The most pressing agenda item was the introduction of a new town engineer position. The Town Administrator presented an extensive job description highlighting the engineer’s role across multiple town departments. After a discussion on the necessity and financial implications of the position, the board approved its inclusion in the town’s roster of positions.

The board also grappled with the Personnel Bylaws’ ambiguities, particularly regarding vacation time calculations for new employees. The language in the bylaws was deemed confusing, with different interpretations potentially affecting staff morale and retention. This led to a consensus on the need for bylaw revision to ensure clarity and consistency in their application. The town accountant’s concerns about various provisions, including vacation time and other benefits such as clothing allowance and funeral expenses, further emphasized the urgency of this overhaul. The Town Administrator mentioned plans to seek expert assistance for the bylaw review.

Another topic was the creation of new positions at Cherry and Webb Beach. The board agreed to the establishment of a beach manager and an assistant head lifeguard. While the board approved these positions, it requested further clarification on the manager’s salary and weekly hours, reflecting due diligence in finalizing the specifics of the roles.

Salary adjustments were also a focal point, with the supportive daycare assistant director at the Council on Aging Center receiving an increase from $16.83 to $17.50 per hour. The board unanimously approved the raise after examining the parity of similar roles within the town and neighboring communities. It was noted that this adjustment would align the position’s compensation with industry standards and would not impact town funds.

In addition to these highlights, the board also discussed various administrative and operational matters, including the role of an IT assistant and the need for a help desk.