One notable topics was the debate over a change order related to the town’s road widening project, part of its core improvement initiative. Initially estimated at $177,000, the project required an additional $106,000 due to unanticipated costs. Concerns were voiced about the contractor’s initial estimate, which lacked input from their review. The commission deliberated the justification of these additional costs, given the progress made. Questions centered on accountability and the possibility of credits if the contractor completed work ahead of schedule. The contractor requested a 45-day extension to finish the project, with a new completion date set for March 18.

The commission also heard from Chief Richard Jones, who presented a life-saving award to Sergeant O’Donnell for rescuing a drowning victim in dangerous ocean conditions. O’Donnell, grateful for the support, specifically acknowledged the Ruth family, who contributed to easing the victims’ family’s burden. This recognition was an emotional highlight of the meeting, drawing attention to the importance of community support and first responders’ heroic actions.

In a bid to enhance public safety, the commission discussed the acquisition of a drone by the civic association, now possessed by the police department. Chief Jones elaborated on the drone’s potential to aid in various scenarios, such as locating missing individuals and managing school incidents. The drone, operated by certified FAA pilots, promises faster deployment than traditional police response methods.

The meeting also tackled architectural concerns, particularly in the core district, where building regulations are under scrutiny. The Architectural Review and Planning Board recommended new guidelines to address massing, proposing incentives to encourage single-story homes. These proposed changes include increasing the floor area ratio to promote single-story developments and reducing setback requirements to improve the neighborhood’s visual appeal. Additionally, the board suggested lowering the height limit for buildings to better manage the scale and aesthetic harmony of future developments.

The commission member expressed appreciation for the committee’s efforts, emphasizing the positive impact of their recommendations on the town’s aesthetics. Concerns about the reduction of front setbacks and the potential increase in flat-pitched roof designs were addressed, with assurances of ongoing collaboration with architects to maintain the community’s architectural standards.

Public comments highlighted resident dissatisfaction with construction practices, particularly the dust levels and noise from early morning work. The staff acknowledged these issues, detailing efforts to manage dust through water trucks and street sweepers, albeit with limited success due to high traffic. Concerns about the staging area’s potential long-term use for future projects were also raised, with assurances that current arrangements were temporary and monitored closely to minimize disruptions.

Additionally, the commission reviewed a proposal for solid waste collection services, following a request for proposals to comply with state requirements. Coastal Waste Management was selected as the highest-rated bidder, offering a proposal with minimal cost increase compared to the current service. The contract includes provisions for backdoor service and annual cost adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index.

The session concluded with a discussion on implementing safety cameras within the community, following recommendations from the homeowners association. The proposed Condor cameras would enhance surveillance capabilities, particularly during nighttime hours, by using artificial intelligence to monitor pedestrian activities. The commission viewed the proposed cost and implementation plan favorably, recognizing it as a step toward bolstering community security.