Duxbury residents face immediate limits on outdoor water use as the Selectboard implemented a mandatory two-day-per-week schedule to protect the town’s infrastructure and manage rising PFAS concerns. Water and Sewer Superintendent Mark Cloud initially proposed a more restrictive one-day-per-week limit, citing capacity issues at the Milbrook well due to iron fouling and the need to reduce pumping at the Lakeshore Drive well to mitigate PFAS levels. I won't be able to maintain tank levels without Lakeshore Drive, Cloud warned the board. We need to take drastic steps to take Lakeshore offline.

Board members grappled with the balance between infrastructure health and the town’s aesthetic standards. Member Michael McGee voiced concern for local landscaping, stating, One day a week is cutting it close for gardens and lawns. We spend a lot of money on lawns in Duxbury, and I'm concerned about dead lawns. Member Cynthia Ladd Fiorini took a firmer stance on conservation, noting, I am much more concerned about water supply than lawns personally. Vice Chair Amy MacNab suggested a compromise to gather more information before tightening the restrictions further. I'm wondering if we can start with two days and have you come back the first week in June with data, MacNab said. If we have data suggesting we should go down to one, I'd be more inclined.

The financial shadow of PFAS treatment also loomed over the conversation. Member Fernando Guitart reminded the public that summer irrigation demands could force the town’s hand on expensive equipment upgrades. We want beautiful green lawns, but we may have to pay millions for PFAS treatment equipment to handle summer demand, Guitart said. Under the new rules, odd-numbered houses may water on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while even-numbered houses are restricted to Mondays and Wednesdays. Motion Made by C. Fiorini to approve mandatory outside watering restrictions effective immediately, with households restricted to two days per week and violations carrying fines of $50 for the first offense and $100 thereafter. Motion Passed 4-0.

Safety improvements at Hall’s Corner also took center stage as the Hall's Corner Working Group presented a new vision for the intersection focused on pedestrian access and safety. Planning Department representative Matthew Heins explained that the group opted for a tactical approach rather than a total overhaul. Our goal is not to make dramatic changes because past ambitious proposals never got implemented, Heins said, noting the plan aims to preserve business parking while adding crosswalks at Depot Street, Chestnut Street, Bay Road, and Standish Street. Emily Partain of the Working Group noted that initial pushback from businesses led to revisions. We went back to the drawing board, Partain said, explaining that some owners now support removing specific parking spots that currently create dangerous blind spots for driveways.

However, DPW Director Sheila Sgarzi cautioned the board that even these modest changes carry significant engineering hurdles. The engineering estimate of $10,000 is on the low side; we're looking at over $20,000 to do this correctly, Sgarzi said, adding that there will be some hard decisions when it's actually engineered due to property lines and state standards. The board reached a consensus to allow the group to seek grant funding for a formal engineering study to move the project forward.

A request for a Class 2 auto dealer license at the former Bayside Marine site on Washington Street sparked neighbor concerns regarding the potential for used car sales in the residential area. Jackson Kent Jr. of Bluewater Bayside explained the license is a technical necessity to sell boat trailers. In order for us to sell boat trailers, we need a license so that we can sign the document to title them, Kent said. Neighbor Pat Luring expressed skepticism about the broad nature of the license, stating, As neighbors, we're concerned. It's a used auto license. He's had trailers for 40 years, but there are new owners coming in. We want to be sure it stays as trailers. Motion Made by C. Fiorini to open the public hearing regarding the Class 2 license for Bluewater Bayside LLC. Motion Passed 4-0. After discussion, Motion Made by C. Fiorini to close the public hearing. Motion Passed 4-0. The board ultimately postponed a final decision, asking the applicant to return with specific language limiting the license to boat trailers after consulting with counsel.

In his Town Manager’s report, René Read provided an update on the East Street bridge project, noting that paving is underway and Eversource has completed massive wiring work. Read warned of a very short power outage early Friday morning, literally a matter of seconds, to reactivate the line. Michael McGee praised the oversight of the project, stating, I'd like to recognize Paul Brogna for his tremendous work as an unpaid volunteer overseeing the details of this project. He's been vociferously encouraging the contractors to stay on target.

The board also handled several community event requests and appointments. Desiree Mobed, representing the Alden Kindred of America, described the upcoming Speak for Thyself event which honors women leaders. Motion Made by C. Fiorini to grant a one-day liquor license to Desiree Mobed for the Alden Kindred ceremony on May 20, 2026. Motion Passed 4-0. The board similarly supported local theater and the arts. Motion Made by C. Fiorini to grant a one-day liquor license to James Kunz for the Bay Players’ theatrical performance of Conscience. Motion Passed 4-0. Additionally, Motion Made by C. Fiorini to grant a one-day wine and malt license to David Murphy for an artist reception at the Helen Bumpus Gallery on May 20. Motion Passed 4-0.

Finally, the board ensured the upcoming holiday traditions remain staffed. Motion Made by C. Fiorini to appoint or reappoint Jamie MacNab, Stu Ruggles, Barbara Cleary, Jeff Goldman, Chris Barry, Hutton Colvin, Pam Smith, Nancy Rufo, Danielle Ryan, Nancy Reed, Alden Kaiser, and Brian Boon to the 4th of July Committee. Motion Passed 4-0. Before concluding, Fernando Guitart highlighted a new transparency initiative, noting that Selectboard members now have individual town email addresses to facilitate better community engagement.