DUXBURY - December 1 - The Duxbury Selectboard unanimously accepted a donation from Duxbury Youth Baseball on December 1st to install new batting cages at the Keene Street Baseball Fields, continuing the organization’s tradition of funding capital improvements for the town’s youth sports facilities.
The Full Story
The donation, which includes both the purchase and installation of the batting cages, comes as Duxbury Youth Baseball leverages funds raised through annual fundraising activities. Gary Williamson, representing the organization in the absence of President Ed Bourget, presented the proposal during a remote appearance at the December 1st meeting.
Williamson explained that the organization had obtained quotes for both installation and materials, and worked with Jim Savonen from the Department of Public Works Land and Natural Resources and Steve Studley from the Recreation Department to identify an appropriate location at the Keene Street complex. The batting cages will be similar to those already installed at Tarkiln Fields, Chandler Baseball Fields, and Train Baseball Fields.
The facilities will serve dual purposes, being available for baseball teams, players, and parents during the season, while remaining accessible to the general public during the off-season. Town Manager René Read confirmed that the town’s DPW Director Sheila Sgarzi had given her full blessing to the project earlier in the day.
Selectboard member Fernando Guitart asked about safety design, maintenance responsibilities, and seasonal installation. Williamson confirmed that Duxbury Youth Baseball would handle the netting installation and removal, with the town managing the seasonal setup going forward. The organization will take down the netting in winter and reinstall it each spring.
Selectboard Chair Brian Glennon expressed appreciation on behalf of the town, noting that he expected the donation would be not only appreciated but heavily utilized by the community. The board voted 4-0 to accept the donation, with Guitart making the motion and Amy MacNab seconding.
In other business, the Selectboard heard a presentation from the Coastal Resiliency Task Force regarding a competitive $94,000 grant awarded by the state’s Coastal Zone Management organization. Brian Walsh and Lenore White from the task force explained that Duxbury was one of only nine municipalities to receive funding under the Coastal Habitat and Water Quality program.
The grant will fund a comprehensive habitat restoration plan for the “Upper Bluefish River,” defined as the area south of Harrison Street. Walsh explained that the area is becoming dominated by invasive phragmite species, creating what he called a “monoculture” that contrasts sharply with the healthy salt marsh downstream. The study was precipitated by concerns about the Harrison Street Bridge, which was identified in the 2021 vulnerability assessment as having a 100 percent probability of inundation by 2030.
The project will examine tidal restrictions caused by the bridge, conduct extensive water quality testing, install tidal sensors, and investigate potential sources of pollutants from abutting properties including the golf course. Woods Hole Group has been contracted as the consultant for the work. The town’s cash commitment is approximately $19,500, with an additional $11,000 in in-kind contributions from task force members who will track their time and perform some fieldwork directly.
Walsh outlined several expected outcomes, including recommendations for managing invasive species, best management practices for stormwater treatment, proposed modifications to an existing dam upstream from the tidal area, and conceptual designs for different culvert sizes at the Harrison Street Bridge. The final report is expected in June 2026, with public hearings scheduled as results become available.
Guitart praised the coordination effort, noting that the Duxbury Bay Management Commission had recently presented updated findings about nitrogen loading in the bay. White confirmed that the task force had reached out to that commission to collaborate and avoid duplicating efforts.
Board member Amy MacNab questioned what role the Board of Health would play, particularly given concerns about nitrogen loading and possible bylaw changes. White responded that while the Board of Health wasn’t currently a targeted stakeholder group, the final report would certainly be made available to them and they might find the results of interest. A stakeholders meeting is planned for mid-December.
Glennon questioned whether resources allocated to studying local fertilizer bylaws might be better directed toward other components of the grant. He expressed concern that with the grant being relatively small, funds might be more efficiently used elsewhere, particularly since fertilizer issues had been previously addressed through education efforts with landscapers and major users like schools and golf courses.
Board member Cynthia Ladd Fiorini disagreed, suggesting that the Coastal Zone Management organization likely had readily available information about fertilizer bylaws, and that gathering recommendations wouldn’t require a heavy lift. She noted that the study results might reveal nitrogen issues requiring attention. White indicated they would let the science guide their recommendations.
The Duxbury Rotary Club’s Peacebuilding Committee presented a request for the Selectboard to endorse a peace pledge and consider supporting an application to become an International City of Peace. Tara Downs, co-chair of the committee, explained that Rotary International has a deep history in peacebuilding and conflict resolution, partnering with organizations like the Institute for Economics and Peace.
Downs described the eight pillars of positive peace: well-functioning government, equitable distribution of resources, free flow of information, good relations with neighbors, high levels of human capital, acceptance of rights of others, low levels of corruption, and a sound business environment. She argued that using these concepts results in deeper citizen engagement, more trust in leadership, and the ability to navigate differences with respect.
