One of notable topics was the ongoing deliberation about permitting green burials in Yarmouth. The Board has been addressing this issue over several meetings, prompted by an application requesting permission for such a burial.

A key aspect of the discussion involved the role of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in the approval process for burial applications. The Board sought clarity on whether the DEP generally involves itself with home burial processes, as conflicting information had been presented in previous meetings. It was emphasized that any approval would require input from multiple local entities, including the Board of Selectmen.

Concerns were raised about the potential classification of properties as being within Zone 2, a designation related to water safety that could influence the feasibility of burials. It was noted that if any portion of a property falls within Zone 2, the entire property must be considered under those regulations. There was debate over whether regulations could be crafted to exempt certain portions of properties from these classifications for specific applications.

The Board also discussed the potential risks of microorganisms contaminating water supplies from burial sites, with particular emphasis on the longevity of microorganisms post-burial. This prompted the suggestion that home burials might be restricted in Zone 2, a position supported by the local water superintendent.

Additionally, the Board considered the implications of animal burials and the possibility of regulating these in a manner similar to human burials. However, caution was advised to avoid conflating the two, given the different public health considerations involved.

In light of these discussions, the Board recognized the necessity of establishing clear guidelines and a standardized application process for green burials. It was suggested that referencing existing DEP regulations could streamline local guidelines. The potential imposition of application fees was also discussed, though some members expressed hesitance.

Shifting from burial policies, the Board addressed adjustments in tobacco permits, noting that Stop and Shop had opted not to renew its tobacco selling permit for one location, reducing the number of permitted retailers in Yarmouth. The Board anticipated this reduction and had already begun processing applications for the upcoming year.

Public health initiatives were also a focal point, with updates on a recent flu and COVID shot clinic. The clinic administered a mix of COVID and flu vaccinations, though turnout was lower than expected among seniors. There was discussion about simplifying registration methods to increase accessibility, particularly for older residents.

Furthermore, the Board highlighted an upcoming “Stuff a Cruiser” event in collaboration with the local food pantry and police department, aimed at collecting non-perishable food items and personal hygiene products. The event, set for November 9th, was expected to replicate the previous year’s success in gathering over 5,000 items.

The meeting concluded with discussions on community events and operational matters, such as changing the Board’s meeting time and reviewing the minutes from a prior meeting. The members expressed appreciation for community participation in recent events, including a well-attended Dolphin Dash and Halloween activities.