The board’s discussion on drought management emerged as the most pressing topic during the meeting, with a detailed report on the state of local water resources laying the groundwork. The board was informed of the necessity to adopt restrictions on non-essential outdoor water use due to the declared level three drought. However, the board decided to postpone any immediate enforcement of restrictions until the next meeting, citing the need for more updated information to make an informed decision. This decision came after a discussion on whether to allow exceptions for activities like drip irrigation, which had been permitted in previous drought conditions.

The session further delved into the implementation of state-mandated water restrictions, such as bans on car and sidewalk washing. While the town’s compliance with these mandates was discussed, it was humorously noted that such practices were not common in Manchester-By-The-Sea, contrasting with regions like California. The board agreed to revisit the matter at the next meeting, with July set as the timeframe for further discussion.

Following the debate on water conservation, the board turned its attention to the town’s flag display policy. The board reviewed a draft policy following recent events and sought to clarify protocols for flying flags at half-staff. The discussion included differentiating between commemorative and historic flags, with suggestions to amend the policy to allow for greater flexibility in display duration based on the significance of each event. Concerns were raised about the existing flagpole’s ability to accommodate multiple flags effectively, prompting a suggestion to modify the pole rather than alter the flag display policy. The board emphasized the importance of adhering to state guidelines while ensuring clarity and fairness in the town’s flag policies.

The Select Board also addressed the ongoing development of the Harbor Management Plan, with updates provided by the task force responsible for the plan’s creation. The task force has been working for nearly two years, gathering input from public forums, surveys, and interviews. The plan focuses on the harbor’s edge from Magnolia to Beverly Farms, with recommendations centering on the main harbor. Key goals identified include protecting the town’s facilities from sea-level rise, ensuring navigable waters, maintaining public access, and supporting the local marine economy.

The conversation extended to the approval process for the harbor management plan, acknowledging the need for alignment with the town’s master plan. There was a call for a workshop involving various groups to discuss practical steps for implementing the plan, with an emphasis on clear ownership of responsibilities to ensure progress. The board agreed on the importance of gathering more public input before finalizing the plan, with a view to translating it into actionable recommendations that reflect community interests.

In a separate discussion, the board considered fee adjustments for town services, including building and electrical permits, in response to rising operational costs. The proposed changes aim to align the town’s fees with those of neighboring municipalities, while also funding a new position in inspectional services. The board debated the impact of these adjustments on ongoing projects, with a proposal to grandfather existing projects under the old fee structure to avoid imposing unexpected financial burdens.

The meeting also touched on hybrid public meetings, with a focus on ensuring consistency across boards in handling technical disruptions. The board recognized the need for a policy to address Zoom failures during hybrid meetings and discussed the importance of clear communication to participants about potential issues. Additionally, the board examined trash collection systems and the possibility of implementing a new system to improve efficiency and address rising sanitation costs.