The Sunderland School roof, showing signs of wear and potential leakage, was at the forefront of the discussion. Given the roof’s condition, the board considered a range of options, from simple repairs to complete replacement with the integration of solar panels. The Massachusetts Building Authority’s funding process was referenced, and potential grants for solar projects were brought into the conversation. The possibility of phasing the projects was discussed, allowing for a step-by-step approach that could include seeking state funding for the solar initiatives.

Questions arose about working with third-party vendors versus managing the project internally, and the existing contract with Karge Energy was scrutinized for its impact on future solar installations. The potential for utilizing Green Communities funding was also highlighted, emphasizing the need to ensure that solar installations would result in tangible energy savings. The decision to consult with solar expert Beth Greenblat was made to gain deeper insights and recommendations for the town’s solar energy strategy.

In a related matter, the need for electrical upgrades and a building management system at the elementary school was discussed. The board explored roofing material options, considering metal or solar shingles as part of the school’s future solar projects. Furthermore, the meeting addressed the disposal of a surplus police vehicle, a Chevy Tahoe. The board weighed the options for selling the vehicle, including the possibility of using an auction service.

The topic of marijuana host community agreements also garnered attention. With changing state regulations in play, the board discussed the potential paths forward: waiving the agreements, adopting a model agreement provided by the Cannabis Control Commission, or creating a new one based on the model with additional provisions. Concerns were voiced over the state’s vetting process for these agreements, and there was talk of challenging state authority on the subject. The feasibility of billing businesses for community impact, the inclusion of traffic study requirements, and the inclusion of security review costs in the community impact fee were debated. Ultimately, the decision to proceed with the model agreement from the Cannabis Control Commission was made.

The meeting also touched on various administrative matters, including the reappointment of board and committee members and the appointments to roles such as accountant, select board administrative assistant, and various positions within the police and highway departments. Updates from the Select Board members were briefly mentioned, noting the success of the Franklin County Pride event and the implementation of cooling hours at the senior center during the recent hot weather. The meeting concluded at 7:44 PM, with the next session scheduled for July 1st.