The most contentious topic was the proposed increase in beach pass fees, introduced by Sean Leech, the beach committee chair. The board discussed raising the regular beach pass fee from $50 to $55 and the senior beach pass from $25 to $35. Town Administrator Jim Hartnett explained that the increases were intended to cover rising costs for lifeguard salaries and operational expenses. The board anticipated that the fee adjustments would generate an additional $12,000 from regular passes and $15,000 from senior passes.

Board members and local residents voiced concerns about the impact on seniors, many of whom rely on fixed incomes. One board member questioned the necessity of the increase, given the skewed usage of beach facilities towards families with children. The member emphasized the need for clarity on how the revenue would be allocated. Hartnett clarified that all revenue from the passes would go into an enterprise fund dedicated to beach-related expenses, with a minor administrative fee for town services.

Public comments echoed these concerns. Karen Goyette criticized the lack of facilities at East Beach. She mentioned the absence of porta-potties and trash receptacles as issues. Don Majuski highlighted the financial pressures faced by seniors, referencing increased costs at the senior center and warning against adding further financial burdens without clear justification.

Despite the concerns, the board voted on the fee increases, passing the measure with three votes in favor and two against.

The meeting also featured a detailed proposal for an oyster restoration project aimed at revitalizing the East Branch of the Westport River. Spearheaded by The Nature Conservancy and the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, the project seeks to restore approximately 10 acres of wild oyster reef over three to five years. The board expressed its support for the initiative, acknowledging the ecological benefits and the potential for economic gains for local oyster growers. The proposal emphasized that the project would incur no direct costs to the town, relying on in-kind support from local government and financial backing from TNC and DMF.

Board members raised questions about the project’s specifics, including the need for surveys to identify precise reef locations and strategies to avoid conflicts with recreational activities. The representatives assured the board that the restoration would not interfere with high-traffic areas and that public awareness efforts would be prioritized. The board unanimously approved the motion to continue developing the restoration project.

Another topic was the endorsement of a hazard mitigation plan. Town Planner Michael Burrus, with consultant Annaise Boland from PAR Corporation, presented the updated plan, which aims to enhance the town’s preparedness for natural hazards. The plan includes 29 proposed mitigation measures, focusing on reducing loss of life and property, improving infrastructure resilience, and refining emergency communications. The board unanimously endorsed the plan, facilitating access to new grant opportunities and ensuring the town’s readiness for future emergencies.

The meeting also addressed the mediation agreement with Fall River, resolving a long-standing dispute over water enterprise funds. The agreement involved a settlement of $293,000 to cover outstanding bills dating back to 2016, with funding sourced from OPA funds and the water enterprise fund. The board expressed satisfaction with the resolution, which had been a point of contention for several years.

In addition, the board discussed a new emergency alert system called Code Red, presented by Chief Baldwin and Matt Arando. The system aims to provide a structured method for public notifications during emergencies, such as natural disasters or local crises. The board acknowledged the importance of the initiative, approving the hazard mitigation plan necessary for its implementation.