Sean Stoopes, Avon chief of police, told the council on May 8 that the department’s hiring process is “still moving forward” and that ‘‘we actually will be starting 1 of our new officers very soon, with a starting date here in the next couple weeks.’’ He said another candidate is being finalized and two additional candidates remain promising.

Stoopes also reported on the department’s first annual Battle of the Badges blood drive in April, saying the event filled all available donation slots and that the Red Cross and organizers were impressed. ‘‘We filled all of the available projected blood donation spots for that day,’’ he said, and added that the police team won the competition.

The department received a donated storage shed from the National Carpenters Union high school competition; Stoopes said the shed will be placed at the Danville training range for use by the canine program. He thanked Porter's Towing and Whitless Towing for transporting the shed at no cost.

Julie Loker, clerk treasurer, reported the town’s financial software vendor was onsite for training on payroll and financial system updates and that staff will roll out new reports when May closes. A public works staff member (Ryan) updated the council on roadside mowing and spring cleanup work ahead of Memorial Day weekend, noting initial route familiarization issues with new mowers but that mowing is improving.

No formal action was required; the remarks were departmental updates and informational to the council.