FOXBORO - Helping to map the future of Foxboro's sewer system is emerging as the selectmen's top priority.

"The clear frontrunner so far is the desire to work with water and sewer to develop an effective sewer strategy for the town that will allow for participation in the regional wastewater treatment facility with Mansfield and Norton," said Selectwoman Lorraine Brue, who created a grid to help the board compile each member's priorities in an orderly way.

Selectmen, along with Town Manager Andrew Gala and Finance Director Randy Scollins, met in a special public session last week to begin the work of setting goals and objectives.

The board began to discuss and hone its list of about 30 possible goals they had collectively named and individually ranked.

While supporting the process, Selectwoman Lynda Walsh cautioned her colleagues against "micromanaging" the work of the board of water and sewer commissioners, whose meetings on the sewer issue she frequently attends. "I certainly don't have the knowledge that Phil Henderson does," said Walsh, referring to the commission chairman.

Selectman Larry Harrington acknowledged the commissioners' hard work and expertise on the sewer issue, but noted that to date several sewer expansion proposals have failed to gain town meeting approval. He said selectmen may be able to help move consideration through the political process.

Harrington called for long-range revenue forecasting to help the town to assess union contract and other costs over the long haul and avoid the problem seen in area towns where revenues could not keep up with contractual commitments and layoffs resulted.

Selectman Paul Mortenson, former chairman of the Advisory Committee, said he believes Foxboro is well run, as evidenced in part by its productive town meetings, and that revenue forecasting is already being done.

Controlling the cost of health care and pensions for employees is another high priority for selectmen.

Gala said the administration has met with union leaders to discuss such issues as health insurance co-pays and deductibles, but little progress has been made on that collective bargaining matter.

Some of the board's priorities are determining a road repair program and identifying potential funding sources; Route 1 security, notably at Gillette Stadium and Patriot Place; maximizing revenue from Route 1 advertising; implementing a plan for filling key management positions when leaders retire; establishing goals for the board as well as the town manager and finance director; and reactivating the land use review committee.

Highway Superintendent Robert Swanson discussed road upkeep challenges. He and conservation commission Chairman Robert Boette were the only town officials in the audience of four people. Boette said he wishes that member of more boards would attend and get involved with the goal-setting process.

Selectmen Chairman Paul Feeney said he was "thrilled" with the cooperative nature of the meeting, and expressed a hope that the positive work would continue.

The board plans to meet again to work on goals.