Article 25

The last time the selectmen debated the closing time for the Height's Beach parking lot, Precinct 2 town meeting representative Andy Dufresne mentioned Article 25. Here's the article:

"To see if the Town will vote to authorize the use of the land between Grand Avenue South and the Falmouth Heights Beach, and Easterly of Central Park Avenue for parking, restricted to Falmouth residents and guests, under the supervision of the Beach Committee. Said use shall be temporary and shall be initiated or terminated at a meeting of the Board of Selectmen, Beach Committee and Public Works Commissioners, meeting together, by a majority vote of those present."

If this doesn't open a can of worms, I don't know what does. Consider...

1) What is the definition of "guests"? Personal guests of Falmouth residents? Guests of the Town of Falmouth (i.e., tourists)?

2) What is the definition of "temporary" in this context? Does this mean that the lot must be closed in the off-season?

3) Probably the clearest statement is the last one... "use shall be temporary and shall be initiated or terminated at a meeting of the Board of Selectmen, Beach Committee and Public Works Commissioners, meeting together, by a majority vote..."

The responsibilities of the Public Works Commissioners were folded into the Board of Selectmen years ago, but if I understand this correctly, the opening, closing and use of the Heights beach lot must be approved at a joint meeting of the selectmen and Beach Committee.

It seems to me that this issue will be revisited, whether we want to or not.