The board’s approval of the use of Chapter 90 funds for highway repair was one of the most substantive items discussed. The Highway Superintendent provided details on the proposed pavement work, which includes reclaiming and resurfacing of various roads with an estimated cost of $441,166.79. A notable point of clarification during the discussion was the exclusion of a board member from the decision-making process due to a conflict of interest, as the member resides on one of the streets slated for repair. The board also mentioned the allocation of funds for the next two years from the legislature for the Chapter 90 funds.

Following the infrastructure discussion, the board tackled the proposal to use additional state funding for paving non-approved town roads. Concerns were voiced over prioritizing these roads when other community roads are in need of repair, and the potential town liability for any issues arising after paving. Despite the concerns, the board approved the proposal, expressing a commitment to rectifying the issue and satisfaction that the additional funding did not exceed $220,000.

In appointments, the board addressed the position at Nashoba Valley Technical High School by appointing Karen Chapman for a three-year term. Chapman expressed gratitude for the opportunity, and the board highlighted the need for an alternate representative, encouraging qualified volunteers to step forward. Chapman’s appointment received unanimous support from the board.

The Select Board also approved Aaron Setfield’s appointment as the housing and grant administrator to the Land Use Department. Setfield’s qualifications were praised by the members, who showed confidence in her ability to effectively fulfill the role. The appointment was approved unanimously.

Additionally, the board moved on to fill positions in the Fire Department. Mark Fitali was appointed as a full-time firefighter paramedic, and Jacob Rello was appointed as an on-call Fire Department EMT. Both appointments were made following the provision of necessary information from Chief Shephard and were unanimously approved by the board.

The reappointment of Donna Howard as the LRTA towns and representative was also on the agenda. Howard’s change in employment status, from a town employee to a retired individual, necessitated the reappointment, which the board unanimously agreed upon to maintain her role.

Another decision made by the board was the approval of a one-day special liquor license application for the Townsend Congregational Church. The board was familiar with the event and found the submitted paperwork satisfactory, leading to a unanimous approval of the application.

The board then discussed a surplus request for the Highway Department, which included a mower, a generator, and a homemade Boom trailer. Although there was some uncertainty about the potential surplus value of the items, the surplus request was approved.

Despite concerns about the increasing costs of energy aggregation, the board was reassured that the process was advancing as expected.

The meeting concluded with the announcement of the date for the next meeting and a presentation from the land use office. Additionally, the board motioned to review and sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session and to enter into executive sessions to discuss litigation and collective bargaining strategy.