2026-10-06 - Select Board Work Session

Summary

Built from official minutes. Strategic planning retreat.

Work session / Strategic Planning Retreat, 8:30 AM-1:02 PM; all five members present: Chair Hill, Robert, Matt Fee, Brooke Mohr, Jill Vieth; facilitated by Michelle Ferguson (Raftelis).
Gregg Tivnan (Deputy Town Manager) reviewed prior board retreat history and Strategic Plan review document.
Board discussed strategic priorities and focus areas: Housing, Transportation, Environmental Leadership, Efficient and Effective Town Operations.
Housing: discussion on affordable housing programs, 40B developments, year-round population sustainability, short-term rental limits, municipal employee housing, and modifications to housing initiatives.
Transportation: discussion on commercial nodes, paid parking, parking enforcement, parking structures, NRTA service, and establishment of Transportation Advisory Committee.
Environmental Leadership: discussion on eelgrass management, dredge plan costs, coastal resiliency approach, and energy independence initiative.
Town Operations: discussion on municipal office space, charter provisions, combined sewer/water commission, beach businesses, and downtown business rules.

Kristie Ferrantella (Housing Director) led discussion on housing initiatives and zoning tools.
Modifications to housing goals generally agreed upon; to return for ratification.
Robert expressed concern about 40B developments and sustainable year-round population; Jill Vieth stated housing not top priority.

Drew Patnode (Public Works Director) reviewed transportation goals.
Discussion on paid parking downtown; Brooke Mohr, Jill Vieth, Matt Fee, Chair Hill willing to re-evaluate; Robert opposed. General agreement to revisit through Transportation Advisory Committee with Matt Fee to represent the Board.

Jeff Carlson (Natural Resources Director) reviewed environmental goals and initiatives.
Robert requested understanding of eelgrass management next steps and costs; expressed concerns about dredge plan costs.
Brooke Mohr suggested monitoring approach for long-term projects; Robert agreed and suggested coastal resiliency goal be put in "parking lot" for future reconsideration.
Brooke Mohr requested exploration of energy independence for certain size buildings.

Rick Sears (Deputy Town Manager) reviewed town operations goals and initiatives.
Discussion on potential 2027 Town Meeting projects, combined sewer/water commission, outdated charter provisions, beach businesses, downtown business rules, concession report coordination, and staff retention.

None posted.