The Chappy Ferry steering committee is finding some direction — and some confusion — after Edgartown selectmen discussed the next steps for addressing resident concerns at their meeting on Monday.

One month ago, a crowd of about 50 Chappaquiddickers gathered at a selectmen’s meeting to express a variety of long-simmering issues with the small ferry service, including recent rate hikes for year-round resident rates. In response, selectmen suggested forming a steering committee that would consist of six to eight stakeholders.

As of Monday, they had received 16 applications.

“Unfortunately, we cannot take everybody,” town administrator James Hagerty said. “If you choose a total of 16 it might be counterproductive.”

The ferry is co-owned by Peter Wells. The town licenses the service. While selectmen have control over the maximum cash fares, it is up to Mr. Wells to determine the other discounted rates, including for year-round Chappaquiddick residents. The lack of oversight on year-round rates was one of the issues that prompted concern from residents at the meeting last month.

On Monday, Chappy residents and Edgartown selectmen discussed how to whittle-down the 16 applications and decide who would sit on the steering committee. After discussion, it was decided that Mr. Hagerty would hold interviews with 10 of the applicants and then choose the committee members.

But of greater concern was the lack of clarity over the expressed purpose of the committee itself. Chappy resident Rick Biros said he hoped the committee’s goal was ultimately to set up a future governing board, similar to the Steamship Authority, while Dennis Goldin said it was also important to make changes sooner rather than later.

Selectmen presented the steering committee in a slightly different way.

“I think the first question is even can you form a governing board?” Mr. Hagerty said.

Selectman Arthur Smadbeck said the goals of the steering committee are twofold, and involved preparing for 2023, when the town’s licensing agreement with Mr. Wells comes up for renewal.

“The way I see it, there’s a short-term, and a long-term, for this committee,” Mr. Smadbeck said. “The short-term is what can be accomplished between now, and 2023. And the long-term is what do you want to do after 2023, and work towards that.”

The immediate goal, Mr. Hagerty said, would be to come up with a list of questions for a special attorney to determine what changes could be made within a legal framework.

“If we reached over and said, Peter, we’re going to roll back your rates . . . Peter would have the standing to follow up legally,” Mr. Hagerty said. “We need to ask those questions about what our right and left limits are with regard to legality, and the best direction is to have that steering committee come up with those questions.”

Mr. Hagerty said steering committee interviews would be held in the coming week, with a decision by March 9.

In other business, the Scheffer family played musical chairs with their aquaculture licenses, transferring them among family members.

Roy Scheffer transferred his lease in Katama Bay and middle flats to Noah Scheffer, while Jeremy Scheffer transferred his lease in Katama Bay and middle flats to Roy. The lease areas are all one acre and used to harvest oysters.

“This is all in keeping with our aquaculture policy,” said shellfish constable Paul Bagnall. “We want to have people here being able to transfer the leases within the family.”

Selectmen also approved a change of ownership and liquor license for Chesca’s Restaurant. The Water street eatery was purchased by Michael O’Brien. On Monday, selectmen terminated the liquor license and approved a new seasonal common alcohol and victualler’s license for Mr. O’Brien.

“I’m looking forward to keeping and growing the tradition of Chesca’s,” the new owner said.