The Cohasset Select Board navigated a lengthy and decision-packed agenda on Tuesday, January 6, ultimately hiring a firm to lead the search for a new Town Manager and reaffirming a pilot program to sell transfer station stickers to non-residents. The nearly three-hour meeting also featured a detailed update on water quality, a preliminary look at the FY27 budget, and the approval of numerous permits and licenses for local organizations and businesses. The board unanimously selected Municipal Resources, Inc. (MRI) to conduct the Town Manager search after interviewing them and a second firm, the Edward J. Collins Center for Public Management. The decision came after a thorough discussion about each firm's approach to candidate vetting and recruitment. Board member David Fraud pressed both firms on what due diligence and background research would be permitted for the town's screening committee. Board member Julie Rollins was impressed with MRI’s process, stating, "I really liked their background check process and the way they do their due diligence... I was very impressed by that and I really appreciate not having any surprises." Bob Priest of MRI noted that Cohasset is an attractive community for candidates, remarking, "the fact that your manager was there for 12 years that's pretty important for somebody looking to make take that next step."

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the future of the Recycling and Transfer Facility (RTF). Director of Public Works Brian Joyce and RTF Manager Frank Marion presented details of a pilot program to sell 150 stickers to non-residents for $300 each, a move projected to generate over $50,000 in net revenue. After public misconception that the program was tied to a failed enterprise fund article at a prior town meeting, Chair Ellen Maher called for a vote to remove any ambiguity. "Just so that we're completely 100% clear, I'd like a reaffirmation of the from the select board on a vote," Maher said before the board unanimously re-approved the plan. Motion Made by Paul Grady to approve the pilot program as presented tonight by director Brian Joyce and Frank Marion. Motion Passed 4-0. The board also heard from the Water Commission regarding a recent regulatory exceedence for Trihalomethanes (TTHMs), a byproduct of the water disinfection process. Water Commission Chair Chris Pratt assured the board and residents that the issue is being addressed and the water is safe. "It's a regulatory issue. It's not an emergency," Pratt said, explaining that long-term modernization of the water treatment plant is the ultimate solution.

The board also took a preliminary look at the upcoming FY27 budget, with officials highlighting significant financial pressures, including a projected 14% increase in health insurance costs. The board approved event and liquor licenses for Holly Hill Farm and the South Shore Arts Center, ensuring popular community festivals can proceed as planned. The board then undertook a lengthy confirmatory vote on annual license renewals that were approved at a prior meeting. During the process, board member Paul Grady noticed a local business was missing from the list, stating, "I don't see the Black Cat," prompting staff to follow up.

The board approved a long list of annual renewals for local businesses. Motion Made by David Fraud to approve the renewal of the following all alcohol on premises licenses. Celtic Beastro Corporation DBA via Beastro, The corner stop eatery DBA. The corner stop, Stoked Pizza Cohasset LLC DBA Stoked Pizza, V and AA Incorporated DBA Ava Cucina, R&P Inc. DBA Phoenix Beastro, Ninja's Kitchen One LLC DBA Ninja's Kitchen, Atlantica Operating LLC DBA the Old Salt House, Vinhan LLC DBA the golf tavern, Hooper's Judge LLC. Motion Passed 4-0. Motion Made by David Fraud to approve the renewal of the following inholder all alcohol on premises license. The Red Lion Inn operating LLC DBA, the Red Lion Inn. Motion Passed 4-0. Motion Made by David Fraud to approve the renewal of the following club all alcohol on premises licenses. George H. Mealy Post number 118 the American Legion, the Cohasset Golf Club DBA the Cohasset Golf Club, and the Cohasset Yacht Club. Motion Passed 4-0. Motion Made by David Fraud to approve the renewal of the following wine and malt on premises licenses. Southshore Playhouse Associates DBA Southshore Music Circus, South Main Incorporated DBA 5 South Main, Salty Days Cohasset LLC DBA Salty Days Fish, and Stevie G's restaurant Cohasset LLC DBA Stevie G's. Motion Passed 4-0. Motion Made by David Fraud to approve the renewal of the following retail package. All alcohol licenses, whiskey wine, Cohasset Incorporated, DBA whiskey and wine, Yogi Raj Corp. DBA Curtis Liquors, Sanjin Eert Enterprises LLC DBA Cohasset Wine and Spirits. Motion Passed 4-0. Motion Made by David Fraud to approve the renewal of the following retail package. Wine and malt licenses. Melany's Fish Market, Barrel and Vine LLC DBA Barrel and Vine. Motion Passed 4-0. Motion Made by David Fraud to approve the renewal of the following common victual licenses for 29 establishments including Celtic Beastro, The Corner Stop, Ava Cucina, and Victoria's. Motion Passed 4-0. Motion Made by David Fraud to approve the renewal of the following Sunday State Entertainment Licenses for 10 establishments including The Red Lion Inn, The Corner Stop, and Southshore Music Circus. Motion Passed 4-0. Motion Made by David Fraud to approve the renewal of the following local entertainment licenses for 9 establishments including The Red Lion Inn, Hooper’s Judge, and the Cohasset Golf Club. Motion Passed 4-0. Motion Made by David Fraud to approve the following video game and pinball machine licenses. Stoked Pizza, Cohasset LLC, DBA Stoked Pizza, Cohasset Pizza House. Motion Passed 4-0. Motion Made by David Fraud to approve the renewal of the following class one and two car sales new and used vehicles licenses. WN Motors Incorporated, DBA Coastal Nissan, Cohasset Imports. Motion Passed 4-0. Motion Made by David Fraud to approve the renewal of the following class 2 car sales used vehicle licenses. CBK Auto, Jeffrey Pinkis, Aristocrat Auto and Truck Sales, Joseph Rosano, Ratenberry DBA Ratenberry Autoworks, and Cohasset Auto Sales Jafar Norodine. Motion Passed 4-0. Following a series of other votes on permits and minutes, The meeting was adjourned at 10:11 p.m.