The focal point of the meeting was the proposed amendments to the accessory dwelling unit bylaw, which aim to bring local regulations in line with the state’s Affordable Homes Act. These changes would shift the process from requiring a special permit to a by-right approval for detached units, eliminating occupancy and ownership restrictions. The new bylaw limits the size of accessory units to 900 square feet or half the size of the main dwelling, whichever is smaller. A public hearing to further discuss these amendments is scheduled for January 14.

Concurrently, the board revisited the short-term rental bylaw, which had previously failed to pass at the town meeting. A committee had since refined the proposal to classify short-term rentals as a business, subjecting them to regulation similar to other local businesses. The proposed bylaw simplifies the approval process by permitting short-term rentals in both business and residential agricultural zones, and it introduces a system for collecting room taxes on registered units. Revenue estimates from these taxes range from $50,000 to $100,000.

The board acknowledged challenges in enforcing short-term rental regulations, particularly concerning noise and nuisance complaints, as evidenced by a recent incident involving an Airbnb party. A self-certification process was proposed to simplify compliance, requiring property owners to affirm adherence to health and safety standards without direct town oversight. The board plans to meet with the short-term rental committee in January to explore these issues further.

Financially, the town reported an increase in room tax revenue, driven by the growth in short-term rentals. The town’s free cash reserves have also reached nearly $3.5 million, the highest in two decades, thanks to prudent financial management and favorable investment income. However, budget discussions revealed concerns over rising expenses, including anticipated increases in salaries, health insurance, and state assessments.

The board considered several cost-saving measures, such as reducing the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) contribution and eliminating a part-time animal control officer position. They also discussed potential revenue enhancements, such as raising the local room tax rate and implementing a community impact fee for short-term rental operators.

Infrastructure projects were another key topic, with updates on the construction of a new water line funded by an EPA grant. This project aims to enhance local water services without imposing a financial burden on residents. Additionally, plans for a cemetery expansion and the transition to updated cemetery management software were outlined.

The board addressed various departmental requests, including a proposal for a part-time IT position to support new permitting software and an increase in hours for the recreation director to manage beach operations effectively.

Finally, in the liaison reports segment, updates were shared on regional committees and initiatives, such as the council on aging’s strategic plan and the ongoing efforts of the climate resilience and offshore wind committees.