Duxbury officials are reshuffling town finances to address a massive deficit left in the wake of Storm Hernando. During Monday’s meeting, Finance Director Mary MacKinnon informed the Selectboard that the snow and ice removal budget for Special Town Meeting Article 1 must be increased from $200,000 to $703,969. To cover the shortfall, the town plans to slash a proposed contribution to the stabilization fund in Article 4, reducing it from over $650,000 down to $150,000. MacKinnon noted that the town has submitted a $1.1 million claim to FEMA, explaining that if the disaster relief does materialize, the town stands to receive up to 75% reimbursement. Member M. McGee inquired about the timeline for federal aid, while Motion Made by F. Guitart to support and recommend approval of Special Town Meeting Article 1 in the sum of $703,969. Motion Passed 5-0. Additionally, Motion Made by F. Guitart to support and recommend approval of Special Town Meeting Article 4 in the amount of $150,000. Motion Passed 5-0.

The board also reviewed Article 4 for the Annual Town Meeting, which governs funding for 115 non-union employees. HR Director Jeannie Horn proposed a 2.25% general salary increase, alongside internal equity adjustments to fix pay compression between supervisors and staff. Horn highlighted a specific job reclassification for a Finance Operations Manager at the Council on Aging, noting the individual is taking on significant supervisory duties. Vice Chair A. MacNab questioned the nature of the change, asking, Help me understand why the job evaluation adjustment isn't a promotion into a new job. Horn clarified that while the person is changing grades, they are maintaining their original duties while adding a new division. Member F. Guitart sought clarification on the cumulative impact for long-term staff, asking if a person with 10 to 14 years of service would see a total 4.25% increase. Motion Made by F. Guitart to support and recommend approval of Article 4. Motion Passed 5-0.

Public safety dominated the early session as residents from Tremont Street successfully lobbied for a speed limit reduction. Town Manager René Read explained that while the stretch from Cox Corner to the Marshfield line doesn't meet the state's thickly settled criteria for a quarter-mile, a 620-foot portion qualifies as a business district. Resident Stan Wheatley, who had filed a citizens petition on the matter, told the board that the suggested motion is acceptable and I would withdraw the town meeting article if it's adopted. His wife, Sigret Wheatley, challenged previous police data regarding the area, stating that claims of no speeding calls since 2011 were patently false given recent beach restoration traffic. M. McGee expressed concern over costs, noting the town had already spent $6,000 on signs and studies for the small strip. Motion Made by F. Guitart to reduce the speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph on both sides of Tremont Street beginning at the northern lot line of 1528 Tremont Street to the intersection of Enterprise Street. Motion Passed 5-0. The board subsequently voted to recommend indefinite postponement of the original citizens petition article. Motion Made by F. Guitart to recommend Indefinite Postponement of Article 21. Motion Passed 5-0.

The meeting took a somber turn during open forum as A. MacNab announced the upcoming departure of longtime administrative assistant Nancy O'Connor. I just first encourage all of the public to come in and say their goodbyes to Nancy, MacNab said. I honestly don't know how we will fill it. Chair B. Glennon also took a moment to recognize Duxbury Eagle Scout Connor Perinick for a rare achievement. Connor Perinick has been assigned to the tomb guards at Arlington National Cemetery, Glennon announced, calling the assignment a tremendous honor.

Infrastructure concerns were raised by resident Peter Randle, who asked for a future agenda item regarding the Powder Point Bridge and questioned if salvage materials were used in its construction. While Glennon could not confirm the material usage, the Town Manager’s report later revealed new complications for the bridge. A newly damaged sister pile (51A) was discovered on March 3, likely caused by harbor ice. O'Connor, reading the report, noted that the Powder Point Bridge will remain closed to the public until such time that all phase 4 repairs... are completely and fully inspected.

Zoning for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) remains in flux. Planning Board member Jim Lambert informed the Selectboard that his board had voted to recommend indefinite postponement of the current BESS article. Lambert suggested the Selectboard consider an amendment on the Town Meeting floor to strike language that he argued puts the entire burden on the people who live in about 10% of the town and invites building a BESS there. B. Glennon expressed optimism about finding a middle ground, suggesting the board continue the discussion to Saturday morning to consult with Town Counsel. I'm optimistic there's an opportunity to pull the nose up on this thing so that we can provide the town with some minimal level of protection, Glennon said.

The board also grappled with state legislation regarding beach management and bird protection. M. McGee presented a draft letter supporting bills filed by State Rep. Ken Sweezey, aimed at ensuring recreational access while managing shorebirds. C. Ladd Fiorini raised environmental concerns, specifically regarding Least Terns, which are protected in Massachusetts but not federally. If Massachusetts calls them a species of special concern, I don't feel I can say we don't care about that part of it, she said. Resident Susan Curtis countered that the birds are common on school campuses, noting the irony that school operations aren't halted for them. The board agreed to refine the letter's language to emphasize environmental stewardship before final approval.

In other business, Town Clerk Susan Kelley alerted voters to a clerical error on early and absentee ballots for the March 28 election. Due to a mistake in candidate ordering, Kelley arranged for reprints. As soon as the reprinted ballots are received, we will mail each voter a corrected ballot package, Kelley said. The board also approved a Class 1 automobile dealer license for Ken McKim of KLM Logistics for online sales only. McKim assured the board that there's not one thing that's ever been in my yard, as all transactions occur digitally. Motion Made by F. Guitart to approve and issue a Class 1 automobile dealer's license to Kenneth McKim DBA KLM Logistics at 100 Heritage Lane for online sales only. Motion Passed 5-0. Changes of manager were also approved for Brothers Marketplace and the Duxbury Yacht Club. Demi True, the new manager for Brothers, told the board she has managed similar stores in Scituate and is TIP certified. Motion Made by F. Guitart to approve the change of manager to Demi True for Brothers Marketplace. Motion Passed 5-0. Motion Made by F. Guitart to approve the change of manager to Blake Doyle for the Duxbury Yacht Club. Motion Passed 5-0.