Scouts plan rail‑trail restoration and interpretive sign; board cautions on political messaging and dumping

At the May 12 Select Board meeting, Christian Donner presented two proposed scout projects for the rail trail: Jordan Agnello, an Eagle Scout candidate, will restore concrete railroad whistle posts and repair a battery box near the Colonial crossing; a trio of Girl Scouts (Katherina Zen, Brooke Jennings and Satia Sadimi) proposed a Silver Award project to research and install an interpretive sign at the Farm Street depot site.

Board members expressed broad support for the concepts but asked that the Scouts present formally (Eagle project candidate and the Girl Scouts) when they are project‑ready so the board may consider formal approval and permit conditions. "We definitely have support to complete them," a board member said while noting final approvals will follow required presentations.

During the same discussion, members raised two maintenance and stewardship concerns on the rail trail. Select Board member Murphy said someone had placed political signs in an information kiosk that was intended for non‑political rail‑trail information; staff removed the signs the same day and the board emphasized kiosks should remain non‑political. Murphy also flagged ongoing yard‑waste dumping at the Colonial access path (a town well‑protection area) and asked staff to investigate and consider enforcement options, including a warning letter and police involvement if necessary.

Next steps: Scouts were invited to make formal presentations for approval; staff will follow up on the signs removal and investigate the dumping complaint and report back to the board.