The Rockland Select Board opened its Tuesday evening session with a heavy heart, dedicating the start of the meeting to the memory of Town Clerk Liza Landy, who passed away unexpectedly. Town officials and board members shared personal reflections on Landy’s legacy, describing her as a dedicated professional who rose through the municipal ranks from a van driver at the Council on Aging to the head of the clerk’s office. Town Administrator Doug Lapp said Landy brought professionalism and a lightness that made even the busiest days feel manageable, noting her unwavering dedication, integrity, and care.

Board members offered a tapestry of memories, ranging from Landy’s quiet humility to her unexpected personal history. Vice Chair Lori Childs, attending remotely, described Landy as a mensch—a person of pure heart and decency. One thing not known by many is that she was part of the punk scene in high school, which influenced her quiet determination and fierce ability to be true to herself, Childs remarked. Chair Michael O'Loughlin recalled how his daughters preferred seeing Landy to their own grandmother because of her infectious laugh. She proved a lot of people wrong and was an exceptional clerk. She served with integrity and patience, O'Loughlin said. Member Tiffanie Needham highlighted Landy’s fierce determination, strength, and a wonderful sense of humor, while Member John Ellard, Jr. recalled her dedication as a mother and her charming nerves when speaking at the microphone despite her competence. Member Steven O'Donnell added that Landy was the embodiment of what it means to be a public servant. The board observed a moment of silence following the tributes.

Turning to infrastructure, Town Planner Courtney provided a significant update on the Hingham Street corridor project, which stretches from Route 3 to Reservoir Park Drive. Originally conceived as a $25 million endeavor, the town has strategically pared back the design to increase the likelihood of securing state construction funding. Key improvements in the current 75% design phase include widening Hingham Street from Commerce Road to Reservoir Park Drive, installing new sidewalks on the south side to serve local hotels and businesses, and a major realignment of the Reservoir Park Drive intersection. We have pared back the design to prioritize key improvements to make it more realistic for state construction funding, Courtney explained, noting that land takings for drainage and widening will be presented at the May Town Meeting. Construction could begin as early as next year.

The board also reviewed a preliminary Slum and Blight inventory for the Union Street corridor, targeting the area from North Avenue to just past the Water Street intersection. This federal designation is a prerequisite for unlocking Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for sidewalk and facade upgrades. Courtney noted that 25% of the commercial properties in the corridor currently meet the fair or poor condition threshold required for the tool. It does not devalue properties; it is just a tool to unlock investment funding, she told the board. Member S. O'Donnell expressed support for the initiative, noting that finding additional funds for our community helps; every little bit helps.

Financial pressures remain a shadow over town operations as the board looks toward the fiscal year 2027 budget. Rockland is currently grappling with a projected $2 million deficit driven by stagnant state aid and sharp increases in health care and retirement assessments. Lapp informed the board that the Governor’s budget is expected on January 28, which will clarify the town's financial standing. Amid these constraints, the board addressed a specific CDBG housing rehabilitation request where rising construction costs had pushed a low-income property project over the standard federal cap. Motion Made by S. O'Donnell to approve the private cap waiver request for the CDBG project. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

The board also established a timeline for the annual performance review of the Town Administrator. Lapp will submit a self-evaluation within two weeks, with board members providing individual reviews by late February. A consolidated public document will be presented in March. O'Loughlin urged members to meet with Lapp personally during the process. Meanwhile, Lapp announced a new grant application for $250,000 to digitize Town Hall paper files, a move S. O'Donnell suggested could be bolstered by historical preservation funds.

In closing comments, Vice Chair Childs and Member Needham emphasized the importance of an upcoming joint meeting with Abington on January 27 regarding the South Shore Naval Air Station redevelopment. Developers are expected to detail plans for bringing water to the base, a project viewed as vital for Rockland’s future tax revenue. Member Ellard issued a call for civic engagement, noting that several municipal positions remain without candidates as the February 18 deadline to pull nomination papers approaches. Please pull papers if you want to get involved, Ellard urged.

The meeting concluded with a reflection on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Member S. O'Donnell read a prepared statement linking King’s fight for civil rights to modern obligations. The question is: if I do not stop to help my neighbor, what will happen to them? O'Donnell said. We are called to love our neighbor as ourselves. Following the public session, the board moved into a lengthy executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy for multiple departments, including Police, Fire, and Highway units. Motion Made by S. O'Donnell to enter into executive session per MGL Chapter 30A Section 21(a)(3) for collective bargaining and Section 21(a)(7) to review executive session minutes, and not to return to open session. Motion Passed (5-0-0).