During the January 12 meeting, the Duxbury Selectboard debated a significant shift in the town's legislative calendar, voting to place an article on the upcoming warrant that would move the Annual Town Meeting from March to May starting in 2027. Selectboard member Fernando Guitart advocated for the change, noting that 71 percent of Massachusetts towns meet in May to better align with the state's financial timeline. It improves the quality of the budget; we have an additional three to four months to improve the budget process and our forecasting ability, Guitart explained. While Michael Bradley expressed reservations about the move, stating, I just think we disenfranchise way too many people that are full-time active members of our community who may have conflicts with spring sports or weather, the board ultimately moved forward. Motion Made by Fernando Guitart to put together an article recommending moving the date of the annual town meeting from March to the second Monday in May and the annual town election the third Saturday in May. Vote Passed 3-1 (Ladd Fiorini, Glennon, Guitart - Yes; Bradley - No). Cindy Ladd Fiorini raised concerns about the transition to evening sessions, asking, Are we almost always going to have two evenings in a row or more? as the board looks to potentially move away from the traditional Saturday format.

The board also heard a proposal for a $2 million expansion of Mayflower Cemetery, funded entirely by cemetery revenue rather than taxes. Bob Hayes, chair of the cemetery trustees, emphasized the necessity of the project, stating, Burial space in the currently developed cemetery area is running out. New burial space is needed. Consultant Vestna Manva of Halverson Design Studio detailed a plan that includes new columbarium niches for cremated remains and a meandering stone dust path for residents. The design needs to be aesthetically compatible but also it needs to meet the needs of the present ways of doing things, Manva told the board. Earlier in the evening, during open forum, resident Christine Hill challenged the board's voting patterns, asking, Do you really think those votes strengthen public faith in your board or do they make you look like a rubber stamp? Selectboard Chair Brian Glennon maintained the board’s support for community initiatives later in the session, remarking on a Rotary Club peace initiative that he was comfortable putting it to town meeting and letting town meeting decide.

In conservation news, Sabrina Kaplan, Executive Director of the Duxbury Rural and Historical Society, presented a plan to place over 15 acres of land into permanent conservation. This conservation restriction has been reviewed and approved by the Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services, Kaplan noted, highlighting historic spots like Spar Soak where timbers were once treated for shipbuilding. Motion Made by Michael Bradley that the selectboard approves conservation restrictions on the following lots pursuant to Mass General Law Chapter 184 section 31-33 as presented. Vote Passed 4-0. The board also prepared for the 2026 election cycle by opting into early in-person voting and adding a two-year Planning Board vacancy to the ballot following a resignation. Town Clerk Susan Kelly suggested that with nearly 50 percent of residents now voting early or by mail, the town might consider shortening poll hours. I don't think at this point there's a need to be there that long, Kelly said. Motion Made by Michael Bradley that the selectboard opts in to allow in-person early voting for the March 2026 annual town election at the town clerk's office during specific hours. Vote Passed 4-0. Finally, the board endorsed the Rotary Club’s application for Duxbury to be recognized as an International City of Peace. Tara DS of the Rotary Club told the board the designation is a strong statement about the type of community that we want to be and that we want to strive to be. Motion Made by Fernando Guitart that the selectboard wholeheartedly supports the efforts of the Duxbury Rotary Club in applying for the International City of Peace. Vote Passed 4-0.