There’s a new cop in town, after Edgartown selectmen appointed special officer Gary Kovack to a full-time position on the town’s police force.

Police chief Bruce McNamee introduced Mr. Kovack at the selectmen’s meeting on Monday, describing his decade of exemplary service with the Coast Guard.

“Mr. Kovack finished his career stationed at Menemsha, during which time he helped the Edgartown PD get their boat unit together,” Chief McNamee said. He added that in 2017, Mr. Kovack was awarded the 2017 law enforcement officer of the year from the governor of Maryland, and has served as a special officer with the Edgartown force in the time since. Mr. McNamee also said that Mr. Kovack has deep roots on the Island.

“He’s not going anywhere,” Mr. McNamee said. “He’ll be with us for a long time.”

Selectmen unanimously approved the appointment. Mr. Kovack, who lives with his wife and child in Vineyard Haven, will attend the police academy on Cape Cod this July.

In other business, Edgartown resident Geraldine Moriarty brought concerns about year-round housing on the Island before selectmen for discussion.

Mrs. Moriarty said that the Island offers little in the way of opportunity for elderly residents who are looking to downsize from larger homes to more senior-friendly living.

“I’m here out of personal concern,” Ms. Moriarty said. “There are really very few options for people like me to be able to stay. And we want to stay.”

While Mrs. Moriarty said she would have voted against the housing bank, which was indefinitely postponed in Edgartown two weeks ago, she said there were elements of the legislation she liked, including its emphasis on year-round housing.

“The thing that appealed to me about the housing bank was that there was one central place for money to increase year-round housing opportunities,” Mrs. Moriarty said.

Mark Hess, who is chairman of the affordable housing committee in Edgartown, addressed some of Mrs. Moriarty’s concerns, saying that the town has the funding and blueprint for an affordable housing project off Meshacket Road that would include senior living. He also praised the housing bank for furthering the housing discussion on the Island.

“There’s a lot being done for affordable housing on the island,” Mr. Hess said. “The important thing is that everybody is keenly aware of it. And the housing bank has brought it to the table for everybody to talk about it.”

Edgartown also held its annual taxi hearing, approving two additional taxis for MV Taxi Company, bringing their total up to six. Edgartown IT manager Adam Darack said that since Edgartown taxis began using taxi meters this past year the town has not received any complaints about the change.

“So no news is good news,” Mr. Darack said.

“Have a big season,” selectman Michael Donaroma told the taxi companies.