The Cohasset Select Board moved closer to finalizing the spring Town Meeting warrant Tuesday night, tackling a packed agenda that ranged from a significant liquor license expansion for a local landmark to a heated debate over the placement of a public safety cell tower in Wheelwright Park. In a unanimous vote, the board approved the South Shore Music Circus’s application to convert its existing wine and malt license into an all-alcoholic beverage license, a change enabled by a recent shift in state law.

Ross Ranchelli, General Manager of the Music Circus, told the board the change is driven by customer demand. If people are coming to a concert, they expect the products they can get at other places, Ranchelli said, adding that the venue plans to introduce canned cocktails to ensure service speed remains high. Board member David Farrag expressed hope that the transition would be smooth, while Vice Chair Paul Grady noted the potential for increased profitability alongside customer satisfaction. Motion Made by P. Grady to approve the change to an on-premise all-alcoholic beverage license for South Shore Playhouse Associates DBA South Shore Music Circus. Motion Passed 3-0.

The atmosphere grew more contentious during a citizen petition from the Open Space Committee regarding Article 26, which seeks to restrict development in Wheelwright Park. Committee members Virginia and Adam raised concerns about a proposed cell tower they say will require cutting down 30 trees and disturbing two acres of land. Virginia characterized the process as highly unusual and lacking transparency, suggesting that alternatives like Starlink should be explored. Adam noted that many residents voted for the project under the assumption of a viable land swap on Route 3A that now appears to be a swamp.

Board members defended the project as a critical necessity for public safety, citing radio dead zones that affect school buses and emergency responders. We have a major public safety problem with coverage, Farrag said, recalling his own history camping in the park but stating, if someone gets injured in the park, they can't make a phone call. Grady echoed the sentiment, noting, one life saved by that tower would pay for it in perpetuity. Chair Ellen Maher agreed to look into diverting cell tower revenue into a revolving fund for park maintenance, though she maintained the location was selected for optimal emergency coverage.

Fiscal matters remained a primary focus as the town nears its $58.7 million FY27 budget finalization. Water Commission Chair Chris Pratt presented a new five-year rate structure that will impose roughly 4% annual increases starting in FY27 to keep pace with rising operating costs. This plan follows a broader 15-year, $86 million overhaul of the town's water infrastructure. Interim Town Manager Michelle Leary noted that while the overall budget remains tight, health insurance rates have been locked in at a 7.5% increase. Motion Made by P. Grady to recommend Article 17, authorizing a $1 million bond for wastewater treatment plant design upgrades, to the Town Meeting floor. Motion Passed 3-0.

The board also addressed the future of the Elm Street fire station. Fire Chief John Dockray argued that the current design needs must be expanded if the station is to serve as the town's primary facility without a substation at King Street. We don't have an ambulance under our roof; it's at King Street, Dockray said, adding that a 30-year-old department boat is currently stored outside and deflating for lack of space. Maher expressed concern over the shifting scope of the project, stating, I’m very confused on the evolution of Elm Street vs King Street with or without bays. The board agreed to hold further discussions to refine the design costs before the warrant closes.

In other business, petitioner Fran Collins presented Article 25, which seeks to ban gas-powered leaf blowers in favor of electric alternatives to reduce noise and pollution. One hour of a gas leaf blower is equivalent to driving a pickup truck across the country in terms of pollution, Collins said. The board also formalized its own leadership following a recent resignation. Motion Made by E. Maher to appoint David Farrag as the Clerk of the Select Board. Motion Passed 3-0. Additionally, the town moved to join a state mutual aid program for the DPW. Motion Made by P. Grady to approve Cohasset entering into the state's MIMA mutual aid program. Motion Passed 3-0.