Select Board Addresses Winter Operations, Staffing Crisis, and Planning Initiatives

The Select Board convened for its regular meeting, addressing a range of topics including town maintenance, staffing challenges, financial reporting, and ongoing planning initiatives.

Trailer Parking Regulations Reviewed

The Board discussed existing regulations concerning trailer parking on private property. The conversation distinguished between commercial trailers associated with a business on its property and trailers parked at private residences, which have historically presented issues. The Board indicated a willingness to allow a commercial trailer on an easement supporting a property, provided it is kept tidy, in good repair, and actively in use, not becoming a “work yard.” Concerns were raised about trailers with out-of-state plates, which are typically not permitted for long-term storage in public view. (link)

Department of Public Works (DPW) Update

The DPW Director reported on winter maintenance activities, including snow removal and salting. The Board revisited its policy on salt-to-sand ratios for road treatment. Following environmental concerns, the town had shifted to an 80% sand, 20% salt mixture. However, due to longer clearing times and dangerous road conditions, the Board decided to revert to a 50% sand, 50% salt mixture for future winter events, while acknowledging that a recent rain event necessitated a temporary all-salt application. (link)

Repairs are underway for the Bobcat, a piece of equipment crucial for clearing sidewalks, particularly the hazardous section along the guardrail on Valley Road. The machine’s “brain died” and is currently at the dealer for warranty repair, expected back by early next week. The DPW Director confirmed that a new, smaller snow plow attachment will allow the Bobcat to effectively clear the full width of the sidewalk, including areas near the bridge. (link)

Communication between the DPW and the resort regarding snow removal and snow-making operations has significantly improved following a recent meeting between town and resort staff. The resort has been proactive in informing the town about their plans. (link)

Additionally, the Board discussed the need to replace a faded “No Parking Fire Lane” sign near the West Branch Road intersection, which is on private property but essential for public safety. The DPW Director will address this with the property owner, potentially providing a new sign. Misaligned parking signs near Osceola Road, intended for snow storage areas, will also be corrected. (link)

Wastewater Treatment Staffing Crisis

The Town Manager provided an update on discussions with the Department of Environmental Services (DES) regarding the town’s wastewater treatment operations. A significant concern highlighted was the severe, nationwide shortage of qualified wastewater operators, which is particularly acute in New England. This crisis affects not only municipal operations but also contract operations firms, making it difficult to find and retain experienced staff. The Town Manager emphasized the critical nature of this issue, noting that it poses a potential public health and sanitation crisis if facilities cannot be adequately staffed to prevent waterborne illnesses. (link)

Department Head Reporting Procedures

The Board engaged in a lengthy discussion about the format and frequency of department head reports. Historically, department heads attended every meeting, with specific issues placed on the agenda. More recently, written reports were introduced, with some department heads finding them cumbersome or redundant if they were also attending meetings. The DPS Director expressed that written reports are valuable for internal communication within his department and for educating Board members on daily operations. The DPW Director, however, felt that bi-weekly written reports could feel “micromanaged” and that verbal updates were sufficient for routine operations. (link)

A compromise was reached: the DPS Director will continue to provide detailed written reports due to their unique operational structure and internal communication benefits. Other department heads may choose to provide written reports if they cannot attend a meeting or prefer that method, or they can provide verbal updates during their scheduled appearances. The Town Manager will continue to serve as a conduit for significant issues requiring immediate Board attention.

Financial Report Review

Concerns were raised regarding discrepancies in the financial report, specifically changes in approved fiscal year 2025 numbers and year-to-date spending compared to previous reports. The Town Manager explained that the Finance Department has been actively cleaning up the town’s financial system (BS&A), reclassifying capital items that were previously embedded within the operating budget into their correct General Ledger (GL) lines. This effort aims to provide cleaner and more accurate financial presentations. The Board requested an attachment detailing these reclassifications to better understand the changes. (link)

Planning Board Updates

The Select Board received an update on recent Planning Board activities:

• Zoning Amendments: The Planning Board held a public hearing and voted to approve 12 of 13 proposed zoning amendments, which will now be forwarded to the Select Board for review. One amendment, concerning the delineation of parking spaces, was continued for further discussion and another public hearing on January 8th, 2026, due to questions about grandfathering and its implications. (link)
• Adventure Zone Application: The public hearing for the Adventure Zone application was continued until January 13th at 4 p.m. The Select Board reiterated its concerns regarding parking for this proposed new use. The applicant is expected to submit new plans for review prior to the next hearing. (link)
• Capital Improvement Plan (CIP): The Planning Board is finalizing its recommendations for the 2026 Capital Improvement Plan and out-years. This year’s process involves a more extensive review and earlier engagement from the CIP subcommittee, including tours of town facilities. The recommendations, expected early next week, will focus on boosting existing capital reserve accounts and creating new ones. The Select Board anticipates discussing these recommendations in early January. (link)

Upcoming Meetings

The Select Board has scheduled a special budget meeting for tomorrow, December 18th, at 8 a.m. The next regular Select Board meeting is scheduled for January 7th, 2026, at 3 p.m. (link)