The meeting’s central topic was the board’s decision to initiate fines on properties with unresolved compliance issues. Two cases received particular attention. The first involved the property on George Ryder Road, where repeated attempts to contact the owners through mail had failed, raising concerns about the reliability of address records. It was suggested that notices posted on the property might improve communication. With the board’s approval, fines of $200 per day were set to begin immediately, and the local police were tasked with locating the property owners to ensure they received the compliance notices.

A similar situation arose with the property on Bay View Road. Efforts to contact the owners had also been unsuccessful, prompting the board to approve penalty assessments. These fines are intended to compel property owners to register their short-term rentals and adhere to local health and safety regulations. The board emphasized the property owners’ responsibility for compliance, despite some assistance from rental agencies.

The board also discussed ongoing issues with short-term rental properties, noting that accurate registration and listings are important for regulatory oversight.

In addition to rental compliance, the board spent considerable time refining the definition of a bedroom in residential properties, which will go to a public hearing for further input. This definition is important for local health and safety regulations, including Title Five septic system guidelines and nitrogen loading standards. The board discussed how to classify rooms, particularly in homes with open-concept designs or unique architectural features. They debated the criteria for defining “great rooms” and lofts.

There was a consensus to consult with town council to ensure that the new definitions align with existing regulations and to address any variance requests from property owners.

In another significant topic, the board addressed the cleanup of the property on Milh Hill Road, which has been a contentious issue due to longstanding resistance from the property owner. The cleanup, scheduled for mid-October, involves removing layers of trash, hazardous materials, and an accumulation of tires. Town council involvement is necessary to notify the property owner and coordinate with the contractor. The board expressed concern over new debris appearing on the property, speculating on potential motivations behind the unauthorized disposal of tires.

Finally, the board discussed future agenda items, confirming that the topics of bedroom definitions and short-term rental violations would be revisited. The board aims to refine the language of the proposed bedroom regulation after receiving public input at the upcoming hearing planned for early December. The meeting concluded with the acceptance of the previous meeting’s draft summary and adjournment.