The peace pledge states: “I pledge to practice peace. I will work for peace in my heart, in my home, and for our local and global communities. Through my actions, I will demonstrate peace as a way of being and peace as a positive perspective for resolving the conflicts that will arise among us. I pledge to think, speak, and act with the goal of understanding, healing, and uniting. I pledge to act with compassion, kindness, and empathy. I pledge to set a peaceful example for my family and others, to be an instrument of peace for the betterment of all. May peace prevail in Duxbury and the world.”
Downs explained that Plymouth recently became designated as an International City of Peace, and Bridgewater also holds that designation, both initiatives led by Rotary clubs. She noted that becoming a city of peace carries no cost to the town, requires no reports, and involves no formal process changes. The designation would be purely symbolic but would signal the kind of community Duxbury aspires to be.
Fiorini expressed support, viewing it as another lens through which to make decisions, similar to other pledges the board has made. However, she suggested more education and outreach to community groups before pursuing the International City of Peace designation. Downs confirmed that meetings were planned with the Duxbury Interfaith Council, Senior Center, library, schools, and police and fire departments.
Glennon raised one concern about the eight aspirations, noting that “low levels of corruption” set the bar too low. He stated that as a public official, he would expect the standard to be “no corruption,” and that Duxbury doesn’t tolerate any corruption whatsoever. Downs acknowledged the point as “fabulous.”
Guitart highlighted the importance of free flow of information, noting that while the board meets regularly, only dedicated residents sit through three-hour meetings. He revealed that the board would be meeting during the week to discuss improving information flow to residents, which he described as particularly important heading into another contentious budget season.
Kate Tauby, co-chair of the Rotary Peacebuilding Committee with Downs, emphasized that the phrase “peace is a practice” represents action. She drew parallels to Duxbury’s successful sports teams, theater, and music departments, noting that those achievements come from practice and preparation. She said endorsing the peace pledge meant “the town of Duxbury is taking action to be more conscious of peaceful activities in everything we do in town.”
The board voted 4-0 to endorse the peace pledge, with the understanding that the corruption standard would be amended from “low levels” to “no corruption” in the City of Peace materials.
In another significant development, Guitart announced he would continue pursuing a Selectboard goal to move the annual town meeting date from March to May, despite the board having previously indicated at the November 17th meeting that they would not proceed with the proposal.
Guitart reported that he spoke with Superintendent Danielle Klingaman, who confirmed the Performing Arts Center calendar for 2027 is wide open and that the town takes priority. Klingaman expressed hope for a positive vote to move the meeting to May. Guitart said the schedule change would provide an additional two months for the budget process, benefiting town administration, the finance department, department heads, schools, the Finance Committee, and the Selectboard.
He identified two outstanding issues requiring work: election day staffing levels and scheduling. Town Clerk Susan currently requires 70 people working two shifts for election day. Guitart suggested that a slight reduction in voting hours—while still providing early voting and mail-in voting—could reduce staffing needs to 35 people, making volunteer recruitment easier. He proposed holding the meeting on a Tuesday rather than a Saturday in May, and offered to research how other Massachusetts towns handle the scheduling, noting that 74 percent of municipalities hold their annual town meetings in May.
Glennon noted that the issue required additional discussion with the town clerk present, and that it would be scheduled for a future meeting, likely in January, to allow sufficient time for preparing a warrant article. The board opted not to vote on removing the goal from their list, effectively keeping it alive for further consideration.
Guitart also provided an update on documentation donated by William Spence related to the original Powder Point Bridge. The materials, which were authenticated by town historian Tony Kelso and Carolyn Ravenscoss of the Duxbury Rural and Historical Society, include three blueprints from February 1891 showing various cross-sections of the bridge, produced by Edward S. Shore Consulting Engineering. The collection also contains two draft contract documents for building a pile bridge at the head of Duxbury Bay in 1891, along with several letters from the consulting engineer to Plymouth County Commissioners.
Glennon suggested sharing the materials with MassDOT, noting that the department has been receptive to public input and particularly sensitive about aesthetics in designing the replacement bridge. Guitart agreed to notify Marco, the town’s MassDOT contact. The board voted 4-0 to accept Spence’s donation with gratitude.
In routine business, Glennon provided an update on his November 19th meeting with the Duxbury Chamber of Commerce, describing a great discussion about ways the Selectboard and town government can support local business. He noted that while business represents only three percent of the community, it’s an important component. The board plans to invite the Chamber for a face-to-face meeting in January, and Glennon distributed information packets about the organization to board members.
