Infrastructure costs and departmental performance took center stage as the Scituate Select Board addressed a significant financial adjustment to the new water treatment plant. Representatives from Woodard & Curran presented Change Order #3, totaling $338,738, which included costs for a retaining wall, security infrastructure, and expanded sand drying bed liners. However, the request also included a $77,000 charge to fix a piping design error caught by the contractor. Rob, a project manager for Woodard & Curran, acknowledged the mistake but offered a significant concession to the town. "I ran this up a leadership chain at my company," he explained, noting that the firm would perform $100,000 worth of design work for an upcoming North Scituate sewer pump station at no cost to the town to offset the error.

Board members expressed varying levels of concern regarding the cumulative cost of the water project. Chair Andrew Goodrich noted that while the project is technically within its contingency, the change orders are adding up for residents. "So far, we're in each of our houses for 110 bucks each house... just on change orders since we started the project," Goodrich said. James Gilmore viewed the expenditure through the lens of standard construction challenges, stating, "The fact of the matter is that contingency on a project like this is specifically because of unforeseen issues and circumstances... It doesn’t raise the price to the taxpayer because that number is already in the $70 million approval." Motion made by James Gilmore that the select board award the change order to Methuen Construction of Plaistow, New Hampshire for $338,738. Seconded by Susan Harrison. Motion Passed (5-0).

The board also celebrated a major funding win as Town Administrator James Boudreau announced a $5 million MassWorks grant for the North Scituate sewer system construction. Boudreau noted this was the "second highest amount awarded by the state this year" and credited town staff for the successful application. Beyond infrastructure, the board addressed historical preservation by finalizing lease language for the Man House and Lightkeepers Cottage to ensure tenants respect the historic nature of the properties. "I think the way this is written, it’s good for the circumstance at hand," said Susan Harrison during the discussion. Motion made by James Gilmore to proceed with the execution of the new leases with the existing tenants of the man house and Lightkeepers Cottage. Seconded by Susan Harrison. Motion Passed (5-0).

Departmental budget presentations highlighted high community engagement across town services. Library Director Jessi Finnie reported that usage has surged 30% since 2017, even as digital resources grow. "Don't sell the electronic resources. I just got the app finally... there’s a lot of good stuff," remarked Freya Schlegel. Senior Center Director Linda Hayes revealed her facility serves approximately 2,400 individuals—roughly 15% of the town's population. Meanwhile, Annmarie Galvin of Scituate FACTS shared data showing youth binge drinking and cannabis use have hit record lows in Scituate.

In other business, the board approved the installation of a real-time, solar-powered tide gauge at the Driftway Pier to monitor sea-level rise and storm surges. Nico Afanasenko highlighted upcoming opportunities for public participation, noting that the EDC sidewalk subcommittee would be meeting to prioritize safety projects. "We’re looking to get input on any public projects that they’re looking and interested in to the community," Afanasenko said.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:02.