The Board of Selectmen narrowly paved the way for a public forum to discuss the Harbor Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA) with Scituate, following a heated 3-2 debate over whether the session would provide clarity or simply invite more friction. The decision follows persistent requests from resident Tim Davis, who has called for greater transparency regarding the deal that settled years of legal disputes between the neighboring towns.

Vice Chair Paul Grady championed the proposal as a method to silence lingering critics of the agreement and demonstrate the board's confidence. The naysayers are a minority, but they have a voice and are asking to be heard, Grady said, suggesting that a public airing would allow supporters of the deal to "clear the air" and satisfy the demand for transparency. I want the forum because it's been a nuisance for four years and I want to put it to bed. Motion Made by P. Grady to schedule a forum per Mr. Tim Davis's request to discuss the intermunicipal agreement. Motion Passed (3-2).

However, the decision met significant resistance from board members who feared the meeting would inevitably focus on confidential negotiation details that legally cannot be shared. Clerk Julie Rollins noted she had received substantial feedback from residents who were 100% against having the forum, arguing that the agreement is already widely accepted. If the group is not allowed to talk about the things Mr. Davis is asking for, I don't see a benefit or a good use of time, Rollins said. It would just get people riled up and possibly disturb the agreement with our neighbors in Scituate.

Member Chris Plecs echoed those concerns, warning that a forum might signal a lack of commitment to the neighboring town. The 5–15% who aren't [happy] will show up to throw stones, Plecs said. To just let everyone air grievances doesn't help because we aren't going back and changing the agreement. It sends a message to Scituate that we’re open to backing out.

Member David Farrag supported the forum but suggested it be narrowly focused on the harbor's future rather than past legal battles. I don't think a rehash of what was done in negotiations is necessarily as helpful, but moving forward, people need to understand the clock is ticking; the agreement is only temporary, Farrag explained, adding that he wanted to hear officially from stakeholders like the Yacht Club and local fishermen.

Chair Ellen Maher ultimately provided the deciding vote to support the forum, though she expressed deep reservations about the board's capacity to handle the extra workload. My bandwidth is about to snap, Maher admitted, citing upcoming pressures from school budgets and building projects. She emphasized that the meeting would be strictly controlled to protect executive session privilege. Mr. Davis has asked me what we were thinking and how we got there; I will not break privilege on that in a public forum, she stated. Member Grady will follow up with Davis to establish specific parameters for the event.

The board also handled several administrative tasks, including the approval of minutes from three previous sessions. Motion Made by C. Plecs to approve the minutes of December 9, 2024. Motion Passed (4-0). Motion Made by C. Plecs to approve the minutes of October 1, 2025. Motion Passed (4-0). Motion Made by C. Plecs to approve the minutes of November 5, 2025. Motion Passed (5-0).

The meeting concluded with a move into executive session to discuss litigation strategy, complaints against public officers, and the valuation of real property. Motion Made by C. Plecs to move into executive session for the purposes stated and not to return to open session. Motion Passed (5-0).