The Select Board threw its full support behind the $29.9 million proposal for the new Center for Active Living (CAL) on Thursday, moving the long-debated facility one step closer to reality despite deep divisions among residents over its cost and location. The project, which involves constructing a 25,950-square-foot facility at Bear Cove Park Drive, was framed by board members as a vital infrastructure investment for a town where 35% of the population is over age 60. Chair W. Ramsey underscored the project's priority status, stating, I consider this to be as important as the building of the foster school and the building of the public safety facility. It was just third in line based on what our plan was. Motion Made by W. Ramsey to recommend favorable action on Article P, Construction of Center for Active Living. Motion Passed 3-0.

Town Administrator Tom Mayo explained that the project team utilized value engineering to reduce the building's size by nearly 10% to its current footprint. However, the price tag and the use of park land drew sharp criticism during public comment. One resident opposed building in Bare Cove Park, citing the potential loss of wildlife and serenity, while another questioned the $30 million cost following recent high-ticket spending on schools. Supporters like Yvette Kanter pushed back, noting the project would cost the average homeowner approximately $174 per year. We should be taking care of our seniors, Kanter said. Jean Silverio added personal weight to the debate, sharing how the current center's programs prevented her isolation after retirement and during her husband’s hospice care. L. Klein noted that the town is now paying for past failures to invest in infrastructure, while J. Staley encouraged residents to review the extensive historical data available on the town website.

In a significant shift for town personnel management, the Board backed plans to withdraw both the Fire and Police Departments from the state’s Civil Service system to modernize recruitment. Fire Chief Murphy explained that the current system's restrictions often lead to losing qualified paramedics to non-Civil Service communities. We would be able to hire candidates that are in permanent school that are not Hingham residents, Murphy said. Deputy Chief O’Shea characterized the 1884-era system as an outdated bureaucracy, noting that Hingham could now administer its own exams and receive results in days rather than months. To facilitate the move, the town will pay $7,500 per member to the unions, totaling approximately $750,000. J. Staley clarified the financial scope, noting the cost covers roughly 100 beneficiaries across both departments. Motion Made by L. Klein to recommend favorable action on Article CC, Fire Civil Service. Motion Passed 3-0. Motion Made by L. Klein to recommend favorable action on Article DD, Police Civil Service. Motion Passed 3-0.

Efforts to generate non-tax revenue through the sale of surplus town property also gained traction. The Board moved to recommend the sale of 8 Short Street, the former Tree and Park barn built in 1857, and 230 North Street, the former North Fire Station. Assistant Town Administrator Artland Marcos noted that the Short Street property, roughly 12,000 square feet, would require a preservation restriction to maintain its historic exterior. Dick Orr, a long-time renter and major abutter to the Short Street site, expressed concern regarding the extent of those preservation requirements. W. Ramsey emphasized that the sales align with the Board’s goal to find alternative ways to raise revenue for the town by offloading buildings without an active use. L. Klein suggested that proceeds from the sales be directed toward the town’s capital stabilization fund. Motion Made by L. Klein to recommend favorable action on Article Y, Sale of 8 Short Street. Motion Passed 3-0. Motion Made by L. Klein to recommend favorable action on Article Z, Sale of 230 North Street. Motion Passed 3-0.

Critical infrastructure needs at the Hingham Public Library also moved forward with a recommendation for a $1.8 million chiller replacement. Library Director Linda Harper Stone warned that the 25-year-old cooling system is failing and parts are no longer manufactured, threatening the library's role as a town cooling center. We want to make sure that we don't have any service interruptions, Stone said. Tom Mayo noted the project would be funded through the town's unassigned fund balance as a one-time capital expense. Motion Made by L. Klein to recommend favorable action on Article Q, Library Chiller Replacement Project. Motion Passed 3-0.

The Board also finalized housekeeping measures for local landmarks, transferring the preservation restriction for the Benjamin Lincoln House at 181 North Street to the Historical Commission. Heidi Bubela explained that the shift provides an extra layer of protection for the building. Additionally, the Board accepted a new restriction for the Old Ordinary at 21 Lincoln Street, a requirement for receiving $600,000 in Community Preservation Committee funds. Bubela noted this restriction is unique as it protects period interior features while allowing for new ADA-accessible additions. Motion Made by L. Klein to accept a preservation restriction for 181 North Street. Motion Passed 3-0. Motion Made by L. Klein to accept a preservation restriction for 21 Lincoln Street. Motion Passed 3-0.

Finally, the Board addressed community representation by appointing a new member to the Massport Community Advisory Committee. Motion Made by W. Ramsey to appoint Declan Bolan to the Massport Community Advisory Committee for a term ending June 30th, 2029. Motion Passed 3-0.