One portion of the meeting was dedicated to the revision of the vulnerability assessment concerning sea level rise and the proposal to amend Wetland bylaws accordingly. The conversation revolved around the challenge of balancing the need for updates with the constraints of existing conditional approvals. The inclusion of recent achievements, such as the completion of a splash pad, an accessible playground, and a 10-year dredge permitting process, was also proposed. Particular attention was given to enhancing the town’s recreational offerings, with suggestions to acknowledge the role of golf in the community and to improve amenities like the addition of shade structures at Flax Pond.

The timeline for future meetings and the submission of edits to the select board were deliberated.

Additionally, the committee tackled the careful task of updating the draft plan based on feedback from various entities, including the Cape Cod Commission. This encompassed a range of edits from minor corrections, such as personnel name changes and map legend clarifications, to more substantial updates like the inclusion of migratory animal corridors and the precise depiction of ponds and lakes. The debate extended to the accuracy of pond measurements, with a focus on utilizing up-to-date measurement equipment to ensure the plan’s precision.

The committee also debated the environmental challenges posed by septic systems and fertilizer usage, leading to the removal of certain language from the document to strengthen the message about their impacts. A related concern was the necessity of a fertilizer education program to mitigate these environmental challenges. The impact of Chapter 40B on zoning regulations was discussed, and the committee edited the document to incorporate data on minority and income environmental justice populations within the town.

The meeting featured a review of state and federal protected lands, formal conservation restrictions, and the town-owned recreation lands, which included an analysis of specific amenities, condition, and public access. The availability of facilities like tennis courts and fields during school hours and different seasons was a concern, as was the inclusion of information on hunting and shared pathway usage for conservation area access. Additionally, the committee decided not to propose the utilization of the coastal flood risk management bylaw any further.

The discussion culminated in a vote to adjourn, coupled with an expression of appreciation for the collaborative efforts throughout the project.