Rep. Kathy LaNatra and the Massachusetts State Legislature enacted a $56.2 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) The FY24 conference committee report provides for historic levels of investment in local aid, education, housing, regional transportation, health care, workforce development, and more, as part of a broad strategy to grow our state’s economy and make Massachusetts more affordable, inclusive, and competitive.
“I was proud to support this FY’24 state budget, which makes significant investments in many crucial areas, such as education, workforce development, health care, and most importantly, increases investment in our local communities,” said State Rep. Kathy LaNatra (D-Kingston). “During these budget negotiations, we were able to secure increased local funding, resulting in millions of extra dollars going to towns in the 12th Plymouth district, many in the form of chapter 70 funds. The increase of $30 of per pupil funding will result in significant improvements in how our towns educate the next generation.
The budget also contains many targeted earmarks that will invest in the 12th Plymouth’s education, infrastructure, climate resiliency, recreation and much more.
Thank you to Speaker Mariano, Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz and Senate Leadership for this historic budget.”

The Kingston Board of Selectmen met on Tuesday, Aug. 1. Selectmen Chair Kimberley Emberg told those assembled that the remaining Sewer Commissioners were in attendance. She said that in July they received a letter of resignation from Tom Taylor following a 14-year run as a Sewer Commissioner. Emberg explained the process to fill the vacancy which culminates in the Sewer Commissioners and the Selectmen voting to appoint someone. There were a total of three letters of interest.
The first applicant was Brian Donahoe. Donahoe, who said he is a 36-year resident of Kingston said, “I’m interested in this because of my past experience in the town as a Sewer Commissioner at the inaugural part of this process… I’m semi-retired so I have more time to spend on something like this… I’ve had 50 years’ experience in this industry.” He also said that he has had an opportunity to talk to the active Sewer Commissioners about the current status of things. One of the Selectmen pointed out that his qualifications would even make him eligible to serve as the Superintendent of the plant. Donahoe confirmed that he is eligible to serve as Superintendent of any plant.
Director of the Kingston Business Association Mark Guidoboni came before the Boards next. He said that his intent was “to ensure that Kingston has adequate infrastructure to stay competitive to bring new businesses into Kingston as well as support the businesses we have with the expansion they need; with our business tax base less than 8 percent of our revenue every year this is an issue that I think we need to make sure that we have a good healthy sewer system and good healthy water as well as the rest of the infrastructure in Kingston.” He noted that since applying for the sewer position he was elected as a member of the Silver Lake Regional School Committee. Given the time constraints he will be under, he instead endorsed Donahoe. “I would yield to the experience Mr. Donahoe brings to the table,” he said.
Applicant Daniel Harlow spoke next saying, “I believe the duty of the Government and representative members, whether they be elected or appointed, is to facilitate the freedoms of the residents and to ensure that all residents have equal treatment, equal opportunity, and transparency of the Government actions.” He continued, “As of today there are currently seven months of meeting minutes that are still missing from the Sewer Commission that have not been posted to the Town’s website… when members of the public do tend to seek answers to questions, they are often met with what I call effective stonewalling.” He said that he believes that Government officials, including the Sewer Commissioners, should never ask questions about who someone is or where they live. He went on to name what he believed to be questionable actions by the Sewer Commission. He said that his main objective would be to “allow information to flow freely from the Government to the people.” One of the current Sewer Commissioners said that the meeting minutes are behind due to staffing issues but noted that all the meetings are recorded.
Donahoe was voted in as the newest Sewer Commissioner by a vote of 6-1.
Cow Plop
The Silver Lake Regional Class of 2025 President Hannah Selig as well as Katie Arnold, Secretary of the Class of 2025 appeared before the Selectmen. “We’re here tonight to ask for the approval of the use of the green out front during the Agricultural Fair to hold a Cow Plop,” Selig said. A cow stands on a series of squares which have been bought by attendees. Winners are declared when a cow defecates or “plops” on a square. Selig said that it was a leading fundraiser in previous years and helps pay for their prom. Selectman Sheila Vaughn asked if there were volunteer opportunities for other students in that class and was told they would just need to reach out to Selig who would find them a role. The Selectmen voted to approve the request.
