Attorney Elizabeth Noonan, representing the “Save the Wetlands” nonprofit, read aloud from a letter requesting the town council refrain from any further votes until the next council is sworn in and can share more information with the community about the Potter Hill dam removal.

Solicitor Conley also mentioned that Noonan sent him an email which stated that Councilor Cordio might have a conflict of interest over this project, due to her employment with the South County Tourism Council. Councilor Cordio acknowledged this but stated she would continue to participate in discussion and voting.

The council voted to approve entering into a contract with Fuss & O’Neill to proceed with the dam project. Councilors Scialabba and Lowther voted against.

Councilor Scialabba mentioned confusion about the letter that went out to a part of the town which might have lead in the water pipes connected to the town and asked if anything could be done to alleviate the volume of calls being received by the water department. The town manager spoke about the issue of the lead specifically and that it’s not a major cause for concern in most instances.

Most of the meeting consisted of remarks and the extension of appreciation for outgoing public servants. Afterwards, the town clerk administered the oath of office to the new town council and new school committee.

President: Christopher Duhamel (D)

Vice President: Mary Scialabba (D)

This might have been something required by law, because it seems like it would have been more productive for them to meet in private to iron out budget concerns (and this was recommended a number of times by Committee Chair Dunn). LaPietra was uncertain about how to account for the surplus from the past few years, which Dunn attributed to reduction of programs and services from COVID restrictions - these, she said, should not impact budgets going forward, especially as those programs and services return (and have been returning).

Beta Group made a presentation on their plans for the former school area, including the final design, which includes a skate park, pickleball/tennis courts, a pump track for biking, and general open space. It looks great!

Appointed individuals for the positions of assistant solicitor for prosecutions, assistant solicitor for planning & zoning, municipal court judge, probate court judge, and town sergeant.

Chair: Leslie Dunn (D)

Vice Chair: Michael Ober (D)

Clerk: Timothy Killam (D)

Very, very interesting presentation summarizing and providing statistics for the school year. It is worth looking through!