Voters in Scituate approved improvements to the Widow’s Walk clubhouse, the Cedar Point Sewer Project, and an $81.4 million budget at Town Meeting.
With concerns due to COVID-19, the Annual and Special Town Meeting was held on the new turf field at the high school.
Town Administrator Jim Boudreau said the operating budget includes level services and no personnel cuts.
“A lot of compromise for the most part, level services, a couple of smaller things. The School Committee did a fantastic job getting to a new number,” said Boudreau. “At this point, we’re in good shape. We have to wait and see what the federal and state governments do in terms of our local aid, whether we get more or less.”
Voters approved $8.2 million in capital improvements including new water meters and mains, ADA compliance upgrades for the schools, and upgrades to the town-owned Widow’s Walk Golf Course.
The clubhouse will include a new bar and expanded porch. That would be funded through retained earnings from the course.
Articles that were postponed include the sale of the COA and Minot Fire Station properties, a right to farm bylaw, cell tower leases, and a sewer agreement with the towns of Cohasset and Hull.
Using $900,000 from CPC funds, the town purchased the Mordecai Lincoln homestead and mill complex, the home was originally built in 1695. The site was home to President Lincoln’s great, great, great grandfather.
At Special Town Meeting, the Cedar Point Sewer Project was approved for $3.2 million.
With social distancing and extra precautions in place, Town Moderator James Toomey was impressed with the turnout.
“I think it’s terrific we got over 250 people here, which is better than an average turnout, given that there wasn’t a lot of controversy. People came out and worked together as a community to get the town’s business done. We’re very pleased that it came together the way it did,” said Toomey. “We did it safely, without exposing anyone to anymore risks, in terms of COVID-19, so we’re happy with the way it came out.”
Special and Annual Town Meeting concluded in one day.
The Scituate Town Meeting held outside due to COVID-19. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
