One notable issue addressed during the meeting was an open meeting law complaint filed on August 6th. The complaint arose from an incident where a board member inadvertently used the ‘reply all’ feature in an email, leading to a potential violation of open meeting law. This incident underscored the importance of adhering to open meeting laws and maintaining transparent communication, a principle the board pledged to uphold moving forward.

In another discussion, the board reviewed a proposal from the planning board regarding a new bylaw aimed at regulating data centers. This proposal included a request for a one-year moratorium on data centers across four districts in town. The board deliberated on the proactive nature of the proposal, which was prompted by concerns about energy usage, operational hours, and environmental impacts associated with data centers. The proposal was seen as a precautionary step, allowing the town to develop a comprehensive bylaw before any data centers were considered. The board unanimously voted to return the proposal to the planning board for further refinement, highlighting the need for careful planning and regulation in anticipation of potential data center developments.

Personnel changes were also on the agenda, beginning with the resignation of John Laterno, the long-serving plumbing and gas inspector. The board formally accepted his resignation and discussed the need to find a replacement. They considered reaching out to the Franklin County Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) for plumbing inspection services, weighing the financial implications of this new arrangement. Concerns were raised about ensuring clear communication and procedures for inspections, emphasizing the need for structured processes for both contractors and residents.

The board also addressed the appointment of Katherine Powers to the historical commission. Powers’ appointment was viewed as crucial in filling a vacancy and maintaining the commission’s quorum, as several members’ terms had expired. Her background in archival management was seen as a valuable addition to the commission, which plays a key role in preserving the town’s history.

Issues of community maintenance were also discussed, including the condition of the horse ring fence behind the fire station. The board granted permission for its removal, citing safety concerns. The removal process was considered with legal compliance in mind, and discussions touched on how to dispose of the materials properly.

Additionally, the board discussed ongoing complaints about watercraft storage at Elliot Park. An agreement was reached to install signage to discourage leaving personal items in the park, which has affected the park’s appearance. The board agreed that watercraft left behind would be considered abandoned and removed, with signage to reflect this policy.

The meeting also covered updates on town administration and financial matters. Bren, standing in for the town administrator, reported on updates to the personnel handbook and an increase in recycling disposal rates. The board also reviewed the contract for the fire chief, emphasizing the importance of maintaining organized records to prevent past issues of document misplacement.

Finally, the board discussed scheduling changes for the upcoming special town meeting, initially set for September 23rd. Due to a conflict with Rosh Hashanah, the date was proposed to be moved to September 30th, allowing more time for preparation and consideration of potential warrant articles.