A few years back, Mrs. Manduano passed away and left a sizable sum of money for the betterment and beautification of Falmouth's beaches. In the interim, the Beach Committee has recommended (and the selectmen approved) these funds for things such as shower towers. Basically, the accepted interpretation was that the money was intended for one-time, capital improvements, not annual expenses.
When it became known that money for leasing a trailer at Menauhant Beach - essentially a portable beach house for changing rooms and bathrooms - had been left out of the budget, there was a swift and loud outcry. The town labored for months to get free sand to nourish Menauhant Beach, but there wouldn't be a bath house. Even I joined that chorus.
The trailer was retained, but only by scraping a few dollars together here and there, including some from the Manduano funds. Upon learning about this proposal, the Beach Committee objected. Leasing a trailer is a recurring, operational expense. Using the Manduano funds this way would deplete them with nothing to show for it in the end. As the liaison to the Beach Committee, I pledged my support of their position.
However, when the opportunity came to make good on that support, I failed.
The selectmen voted to approve the funds - about $1,800 if I recall correctly - as part of the "Summary of Actions" held at the beginning of the meeting. These are minor approvals that should require little or no discussion - unless a member of the Board holds an item for some reason. I didn't hold this item, the vote was cast and the money spent.
So, my apologies to the Beach Committee, and to the folks who have sent letters of complaint to the selectmen.
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