Town Administrator James Boudreau opened Monday’s news update with a reminder that Scituate’s legislative season culminates tonight at 7:00 p.m. with the Annual Town Meeting. While the atmosphere at Town Hall is expected to be busy, Boudreau lightened the mood by noting his appearance was not due to pre-meeting stress. I'm not all red in the face because Town Meeting is tonight; this is actually my sunburn from yesterday's St. Patrick's Day parade, Boudreau said, thanking the public safety employees and volunteers who managed the thick crowds during the weekend festivities. Boudreau urged all residents to attend the meeting, noting that copies of the town warrant are currently available on the municipal website for review.

Public works concerns were at the forefront of the update, particularly regarding the transfer station and local water quality. Boudreau warned residents that 2025 transfer station stickers have officially expired, and staff are now checking for current permits. If you want to go to the transfer station and you have not picked up a new sticker, please do so as soon as possible so you don't get turned away, he advised. Simultaneously, the Water Department is beginning a significant flushing operation this week, moving from the rotary down the Driftway toward the harbor, including Stockbridge Road and Brook Street. Residents in these areas are encouraged to check their water for discoloration before doing laundry and to run taps for several minutes until clear. This maintenance comes as the town continues to monitor water quality while planning for a long-term treatment plant solution.

School Committee Chair Nicole Brandolini provided a critical update on the ongoing redistricting process, which is being driven by the transition to a three-building elementary model following the Hatherly Cushing school project. Brandolini noted that redistricting Option 3 was shared last week and is now available for public review at the dedicated redistricting website. Anyone wanting to view the presentation, share feedback, or give additional input regarding this option is encouraged to do so via the survey, Brandolini said, noting that the committee will return on April 27 for a full-length agenda to discuss the feedback. Parents were also reminded that the student placement deadline for the next academic year is April 17.

Deadlines are also looming for the annual town election, which was moved to June 20. Boudreau noted that nomination papers for vacancies on the Planning Board and the Scituate Housing Authority must be returned to the Town Clerk by 5:00 p.m. this Friday. He emphasized the importance of resident participation in municipal government beyond the ballot box, stating, It is town committees that make this town run, so we need people to fill those out. Currently, multiple boards and committees have openings listed on the Select Board page of the town website.

The update concluded with a variety of community health and veteran services announcements. The Board of Health will host the Dana-Farber mammography van this Thursday at the St. Luke’s lot, though reservations are required. Additionally, the Veterans Advisory Council is partnering with Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home to host a free breakfast for veterans and their spouses on May 1 at the Scituate Senior Center. Looking ahead to early May, the town’s Sister Cities program will celebrate A Flavor That Connects Us, a festival highlighting food and culture from Cape Verde and Ireland on May 3 at the Senior Center.