52:14A significant portion of the meeting focused on the high-speed internet project, which aims to introduce competition within the local market by establishing a municipal fiber network. The committee underscored that the project must not burden taxpayers and should remain financially viable through the anticipated take rate of 50%. A community meeting with Whip City Fiber is scheduled to discuss the project further and encourage public engagement. Concerns about competition from the incumbent provider and potential financial pitfalls were discussed at length. Members emphasized the necessity of following through with the project once initiated to avoid incomplete infrastructure, referencing past issues with sewer projects. The committee ultimately voted to recommend moving the project forward to a town meeting, seeking to secure necessary bonding authorization.

0:00In parallel, the committee examined the town’s code book update, which had not been revised in over three decades. The town clerk highlighted the need for an update costing approximately $25,000. This update was deemed critical to prevent confusion, as evidenced by a recent incident involving an unreflected bylaw. The committee agreed this should be a recurring expenditure to maintain accuracy and compliance in town codes.

The committee also deliberated on requests from the Department of Public Works (DPW), including a $4 million proposal for paving and infrastructure as a long-term investment. Although fluctuations in free cash and debt management could affect this figure, the proposal received a motion to include routine items in the vote, securing unanimous support.

17:56Attention then turned to the potential acquisition of a new truck for the DPW, in light of impending 2025 state mandates on alternative fuel vehicles. With the market poised to change, the committee approved funding for a truck at $305,000 to preempt regulatory restrictions. Additionally, they approved funding for essential grinder pumps.

The committee further discussed a $40,000 water system upgrade and a $30,000 contract for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit compliance. Both expenditures were approved.

The police department’s needs were also addressed, with the committee approving the purchase of two police cruisers for $109,000. However, a proposal for locker room renovations was tabled, allowing for future consideration in light of competing priorities, specifically fire department renovations.

36:23Discussions highlighted the importance of modernizing security controls across town facilities, with a $60,000 proposal for Town Hall upgrades marking the first step. A comprehensive, multi-year plan was recommended to prevent disparate systems and inefficiencies, emphasizing cloud-based solutions for managing access rights.

The meeting concluded with debates on various infrastructure projects, including the potential construction of a refab garage and concrete work. Concerns about long-term space management and the adequacy of existing plans were raised, leading to a proposal to take no action on current items. The committee stressed the need for strategic planning aligned with the town’s master plan to avoid temporary solutions that fail to meet long-term needs.