Summary
Highlights
The meeting begins with the approval of minutes from a previous session, followed by a discussion and approval of three personnel action forms, two of which are new for the fire department. A motion is made and seconded to approve these forms.
Kate Bonire, representing the Tanglewood Watershed Protection Area committee and Middleton Conservation Commission, presents a proposal for joint management of Tanglewood parcels between the town and the Conservation Commission. The goal is to coordinate stewardship, merge parcels for efficiency, and eventually move towards sole management by the Conservation Commission. The proposal is approved by the board.
The board discusses merging several town-owned lots, particularly in the Lakelands area, that are currently designated for drainage or covert, with no intent to sell. The planning board is on board with this idea. The board also addresses the removal of 'sell' designations from tax kiosk entries for town-owned properties to avoid public confusion and unsolicited offers. A resident expresses interest in purchasing some town-owned land, to which the board reiterates that they are currently not looking to sell any property and outlines the process for such requests, starting with the planning board.
The board considers adding Juneteenth as a paid holiday for town employees, noting that many surrounding communities and federal/state organizations already recognize it. Discussion ensues regarding the potential cost implications, especially in relation to police overtime. A motion to approve Juneteenth as a holiday, effective next year, is passed.
Dan is reappointed as the road agent for the upcoming year. Anthony and Joy present their initiative to install a dry hydrant in their pond at their own expense for the Middleton Fire Department and neighboring towns. They seek the board's signature on initial application documents for the Department of Environmental Services, acknowledging the need for further steps, including a wetland scientist's sign-off.
The board discusses holding a special town meeting to re-vote on warrant articles 7 through 16, which were initially deemed to have exceeded the tax cap. Legal counsel has confirmed that with proper documentation (video/audio evidence and moderator attestation of a 3/5ths vote), a special meeting can be held. The timeline for posting the warrant, public hearings, and the special meeting (July 18th) is set. There is discussion about the legal fees incurred due to this oversight and who should be held accountable.
The board discusses selling old town phones via bid and announces upcoming community events, including a food/raffle sale and America's 250th-anniversary celebration. Updates are provided on the status of bids for municipal building repairs and improvements, including roof inspection, door changes, window repairs, and steps. The hold-up in the school district's budget approval due to the warrant article situation is also mentioned. A phone call regarding the conservation committee's computer issue is scheduled for the next day.