The resignation of Town Administrator Nelson Mui dominated the meeting, as board members deliberated on transition plans to prevent any loss of information. They stressed the importance of compiling a comprehensive list of ongoing projects, incomplete tasks, and recently completed items before Mui’s departure. This handover was suggested to be conducted in a separate meeting to protect confidential files. The board aimed to finalize these preparations by December 18, emphasizing the need for clear documentation to ensure continuity in town operations.

The board formally accepted Mui’s resignation through a roll call vote. The conversation then shifted to forming a screening committee for the new town administrator position. This ad hoc committee would include one select board member and two department heads, one from town hall and one from outside. Discussions about the timeline for appointing an interim administrator emerged, with a desire to have someone in place before Christmas. The board expressed interest in considering an internal candidate for the temporary position, while remaining open to external options.

The meeting also addressed the lease for the old fire harbor fire station, with a legal update and draft lease expected by December 18. The board emphasized the necessity of having all relevant materials ready to prevent any oversight.

In policy matters, the Select Board adopted a new sustainable purchasing policy, replacing an earlier policy from 2018. The updated policy aims to guide procurement decisions that mitigate environmental impact while remaining fiscally responsible. It emphasizes purchasing environmentally preferable products and practices like prioritizing donation and reuse before disposal. The board unanimously approved the policy through a roll call vote.

The board also discussed a letter of support for local aid, advocating for increased state funding for municipalities. A motion was made to approve the draft letter addressed to state representatives, highlighting the collective effort among towns to address fiscal challenges. The board confirmed the need to sign the finalized version of the letter, which would include their official information.

Further discussions included the renewal of the Comcast contract and lease agreements with the Spalding Memorial School. The Comcast contract was tabled for a later date, while the lease agreement was noted as still under discussion, with a draft requested from the school district.

Additionally, the board addressed the scheduling of a special town meeting. Initially considered for late January, the meeting was postponed to February 24 due to the upcoming holidays and ongoing negotiations with the police union. The high school was suggested as a venue, as the town hall could not accommodate a larger winter gathering.

The meeting concluded with a motion to enter into executive session for confidential discussions, including strategies for negotiations with non-union personnel, collective bargaining with union representatives, and a litigation matter involving the town. The session was formally entered at 4:33 p.m. with a roll call vote, highlighting the necessity of these discussions to protect the town’s negotiating positions and legal standing.