Selectmen approve routine warrants and several small expenditures; direct drafting on larger projects

Selectmen handled routine warrants and a series of operational votes, while directing staff to pursue larger planning projects.

Key actions recorded in meetings through the year included repeated approval of weekly warrants; a Dec. 19 vote to purchase a replacement safety pump for the harbor at $600; approval of pier terms and conditions for 2023; and a vote to sell six granite blocks from dump stock for $25. TM Billings reported Matt Betts was willing to serve as Local Plumbing Inspector pending state waiver; the board also approved an economic resiliency planning contract for $35,000 to help guide downtown and fisheries planning.

Earlier board decisions included awarding two tax-acquired property bids (Cottage Street and Pink Street) and signing the new sheriff contract after town meeting approval.

These administrative and small-capital votes were framed as part of routine town operations while selectmen prioritized follow-up on higher-impact issues — INH finances, Oceanville bridge options, and the forthcoming short-term rental ordinance drafting.

Next steps: Implementation tasks were assigned to the Town Manager and department leads for procurement, consultant contracting and scheduling of hearings or public meetings where required.