The Hingham Select Board tackled a full agenda Tuesday night, advancing a critical infrastructure project for the Public Library, welcoming a new business to town, and supporting a beloved holiday tradition. The board unanimously committed up to $80,000 for engineering and design services for a new HVAC chiller system at the Hingham Public Library, a project deemed urgent as the current 24-year-old system faces potential failure.

Library Trustee Stephen Weiss, chair of the operations committee, stressed the urgency of the project. "The original equipment was installed in 2001 and many of the parts needed to continue the system operating are no longer available," Weiss stated, adding that "time is actually not on our side to get the design work done." The new system, which could cost well over the initial $580,000 placeholder estimate, will be a future request for the town's FY27 capital budget. Board member Liz Klene voiced her support, noting the library's role as a town cooling center and the need to protect its materials. "I certainly see the importance and urgency here," Klene said. The board authorized the agreement with Allied Consulting Engineering Services. Motion Made by Liz Klene to authorize the town administrator to sign the agreement with Allied Consulting Engineering Services, Inc. for engineering and design services for a new heating, ventilation, and air condition HVAC chiller system at the Hingham Public Library in an amount not to exceed $80,000. Motion Passed 3-0.

The board also paved the way for a new eatery, granting a common victualler license to Tropical Smoothie Cafe, planned for the Stop & Shop plaza at 400 Lincoln Street. Owner Dru Patel shared his excitement, telling the board, "This is going to be my first location and the first one in Hingham. And we sell smoothies and food menu items like wraps, quesadillas, and club sandwiches." Chair William Ramsey welcomed the new business, remarking, "People in town love smoothies. We can't get enough of them actually." The board granted the license, contingent on a Board of Health permit. Motion Made by Liz Klene to approve the issuance of a common victualler license to Mahant Kupa Food LLC doing business as Tropical Smoothie Cafe located at 400 Lincoln Street Suite 22 Hingham in accordance with the application... effective through December 31st, 2025. This approval is contingent upon receipt of a food permit issued by the board of health. Motion Passed 3-0.

In other business, the board unanimously supported the Hingham Women's Club's annual Festival of Trees by granting a special one-day liquor license for the December 5th event. Club President Jennifer Sherman explained the fundraiser's impact, stating, "This fundraiser supports local charities, our scholarships. We are supporting Friends of the Homeless of the South Shore, Hingham Food Pantry, Scituate Animal Shelter, Adelia Strong, SNAP, and Arc of the South Shore." Board member Julie Stley thanked the volunteers for their efforts. "I just want to acknowledge how much work it takes to put on events like that and I just wanted to thank you and all the volunteers," Stley said. The board also formalized a midterm contract change with Teamsters Local Union 25 supervisors to align their start times with DPW rank-and-file employees and provide them with a $300 annual stipend for being essential employees. Town Administrator Tom explained the necessity: "We couldn't have all of our employees in there unsupervised, we had to make that change."

During public comment, resident Yvette Caner addressed the board regarding the ongoing SNAP crisis impacting over 700 local people. She described a new grassroots effort called "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" to provide immediate financial assistance with minimal red tape. "We're just trying to bridge that gap," Caner said. "The aim is to get the people when they need it in the moment." The town administrator noted that the town has posted a comprehensive list of local, regional, and state resources on its website to help affected residents.