One notable issue discussed was the formation of a stormwater task force aimed at tackling the environmental issue of stormwater runoff at Lake Wyola. With stormwater runoff posing a threat to the lake’s ecosystem, the task force proposal received support for its potential to bring together diverse perspectives, including town employees, members of the Lake Wyola Association, and private citizens.

The board considered the task force’s composition, debating the inclusion of various stakeholders and emphasizing the need for expertise and skills to effectively manage the issue. There was a discussion about whether the state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) should be involved as stakeholders in the task force. The proposal aimed to utilize previous studies as a foundation for developing solutions to stormwater management, bridging funding gaps and addressing responsibilities beyond road maintenance.

Another topic of safety was the installation of pedestrian crosswalks at an intersection known for speeding violations. The police department proposed the installation of two crosswalks with solar signs that would illuminate when activated by pedestrians. While some board members supported the idea for its potential to educate drivers and remind them of pedestrian safety, others raised concerns about the proposed crosswalks’ locations and the risk of giving pedestrians a false sense of security.

The police department also provided updates on community engagement initiatives, including an internship program with a community college and a cadet program in Franklin County. The internship program, set to last through the summer semester, would offer educational opportunities and practical experience to an intern working under the supervision of police officers, notably not alongside her husband who is also an officer. The cadet program was praised for engaging youth and promoting careers in law enforcement, with the officer in charge expressing excitement about advising the students.

Public comments revealed residents’ concerns about the board’s handling of open meeting law complaints, with multiple individuals expressing dissatisfaction with the board’s previous discussions on the matter. They criticized the focus on costs incurred by the town and urged the board to handle complaints more professionally, highlighting the broader implications of open meeting law violations for democratic governance and ethical practices. Constructive input from residents included the need for discretion when discussing complainants and a reconsideration of the characterization of complaints as a drain on resources.

Administrative discussions touched on the need for comprehensive training on open meeting law, conflict of interest, and public records requests. The town clerk called for representatives from every committee and board to be present for these discussions. Additionally, the board reviewed a list of appointments and considered potential changes on the finance committee. The invasive plant knotweed was also a topic, with the board considering organizing a meeting to address the plant’s impact on local infrastructure.

The meeting concluded with the approval of agreements and initiatives that included a request from the library to review Mass Save and National Grid incentives for the new library project, the establishment of a Duty Detail Fund for the police department, and a discussion on potential litigation related to PF. Updates on the elevator repair and dam engineering project were given, and the board agreed to adjourn until the next scheduled meeting, with the possibility of adjusting the date due to a bid opening.