DUXBURY - September 29 - The Duxbury Selectboard, acting as Water and Sewer Commissioners, voted 4-1 Monday night to impose strict outdoor watering restrictions in response to a Level 1 drought declared by the state, cutting permitted watering days from twice weekly to once weekly and imposing fines for violations.
The Full Story
Water and Sewer Superintendent Mark Cloud presented the board with the restriction requirements, which are mandated by the town’s water permit following the state’s Level 1 drought declaration. Under the new rules effective September 29, 2025, odd-numbered houses may water only on Thursdays, while even-numbered houses are restricted to Wednesdays. All outdoor watering must occur before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m.
The restrictions permit hand-watering of plants and gardens using drip irrigation, watering cans, or hoses with automatic shut-off nozzles. Rain sensors must be installed and operational on all irrigation systems. Violators face a $50 fine for the first offense and $100 per day for each subsequent violation.
Cloud explained that Duxbury residents currently use an average of 82 gallons per person per day, significantly exceeding the state’s target of 65 gallons. “They would like every resident to be using 65 gallons per day per person. And right now we’re at 82 gallons per day per person,” Cloud told the board.
When resident Fred Vonbargen questioned enforcement capabilities, Cloud acknowledged challenges: “It’s going to be very difficult. The crew is very busy at this time, and a lot of the watering is after hours, so I don’t have anybody on staff in the evening hours to go around and enforce it.” Selectboard member Amy MacNab countered, “What Mark meant to say is that we are going to enforce this. With everything we can.”
Board members raised concerns about the drought map showing data from August 1st despite the meeting occurring in late September. The board requested updated information from the state drought monitoring board. Selectboard member Fernando Guitart emphasized that while outdoor watering restrictions are in place, “it’s all outside watering” that drives summer water use, with winter consumption well below state targets.
The board also addressed a contentious water abatement request from Tom Symington of Heritage Lane, who faced a bill of $4,223.45 for approximately two years of unmetered water use due to a faulty meter connection. Symington requested an abatement of $1,311.73, arguing he should be charged at the rates in effect when the water was used rather than current higher rates.
The case generated significant debate among board members. MacNab expressed concern about setting precedent: “It’s not just that simple math equation. We’ve always had a sliding scale whereas the people who use less water pay a lower rate per gallon... giving him the reduced rate is, people who are frugal with water and really conserving it, I just feel like this is not appropriate.” She voted against the abatement.
However, Chair Brian Glennon supported the request, noting Symington’s cooperation when the issue was discovered and evidence of consistent water use over time. “I don’t think we’re giving the applicant anything that he wouldn’t have been entitled to had the bills been paid on time,” Glennon said. The board ultimately approved the abatement 4-1, along with several other administrative abatement corrections totaling $17,159.49.
Cloud revealed that multiple properties in town continue to have non-functioning water meters, suggesting similar situations may arise in the future. Board member Guitart expressed concern about this potential problem, though Cloud noted the department continuously works to access homes and replace meters as they fail.
In other significant business, the board approved an intermunicipal agreement with Kingston to share Veterans Service Officer Sara Lansing, splitting costs 50-50. Former VSO Mike Thorpe, who returned from retirement to fill the gap after Lansing left for Kingston, will finally be able to retire once again after state approval of the agreement. Glennon praised Lansing’s reputation: “You’re very lucky to have Sara. She’s been a rock star in the VSO community across the state.”
The board also approved a detailed plan for municipal aggregation electricity service, which will provide residents with lower electric rates and increased renewable energy starting with December 2025 meter readings. Alternative Energy Committee Chair Wendell Cerne explained the default rate will include basic service plus 25% additional renewables, with estimated annual savings of $45 per household. “There is a savings, not a loss. And we’re getting more renewables in the mix,” Cerne said.
Residents will receive notification by October 15th and have until November 18th to opt out. The program also offers an opt-down option with no additional renewables or an opt-up choice for 100% renewables at slightly higher cost. Board member MacNab commended the multi-year effort: “We appreciate this on behalf of the town and the planet.”
Significant discussion dominated the meeting regarding the Powder Point Bridge. The board ultimately decided against creating a new five-member working group to liaise with MassDOT, instead maintaining communication through existing channels including the Powder Point Bridge Advisory Committee, town staff, and the historic preservation consultant the town plans to hire.
Resident Frank Geisel urged the board to carefully consider whether they’re “solving the right problem” before proceeding with MassDOT’s approach. “It’s critical in complex issues like this to make sure that we are, number one, solving the right problem, and number two, solving the problem correctly,” Geisel said. He warned against being rushed by MassDOT’s timeline and existing design work.
Resident Alicia Babcock presented information about timber bridge specialists, particularly Dr. Dan Tingley of Wood Research and Development, suggesting modern timber construction could be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than steel alternatives. She referenced a webinar titled “Amazing Timber Bridges: Design, Construction, and Maintenance” and noted that timber costs 50-70% less than steel.
Resident Christine Hill announced the formation of a group called “Save Our Bridge” that is researching alternatives including a hybrid rehabilitation proposal estimated at $33-38 million using existing pilings with enhanced fiberglass wrapping and a new superstructure with weather-resistant black locust decking. Hill indicated the group is considering filing for Section 106 historic preservation review.
Guitart emphasized the need for comprehensive information before making decisions: “We need to lay out those options, and the cost estimates, and the problems that we’re trying to solve, such that all of us can make an informed decision as to what we want to do as a town.” He stressed understanding current bridge conditions, MassDOT’s proposal timeline, potential Section 106 review outcomes, and costs for alternative approaches.
The board also approved aquaculture license renewal for Brian Zec for 10 years pending all federal, state, and local approvals. Shellfish Advisory Committee Chair Dick Brennan noted Zec plans to seed approximately 1.4 million oysters and operates a well-run grant far from shore near the clock.
