A significant portion of the meeting centered on the noise complaints levied against Bad Martha’s Brewery, which has been a recurring issue due to its outdoor live music performances. The assistant town manager presented evidence of noise violations, including audio recordings that captured excessive noise levels from outdoor events. These recordings played a role in illustrating the disturbances experienced by residents living near the brewery. The board reviewed a police incident report dated August 17, 2024, which detailed an officer hearing music from within a patrol car, further substantiating the complaints. As part of their response, the board unanimously determined that a violation of the entertainment license had occurred.

The brewery’s representatives, including Joshua Flanders, expressed a willingness to address the complaints and mentioned efforts to comply with licensing requirements, such as avoiding music being audible outside after 6 p.m. The board deliberated various solutions, including the installation of acoustic barriers to deflect sound away from the street and reducing the frequency of DJ performances. Ultimately, the board agreed on a motion to amend the brewery’s entertainment license by requiring a detailed noise mitigation plan and the removal of DJ services, with updates to be submitted every six weeks.

In addition to the noise complaint issues, the board considered a proposal to establish a licensing commission that would manage certain licenses currently overseen by the Select Board. This commission would consist of five members appointed by the Select Board and would handle a range of licenses, including those for alcohol and entertainment. The intention behind creating a licensing commission is to alleviate the administrative burden on the Select Board, given Falmouth’s unique exemption from standard quota systems, which allows for a higher volume of licenses compared to other towns.

Concerns were raised about the administrative capacity to support a new commission, with discussions on whether additional staff might be required. The proposal suggested a partial rollout initially focusing on alcohol and entertainment licenses, with the possibility of expanding to additional licenses later. A vote on this initiative was scheduled for January 27, allowing time for the preparation of a home rule petition that would authorize the board to proceed with establishing the commission.

The meeting also included updates on other community matters. The water superintendent reported on a lead pipe assessment, mandated by the EPA and MassDEP, to compile a master list of service line materials. Despite efforts to survey over 13,000 homes, only 700 responses were received, leaving many service lines’ materials unidentified. The superintendent highlighted the challenges of identifying lead and galvanized water services and the absence of federal funding for replacements.

Moreover, the board discussed the submission of a Statement of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for renovations to the Lawrence School. This step would signal community support for potential renovations but does not commit the town to any specific course of action. The financial implications of the renovation, estimated at around $135 million, were a point of concern, with discussions emphasizing the importance of community backing and careful consideration of financial commitments.

The board also touched on the need for comprehensive guidelines and improved communication regarding Local Initiative Program (LIP) applications for affordable housing projects. Concerns were expressed about the financial burdens on developers during the application process and the importance of clear pre-application expectations. A call for enhanced collaboration between the Select Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and developers was made to ensure projects align with community goals and environmental regulations.