Trustees debate private kayak racks for Hedges Banks, ask staff to draft written policy and fee language

Trustees spent an extended portion of the March 23 meeting discussing options for private kayak racks on Hedges Banks and potential public racks near Old House Landing Road. Staff outlined three options: remove an existing unpermitted rack, allow upland owners to build private racks under a permitting process, or attach kayak permissions to a staircase permit and charge a fee.

Trustees raised safety and access concerns, noting that some staircases make moving kayaks difficult and that permanent or protruding racks could obstruct access. One trustee proposed a standard that standalone racks should hold no more than four kayaks to limit footprint and height; another trustee emphasized the need for racks to be movable rather than permanently fixed into the bluff.

The board discussed fees: staff cited an existing staircase permit fee (discussed as $200 annual in the meeting transcript), and trustees debated a proposed kayak rack fee with suggestions ranging from $150 to $250. No final vote was taken. Trustees agreed to have staff write clear, specific application language and to present the drafted wording (including size limits, placement guidelines, and fee amounts) for consideration at a subsequent meeting or as part of the towns annual fees resolution.

Why this matters: The discussion concerns public access, safety, and whether private waterfront owners may establish limited storage on town beaches; the policy outcome could affect who can keep kayaks near their stairs and what fees apply.

Whats next: Staff will draft written permit language and proposed fees for trustees to review at a future meeting.