The Cohasset Advisory Committee entered a new chapter Wednesday night as long-serving member Mark Cameron ascended to the chairmanship, taking the gavel from Gina Steino during a meeting that emphasized the town’s looming leadership transitions. The reorganization comes at a pivotal moment for the committee, which has recently shifted toward a more rigorous, outcomes-based scrutiny of municipal spending to address a projected $2.4 million fiscal gap for FY2027.

Steino, who is concluding her final term on the committee, initiated the transition by nominating Cameron, who has served as the board’s vice chair. I would like to make a first nomination of Mark Cameron to replace me as the chair, Steino said, praising his performance as her second-in-command. He's been very helpful as the vice chair and I think that the normal progression... would be for him to become the chair. Steino noted that a physical gavel, engraved with Chairperson Cohasset Advisory, would be delivered to Cameron’s home, though she added that she never actually had to use it to maintain order during her tenure.

Motion Made by G. Steino to Nominate Mark Cameron as Chair. Motion Passed (9-0-0).

Cameron accepted the role with a nod to the workload ahead. I have big shoulders... I appreciate the kind comment. Thank you, he remarked. Tom Callahan added a lighthearted note to the proceedings, joking that if he wants it, he could have it. Following Cameron's elevation, the committee moved to fill the vice-chair vacancy. Diane Kennedy volunteered for the post, telling the group, I'm willing to do it if somebody wants to nominate me or self-nominate. I've just got to keep Mark on the straight and narrow.

Motion Made by M. Cameron to Nominate Diane Kennedy as Vice Chair. Motion Passed (9-0-0).

The leadership change precedes a significant turnover for the board. Steino confirmed she is termed out and cannot reapply for her seat. Meanwhile, Mike Barklay clarified his own standing, noting that because he originally filled a partial term for Jean Healey, he remains eligible for one final year of service. My eligibility would only be for one year because I served a two-year and then a three-year, Barklay explained. Kennedy confirmed she intends to reapply for another three-year term as her current one expires this fiscal year.

Recruitment for the three opening positions will fall under the jurisdiction of the Town Recruitment Committee (TROA), which includes the Town Moderator and the chairs of the Select Board and Advisory Committee. Steino encouraged residents to apply at Town Hall, noting the selection process typically begins shortly after the fiscal year closes in June.

The committee also locked in a joint session with the Select Board for July 14th to manage year-end transfers. This procedural window is vital for departments to balance their books following the June 30th fiscal close. Cameron emphasized the tight state-mandated timeline, while Michael Flarity inquired about the meeting format. Steino indicated that while the Select Board meets in person, the Advisory Committee members would likely have a hybrid solution to ensure a quorum during the summer vacation season.

The session was notably brief, even as members navigated digital hurdles. Mark Maggie noted he was coming in hot from the Little League field to participate in the votes. Despite the quick adjournment, the committee left the clerk position open for further discussion at their next standalone meeting, with Cameron suggesting the role might eventually be folded into the vice-chair responsibilities.