A pole petition from Verizon/NSTAR for a new utility pole near 17 Railroad Avenue was approved with conditions, though board members expressed frustration that underground utilities couldn’t be required. The pole installation relates to the 40B development in the area, and while development requirements mandate underground utilities within the site, above-ground poles are needed to connect to the street grid.
Why It Matters
The mandatory water restrictions will directly impact every Duxbury resident with outdoor watering needs, cutting permitted watering days in half and requiring careful attention to odd/even address rules and time-of-day restrictions. With fines starting at $50 and escalating to $100 per day for repeat violations, compliance will be essential. These restrictions reflect the town’s obligation under state permits to reduce water consumption from 82 gallons per person daily to the state target of 65 gallons, a challenge that will likely require sustained behavior changes beyond just outdoor watering reduction. The restrictions will remain in effect until drought conditions improve, with no timeline provided for when that might occur. For residents who have invested in lawn care or have newly planted landscaping, the restrictions create particular challenges during establishment periods.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To approve mandatory outdoor watering restrictions including odd/even day limitations, time restrictions (before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m.), and fines for violations ($50 first offense, $100/day subsequent offenses) effective September 29, 2025. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 5-0 (Water and Sewer Commissioners). (Timestamp: ~54:00)
Motion: To approve water abatements totaling $17,159.49 for five properties including administrative corrections and one contested abatement for 21 Heritage Lane ($1,311.73). Outcome: Approved. Vote: 4-1 (MacNab opposed). (Timestamp: ~1:26:00)
Motion: To approve aquaculture lease license renewal for Brian Zec, 105 Bay Ridge Lane, License Number 155303AB for 10 years pending all federal, state, and local approvals. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: ~23:00)
Motion: To authorize installation of one jointly-owned mid-span pole P1-1/2 on west side of Railroad Avenue for Verizon/NSTAR with conditions from DPW Director. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 4-0. (Timestamp: ~27:00)
Motion: To approve intermunicipal agreement between Kingston and Duxbury creating shared Veterans Service District with 50-50 cost sharing. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 5-0. (Timestamp: ~34:00)
Motion: To appoint Glen Carle and Bernie Garner to Alternative Energy Committee for terms ending 6-30-2028. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 5-0. (Timestamp: ~2:56:00)
Motion: To appoint Joseph Messina, Richard Kleinman, and John Lovett to Duxbury Bay Management Commission for terms expiring 6-30-2028. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 5-0. (Timestamp: ~2:56:00)
Motion: Multiple one-day liquor licenses approved for: Crossroads Over the Moon fundraiser (October 18), St. John’s Church One Night Only Gala (November 1), and Art Complex Museum art on the half shell events (11 dates from October through December). Outcome: All approved. Vote: 5-0 for each. (Timestamp: ~2:59:00-3:01:00)
Motion: Multiple event permits approved for: Bay Farm Montessori Boo Fest (October 24), St. George Street Garage Trunk or Treat (October 25), Newcomers Club Halloween Spooktacular (October 25), Duxbury Beach Reservation 5K (October 26), and Recreation Department Turkey Trot (November 22). Outcome: All approved. Vote: 5-0 for each. (Timestamp: ~3:01:00-3:05:00)
Motion: To declare tempering bonus shellfish season for commercial harvesting of soft shell clams and co-ox clams for the month of October. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 5-0. (Timestamp: ~3:11:00)
Public Comment
Christine Hill raised concerns about DPW staffing crisis citing multiple employees reporting toxic work environment and insufficient commercial driver’s licenses to handle major winter storms. She also presented draft hybrid rehabilitation proposal for Powder Point Bridge ($33-38 million) from “Save Our Bridge” group including wrapped pilings and black locust deck.
Frank Geisel urged distinction between “doing things correctly” versus “solving the right problem” regarding Powder Point Bridge, warning against being rushed by MassDOT’s existing design work and schedule without town determining if correct approach is being pursued.
Alicia Babcock presented extensive information about timber bridge specialist Dr. Dan Tingley and modern timber construction methods including fiber-reinforced polymer reinforcement systems. She emphasized environmental benefits and cost advantages (50-70% less than steel) while sharing webinar resource.
Tom Symington explained circumstances of his water abatement request, stating he paid all bills received on time, cooperated immediately when meter issue was discovered, and believes charging at historical rates rather than current rates is fair given the town’s billing error.
Maureen Caruso requested better public communication about Powder Point Bridge discussions using electronic signs at transfer station and beach, and suggested seeking financial contributions from surrounding communities including Plymouth and Saquish residents who benefit from the bridge.
Judith Kiplinger emphasized the experiential value of the wooden bridge (”it’s not just a conveyance... time kind of stops”) and advocated for exploring all preservation options, suggesting federal grant funding possibilities and volunteer resident expertise should be leveraged before accepting alternatives.
Fred Vonbargen questioned enforcement capabilities for water restrictions.
Multiple residents expressed strong preference for maintaining wooden bridge character and pursuing alternatives to MassDOT standard design approach.
What’s Next
Water Department will monitor compliance with new mandatory watering restrictions and respond to violations beginning September 29, 2025. Town Manager will forward information about municipal aggregation electricity program to board members and coordinate public education campaign including two public information meetings, website materials, and frequently asked questions documents before October 15 notification mailing. Intermunicipal veterans services agreement awaits state Executive Office of Veteran Services approval before implementation. Powder Point Bridge Advisory Committee will continue working with MassDOT on bridge design options with presentations expected October/November 2025. Next Selectboard meeting scheduled for October 6, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Senior Center Ellison Room (executive session at 6 p.m.).