Selectmen voted to form a temporary committee to oversee development of a strategic plan for the fire department and to work with a consultant (Manitou). Jim Rupert recommended the Facilities & Public Safety committee plus one representative from the fire department and one from the fire commission serve on the ad hoc committee, which will report back to the selectmen.

The board noted the town has authority under the charter to create temporary commissions that do not exceed 18 months, and selectmen asked staff to schedule a kickoff meeting. Chair said Kathy will set the meeting date; Rupert indicated work is already in motion and the committee should meet soon.

What happens next: staff will coordinate with the fire department and fire commission to name representatives and convene the kickoff meeting; the committee will report back to the Board of Selectmen once the consultant engagement is underway.