The conversation regarding the Harbor Master’s budget and the addition of new positions, such as the Deputy Harbor Master and Clerk of The Works, was a focal point of the meeting. The Deputy Harbor Master position was proposed due to increased activity on the waters and administrative workloads. The Clerk of The Works, a role designed to oversee large Capital Improvement projects, sparked debate among board members over whether it should be included in the operational budget or as part of a bond issue. The Finance Committee’s recommendation to include it in the operational budget was accepted, emphasizing the importance of accountability and cost considerations, and the board decided to monitor this as a temporary position from year to year.

The board also deliberated on the reclassification of the retirement group for the Harbor Master position, agreeing to revisit this topic in the future. Furthermore, they scrutinized the rationale behind making new positions permanent as opposed to hiring contractor labor, particularly given concerns about the inclusion of non-retirement benefits in cost considerations.

In addition to staffing discussions, the meeting also centered on the town’s financial strategy, including the allocation of funds for library renovations, reappropriation for building assessments, walkway repairs, and the lease payments for police tasers. A key financial decision was the approval of $470,000 for a new ambulance, with an understanding that the fire engine replacement fund would be replenished in the following year.

The sustainability of the launch service was another topic of interest, with the board ensuring that it would operate without the use of taxpayer dollars, and deadlines for the warrant approval for this service were discussed. A $7.55 million bond proposal for improvements to the water and wastewater systems was also deliberated, examining the potential tax rate impact and the need for ballot approval.

A redirection of $150,000 towards a state grant for studying the library’s renovation and expansion was decided, despite previous plans for restroom renovations. The board also tackled the reappropriation of library funds, approving recommendations for articles related to the renovation project and deciding to address the restroom renovation in a separate article.

The Select Board addressed a proposed one-time capital exclusion, which would result in a tax increase of just under 2.2%, and deliberated on the wording of an article related to reimbursing the school district for refurbishing turf fields. A citizen petition was discussed, with the board planning to make a recommendation at the town meeting. Various articles, including those on legal expenses, community preservation, easements, OPEB payments, and park and recreation funds, were reviewed, with most receiving approval and recommendation, except for the storm water management bylaw, which faced opposition.

Operational discussions were not limited to financial matters, as the board also considered the provision of notary services by the Town Hall, with the increasing demand and liability concerns prompting a request for more information on insurance and notary numbers. Moreover, the approval of parking guidelines, including modifications to boater placards and Masconomo Park restrictions, was concluded.

Lastly, the Select Board discussed upcoming public engagements, including a webinar on climate change, workshops, and an open forum scheduled for April 18th at 7 p.m. to address resident questions ahead of the town meeting.