Selectmen approve $242,914.42 in accounts payable; members question assessor‑map update, cameras and local hay sourcing

The Bolton Board of Selectmen approved accounts‑payable warrants totaling approximately $242,914.42 after questions from members about specific line items.

A line item to CAI Technologies was discussed at length. Staff said the payment covers converting the assessor’s hand‑drawn maps to an electronic database and ongoing annual maintenance so parcel and subdivision changes are captured more promptly and can integrate with CROSGIS.

Members also questioned a Minuteman security entry for cameras and a monitor in the selectmen’s office area. Staff said the cameras are intended for customer service and local security so staff can see who arrives at the front desk when the clerk is away from the desk; the system is not integrated with other municipal camera networks.

Separately, the board discussed purchases using an older grant balance to acquire Junior Ranger badges for the town’s anniversary celebrations so the remaining grant balance could be applied to parking‑lot improvements associated with a trail project. That purchase will come from already‑collected grant funds.

Members raised whether hay/straw purchases could be sourced from local farmers to support local agriculture. Staff responded availability and product type (straw versus hay; chopped versus long‑strand) affect purchases; some local farmers supply the town when suitable.

The warrant was approved following discussion; individual vendors and amounts are recorded in the town’s accounts‑payable schedule.