Board of Selectmen — January 13, 2025

Two Board of Selectmen members announced they will not run for reelection - one citing retirement after 14 years of various town service roles, another after 9 years on the board.

Discussion of $1.9 million bond authorization for aerial/tower truck purchase, with proposed amendments to broaden language from 'tower truck' to 'aerial truck' and add 10-year sunset clause.

Presentation of $18.3 million operating budget representing 4.9% increase, with detailed breakdown of cost drivers including police contract, stormwater compliance, and road maintenance.

Discussion of authorization for preliminary engineering and site work for a new communications tower, with debate over whether this constitutes a sole source procurement since previous competition had occurred.

Multiple capital reserve fund appropriations presented including communication center ($40K), computers ($15K), revaluation ($25K), bridges ($300K), fire/rescue equipment ($267K), and DPW equipment ($130K).

Two equipment replacement requests: $230K trackless tractor and $500K fuel pump system replacement, both funded from unassigned fund balance with zero tax impact.

Two rail trail grant projects (North O2 and O3) requiring 20% town match over 4-5 years, with alternative combined proposal presented based on bicycle pedestrian committee feedback.

Board discussed funding for two rail trail grants totaling over $2 million, requiring 20% town match. Decision made to combine two separate articles into one multi-year funding warrant requiring 60% supermajority vote.

Proposal to reclassify portion of Class 6 roadway to Class B trail for safety reasons, as residents found cars using what is essentially a hiking trail.

Updates to income thresholds for property tax exemptions to account for two years of Social Security COLA increases, preventing eligible residents from losing exemptions.

Request for expanded authority to sell tax-deeded properties beyond just sealed bid/public auction, including use of real estate agents and sales to abutters.

Presentation of $7,000 proposal for comprehensive 5-day IT security and infrastructure assessment covering all town departments using ISO 27001 framework.

Discussion and approval of awarding IT and security assessment work to CISO for $7,000, covering comprehensive technology infrastructure review including servers, PCs, applications, security training, and interoperability needs for police and fire departments.

Review of Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant application for bicycle/pedestrian improvements along Boston Post Road, with discussion of conservation land concerns and waterway crossings.

Motion to adjust acting Town Administrator Debbie's pay from grade 19 to grade 20, step 9, effective retroactively to the first day of Dean's vacation.

Authorization for acting Town Administrator to negotiate Community Power pricing and launch the program if rates are better than Eversource default, targeting April rollout.

Chief's report on trip to Alabama to inspect used fire apparatus, recommending purchase of 2001 E1 95-foot platform truck from Brinley Mountain for $225,000 including upgrades and warranty.

Police Chief's request for sole source authorization to proceed with Two Way Communications for new 150-foot radio tower replacement at $170,000, citing system compatibility and public safety needs.

Removal of item A2 from the assessing consent agenda because it was not included in the package sent to board members, to be considered at the next meeting.

Review and approval of two property tax abatements: one for $271 due to overtaxation of a vacant lot, and one for $1,162 related to a blind exemption.

Approval of meeting minutes from four previous meetings: December 6, 9, 16, and 30, 2024.