Guitart opened the meeting by providing detailed information about MassDOT’s role regarding the Powder Point Bridge, responding to a question raised by a resident at a previous meeting. He explained that in Massachusetts, MassDOT has inspection authority over all municipally owned bridges but local towns and cities are responsible for maintenance. MassDOT performs inspections on behalf of towns, many of which lack resources to maintain federally compliant inspection programs.
Under state law, MassDOT has authority to determine the safe load-carrying capacity of municipally owned bridges and can order immediate closure of bridges found to be in immediate danger. MassDOT maintains inventory of all bridges within the state and interacts directly with the Federal Highway Administration. The department also assists cities and towns by determining needs for bridge repair and rehabilitation based on inspection results, then programming projects to be funded through the State Transportation Improvement Program.
Guitart emphasized that while MassDOT handles inspections, municipalities remain ultimately responsible for operation and maintenance of their bridges, including immediate repairs, general upkeep, and addressing maintenance needs identified in inspection reports. He concluded, “So that’s why MassDOT can come in and tell us what to do with regards to Powder Point Bridge.”
In announcements, Read reported that the deadline for warrant articles was 4:00 p.m. on December 1st, with one citizen petition received and all anticipated articles submitted. He announced that Environmental Massachusetts and the Coastal Resiliency Task Force will co-sponsor a showing of the documentary “Saving the Right Whale” at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 6th at the Duxbury Free Library, featuring a 90-minute film followed by 30-minute Q&A session about the critically endangered species that numbers only about 370 remaining.
Most significantly, Read announced that the Powder Point Bridge will close for repairs starting Monday, December 8th, with construction anticipated to take approximately two to three months. The bridge is scheduled to reopen in late February or early March 2026. Throughout construction, the bridge will remain fully closed to motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists, with access to Gurnett Road area, Duxbury Beach, Sequish, and the Gurnett available only through Marshfield.
Finally, Read announced that the December 8th Selectboard meeting will begin with an executive session at 5:30 p.m. regarding collective bargaining, approximately one hour before the regular 6:30 p.m. public session. The earlier time was necessary to accommodate labor counsel’s schedule for another meeting at 7:00 p.m. All board members confirmed their availability, with MacNab noting she would be coming directly from work and might be a few minutes late.
Why It Matters
The Duxbury Youth Baseball donation demonstrates how volunteer organizations continue investing in community infrastructure, expanding recreational opportunities for young athletes while also providing facilities accessible to all residents during off-season periods. This model of private fundraising for public facilities has become a consistent pattern in Duxbury, allowing the town to enhance amenities beyond what municipal budgets alone might support. The batting cages join similar installations at other Duxbury baseball complexes, creating equity in training opportunities across different fields and neighborhoods while reducing the maintenance burden on town staff through the organization’s commitment to handle seasonal setup and removal of netting.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Accept donation from Duxbury Youth Baseball of new batting cages to be installed at Keene Street Baseball Fields. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 4-0 (Unanimous). Time: 1:34:44
Motion: Endorse the proposed peace pledge as put forward by the Rotary Club. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 4-0 (Unanimous). Time: 1:47:54
Motion: Accept with gratitude the donation from Mr. William Spence of historic documentation associated with the Powder Point Bridge. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 4-0 (Unanimous). Time: 1:58:44
Motion: Renew Class II Auto General and Common Victualler Licenses for 2026 subject to satisfactory inspections and payment of fees. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 4-0 (Unanimous). Time: 2:00:12
Motion: Certify to Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission estimated temporary residential population of 19,489 for July 10, 2026. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 4-0 (Unanimous). Time: 2:03:11
Motion: Appoint Lee Larkin to Alternative Energy Committee for term expiring June 30, 2028. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 4-0 (Unanimous). Time: 2:06:50
Motion: Adjourn meeting. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 4-0 (Unanimous). Time: 2:09:31
Public Comment
Alicia Babcock announced she requested through the town manager that Dr. Tingley perform a privately-funded Level 1 inspection of Powder Point Bridge, with results to be presented to the town including recommendations and costs. Kate Tauby, co-chair of the Rotary Peacebuilding Committee, emphasized that “peace is a practice” and represents conscious action by the community, drawing parallels to how Duxbury’s successful teams practice and prepare for achievements.
What’s Next
The December 8th Selectboard meeting will include an executive session beginning at 5:30 p.m. regarding collective bargaining, followed by regular session at 6:30 p.m. The board will work with Dave Madigan to determine his interest in serving as liaison for the Duxbury-Dorking twinning partnership. A future meeting in January will include substantive discussion about potentially moving annual town meeting from March to May. Town Clerk will participate in that discussion. The Coastal Resiliency Task Force will hold its first stakeholders meeting in mid-December regarding the Upper Bluefish River habitat restoration study. Powder Point Bridge closes December 8th for two to three months of repairs.