HANSON - December 2 - The Hanson Select Board unanimously approved an all-alcoholic beverage liquor license for Southern Eats LLC, operating as Fetch BBQ. The approval follows a public hearing held at the board’s December 2, 2025 meeting and will allow the popular local restaurant to expand its service offerings.
The Full Story
The liquor license hearing, which began shortly after 7:00 p.m., featured representatives from Fetch BBQ who explained their desire to become a staple in the Hanson community while growing their business. The restaurant has already established a strong presence in town, with Chair Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett noting the constant stream of vehicles at the establishment.
The board moved quickly through the hearing process, with no questions or concerns raised by board members. Following a brief discussion about the restaurant’s staff and community presence, the board voted unanimously to approve the license. FitzGerald-Kemmett encouraged the restaurant’s representatives to meet with the Economic Development Committee and join the Hanson Business Network to support their continued growth.
The liquor license approval came during a meeting that addressed several significant issues facing the town, particularly concerning the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District. The board discussed the process for filling a vacancy on the regional school committee following the resignation of board member Kara Moser. FitzGerald-Kemmett praised the outgoing member, stating, “I always found her to be a good partner and very good about transmitting information and trying to work with us to the best of her ability and I wish her all the best with her family and her job and getting that balance that she’s seeking.”
The school committee vacancy has drawn significant attention from board members given the district’s current fiscal challenges. The board will conduct a joint meeting with the remaining Hanson School Committee members on December 16, 2025 to interview candidates and make an appointment. As of the meeting date, three applications had been received, all of which FitzGerald-Kemmett described as “more than adequately qualified.”
Board members engaged in discussion about what questions to ask candidates, with a focus on ensuring the appointee will provide proper oversight. Select Board member Ann Rein emphasized the need for accountability, stating she wanted to know “whether or not they’re going to actually control things and have oversight instead of just yes-ing everything that the administration requests.”
Select Board member Joe Weeks articulated a more detailed question he intends to ask candidates, focusing on their willingness to make difficult decisions: “The town voted to uh for x amount of budget for the school. The oversight that was done prior created a 1.4 million dollar budget deficit four months into into the the fiscal year. What are your thoughts speaking to the to the candidate what if someone gives you a budget of x but you personally feel like you need y which is grossly more than than what you were allocated what is your thoughts on being able to do that because you can’t just make money out of out of thin air.”
The board’s concerns reflect the serious fiscal situation at the regional school district, which is operating with a projected $1.4 million deficit just four months into the current fiscal year. Board members made clear they want to ensure any appointee will be willing to ask tough questions and challenge the status quo rather than simply approving administrative requests.
In other business, the board grappled with the complex issue of signage on town property. The discussion was prompted by requests from organizations, including the hockey team and American Legion, to place temporary signs advertising events like Christmas tree sales and fundraisers. While the town has bylaws requiring Select Board approval for signs on town property, the board acknowledged that enforcement has been inconsistent in the past.
The conversation revealed tension between supporting community organizations and preventing a proliferation of signs throughout town. Rein expressed strong reservations about allowing signs on town property at all, warning it could open the floodgates. “I personally don’t think that we should allow it period,” Rein stated, noting concerns about enforcement and removal. She pointed to existing problems with signs remaining in place long after events have concluded.
After considerable debate, the board approved a motion allowing the American Legion to place signs for their Christmas event on the town hall green and at the corner of Routes 27 and 58, with the requirement that signs be removed within two business days of the event. The vote was 3-1, with Rein voting against. The board emphasized this approval is temporary while they work with town counsel to develop a comprehensive sign policy, as member Ed Heal emphasized, “not all signs are created equal.”
Members suggested the board needs to consult the town’s Bylaw Committee and legal counsel to determine what restrictions can be placed on non-profit organizations seeking to advertise events. The board agreed to research how other communities handle similar requests and to develop clear guidelines about frequency, locations, and types of allowable signs.
Weeks proposed an alternative approach, suggesting the town explore whether it could charge organizations to use the electronic sign at town hall for event promotion, potentially avoiding the issue of physical signs altogether. Town Administrator Lisa Green confirmed she would research the legality of such an approach.
The board also received an update on the deteriorating condition of the Highway Department roof, which has been described as 10 to 15 years past its serviceable life. Highway Superintendent Richard Jasmin reported that a temporary patch costing $3,700 was applied to get through the winter, but the patch is not guaranteed. A full roof replacement was quoted at $138,770, but the board opted not to move forward given ongoing discussions about a new highway facility.
The roof situation ties into broader capital planning, with board members suggesting that if a new highway building project moves forward, the roof replacement could be incorporated as the first phase of renovations. The board requested a comprehensive cost update on the proposed highway building project at a future meeting in January.
