The most notable development was the approval of private shellfish aquaculture licenses, a key economic activity in Westport. The board reviewed applications from Andre Jessum and Rachel Jum for West Branch sites and from Kristen Fenelly and others for multiple sites. A committee representative confirmed the licenses were being transferred without objections from the waiting list or the shellfish committee. Jessum emphasized the importance of these sites to his business, highlighting the family-oriented nature of shellfishing and the challenges faced. He stated, “If I lose one of them, I’d probably lose the whole business quite honestly.” The board unanimously approved the licenses.

Discussions also focused on public safety, particularly concerning increased boat activity and safety regulations over the weekend. Officers wore distinctive detail shirts for community outreach and safety education. Chief Dunn provided positive feedback on the officers’ efforts. Notably, safety concerns at Hicks Bridge, where interactions between jet skiers and kayakers raised alarms, were addressed. A no wake buoy installed near Ship Rock to mitigate unsafe conditions was cut off within 48 hours, sparking a discussion on the need for further action. A board member suggested that the urgency of safety should allow for quicker decisions without lengthy public hearings.

The meeting also addressed concerns about managing the state boat ramp, with reports of non-patron vehicles posing potential safety risks. The board acknowledged ongoing plans to enhance enforcement, recalling past incidents where unfamiliarity with ocean conditions led to tragic outcomes. This prompted a broader conversation about improving public safety and managing local resources effectively.

Another topic was the board’s consideration of requests to waive the town’s right of first refusal under Chapter 61A for two properties. The first, located on Old Harbor Road, was listed for sale at $1,015,000. Various committees, including the board of assessors and conservation commission, showed no interest in acquiring the property. One board member opposed releasing the 61A designation, citing concerns about developers benefiting from tax breaks while reducing town revenue. Despite these concerns, the board voted to waive rights, with three members in favor, one opposed, and one absent.

The second property, located on Sodom Road and listed for $3 million, saw interest from the conservation commission to preserve the parcel. However, financial constraints prevented the town from purchasing it. The conversation highlighted ongoing community dissatisfaction with development on Sodom Road and the practical challenges of exercising the town’s right, given limited resources and a lack of clear plans for the property.

Additionally, the board discussed a request from the Milford Farm Trust to relocate a dwelling on Horseseneck Road, complicated by an agricultural preservation restriction. The requested move involved demolishing the existing house and constructing a new one approximately 50 to 100 feet away. The board needed to approve changes due to shared restrictions with the state and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources.

Further agenda items included the acceptance of Granite Post Road and Maya Way as public ways, the posting of a communications and community relations coordinator position funded primarily by grants, and lease agreements for Town Farm North apartment and Town Hall annex basement. The board also approved a search proposal from Community Paradigm Associates LLC for a new town administrator, with a fee of $16,000, and discussed ensuring a transparent hiring process.

Public comments highlighted communication issues with town departments, with residents expressing frustration over unacknowledged emails and lack of responsiveness. The board acknowledged staffing shortages as a contributing factor and emphasized the need for prompt responses to resident inquiries.