In a busy meeting Monday, Edgartown selectmen approved a rate increase for the Chappy Ferry, discussed contract negotiations with VTA drivers, signed off on two aquaculture permits and conditionally approved the installation of five recycling bins in downtown Edgartown — as well as the installation of one upright piano.

“Can we adjourn?” selectman Margaret Serpa asked, just as the Old Whaling Church’s bell tower chimed the five o’clock hour outside the Fred B. Morgan meeting room after the hourlong meeting.

Beginning May 18, round-trip cash fares for passengers on the Chappy Ferry will go up from $12 to $13. Discounted prices for Chappaquiddick residents will remain unchanged.

The dollar price hike represents the first such fare increase in 11 years, according to ferry co-owner Peter Wells. He cited a decrease in traffic and the high costs of maintenance as the impetus for the price change.

“The reason for this is that, generally speaking, traffic is down by a quarter over the past two years, and passenger [traffic] is down one-third,” Mr. Wells said.

Chappaquiddick resident Dorothy Dropick voiced concerns about whether the increase would be followed by an increase to the resident rate.

“What has happened in the past, is these rates get increased, and then subsequently, summarily, we get told that our discounted bulk tickets will go up,” Ms. Dropick said. “I would request the board look at the financials for revenue and reasonableness.”

Mr. Wells reiterated that the rate increase was only for the cash fares. Town administrator James Hagerty said any other rate increase would have to come before selectmen for review, and noted the current rate increase is well below the rate of inflation. Selectman Michael Donaroma concurred.

“The board hasn’t looked over the rate fees,” Mr. Donaroma said. “But town counsel just recently took a look at the finances. We’re not in the dark here . . . financially, it’s not as good as you would think it would be. Eleven years, one dollar is not so much.”

Selectmen then heard from Vineyard Transit Authority drivers who said they are frustrated with contract negotiations. The drivers are employed by Transit Connection Inc., a nationwide firm that the VTA has subcontracted to hire its drivers. Although the drivers voted to join the Amalgamated Transit Union in 2015, they still do not have a contract and recently voted to authorize a strike if discussions remain stalled.

At issue are wages, benefits and safety concerns for drivers.

“We’re here to enlighten the board about our negotiations,” said VTA driver Richard Townes. “They refuse to negotiate.”

Mr. Townes said pressure from the VTA board may help Transit Connection Inc. to come to the negotiating table. Selectmen asked the drivers questions about the negotiations before agreeing to speak with the Edgartown representative on the VTA board, Louis Paciello.

“You’ve put it on our radar,” selectman Art Smadbeck told the drivers. “We’ll see what we can do.”

In other business, selectmen conditionally approved the installation of five recycling trash cans along Main street in Edgartown. Julia Celeste, whose family owns Rosewater Market, said the business would pay for the trash cans and views them as part of a pilot program. Mr. Hagerty said the incremental costs of trash pickup were small. Ms. Celeste also said the recycle bins would match the current black trash cans on Main street in style, but would be painted blue.

“I think it’s worth a try,” Mrs. Serpa said.

The selectmen also approved the installation of an upright piano in the backyard of Rosewater as an interactive art exhibit. Island music and art instructor Andy Herr brought the idea before selectmen, who were okay with the installation as long as it didn’t disturb neighbors.

“This is a project that has happened elsewhere in cities throughout the U.S.” Mr. Herr said. “This is something I’ve wanted to do on the Vineyard for awhile.”

Selectmen approved play on the piano from noon to 5 p.m., with potential changes subject to complaints from neighbors.

After hearings, selectmen approve a two-acre aquaculture plot for Scott Castro in the middle flats off Eel Pond, and agreed to allow the transfer of a 1.6-acre oyster lease from Joe to Julia Smith in Katama Bay.

At the request of the shellfish committee, selectmen changed leases on the aquaculture lots from three to five years to make grant applications easier for the leaseholders.

“It’s really great for these young people. It’s good for the community,” said shellfish committee member Les Baynes. “So thank you.”