Chair Andrew Goodrich opened the Scituate Select Board meeting with an urgent address regarding a recent safety incident on Glades Road, where town employees were reportedly threatened with firearms while performing road maintenance. That is not the community that I thought we are, Goodrich noted, emphasizing that the board would take all necessary steps to ensure worker safety. Resident Kyle Connor later approached the board to discuss the specific roadway markings that sparked local tension, expressing concern that the new lane configurations have increased vehicle speeds and reduced pedestrian safety. Since the new striking, many residents have observed increased vehicle speeds, Connor stated, requesting that the board relocate speed monitoring devices to better capture data before a September follow-up meeting.

The board also heard a glowing recap of Heritage Days from the Chamber of Commerce, with officials estimating that 15,000 people attended the festivities. Member Freya Schlegel praised the inclusion of local organizations, noting, I really liked the community alley; it really brought attention to a lot of the nonprofits. Susan Harrison agreed that the logistical changes improved the experience for local businesses, adding, I think having the bus stops at the pier was good coverage for our merchants because some are always on the fringe. Town Administrator James Boudreau updated the community on several infrastructure projects but cautioned residents about ongoing water scarcity. We’re still doing the work on the maintenance contractors, Boudreau explained, though he noted the town remains in a Tier 2 water ban.

Business expansion was also on the agenda as Ryan Lynch of Split Rock Scituate requested early opening hours for a trial brunch service in September. We officially green lit to open up, Lynch told the board, detailing plans for a waffle bar and coffee service. Motion Made by James Gilmore to extend early opening hours commencing at 10:00 a.m. on both Saturday, September 13th and Sunday, September 14th for the Scituate Split Rock facility at 360 Gannett Road in North Scituate. Motion Passed 5-0. Nico Afanasenko inquired about the local impact of such requests, asking, Do we have sort of a precedent for when we have brunch in the harbor?

The board moved to fill several committee vacancies, appointing Matthew Chin to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Coleman Garver Smith to the Affordable Housing Trust. Building Commissioner Bob Vogel also proposed new bylaws regarding storage containers and dumpsters to address aesthetic and safety complaints. Vogel observed, There’s no language at all about dumpsters in either the general bylaws or the zoning bylaws. The board expressed a desire to coordinate these changes across departments. James Gilmore spoke in favor of the updates, saying, I think it’s always healthy to review and update things into the world as it is today versus the world as it was when these were written. Nico Afanasenko remained cautious about new regulations on habitable spaces, questioning, What would the perspective be that we need to decide either way?

Finally, Finance Director Nancy Holt presented the fiscal year-end certification, reporting that the town’s total outstanding principal debt stands at $105.6 million. We have a healthy free cash and all of our enterprise funds are doing well, Holt reported, though she warned that fiscal year 2027 would present challenges due to rising fixed costs. Motion Made by James Gilmore to include all articles submitted for the November 3rd, 2025 Special Town Meeting for further discussion and placement on the warrant. Motion Passed 5-0. The board concluded by granting a utility easement to National Grid to relocate a pole on First Parish Road. Motion Made by Susan Harrison that the Select Board grant an easement for the proposed installation and relocation of poles as detailed on the easement sketch dated August 6th, 2025. Motion Passed 5-0.