The Board of Public Works opened their February 2, 2026, session with a somber tribute to Nancy Pica, a beloved member of the town’s zoning department who passed away suddenly. The Chairperson noted the community's shock, stating that Pica was very nice and kind and helpful to everyone and everybody’s very sad and shocked. Following the tribute, the board pivoted to critical infrastructure needs, beginning with a long-overdue upgrade to the water department’s SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system. Assistant Superintendent Matt explained the importance of the technology, noting, This is the computer software program that kind of is the brains behind all the controls, all the different pump stations, all the tanks, all the pumps. He explained that the current 25-year-old system is running on antiquated software that can no longer be updated. Motion Made by the Chairperson to award the water SCADA upgrades contract number 2025-08 to Woodward and Curran of Providence, Rhode Island for a lump sum fee of $98,100 and to authorize the chairman or designated member to execute the contract documents when they’ve been prepared. Motion Passed 3-0

The board also met with representatives from the Playground Committee to discuss ongoing maintenance and equipment replacement. Committee member Megan reported on their progress, saying, We met with all the elementary school principals and custodians so far to determine the specific needs of each site. While the committee is working on a prioritized list for basketball hoops and structures, local resident Eric Kelly raised concerns about jurisdiction and funding, stating, As far as I know, the library plaza is under the control of the recreation department. The board encouraged the committee to continue their inventory and suggested looking into recreation fee funds for non-school playgrounds. The board then moved to extend a regional roadway management contract to ensure stable pricing for materials. Motion Made by the Chairperson to award contract SS2026-PW1 Southshore Consortium roadway management to TL Edwards of Avon, Mass through December 31st, 2026 and to authorize the chair or designated person to execute the contract documents when they’ve been prepared. Motion Passed 3-0

Significant debate occurred regarding a proposed $68,650 sewer infrastructure assessment. Board member John questioned whether the town's general fund should contribute to the study, arguing, This is beneficial to the whole town. Blackmount, any other that—and it’s protective of our groundwater which everybody drinks. Despite his concerns about the necessity of sewer expansion, the board moved to proceed with the assessment to ensure the wastewater plant can handle future loads. Motion Made by the Chairperson to award contract 2026-42 sewer infrastructure assessment to Kimley Horn and Associates Inc. of Waltham, Mass for a total of $68,650 based on the attached agreement and to authorize the chair or designated person to execute the contract documents when they have been prepared. Motion Passed 2-1 (John dissenting). The board also authorized a comprehensive road condition survey using 360-degree photography to create a pavement condition index. Motion Made by the Chairperson to award contract 2026-43 infrastructure asset management of roads to Apex Companies LLC of Quincy, Mass for a total of $53,200 based on the attached agreement and to authorize the chair or designated person to execute the contract documents. Motion Passed 3-0

Superintendent Shawn provided a sobering update on the snow and ice budget, which has been severely impacted by a series of weekend storms and "Winter Storm Burn," which dropped nearly two feet of snow. Shawn noted, It’s a long-duration storm. It took place over like 16 hours. It just would not stop. The board confirmed that the Select Board has already authorized deficit spending for snow removal. Resident Eric Kelly voiced concerns over the efficiency of plowing operations, suggesting, I think we need to really look at how what the operations are of plowing in town and requesting an in-depth analysis of the budget. The board defended the current operations, citing the team's years of experience in managing road safety during relentless winter conditions. The session concluded with updates on a proposed bylaw to prevent residents from discharging stormwater onto neighboring properties and progress on the town’s dog park shade structures.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:43 PM