The approval of the “Welcome to Manchester by the Sea” event stands out as a positive community initiative aimed at fostering local engagement and economic activity.

An equally pressing topic was the board’s debate on parking policies. The discussion covered the challenges of finding suitable parking solutions for non-residents, particularly those with non-resident parking holders at Tucks Point. The board considered extending parking times until midnight at certain locations and the possibility of renting out the upper parking lot at the school for longer-term parking. Concerns were raised about the impact on grass areas and the necessity to balance voting access with the availability of parking spaces. The board decided to await feedback from the school regarding long-term parking before making any final decisions.

The board also opted to eliminate long-term parking at the Norwood parking lot. Public comments from non-resident boat owners and residents revealed differing perspectives on the parking policies’ impact on various community areas and highlighted the need for clear signage.

Another issue was the ongoing debate about the noise generated by the pickleball courts. The board discussed the effectiveness of soundproofing measures and the need for further data to assess the situation. Concerns about parking signs and the potential harassment of residents in relation to the courts were also raised. Discussions included the possibility of seeking a refund if the noise mitigation efforts proved unsatisfactory.

A request was made during the meeting for support in cleaning up the town’s oldest cemetery before the Memorial Day parade, a tradition spanning 10 years. The board agreed to ask the Town Administrator and Department of Public Works for assistance, recognizing the historical significance of the cemetery and the importance of maintaining it for commemorative events.

Moreover, the board engaged in an appointment policy review, particularly concerning the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), emphasizing the need for clear communication and deadlines for committee appointments. The board’s debate underscored the importance of effective communication with committee chairs and reaching out to potential candidates well in advance.

The meeting also covered the recruitment of a new fire chief, the need for a new deputy position, and the process for onboarding new board members. Discussions on the town’s comprehensive budget planning process and the importance of public input on the budget at an early stage were highlighted, pointing to concerns about the current rush and lack of input in the budget process.

In terms of infrastructure and community services, the board discussed backing away from banning irrigation and instead making it a recommendation, working on a database for irrigation systems, and the downtown improvement project’s wayfinding and signage. The board’s consideration of various contracts, feedback on a pilot program, and updates on the senior center’s fundraising activities further illustrated the breadth of issues tackled during the meeting.