The Yarmouth Select Board is pivoting the proposed library expansion project toward a new site while authorizing a deeper look into the feasibility of reusing the MacArthur School building. During the October 7 meeting, Library Building Committee Chair Judy Karver and architect Matt Odens revealed that environmental protections on the Joshua Sears Playground have forced the project toward a wooded corner of Parcel 60. While the MacArthur School remains a point of community interest, Odens warned that modern building codes present a significant financial hurdle for renovation. He explained that a library requires a "live load" capacity of 150 pounds per square foot, whereas the existing school structure is only rated for 50 pounds. Basically tripling the load... our suspicion is that the cost of this project would be very close to if not equal to the cost of new construction, Odens noted, adding that reuse would also disqualify the town from approximately $10 million in state grants. Karver emphasized the committee’s desire to keep moving forward, stating, The LBC is looking to proceed with this concept phase... but we want to address questions in the community regarding the MacArthur school.

The Board reached a consensus to pursue a "dual-track" strategy, moving ahead with the grant-eligible design on Parcel 60 while allocating between $50,000 and $100,000 for a detailed structural assessment of the MacArthur building to provide voters with a direct cost comparison. Member Mark Forest voiced support for the additional data, noting, We'd be crazy not to pursue this other track and look at it... you've taken a challenging situation and you've actually created something very interesting.

Budgetary planning for the 2027 fiscal year also took center stage as Town Administrator Robert Whritenour presented the upcoming budget schedule. The policy aims to address long-term liabilities, including funding wage increases and smoothing out debt service for wastewater projects. Motion Made by M. Forest to approve the budget policy as presented. Motion Passed (5-0). Additionally, Superintendent Dr. Mark Smith appeared to discuss a $1.5 million feasibility study for the Emmy Small School project, which is expected to be 57% reimbursable through the state. I know there's a couple items on the agenda tonight that relate to the school district... the board's responsibility to fill an empty seat on the committee. If there's anything that the school district can do to support that process... just want to let you know I'm here, Smith told the Board.

Zoning amendments sparked debate, particularly a proposal to allow boat storage in driveways during the active boating season. Planning Board Chair Joan Crowley explained that the amendments sought to address specific residential needs, but Chair Tracy Post expressed deep reservations about visual impacts on neighborhoods. I don't want to look out in my neighbor's front yard and look at an old dilapidated boat because that's what will happen... I would tend to air more towards being more restrictive, Post argued. Member Liz Argo and other members suggested removing the "seasonality" clause of the proposed bylaw, noting that many residents use their vessels year-round. Earlier in the zoning discussion, Town Planner Kathy Williams detailed a plan to allow the retail sale of live lobsters in residential zones via special permit. We limited it to the sale of live lobsters only and not all seafood... there were some concerns about smells from dead fish, Williams explained, noting the permit would expire if the property were sold.

Concerns regarding high-density development led the Board to issue a formal letter to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding a proposed 40B housing project at 897 Route 28. The plan calls for 27 units on a single acre, which Liz Argo described as a size 10 foot being squeezed into a size 6 shoe. Motion Made by M. Forest to approve the letter on the Chapter 40B proposal as presented. Motion Passed (5-0). The Board also moved to fill a leadership void following the resignation of Joe Glenn from the School Committee and Housing Authority. Motion Made by M. Forest to accept the resignation of Joe Glenn from the Yarmouth Housing Authority Board of Commissioners and the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District School Committee with thanks for his service. Motion Passed (5-0). The Board plans to interview potential replacements on November 4.

In other business, the Board cleared the way for ownership changes at two local mainstays. Atumar Patel, a five-year employee of Paradise Wine and Spirits, will become a 50% partner in the business. Motion Made by M. Forest to approve the application as submitted. Motion Passed (5-0). Meanwhile, FEC Holdings LLC is moving forward with the acquisition of Ryan Family Amusements. Attorney Paul Tardiff explained the complex transition of the six-location business, prompting Dorcas McGurrin to remark, I had no idea you had six locations. I'm sitting here quite impressed. Motion Made by J. Flynn to approve the application as presented. Motion Passed (5-0). Finally, Town Clerk Mary Mazowski reminded residents that the deadline to register for the upcoming Special Town Meeting is November 7, and the Old King's Highway election will take place on November 24. Motion Made by J. Flynn to adopt the warrant for the November 24th, 2025 Old King's Highway annual meeting and election. Motion Passed (5-0).