Town Officials Renew Commitment To Harbor

Town officials have recommitted themselves to and want to attend to its needs and harness its potential.

Town Administrator told the harbormaster, his assistants and members of the Harbor Advisory Committee last week that the harbor is crucial to the town.

"Let's have (it) operating as a major asset," Younger said.

He wants to put in place goals and objectives for the harbor and enhance transparency through regular reports.

One of Harbormaster Larry Bithell's complaints under former Town Administrator Andrew Maylor was that the harbor office lacked even a computer or a printer.

Younger said last Wednesday that Bithell would have a computer and printer within the week. 

The town administrator said he wants to work closely with Bithell and others with harbor responsibilities over the next year.

Already, Younger has taken a harbor cruise with Bithell getting a perspective from the water and seeing the moorings up close.

This new commitment follows some choppy relations between town officials and those in harbor positions —  discord over resources and responsibilities and dredging.

On June 20, selectmen approved the harbormaster's annual appointment and those of his assistants. The board also approved the Harbor Advisory Committee's five members and will seek two additional members to bring the panel to full strength.

The harbormaster said after last week's meeting that he has a positive working relationship with the new town administrator. 

It looks like things are going to "start rolling in the right direction," he said.