The meeting begins with the chair acknowledging Ron and welcoming everyone to the sixth meeting of the Wenham Select Board. All four sitting members are present, including newly elected and reelected members. The chair congratulates the new members and notes the upcoming special election. The public input period is opened, but no comments are received from attendees or Zoom participants.

The town administrator provides updates, thanking Marty Lowery for her annual plantings at Town Hall. He discusses the Select Board's letter regarding Beverly airport runway work, clarifying that the project is not an expansion but compliance with FAA regulations. The update also covers the special election for a vacant Select Board seat, announcing the finalized ballot and candidates, and noting the term and election date.

Board members share their recent experiences and community involvement. Deirdre highlights the Dark Sky presentation and committee, encouraging residents to view the presentation online. Peter discusses the Conservation Commission's review of Gordon College's music hall plans, noting their attention to dark sky issues and environmental considerations. He also celebrates the achievements of a local female lacrosse player featured in the Boston Globe, emphasizing the success of Hamilton-Wenham sports teams.

The chair formally welcomes the newly elected board members and discusses the onboarding process. Steve explains that a packet of select board policies and procedures, including onboarding materials, will be provided to new members. The information is being updated and will be made publicly available, ensuring transparency and accessibility for board members and residents.

The board proceeds to reorganize its leadership positions. Nominations and votes are held for chair, vice chair, clerk, and financial officer, with Deirdre Pierotti elected as chair, Peter Clay as vice chair, Finn Sprague as clerk, and Ben Timon as financial officer. The process includes brief discussions about the responsibilities and transitions for each role.

The board reviews the consent agenda, which includes approval of open session minutes and the appointment of Patrick Waddell to the Board of Assessors. Due to Patrick's absence, the appointment is delayed until later in the meeting. The board approves the meeting minutes, and plans to revisit the appointment once Patrick arrives.

The board briefly discusses the conservation restriction for 951 Maple Street. Due to requested edits from Greenbelt and the lack of updated paperwork and recommendation from the Conservation Commission, the board decides to postpone action on this item. A potential short meeting may be scheduled to vote on the restriction once the necessary documents are finalized.

The board discusses the future of the state-owned property at 24 Cherry Street, reviewing a matrix of potential development scenarios. The conversation covers affordable housing, historic preservation, bedroom counts, and state requirements. The board considers the preferences for three versus five units, the role of the Affordable Housing Trust, and the impact on the neighborhood and school system. The discussion is paused to accommodate the scheduled public hearing.

The board opens a public hearing for National Grid's request to install a pole and guy wire on School Street. John Jenkins from National Grid explains the technical details and rationale for the installation. Board members and abutters ask questions about the location, impact, and safety of the proposed work. After discussion and public comment, the board votes to grant permission for the pole work.

Patrick Waddell arrives and addresses the board, highlighting improvements and stability in the Board of Assessors. The board notes that this is the first appointed assessor in Wenham's history and expresses appreciation for Patrick and Terry's contributions. A motion is made and approved to appoint Patrick Waddell for the specified term.

The board resumes discussion on 24 Cherry Street, inviting extensive public comment from abutters and residents. Concerns are raised about zoning, state law, neighborhood impact, and the possibility of single-family homes versus multi-unit development. The board explains the constraints imposed by the Affordable Homes Act and the state's disposition process. After hearing feedback, the board agrees to form a working group including select board members, planning staff, and neighborhood representatives to further explore options and provide input to the state. The process and timeline for the working group are discussed and formalized.

The board discusses updates to the Pleasant Pond policy, prompted by changes in staffing and enforcement. The new policy emphasizes the requirement for parking stickers for Wenham and Hamilton residents, clarifies enforcement procedures, and addresses concerns about public access and fishing. Additional rules are reviewed, including prohibitions on alcohol, smoking, and vaping. The board votes to approve the updated policy and plans to improve signage and communication.

The board discusses the scheduling of future meetings, considering the impact of town meeting, school vacation, and five-week months. They agree to meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays of May to return to their regular schedule. The meeting is adjourned after confirming the next meeting date and completing all agenda items.