The most significant topic of the meeting was the proposal to reduce speed limits on College Highway to improve safety for both pedestrians and drivers. The chair of the Economic Development Commission presented findings from a local business survey. A central recommendation was to lower the speed limit in the Town Center from 40 mph to 30 mph, and further reduce it to 25 mph near Town Hall. The presenter cited data showing that nearly 40% of car crashes reported since January 2021 occurred within a 1.5-mile stretch of the Town Center.

The Economic Development Commission chair explained that higher speeds increase the risk of severe injuries to pedestrians. He argued that the time difference between traveling at the current speed limit and the proposed lower limits is minimal—approximately 14 seconds. He also noted that any change in the speed limit would require a town meeting vote and subsequent approval from the State Department of Highways, referencing recent successful reductions in Worcester and Westfield.

In addition to speed limit reductions, the commission recommended adding two or three crosswalks in the Town Center to improve pedestrian movement. These crosswalks would include painted markers and potentially flexible traffic delineators, which could be removed for maintenance activities. The proposal emphasized that these changes align with the town’s master plan goals and could create a more welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.

The discussion on this proposal included input from community members who shared safety concerns, particularly regarding pedestrian traffic and the challenges faced by families trying to cross the highway. Chief Banish provided an update on communications with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), noting that any modifications must comply with state regulations and require an engineering study. He emphasized that changes are not straightforward and involve proper engineering and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The board also reflected on past efforts to enhance safety on College Highway, including a reconstruction project around 2010 or 2011 that evaluated speed limits and crosswalks. Despite previous assessments, there was a consensus on the necessity of new measures to address current safety concerns. The proposal for additional crosswalks included the need for advanced signaling systems, such as rectangular rapid flash beacons, to enhance pedestrian safety.

In other significant business, the board discussed a request from the South Historical Society for CPC funds to acquire 74 College Highway. The property, which has seen its asking price drop from $900,000 to $175,000, would be conserved as a rural and heritage landscape with public access for passive recreation. The Society requested a special town meeting in the fall to allow citizens to vote on the matter, emphasizing the project’s benefits and minimal liability for the town.

During the meeting, the board also approved early voting hours for an upcoming local election and engaged in a lengthy discussion about snowplow contractor rates for the winter season. The proposed increase in hourly rates and the introduction of a sign-on bonus aimed to address rising insurance costs and ensure sufficient contractor availability. There was debate about the fairness of these measures, with concerns about shifting financial risks to taxpayers versus supporting contractors facing substantial upfront costs.

The Select Board also reviewed and approved a Host Community Agreement (HCA) with modifications for the town’s protection, particularly concerning impact fees and the duration of the initial agreement. The board expressed unanimous support for establishing a clear framework for future negotiations and agreements.

Additionally, the board discussed the reestablishment of an Open Space Management and Planning Committee to focus on developing a continually updated open space plan. The proposal highlighted the importance of having a dynamic document to improve grant eligibility and ensure thorough land management efforts. The board motioned to create a committee with up to five members and two associates.

The meeting concluded with discussions on various appointments, including reappointments to the Conservation Commission and the establishment of an open space committee. The board emphasized the importance of proactive management of committee appointments to ensure effective governance.