One item at the meeting was the approval of a contract for the ongoing wastewater project, a cornerstone of Yarmouth’s infrastructure improvements. The contract, awarded to Digit Construction with a bid of $19,853,264, marks a step in the town’s efforts to upgrade its wastewater management system. This project, extending from Parker River Bridge to Higgins Crawl Road, involves community impact, prompting the board to stress the importance of clear communication with residents and businesses.

Jeff Colby, the public works director, presented the contract details, underscoring Digit Construction’s local ties as beneficial for the smooth operation and job creation within the community. The board tasked Ryan Chase, the assistant wastewater superintendent, with maintaining open lines of communication with affected parties. Regular updates and engagement with the Chamber of Commerce were emphasized to mitigate any disruption.

The board also explored the use of civilian volunteers to support local businesses impacted by construction, although this idea was met with safety concerns. A public meeting is anticipated in early September to provide further project details and gather community feedback.

In addition to the wastewater project, the board addressed proposed amendments to local bylaws, particularly concerning boat storage and seafood sales in residential areas. The proposal to allow seasonal front-yard storage of boats sparked debate, with some members advocating for more flexible regulations given Yarmouth’s small lots, while others cautioned against potential visual and community impacts. The discussion on seafood sales focused on whether to limit sales to lobsters, balancing support for local fisheries with the need to preserve neighborhood character. The board plans to seek further input from town council and continue discussions before finalizing any changes.

The meeting also included appointments, notably the unanimous approval of Amy Frigali as the new assistant town administrator. Frigali’s extensive experience in local government and various development initiatives was welcomed as a valuable addition to the administrative team, with board members expressing confidence in her ability to navigate Yarmouth’s challenges.

Further, the board appointed David Aronson as the new library director, recognizing his leadership in library management and community engagement. Aronson is expected to play a role in the ongoing development of a new library facility, emphasizing the evolving role of libraries in meeting community needs.

The board’s deliberations extended to the selection process for committee members, emphasizing the need for structured evaluation criteria to ensure fairness and transparency. The proposal for a grading system to assess candidates was discussed, alongside suggestions for more public engagement in the interview process.

Lastly, the meeting addressed the Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP), with a detailed update on its progress and public review. The LCP outlines Yarmouth’s vision for the next decade, tackling issues such as housing, climate resilience, and economic development. The board recognized the plan’s role in guiding future investments and stressed the importance of aligning financial planning with community goals while avoiding overwhelming voters with financial details.