The Scituate Select Board tackled a dense agenda Tuesday evening, headlined by a commitment to long-term water security and a significant overhaul of town recreation facilities. Chairman Andrew Goodrich opened the meeting by emphasizing a community standard of respect, noting, the select board is committed to providing an environment of respect during our meetings and we want all participants to be welcome and respected. The board quickly moved into infrastructure approvals, awarding a $272,250 contract to J.R. and Sons for the rehabilitation of the Minot Beach parking lot. DPW representative Kevin noted the project’s financial efficiency, stating, the bid was lower than what we set aside at the annual town meeting. Motion Made by James Gilmore to award the contract for the rehabilitation of the Minot Beach paid parking lot to J.R. and Sons Construction Incorporated in Westport, Massachusetts for $272,250. Motion Passed 4-0

A deep dive into the Mordecai Lincoln property revealed exciting historical findings alongside new usage restrictions. Preservation expert Nancy Ranken informed the board that the site contains an authentic first-period property, which she described as rare, adding that it elevates the significance of the house. To preserve the neighborhood's "sanctuary" feel, the board discussed excluding private events like weddings and commercial leases from the property’s future master plan. Vice Chair Susan Harrison praised the progress, saying, the committee has done an outstanding job with this. James Gilmore agreed with the targeted focus, noting, these people have a great focus on what they're doing; they know it like the back of their hand. Nico Afanasenko expressed personal enthusiasm for the site's future, stating, I was blown away about how beautiful it is up there and I’m super excited to see it transform into even more.

Water security took center stage as the board discussed a $120,000 feasibility study for desalination and reclaimed water technology. Guest speaker Bob Lorenzo urged the board to look toward the future, arguing, I don’t know that we have the luxury of time of water supply to say let’s just ignore this one and hope that it rains. Nico Afanasenko threw his weight behind the initiative, noting, I think there’s no reason not to go forward with this; we have to do this to find alternate sources. The board also reviewed a massive $60.6 million capital plan for the upcoming year, which includes a $2.5 million modular shooting range for the police department. Andrew Goodrich defended the inclusion of the range after years of delays, explaining, it’s been a couple years; I kept pushing back on it, but there’s really three years of need there. Motion Made by James Gilmore to recommend articles 1 through 11 of the Special Town Meeting warrant. Motion Passed 4-0

The board also addressed public safety and recreation, adopting a new fee schedule for repeat false alarms to reduce the strain on emergency resources. The Police Chief described the fees as a tool that when we do have a business that we're working with, we have guidelines to follow. Additionally, the high school basketball courts are slated for a total reconstruction using post-tension concrete to solve persistent moisture issues. Recreation Director Nick Marcation explained, the courts are in disrepair and potentially need to be completely torn up. Motion Made by James Gilmore to award a contract to Activitas for design, permitting, and bidding of the existing basketball courts at the Scituate High School in the amount of $97,220. Motion Passed 4-0 The evening concluded with several volunteer appointments, including Sarah Lannon, who told the board, I’m a people person... if I can help, I’ll help, and David Stevens, who noted, the opportunity presented itself to get involved. Janice Murphy also returned to service, stating, I’ve served on the cultural council for six years and I’ve thrown my hat back in. Motion Made by James Gilmore to appoint Sarah Lannon and David Stevens to the Recreation Commission and Janice Murphy to the Cultural Council. Motion Passed 4-0