At the core of the meeting’s agenda was the deliberation on the proposed Municipal Light Board, which would be responsible for the oversight of the town’s fiber broadband network. The committee examined the structure of the board, debating whether it should consist of elected or appointed officials, or a hybrid of both. Concerns were raised about unqualified individuals potentially occupying important positions and the need for effective communication with the public to ensure understanding of the board’s purpose. Comparisons were drawn with similar initiatives in towns like Falmouth, Quincy, and Taunton, highlighting successful implementations and the importance of expertise among board members. The discussion also touched on potential conflicts of interest, the cost and maintenance of the infrastructure, and the support from federal and state sources.

Another topic that garnered attention was the financing of water and sewer infrastructure projects. Discussions revolved around the financial structure, the use of debt exclusion and non-excluded debt, and the implications for the town’s general fund. The concern was whether the burden of funding these projects would fall unfairly on residents who might not directly benefit from them. The timing of debt repayment and the overall financial burden on the town were also hotly debated. Though some committee members stressed the importance of clean water and the need for infrastructure to support economic development, there was notable opposition, with one member explicitly stating their intention to vote against the project due to the lack of a solid financial plan and clear cost estimates.

There was no immediate mandate for action, but there was pressure to address contamination issues in the public water supplies along Route Six. Concerns over the wording of the town warrant article were raised, with calls for clarity to avoid misconceptions about the project’s scope and costs. To combat misinformation and mistrust, the committee considered creating concise, easy-to-understand materials to inform residents about the details of the project.

In addition to these two major topics, the committee discussed a range of other matters. These included the potential impact of private internet service providers on municipally owned services, the consideration of public-private partnerships and cooperatives for internet infrastructure funding, and specific warrant articles related to land purchases, building construction, and land conservation. Furthermore, there was debate over a request for an additional all alcoholic beverage license for a gas station, a proposal to establish a stabilization fund for special education, and the impact of state aid on the budget.

The meeting concluded with considerations for the upcoming budget, including the allocation of funds for the Animal Control budget, and the suggestion to invite the infrastructure committee to a future meeting to aid in the decision-making process.