Police Chief Search and Independent Evaluation
Selectman Tyler Bouchard advocated to his fellow Board members in favor of hiring a firm to conduct the search for a new Police Chief as well as to conduct an independent review of the Department. “I think having something like this in conjunction with interviewing our Command that we have… I think gives us two avenues to pull from – information,” he said. He added that it would give added justification at Town Meeting should the Department need a new patrolman or truck. Regarding the study, Town Administrator Keith Hickey said, “They can review where we stand with policies and procedures, recommendations on if there needs to be some adjustments, modifications, modernization of those polices and procedures.” He said that they would also review command structure, staffing levels, and traffic enforcement. He called the study a “roadmap for the new Police Chief.”
Bouchard also spoke about the accreditation process for the Department. The State describes the process as follows, “The Massachusetts Police Accreditation Program offers an accreditation process for police agencies across the Commonwealth.  Like other accreditation programs, the process consists of two major components: (1) the establishment of a body of professional standards for police agencies to meet, and (2) a voluntary assessment process by which agencies can be publicly recognized for meeting those standards considered best practices for the profession.”
Selectman Eric Crone said that he spoke to his brother who has decades of experience as a Police Chief and said that he was wishy-washy about whether he would want an outside evaluation done of the department were he in those shoes. Regarding the hiring process, Crone said, “He had said you want a Police Chief from a similar size department locally… to sit in on your interview board.” Crone also said that he was still against the study as there are formulas to determine personnel and equipment needs and noted that using those formulas would not cost “tens of thousands of dollars.” Several other Selectmen expressed concern over the cost of the evaluation.
Hickey said that his recommendation would be to bring in the consulting firm MRI to present to the Selectmen regarding the evaluation and hiring process. The Selectmen voted to have them attend a future meeting to continue the discussion.
Grant for Ramp Project
Selectman Tyler Bouchard said that on Thursday of the previous week, the Seaport Economic Council awarded Kingston $344,000 for ramp improvements. “It was through the efforts of Tom Bombardier and the people throughout the town and the Townhouse that wrote that grant and put a ton of time into that grant; it looked like a long shot and honestly, it’s going to save, in my opinion, it’s going to save the whole thing. It’s just a huge, huge deal. We got to present the project to the Lieutenant Governor and the Seaport Economic Council, and they voted in favor of our project and said that it was a no brainer,” he explained.
Fire in Kingston Hotel
Hickey spoke regarding a fire that occurred in a Kingston hotel that has been housing migrant families since last fall. He said that the fire occurred in one of the rooms when two small children left something in a microwave. The fire suppressant system in the hotel did work and everyone was eventually allowed back into the room with the exception of the occupants of the affected room. Everyone was safe following the fire. Hickey said, “That building was not built for extended stay, and it has become that and my fear is, God forbid, were something to happen, did the town do whatever we could to prevent whatever tragedy may occur and are we now liable?” He said that he has been in communication and held several meetings with many involved including the Fire Department and hotel ownership.
Openings and Events
There are openings on the following Boards and Committees: the Finance Committee, the Capital Planning Committee, The Community Preservation Committee, The Cultural Commission, the Ichabod Washburn Fund Trustees, Rent Control Board, Housing Authority, Old Colony Elder Affairs Board of Directors, and the Council on Aging (COA) Advisory Board. The COA is also seeking a driver for the Meals on Wheels program.
Music nights at Gray’s Beach will continue on Aug. 15 and Aug. 29 at 6 p.m. “The History of Kingston Schools Exhibit will be at the Adams Center from August 16 through August 31, and you can see the library website for more information on that,” Emberg said.
Public Hearing
There was a public hearing for Eversource to install conduit underground for new electric service at 15 Kingston St. The Board voted to approve the request.

The Plympton Board of Selectmen met on Monday, July 24. The Selectmen took up a vote to issue a notice of non-exercise for 399 Main Street, Figueroa. “This was a parcel, that I believe is going solar,” Chair Christine Joy said. “We did look at that property – I spent some time with the Open Space Co-Chair and the Conservation Agent and we once had this vision of multi-use property – solar, agriculture, affordable housing and in looking more closely at it, it was clear that there is a lot of wetlands and there just wasn’t going to be room to do it.” “ I don’t think it’s a missed opportunity,” Selectman Mark Russo said.
