The debate over the memorial bench intended to honor Matthew Hamilton, a beloved community figure, highlighted several procedural ambiguities. The bench, already constructed by the Silver Lake Regional Carpentry program and funded by Hamilton’s family, was proposed to be placed along the walkway at Grace Beach. Despite the intention behind the gesture, the board was concerned about the procedural implications. It was noted that a new naming policy required a public hearing for such memorials, a step not yet completed. The board expressed unease about setting a precedent by approving a post-construction request, which could lead to future complications without an established policy.

The board engaged in a discussion on whether to accept the bench before determining its exact placement. One participant emphasized the need for clarity, stating that the board’s decision needed to be definitive. The absence of a formal policy for accepting gifts such as memorial benches was acknowledged, leading to a proposal for the Kingston Recreation Department to quickly develop such a policy. A board member volunteered to draft a preliminary policy for review in the next meeting. Ultimately, a motion was made to accept the bench, with placement to be determined pending further discussions and public hearings.

Attention then turned to the appointment of a new town administrator. Scott Cassy, currently serving as the Abington town administrator, was highlighted as the preferred candidate. The board expressed optimism about Cassy’s potential contributions, citing his experience and suitability for the role. However, the budget process has been delayed, pending Cassy’s arrival.

In other updates, winter programs were announced to commence in January, featuring activities in collaboration with local schools, such as taekwondo and line dancing. A CPR first aid class was also mentioned as a potential new offering. Plans for the luminary event scheduled for December 20 were shared, with the high school chorus and jazz band slated to perform. The high school chorus boosters will organize a hot chocolate station to encourage donations, and cookies have been purchased for attendees.

The meeting also addressed the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) assessment and application, which had been submitted after a meeting with the CPC board. A minor address correction was required, but it was clarified that this would not delay the process. Discussions highlighted the timeline for CPC presentations and votes, with feedback from the capital planning committee anticipated, though not mandatory for the project’s progress.

Property management was another focal point, with updates on the completion of bleachers and ongoing issues with water pipes following a cold snap. Efforts to manage fragmites at Grace Beach were noted, alongside the closure of beach restrooms and the delay in removing tennis nets due to weather conditions. Seasonal tasks such as mowing and irrigation winterization were discussed, with a focus on maintaining fields like Rizzo with heavy seeding and top dressing.

The board concluded the meeting by considering a future proposal for model plane competitions at the rearing fields, with a demonstration planned for January.