’s machinery maintenance funds, already 80% depleted. The board stressed the need for transparency and regular communication with department heads to ensure financial accountability and effective resource management.

The reuse of the Yemen Spear Library was explored, with a committee assessing potential reconfigurations to address space issues, notably for the police department. Building code compliance, particularly concerning wastewater and septic systems, was flagged as a potential hurdle. The committee planned to provide further updates in January.

The Shutesbury Athletic Club’s license renewals were addressed smoothly, with unanimous board approval for liquor, food service, pool table operation, and entertainment licenses. Despite a slowdown in activity, the club adapted by offering more rentals and family-oriented activities.

Lastly, the board discussed clean energy funding opportunities for local schools, recognizing the need for coordinated efforts to secure grants. The town’s eligibility was affected by its low-income percentage, but potential solutions, such as a ground source heat pump, were considered. The board acknowledged the significance of these grants and the school’s status as the largest energy consumer in the community. An ADA improvement grant was also awarded for town hall, focusing on elevator assessment.