The Selectmen voted to approve a sign at Harry Jason Park. Selectman John Traynor explained that it was being driven by the Recreation Committee. He further said that the Dennett Elementary School soccer field was in bad shape and the program wished to use the field at Harry Jason Park as the grass was in better shape. While the Selectmen approved the request, the Recreation Commission will be responsible for paying for and installing the sign. Traynor said that the sign will be installed prior to the start of the program in September.
The Selectmen voted to approve a pilot agreement for 61 Upland Road. It was previously approved at the May Town Meeting. Joy said it was vetted by all the necessary parties including Town Counsel and the Board of Assessors.
They also voted to approve a proposed agreement to allow the transfer of ownership of land owned by Crescent Moon Cranberry LLC on Upland Road to SolaREIT. Joy asked them to confirm that they were aware of all of the restrictions including conservation and was told that they did. The conservation restrictions include a permanent habitat for Eastern Box turtles and a conservation restriction the town has on the balance of the bog property. Russo touched on the endangered species restriction and noted that he is on the Board of Wildlands Trust. He also said that the Wildlands Trust Board would like to see the town hold both restrictions, rather than the Wildlands Trust being the holders of the endangered species restriction. The Selectmen agreed that they were open to holding both and that it might help to keep things “cleaner.”
The Board also discussed and approved a proposed easement between Jeff and Michelle Smith and SolaREIT to ensure that the abutting homeowners maintain the needed access to their property.
The Selectmen ended their meeting with their raves for the last few weeks. Traynor said that his rave was for the Fire Chief Search Committee. “What an excellent job they did… I think that process of having a Committee of two Fire Chiefs, a Moderator, the Town Administrator, and the Police Chief resulted in a very good decision,” he said. He also gave a shout out to Project Arts that puts on live music on Wednesday evenings at the Plymouth Waterfront. “So, I think my rave is the way things naturally, organically slow-down during the summer; I think people are on vacation and it gives us all a chance to catch our breath a little, get a bit of perspective, so that we kind of gain some momentum with direction as we head into the fall,” Russo said. Joy said her rave was for the possibility of the town taking ownership over the restriction for the Box turtles. “It’s a beautiful forest area that would be protected,” Joy said.

The Kingston Board of Selectmen met on Tuesday, July 18. Chair Kimberley Emberg said on June 22 they received an email letting them know that Police Chief Maurice Splaine did not intend on renewing his contract which expires in February. She wished him well in his retirement and thanked him publicly for his service to the town.
Town Administrator Keith Hickey recommended to the Selectmen that they consider hiring a search committee to do an external search. “That doesn’t exclude any internal candidates from applying for the position; they would apply for the Police Chief position and if they were deemed to be in competition with any external candidate that applied, they would certainly go through that process and potentially be hired,” Hickey said. He continued, “In doing that, what I have found in the past… is that if an internal candidate gets hired, it provides the internal candidate some credibility with the Department and the community that they made it through the process and they are the best candidate for Police Chief and not just an internal promotion.” He also said that Duxbury is currently going through a Police Chief search now and he spoke to the company that is handling the search. Hickey told the Selectmen that the search would take 3-4 months to find and vet candidates to bring before the Board.
Hickey also suggested that they hire a firm to do a study of the current Police Department to make recommendations to the Selectmen regarding staffing levels, policies and procedures, and building needs. He said that it would be an impartial take on the Department that could be used to justify decisions made by the Selectmen as well as inform votes taken at Town Meeting. Selectman Sheila Vaughn asked about the costs of hiring these external firms. Hickey said that the evaluation would cost between $20 to $25,000 and the Police Chief search would be another $20 to $25,000.
Selectman Eric Crone argued that the Police Department might not need or want to have an independent evaluation done. He suggested that the Police Chief might be the best person to assess the Department’s needs. He also said he would be interested in hearing the thoughts of the Mass Chiefs of Police or IECP (International Association of Chiefs of Police) on the evaluation and asked Hickey about potentially reaching out to those entities.
