The meeting began with a focus on the recent resignation of Mr. Cohane, which was officially received on August 25. The resignation prompted discussions about the potential for a special election to fill the vacant seat. Massachusetts General Law Chapter 41, Section 10, provides the Select Board with the authority to call a special election, though it is not mandatory unless requested by 200 registered voters or 20% of the registered voters. The suggestion of a November 4 election date, coinciding with elections in Boston and Quincy, was proposed as it might boost visibility and voter turnout. Concerns were raised about the timing of the election, with an October 21 date also considered but requiring immediate decision-making to avoid voter confusion.

The board acknowledged the historical precedent for special elections, noting a similar occurrence in 1986 following a board resignation. The financial burden of such an election, estimated at around $60,000, was a point of contention, particularly given the constraints on the town clerk’s office and the overlapping demand of a town meeting. Members of the Select Board expressed differing views on the need for a special election, weighing the cost against the operational benefits of having a full board. There was a consensus to delay the decision until the next meeting, allowing for the input of absent members.

In addition to the vacancy issue, the board addressed safety concerns, particularly those impacting students. A public comment from Diane Dulio Augustino highlighted the dangers faced by students boarding buses on Hilltop Street Extension, an unrecognized street, and urged immediate action to implement safety measures on Randolph Avenue.

The meeting also covered the process of reviewing town council services, particularly in light of the potential need to change the lead attorney. A conversation arose about the application process and the implications of shifting the attorney’s lead role, with legal services exempt from certain procurement laws. There was an acknowledgment of miscommunication with the previous attorney, contributing to the current situation, and a decision was made to allow additional interviews for new candidates.

Further discussions involved the Route 28 project, with an update posted on the town website and plans for MASDOT to return to solicit further input. The board emphasized the importance of community involvement in this safety issue and suggested organizing a public forum to gather resident feedback on the proposed changes. Additionally, upcoming town meeting preparations were a priority, with discussions on warrant articles for the October 27, 2025, special town meeting and the need for town council review.

In terms of future planning, the board discussed a potential select board retreat to establish goals and objectives for the coming year, considering the schedule of new members. The conversation also touched on the importance of training focused on unconscious bias and bystander intervention for elected officials. Despite the absence of mandatory participation, the board recognized the value of offering such training to enhance public interactions.