Yarmouth planning officials are seeking $150,000 in Free Cash to hire a consultant for a total overhaul of the town’s Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP). Town Planner Kathy explained that following a 16-month public visioning exercise, the current plan is significantly outdated. The Planning Board has spent 16 months on a public visioning plan, Kathy said, noting that the funds would help staff and the board achieve a certified LCP through the Cape Cod Commission. Town Administrator Robert Whritenour confirmed the request would likely appear as a separate capital item warrant article rather than within the operational budget, with further discussions slated for late January.

The request came during a sweeping review of Community Development and public health budgets, where Director of Community Development Karen detailed the department's heavy regulatory workload and multi-year projects. Karen highlighted the progress of the Riverwalk Park and Boardwalk Loop, while also addressing the strain of maintaining historic assets like the Judah Baker Windmill. When the Acting Chair questioned if Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds could assist with staffing, Karen clarified that CPC money cannot be used for maintenance, only rehabilitation. Whritenour also introduced a late budget amendment to correct wage figures for the department, increasing full-time salary projections to $462,822 and part-time figures to $22,127. I want to be correct with all the numbers, Whritenour told the committee.

The committee also examined the fiscal impact of Yarmouth’s 3,300 seasonal housing rentals. Health Director Bruce proposed adding a second housing inspector to the 2023 budget, a position he suggested could be entirely funded by $80,000 in annual rental registration fees. We have about 3,300 housing rentals, which is an increase, Bruce noted, adding that his department currently struggles to cross-reference local lists with state short-term rental data. Building Commissioner Mark echoed these staffing concerns, explaining that while revenue is strong, his office is ridiculously busy with violations and hotel inspections. Mark also requested $50,000 annually over three years to transition the department’s aging fleet to plug-in hybrid SUVs to ensure emergency readiness during power outages.

A significant portion of the session focused on the Community Preservation Committee’s $3.8 million fund balance. The committee scrutinized a $102,500 application from the Friends of Bass River for watershed improvements. Member John Anderson questioned why a private group was spearheading a project that intersects with the town’s comprehensive wastewater plan. Karen explained that the group is coordinating efforts that staff might not have the capacity to do to improve estuary flushing and nitrogen levels. Regarding land use, the Acting Chair recommended using strategic mapping to balance open space and housing needs, suggesting the town identify what is appropriate for open space versus housing given the limited undeveloped land remaining in Yarmouth.

The committee concluded with a discussion on its own vacancies and a lack of diversity among applicants. Vice Chair George Perkins urged the town to aggressively recruit to avoid a board composed entirely of old white men, a demographic he noted the town is often associated with. We want to emphasize the notion of diversity, Perkins said. Member Nathan Ladley agreed with the goal but pointed out the practical difficulty of recruitment, stating, I agree with the need for diversity, but we have to have people apply. Member Robert Harding remained present for the departmental deliberations and roll calls throughout the evening. Motion Made by G. Perkins to give preliminary approval to the budgets for Community Development, Historic Commission, Planning, Community Preservation, Conservation, Building, and Veterans. Motion Passed 4-0-0. A separate vote was required for the Health budget due to a conflict of interest for the Acting Chair. Motion Made by J. Anderson to give preliminary approval to the Health Department budget. Motion Passed 3-0-1. To address the board's internal staffing, Motion Made by G. Perkins to authorize the Acting Chair to meet with the selection committee regarding member absences and vacancies. Motion Passed 4-0-0.