Vaughn argued that it would be hard to do an expensive evaluation for one department, but not others. She said she felt it was a lot of money to ask for both the evaluation and the hiring firm. Vice Chair Donald Alcombright said, “At least to me, I think the benefit of it is you bring an outside perspective to a new Chief coming in that’s not clouded in anything; here’s the information, this is what we saw – you can do as you want with it, but I think that independent information could be beneficial to a new Chief coming in. Emberg said that it sounded as though the Selectmen were mostly in favor of hiring a firm to conduct the Police Chief search while the issue of whether to do the independent evaluation was less clear. They agreed to take steps toward hiring a firm for the search.
Hickey also said that the Selectmen may want to consider sponsoring a Town Meeting article that would remove the Strong Police Chief. Hickey explained the Strong Police Chief as, “a Police Chief that has basically complete authority over the Department, answers directly to the Board of Selectmen, and provides direct oversight for all of the staff in the Police Department. The alternative is to have a Police Chief that works for the Town Manager/Town Administrator… and answers to that position as most other department heads would.” A Police Chief that is a Strong Chief has hiring and firing authority as opposed to non-Strong Chiefs. Vaughn asked if most neighboring communities had a Strong Police Chief. Hickey said he was unable to find that information after a search but said that he suspects that as communities have become more professionalized, the Strong Police and Fire Chief positions have likely become fewer. Hickey recommended that if they were going to make the change, they do so before hiring a new Chief. The Board appeared to be mostly against making the move to restructure the Police Department in this way and agreed to table it for the time being. They noted that the fall town meeting would be too short of notice to bring such a change before the town for a vote.
Emberg said that there were a number of Boards and Committees that had vacancies. Those included openings on the Finance Committee, Community Preservation Committee, Capital Planning, Cultural Commission, Rent Control Board, Ichabod Washburn Fund Trustees, Old Colony Elder Affairs Board of Directors, Board of Registrars (Republican seat), and the Housing Authority. The Council on Aging also needs a volunteer to deliver for Meals on Wheels. The Board of Selectmen will hold a joint meeting with the sewer commissioners on August 1 to fill a vacant sewer commissioner position.
Emberg also went over several upcoming events including music nights at Grays Beach on August 15 and August 29 at 6 p.m. A movie night will be held on August 10 at dusk. A farmer’s market will be held on Sunday, Aug. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. National Night Out will take place on Aug 8 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Silver Lake Regional Middle School. Emberg said it “will feature food, refreshments, pony rides, public safety vehicles, K-9 demonstrations, a DJ, and more.” Laura Casey-Pupek, of the Police Department, spoke saying they still had vendor openings available for National Night Out.
The Selectmen also dealt with a number of appointments. Mary Hayes was appointed to the Council on Aging for a three-year term and Kathy Studley was appointed to a one-year term as an alternate. The Selectmen also voted unanimously to appoint Jennifer Alukonis to a two-year term on the Affordable Housing Trust.
Vaughn went over some recent donations including $800 in gift cards from an anonymous donor to the Veteran’s Department. There was also a $10,500 donation from the Kingston Public Library Foundation to the library programs. Of the donations, Vaughn said, “Woohoo, awesome!”

BOSTON – Rep. Kathy LaNatra of Kingston announced that the Food System Caucus, of which she is a member, has prioritized eight pieces of legislation and endorsed twenty additional pieces of legislation for the 193rd session. Led by Co-Chairs Representative Kane, Representative Vargas, Representative Schmid, Representative Domb, Representative Donahue, Senator Comerford, and Senator DiDomenico, the Food System Caucus has based its priority and endorsed legislation on the three primary areas identified as priorities in the Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan and accepted by the Massachusetts Food Policy Council in 2015:
• Food access/insecurity: Reducing waste, hunger, and food insecurity while making available more fresh, healthy food to everyone who lives in the Commonwealth.
• Farmland: Protecting the land and resources necessary to produce food while maximizing the environmental benefits of agriculture and fishing and the preservation of agricultural land.
• Economic Development: Recognizing the significant impact to local, regional, and state economies, supporting the increase of production, sales, and consumption of Massachusetts-farmed food and seafood, and creating jobs and improving wages in the food, farming, and seafood industries.
• The Food System Caucus will be a hosting an upcoming legislative briefing to highlight and summarize the caucus’ priority legislation and answer any questions from members about the bills prior to August recess.
