HINGHAM - October 7 - The Hingham Select Board unanimously approved a $300,000 contract with Eastern Minerals Incorporated on Monday to supply rock salt and solar salt for the upcoming winter season, securing a price of $63 per ton—significantly lower than the $85 to $95 per ton the town would pay without participating in a collective purchasing agreement with 27 other municipalities.
The Full Story
The salt procurement contract, which runs through June 30, 2026, represents the culmination of a collaborative bidding process organized by the Town of Medfield that included 28 municipalities total. Nearby communities participating in the agreement include Braintree, Holbrook, Milton, Randolph, and Weymouth.
Procurements Officer David Sequeira explained the benefits of the collective purchasing approach during the meeting. “By buying the way that we are with this collective purchase procurement, if we did not go this route, it would be $85 to $95 per ton,” Sequeira told the board, highlighting the substantial savings achieved through the coalition.
The majority of the salt to be used on Hingham roads this winter will come from international sources, including Mexico, Argentina, and Ireland, according to Sequeira. The contract includes both traditional rock salt and solar salt, which Department of Public Works Superintendent Ashley Sanford described as a chemically treated salt that is “better for us being such a coastal community.”
Eastern Minerals Incorporated of Lowell submitted the lowest bid and will invoice the town on a per-delivery basis, meaning actual costs could be lower if the winter is mild. Last year, the town ordered approximately $285,000 worth of salt, according to Sanford. Any unused funds at the end of the fiscal year would remain in the DPW budget initially and then revert to the town’s fund balance.
Select Board member Liz Klein noted that the current contract price of $63 per ton represents a slight decrease from the previous year’s rate of $65 per ton. The Hingham Public Schools also purchase rock salt through the DPW under this contract arrangement.
In other business, the board unanimously proclaimed October 13, 2025, as Indigenous Peoples Day in the Town of Hingham. Board members Julie Strehle, Liz Klein, and Chair William Ramsey read a proclamation honoring the contributions and resilience of Indigenous peoples and acknowledging their ongoing role in American society.
“Since time immemorial, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians have built vibrant and diverse cultures, safeguarding land, language, spirit, knowledge, and tradition across the generations,” Strehle read from the proclamation. The document recognized both the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples and their significant contributions to the nation, including service in the Armed Forces at one of the highest rates of any group.
The board also approved a special one-day wine and malt beverages license to Untold Brewing for their annual “Booze and Brews” event at Derby Street Shops on October 24, 2025. Matt Elder of Untold Brewing told the board this would be the fifth year of the popular family-friendly Halloween event, which features trick-or-treating, candy, music, and other festivities on the green between REI and Cole’s.
“It’s a family-friendly event where there’s trick-or-treating, candy, music, all sorts of festivities,” Elder explained. “It’s always a successful event, very much enjoyed by everyone who attends.” The event is scheduled to run from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., though Elder noted they typically begin winding down around 7:00 p.m. WS Development has already reserved a police detail for the event.
Chair Ramsey praised Elder’s community involvement, particularly highlighting Untold Brewing’s support of the Maritime Center over the summer. The board unanimously approved the license with no opposition from the public.
Assistant Town Administrator Art Robert used his report to remind residents about important upcoming opportunities to provide input on MBTA ferry service. The MBTA is conducting a water transportation study that began in 2022 to explore ways to expand service and strengthen existing routes, including the Hingham ferry.
“I certainly understand that over the years, the Hingham community has been very vocal about ferry service, retaining it during times of great budget pressure,” Robert said. “This will be a great opportunity for the community.” He announced two upcoming public meetings: a virtual session on October 8 at 6:30 p.m. and an in-person meeting at the Hingham shipyard ferry terminal on October 23 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Board member Strehle encouraged residents to also take advantage of an online survey available on the MBTA’s webpage. “I took the survey, and my husband also took the survey online, and it was very quick and easy to do,” she said. Robert added that residents can sign up for project updates to track the study as it progresses.
Ramsey reminded the community that Hingham High School’s homecoming weekend would take place this coming weekend, featuring football, soccer, field hockey, and other events. “If you get an opportunity, come on out and support our local athletes,” he encouraged residents.
The board concluded its open session by voting to enter joint executive session with the advisory committee and personnel board to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel. The board did not reconvene in open session following the executive session.
Why It Matters
The salt contract approval ensures Hingham roads will remain safe and passable during winter weather while saving taxpayers thousands of dollars through collective purchasing. With salt prices volatile and dependent on international market conditions, the $22 to $32 per ton savings achieved through the 28-municipality coalition represents significant fiscal responsibility. The per-delivery invoicing structure also means residents will only pay for what the town actually uses, providing flexibility in mild winter years. For a coastal community like Hingham that relies heavily on treated salt to minimize environmental impact, securing a competitive price while maintaining road safety standards directly affects both public safety and the town’s budget bottom line.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve minutes dated September 9, 2025. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous (3-0). (Timestamp: 0:02:24)
Motion: Proclaim October 13, 2025, as Indigenous Peoples Day in the Town of Hingham. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous (3-0). (Timestamp: 0:05:40)
Motion: Approve issuance of special one-day wine and malt beverages license to Untold Brewing for Booze and Brews event on October 24, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Derby Street Shops. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous (3-0). (Timestamp: 0:08:07)
Motion: Authorize town administrator to sign agreement with Eastern Minerals Incorporated to supply rock salt and/or solar salt in amount not to exceed $300,000. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous (3-0). (Timestamp: 0:13:39)
Motion: Enter joint executive session with advisory committee and personnel board under MGL Chapter 30A Section 21A2 to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous (3-0). (Timestamp: 0:18:02)
Public Comment
No members of the public offered comments during the designated public comment period or on any specific agenda items.
What’s Next
Eastern Minerals Incorporated will begin delivering rock salt and solar salt to the town on a per-delivery basis as needed through June 30, 2026. The MBTA will hold a virtual public meeting on October 8 at 6:30 p.m. and an in-person meeting at the Hingham ferry terminal on October 23 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. regarding the water transportation study. Untold Brewing’s Booze and Brews event at Derby Street Shops is scheduled for October 24 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Hingham High School homecoming events will take place this weekend.