The Duxbury Selectboard prioritized fiscal restraint during Monday night’s meeting, opting for the most cost-effective capping solution for the McNeel landfill. Representatives from Weston and Samson presented two primary options for the 4.1-acre site, with the board ultimately favoring "Option 1," a $5 million plan that utilizes a sloped grade rather than a more expensive level plateau. Sean Healey explained that recent findings from the Conservation Commission influenced the design, stating, Their findings were we don't want to do any filling or replication of the wetland area. While Option 2 offered a more level surface for potential athletic fields, board members expressed concern over the $1 million price difference. Cindy Ladd Fife noted, Option one is the better option because it's so much more expensive—referring to the prohibitive cost of the alternative—while Fernando Guitart added, Let's go for the lowest cost option and then figure out if the community wants to spend more money adding more stuff to it.

Water quality remains a high-stakes issue as the town navigates strict new PFAS standards. Brian Winer of Ty and Bond reported that while pilot testing at several wells is complete, the town faces a $1.6 million funding gap to reach final engineering designs. Massachusetts is currently adhering to a 2029 compliance deadline, which is more aggressive than the federal 2031 target. Winer cautioned that Massachusetts is planning to stay with the more stringent limits that are currently in place. Board member Michael Bradley voiced skepticism regarding the financial burden on residents for legacy contamination, stating, I still don't think the community should pay for this. Chair Brian Glennon emphasized the need to address root causes of groundwater issues, remarking, We're treating the symptoms but not the cause. Candace Martin of the PFAS working group confirmed that grant applications are being pursued, noting, If there's grants, I'm going to go after it.

The debate over the future of the Powderpoint Bridge intensified following a definitive refusal from the state regarding timber materials. Town Manager René Read shared a memo from Mass DOT clarifying that wood pilings cannot be used for the replacement project because they fail to meet the 75-to-100-year longevity requirement. Read informed the board, The reason the last bridge... lasted so long was because those pilings likely had been treated using harsh chemicals such as creosote... that are no longer allowable. Local resident Alicia Babcock urged the board to still consider a privately funded timber inspection, arguing, We realize that to engineers that specialize in steel and concrete, this does not seem possible. However, the board indicated it would move forward with the state’s steel and concrete proposal to ensure federal funding remains intact.

In other municipal business, the board reviewed the results of a Town Hall employee survey designed to improve workplace culture. Michael Stewart of All One Health reported that while collaboration is high, communication and the physical work environment remain areas for growth. Stewart noted, We really focused on transparency in this process and making sure that people were able to see the results. Human Resources Director Jeannie Horn discussed plans for leadership training and team-building events, asserting, Everyone has an opportunity to improve our work environment and everyone has a part to play in that. Amy MacNab expressed hope for future surveys, though she noted the importance of the written feedback, saying, I'm disappointed that all the members can't benefit from the information that was shared by our employees due to confidentiality constraints. During the Water and Sewer Commissioner session, the board addressed billing abatements. Motion Made by Amy to approve of the water abatement in the amount of $22,832.60 as presented. Vote Passed 5-0. Amy MacNab criticized residents who ignore repeated attempts at meter readings, stating, I just don't think we should incentivize not paying your bill.

The meeting also included the lifting of mandatory water restrictions following the end of regional drought conditions. Motion Made by Ryan to lift the water restrictions previously enacted on September 29, 2025. Vote Passed 5-0. Additionally, the board processed several utility petitions. Motion Made by Fernando to authorize the order to install 1,427 ft of two 2-inch conduit and five splice boxes on Temple Street and Ducksboro Trail as presented. Vote Passed 5-0. Ryan also initiated the end of public hearings. Motion Made by Ryan to close the public hearing regarding lifting water restrictions. Vote Passed 5-0. Earlier in the evening, residents raised concerns about local traffic. Stanley Wheatley addressed the board regarding Tremont Street, stating, The police just are not in a position to enforce it from what I understand. Wendle Lane of the Alternative Energy Committee also updated the board on the new community choice power rates, noting, We are now a community choice community.

The meeting was adjourned.