Town Administrator Lisa Green provided an extensive update on municipal operations in her first meeting back after a period of absence. She reported that the fiscal year 2027 budget process is well underway, with more than half of department budgets already submitted ahead of the December 5 deadline. Green praised this early response, noting the town will be “way ahead of the process.”
Green also delivered positive financial news, reporting that new growth revenue came in higher than originally forecast, which will provide substantial help to the overlay surplus for the assessor’s office. Additionally, the Highway Department completed documentation for a MassDOT Chapter 90 reimbursement of $422,993 for the West Washington Street roadway project, representing significant savings to taxpayers.
On the taxation front, Green reported that the fiscal year 2026 tax rate has been certified by the Department of Revenue as of November 26, 2025, allowing the town to proceed with tax billing. She credited the assessing team for their work on this important milestone.
Green outlined several other initiatives underway, including the IT Director’s work to transition the town’s network to Microsoft 365 cloud-based systems, which was approved at town meeting. The Board of Health has completed the bidding process for trash and recycling services, with the new contractor beginning operations within two weeks. Green indicated the change will save the town money.
The town administrator also addressed concerns about audit delays, noting that Hanson is among multiple municipalities affected by consolidation in the auditing industry. The town’s original audit firm has been acquired twice, causing delays that have prompted bond rating agencies to express concern. Green announced the town will seek proposals from new audit firms that have demonstrated reliability with other municipalities.
Finally, Green reported that the Highway Department has begun the recruitment process for a heavy equipment operator position. Because it is a union position, it must first be posted internally before the town can consider external candidates.
The board also approved increasing various licensing fees for 2026, including liquor licenses, which will see increases ranging from $140 to $300 depending on license type. Class II licenses will increase between $25 and $50, while miscellaneous licenses for lodging, entertainment, and amusements will see approximately $25 increases. These fee increases were designed to give licensees ample notice, with information to be posted on the town website and Facebook.
Why It Matters
The approval of Fetch BBQ’s liquor license represents an expansion of dining options for Hanson residents and visitors, potentially boosting the local economy and tax base. For the restaurant, the ability to serve alcoholic beverages may increase revenue and help establish the business as a long-term fixture in the community. The liquor license also demonstrates the town’s willingness to support local businesses, particularly those that have quickly become community favorites. The school committee appointment process will have significant implications for oversight of the regional school district during a period of fiscal crisis, while the highway building roof situation highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining aging municipal infrastructure with limited resources. The signage policy discussion reflects the broader tension municipalities face in supporting community organizations while maintaining aesthetic standards and preventing enforcement problems.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Open liquor license hearing for Southern Eats LLC DBA Fetch BBQ. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:03:00)
Motion: Approve all-alcoholic beverage liquor license for Southern Eats LLC DBA Fetch BBQ. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:05:00)
Motion: Close liquor license hearing. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:05:35)
Motion: Approve town property use for American Legion Christmas event signs on town hall green and corner of Routes 27 and 58, with requirement to remove within two business days of event, contingent on development of comprehensive sign policy. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 3-1 (Rein voting no). (Timestamp: 0:27:00)
Motion: Accept Fire Department gifts totaling $2,500 ($500 and $2,000 donations). Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:32:37)
Motion: Approve November 18, 2025 meeting minutes. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:39:33)
Motion: Approve one-day liquor licenses for Stevenson baby shower (2/15/26), Dylan fundraiser (1/17/26), and Plymouth County Beekeepers holiday party (12/5/25). Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous (Ann Rein recused). (Timestamp: 0:39:33)
Motion: Adjourn to executive session pursuant to Open Meeting Law Chapter 30A Sections 21A(3) and 21A(7) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining and litigation, union negotiations, personnel matters, and to review executive session minutes from October 28, 2025 and November 18, 2025, not to return to open session. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:44:45)
Public Comment
No public comment period was held during this meeting. Representatives from Southern Eats LLC (Fetch BBQ) appeared for their liquor license hearing but were not part of a general public comment session.
What’s Next
The Select Board will hold a joint meeting with Hanson School Committee members on December 16, 2025 to interview candidates for the Whitman-Hanson Regional School Committee vacancy and make an appointment within the 30-day requirement under the regional agreement. The town will also work with legal counsel to develop a comprehensive sign policy for town property, researching how other communities handle similar requests. Town staff will research whether the town can legally charge organizations to use the electronic sign at town hall for event promotion. The Highway Department will continue recruitment for a heavy equipment operator position, with internal posting required first due to union rules. The town will seek proposals from new audit firms to address ongoing delays caused by industry consolidation. A comprehensive cost update on the proposed highway building project will be presented at a future meeting in January 2026. The Select Board’s next meetings are scheduled for December 16, 2025, January 13, 2026, and January 27, 2026. The Massachusetts Municipal Association annual conference will be held January 22-24, 2026 at the Boston Seaport District.
Full meeting available via Whitman Hanson Community Access Television.