The Scituate Select Board opened their meeting with a poignant tribute to the late Karen Connley, a dedicated public servant whose impact on the town spanned decades. Chair Andrew Goodrich led a moment of silence, noting that Connley was one of the most fearless and selfless people he had ever worked with. One of the best things that we can do to honor her is to continue making this town a better place, Goodrich remarked. Following this somber opening, the board shifted to celebrating current public servants, honoring Elena Chevy and Lieutenant Dave Hermanance for 30 years of service to the Scituate Fire Department. James Gilmore congratulated the pair, stating, I hope you give us another 30 years.

The board quickly turned to community events, approving the upcoming Fisherman’s Fest and a charity walk for the poor. Assistant Harbormaster Mark presented the festival plan for the town pier, explaining that the harbor staff wanted to keep the momentum going with food trucks and local music. Motion Made by Nico Afanasenko to approve the special event Fisherman’s Fest 2025 to be held on the Town Pier on Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 12 noon until 5:00 p.m. pending all departmental feedback and approval. Vote Passed 5-0. Shortly after, Sam Rich and Kate Golden of the St. Vincent de Paul Society presented their inaugural walk. Rich noted that the organization serves as a last resort when safety nets break, while Golden joked that right after a big fish is a great time for a walk. Motion Made by James Gilmore to approve the special event St. Vincent de Paul Charity Walk on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Vote Passed 5-0.

The board also reviewed structural changes to the Coastal Advisory Commission presented by Lori Miles, who updated the committee’s charge to make it more focused and achievable. Miles explained that she amended the charge to include an additional two members from the Scituate residential community. Susan Harrison emphasized the importance of broad representation, saying, It’s really important stakeholder-wise to make sure you have your inland folks really involved as well. Motion Made by James Gilmore to accept the proposed amendments to the Coastal Advisory Commission charge as written on August 27, 2025, with the addition of non-classifying two of the resident members. Vote Passed 5-0. The board then finalized the team. Motion Made by Nico Afanasenko to appoint Mark Currin as inland resident, Daniel B. Sullivan and Elizabeth Crowley as coastal residents, Chris Reichio as the technical resident, and Liz Charlton as the business community resident for a term of three years or until a successor is named. Vote Passed 5-0.

Art and preservation took center stage as Patrice May of the Scituate Harbor Cultural District presented a plan for a new mural at Cole Parkway by artist Amanda Hill. May asked how the town could transform the area into something that’s more visually exciting. The board also heard from CPC Chair Dan regarding four projects for the November Town Meeting, including the acquisition of the Dishpan property on Clap Road and repairs to the Mordecai Lincoln house. Dan noted that anytime we can secure additional land like this, it’s a good move for the town. Finally, the board managed routine infrastructure and fiscal business, including road salt procurement. Motion Made by James Gilmore to award the contract to purchase road salt from the Morton Salt Company for $68.82 per ton. Vote Passed 5-0.

In closing reports, board members shared updates on regional developments. Nico Afanasenko discussed the Spanish exchange program at the high school, noting, I believe there are 16 students here. Freya Schlegel raised concerns about sidewalk accessibility and shared IT estimates for the WPA building, mentioning that Mike from IT estimated it to be about $180,000 for fiber optics. Motion Made by James Gilmore to accept the donations totaling $725 to the Veterans Advisory Council gift fund for the benefit of veterans of the town. Vote Passed 5-0. Motion Made by James Gilmore to accept the $1,000 charitable donation to Scituate Council on Aging from the Patricia Seneski Trust. Vote Passed 5-0. Motion Made by James Gilmore to approve the drain layers license to Chris Vendo Company and Prime County Extension. Vote Passed 5-0.