The Scituate Select Board opened their October 28 meeting with a heartfelt recognition of Firefighter Paul’s 25 years of service, an honor accepted by the Chief on his behalf. Chair Andrew Goodrich expressed deep appreciation for the veteran first responder, stating, I just am so happy that we have a force that has so many long veterans and Paul’s a great example of that. Vice Chair Susan Harrison echoed the sentiment, noting the town's safety culture is extraordinary. However, the mood shifted during constituent walk-ins when resident Patricia Edward raised concerns regarding a Zoning Board of Appeals decision. Edward argued the ZBA exceeded its authority by granting a special permit for a business in a residential zone, telling the board, I think that as you appoint these people, they might need a little training because they obviously do not know that they were violating their own bylaws.

The board moved into a public hearing on the annual tax classification with Director of Assessing Joe Devito. Devito recommended maintaining a single tax rate, warning that shifting the burden to the commercial sector would be devastating. The main reason is the catastrophic impact on the commercial industrial personal property classes because we only have 4% commercial in value, Devito explained. Following the hearing, Motion Made by Harrison to approve the residential factor of one. Seconded by Gilmore. Motion Passed 5-0. The board also addressed the town’s Housing Production Plan. Consultant Karen and Steve Irish of the Affordable Housing Trust detailed the town's progress toward the 10% subsidized housing threshold. Member Freya Schlegel admitted the complexity was daunting, remarking, I commend you, it’s a lot of work, but it’s also frustrating. I think we’re all frustrated with the 'we need 37 units' goal. Member Nico Afanasenko questioned how to better protect the town from 40B projects, asking, Are there ways to inform our builders and our residents better of how those are counted so that we can better protect ourselves?

Much of the evening focused on a 14-foot bronze statue intended to honor veterans of modern warfare, inspired by the late John Connors. Presenter Jan Shian explained the memorial, titled "The Lease," is historically accurate to Connors' gear but represents all who served. The statue will not have John’s name on it; it’s in his likeness, Shian noted. Despite the project being two-thirds funded, the location at Lawson Common remains a point of contention. Local historian Jim Linsky argued the statue's active stance was inappropriate for the park, while veteran Joe Kelly passionately defended the site, stating, It’s a veterans' common. That’s where it should go. Member James Gilmore emphasized the importance of the document, saying, It’s a strategy. It’s a plan. We need to have it in place with the state so the state respects our performances when we do housing initiatives. Motion Made by Gilmore to approve the 2025 Town of Scituate Housing Production Plan. Seconded by Harrison. Motion Passed 5-0.

Town Administrator James Boudreau provided a preview of the FY 2027 operating budget, describing it as balanced with no layoffs despite rising fixed costs. Boudreau noted that while property taxes will grow, interest income and new growth are trending downward. In final actions, the board opted out of the current Community Choice Energy aggregation to secure a better rate with BP Energy. Motion Made by Harrison to opt out of Scituate Community Choice Energy and award a contract to BP Energy for a 48-month term at $0.1289 per kilowatt hour. Seconded by Afanasenko. Motion Passed 5-0. The board also moved to equalize burial fees between the Union and Veterans cemeteries. Motion Made by Harrison to increase the rate from $100 to $150 for an urn burial and from $100 to $300 for a full burial at Union Cemetery. Seconded by Gilmore. Motion Passed 5-0.

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:45 PM