A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the proposed development of a new clubhouse at the Acushnet River Valley Golf Course, a facility that operates independently from the town’s general fund. The project has been a subject of interest for over a decade, with the current clubhouse housed in a deteriorating double-wide trailer that does not reflect the quality of the golf course itself. A detailed presentation outlined the work of the exploratory and golf management committees over the past eight months. The project is set to be funded through the course’s enterprise fund. A representative reiterated, “Does not impact the taxpayer, does not impact the taxpayer,” underscoring the funding structure.

The feasibility study conducted in collaboration with an architectural firm and a golf course architect revealed that the estimated cost of the new clubhouse was initially higher than expected. However, through negotiations and design adjustments, including selecting less expensive materials and reducing deck space, the cost was brought down to approximately $3.5 million. The clubhouse’s design aims to accommodate larger groups and improve food and beverage services, with plans to first construct the clubhouse to maintain ongoing golf course operations. Future phases will include a cart storage facility and improvements to parking.

Several board members raised concerns about the clubhouse’s design, particularly regarding seating capacity for events and outings. Initial plans anticipated seating for 140 to 150 people, but adjustments for budget constraints modified the indoor seating to 64 and outdoor seating to 96. The discussion explored integrating indoor and outdoor spaces effectively. Participants emphasized the importance of staying within the $3.5 million budget while considering revenue potential from the course post-construction, acknowledging the long-term benefits of the investment.

In addition to the clubhouse discussion, the board addressed the appointment of new police sergeants. Four candidates were presented, and after deliberation, the board appointed Ryan Hemp as sergeant. Hemp, possessing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and pursuing a master’s, has served in various investigative roles within the department. The board and the police chief expressed gratitude for the candidates’ participation and acknowledged the ongoing career opportunities within the department.

Another issue was the condition of Morningside A, where the board discussed the need for “total reclamation” of the road. This would require a substantial financial commitment, and due to the absence of personnel able to provide necessary estimates, the matter was postponed until the next meeting on October 7th.

The board also discussed future plans for the town library, with suggestions to appraise the library property to facilitate a potential Request for Proposals (RFP) process. This approach would allow the board to consider the redevelopment experience of bidders and the preservation of the building’s historical character. The urgency of addressing the library’s future was underscored by concerns over the building’s potential deterioration.

Additionally, there were discussions about enhancing the area surrounding a relocated Civil War monument. Plans included landscaping and signage improvements, with private parties potentially contributing to the project. Input from veterans’ organizations was sought to ensure the design reflects community values, with a focus on creating a peaceful area around the monument.

Lastly, the board approved one-day liquor license applications for the upcoming Ptova Fest and addressed a legal matter involving town property encroachment. The meeting concluded with announcements about fundraising events and a scheduled public hearing on a soil removal permit application.