The Edgartown selectmen learned Monday that one idea to alleviate the cost of bringing cable to Chappaquiddick is a no-go. In January, selectmen inquired if a “betterment” could be created in which the town would bill residents over time for the cost of cable service. Under the terms of a long-awaited draft contract with Comcast, Chappaquiddick residents will be required to pay a one-time fee of $2,140 and to commit to a year-round subscription for two years; at least 270 homes on Chappaquiddick are required to subscribe by the end of this year to bring cable to the Island.

But Monday, town counsel Ronald H. Rappaport said it can’t be done. Betterments are used for public projects including water lines and sidewalks, and are governed by statute, he said, saying “there’s nothing that would make that process applicable to cable service.”

“We tried,” selectman Michael Donaroma said.

In other business, selectmen awarded a liquor license to Lucky Hank’s restaurant.