The public hearing for the liquor license transfer, a key agenda item, sparked discussion. The proposed changes to operating hours from the current 9 AM to 10 PM on weekdays and 10 AM to 6 PM on Sundays to an extended schedule of 8 AM to 11 PM Monday through Saturday and 10 AM to 11 PM on Sundays raised concerns among board members. These concerns stemmed from previous resident objections to extended hours and potential issues with operational compliance. While the board expressed a willingness to support the transfer of ownership and change in management, the decision to extend hours was deferred for a year to allow for further community engagement and assurance of compliance.

Public commentary was also a notable item of discussion, particularly comments from residents regarding the Hawthorne property. A resident expressed enthusiasm for transforming the space into a community hub, emphasizing the location’s potential for food and entertainment. Concerns were voiced by another resident about the prolonged delays in addressing the Pop On By the Sea situation, urging the board to expedite actions to mitigate financial impacts on the town.

The meeting also focused on the proposed redevelopment of the Hawthorne property, a topic that has garnered public interest. Discussions centered around the community’s strong opposition to residential use of the property, with a suggestion to implement a deed restriction to prevent such development. Despite the community’s apprehensions, some members believed that a well-crafted Request for Proposals (RFP) could alleviate concerns by limiting the scale and number of residential units. The board acknowledged the challenge of balancing community expectations with the feasibility of attracting developers and agreed to consider various development options while ensuring community engagement.

Financial discussions were another key aspect of the meeting. The town is facing a projected $2.3 million deficit, prompting urgent discussions about budgetary constraints and tax rate implications. The board recognized the need for a collaborative approach to fiscal planning, emphasizing the importance of gathering feedback from various departments and aligning with community feedback to avoid complications. It was noted that a conservative approach to budgeting and revenue projections was being adopted, with caution exercised regarding potential reliance on optimistic assumptions.

The board also discussed the challenges related to property assessments and the implications for tax rates. A full-time assessor was suggested as a solution to expedite the process and enhance the accuracy of assessments.