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Selectmen grapple with Fish Pier platform dispute as Sunshine Seafood sues, legal costs rise
Summary
Selectmen heard extended debate over a platform at the Fish Pier, with users split between keeping a loading platform and clearing space for other vessels. The dispute spawned a lawsuit from Sunshine Seafood and prompted the town to increase its legal line in the draft budget to cover potential litigation costs.
Selectmen heard lengthy, often emotional, testimony from waterfront users over whether a platform at the Fish Pier should stay. Supporters said the platform helps dealers and small-boat operations; opponents said it blocks access to hoists and parking and creates ongoing conflicts.
Town Manager Billings told the board the matter has generated a lawsuit from Sunshine Seafood over the Selectmen/Harbor Committee actions related to removing or restricting the platform. The town’s budget review subsequently included an increased legal line to cover potential defense costs; Selectman John Steed suggested an estimate in the low tens of thousands of dollars and the board adjusted reserves and the legal line in the draft budget to reflect anticipated exposure.
Multiple harbor users addressed the board in public comment. Jim Eaton and others said the platform is needed for daily operations; opponents including some residents and Selectmen said it interferes with loading, stacking, and safe navigation at the pier. No board member moved to take a formal vote at the time of the public exchange.
The town’s lawyer had not provided a cost estimate at the time of the meetings; Town Manager Billings and members of the board discussed budgeting $25,000 or more as a working figure while preparing the warrant for town meeting. The board directed staff to continue consultations with counsel and to reflect potential legal expenditures in the upcoming budget.
The Selectmen also discussed process questions raised by the dispute, including whether the Harbor Committee’s minutes and votes were followed and whether more transparent allocation rules for pier spaces are needed. Several speakers urged the town to establish clearer harbor procedures and to use the Harbor Committee to recommend allocation or ordinance changes.
The board did not take a final, formal action on the platform at the meetings represented in these minutes. The legal dispute with Sunshine Seafood remains unresolved, and the town’s next steps will include continued consultation with counsel and potential budget revisions ahead of the town meeting.
