During the meeting, the board engaged in a discussion regarding the safety implications of installing the EV chargers near the library. A trustee raised serious safety concerns about the proximity of the chargers to the library building, citing the potential risk of lithium-ion battery explosions. These explosions can reach temperatures as high as 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit, posing significant fire hazards to the library and its contents. The trustee suggested relocating the charging station to the street, which would distance it from the building, though this would incur additional costs not covered by the existing grant.

The conversation also touched on accessibility concerns, particularly for individuals with disabilities. A participant pointed out that the library currently has only one handicapped parking space, which is inadequate given the steep hill leading to the building. With the library’s growing popularity and the increased attendance at its programs, parking has become a issue. The potential installation of EV chargers raised fears that these might further limit available parking for those requiring close access to the library.

In addition to safety and accessibility, the discussion also delved into the financial and logistical aspects of the project. The grant application process, overseen by Eversource, was a focal point, with the board waiting on a response from the company regarding funding. The board debated the feasibility of relocating the chargers to a more suitable location and discussed potential funding sources to cover any additional costs. It was highlighted that the chargers would be owned by East Coast Renewables, which raised questions about liability and insurance implications for the library.

Community engagement was another concern, with participants expressing surprise at the lack of communication with neighboring residents about the project. There was a consensus that involving the community in planning discussions could have mitigated some of the opposition to the chargers’ installation.

While the EV charger debate dominated the meeting, the board also addressed other topics. A new part-time police officer, Vincent Fabby, was appointed, with the board noting his community-oriented approach as a positive addition to the local law enforcement team. Caroline, a candidate for the position of community development administrative assistant, was also appointed, marking her start date for December 15, 2025.

The board discussed winter parking regulations, implementing restrictions from midnight to 7 a.m. until April 15, 2026, to ensure safe and efficient snow removal and access to municipal areas during the winter months. This decision was made to prevent parking-related issues in the library and town office lots during the snowy season.

In terms of ongoing initiatives, the board received updates on several projects. The Florence roofing company completed repairs to the library rotunda roof, and new carpeting was installed in the community room. A grant for a transport trailer for emergency sites was also secured, with the police chief already having picked it up for operational use.

The board also acknowledged challenges with solar panel installations, which faced delays due to complications with generator installations. The anticipated schedule for solar panel installation was pushed to late February or March to ensure safety during winter work.

As the meeting concluded, plans for future discussions were put in place, with the next meeting scheduled for November 19. A significant tax classification hearing was set for December 30.