Scituate has secured a massive financial victory for its infrastructure future, as the Select Board announced the approval of a $27 million loan through the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) State Revolving Fund (SRF). The funding, which carries a significantly reduced interest rate, arrived as the town’s new water treatment plant reached a critical construction milestone. Finance Director Nancy Holt highlighted the fiscal impact of the town’s standing as an MBTA community, noting the interest rate will fall between 1.85% and 1.9%. On the market, it would be in the 4% to 5% range at least, Holt said, emphasizing the long-term savings for taxpayers.

The project team for the water treatment plant reported that the facility is currently 65.2% complete based on progress payments. Project Engineer Lauren noted that concrete pours are nearly finished and structural steel is 96% complete, with the project remaining on track for substantial completion in December 2026. Lead Consultant Rob presented Change Order #4, totaling $312,414.42, to account for concrete modifications, architectural siding, and laboratory plumbing adjustments. Despite the request, the project remains remarkably lean on cost overruns. We are currently at only 1.41% in change orders to date, which is excellent for a project of this complexity, Rob told the board, noting that the town still holds over $2.1 million in its 5% contingency fund.

Member James Gilmore sought clarification on the necessity of the modifications, asking if the shifts were due to equipment specifications received after the original design. Rob confirmed that the changes were dictated by the physical dimensions of equipment provided by manufacturers like Caterpillar. Motion Made by J. Gilmore to approve change order number four for a total of $312,414.42 included on the following: Item one, concrete modification of miscellaneous structural work $138,468.86; Item two, architectural siding, insulation, and paint $66,421.15; and Item three, laboratory plumbing and venting for chemical waste tank and miscellaneous process work $107,592.41. Motion Passed (5-0).

The board moved to accelerate the long-awaited North Scituate sewer expansion by opening the warrant for the April 13 Special Town Meeting. The move is a strategic requirement to qualify for the 2027 Mass Clean Water Trust financing. Town Administrator James Boudreau stated he is aggressively pursuing additional outside funding, including a $5 million request to Representative Kearney’s office and potential federal appropriations of $10 million through Senators Markey and Warren. Chair Andrew Goodrich called the progress fabulous news, noting the town has pursued the expansion for years. During the procedural vote, Member Nico Afanasenko requested a correction to the warrant language, noting, It says 'Selectmen'—that should be 'Select Board.' Motion Made by J. Gilmore to open the warrant for the April 13, 2026 Special Town Meeting to add an article for the North Scituate sewer expansion construction in order to qualify for the 2027 Mass Clean Water Trust intended use plan that would provide low interest financing, and then close the warrant. Motion Passed (5-0).

Major pipeline work is also slated for Route 3A, as DPW Director Kevin Cafferty presented a $1.78 million contract for water main replacements between the current terminus and First Parish Road. The work includes replacing old transite pipe and installing a new raw water line to prepare for potential future PFAS treatment needs. Cafferty noted that the lowest bidder was allowed to withdraw after failing to account for flow fill, a material required to prevent road settlement. We'll work 9:00 to 3:00 on 3A to avoid school traffic unless we get waivers, Cafferty said. Motion Made by J. Gilmore that the Select Board award the contract 26-WA-1 for Phase 6B of the water main replacement project to Celco Construction Corporation for $1,780,280.94. Motion Passed (5-0).

In a move to improve beach sanitation while avoiding high seasonal costs, the board authorized the $105,615 purchase of a smart restroom trailer for Egypt Beach. Nancy Holt explained that purchasing the unit now avoids a $36,000 rental fee for the upcoming season. While the unit will be white to save $6,000 in custom paint costs, it will feature the town seal. Member Afanasenko noted that the Beach Commission is strongly in favor, as residents have identified sanitation as a top concern. People want these 'smart' toilets at other locations too, he noted. Motion Made by J. Gilmore to award contract to NIU Smart Toilets for mobile green station bathroom trailer in the amount of $105,615 in order for the unit to be available for the summer season. Motion Passed (5-0).

The board also approved a $76,126 contract for a new salt shed cover and a one-year lease extension for the Scituate Food Pantry at 327 First Parish Road. Motion Made by J. Gilmore to grant an extension of the existing license agreement between the Town of Scituate and the Scituate Food Pantry for a one-year period commencing April 2nd, 2026 through April 1, 2027 at $900 per month. Motion Passed (5-0). During seasonal liquor license renewals for the Scituate Beach Association, resident Joanne Woff of the Scituate Marsh Stewardship Initiative raised concerns regarding the association’s parking lot runoff. We were also thinking of planting vegetation to help with runoff from the parking lot to clean it before it heads for the marsh, Woff suggested. Chair Goodrich encouraged the group to coordinate with the association, noting the town’s limited ability to mandate such changes through a liquor license but praising the environmental goal.

Finally, Boudreau reminded residents that the harbor gazebo has been moved and a capital item is on the April warrant for its replacement. He assured the community that the summer concert series would proceed with temporary staging if necessary. Other seasonal updates include the reopening of shellfishing flats in the South River and the start of the golf season at Widow’s Walk on April 3.