One notable issue involved the Kingston Cannabis Social Equity Policy, mandated by Massachusetts law to promote equity in the cannabis industry. The policy requires towns to consider social equity when granting host community agreements for cannabis licenses, with a deadline to avoid financial penalties. The board was informed that adopting either a model bylaw or a local approval process is necessary until 50% of licenses are held by social equity businesses. However, the town had not yet adopted a position on this policy. Concerns were raised about the implications of offering preferential treatment to applicants with prior marijuana-related convictions, as well as the inclusion of minority and women-owned businesses. The board opted to postpone the vote to ensure all members could engage in the decision.

Traffic safety at the intersection of Landing and Main was another significant topic. Recent improvements intended to calm traffic had garnered mixed reactions, with concerns about visibility and maneuverability for larger vehicles. The board acknowledged these issues and discussed the potential reinstatement of cones to guide traffic more effectively, emphasizing safety while addressing resident concerns about large trucks in the area.

The meeting also tackled the contentious issue of plowing private roads, specifically Cobb Avenue and Postcourt. The board had previously set a deadline for residents to move fences to ensure winter maintenance services. Discussions highlighted the challenges of maintaining narrow roads and the need for cooperation from residents. The board expressed a commitment to working with the community to find viable solutions while maintaining safety standards.

A point of discussion was the proposal to upgrade the town’s existing electric vehicle charging stations. Representatives from EBSSE Solutions proposed replacing two chargers with level 2 dual-port chargers at no cost to the town. Concerns were raised about the quality and compatibility of the proposed chargers, with one resident questioning the suitability of the chosen network. A representative from EBSSE addressed these concerns, stating that the chargers could handle multiple vehicle types. However, the board decided to table the proposal for further consideration.

The board also addressed a development agreement deemed inadequate, necessitating a peer review by an engineering firm to identify necessary improvements. This review aimed to address potential risks posed by inadequate drainage and buried manhole covers, which could create hazardous conditions for town vehicles. The board emphasized the importance of permanent repairs to prevent future liabilities.

The introduction of a new online reporting system for residents to report issues like potholes was discussed. This system, part of the town’s updated website, aims to streamline communication and improve transparency. However, residents were cautioned against submitting duplicate reports, as this would not expedite repairs.

Another topic was the recruitment process for a new town administrator. Discussions focused on updating the position statement to reflect current economic conditions and project statuses. The board emphasized the need for accurate information and a comprehensive job description to attract qualified candidates. The formation of a screening committee was also debated, with a consensus leaning towards a smaller working group to ensure efficiency and impartiality.

Lastly, the board discussed initial budget expectations with the Kingston School Committee and the Finance Committee, considering the possibility of an override. The importance of a unified approach among the committees was stressed, with a focus on preparing budgets for different scenarios and informing the public about potential service impacts. A five-year financial forecast was being developed to aid in these discussions. The need for clarity and open dialogue between the committees was emphasized to foster collaboration and understanding in developing a cohesive budget.