The meeting’s most discussion centered on pedestrian safety, particularly at the intersection of Pleasant Street and Pine Street. Concerned residents highlighted that the current crosswalk configuration was misaligned with pedestrian traffic, especially affecting children traveling from Walker Road. This setup necessitates crossing additional streets, posing potential safety challenges. The board acknowledged the need for a reassessment of the crosswalks to ensure they align with natural pedestrian paths.

In tandem, the board deliberated on overnight camping at White Street Beach. Complaints emerged about vehicles, including one with a French license plate, parking overnight without proper authorization. Unlike Singing Beach, which features clear signage prohibiting overnight stays, White Street Beach lacks such measures, prompting the board to consider immediate and long-term solutions. Suggestions included notifying the police for immediate enforcement and installing prohibitive signage to deter future occurrences.

Financial management was another focal point. The Select Board agreed to request a financial management review from the Department of Local Services’ Financial Management Resource Bureau. This review aims to provide recommendations for improving the town’s fiscal operations, following a similar evaluation conducted in 2012. The board expressed interest in aligning service fees with those in neighboring towns, particularly for inspectional services, to ensure they reflect market rates and support the town’s budgetary needs.

Additionally, the board touched on the delegation of routine tasks to streamline operations. Members revisited a previous proposal to delegate responsibilities such as signing cemetery deeds and conducting hearings to appropriate authorities, like the town administrator or tree warden. This approach would allow the board to concentrate on more strategic issues.

Infrastructure improvements were also on the agenda, with discussions about the potential installation of handicap parking at West Beach and the approval of a new scoreboard for Brook Street Field, contingent on conservation commission approval. The board considered the implications of these projects on accessibility and community engagement.

In a broader context, the board explored regional transportation strategies, emphasizing the importance of connecting the commuter rail to the Blue Line to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance accessibility to key destinations like the airport and aquarium. Collaboration with neighboring communities was suggested to maximize the potential impact of these initiatives.

The meeting also featured updates on various town projects and events, including a scaled-back carnival, ongoing efforts to address construction issues at the library, and discussions with the affordable housing trust on local challenges. The board recognized the need for continued collaboration with state officials to advance these initiatives effectively.