In a rare defeat for the town administration, voters rejected Article 16, which sought to dissolve the long-standing Beach Committee. Town Manager René Read argued that the committee had become a vestige of the past and that beach operations have been professionalized to a point where the volunteer group is no longer necessary. He noted that the committee had not met since 2021.

However, residents strongly disagreed, arguing that the committee provides a vital vehicle for public input on sensitive issues like the Powder Point Bridge, beach restoration, and shorebird management. Resident Alicia Babcock spoke against the dissolution, stating, By dissolving it, we are giving up a big opportunity for robust public input.

The debate touched on concerns of agency capture, with resident Stan Wheatley suggesting that over time, town employees can become too isolated from the public they serve. We need direct citizen oversight, Wheatley told the meeting. The final vote of 83-95 went against the administration's recommendation, keeping the Beach Committee intact as an official town body.

Motion: I move that the town approve Article 16.

Vote: Failed 83-95