The Yarmouth Select Board filled a critical vacancy on the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School Committee Tuesday night, selecting attorney and mediator Margaret Marshall from a field of three active candidates. Marshall, a contracts specialist for Comcast who previously served on the superintendent search committee, was tapped to fill the seat vacated by Joe Glenn. During her interview, Marshall emphasized the need for transparency and equity, noting that overcommunicating is always the right choice when resolving district conflicts. Member M. Forest supported the selection, stating, If there was one that sort of edged out all of them, it was her. Member J. Flynn highlighted Marshall’s previous civic engagement, noting she participated in finding a superintendent during a pivotal time for the district. Motion Made by J. Flynn to approve Margaret Marshall as our representative to the DY Regional School District School Committee for Yarmouth. Motion Passed 5-0.

Affordable housing also took center stage as the board reviewed a Local Initiative Program (LIP) application from Habitat for Humanity for a project at 121 Route 28 and Wood Road. Housing Program Administrator Mary Waygan noted that this site... has been a site of interest for the town for a while, leading to the current proposal for six affordable homeownership units. Noreen Brown of Habitat for Humanity explained that families would contribute up to 500 hours of sweat equity toward their homes, with three homes will be offered at 60% of AMI and three will be offered at or below 80% of the area median income. Motion Made by M. Forest to approve the local initiative program comprehensive permit application of Habitat for Humanity to construct six affordable homeownership units at 121 Route 28 and Wood Road. Motion Passed 5-0.

The future of the former Mattacheese (Madakis) school site sparked a detailed discussion regarding the best use of the 40-acre property. The Mattacheese Utilization Committee (MUK) presented conceptual bubble diagrams ranging from regional sports complexes to mixed-income housing. MUK Chair Sharon Wymer reported that MUK voted in favor of [demolishing buildings] provided town recreation was included in any final plan. However, some board members expressed reservations about losing existing infrastructure. Member L. Argo argued that the Madakis auditorium has a very special acoustic quality... we'd be crazy to demolish something that's so special. Chair T. Post leaned toward a public-private partnership for athletics, adding, My gut would be to go with the regional sports facility to the best we can and try to accommodate the housing. M. Forest emphasized the fiscal reality, stating the town needs to focus on what we can do to leverage other people's money rather than relying solely on municipal bonding.

Public comment brought somber news as DY Superintendent Dr. Marc Smith addressed the recent loss of a student. We lost a student over the weekend... our thoughts are with Gabriel's family, Smith said, praising the community's resilience during the tragedy. Smith was joined by Barnstable Superintendent Dr. Sarah Hearn to advocate for keeping the Cape Cod Collaborative at the MacArthur School building. Hearn noted that the collaborative itself invested a significant amount of money, public taxpayer dollars in renovating this space to the tune of several million dollars and argued there are few regional alternatives for the specialized programs housed there.

In financial news, Town Administrator Robert Whritenour announced the certification of $8,173,000 in free cash, a figure he described as consistent with where we've been. He also introduced Amy Frigulietti as the new Assistant Town Administrator, who told the board she is excited to be here and hit the ground running. Whritenour himself was recognized for 40 years of service in municipal management. Professional accolades continued as DPW Director Jeff Colby was honored as the 2025 Massachusetts Public Works Leader of the Year. It's an honor to be considered by a group of my peers for this award, Colby said, while joking, I am not retiring.

A public hearing regarding noise complaints at Oliver’s and Planks Tavern highlighted tensions between local business and residential neighbors. While the board considered a special entertainment license for the upcoming holidays, abutter Dr. Tiffany Marina Sturge voiced concerns over a flagrant disregard for the town's ordinances and disregard for its neighbors. Chair T. Post warned the applicant that it is incumbent upon you to maintain the sound within the building, noting that future violations would bring the business back before the board for disciplinary action. Motion Made by L. Argo to approve the two-day special entertainment license for Oliver's and Planks Tavern at 960 Route 6A. Motion Passed 5-0.

The board also reviewed significant revisions to the town’s dog bylaws to comply with the state's Ali's Law. Town Clerk Mary Maslowski explained that the impetus for the change is really the enactment of Ali's law by the state... it adds a definition of a personal kennel for households with more than four pets. The revisions also synchronize the licensing period to the calendar year. Motion Made by J. Flynn to close the public portion of the hearing. Motion Passed 5-0.

The evening concluded with several milestones and transitions. Eleanor D., a retired local teacher, was recognized for her upcoming 104th birthday, having served the town for 31 years. The board also accepted the retirements of Lieutenant Bob Reardon after 32 years with the Fire Department and J. Anne Keen after 29 years in the treasurer's office. Motion Made by M. Forest to accept the grant of easement for pump station 2 as presented. Motion Passed 5-0.