The appointment of Anthony Betta as the town administrator emerged as a focal point of the meeting. The board conducted interviews with three finalists, all experienced in coastal community administration. Betta was favored for his approach to engaging with residents and his communication skills, described as “listening rather than imposing solutions.” The board emphasized his potential to navigate budget challenges, foster a positive work environment, and pursue grants. The decision was initially met with one abstention from a board member seeking unanimity, but consensus was ultimately reached for Betta as the best fit for the town’s future.

Discussions on water use restrictions due to the town’s return to a Stage Three drought also dominated the meeting. This stage prohibits all non-essential outdoor water use, sparking debates over the definition of essential versus non-essential activities. A significant concern was raised about the clarity of state messaging on drought stages, with one participant stating, “their messaging really sucks,” highlighting the confusion among residents. The board discussed disseminating information via various channels, including the town website and local publications, to improve communication.

The board also scrutinized the definition of non-essential water use, confirming that vegetable gardening is essential, while watering flowers is not. This distinction sparked debate, as residents expressed frustration over the timing of restrictions, given recent rainfall suggesting water table recovery. The board considered revising local bylaws to align with state definitions but ultimately leaned toward maintaining current definitions to ensure compliance.

The controversy surrounding mooring permits also surfaced, with resident Jim Starky questioning the legality of ten new mooring permits associated with Manchester Marine. Starky argued that the permits were not assigned according to town waterway regulations, rendering them “null and void.” He urged the board to remove these permits and adhere to established assignment processes, emphasizing the inequity faced by those on waiting lists for up to 20 years. The harbor master offered to clarify the assignment process, and the board considered an audit of the mooring situation.

In addition to these major topics, the meeting addressed several community initiatives and projects. The board approved a proposal from the Friends of Trees to plant two hickory trees, while the larger tree planting plan was deferred due to property line concerns. The board also authorized a municipal energy aggregation plan, expected to present residents with multiple supplier options, including a 100% green offer.

The meeting concluded with discussions on selecting two individuals to negotiate a contract with Betta. The board acknowledged the challenges of coordinating schedules and emphasized the importance of effective communication among members.