A major focus of the meeting was the public safety complex, a project that has faced repeated setbacks and voter rejections. Police Chief Ian Ellingsworth reported that the public safety building committee had decided to abandon the existing HKT design and build plan due to its prohibitive costs. Instead, a motion was passed to prioritize constructing a standalone fire department building, although this decision was not unanimous. The committee’s charge required revision, as its initial objectives had been fulfilled, prompting calls for the Select Board to formalize a new charge to guide future efforts.

During citizen speak, several residents expressed their perspectives on the project. Martha, drawing on her experience from a New Jersey town council, urged a reassessment of the plan in light of the town’s $2.5 million debt and proposed a more focused approach that wouldn’t exceed $15 million. She suggested starting with a new fire station while considering a phased approach for a police station, emphasizing clear communication and a long-term capital spending plan.

Reinie Groden echoed these sentiments, urging the board to reject the committee’s recommendations and pause efforts to re-evaluate objectives in line with community needs. Meanwhile, Anne and Bruce Bowman stressed the urgency of addressing inadequate fire and police department facilities, advocating for a facility that meets operational needs without arbitrary financial caps.

The session underscored the community’s divide over the best path forward. Some members and residents supported the phased approach, beginning with the fire station, while others warned that neglecting the police department could lead to long-term issues. Christina Madson, a public safety committee member, voiced her disappointment over the delay and argued that pursuing a plan would be more cost-effective, warning that a phased plan might forsake the police department’s needs.

Amidst the debate on public safety infrastructure, Town Administrator Scott Szczebak announced that Southampton had secured a $99,000 grant from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for a walking path and spray deck, and a $281,000 grant for the Alder Pond Conservation Area Project.

The board also discussed technical difficulties experienced during the meeting, notably affecting a member participating via Zoom. Despite the challenges, the board addressed several other issues. A notable point was the need for financial transfers to cover health insurance costs for town employees, totaling approximately $330,000. Szczebak detailed upcoming special town meeting topics, including financial committee appointments and updates to the warrant, highlighting the need for careful financial management amid competing priorities.

Attention was also given to infrastructure challenges, with reports of two town bridges set for closure by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, compounding the town’s infrastructure hurdles. Discussions on capital planning revealed a reliance on free cash for equipment expenditures and the need for a comprehensive five-year plan to address these challenges.

The meeting also touched on land use planning, with the introduction of conceptual designs by Dodson Flinker for integrating public safety, a senior center, and affordable housing. These plans aimed to optimize public use and access to the Southampton Greenway, with a focus on preserving flood plains to protect the Manhan River corridor.