The meeting commenced with a key public hearing involving Massachusetts Electric Company, known as National Grid, and Verizon New England Incorporated, presenting a proposal for the installation of five new utility poles along South Washington Street. The poles are necessary to provide service to a new commercial building on South Washington Street. The representative from National Grid explained the need for these poles, emphasizing their importance in extending service as the existing infrastructure ends at pole P1564. The board expressed urgency in the timely installation of these poles, as the new building is nearing completion and is expected to contribute to the town’s tax revenue. The representative assured that the process is underway, contingent upon the completion of necessary paperwork and scheduling.

Further discussions on utility infrastructure continued with another hearing concerning additional poles on Dean Street and Cow’s Way. This installation is intended to service a new building with underground connections. The representative clarified the specifics of the installation, including the need for three poles: one on the main road, an intermediate, and an end pole. Despite technical difficulties that hindered public participation, residents were assured of minimal disruption during the installation.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a host community agreement with Lucky Green Ladies, a cannabis business aiming to expand its operations by co-locating its delivery service with its dispensary. The representative from Lucky Green Ladies, Alyssa, emphasized the financial benefits of consolidating operations and requested assistance in expediting the licensing process. The board assured Alyssa of their support in navigating the necessary procedures to facilitate the business’s expansion.

Traffic and infrastructure improvements also dominated discussions, with updates from the traffic safety committee. The North Newton Mansfield Rail Trail Extension is nearing completion, although delayed, with a ribbon-cutting now postponed to spring 2026. Improvements at the North and South WA Streets intersection are projected to cost approximately $3.5 million, with advertising set for November 2026. The Route 140-123 downtown intersection, a longstanding issue, has garnered three alternative solutions outlined in a technical memo. A public information meeting is planned to gather resident input before proceeding with engineering studies.

Attention was also given to potential sidewalk construction on Pine Street. The project is recommended to be built in sections due to high costs, with potential funding from a $500,000 complete streets application.

Concerns about traffic speeds, particularly in front of Weeden College, were raised, with discussions on reducing the limit to 25 miles per hour. The board addressed ongoing issues with truck traffic on Wood Street, which had previously been subject to a truck exclusion. Despite committee approvals, updates from Mass DOT regarding enforcement of this exclusion remain pending. Additional traffic-related matters included plans for pedestrian improvements, such as a new rapid flashing beacon crosswalk sign funded by a grant, set for installation in front of the library.

The board also discussed the state of the rail trail, noting challenges with trash receptacle maintenance and considering a temporary removal of barrels for the winter months to manage waste more effectively. Community events, such as the Friends of the Rail Trail’s upcoming fall activities, were highlighted as part of ongoing efforts to engage residents in trail use.

The town manager reported on several ongoing initiatives, including preparations for the town meeting, public works projects, and the creative posting of a Public Works Director position to enhance operational efficiencies. The board emphasized the importance of finding a qualified candidate to improve interdepartmental coordination without adding administrative layers.