Selectmen discuss emergency‑notification policy, event liability and move into executive session

During the administrator’s report, Board members debated use of the town’s emergency notification system after a windstorm that left roughly 55% of residents without power. Speaker 4 asked why the town had not sent notifications; Speaker 3 said staff balances messaging to avoid overuse and resident frustration and that the town reserves the system for exigent circumstances. Members recommended developing an SOP to clarify when to use the notification system and discussed opt‑in/opt‑out dynamics and third‑party (Eversource) outage notifications.

The board also discussed event approvals: the polar plunge was escalated because of prior incidents and liability concerns, and applicants are required to obtain event insurance. The Bolton Land Trust’s request to hold a polar plunge was tabled pending an updated signature on the authorization form from a current Land Trust director.

Staff reported the STV study and an associated contract (Manitou) are underway and will return with updates at the next meeting; a bond cost‑overrun issue remains unresolved and staff will follow up. At the close of the public meeting, Speaker 2 moved to enter executive session at 7:05 p.m. to discuss an appointment/employment performance evaluation and a contract issue, amended the motion to invite Jim Riper (administrative officer) into the session, and the motion passed by voice vote (seven Ayes recorded). Speaker 3 clarified two separate topics—contract and personnel—would be discussed in executive session.