Select Board — June 15, 2026

Residents and board members expressed frustration over perceived pressure to act quickly on bridge removal, citing emergency response times, pedestrian connectivity to schools/downtown, historic use of the right-of-way, and lack of written commitments for future replacement. CSX representatives clarified the bridge is unsafe, cannot be repaired, and offered removal at no cost while expressing willingness to review future town- or DOT-built replacements; ownership history and maintenance responsibility were clarified with DOT having maintained it under prior agreements. CSX stated the bridge is out of service and must be removed at no cost; residents and board raised concerns about loss of crossing, implied easement, historic status, and emergency access. Board emphasized need for due diligence and written commitments.

No decision made; board emphasized need for due diligence, transparency, and written agreements rather than expedited action. CSX agreed to continue dialogue. Board declined to agree to expedited removal timeline and requested pause for further review.

Additional public meetings; town to conduct due diligence on ownership, easements, historic/environmental requirements, and alternatives; advance notice to residents promised. Board to conduct due diligence and hold additional public meetings; CSX to continue dialogue.

Town manager presented rationale including alignment with neighboring towns, employee retention in a tight labor market, and consistency with clerk/tax collector schedules; 40-hour work weeks preserved with unpaid breaks. Proposal aligns with neighboring towns and existing clerk/tax collector schedule; aims to improve public access and employee retention while maintaining 40-hour work weeks.

Motion approved unanimously. Board approved the revised public hours effective July 6, 2026.

Effective July 6, 2026; extensive public advertising required.

Items included Front Street/Pine/Linden roundabout contracts (base + lighting alternate funded with bond, block grant, and sidewalk funds), $8k recycling grant, 2026 dog warrant, Pear Point Park donations, Barrett Planning Group continuation, tax abatements/jeopardy bills, June 1 minutes, committee resignations/appointments, and town manager updates on HB 1491/1300 and other matters. Bids reviewed; funding supplemented with block grant and sidewalk funds. Grant fully funds equipment purchase; survey continuation uses remaining state funds.

All items approved by unanimous votes where applicable. Contracts awarded to Bellagian Construction ($765,290.25) and VHB ($20,000); grant and Barrett Planning Group contract approved.

Contracts to be executed; next meetings noted on calendar. Execution of documents and project construction.

Reports covered recent committee attendance and upcoming Water and Sewer Advisory Committee meeting on June 29. Calendar listed goal-setting on June 22 at 5pm and meeting dates through September. Reports covered energy power hour event, housing committee co-chair discussions and zoning amendments, planning board cases tabled to July and June dates, sustainability and CONCOM meetings, and water/sewer advisory quorum and recommendations.

No formal action taken on reports. Verbal reports received; housing committee to revisit chair structure and zoning items; specific planning cases noted as tabled.

Goal-setting session June 22 at 5pm; next regular meeting June 29. Housing Advisory Committee July meeting; planning board items return July 9 and June 25; goal-setting session June 22; next water/sewer discussion June 29.

Members called the bill confusing due to placement on national ballots and described it as a way to circumvent local control; they noted prior similar questions were rejected in March and highlighted lack of relief for costs like healthcare and special education beyond inflation. Members called the bill confusing due to placement on national ballots and described it as a way to circumvent local control.

Board expressed shared concern and frustration with state legislature ignoring court-ordered school funding; no formal action taken during segment.