DPW Director Sheila Scarzy presented a comprehensive look at FY27 capital requests, highlighting a significant increase in annual Powder Point Bridge repairs from $300,000 to $500,000. Scarzy noted that while a state-led reconstruction project is on the horizon, the town must decide how much to band-aid the structure to keep it safely operational in the interim. Sheila Scarzy stated, It is worth discussion in the community. You know, we have the bridge replacement project coming through MassDOT. Chairman Alexander Chin questioned the risks of deferring these costs, asking, If we didn't move this down in the priorities and it wasn't funded, would the state want us to close the bridge? Scarzy responded that while no engineer can predict an exact closure date, the bridge requires constant intervention to prevent partial lane closures or safety hazards.

The committee spent considerable time debating the $875,000 fuel depot replacement at the central fire station, a project that has evolved from a simple canopy installation into a full-scale tank replacement. The current steel tanks, installed in 1995, have reached their 30-year life expectancy and are at risk of failure. Vincent Walsh explored cost-saving measures, asking, So is this a project that can be divided though up into states instead of hitting 875 this year? Andrew Marshall questioned the long-term strategy of municipal fueling, noting, We have an opportunity to sort of think through that decision of which path we want to go down and I just want to make sure we've thought about both paths. Scarzy warned that delaying the project further would invite the risk of a multi-million dollar cleanup if a leak occurred.

Beyond heavy infrastructure, the DPW highlighted critical equipment failures, including a utility cart with rotted floors where staff currently use old street signs as makeshift floorboards. Lands and Natural Resources Manager Jim Sabonan explained, We have to use street signs for the floor. Cemetery Superintendent Chip Letty also presented the Mayflower Cemetery West End development, explaining that the town is required by law to provide burial space and is running out of capacity. Chip Letty said, We're required to have burial spaces for people in Duxbury, and we're running low. Cemetery Trustee Bob Hayes provided historical context, adding, The town has always been very progressive with respect to cemetery space. Frank M. Holden sought more data-driven foundations for these expansions, saying, I'm just looking for that foundation so I can find the foundation for the other things and easily acquired data and information.

The meeting concluded with a look toward future costs, including a $6 million landfill capping project at the McNeil site for FY28 and a $500,000 replacement for a 1960s-era transfer station compactor that appears to be original equipment. Candace Martin expressed appreciation for the detailed presentation, noting, The questions and the way tonight went is so helpful. I thought first off the presentation was really good and very in-depth. Member Karen E. Barry reiterated the importance of fiscal diligence as the committee prepares for upcoming fee discussions, stating, It's difficult as a voting member to be able to justify a fee that doesn't have any backup to why are we doing it? The meeting was adjourned at 1:28:31.