The landscape of Scituate’s Front Street is poised for a subtle transition following the Select Board’s authorization to transfer the all-alcoholic beverage license for TKO Malley’s to Scituate Hospitality LLC. The move marks a change in ownership for the waterfront staple from longtime owner Jean Collins to a group led by Austin O’Conor, whose portfolio includes Boston-area venues like The Harp and Six String. Attorney John Aya, representing the applicants, emphasized that while the ownership is changing, the spirit of the restaurant will remain intact. This is family-owned to family-owned, Aya told the board, noting that current manager Richard Lenahan will remain on staff. Hours of operation remain the same. There may be small tweaks to the menu, but no radical changes.

Board members expressed relief at the promise of continuity for the popular establishment. Vice Chair Susan Harrison noted the high stakes of any change to such a local fixture, stating, I'm glad you're keeping it the same because I don't want to deal with the fallout on social media if it changes. People love TK's. Member Nico Afanasenko inquired about the group's interest in the South Shore, to which O’Conor replied, We've been in Boston a long time but we're finding the suburbs to be very friendly and good for business. My family has been to TK's a bunch. Chair Andrew Goodrich thanked Collins for her years of service to the harbor business community. Motion Made by J. Gilmore to approve a transfer of the annual on-premises Section 12 restaurant all-alcoholic beverage license from McCloskey Inc. DBA TKO Malley's to Scituate Hospitality LLC DBA TKO Malley's contingent upon ABCC approval. Motion Passed 5-0.

The board also authorized over $400,000 in capital spending and service contracts, including significant investments in public safety. Fire Chief John Murphy presented a $75,000 contract for two new cardiac monitors to replace aging 2017 units. Motion Made by J. Gilmore to award a contract to Zoll Medical Corporation in the amount of $75,000 for the replacement of two cardiac monitors. Motion Passed 5-0. Additionally, the department secured a $59,879 floating "Jet Dock" system to protect the town’s $700,000 rescue boat, Marine Power 1. Murphy explained the air-powered system would keep the vessel out of corrosive salt water while ensuring it remains ready to roll. Motion Made by J. Gilmore to award a contract to Jet Dock Systems, Inc. in the amount of $59,879 for a floating boat dock. Motion Passed 5-0.

Historic preservation also took center stage as the board finalized a $98,000 contract for critical repairs to the Cudworth House and Barn. Finance Director Nancy Holt explained the Community Preservation Act project covers a new roof, trim, fascia, and chimney work. While the bids saw a wide range, Holt noted the low bidder withdrew after failing to meet specifications. Chair Goodrich addressed the cost directly, stating, I just want people to know we have to go by the bids that come in. Our hands are tied a little bit by state law, but we did our due diligence. Motion Made by J. Gilmore to award a contract to Unicon Incorporated for the roof, trim, fascia, beam replacement, and chimney cap at Cudworth House and Barn totaling $98,000. Motion Passed 5-0.

Infrastructure maintenance continued with the approval of $169,544.53 for four pieces of equipment for the Widow’s Walk Golf Course, funded through the Golf Enterprise Fund. Holt noted the purchase includes a blower and grinders, which are essential as the current grinders are broken. Motion Made by J. Gilmore to award a contract to Turf Products for four pieces of golf equipment totaling $169,544.53. Motion Passed 5-0. DPW Director Kevin Cafferty also secured renewals for heavy equipment contractors, such as Selco Construction Corp and Excavation Inc., to assist with deep sewer and drain repairs that exceed the town's equipment capacity. Motion Made by J. Gilmore to award the contract to Selco Construction Corp, Laminar Construction Corp, and Excavation Inc. to provide heavy equipment services on a per-unit basis. Motion Passed 5-0.

The meeting opened with a somber tribute to Joe Carroll, a counselor from Scituate’s sister city of Skibbereen, Ireland, who recently passed away. Member James Gilmore shared a personal memory of Carroll driving him to the "hunger cemeteries" in West Cork to explain the deep bond between the two nations. He was a great man with a great sense of humor, Gilmore said. A local representative named Skip invited the community to a lantern lighting ceremony at the Scituate Lighthouse to honor Carroll's memory. Chair Goodrich reflected on the geological history linking the two regions, noting, It's fascinating that Scituate and Ireland used to be the exact same spot before the continents split apart. So when you're standing there tomorrow, you're standing on the same home.

Town Administrator James Boudreau reminded residents that annual water restrictions take effect May 1st, mandating that outdoor watering only occur before 9 AM and after 5 PM. He also highlighted the upcoming Ship Shape Day on May 2nd and the Get to Greenbush event. Looking ahead to the fall, the board coordinated with the Town Clerk to set the legislative calendar. Motion Made by J. Gilmore to schedule the Fall 2026 Special Town Meeting for Monday, 19 October 2026. Motion Passed 5-0.

In other business, the board accepted a $500 donation from Minot residents Scott Weber and Nancy Burger for the Fire Department's Special Operations Unit. Chief Murphy noted the funds would support the dive team and drone unit. Motion Made by J. Gilmore to accept the generous $500 donation from Scott Weber and Nancy Burger for the Scituate Fire Department Special Operations. Motion Passed 5-0. The board also processed several seasonal renewals, including the Missile Food Truck and Zach's Ice Cream. Motion Made by J. Gilmore to renew the hawker peddler license for the Missile Food Truck for the 2026-2027 season and the frozen dessert/ice cream license for Zach's Ice Cream. Motion Passed 5-0.