The Board of Public Works initiated a leadership transition this week by naming Town Engineer Ken Ryan as acting superintendent. Ryan, who will take the helm following Sean Patterson’s retirement on Dec. 19, presented a resume spanning civil engineering in the Air National Guard to private-sector waste management. During the appointment discussion, Ryan stated, I want to get nominated for the job so that we could work on a contract that if it's acceptable to everyone then I take the job.

Member John emphasized the need for a temporary designation while financial details are finalized. We can't appoint Ken to superintendent fully until we only can appoint him to acting, John noted, as contract negotiations remain pending. **Motion Passed 3-0 to appoint Ken Ryan as acting superintendent effective Dec. 20, while a permanent contract is negotiated.**

The board then pivoted to a sobering analysis of wastewater infrastructure, revealing that the treatment plant is rapidly approaching its expansion threshold. A new study indicated that current average flows stand at 1.357 million gallons per day; once the system hits 80 percent capacity, a plant expansion must be considered. Expanding sewer service to the Black Mount and Kent Park areas, combined with existing agreements with Duxbury, would leave a razor-thin margin of only 53,000 gallons of daily capacity.

Member Bob expressed frustration with increasing environmental mandates from the state. I just want to say that I'm tired of the state telling us what to do, he remarked. The chair underscored the necessity of the project to protect local resources, adding, It just really seemed like time to start getting very serious about moving forward with the plan.

The discussion also linked sewer availability to the town’s fiscal health, highlighting a trend of McMansions replacing smaller cottages. Member John argued the town’s general fund should help foot the bill for sewer repairs because the infrastructure has significantly increased the property tax base. The sewer has increased the value of the property which has in turn increased the town's tax base, John stated.

Amid technical discussions, the board addressed a routine driveway permit for 247 Winslow St. Property owner Jacqueline Creed corrected the record regarding her location, stating, Just a correction, it's Winslow Street. **Motion Passed 3-0 to approve the driveway permit at 247 Winslow St.**

Financial approvals rounded out the session, including nearly $95,000 in change orders for the Plymouth Avenue pump station. **Motion Passed 3-0 to approve change order number four in the amount of $94,496 to BISCO Building Systems for the Plymouth Avenue pump station upgrade.** The board also secured a long-term labor and equipment contract with a local firm to ensure emergency readiness. **Motion Passed 3-0 to award contract 2026-30 for construction, equipment, rental, and labor to Mass Pavement Reclamation, Inc. of Marshfield for an estimated annual amount of $521,000.**