Justin Evans
Express correspondent
The Kingston Board of Selectmen is revisiting plans to establish a Department of Public Works (DPW) after a previous proposal fell short at town meeting. The board discussed holding public hearings and gathering feedback from town employees and residents before potentially bringing a revised proposal to a future town meeting.
During their May 20 meeting, board members agreed to schedule a public hearing for June 17 at 5:30 p.m., just before their regular meeting, to present information about the proposed DPW and collect community input.
“We need to have some public hearings or informational sessions,” said Board Chair Eric Crone. “People were saying they’re just hearing about it now. It’s a big thing that people were just hearing about and they want to hear more about it.”
The board previously attempted to establish a DPW but fell short of the necessary votes at town meeting. Board members believe providing more information and addressing concerns raised by residents and department staff could lead to a different outcome.
The previous proposal would combine the Streets, Trees, and Parks Department with the Water Department, Sewer Department, and Facilities under one Public Works Director. It fell just short at Town Meeting.
“We were close, but we had unanswered questions. So let’s try to get some answers to some of the questions we already have and have these discussions,” said Vice Chair Kim Emberg.
New board member Carl Pike expressed concern about bringing the proposal back too quickly.
“I’m not in favor of bringing this back in the fall Town Meeting. I never like having regular Town Meeting turn something down and then coming charging right back in at a Special Town Meeting,” Pike said.
However, other board members noted that many residents approached them after Town Meeting saying they would have changed their votes with more information.
The board also discussed meeting with town employees from affected departments to hear their concerns. Fire Chief Mark Douglass cautioned the board about putting employees in a difficult position if these meetings are recorded, as some work for political boards that oppose the DPW.
“You’ve got two departments that run with commissioners. They have a fairly dedicated group of employees,” Chief Douglass said. “To put those employees in a room and record them, you’re putting them in a very difficult spot.”
The board agreed to work with Town Administrator Keith Hickey to arrange appropriate meetings with staff.
In other business, Town Planner Valerie Massard presented four grant applications seeking board support. The applications include:
– A joint application with Duxbury for funding to complete engineering design for Exit 20 ramps and the Tarkiln Road/Big Y intersection
– A community planning grant to update the town’s master plan
– A brownfield redevelopment cleanup grant for the old fire station at 10 Maple Street
– A coastal resiliency grant for improvements to the wharf, parking, and harbormaster’s office at the town landing
“It’s grant season, so we’re hunting,” Massard said.
The board unanimously approved supporting all four grant applications.
Police Chief Brian Holmes requested $18,000 from the town’s opioid settlement funds for Plymouth County Outreach (PCO), a program that provides support services for people struggling with substance use disorders.
Representatives from PCO, including Director Vicky Butler and Hanover Police Chief Tim Kane, presented information about the program’s success in reducing overdose deaths in Plymouth County.
“Our program started with post-overdose follow-up. So we partner with law enforcement. Anytime someone overdoses within any of our Plymouth County communities, we’re going to go out as soon as possible,” Butler explained.
Chief Kane added, “Our officers go out there now and they respond to a scene somewhat of what I responded to in the early part of my career, and now they leave this family with a little bit of hope that they didn’t have otherwise.”
The board unanimously approved the $18,000 transfer from the opioid settlement fund, which currently has a balance of $177,000.
The board also approved:
– A request from the Agricultural Commission to use the townhouse gazebo for a produce sharing program
– A one-day liquor license for 42nd Brew Company for an event on June 7
– Setting October 28 as the date for a special town meeting
– Several donations to the Police Department and Council on Aging
– Seasonal employee appointments for the Recreation Department
Town Administrator Hickey reported that the town is switching from Blackboard Connect to Code Red for its emergency notification system, which will save more than $10,000 annually. He also noted that the town is working on software to allow residents to purchase transfer station permits online.
Hickey announced that Fire Captain Susan Hussey is retiring on July 10, and Assistant Treasurer Nick Derbes has resigned effective June 4.