Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Select Board hears updates on double‑pole removals, Eust Middle School ownership and facilities work
Summary
Board heard a progress report on utility double‑pole removals, confirmed town ownership of Eust Middle School as of July 1, and discussed related facilities and energy items including job postings and a review of a long-standing power purchase agreement.
The Select Board on Monday received multiple operations updates: progress on utility double‑pole removals, confirmation that the town took ownership of Eust Middle School on July 1, and related facilities and energy-management items.
Why it matters: Removing double poles improves street safety and reduces clutter; ownership of the former Eust Middle School has immediate facilities-management implications including hiring and capital planning.
Double poles: A board member reported that National Grid initially identified roughly 80 double poles; after coordination and state engagement, 45 have been removed and the town now accounts for about 35 remaining poles. The town and utility representatives are compiling a list of remaining poles, owners, and removal timelines; town staff said some removals remain contingent on other carriers (Charter, Verizon) transferring or removing attachments.
Eust Middle School and facilities: Town staff confirmed the town became owner of the Eust Middle School property on July 1, 2025. The administration has posted job advertisements for a facilities manager (or part‑time facilities position), a part‑time town accounts position, and a full‑time principal assessor. Staff said the MVP (Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness) project reimbursement cycle closed and reimbursements were submitted to the state.
Energy and procurement: The town will review a long-standing power purchase agreement, and staff asked whether the town should invite the energy vendor to report on contract status and value given rising energy costs and planned occupancy/use of Thornton Burgess and other town properties. The board also discussed progress on a municipal network upgrade proposal from Charter and planned a kickoff with the regional energy manager.
Next steps: Town staff will continue to press utility partners on remaining double‑pole removals, proceed with recruitment for facilities and assessor positions, and schedule a follow-up to review energy agreements and Charter’s network-upgrade proposal.
