Once Temple Town Meeting was called to order at 10:12 a.m. Saturday, the first order of business was swearing in the officers who will be serving the town for the ensuing term, among them Phil Lauriat, who will serve as moderator at future meetings.

Outgoing Moderator Bruce Kullgren was thanked for his 25 years of service and given a hearty standing ovation by those in attendance.

Selectman Bill Ezell amended the proposed budget from $1,296,289 to $1,296,974 due to a change in the surplus in the police budget. The amendment passed, and there was no further discussion on the budget before it was passed unanimously.

Two articles that addressed a potential Highway Department building move to the former Holt property (Articles 7 and 8) were discussed together, although voted on separately by secret ballot. The potential highway department move garnered considerable discussion, which lasted well over an hour. It was stated that the proposed move was primarily to address safety concerns, as the current Highway Department building is in the center of town near the library and Town Hall. Other stated reasons for the proposed move were to create more open parking, to allow for an expanded septic system which is needed for town buildings and to possibly house a museum for the Temple Historic Society.

Concerns and questions raised by residents included whether the proposed new site was too close to a watershed, if it would negatively alter the character of the town, if it was fair to the abutters to have a Highway Department building so close to their homes and whether the stated safety concerns truly warranted a relocation and new building.

Ultimately, Town Meeting passed Article 8 by a vote of 82-67 to establish a Highway Department Building and Construction Expendable Capital Reserve Fund for the purpose of covering the costs of relocating the Highway Department. However, Article 7, which would allow construction to begin on the proposed site, failed by a vote of 95-49.

All other articles passed, most unanimously, and with little discussion. The meeting was adjourned at 1:05 p.m.