In the most newsworthy event of the meeting, the board unanimously approved a one-day wine and malt permit for Mark Mattari of Abandoned Building Brewery. Mattari had been contacted by the owners of Bashista Orchards to serve alcohol at a concert event scheduled for September 14, which is expected to draw 200 to 300 attendees. The brewery plans to use a refrigerated box truck for the event and will implement proper identification and wristbanding procedures to ensure compliance. The permit allows the brewery to operate between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the orchard.

Another topic was the appointment of Janet Kane to the Senior Center Building Committee. Kane’s extensive experience advocating for seniors and her previous roles on related boards were highlighted. The board discussed the newly extended charge for the committee, which now includes nine members to aid in recruitment efforts. A motion was made and seconded, leading to her unanimous appointment for a two-year term expiring on June 30, 2026.

The Town Administrator provided updates on several ongoing projects, including the installation of Wi-Fi scheduled for September 6, which will benefit police, fire, and library services. The FY22 audit was submitted, and preparations for FY23 are underway with an in-person audit starting soon. The compensation study’s data collection is nearly complete, with only two towns pending. A meeting with a consultant is planned to review the methodology, and findings will be shared at the next board meeting.

The Green Community Grant contracts are being approved, and preparations for project installations are progressing. The town is working on a timeline for the next steps, including which buildings will receive upgrades first. The closing on the Zero College property is also progressing positively, with a closing date targeted for the week of September 16. The board will need to vote on the deed acceptance at the September 3 meeting.

Challenges in recruitment for the Assistant Town Clerk position were noted, with an offer letter sent to a candidate who had not yet responded due to it landing in their junk mail. There is also an ongoing recruitment process for the Administrative Assistant position.

Board members shared various reports, including comments on the Conservation Commission’s activities and volunteer efforts in maintaining conservation areas. The Open Space Committee is set to meet again in early September. The Board of Assessors is conducting regular business but is still pursuing a candidate for a vacancy, as a prospective candidate declined the opportunity.

In other business, the board discussed the appointment of a new Council on Aging director following the previous director’s departure in mid-July. An internal candidate, Kate Danto, was identified and supported by a quick committee formed to evaluate her. A motion was made to appoint her as an emergency hire for two weeks while proceeding with the process for a permanent position. Concerns about setting an emergency salary without clear positioning relative to other salaries led to an amendment to cap the rate at the previous director’s salary level. The urgency of the situation required an immediate decision.

A unique mortgage subordination situation was also addressed. A resident refinancing their home required the town’s approval to subordinate a mortgage issued through a Community Development block grant. After discussing the minimal financial risk, the board unanimously approved the subordination agreement, noting the unusual circumstances of the grant’s administration.

The meeting further included discussions on the Classification Compensation Plan, upcoming joint meetings with the finance committee, and compliance concerns from the Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System. The board agreed to hold its next regular meeting on September 3, coinciding with primary election day, despite potential logistical challenges related to live broadcasting from a different location.

Old business discussions included capital asset planning and surplus equipment disposal, with acknowledgment of the need for further action. Updates on the audit and green energy initiatives were also noted, alongside discussions on new land acquisition interests and the need for public engagement and guided tours of newly acquired properties. The topic of wetlands delineation was revisited.