“Thank you to all of our fellow Legislators who submitted their important pieces of legislation to the Food System Caucus for priority consideration” said the Food System Caucus Co-Chairs. “We are excited to work together this session to propel these pieces of legislation forward.”
“I am pleased to be one of the many members of the Food System Caucus,” said Rep. Kathy LaNatra (D – Kingston).“The priority and endorsed legislation our Caucus has chosen this session will strengthen our local food system and help reduce food insecurity, as issue made acutely important over these past few years. I look forward to advocating with members to advance these bills this session.”
The House and Senate Clerks have now referred bills filed seasonably to the appropriate Joint Committee. All seasonably filed bills are guaranteed a public hearing before February of 2024, when Committees have a deadline to take action on bills heard by their Committees. Below is background on each of the priority and endorsed bills for the Food System Caucus.
The Food System Caucus includes 158 legislative members. For more information on the caucus, please visit our website: www.mafoodsystemcaucus.com

The Halifax Board of Selectmen held their June 27 meeting from the Holmes Public Library. This is the first in a series of meetings the Selectmen intend to hold in various municipal buildings to highlight both the various buildings and departments.
Library Director Jean Gallant said she has been the Director for the last seven years and has worked in the building since 1999. “It’s safe to say that this library is my home away from home,” Gallant told the Selectmen and others. Gallant said that the Library Trustees consist of six members that advocate on behalf of the library, approve the budget, and decide upon policies for the library. She also said that they are part of the SAILS network which consists of over 60 different libraries. “I’d like to say that this library is the rainbow fish in a bigger ocean because we have a relatively small budget compared to some of the libraries that are in the SAILS network and my Friends group is instrumental in providing programs for adults and children… we service more than just the residents of Halifax,” Gallant said referring to a group of volunteers at Holmes. Gallant said there is also a Committee, made up of residents, that work together on the long range plan for the library. She read the mission that the Committee wrote. She noted that the complete plan can be found on the website.
Gallant said that $15,000 to $20,000 was spent on ensuring access to electronic materials. She referenced Libby which is an electronic database owned by the SAILS network. “With your library card, you have access to e-books and e-audiobooks and music, children’s, adult stuff and we also just purchased Hoopla

Kingston Town Administrator Keith Hickey reported to selectmen at their June 20 meeting that the Baymont Inn, which has been housing migrants in what was supposed to be temporary shelter through December 2022, now appears to have no end date in sight. Hickey said he is concerned that the facility, which is no longer a hotel and is listed as permanently closed on its website, was not built for long-term residency and he and the Kingston buildings manager are concerned that it is not up to code; with every room filled, it is inviting problems for both the town of Kingston and the residents housed there.
Hickey will be meeting with representatives from the state to discuss remedies to this situation that will also answer the residents’ needs and assure their safety.
Town mourns loss
Beginning the selectmen’s meeting Chairman Kimberley Emberg told the board of the loss of Brad Norman, Kingston’s Buildings Manager, whose death followed a brief illness. After a moment of silence, Emberg expressed her sympathy to Norman’s family.
In the meeting’s open forum, a Kingston resident took the podium and sang the praises of Brad Norman. During the COVID shutdown, she said, Brad was invaluable with his hospital experience. “Suddenly there were sanitizers, sprayers, solutions, and anything else he could get his hands onto to keep us all safe. That was Brad.” This resident further told of the special project at Gray’s Beach. When a seawall was destroyed by storm, Brad consulted and was instrumental in planning and getting the grant-funding to construct a natural sea barrier, with boardwalks and restrooms, for the enjoyment of all. “I speak for many when I say he will be missed for his sense of humor, his collaboration, knowledge, compassion and as the gentleman he was. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Vacancies
The town moderator is seeking to fill open seats on the Finance Committee, the Capital Planning Committee, and Council on Aging who are also seeking a volunteer to help deliver Meals on Wheels. Anyone interested in any of these positions should reach out to the Director of Elder Affairs or to the Selectmen’s office.
Transfer Station stickers
Transfer Station stickers expire July 1 and are now on sale at the Highway Dept. from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., regular hours, and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through July 9, except for July 4. Bring your registration and the driver’s license of the person on that registration, proof of Kingston residency, and a check or money order for the sticker, as cash and credit and debit card payments are not accepted.
