40:42During the meeting, a detailed presentation was given by a law enforcement officer who shared insights into the evolution of police roles in dealing with addiction. The officer emphasized that arrest strategies from past decades have given way to supportive and treatment-focused approaches, stating, “We cannot arrest our way out of this problem.” The PCO program aims to provide resources and support to those affected by addiction without necessarily involving them in the criminal justice system. The transfer of funds from the opioid settlement, which currently stands at $177,000, was unanimously approved to ensure the continuation of these vital services.

30:36The meeting also featured discussions on infrastructure improvements, notably focusing on securing funding for local projects. The town planner requested letters of support for several grants, including a joint application with Duxbury for engineering design work and intersection safety improvements. The board is seeking $100,000 from a community planning grant to update the town’s master plan, last revised in 2016-2017, and requested funds for environmental cleanup of the old fire station on Maple Street. The planner highlighted the deteriorating condition of the station, which is currently used as a storage facility.

Further infrastructure discussions centered around a coastal resiliency grant proposal aimed at upgrading the town landing area, including improvements to the wharf, parking, and the harbor master’s office. This proposal involved collaboration with various committees and emphasized the need for matching funds to leverage additional resources. Concerns were raised about the timeline for applying for grants and the impact of past developments on scoring eligibility. The board highlighted the need for timely applications, particularly in collaboration with the nearby town of Duxbury.

01:04:45In other business, the board approved a $900,000 general obligation bond anticipation note sale, set to mature in May 2026, to Oppenheimer & Co. This financial move aims to fund upcoming projects, and the board also authorized the establishment of post-issuance federal tax compliance procedures to maintain the tax-exempt status of the notes.

01:26:06Community engagement was a recurring theme, particularly regarding the proposed establishment of a Department of Public Works (DPW). The board recognized the need for extensive public input and transparency, scheduling a public hearing for June 17th to present the DPW plan and gather feedback. The board emphasized the importance of addressing community concerns and misconceptions about the DPW initiative, proposing multiple public information sessions to ensure residents are well-informed. The discussion also touched on the possible implications of hiring a DPW director and the operational structure of the department, with concerns about financial sustainability and potential management overhead.

58:16The meeting also addressed staffing changes, with the announcement of two significant resignations: Fire Captain Susan Hussie and Assistant Treasurer Nick Derby. The board expressed gratitude for their service while noting the hiring of a new firefighter-paramedic to fill gaps in the fire department.

01:13:35Additional community-focused initiatives included the approval of a produce-sharing program by the agricultural commission, aimed at encouraging residents to share excess produce from late June to mid-September. A one-day liquor license was also granted for an event titled “Gears and Beers,” scheduled for June 7, 2025.