Scituate Addresses Public Outcry and Employee Safety Concerns After Glades Road Incident
SCITUATE - August 19 - Scituate Select Board members opened their August 19 meeting by addressing an incident on Glades Road where residents reportedly yelled and screamed at DPW employees, with one resident allegedly mentioning firearms. The board strongly condemned the behavior, emphasizing a commitment to ensuring the safety and respect of all town employees.
The Full Story
The meeting began with a statement from Chair Andrew Goodrich who expressed being "very upset" and "sad" about the incident. The speaker described how DPW employees were painting lines on Glades Road when local residents became so upset they began yelling and screaming. According to Goodrich, a resident even mentioned that "other residents might even have some firearms".
Goodrich called the behavior unacceptable and not reflective of the community's values. He reinforced the sentiment, stating, "we're going to do everything we can to make sure that you feel safe when you're on the job, that you feel safe when you come to work, that you care and respect, love you, thank you, and value your work".
Following the discussion on employee safety, a resident of Glades Road, Kyle O'Connor, approached the board during the public walk-in session. O'Connor presented pictures and voiced concerns about new roadway markings installed on August 13. According to O'Connor, the new lane markings have shifted the southeast-bound lane closer to residential properties, which has narrowed the shoulder for pedestrians and reduced the buffer for parked vehicles. O'Connor reported that since the changes were implemented, residents have observed an increase in vehicle speeds. "The newly defined lane appears to give drivers the impression of a more formal, higher-capacity roadway, which has made walking and biking... feel significantly less safe," O'Connor said. A traffic accident occurred just four days after the new markings were installed. O'Connor requested that the board add the issue to the agenda for a September 9 meeting to allow residents to voice their concerns. O'Connor also requested that the town's speed monitoring device be relocated to an area where it can better capture vehicle speeds on the reconfigured part of the road.
In other business, the board discussed several upcoming community events and initiatives. The town's annual "Touch-a-Truck" Day is scheduled for Friday, August 22, from 9 a.m. to noon at Town Hall. Additionally, fall recreation registration opens on August 20 at 6 p.m., with the fall brochure available on the town website. A free bike rodeo for kids ages six to nine is also scheduled for Saturday, August 23, at the Cushing Elementary parking lot. The town is currently in a Tier 2 water ban, which restricts outdoor watering to handheld hoses only between 4-9 a.m. and 4-5 p.m.. The board announced that lifeguard staffing at some beaches has ended for the season, with the last day at Peggotty Beach scheduled for Labor Day, though it may be unstaffed on August 27 and 28 due to staff availability.
Why It Matters
The board's strong statement on the Glades Road incident sends a clear message that threats against municipal employees will not be tolerated. For Glades Road residents and other community members, concerns about the new roadway markings could lead to a future review of the traffic changes, potentially addressing safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists. The ongoing discussion and potential special town meeting articles on issues like a new fire station and a desalinization technology study could have long-term financial implications for the entire community.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To approve the request by Split Rock to open at 10 a.m. instead of 12 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, and Sunday, September 14, for a trial brunch service.
Outcome: Approved.
Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 39:24)
Motion: To grant an easement for the proposed installation and relocation of poles on First Avenue.
Outcome: Approved.
Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 2:06:45)
Motion: To award a contract for gasoline and diesel to Dennis K. Burke Inc. for a total sum not to exceed $500,000.
Outcome: Approved.
Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:25:51)
Motion: To forward suggested changes to the Code of General Bylaws regarding storage containers, dumpsters, and unregistered vehicles to department heads for review.
Outcome: Approved.
Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:44:29)
Public Comment
The public comment period included two walk-ins. The first was from Kyle O'Connor of Glades Road, who raised concerns about new roadway markings and their impact on traffic safety. The second walk-in was from Bill Schmidt and Cliff Walton, who announced a September 2 forum at the Scituate Public Library on disaster response and resilience. Walton also expressed an interest in volunteering for the town to help with mental health initiatives.
What's Next
A forum on disaster response will be held at the public library on September 2. The town's annual "Touch-a-Truck" event is on August 22. The bylaw review committee and relevant department heads will review and provide feedback on the proposed changes to bylaws regarding storage containers and dumpsters. The financial forecast committee will meet to discuss additional state aid and potential recommendations for its use. The board will also be considering candidates for the Coastal Advisory Commission at a future meeting.