The meeting’s most issue was the ongoing debate about parking regulations at White Beach, which has been a source of resident complaints. Pamela Nelson, a homeowner adjacent to the beach, voiced her concerns, emphasizing how overnight parking was affecting property values and leading to disturbances. Residents reported that parked cars often remained overnight without enforcement, with attendees noting that existing regulations were not being consistently applied. This was compounded by reports of late-night activities, such as fishing, that intruded on residents’ privacy.

Brenda Furlong, another resident of the area, added to the concerns by citing frequent trespassing incidents and advocating for parking rules similar to those at Singing Beach, where overnight parking is explicitly prohibited. She highlighted how the lack of enforcement after 5:00 p.m. enabled these issues. Chuck Furlow supported Furlong’s stance, recalling more effective enforcement in the past and urging the board to restore previous standards.

The board debated the implications of enforcing overnight parking restrictions, considering the balance between reducing disturbances and ensuring accessibility for residents and visitors. Members discussed the possibility of implementing no overnight parking rules at White Beach, akin to those at Singing Beach, and agreed on the need for clearer signage to guide enforcement. They considered the revenue potential from stricter enforcement and the need for consistent regulations across town beaches.

In addition to parking issues, the board tackled the regulation of short-term rentals, a topic that has garnered attention due to its potential impact on the community. The existing short-term rental bylaw, which defines rentals as a minimum of six days, was scrutinized for its adequacy in addressing the growing number of such accommodations. Board members expressed concerns over unregulated rentals and the challenges they pose, particularly regarding zoning violations and neighborhood disruptions.

The board considered models from other seaside communities to guide the development of a more robust regulatory framework. They noted that properties with five or more bedrooms might require additional scrutiny under new building codes, prompting discussions on the implications for existing homes transitioning to short-term rentals. Concerns about nuisance properties and the enforcement of parking and noise regulations were raised, with suggestions for a complaint-driven approach to enforcement.

In recognizing the importance of maintaining the housing stock and community integrity, the board emphasized the need to protect new accessory dwelling units (ADUs) from being used as short-term rentals. They acknowledged the potential for increased revenue through effective regulation and proposed refining the current bylaw to address inconsistencies between short-term and long-term rental definitions.

The meeting also touched on the challenges of regulating short-term rentals, including the administrative burden of inspections and the need for comprehensive oversight. The board considered the feasibility of annual inspections and the associated costs, noting that the current application fee might not cover these expenses. They discussed potential penalties for violations, with the possibility of suspending rental licenses for repeated infractions.

Other topics included ongoing public works projects and school budget concerns. The board discussed delays in the Newport Park project and the implementation of new parking meters, both of which are expected to play important roles in community development. School budget discussions highlighted the financial pressures faced by municipalities, with talks of potential regionalization to address funding gaps.

The town administrator’s report provided updates on initiatives aimed at supporting residents, such as open enrollment for health plans and efforts to assist with senior center fundraising. The meeting concluded with discussions on legislative matters.