0:00Margaret Carenzo, a resident of Cottage Avenue, brought forward concerns about the Board of Health’s attempts to condemn her home due to the installation of an illegal tight tank at a neighboring property owned by Chad Alexander. Carenzo detailed a history of sewage issues emanating from Alexander’s property, which had previously resulted in sewage backup and drainage problems affecting her yard. She accused the Board of Health of being unresponsive and expressed frustration over what she perceived as a personal vendetta against her by Charles Kicky, whom she claimed encouraged actions that seemed to favor Alexander. Carenzo insisted that her well water was not contaminated but feared future risks if the new tank was improperly maintained.

The board acknowledged hearing about this issue for the first time and agreed on the necessity of following up with the Board of Health for more details. Members emphasized the importance of maintaining civility during discussions and agreed to look into the situation further, recognizing the urgency expressed by Carenzo, who noted that the Board of Health had previously agreed to delay further assessments until spring.

Additionally, the meeting saw the board approve appointments to the Senior Center building committee and the planning board, as well as acknowledge the resignation of a member from the Southampton Housing Authority. These routine appointments and resignations reflect the ongoing administrative changes within the town’s governance structure.

16:48The board also deliberated on several conservation and land use projects. Discussions included properties like “back Acres” and the “Treneri property,” with considerations for potential acquisitions that could benefit the town. The Select Board is navigating the withdrawal process from Chapter 61, which governs the taxation of specific lands, with some properties being considered for conservation purposes. The Treneri property, in particular, was noted for its landlocked status and adjacency to existing conservation areas, with funding support from organizations like the Kestrel Land Trust.

Grant opportunities were also on the agenda, with discussions about the One-Stop Grant for preconstruction activities related to a public safety building and the MVP Grant focused on assessing the feasibility of establishing a heating and cooling center in town. These grants represent efforts to secure funding for important community infrastructure projects.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on proposed bylaw amendments, including revisions to the swimming pool safety bylaw and a new proposal regarding the naming of public buildings, structures, and lands. The proposed amendments aim to streamline the naming process, allowing the Select Board to make decisions by majority vote, thereby reducing bureaucratic hurdles while ensuring community input for changes.

2:28:11In terms of financial oversight, the meeting addressed ongoing challenges with audits and the school department’s role in providing necessary financial information. Delays in audits could potentially affect the town’s bond rating, which has already experienced a decline. The board discussed possible actions, including withholding contributions to the school until it resolves its accounting issues, highlighting the intertwined financial dependencies between the town and the school department.

2:45:24The board also reviewed the town’s insurance policies, recognizing outdated elements like the $250 co-pay for inpatient hospital care. Discussions included potential incentives for employees to opt-out of town insurance if alternative coverage is available, aiming to reduce the number of insured individuals and, subsequently, the town’s insurance costs. The complexities of prescription coverage and the decision-making power within the insurance trust were also key points of discussion.

Finally, the meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss sensitive topics, including collective bargaining related to the Cannabis host community agreement and real estate negotiations concerning properties on Glendale Road. This session highlighted the need for confidentiality in certain discussions, reflective of the procedural nature of town governance.