Select Board — April 21, 2026

Board approved group of outdoor amplified music, alcohol, junk dealer, and other licenses. Separately discussed and highlighted $270k grant application for community health and housing coordinator position via Beth Israel Deaconess.

Presentation and approval of $32.7M+ BAN with 2.456% net interest cost, premium received, AA+ rating, and allocation across CPA, general fund, sewer, and water projects including schools, housing, and infrastructure.

Discussion and approval of ceremonial language recognizing the Herring Pond Wampanoag tribe for April 30 event; planning for reception, invitations, and overflow logistics.

Town manager presented budget-neutral realignment creating Assistant Town Manager for Planning and Economic Development (Lauren Lynn) focused on housing and growth, plus Senior Staff Assistant for operations; discussion of impacts on planning capacity and zoning.

Public comment by Carol Jenkowski on town reorganization, advocating for a community liaison under affordable housing/ZBA to engage neighborhoods on project impacts like traffic and wetlands.

Public hearing on adding Midway House and outdoor area to the licensed premises at Old Sandwich Golf Club (248 acres). No opposition; board proceeds to vote.

Extended discussion on removing Conservation Commission from Planning & Development org chart for greater independence under town manager, addressing staffing shortages, enforcement gaps, and medical leave impacts. Compromise of regular meetings proposed.

Residents petitioned for town acceptance of unaccepted roads under the 2012 Special Act (Chapter 112), citing lack of HOA, historical town commitments from 1980s, and strain from adjacent 40B development (Sawmill Village) using their infrastructure. Board discussed risks of setting precedent for other unaccepted roads (133+ miles total), financial implications, title/ownership issues, and whether Shallop Pond's situation warrants unique treatment. Town staff described ongoing work on a formal policy for accepting private/unaccepted roads, with a draft expected from DPW in late spring.

Discussion of neighborhood's request for road acceptance under existing town policy versus a new policy under development. Board members expressed sympathy but sought more information before voting; Mr. Cohan moved to reserve an article for fall town meeting with a revisit one month before warrant opening.

Proposal to reorganize town resources by creating a division of affordable housing and community development within the planning department to improve coordination among housing entities. Board discussed naming and scope, including workforce housing.

Proposal to adopt a formal strategy targeting 10% affordable housing stock at 80% AMI for decennial census safe harbor, prioritizing infrastructure-supported areas and pursuing lower AMI levels after initial goal.

Update on simplified permitting guide including flowcharts and common processes, with discussion of potential future business liaison role.

Presentation of proposed 11-term partnership formalizing the Phil as orchestra-in-residence at Memorial Hall, including 30% rental fee reduction and first right of refusal on dates. Discussion of proposed 3-year agreement (with 1-year reopener and possible 2-year extension) making the Phil orchestra-in-residence with 20 dates, discounted rentals, right of first refusal, and revenue-sharing terms.

Board discusses developing a town-wide public censure process attached to a code of conduct for elected and appointed officials.

Concerns raised about timely board notification of Chapter 61 filings and court decisions.