0:00The meeting’s most notable discussion centered around the installation of a utility pole by Verizon New England and NSTAR Electric on Main Street, intended to power electric vehicle charging stations. The pole was erected without prior approval, causing confusion among board members and residents. Ross Bilo, a representative of the utility companies, admitted the mistake, acknowledging that the pole should not have been installed before board approval. Rob Phy, the Public Works director, confirmed the installation’s purpose and suggested that clear procedures should be established to prevent such incidents.

Public comments included concerns from resident Michelle Klof, who noted the pole’s proximity to her property and its unexpected appearance during the Eldridge garage construction project. While it did not hinder her access, Klof emphasized the need for better notification systems to inform residents of utility work. The board agreed to ratify the current installation but stressed the necessity of developing robust communication protocols to prevent future procedural errors and ensure community safety.

26:02In another related matter, the board discussed the installation of another utility pole, “poll P145,” on George Ryder Road. The focus was on the importance of communication and clarity between the town and utility companies. The board agreed on the need for a detailed report from the utilities outlining the ownership and installation requests for such poles.

Traffic safety was a recurring theme, particularly concerning the intersection of Sam Ryder Road and Main Street (Route 28). Joan Craig from the Traffic Safety Committee presented a review of proposals to improve safety at this accident-prone site. While the committee did not support installing a blinking red stop sign, they recommended additional signage, including reflective tape and stenciled warnings, to enhance driver awareness. The board acknowledged the importance of these measures, especially for drivers unfamiliar with the area, to prevent further incidents.

1:35:34The board also reviewed a proposal to transition the town’s statutory speed limit from 30 miles per hour to 25 in densely populated areas. The discussion revealed mixed opinions on the efficacy of such a change, with some members advocating for a more comprehensive approach to traffic management. The board considered a town-wide recommendation for the new speed limit.

1:52:23Budget discussions for fiscal year 2026 were another focal point, with the town manager presenting staffing proposals to address operational needs across several departments. These included positions for a local building inspector and a recovery navigator, alongside roles in the police and public works departments. The board debated the financial implications of these proposals, considering potential offsets and the necessity of additional staffing to meet growing demands.

1:19:44The meeting also addressed a contentious water bill dispute involving property owners Lindsay and Nathan McCaren. The couple faced a high bill, which they attributed to an inexplicable spike in water usage. While the water meter was tested and deemed accurate, the McCarens questioned the readings, citing no changes to their property’s plumbing and no visible leaks. The board agreed to explore an abatement based on historical usage, acknowledging the financial burden faced by the owners but emphasizing the need for accountability in water consumption.

1:01:38Finally, the board considered renovations to the Center for Active Living, with general support for moving forward with the project. Despite concerns over potential cost increases and construction challenges, the board recognized the project’s importance for the senior community and the need to present a proposal at the May town meeting.