The Cohasset Advisory Committee engaged in a rigorous review of the upcoming Special Town Meeting warrant on Wednesday, giving unanimous approval to a $5.8 million roof project for the Osgood Elementary School but expressing significant reservations about the timing and communication surrounding the proposed Public Safety Building. The committee also deferred action on a citizen's petition to fund full-day kindergarten and a proposal to create an enterprise fund for the town's Recycling and Transfer Facility (RTF), citing the need for more information.

The most intense debate centered on the Public Safety Building, with several members voicing concerns that the town has not adequately prepared residents for the project's increased scope and cost, now estimated at $28.7 million. With a town meeting vote roughly a month away, members questioned the feasibility of educating the public in time. "If these questions are not fully flushed out by town meeting and get out to the general public, the chances of these things getting through become problematic," warned Mark Cameron. Mike Barklay echoed the sentiment, stating, "There is so many details that need to be socialized... it's not going to pass at the poll." The discussion culminated in a stark prediction from Mark Mignosa, who said, "I don't think doing this now is going to lead it to succeed. I think this is doomed." Committee member Courtney Murphy stressed the broader need for better financial forecasting, a point that came up multiple times, asking, "What if any operating budget projections have been put forth because two facilities is different than running one facility?"

The committee also heard a citizen's petition presented by resident Will Ashton, who advocated for making full-day kindergarten tuition-free by reallocating funds from what he described as oversized administrative budgets. "Public education conceptually should be free. Not only that, but in this town specifically, we can afford it and we choose not to," Ashton argued, presenting data comparing Cohasset's spending to peer towns. While members appreciated the research, they raised procedural and practical objections. Diane Kennedy noted that Town Meeting cannot force the school district's hand, saying, "Town meeting can't compel how the school... they get their chunk of money and they have to make their priorities." Chair Jean Estino, a former School Committee member, urged petitioners to work directly with the school district on its next budget cycle. The committee took no action on the petition.

Several other warrant articles moved forward with the committee's blessing. Members unanimously supported the $5.8 million Osgood Elementary School roof replacement, a project eligible for 32.47% reimbursement from the state. Michael Flaherty questioned the certainty of the funds, asking, "Are we guaranteed to get the reimbursement... or could the MSBA somehow deny it?" Town Manager Chris Senior assured him the state's process is highly structured. The committee also passed motions recommending articles to pay prior year bills, formalize the town's ability to place liens for unpaid sewer bills, and allow for the conversion of certain alcohol licenses. In a unanimous vote, Tom Callahan affirmed his support with a simple "Hi." Vince Thornton, also voting in favor of multiple articles, stated his assent with an "I."

Motion Made by Mark Cameron to recommend to town meeting the creation of a revolving fund for Cohasset Community Market. Motion Passed 8-0.
Motion Made by Mark Cameron to recommend to town meeting article two unpaid bills of previous years. Motion Passed 8-0.
Motion Made by Courtney Murphy to recommend article 3 stabilization funds to special town meeting. Motion Passed 8-0.
Motion Made to recommend article 5 Joseph Osgood Elementary School roof to special town meeting. Motion Passed 8-0.
Motion Made to recommend article 8 amendments to fiscal 2026 operating budget to special town meeting. Motion Passed 9-0.
Motion Made by Vince Thornton to recommend article 9 allocation of funds for one town costs to special town meeting. Motion Passed 9-0.
Motion Made to recommend article 11 accept Mass General Law Chapter 138 section 12D. Motion Passed 9-0.
Motion Made by Mark Cameron to recommend article 12 acceptance of Mass General Law Chapter 83 section 16A to 16F sewer lean to special town meeting. Motion Passed 9-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:40.