Farmer’s Market
The next Farmer’s Market will take place on Grays Beach Park Sunday, July 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The first “Music at the Beach” is scheduled for Tuesday July 11 at 6 p.m. at Grays Beach Park.
Retirement benefit
Charles Armanetti, a Plymouth County retiree living in Carver who worked for the town of Middleboro for 36 years, spoke to the County’s request for the one-time 5% increase in retiree’s benefits for the fiscal year 2024. Armanetti told the board that Kingston has 81 retirees and their average retirement stipend is $27,500, and the extra 5 percent would mean a lot to them.
Plymouth County Treasurer Tom O’Brien appeared as president of the Plymouth County Retirement Association. He said that 23 towns member units – all four who have already taken this vote, did so unanimously. Kingston voted unanimously to adopt the one-time retirement bonus.
Rocky Nook July 4th
Selectmen approved a request from Rebecca Hebert of Rocky Nook to close the roads in the Rocky Nook area for a 4th of July celebration. Included in the motion was a statement to ask the police to do their part in seeing that the laws regarding fireworks are upheld. Town Administrator Hickey said that was included so that it would be known that illegal fireworks are in no way condoned by the town. Selectman Donald Alcombright moved that selectmen order the closure of roads: a portion of East Avenue at Bayview Avenue, West Avenue. at Bayview Avenue., Cole Street at Bagnall Street, and a portion of Rocky Nook Avenue from the intersection of East Avenue at Bayview Avenue, to the intersection of Rocky Nook Avenue at North Street, on Tuesday, July 4, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. with the following conditions:
•Access for emergency vehicles is always maintained. All barricades must be placed to allow emergency responders to quickly move them. Sections of closed roads must have a width of 10 feet to allow apparatus access.
•The petitioner secures barricades and road closed signage from the highway department to be erected by the petitioners during the event.
•Notification is made by the petitioner to the neighborhood residents that are affected by the road closure.
•Instruct the police department to take appropriate legal action against private citizens who use, possess, or sell fireworks.
Town Administrator Hickey furthered that the group Ms. Hebert represents is not involved in fireworks. “I’ve asked in this motion specifically … to have the town, the Board of Selectmen, to direct the police chief to ask his staff to be more emphatic when they’re dealing with the types of displays that have been going on in the Nook now for a little while.”
Selectman Sheila Vaughn said that it’s not just one or two (involved with illegal fireworks) I do believe there’s quite a few citizens in there. “It has gotten much bigger over time,” Vaughn continued. Hickey noted that there are legal ways to light off fireworks. “If individuals in the Nook are interested in pursuing that, happy to have that conversation or put them in contact with the fire chief.” Hickey said the town is trying to be proactive and prevent injuries. “We’re talking about lighting off some pretty significantly large fireworks.” This isn’t the first time this concern has come up either, Emberg concluded.
Agricultural Fair
Next, selectmen approved a request from the Agricultural Commission to use town property was posed by Jean Landis- Naumann, associate member, who spoke in place of John Wheble, Jr., chairman, who was out of state and could not attend. “We have had this agricultural fair traditionally on the old green since about 2008. This year, when we made our request, the police chief came back to us and said he would require two detail officers. When we informed him we did not have sufficient funds for two detail officers, he kindly worked with us and recommended that we consider using the property around the townhouse… We have looked at the property and feel it is adequate for what we have in mind. We’re hoping to amplify some of the things we’ve done in the past. We’re reaching out to additional vendors, not just from Kingston, but also from surrounding communities, and are asking that they include an educational component to their display. There will also be lawn games. The one-day event will be Sunday, Sept. 10, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Produce sharing
In other business, Landis-Naumann asked for permission to set up a produce-sharing program, using the Gazebo. Town administrator Hickey noted concerns from the health agent regarding spoilage and how to deal with it. The Council on Aging director offered their setting for the produce sharing should the Agricultural Commission fail to get the okay for the Gazebo. Selectmen voted to approve the produce sharing for the Gazebo and should problems arise, the operation can be seamlessly moved to the Council on Aging.
Selectmen unanimously approved five separate one-day liquor licenses for Michael Johnson of Brewery 44 Music at the Beach events at Gray’s Beach Juy 11, 25, August 15, and 29, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Sept. 23, 2 to 6 p.m., along with any rain dates that may be needed.
