In a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding ongoing juvenile delinquency issues and the implications of the Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018. A board member highlighted alarming incidents over the weekend involving over 20 juveniles vandalizing property and threatening residents. This prompted a call for more frequent police updates, suggesting a monthly liaison from the police department to address these issues directly.

The discussion also delved into the nuances of the Criminal Justice Reform Act, particularly its provisions that decriminalize certain offenses for students under 18. Questions were raised about the responsibilities of school administrations in enforcing discipline, as the law stipulates that School Resource Officers (SROs) are not to enforce penalties for disturbances on school property. This has led to concerns about the effectiveness of school discipline measures and whether parents are adequately informed of incidents involving their children.

Additionally, the board member expressed confusion over the interpretation of the law, which appears to allow first-time offenders of local ordinances to avoid delinquency charges. This has raised fears that such provisions may inadvertently encourage repeat offenses among youth.

In a separate discussion, the board addressed the process for selecting a new permanent town manager. A recruitment firm will be engaged to vet candidates, with preliminary interviews conducted privately before public discussions on the final candidates. Concerns were also voiced about the transparency of the process, particularly regarding the level of detail in meeting minutes, which some members felt lacked sufficient substance.

The meeting concluded with a brief mention of traffic management issues related to ongoing construction projects, emphasizing the need for clearer communication to avoid confusion and congestion in the area.