The meeting opened with the board attending to National Grid’s petition to install underground conduit on a specific street, which sparked an inquiry into how the company prioritizes projects in relation to the town’s needs. A resident voiced concerns over delays in their own request to National Grid. After deliberations that included input from a National Grid representative and the Director of Public Works, the board moved to close the public hearing, approving the petition with additional stipulations to ensure the neighborhood’s interests were safeguarded.

The board’s focus then shifted to an interview process for positions on the Harbor Advisory Committee. The community’s interest in maintaining a balance between commercial and recreational use of the harbor was represented by Peter Yukin, a candidate with a background in fishing, who was eventually appointed for a term ending in 2027. The Harbor Management Task Force’s activities, including a public engagement event, were also discussed, and the board sought to understand the timeline and milestones for the task force’s work.

Community preservation was another focal point, with the board examining the First Parish church restoration project and the potential use of Community Preservation funds. The Jones Point property, once a town meeting house and now a house of worship, was also discussed in terms of its historical significance and eligibility for such funding. Additionally, the board supported the allocation of $200,000 to the Affordable Housing Trust, aimed at developing a fund for the acquisition of land or property to facilitate affordable housing.

The board tackled the town’s launch service, considering a proposal for it to operate as a self-sustaining entity. The plan involved securing advanced commitments from voters and financial arrangements that included the purchase of boats and the need for a staffing plan that aligned with the town’s peak season while considering the Finance Committee’s input.

Sound mitigation for the pickleball courts became a issue as neighbors complained about the noise. The board discussed various soundproofing measures and considered the Parks and Recreation committee’s presentation of vendor quotes. Despite a lack of consensus on the best solution, the board expressed the need for immediate action and encouraged the committee to proceed with sound mitigation using available funds. They also debated access restrictions, including a key entrance system and restricted hours of operation, to alleviate the noise concerns.

Ocean Street improvements also emerged as a topic, with the board considering a study to address long-term concerns and the potential formation of an advisory committee to assist. Residents showed interest in the ongoing research and voiced the need for a plan for street and sidewalk improvements. The board explored funding options, including a grant application for $75,000 and the possibility of presenting the issue at a town meeting if the grant was not awarded.

Finally, the Capital Budget was discussed, with attention given to the reduction of bonds from a recent award and the plans to bring on an in-house Clerk of the Works for cost-efficiency.