The Hingham Select Board unanimously endorsed a new three-year contract with the Department of Public Works union and granted a liquor license for a new state-of-the-art indoor golf facility during a productive meeting Tuesday night. The board also recognized a celebrated centenarian, appointed a new manager for a Shipyard restaurant, and named dozens of special police officers.

Following a brief executive session, the board ratified a memorandum of agreement with Teamsters Local Union 25, representing DPW workers. Personnel Board member Jack Manning, who led negotiations, explained the contract includes 3% annual salary increases and crucial equity adjustments for most workers. "We wanted to recognize that we have some terrific people, some who have worked for the town 30, 35, 40 years," Manning said. "We're trying to do something that's fair for the town and meaningful and fair for them." Select Board Chair William Ramsey praised the outcome, stating, "The DPW does phenomenal work for our town. It's hard work, it's difficult work, but DPW employees are fantastic." Board member Liz Klein added her support, noting, "I appreciate you talking about the equity adjustments and following through with that really consistent practice. I think that's really important for the town." Echoing the sentiment, fellow negotiator Lynn Carol said, "It was a pleasure to engage with the group." Motion Made by Julie Straley to sign the memorandum of agreement with Teamsters Local Union 25 effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028. Vote Passed 3-0.

The board also paved the way for the Cove Club, a new private golf and recreation facility planned for 20 Broad Cove Road, the former site of the Hingham-Hull VFW ballroom. The two-story, 9,600-square-foot building will feature six golf simulators, a restaurant, and member lounges. Robert Headley, the proposed manager, described the vision for the venue. "The goal here is to make it family centric, you know, develop the youth in golf, give back to the community," Headley said. "It's not a boys club... it's going to be a country club, private club experience." The project received strong support from neighbors and Derby Academy, which plans to use the facility. "It's certainly an improvement on the site," said board member Julie Straley. "It looks like a beautiful building and a really well thought out design." Motion Made by Liz Klein to approve the request of KH1 LLC doing business as Cove Club 20 Broad Cove Road Hingham, Robert Headley, manager, for a restaurant common victualler all alcoholic beverages license, filed with the town of Hingham on August 19th, 2025 with the following operating hours: Monday 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Tuesday through Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. This approval is subject to the approval of all applicable towns, submission of a valid certificate of insurance evidencing liquor legal liability insurance coverage in at least the minimum statutory amount of $1 million and the approval of the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. Vote Passed 3-0.

In other business, the board approved a change of manager for The Beth at the Hingham Shipyard, appointing Hingham resident Carly Padini. "Growing up in Hingham, I'm very familiar with the town regulations and I have almost 20 years in direct hospitality," Padini told the board. Motion Made by William Ramsey to approve the request of Hingham Shipyard Hospitality Inc. doing business as The Beth 18 Shipyard Drive Suite 1K Hingham for a change of manager from Desmond Sherry to Carly Padini in accordance with the application for a change of manager filed with the town of Hingham on October 6th, 2025 subject to the approval of the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. Vote Passed 3-0. The board also made its annual appointments of special police officers. Deputy Police Chief Ryan O'Shea explained their role: "It's very helpful supplementing our police force with a special police officers." Finally, the board celebrated resident Phyllis Chapman's upcoming 108th birthday, with Chair Ramsey reading a citation recognizing her "youthful spirit."