The Hingham Select Board unanimously voted to place the construction of a new Center for Active Living on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant, following a series of detailed departmental budget presentations and passionate public comment. The Tuesday, January 13 meeting saw the board address a packed agenda, but the proposed senior center at Bearcore Park Drive was the clear focal point, drawing numerous residents to speak both in person and remotely. Board Chair William Ramsey shared a personal story, stating, "I am 100% confident that this building will improve the mental health of our seniors, the physical health of our seniors, and it's needed and it's warranted."

The decision followed testimony from community members and committee chairs. Tom Kerry, chair of the building committee, reported his group "enthusiastically and affirmatively by a unanimous vote urged that you include that warrant article in this year's warrant." Resident Ness Currenty framed the project as essential infrastructure, arguing, "A modern center for active living is not an optional amenity... preventative investment is not just more humane, it's more fiscally responsible." Joe Neans, chair of the Council on Aging, urged the board to focus on educating the public on both cost and benefit, reminding them it is "much more difficult to articulate in some cases the benefit and the value to the town." While support was strong, resident Diane Dapoli encouraged a thorough process, stating, "I do think it's really important voters get the full complete picture of not just the building cost but operational costs moving forward." Other residents like Yvette Caner and new retiree Don Marsters voiced strong support, with Caner asserting, "The building is fit for purpose... No more, no less," and Marsters noting, "people like myself... are now adjusting to a new dynamic and they need a place to go." Board member Liz Klein grounded her support in the town's long-term goals, saying, "I firmly support moving forward with a capital investment in a new center for active living as planned and as promised." Julie Staley thanked the volunteers for their advocacy and noted, "Tonight is the next step on that road and I support including this article in the warrant for town meeting." Motion made by William Ramsey to submit the select board sponsored warrant article P construction of center for active living for the 2026 annual town meeting. Motion Passed 3-0.

Earlier in the evening, the board heard FY27 budget requests from several key town departments. Presenters included Treasurer Collector Lori Magner, Town Clerk Carol Faly, HR Director Lisa Campbell, Conservation Officer Shannon Palmer, Historic Preservation Administrator Heidi Gaul, and DPW Superintendent Ashley Borer. Discussions touched on rising costs, with Magner explaining that salary increases were "all due to cola increases and step increases." Faly highlighted the workload in her office, noting, "We have had a dramatic increase in the number of public record requests over the past year." A notable outcome from the historic preservation budget was the DPW agreeing to absorb the $3,728 annual cost to maintain the historic Canterbury Street Cemetery, a property the town acquired in 2019. Heidi Gaul advocated for the funding, saying, "since the town... wanted this and acquired it, we should maintain it." Ashley Borer received praise for her department's work, and she in turn encouraged residents to recycle, stating, "I don't think people realize like how much recycling and stuff matters at the transfer station. We make money off of that."

The board also took several other actions, including unanimously proclaiming January 19, 2026, as Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Motion made by Liz Klein to proclaim Monday, January 19th, 2026 as Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the town of Hingham. Motion Passed 3-0. A request from Legal Seafoods to change its weekend opening time was also handled. Donna Cruz, a representative for the restaurant, said, "We'd like to petition to open at 10:00 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays so we can serve brunch." Motion made by William Ramsey to approve the request of LSF Hingham LLC doing business as Legal Seafoods, 96 Derby Street, Suite 325 Hingham, for a change of hours on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. in accordance with the application for a change of hours filed on December 19th, 2025 subject to the approval of the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. Motion Passed 3-0. The board also appointed the Treasurer Collector as custodian for tax title properties. Motion made by Liz Klein that the select board for the town of Hingham does hereby vote to appoint the town of Hingham treasurer, collector as custodian to have the care, custody, management, and control of all real property acquired by foreclosure of tax title and to sell said foreclosed tax title property at public auction. All in accordance with the provisions of Mass General Law Chapter 60 section 77B. Motion Passed 3-0. The meeting was adjourned.