Joseph Jal, the proposed manager of The Cafe at Bass River, assured the board of his extensive experience in the restaurant industry and intentions to improve the food and beverage quality at the golf course. However, the board and local residents raised concerns over past issues with noise from outdoor entertainment. Residents, including some who attended the meeting virtually, voiced strong opposition to amplified outdoor music, fearing it would disrupt the peace of nearby homes. Merrily Fellows, a local resident, suggested practical measures such as limiting outdoor amplified music and installing sound barriers.

Eileen and Tom Moore, among others, reminisced about past entertainment at the venue but warned against potential negative impacts of loud music. This sentiment was echoed in letters from several residents who highlighted past experiences in 2018 with disruptive noise levels. Barbara and Robert Trout shared their experiences of excessively loud music during prior events.

The board acknowledged these concerns, referencing previous restrictions placed on outdoor entertainment to mitigate noise disturbances. Scott Gilmer, the director of golf, confirmed efforts to reduce noise levels and emphasized the limited use of the entertainment license in the past.

On a related note, Mary Nolan shared a deeply personal account of how the noise could affect her husband, who is undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a quiet environment for his recovery.

In response to these concerns, the board considered imposing conditions on the entertainment license, such as limiting the number of musicians and requiring that music not be amplified. Discussions also included the potential for a seasonal review to address any complaints that might arise during the summer months.

The meeting also addressed other topics, including the town’s budget and capital improvement plans. Richard Simon, chair of the finance committee, presented updates on the town’s operational budget and capital improvement plan, explaining the conservative approach to estimating local receipts. Despite recent strong performance, the town’s reliance on tourism-related taxes introduces fluctuations with economic conditions. Simon highlighted the town’s investment in wastewater management and the potential need for future tax overrides to support growth.

The Select Board also tackled the educational challenges facing the town, particularly the rising demand for services at the Cape Cod Regional Technical High School. Discussions about a lottery system for student admissions, designed to ensure fair representation from smaller towns, illustrated the complexities of managing enrollment and funding.

The board reviewed the implications of increasing property assessments, urging clear communication to the public to prevent misunderstandings about tax burdens. Concerns about energy efficiency and resource management were raised, emphasizing the necessity for integrating modern solutions into planning.

Additionally, the meeting included discussions on the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Route 28 streetscape improvement project, which involves strip land takings and subsequent zoning adjustments. The board considered the need for special permits to accommodate new property lines and reduce potential nonconformities.