SCITUATE - February 24, 2026 - Following a powerful winter storm that left 44% of the town without power and buried streets under massive snowbanks, the Scituate Select Board voted unanimously Tuesday night to postpone the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Originally scheduled for March 15, the community’s signature event will now take place on Sunday, April 12, 2026, to ensure public safety and allow for adequate snow removal.
The Full Story
The meeting began in the shadow of an active emergency recovery effort. Town Administrator Jim Boudreau reported that as of 5:00 PM February 24, approximately 3,900 customers remained without electricity. While the DPW and public safety teams worked around the clock, the sheer volume of snow created insurmountable logistical hurdles for the upcoming parade.
“There’s a lot of opportunity for folks to be cynical about government in general, until you see up close the work done at the Emergency Operation Center... it was a community coming together.” [03:13] — Andrew Goodrich, Select Board Chair
Board members noted that 15-foot snowbanks currently line the parade route, eliminating the standing room for the thousands of spectators who typically attend. Town Administrator Boudreau explained that clearing the sidewalks and assembly areas would require heavy front-loaders and a massive transportation effort that is currently impractical. The board drew comparisons to the winter of 2015, when similar conditions forced an April postponement that resulted in a successful, sun-filled event.
Beyond the immediate weather crisis, the board moved forward with several critical infrastructure projects. A significant contract was awarded to FM Generator for $154,550 to install a second generator at the Scituate Middle School. Funded largely by a FEMA hazard mitigation grant, this project will allow the school’s cafeteria to serve as a fully functional emergency shelter. Chair Andrew Goodrich noted the timeliness of the vote, stating that such a facility “could have been used today” during the ongoing power outages.
The board also addressed public safety equipment, approving $53,181 for the repowering of Marine Unit 2, a police rescue boat. While resident Jack Zarkauskas questioned the necessity of replacing an engine with only 1,000 hours, the board defended the purchase, citing the boat’s role in life-saving missions and the fact that a $24,999 Port Security Grant would cover nearly half the cost.
Community Preservation Committee (CPC) Chair Dan Fennelly presented the 2026 project slate, highlighted by a $1.2 million proposal to reconstruct the basketball courts behind the high school. Fennelly explained that the existing courts suffer from irreparable moisture damage and must be fully rebuilt rather than resurfaced. The CPC is also seeking $200,000 for Phase II of the Mordecai Lincoln property renovation, focusing on landscape drainage and historical assessments.
Finally, the board enacted a significant policy change regarding retiree health insurance. Starting July 1, 2026, town employees must be enrolled in a health plan at the time of their retirement to remain eligible for town-sponsored insurance. This “forever blocked” policy aims to curb rising OPEB (Other Post-Employment Benefits) liabilities following a recent spike in unexpected enrollments.
Why It Matters
For residents, the parade postponement means a longer wait for the town’s biggest annual celebration, but it ensures that the event won’t be marred by dangerous parking conditions or inaccessible sidewalks. On the fiscal side, the new retiree insurance policy and the use of $400,000 from renewable energy revolving funds to support road and seawall maintenance represent strategic moves to stabilize the town budget without further increasing the tax burden on residents.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To postpone the St. Patrick’s Day Parade to Sunday, April 12, 2026.
Vote: 5-0 ([12:43])
Motion: To award contract 26-MP-2 to Scituate Boat Works for repowering Marine Unit 2 in the amount of $53,181.44.
Vote: 5-0 ([20:53])
Motion: To award contract 26-MSG-01 to FM Generator for the Middle School generator in the amount of $154,550.
Vote: 5-0 ([30:24])
Motion: To adopt a policy disallowing employees retiring after July 1, 2026, from enrolling in town health insurance if not enrolled at the time of retirement.
Vote: 5-0 ([01:28:56])
Motion: To include $85,000 for the replacement of the 1986 Fire Department pickup truck in the FY27 Capital Plan.
Vote: 5-0 ([01:10:13])
Public Comment
Jack Zarkauskas raised concerns regarding the procurement of the police boat engine and electronics, questioning the high cost and the single-bidder process. The board responded that municipal procurement laws and safety requirements for emergency vessels often result in higher costs than recreational equipment. [21:23]
What’s Next
Annual Town Election: Nomination papers are currently available at the Town Clerk’s office.
Bylaw Review: A rescheduled meeting with the Bylaw Review Commission and Advisory Committee is expected in early March.
Annual Town Meeting: Scheduled for April 13, 2026.
Source Video: Scituate Community Television