The East Beach erosion issue took center stage, focusing on the approval of a request by property owners to place their trailers on the Lots on or after April 26th, 2024, with a six-month occupancy limit. The approval came with certain conditions, including monitoring for piping plovers and assigning the responsibility of moving the placed stones to the property owners. The Select Board also consented to the relocation of approximately 1500-2000 cubic yards of material along East Beach Road, a move aimed at addressing the erosion problem that has been affecting the area for decades. The conversation on the topic was multi-faceted, involving a resident’s concerns about fair distribution of the material and a letter from the climate resilience committee with recommendations for East Beach, which will be discussed in a subsequent meeting.

A citizen brought attention to the severe erosion on East Beach, citing that lots once over 200 feet long are now reduced to between 50 and 75 feet. The causeway built during World War II was pinpointed as a contributing factor to the erosion, with calls for the state and federal government to take responsibility and consider replacing the causeway with a bridge or restoring Gooseberry Island to its natural state. The lack of action despite numerous studies was a point of frustration among residents, who also debated the type of stones that should be used for land protection. A document was proposed to be sent to various government officials and committees, seeking support and understanding for the residents’ plight.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the East Beach project’s financial aspects, including the finance committee’s vote against approving the project. A Select Board member expressed disappointment with this decision and stressed the advisory role of the finance committee.

The meeting also involved the unanimous approval of a seasonal trailer permit application from Hitching Post Properties LLC. Richard Miranda Jr., the owner of the property, confirmed that the trailer would be placed in the same location as before, and the board gave its consent without hesitation.

In personnel matters, the Select Board agreed to the promotion of Officer Jared Lves to Sergeant following a recommendation from the Chief of Police. Officer Lves was commended for his qualifications and performance, and a swearing-in ceremony was set for April 24th. The Town Clerk’s request to appoint student election workers was approved, which allows students to gain experience and volunteer hours. The Assistant Town Clerk’s hourly rate was increased during the registrar’s absence to compensate for the additional workload.

Another approval involved the Director of Marine Services’ request to enter a contract with Bruce Ingram for the 2024 relay of 5,000 bushels from Fall River at $26 per bushel. The board quickly moved to approve the contract, with the Director eager to begin work on the project.

The Building Commissioner emphasized the need for a certified local building inspector, leading the Select Board to agree to post the position internally before considering external candidates.

Further discussions on the allocation of ARPA funds included approving projects such as the Par Engineering agreement for the D Road Bridge, test borings in the Mumb Neighborhood, information technology upgrades, pump station easement, and street improvements. The board called for clarification on the breakdown of the street improvements and chose to approve the test borings and pump station easement initially, with street improvements to be revisited later.

The Select Board also approved a tolling agreement with Jonathan Levy Architects LLC for the new middle school and high school construction, which extends time limitations for addressing design and construction issues related to drainage and gutters. This agreement was recommended by the Town Council and considered in the best interest of the town.

In addition, there was a request from the highway department to approve the chapter 90 report and project increase. This involves moving uncommitted funds to the next fiscal year, a routine procedure for chapter 90 programs.