The search for Cohasset’s next permanent leader reached a milestone Tuesday night as the Town Manager Search Committee recommended four finalists to the Select Board. Committee Chair Timothy Davis reported that the group evaluated 28 applications and conducted seven in-person interviews before narrowing the field. Davis characterized the position as a multifaceted challenge, noting that the role is as much a customer service role as it is an executive role. Among the named finalists are current Interim Town Manager Michelle Leary, Michelle Prebble, and Daniel Rello. Chair Ellen Maher emphasized the urgency of the next steps, stating she aims to conclude the public interview process and make a final appointment before the end of April.

Budgetary accuracy took center stage as the Board was forced to rescind a previous vote on the Annual Town Warrant to correct a clerical error in the Water Enterprise budget. Interim Town Manager Michelle Leary explained that approximately $110,000 in indirect costs had been mistakenly included in the department's figures. To rectify the error before Town Meeting, Motion Made by D. Farrag to rescind the vote of March 31, 2026, on Article 4 for the Annual Town Warrant. Motion Passed 4-0. The Board immediately moved to stabilize the warrant with the corrected data. Motion Made by D. Farrag to approve the revised Article 4 reflecting the change in the Water Enterprise budget. Motion Passed 4-0.

Concerns regarding the town's newest recreation infrastructure also surfaced as Leary provided a status report on the peeling surfaces at the town tennis courts. The contractor, Rad, has accepted full responsibility for the failure, which was attributed to improper curing during a wet winter. Member David Farrag did not mince words regarding the setback, stating, The results of the tennis court project are disappointing and unacceptable, but the Town of Cohasset has and will continue to take the necessary action steps to ensure that any defects are properly corrected. The courts will remain open through the current season before undergoing a total resurfacing and restriping under a five-year manufacturer warranty.

The Board also moved to diversify the town’s election staff, approving a slate of new workers that includes 16 and 17-year-old students Lauren Collins and Molly Irwin. Town Clerk Elizabeth Lake expressed enthusiasm for the youth initiative, noting, I thought there's no better way than to give somebody the full experience than to become an election worker. Chair Maher suggested the town expand this model, noting that maybe there's a Select Board internship that some students who are interested could participate in during the summertime. Motion Made by D. Farrag to appoint Deborah Cook, Linda Glavin, Andrea Hillier, Carol Ryan, Lauren Collins, Molly Irwin, and Cindy Mat to one-year terms as election workers ending June 30, 2027. Motion Passed 4-0.

Environmental education in Wheelwright Park is set for an upgrade following a presentation by Safe Harbor representative Nicole on behalf of local National Honor Society students. The project will install six weather-resistant signs along the trail system to promote stewardship and health. Nicole explained that the goal is to enhance the park experience while promoting physical health, environmental stewardship, and community well-being. Member Farrag jokingly supported the health focus, suggesting that the Select Board should get out walking more after our meetings to lower their blood pressure. Motion Made by D. Farrag to approve the National Honor Society Wheelwright Park signage project. Motion Passed 4-0.

In other municipal updates, Leary announced the town has secured a $40,000 Hazard Mitigation grant and is pursuing a $500,000 Green Communities grant to overhaul the Town Hall HVAC system. Addressing seasonal infrastructure woes, Leary urged residents to report road issues directly to the DPW. If in fact you see a pothole, you're asked to call the DPW, report the pothole, and they will be out to fix it. Don't assume someone has already called it in, she said. The Board also approved several local permits, including a Common Victualler license for Blackat Breakfast and Bakery and an event permit for the Three Beach Minimum Half Marathon in September. Motion Made by D. Farrag to approve the Three Beach Minimum Half Marathon event for September 26, 2026. Motion Passed 4-0.

The meeting concluded with sharp words from Chair Maher regarding the upcoming Harbor Forum. Maher took aim at the promotional materials for the event, describing the tone as antagonistic, hostile, and hyperbolic. Member Chris Plecs also reflected on the broader fiscal landscape, referencing a recent Wall Street Journal article that detailed some of the challenges that towns in Massachusetts are having with budgets, underscoring the ongoing financial pressures facing Cohasset leadership.