The Aquinnah selectmen on Tuesday strongly backed a proposal to ban the use of single-use plastic bags in town, and heard from a representative of Cape Light Compact about the organization’s plans for the future.

Liz Witham spoke on behalf of the Vineyard Conservation Society, which has been working on the new bylaw for several months. She noted that many towns around the country, including Nantucket, have adopted similar regulations. “It’s not a groundbreaking thing,” she said.

Depending on a town meeting vote, Aquinnah businesses would no longer be allowed to use single-use plastic bags. Aquinnah is the first Island town to endorse the bylaw, which VCS plans to present to other towns prior to the annual town meetings in the spring.

“I don’t have a problem with putting it on our warrant when the time comes,” selectman Spencer Booker said, echoing the sentiment of others on the board. “I think it’s a good thing.”

Police Sgt. Paul Manning noted that balloons are also an environmental concern, although the bylaw targets only single-use plastic bags. Ms. Witham pointed out that Cronig’s Market in Vineyard Haven and West Tisbury has chosen to stop carrying balloons.

In other business, Maggie Downey, administrator for Cape Light Compact, provided an update on the organization’s newest three-year energy efficiency plan for customers on Cape Cod and the Vineyard. The regional energy service provider has been seeking customer input since May.

The plan offers several new incentives for energy upgrades, including rebates for some businesses and multi-family homes. Current services include free energy assessments, interest-free loans, and a number of rebates for improving energy efficiency.

Among other things, the new plan would raise the energy-use threshold for small and medium businesses to qualify for incentives, and expand weatherization services to include homes heated by oil or propane. As in the current plan, year-round renters and customers earning less than 80 per cent of the median income would qualify for additional benefits.

The plan was filed with state Department of Public Utilities for review on Oct. 30, but customers may still submit comments by calling the organization at 800-797-6699.

Also on Tuesday, the selectmen voted unanimously to appoint Oak Bluffs building inspector Mark Barbadoro as part-time building inspector for Aquinnah. Previous building inspector Jerry Wiener retired this year.

“Every town needs a building inspector,” Aquinnah town administrator Adam Wilson said. “It’s a big thing to find someone who has got that kind of certification.” Mr. Barbadoro will work Friday afternoons, in addition to his full-time schedule in Oak Bluffs. Chilmark and Edgartown building inspector Lenny Jason Jr., who had filled the role on an interim basis, will help navigate the transition.

Mr. Wilson also reported that the lighthouse advisory board has received three bids for new railings around the Gay Head Light, where a major restoration project is underway. The lowest bid was for $68,000, but further research was needed before the town could proceed.

The long-term lighthouse restoration project will likely begin this year with the new railings. Mr. Wilson was confident that portion of the work would be finished before the lighthouse reopens in the spring.