The meeting opened with discussion about the legality of the Committee’s December 11 meeting, where technical difficulties with Zoom links sparked concerns over compliance with open meeting laws. A member emphasized the potential risk of invalidating votes if the meeting was deemed illegal. Another member argued for acknowledging any potential violation proactively to mitigate liability should a formal complaint arise. This led to a motion to reconsider decisions made at the December 11 meeting until the legality was confirmed.

The conversation then shifted to the committee’s recent decisions on lake bylaws. Concerns were raised that the committee had not adequately considered current lake usage patterns and public safety before voting to maintain existing regulations. A member criticized the decision-making process as rushed and not aligned with state regulations for Department of Conservation and Recreation properties, urging for more thorough evaluation. A resident echoed this sentiment during public comments, advocating for a more inclusive approach to decision-making, particularly regarding the safety concerns of motorboaters, swimmers, and paddlers.

A point of contention was the perception that the committee had favored the rights of motorized users over non-motorized lake users. A participant called for updated bylaws reflecting the changing dynamics of lake usage. However, others argued for the enforcement of existing regulations rather than creating new ones, citing a decrease in boating incidents over the years.

Public comments further underscored the community’s desire for more discussions on safety and bylaws. A former president of the Lake Wyola Association expressed disappointment over the committee’s decision to halt discussions on proposed changes, advocating for a trial period for different user times to enhance safety. The individual’s call for a Minority Report to explore options for change highlighted the ongoing debate about the balance between the rights of different lake users.

The meeting also touched on the role of public education in improving lake safety. A member suggested recommending budget items to the select board, such as funding for staffing and equipment like buoys and markers, to address safety concerns. Another participant emphasized the importance of public forums to engage the community and foster dialogue, rather than limiting public input to brief comments in regular meetings.

The chair acknowledged the diverse opinions and the need to digest the input before making further decisions. It was proposed that the next meeting be extended to accommodate additional discussions, with the Chief of Police scheduled to attend, promising an opportunity to address enforcement issues directly. A member expressed a desire for clear agendas to facilitate better preparation and organization.