Dennis Select Board expands Dennisport-West Dennis Advancement Committee, raises registered‑voter requirement

The Dennis Select Board voted unanimously on Feb. 4 to expand the Dennisport‑West Dennis Advancement Committee and to require that five of the seven full members be registered voters of the town.

The change, introduced by the chair and debated during the meeting, increases the committee from five full members (and two alternates) to seven full members with two alternates. Board member Jim raised concern that allowing too many non‑resident business owners could result in fewer residents than nonresidents on the committee, saying the board should “have registered voters” occupy most seats. The chair supported adjusting the voter requirement, stating, “I think 5 is a good 5 out of the 7 full time members would have to be registered voters.”

Supporters said the requirement balances resident control with valuable input from nonresident business owners who often own property or businesses in Dennisport. The motion to amend the committee charge was made, seconded and approved on a roll‑call vote; the board announced the result as unanimous.

Why it matters: the amendment changes the committee’s composition and the pool of eligible members, which affects who participates in planning for local economic and community projects in Dennisport and West Dennis.

The board did not specify immediate reappointments beyond the change in the charge; implementation details and any follow‑up recruitment will be handled in subsequent meetings.