The most pressing topic was the proposal to increase beach pass fees, a decision driven by an estimated $40,000 budget shortfall. This proposal will be a focal point at a public hearing scheduled for December 15th during the Board of Selectmen’s meeting. The proposed changes would see senior passes for individuals over 65 rise from $25 to $35, while standard passes for other beachgoers would increase from $50 to $55. The committee acknowledged opposition to the fee hike but emphasized its necessity to maintain the financial sustainability of the town’s beach operations.

Committee members discussed the challenges they faced in determining the root causes of the revenue decline, speculating whether it was due to a dip in beach pass sales or a broader reduction in beach usage. Despite these uncertainties, the committee expressed optimism about the financial outlook for the next fiscal year and assured the public that the upcoming beach season would proceed as planned, with new pricing structures impacting the following fiscal year.

Attention also turned to the logistics of beach pass distribution, with reminders issued concerning the grace period in January for current pass holders. The absence of a report from the town clerk on recent beach pass sales left some questions unanswered about current trends and the impact of previous fee structures.

In the wider context of beach operations, the committee discussed various maintenance and improvement projects. Beach Avenue’s recent grading was highlighted as having improved conditions, although concerns about drainage were noted. Community member George Crow was recognized for his sandbagging efforts at Elephant Rock to combat erosion.

The committee evaluated the financial aspects of beach operations, specifically focusing on lifeguard staffing and expenditures. Over $19,000 had been allocated for lifeguard payroll in May and June, with an additional $22,000 still available for personnel services. Discussions included the potential for a 3% salary increase for lifeguards and the cost-saving benefits of purchasing uniforms in bulk.

Blair Berlingame, who has experience as a lifeguard and beach superintendent, expressed interest in joining the committee. Given current quorum challenges and the existing membership cap of five, the committee considered involving Berlingame in a subcommittee to leverage his expertise without altering the committee’s voting structure. This consideration underscored the importance placed on consistent attendance and active participation from all members to ensure effective governance.

Budgetary discussions extended into the realm of printing and mailing expenses for beach passes, with a reported deficit in these areas due to rising costs. Members expressed concern over the $2,000 estimated postage required for mailing 4,000 beach passes, highlighting the need for careful budget management amid stagnant revenue and escalating costs.

The meeting also touched on the need for accessibility improvements at Cherry Beach, specifically the installation of a handicap accessible picnic table. Estimated to cost around $800, the initiative was supported as a valuable addition for families and public use. The discussion included evaluating existing picnic tables’ durability and managing potential high shipping costs for new orders. The committee planned to engage the disabilities commission in future discussions to address accessibility needs comprehensively.

Parking lot conditions were another point of concern, especially during wet seasons, with the possibility of closing a third bay due to instability being considered. The risks associated with vehicles getting stuck in soft areas prompted discussions on managing parking lot usage effectively.