1:00:49The four-day work week proposal was positioned not as a cost-saving measure but as a recruiting and retention strategy. One member of the board highlighted the potential for reducing in-person visit demands through the enhancement of online services, such as building permits and transfer station decals. This transition could mitigate any inconvenience for residents, particularly those who may face difficulties accessing town services during the proposed closure on Fridays. The trial period aims to gather feedback from residents, with the hope that the benefits of attracting and retaining employees will outweigh any potential drawbacks.

Further discussion on the four-day work week revealed concerns about accessibility to services, especially for residents who commute. One member expressed apprehension about the restricted hours due to their role’s resident-facing nature, highlighting the need for continuous evaluation of the trial’s impact. The board agreed on the importance of collecting resident feedback to inform any future decisions regarding the work week schedule.

32:09Beyond the discussion on employee work hours, the board also addressed infrastructure improvements and road safety. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the inadequacies of a speed table on a new road in Jones River Estates. Concerns were raised about its failure to meet the Uniform Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices standards, potentially posing safety risks and liability issues for the town. The board emphasized the need to bring the speed table up to code and discussed financial implications, including the possibility of using Chapter 90 funds for necessary road improvements. The public hearing served as a platform for residents to voice concerns about traffic safety, leading to discussions on signage, additional speed tables, and law enforcement’s role in managing speed effectively.

1:00:49In addition to infrastructure, the board approved the opening of the annual town meeting warrant effective February 26, 2025, allowing for the inclusion of various community matters. A notable agenda item involved the establishment of a task force committee for an age and dementia-friendly study, funded by a $35,000 grant from the Old Colony Planning Council. The task force aims to design a needs assessment questionnaire, with members representing diverse sectors, including the Council on Aging, police and fire departments, and the Board of Health. A consensus emerged on the task force’s structure, emphasizing flexibility and the potential need for adjustments to membership size to ensure effective functioning.

47:10The board also navigated through routine matters like the renewal of razor clam licenses, where adjustments were proposed to reduce the number of licenses and maintain the licensing fee. Concerns about implementing a minimum harvest requirement were discussed, with the decision deferred until the return of a key board member.

Additionally, the board reviewed and approved a request for the MS Cape Cod Gateway bike event and considered a proposal from the KTE clerical union to transition to a four-day work week at the townhouse. The latter proposal, part of a broader strategy to enhance employee benefits, was tabled for further discussion.

1:16:14The meeting concluded with several updates, including a fiscal year 2026 budget update and the acceptance of donations to the Kingston Public Library and Council on Aging. The town administrator also highlighted ongoing projects, such as a flood mitigation initiative and reimbursements for school expenses, underlining the board’s focus on community development and fiscal responsibility.