Oak Bluffs selectmen agreed this week to allow the U.S. Coast Guard to continue with lead testing on town property adjacent to the East Chop Light.

Appearing at the regular board meeting Tuesday, Eric Bader, chief of external affairs for the Coast Guard first district, said a soil survey completed around the lighthouse found lead levels above the Environmental Protection Agency’s limits.

“It’s clear to us there is some contamination from the lighthouse parcel . . . that has gone on to town property,” Mr. Bader said.

The Coast Guard owns the 60-by-60-foot parcel where lighthouse stands. Mr. Bader said tests indicate the lead contamination may have extended a few feet into the surrounding town property.

Town board of health member Tom Zinno asked if the Coast Guard could expand the testing to cover the entire town-owned property, including the former lightkeeper house.

Mr. Bader said he did not know if the Coast Guard is allowed to test or remediate the soil beyond what was requested, but said it could be discussed at a later date.

“We’re looking to understand the lead contamination that is adjacent to the 60-by-60 parcel that is Coast Guard property,” he said. “The elements of that park that are not Coast Guard property would be up to the town to understand and remediate.”

Mr. Bader said the testing will begin in May and will take one to two days to complete. Soil remediation will follow, and be completed by Oct. 1, he also said.

In other business Tuesday, the board approved more outdoor dining applications for the upcoming summer season. Applications from Lobsterville, Lookout Tavern, Veterans of Foreign War post 9261 and the Holy Ghost Association were all unanimously approved.

The selectmen also gave their approval to the Portuguese American Club for a new takeout business and to hold a Memorial Day artisan show outdoors from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Two new downtown businesses were also granted licenses. Stephanie Wolf Designs plans to open at 37 Circuit Avenue, the former location of the Black Dog general store. And Island Fashions, owned by Simone Da Silva, will open in the Dockside Marketplace building.

After the annual reorganization of the board, Brian Packish will become chairman and Ryan Ruley will become vice chairman. There was conflict and tension over what is ordinarily a routine process.

Selectman Gail Barmakian said she believed she was next in line to become chairman, after vice-chairman Greg Coogan did not seek re-election this year.

“I have experience, I think I know the town, I’ve been a sitting selectmen for a long time. I’m willing to do the work, I enjoy the work,” Ms. Barmakian said.

But Mr. Packish lobbied to become chairman, citing the pandemic.

“We were not able to advance issues or any of the policy work that we as a board collectively decided we wanted to move forward with,” he said.

Current board chairman Jason Balboni nominated both Mr. Packish and Ms. Barmakian for the post. Mr. Packish and Ms. Barmakian both voted for themselves, while Mr. Ruley voted for Mr. Packish, and newly-elected selectman Emma Green-Beach voted for Ms. Barmakian.

Mr. Balboni broke the tie with a vote for Mr. Packish.

The chairman of the board receives a $4,500 stipend, while the other selectmen are paid a $3,000 stipend.