Reappointments
Selectmen undertook the lengthy list of reappointments to various boards and committees. John Alcombright was appointed as the selectmen’s representative to the Agricultural Commission. The COA Advisory Board is different as required by their by-laws, causing selectmen to vote to waive the by-law to allow Joan Hutchinson and Maureen Elwood to the three-year terms beginning July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2026. Austin Sennett was approved for another three-year term beginning July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2026.
Selectmen unanimously voted to fill the vacancy of the recreation department’s program administrator and hired Brandy Gordon to fill the position. She had worked in the program.
Due to the recent resignation of the assistant treasurer, and having undergone the recruiting process, the board was asked to approve the appointment of Nicholas Derbes, who is currently working as the assistant tax collector. Emberg noted that this would be a promotion for Derbes and require recruiting for the assistant tax collector position. Hickey commented, “Good for him. He’s done a great job.”
Special Town Meeting
The school department reached out to Hickey to schedule a special town meeting. Hickey provided selectmen with a timeline, making Tuesday evening, Oct. 24, the proposed date. In addition to a school warrant item, there town will likely be a Community Preservation Committee article which will help refurbish the Opachinski fields, among others. Chairman Emberg asked that the supporting information for each of the warrant articles as they come up be posted on the town’s website, keeping the public informed as the warrant develops. Hickey said he would be happy to do it.
Donations accepted
Selectmen voted to accept the following donations to the Veterans Department: $250 donation in gift cards from an anonymous donor, a $100 donation from Andrew and Carmen Risio, and a $100 donation from Rui and JoAnn Santos. For the Veterans Memorial, selectmen accepted the donations of $250 from William Martin, $250 from Goodrich Lumber Company, $100 from Barbara Holmes, $200 from Dennis Reddy, $10 from Jane Core, $78 from election day donations, $100 from Deborah Grace, $100 from Ronald Perry, $50 from Ann Govoni, $790 in t-shirt sales March through June. Selectmen also voted to accept a $102 donation from Stop and Shop for the Meals on Wheels program.
Hickey updated the board on the progress of the bill for $100,000 to Kingston to help fund the Veterans’ Memorial to be built in front of the Townhouse. Hickey told selectmen that the bill has made it through both the house and the senate. Once the budget has been set, “we are hopeful that that donation will come to fruition and help out the completion of that project, which will be nice.” Hickey also reported that the Elm Street drainage project that the Conservation Commission and agent are working on through a grant is going well. They hope to have the project done by the end of the month and the road re-opened.
“We’ve run into a little bit of a challenge with the Route 106 and 27 intersection improvements. Bids ranged from $456,000 to $630,000. The town received just under $400,000 for a grant.” Hickey said the shortfall was primarily because of the increase in the cost of materials. He said he would meet with the state and talk internally about how to fund the $56,000 deficit and see where we can go. There are other sources, and Hickey said he would put it together and bring a proposal back to selectmen.
Gray’s Beach playground open
Hickey happily announced that Gray’s Beach playground is open, phase one having been completed. “I was told that the recreation director was one of the first ones down the slide. I wish we had it on video. We don’t.” Phase two includes setting the compound rubber material used for footing, accessibility, and safety, he said. That phase will begin in late August and close the playground for approximately two weeks while it is installed.
OCPC Traffic Study
Hickey said he had met with Old Colony Planning Council regarding the Landing Road/Maple Street/Bay Road intersection to come up with a safer solution. He will meet with the Town of Duxbury to see if they will agree to Kingston’s putting up a “No Through Truck Traffic” sign keeping trucks off those roads. Duxbury will have to agree as Bay Road is also in Duxbury. While 3-Way Stop signs were also suggested, OCPC determined that it didn’t meet all the warrants allowed. Hickey said he expects Kingston will get a report from OCPC detailing their traffic study and suggestions by the end of June.
Tragic loss
In closing, Sheila Vaughn spoke of the loss of Brad Norman and how it is such a tragic loss to his family, and friends, and to the town. “It’s just a tragic loss and really sad for everyone.”
Selectmen’s next scheduled meeting is July 11 at 6 p.m.