The most prominent topic was the discussion of the Old Home Day event, part of the Kingston 300 celebrations. Mike Sonatra, representing the Kingston 300 committee, presented plans for this event intended to bring the community together through traditional carnival-like activities such as races and games, potentially culminating in a fireworks display. Sonatra proposed holding the event at Brazil Field to maximize the centralized setup of activities and manage logistics more effectively. The board approved September 19th as the primary date and September 26th as a backup, contingent on weather conditions.

Sonatra highlighted the importance of community involvement and safety, noting the need for portable restrooms and police details to ensure a smooth and secure event. Discussions touched upon the inclusion of food trucks since on-site cooking would not be permitted, and emphasized the necessity of clear communication regarding insurance liabilities. The potential inclusion of external equipment, such as inflatable slides, faced challenges due to the town’s self-insurance policy that restricts certain activities.

The board also considered the success of a recent community event, “Battle of the Badges,” and approved its continuation for the following year on the first Saturday of August. Additionally, Sonatra suggested establishing a scholarship fund to support residents who might otherwise be unable to participate in local camps. He asked for the board’s assistance in determining how best to manage and distribute these funds, expressing a preference for a direct approach over a formal application process.

In terms of community safety, discussions arose about the need for better lighting at the snack shack near the football field. Concerns were voiced about inadequate lighting during night games, which compromised both safety and convenience. Suggestions included installing lights outside the snack shack, with solar lights proposed as a cost-effective solution.

In another development, the board reviewed the process of hiring a new building commissioner and zoning enforcement officer. The recruitment committee presented a candidate with extensive qualifications, proposing a salary commensurate with their experience. However, the decision resulted in a stalemate as the vote was tied. This sparked a debate on the necessity of hiring such a highly qualified candidate given the town’s current development needs, especially in light of the recent lifting of a water moratorium that had previously restricted building activities.

The meeting also addressed staffing challenges within the town, notably the recruitment of a public health nurse and a children’s librarian. The difficulty in finding suitable candidates for these roles was highlighted, with considerations given to collaboration with other towns for shared services. Additionally, the board discussed the restructuring of the veterans agent position in collaboration with Duxbury.

The board considered creating a stipend position for an IT desktop support software trainer, emphasizing the need for after-hours support currently lacking due to the limited capacity of the existing IT consultant. Financial constraints and the potential long-term benefits of a full-time IT manager were also debated.

Finally, the board explored the use of opioid settlement funds for community resources, such as purchasing a trailer, and considered changes to job positions and bylaws, including the potential shift of the town clerk from an elected to an appointed position.