Newly elected Select Board Chair Amy MacNab assumed leadership Monday night with a promise to scrutinize town spending following a razor-thin victory for the FY27 operating override. Acknowledging that the measure passed by only 269 votes, MacNab emphasized a commitment to fiscal accountability as the board reorganized following the March 28 town election. I remain committed to looking for ways to ease the tax burden, MacNab said, adding that she will be paying close attention to new positions such as the Town Engineer to ensure they provide clear value to residents.

The transition in leadership saw the board shift roles. Motion Made by B. Glennon to elect Amy MacNab as Chair. Motion Passed (5-0). Further reorganization followed quickly. Motion Made by A. MacNab to elect Fernando Guitart as Vice Chair. Motion Passed (5-0). Rounding out the new executive structure, Motion Made by M. McGee to elect Cynthia Ladd Fiorini as Clerk. Motion Passed (5-0). Earlier in the evening, Town Clerk Susan Kelly administered the oath of office to Brian Glennon and Michael McGee, who secured their seats in the recent election. Kelly led the pair in swearing to faithfully and impartially perform all the duties of the office.

The meeting frequently turned toward the lingering impacts of Blizzard Hernando, a record-breaking February storm that dropped up to 35 inches of snow on Duxbury. Town Manager René Read characterized the event as a weather bomb that saw the town exhaust its salt supply and spend over $200,000 on outside contractors. Member Fernando Guitart pushed for a formal corrective action report, noting a near-catastrophe at the regional dispatch center. The backup generator at the ROCC failed. We nearly lost dispatch, Guitart warned, adding that only the intervention of a National Guardsman saved the system. Fire Chief Rob Reardon detailed the difficulty in securing state aid during the peak of the storm, recalling that it took four hours for requested assets to arrive because Route 3 was impassable. Resident Jamie Asbett voiced the frustration of many neighbors, telling the board, I'm stunned. It took three days for my street to be plowed. DPW Director Sheila Sgarzi explained that the heavy snow rendered smaller trucks useless and noted that three regular contractors had backed out of their agreements this year.

Frustrations also boiled over regarding the East Street Bridge, which has remained closed for nearly two years. Rod Jackson of Mass DOT informed the board that a utility error involving Eversource has pushed the completion date back yet again. Bob Fitzgerald of Mass DOT explained that a mistake in the placement of pull boxes means a specific spool of wire, not expected until late April, is required to move forward. This bridge does not seem to be a priority for Mass DOT, countered Michael McGee. These residents haven't been able to use their road for almost two years. One Gardener Road resident warned that minutes matter in emergencies and signaled that neighbors would collectively oppose the state if the project is not finished by June. Motion Made by F. Guitart to write a letter to state legislators asking for a "full-court press" on Eversource and Mass DOT to expedite the project. Motion Passed (5-0).

The bay’s aquaculture industry saw significant activity as the board reviewed several ten-year license renewals and a transfer. Michael George, entering his 24th year of shellfishing near Hunts Flat, noted a visible increase in nitrogen-linked weeds in the bay. Ursula Pierce, who sells to Island Creek, reported she has already sold over 100,000 oysters so far this season. The board also authorized a transfer to Nicholas Bonavita, who plans to scale up operations. I'm purchasing the equipment to grow 3 million oysters, Bonavita told the board. Motion Made by B. Glennon to approve the 10-year license renewal for Michael George. Motion Passed (5-0). Motion Made by B. Glennon to approve the 10-year license renewal for Ursula Pierce. Motion Passed (5-0). Motion Made by B. Glennon to approve the license transfer to Nicholas Bonavita for three years. Motion Passed (5-0). Member Brian Glennon clarified for the public that while equipment is sold, the lease itself isn't 'sold'—it is a transfer of the license.

The meeting also served as a bittersweet farewell to Executive Assistant Nancy O’Connor, who is retiring after years of service. She has been the backbone of this office and has kept us off the rocks in a heroic fashion, Glennon said. Member Cynthia Ladd Fiorini noted the board's other ongoing responsibilities, such as managing the King Caesar Fund. Motion Made by C. Ladd Fiorini to enter Executive Session to discuss two King Caesar Fund cases to provide medical relief for financially needy residents. Motion Passed (5-0).

Community events also received the green light, including a library fundraiser and a garden tour. Amanda McGee requested a one-day liquor license for the "Battle of the Book Clubs" trivia night. Motion Made by B. Glennon to grant a one-day all-alcoholic license for the Friends of the Duxbury Free Library on April 10, 2026. Motion Passed (4-0), with Michael McGee recusing himself. Margaret Brooke of the Community Garden Club requested signage for the upcoming Hydrangea Festival. Motion Made by C. Ladd Fiorini to permit lawn signs for the Community Garden Club from May 1-22 and July 12-19. Motion Passed (5-0). Paul Brogna likewise secured a permit for a Council on Aging event. Motion Made by B. Glennon to grant a one-day wine and malt license for the Friends of the COA on June 4, 2026. Motion Passed (5-0).

Finally, the board addressed cross-town infrastructure with Pembroke regarding the Taylor Street water main. Shireen Everett of KP Law explained that because the firm represents both towns, a conflict waiver was necessary. Motion Made by B. Glennon to consent to KP Law representing both Duxbury and Pembroke regarding the Taylor Street water main agreement. Motion Passed (5-0). Sgarzi noted she wanted to ensure the paving is done to a full mill and overlay following the work.