Steven Choiniere

The Town of Sandwich's Long Range Plan outlines a strategic roadmap to project future needs and address key issues and projects. Guided by a mission to deliver effective and efficient public services with integrity, while preserving history, protecting the environment, and responsibly planning for the future, the plan focuses on enhancing service delivery (including staffing and technology), strategic capital asset management (town properties, beach erosion, infrastructure), comprehensive water resources management, fostering economic development, and preserving historic character and natural resources. The overall aim is to ensure sustainable growth and a high quality of life for the community.

The primary focus of the meeting was the presentation of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal by the Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, and Finance Director. The recommended operating budget increase is 2.92% with a capital budget of $2.25 million, described as a level service budget addressing some cost centers and staff movements. Key concerns discussed included the significant impact of increasing tuition assessments for out-of-district students, high health insurance costs, particularly related to GLP-1 medications, and ongoing capital maintenance needs. Discussions also touched upon property utilization, potential savings from the proposed regional dispatch system, and the status of the wastewater process. The committee also addressed staffing changes and the drivers of budgetary costs.

The committee reviewed financial reports, noting the Town Account balance and expenses related to the Village Stroll and lighting upgrades. Key discussions involved updates on recent lighting installations and the need to identify a new lighting vendor as the current one plans to retire. Significant time was dedicated to planning for the 250th celebration, including logo selection for banners and flags, with a decision deferred until the logo is finalized. The committee voted to accept a public art proposal from LP Glover for a painted arch sculpture to be installed on the library lawn, with discussions focusing on ownership, maintenance, and establishing a precedent for future contracts. Planning for a broader public art program, including identifying future sites for a public art walk, was initiated, emphasizing economic development and cultural tourism benefits. Additionally, the committee reviewed proposals for the Town Hall Annex, noting that references to the committee in one proposal appeared aspirational without prior commitment.

The meeting addressed the status of Real Estate Abatement applications, noting that the deadline was February 2nd, 2026, but some postmarked applications might still be accepted. The department update also indicated that the first excise commitment of the year is forthcoming. A significant portion of the meeting involved an executive session to discuss and potentially approve/release previous executive session minutes and to deliberate on real estate abatements and exemptions under relevant Massachusetts General Laws. During the open session, several sets of real estate exemptions and one set of real estate and personal property abatements were reviewed and unanimously recommended for approval.

Key discussions included an upcoming virtual public meeting regarding the Section 106 review for the Sagamore Bridge replacement project, and the deadline for submitting 2025 SHC activities for the Annual Town Report. The Commission also reviewed correspondence seeking historical residence information. A proposal for a complete website redesign by Morningstar Design was accepted, opting for Option Two with a budget of approximately $6,000, which requires trimming excess pages. The walking tour app PocketSights has migrated tours to the new STQRY platform. The bid opening dates for cemetery gates and fence restoration at Old Town Burying Ground and Cedarville Cemetery were postponed due to a lack of bidders and rescheduled. The Commission agreed to remove outdated donation language from the new website.