Environmental preservation took center stage as the Coastal Resiliency Task Force announced a $94,000 grant for the Upper Bluefish River. Brian Walsh explained that the funding from the state’s Coastal Zone Management office targets a comprehensive restoration plan to address tidal restrictions at Harrison Street, noting, We were fortunate to get it. Chair Lenore White expressed gratitude for the widespread municipal backing that helped secure the competitive award, stating, every group that we approached to get the support from, we received. Selectboard Chair Brian added, We know that the health of our wetlands are important to coastal resiliency, while board member Amy noted the scientific necessity of the study regarding nitrogen levels, remarking, I have a pretty good feeling that it’s going to it’s going to direct us into having to deal with that issue.

The board also embraced a new cultural initiative by formally endorsing the Duxbury Rotary Club’s "Pledge for Peace," a symbolic commitment to civility and respectful conflict resolution. Tara DS described the effort as a framework for local decision-making, saying, Peace is a practice... May peace prevail in Duxbury and the world. Fellow Rotarian Kate Tabby emphasized the town's proactive nature, stating, Duxburians are practicing... preparing for the actions that they're going to take. Board member Cindy, who initially met with organizers to discuss the initiative's impact on town governance, ultimately moved to endorse the pledge, suggesting, it’s something that we could use even in the select board in our decision making. Motion Made by Cindy to endorse the proposed peace pledge as put forward by the Rotary. Vote Passed 4-0

Bridge infrastructure remained a major focus, spanning from the 19th century to the present day. Fernando presented a "shoe box" of history donated by resident William Spence, including original 1891 blueprints and draft contracts for the first Powder Point Bridge. Fernando remarked, I’d like to thank Mr. Spence for your kind donation and contribution to the historical fabric of the town of Duxbury. Motion Made by Fernando to accepts with gratitude the donation from Mr. William Spence of historic documentation associated with the Powder Point bridge as presented. Vote Passed 4-0 Regarding modern repairs, Alicia Babcock shared updates on an upcoming privately funded inspection of the bridge by Dr. Tingley, noting, It would not cost the town anything... my hope is that soon we’ll be able to get Dr. Tingley’s team to come and do an inspection. Town Manager René Read cautioned residents of the impending full bridge closure on December 8, stating, Access to the Gernet Road area of Duxbury... will be by way of Marshfield.

In other community news, the board accepted a donation from Duxbury Youth Baseball for new batting cages at Keen Street. Gary Williamson described the project as a good opportunity to utilize some of the money that we raise in our fundraising year to year. Motion Made by Amy to accepts with gratitude the donation from Duxbury youth baseball of new batting cages to be installed at Keen Street baseball fields as presented. Vote Passed 4-0 The board also discussed the future of the Annual Town Meeting calendar, with Fernando advocating to retain the goal of potentially moving the meeting to May to ease the pressure on the schools and finance department during a little contentious budget season. Desiree Moed provided updates on the Dorking, UK twinning partnership, suggesting that the approved twinning agreement be publicly displayed in the town hall. Motion Made by Amy to certify to the alcohol beverage control commission based on information from the assessor and the town clerk that the estimated temporary residential total population as of July 10th, 2026 will be 19,489 people. Vote Passed 4-0

Administrative tasks were completed with the renewal of annual licenses and a committee appointment. Motion Made by Brian to renews the following class 2 auto general and common virtual licenses as presented on the attached list for the year 2026. Vote Passed 4-0 Additionally, the board welcomed a new volunteer to the Alternative Energy Committee. Motion Made by Brian to appoint Lee Larkin to the alternative energy committee for term expiring 6:30 2022. Vote Passed 4-0