The proposal for a beach chair rental service at Singing Beach, presented by local residents Ben Rubin, Charlie Rubin, and Becket Gibbons, stood out as a notable highlight. The initiative aims to make the beach more accessible, particularly for visitors who face challenges carrying chairs from the train station. The presenters highlighted the environmental benefit, emphasizing that their service could reduce waste by preventing people from leaving chairs behind. The Park and Recreation Committee voiced strong support for the proposal, citing successful compliance with liability and operational requirements previously outlined by the committee. One committee member noted the potential positive impact on the community, which swayed the board’s decision.

The board approved the service to operate from June 17th to September 7th, 2026, between 9 AM and 7 PM. The approved plan includes glow-in-the-dark spray paint for visibility and a numbering system to track the rental chairs. The board’s approval reflects an effort to cater to community needs while promoting environmentally friendly practices.

Another intriguing topic was the request to operate a mobile sauna at White Beach on April 18th. The sauna vendor, Kathleen Johnson, received positive feedback from a prior event, which influenced the board’s decision to approve this request as well. While approving this specific request, the board acknowledged the need for broader discussions if similar service requests increase. The sauna’s seasonal context and its appeal during the off-season were factors in the board’s approval.

The Select Board also deliberated on a request to display the Forester flag on the town flagpole from April 18th to April 25th. The flag, noted for its historical significance as the first American flag with 13 stripes, commemorates Manchester-By-The-Sea’s role in the American Revolution. The board expressed unanimous support for this motion, recognizing the flag’s importance and the need to differentiate such requests from advocacy-based flag raising.

In other updates, the board addressed infrastructure and community service topics, including a public hearing on National Grid’s petitions for conduit installation on Proctor and Bennett Streets. A representative from National Grid explained plans for trenching work to replace existing conduits, with assurances of minimal disruption to residents and compliance with enhanced notification procedures recommended by the Department of Public Works. The board approved the petitions.

Appointments to community councils were also made, with the board unanimously approving Tracy Davis to the Cultural Council and Patricia Glennon to the Council on Aging Board. Both appointees bring experience and a commitment to enhancing community life, with a focus on cultural engagement and senior welfare.

Additional reports included updates on local events and initiatives. The Parks and Recreation department reported a successful Easter egg hunt, while the opening of the pickleball court has been delayed pending repairs to sound-absorbing panels. Efforts are underway to develop a new visitor brochure in collaboration with harbor committees.

The meeting also covered administrative matters, such as the sale of nearly 500 beach tags. Discussions on the need for a project manager for the DPW public safety buildings and concerns over the library’s ADA bathroom funding were noted, along with updates on regional projects and town meeting preparations.