One of the most newsworthy items was the board’s deliberation and approval of a liquor license transfer for Michelle’s Corner Store to the Haley Corporation. The public hearing for this transfer was held during the meeting, with a representative from the applicant’s side assuring the board that operations on West Main Street would remain unchanged, including the use of an ID checker. However, the board faced some contention regarding additional requests tied to the application, such as a pledge to the bank, which was not explicitly listed in the agenda. This led to a debate about the appropriateness of discussing financial matters beyond the traditional scope of a liquor license transfer. A legal representative clarified that such pledges were standard requirements by the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC), but the board ultimately decided to approve only the transfer of the liquor license itself, contingent upon department head approvals.

In another significant agenda item, the Select Board addressed the appointment and reappointment of constables. A clerical issue regarding the number of constables permissible under the town charter was highlighted. Despite this, the board unanimously reappointed Benton W. Keen III as a constable, while the appointment of Mark Parlor was made contingent upon confirmation of compliance with the charter and relevant laws. The board’s careful approach in ensuring legal compliance before finalizing appointments illustrated their diligence in upholding procedural integrity.

The discussion of appointments extended beyond constables, as the board unanimously approved the appointment of Kevin O’Neal to both the Park and Recreation Commission and the Open Space Committee. O’Neal expressed a long-standing dedication to community service, citing his family’s involvement with local parks and his desire to contribute as a grandparent. His dual role was seen as a means to enhance collaboration and resource sharing between the committees.

The meeting also covered the approval of licenses and permits for new and existing businesses. Notably, the board granted a Common Victualler license to Cranberry LLC for a forthcoming ice cream shop, contingent on a health inspection. The move was met with enthusiasm from board members. Additionally, the board approved a Class 2 auto license for Mass Auto Hub LLC, following assurances from the landlord that previous compliance issues had been addressed.

An important announcement during the meeting was the appointment of Lindsey Graasso as the new treasurer-collector, effective April 2, 2026. Graasso, who holds a similar position in Abington, was praised for her qualifications in tax collections and cash flow management.

The board also encouraged community engagement in upcoming events, such as the Memorial Day parade, a town sale, and senior golf lessons. They also promoted a “kickoff summer event” and a mammography event hosted by Dana Farber.

In the realm of town infrastructure, the board approved the installation and relocation of utility poles on Old Dean Street and South Washington Street. These projects, spearheaded by Massachusetts Electric Company, aim to enhance utility reliability by transitioning to three-phase lines, thereby reducing outages.

Furthermore, the board discussed the implications of a long-term lease extension for a property on West Main Street, which would allow the owner to invest more in its development. The modification from a 50-year to a 99-year lease was approved, with assurances that access to trails would not be obstructed.

Concerns about a local business, Site One, were raised due to resident complaints about noise and traffic. The town manager advised against immediate drastic actions, recommending continued negotiations to address the issues. The board agreed to revisit the matter after further discussions.

Finally, in executive session, the board focused on strategy regarding negotiations with non-union personnel and unanimously approved a motion to designate the position of special counsel as a special municipal employee under Massachusetts law.