Transfer station fees will rise by $20 this year as Kingston officials begin a multi-year transition toward a self-sustaining trash disposal model, a move accelerated by a staggering $700,000 deficit in the town’s snow and ice account. During Tuesday’s Board of Selectmen meeting, Streets, Trees, and Parks Superintendent Sean Anderson warned that the cost of disposing of common items like mattresses has spiked to nearly $55 each. You have to have the users paying for what's being used, Anderson said, proposing a three-year plan to eliminate the facility's reliance on the general fund. Motion Made by D. Alcombright to approve the 2026-27 Transfer Station sticker fee schedule. Motion Passed 5-0.

The financial pressure on the town was underscored by Emergency Management Director Chief Mark Douglas, who provided a harrowing after-action report on Blizzard Hernando. The late-February storm, which dumped snow at rates of four inches per hour, resulted in $440,000 in preliminary damage assessments and a near-tragedy during clearing operations. Douglas shared that a resident went into cardiac arrest while clearing snow but was saved by a quick-thinking bystander. That bystander saved his life, no question, Douglas said, adding that the storm also caused the collapse of the Sacred Heart Gymnasium roof and highlighted a desperate need for a new police station due to dispatch overcrowding during the 300-call surge. Member Carl Pike suggested that the historic nature of the event might justify dipping into the town’s $3 million stabilization fund. This may be a year that we consider using some of the reserve for something like the excess snow and ice, Pike noted. I'm calling it the 50-year storm.

In a brighter financial update, Director of Elder Affairs Holly Nighelli announced a $50,000 gift to the Council on Aging from the estate of the late Barbara Potter, a Korean War veteran and frequent visitor to the senior center. At the senior center, we knew Barbara as a quiet, peaceful bridge and bingo player who told it like it was and didn't mince words, Nighelli said. While the board formally accepted the unrestricted funds, Member Pike urged that the money be used for special things rather than being absorbed into the standard operating budget. Motion Made by M. Bateman to accept the $50,000 donation from the estate of Virginia Barbara Potter. Motion Passed 5-0.

The board also overhauled the town’s shellfish licensing structure, simplifying categories while adjusting for inflation. Resident fees will set at $50, while non-resident licenses will cost $125. Member Melissa Bateman successfully advocated for increasing the discount for seniors and veterans to $20 to offset the higher base rates. The only concern I have is the 62 plus veteran discount, Bateman said. I would like to increase that amount to $20 because we made a huge jump in their license fees. Shellfish Constable Dan agreed, stating, We're taking care of the seniors, right? Resident Jennifer Cushman suggested during public comment that the town should consider exiting the mattress disposal business entirely to save money. When I buy a mattress, I pay to take it. It's cheaper and it would save us money for the town, Cushman said. Motion Made by M. Bateman to approve the 2026 shellfish license fees and regulations with an increased $20 discount for seniors and veterans. Motion Passed 5-0.

A debate emerged over beach sticker rates, which the Recreation Commission recommended keeping flat at $30 for residents. Vice Chair Kimberley Emberg cast the lone dissenting vote, arguing that small, annual increases are preferable to sudden spikes later. I'm not a fan of keeping it the same rate, Emberg said. It's the same speech for every department. I don't like to see holding the price the same and then having a big jump. Member Bateman countered that the Recreation Department’s budget has remained stagnant, justifying the steady fee. Motion Made by C. Pike to approve the 2026 beach sticker fee schedule as presented. Motion Passed 4-1 (K. Emberg dissenting).

Public safety initiatives saw a boost with the introduction of two new co-response clinicians, Kate Eldridge and Gabby Cohen, who will join the police department to handle mental health and substance use calls. Lt. Det. Skow explained that the model allows clinicians to work side-by-side with police officers to respond to calls... diverting individuals from unnecessary involvement with the criminal justice system. Police Chief Maurice Holmes noted the program would serve five local communities and is set to become operational next week. Chief Holmes also secured permission to use a vacant town-owned lot at 6 Maple Avenue for overflow police vehicle parking, citing the circus of trying to move cruisers during the recent blizzard. Motion Made by C. Pike to approve the Police Department use of Lot 45-62 at 6 Maple Avenue. Motion Passed 5-0.

Town Administrator Scott Lambiase signaled a shift toward long-term asset management, proposing joint meetings with the Water and Sewer Commissions to address aging core infrastructure. Much of this infrastructure was built decades ago, and like most communities, we're seeing increased pressures from aging systems, regulatory requirements, or just overuse, Lambiase said. This planning comes as the town prepares for its 300th anniversary in July 2026. 300th Committee Chair John Bartlett received approval for a major parade route on July 25, 2026. Pretty much any road you go on in Kingston is a numbered route, so the state has to have their say, Bartlett explained regarding the necessary liability letters. Motion Made by C. Pike to approve the July 25, 2026 parade route and authorize the Chair to sign the required state liability letter. Motion Passed 5-0.

The meeting briefly touched on the upcoming local election cycle, with Chair Eric Crone encouraging residents to fill vacancies on various town boards including the Finance Committee and Capital Planning. You don't have to be an expert in your area. Just be willing to listen, to deliberate, to make intelligent decisions, Crone said. An attempt by resident Will Cushman to address the board during the fee discussion was deferred by Crone, who directed him to wait for a future open forum session. The board also approved a one-day liquor license for Widowmaker Brewing’s Punk Rock Flea Market at the Kingston Collection on April 18. Motion Made by K. Emberg to approve the one-day liquor license for Widowmaker Brewing. Motion Passed 5-0.