The Kingston Board of Selectmen moved the town’s financial planning into high gear Tuesday night as Town Administrator Scott Lambiase announced the state has officially certified Kingston’s free cash at $3.1 million. The certification provides a critical roadmap for the upcoming June 6 Town Meeting, where officials must address $1.4 million in capital requests and ongoing snow and ice deficits. Lambiase told the board that while education aid from the state’s Cherry Sheets increased by $116,000, unrestricted government aid saw a slight decrease of $42,000, effectively leaving the town's state assessment flat compared to the previous budget cycle. We finally have our free cash certified by the state in the amount of $3.1 million, Lambiase said. This is a critical number for us to figure out where we’re going forward.

In a major personnel move, the board authorized a two-year extension to the contract of Police Chief Brian Holmes, bringing his total term to five years. Selectman Donald Alcombright voiced strong support for the extension after reviewing the final terms. I’ve reviewed the final document as sent to us. I think it brought forward all of the things that we had discussed and mentioned. I’m 100% in support of it as it stands now, Alcombright said. Motion Made by K. Emberg to approve the employment agreement between the Town of Kingston and the Police Chief Brian Holmes. Motion Passed (4-0-1), with Selectman Melissa Bateman abstaining. Chief Holmes, who has led the department through the recent integration of a new mental health co-response unit, expressed his gratitude to the board. I will say without equivocation, this is the best career choice I ever made, Holmes said. This is a great town, great workforce.

The meeting took a brief contentious turn regarding a conflict of interest disclosure filed by Andrea Cunningham, an administrative assistant in the Town Clerk’s office whose husband is running for a seat on the Board of Selectmen. While the disclosure sought permission for Cunningham to perform limited election duties unrelated to ballots, Selectman Carl Pike raised concerns about public perception. I personally was brought up in the defense industry where any kind of a conflict, even the appearance of a conflict, is just as bad as the conflict itself, Pike noted. I believe that for one election she should not work with her husband being on the ballot. Vice Chair Kimberley Emberg countered that the restricted duties, such as setting up tables, were sufficiently separated from the voting process. I’m supportive of it because it’s very clear that there are duties unrelated to ballots that she could potentially do, Emberg said. Motion Made by K. Emberg to approve the request from Andrea Cunningham, Town Clerk’s administrative assistant, and permission to perform limited election duties as outlined in the submitted disclosure form and authorize the board chair to sign on behalf of the board. Motion Passed (4-1), with Pike casting the lone dissenting vote.

Community support for local youth also took center stage as the board approved $1,500 from the William H. Willis Charity Fund to help two local Boy Scouts attend summer camp. Chair Eric Crone, participating remotely, shared his personal connection to the program. I’m an Eagle Scout. I think scouting is awesome and I hate the fact that money could prevent any kid from being able to take part in any activities associated with scouting, Crone said. Selectman Bateman agreed, noting, I think this is exactly what the charity fund is set up for. Motion Made by M. Bateman to approve the request from Troop 49 for funding in the amount of $1,500 from the William H. Willis Charity Fund for two camperships for the BSA summer camp. Motion Passed (4-0-1), with Vice Chair Emberg recusing herself due to family involvement in the troop.

During public comment, resident Will Coachman alerted the board to deteriorating conditions on the Route 3 overpass, describing shifting sidewalks that have become a tripping hazard. I noticed that these sidewalks have been—I know that this might be the state—becoming very unlevel on both sides of the bridge. Parts of them are sinking, part of them are staying level, Coachman said. He also reminded the community that several vacancies remain on the Commission on Disability. Vice Chair Emberg encouraged residents to use the town’s online "Request Tracker" for such maintenance issues and reminded the public of the upcoming Main Street open house on April 23 to discuss design changes between Evergreen and Summer Streets.

Other business included the formal setting of the spring election calendar and the approval of seasonal permits. Motion Made by D. Alcombright to approve and authorize the Town Clerk to post the Annual Town Election warrant scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026 as presented by the Town Clerk. Motion Passed (5-0). The board also cleared the way for spring sports events by granting one-day liquor licenses to 42nd Brew Co. for a youth softball event and Stellwagen Beer Company for a hockey event at the Bog. Motion Made by M. Bateman to approve the one-day liquor licenses for 42nd Brew Company on May 2 and Stellwagen Beer Company on April 26. Motion Passed (5-0). Additionally, the board moved to centralize administrative duties by appointing Danielle King as Parking Clerk. Motion Made by M. Bateman to appoint Danielle King as Parking Clerk. Motion Passed (5-0). To close out financial reporting for previous years, the board authorized staff to access federal reporting tools. Motion Made by D. Alcombright to authorize Interim Finance Director Carol McCoy and Town Administrator Scott Lambiase to prepare and enter information into the Plymouth County American Rescue Plan portal. Motion Passed (5-0).