Selectmen approve pier terms for 2023 and authorize small harbor purchases amid mooring and skiff policy debates

The Selectmen approved harbor management items for the coming year, including pier terms and a small safety purchase, while continuing to wrestle with mooring and skiff space policy.

At a December meeting the board approved the 2023 pier terms and conditions (motion by Richard Larrabee Sr., 2nd by Evelyn Duncan, 4-0) and authorized buying a safety pump for $600 after Harbor Committee review. Harbor Committee members and the Selectmen discussed ongoing questions about mooring fees, the skiff permit lottery instituted to equitably allocate limited skiff spaces, and the potential impact of increased transient uses. Public commenters requested additional skiff spaces; the board explained the committee had capped skiff slips at 12 to preserve transient access and fairness.

Why it matters: Harbor access and mooring policy affect fishing livelihoods, seasonal businesses and resident boaters; pier rules and small safety investments are operational steps but policy changes to skiff access have immediate local impact.

Discussion and next steps: The board directed Harbor Committee and TM Billings to continue work on mooring fees, skiff lottery mechanics and enforcement. The Selectmen also noted industry pressures tied to regional fishing rule changes and outreach efforts to support fishery stakeholders.

Ending: The board signed pier terms for 2023 and completed the small harbor purchase; policy discussions about moorings and skiff allocations will continue at future committee meetings.