A significant portion of the meeting focused on the upcoming special town meeting’s warrant articles. The Select Board deliberated on a wide range of topics including an agricultural preservation restriction on the Glinsky property. This article requested a transfer of $13,500 from free cash, a decision that prompted concerns about setting a precedent for using free cash instead of Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds, which have historically been employed for such initiatives. The board expressed apprehension about the lack of CPA fund applications from farmers, which led to the consideration of free cash as the funding source. Members noted the importance of maintaining clear communication with state agricultural preservation offices to ensure future coordination with CPA funding opportunities.

The board also addressed a notable bylaw modernization effort, proposing updates to numerous chapters to ensure consistency with state laws and current practices. Key changes included the repeal of outdated bylaws, such as those pertaining to the building code board of appeals and gas and plumbing inspection, in favor of aligning with the Franklin County Cooperative Inspection Program. Amendments also focused on updating language to remove gender specificity and standardize references to town governance roles, such as changing “Chairman” to “Chair.”

Additionally, the board discussed the codification of the general bylaws. This included a proposal to update fines for littering and hazardous waste violations, setting the maximum penalty at $300 in accordance with state guidelines. The board acknowledged the necessity of these changes to reflect the current legal framework and ensure effective enforcement.

A separate but related discussion centered on the Center School’s historic preservation project. The board reviewed an article concerning Community Preservation Act appropriations for structural repairs and a reuse feasibility study. Although grant approvals for these projects were still pending, there had been positive indications regarding funding. The reuse feasibility study, backed by the Har Foundation, was highlighted as part of a larger initiative to support the preservation of the Center School.

The meeting also covered procedural updates, such as the removal of Sunderland from the tri-town beach district bylaws due to its non-participation since 1968. The board agreed to update bylaws to reflect this change, emphasizing the importance of maintaining accurate and relevant legislation.

In new business, the board reviewed and signed the election warrant for the upcoming November election, clarifying the list of poll workers. An inquiry revealed that the list was a supplement to the one used for the primary election.

The board also addressed a proposed flag policy that sought to regulate the display of flags on town properties. The policy, modeled after another town’s guidelines, sparked debate over the criteria for commemorative flags and the discretion allowed to the Select Board in approving such displays. Members debated the potential for community requests that might not fit within the defined categories and considered revising the policy language to provide greater clarity and flexibility.