Edgartown selectmen approved converting two loading zones on South Water street to short-term parking this week.

The spaces in front of the Harborside Inn will become 15-minute parking areas in an effort to ease traffic flow. Town highway superintendent Stuart Fuller said at the weekly meeting on Tuesday the new spaces will help accommodate short-term parking for the hotel and banks in the area.

Town administrator Pamela Dolby recommended giving out parking warnings before issuing tickets for the first few weeks.

The selectmen also appointed three new patrolmen to the police department — Alexander Elias, Nicholas Phelps and Dayce Moore were inducted into the squad.

Mrs. Dolby thanked police chief Antone Bettencourt for a successful July 4 weekend.

The selectmen plan to advertise for appointments to a three-member committee to help organize next year’s parade. Longtime organizer and former selectman Fred B. (Ted) Morgan Jr. is stepping down from the post.