The Scituate Select Board addressed a jam-packed agenda on Tuesday, tackling everything from coastal infrastructure to election logistics. Town Administrator James Boudreau opened the session with praise for local responders following recent weather events, noting, I want to thank DPW, police, and fire for their work in the storm the last couple days. The Board quickly moved to resolve a scheduling conflict for the 2026 town election. The Town Clerk explained that the original date clashed with high school graduation requirements, explaining, I booked the gym and I got rejected because it’s a graduation and they use the gym in case it rains. Member Freya Schlegel expressed concern about seasonal activities, asking, My only thing is to make sure that the schools don’t have games that day. Motion Made by Freya Schlegel to change the date of the 2026 election to June 6, 2026. Vote Passed 5-0

Infrastructure dominated much of the middle session, beginning with updates to the Cudworth Cemetery policy and snow removal rates. Member James Gilmore questioned the financial breakdown of winter operations, asking, What percentage of snow plowing is taken care of by our own people versus independent contractors? James Boudreau noted the difficulty in securing contractors, leading to a rate hike designed to keep Scituate competitive with neighboring towns. Motion Made by James Gilmore to set the 2025 to 2026 snowplowing and sanding rates pursuant the tax rate listing. Vote Passed 5-0 Later, Maria George from Apex presented progress on inflow and infiltration repairs, highlighting that the town has sealed over 100 leaks recently. George remarked, The fact that we’re still trending downwards in the treatment plant effluent is indicative of the progress that has been made. Motion Made by James Gilmore to award the contract for additional sewer repairs to National Water Main for $97,393.40. Vote Passed 5-0

The focal point of the evening was a presentation by Allison Varnelli of Collins Engineers regarding the Cole Parkway Resilient Design project. Varnelli presented three conceptual designs, explaining, The purpose of this project is first and foremost a coastal resilience project to address flooding from the harbor and water bubbling up through catch basins. Vice Chair Susan Harrison voiced caution regarding the balance of parking and green space, stating, I'm a little concerned with the solar panel interrupting Carnival and whatnot, and I’d like to see the study for the rest of the area too. Member Nico Afanasenko emphasized the multifaceted benefits of the project, observing, It’s not just beautification from the simplistic standpoint; it’s really improving the quality of how people use the harbor. Chair Andrew Goodrich closed the discussion with optimism for the refined plans, saying, I like where you’re going with it. We’re getting close.

In final business, the Board discussed a potential expansion of aquaculture grants from one acre to two for local oyster farmers. Nico Afanasenko advocated for local entrepreneurs, noting, I think that anything advancing the value of our business community is worth considering. The Board also reviewed updates on the North Scituate sewer pump station, which is nearing 90 percent design completion. Andrew Goodrich summarized the town's tight fiscal position during the financial forecast report, warning, For this year it looks like we’re going to be covering where we need to be on our budget, but it is razor thin. The Board continues to weigh these capital improvements against a strict budgetary landscape. The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM