The discussion about the Center School building’s fate was extensive, as members weighed the merits of the proposals before them. There was a push for more time to allow the visioning committee to develop a concrete plan for the building’s use. The importance of the building to the community was underscored by the participation of both Jenny Morrison, voicing the majority view of the visioning committee, and Donna Wy, on behalf of the Historical Commission and At-Large Committee. The debate oscillated between the urgency of addressing the building’s deterioration, including the need for roof repairs, and the skepticism regarding the practicality of proposed alternatives.

Financial concerns were also at the forefront, as members discussed the town’s financial obligations to other projects and the potential use of Community Preservation Act funds. The feasibility of various proposals was scrutinized, with a specific focus on affordable housing and the viability of such a project from a financial and public purpose standpoint. The board’s decision to request extensions from the two RFP submitters was aimed at allowing a more review of the proposals, particularly in light of additional questions that needed to be addressed.

In a related matter, the board considered the potential sale of town property and its implications for the Whately Historical Society’s milk bottle, a local historical artifact. The Historical Society called for a town-granted easement to protect the milk bottle’s location in the event of the property’s sale. Discussions touched upon property lines, redrawing boundaries, and the need for legal clarification on the terms surrounding the milk bottle’s location. The board favored keeping the milk bottle on town property and planned to explore options to ensure its preservation.

Another prominent topic was a proposal to increase the pay rate for the administrative assistant position, a role held by Jessica Murphy. A letter from the former Town Administrator highlighted the need for a pay adjustment due to inflation and increased responsibilities. The board debated the implications of a temporary versus permanent pay raise and the impact on the fiscal year 2025 budget. The Personnel Committee noted the problematic nature of the current pay raise recommendation process and suggested a wage classification study. A motion was made to increase the assistant administrator’s hours temporarily, with further discussions and data collection on compensation planned.

Additionally, the board approved a calendar for the upcoming June 4th, 2024, town meeting, outlining timelines for warrant article submissions, reviews, and recommendations. They also discussed the request from the board of assessors to release surplus funds from the overlay reserve account, though no update was available as the assessors’ meeting was scheduled for the following week.

Other matters included updates on the availability of COVID-19 tests in town facilities and deliberations on the appointment of an animal inspector, considering the option of a regional animal control program. The board also anticipated discussions on the Department of Fish and Game’s purchase of property off Long Plane Road, a proposed highway department garage, and a grant application for the fire department’s breathing apparatus.