The Charlestown Town Council Workshop Meeting held on October 21, 2024, focused on several key initiatives aimed at enhancing community education and collaboration on climate change and local development.

The meeting began with a report on the efforts of the Climate Resiliency Commission. Members highlighted their successful educational programs over the past year, which aim to inform residents about the potential impacts of climate change. They are also working to make educational materials more accessible on the town's website, allowing citizens to refer to them at any time. One specific initiative discussed was the Firewise education program, which focuses on fire safety and the maintenance of fire roads. However, attendance at the summer session was noted as low, prompting suggestions for better scheduling in the future.

Councilor Stokes emphasized the importance of connecting the Climate Resiliency Commission with the Conservation Commission to utilize existing budget funds for fire road improvements. This collaboration is seen as a way to streamline efforts and ensure that funding is directed effectively.

The meeting also featured Frances Tompkins, Vice Chair of the Planning Commission, who welcomed community participation in their meetings, which occur on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. She noted the increasing complexity of applications the commission has been handling, particularly due to rapid changes in state laws. Tompkins pointed out the potential for collaboration across various commissions, including affordable housing, economic development, and zoning, highlighting the interconnected nature of these issues.

Overall, the meeting underscored the town's commitment to proactive education on climate issues and the importance of inter-commission collaboration to address community needs effectively. The council plans to continue these discussions and explore further initiatives in upcoming meetings.