Rockland voters delivered a decisive victory for public safety during the September 13 special election, authorizing $26.1 million for a new fire station and $2 million for a replacement ladder truck. Town Administrator Douglas Lapp reported that both ballot questions passed with a 55-to-45 split, marking a significant milestone for the town’s infrastructure. Lapp suggested that by fiscal year 2032, the town’s completed retirement assessments could provide millions in levy capacity to help fund the debt without a permanent tax increase. However, Member John Ellard, Jr. urged caution regarding long-term financial promises. People will come out for a president in a vote that means almost nothing in Massachusetts, but stay home on a vote that actually affects them, Ellard said, noting the 20 percent turnout. He reminded the board that despite the fire station win, the town still faces over $100 million in unfunded OPEB liabilities with only $1 million currently set aside.

The celebratory mood regarding the election was contrasted by a sobering report from Health Agent Delshan and Tobacco Coordinator Kathy Mahoney regarding the rise of Kratom sales in local retail stores. Delshan described the substance as gas station heroin, noting that it is being sold in pill, powder, and liquid forms with high potential for addiction. Mahoney explained that the substance affects brain receptors similarly to opioids and confirmed that eight neighboring communities are already moving toward bans. We are in the process of banning this because we have seen the uptick and the dangers, Mahoney told the board.

The discussion turned sharp when Delshan revealed that Board of Health Chairman Robert Stevens has repeatedly ignored requests to discuss the issue. This follows a previous investigation into Stevens regarding hostile conduct that resulted in a trespass order limiting his access to Town Hall. Member Steven O’Donnell expressed frustration with the lack of leadership at the Board of Health, stating, I think at a minimum as an elected official, we have an obligation to communicate back to constituents that reach out to us. The lack of communication paints our town in a bad light. Chair Michael O’Loughlin agreed, calling the chairman’s absence a slap in the face to the residents of the community.

The Select Board also navigated new state mandates by adopting a Marijuana Social Equity Policy, though the vote was not unanimous. The policy establishes a 1:1 local approval ratio for social equity applicants until they comprise half of the town’s cannabis licenses. Vice Chair Lori Childs voiced significant frustration with the State Cannabis Control Commission (CCC), noting that the town lost upwards of $10.5 million over five years because the CCC pulled the rug out from under us regarding host community agreements. O’Loughlin was even more blunt, accusing the CCC of a bait and switch on municipalities. While the policy was necessary for compliance, O’Loughlin cast the lone dissenting vote as a protest against state overreach.

Motion Made by S. O'Donnell to adopt the Rockland Marijuana social equity policy, including the checklist and score sheets. Motion Passed (4-1) with M. O'Loughlin voting no.

In other news, the town finalized its fifth and final union contract, reaching an agreement with the Local 1602 firefighters. Lapp detailed the agreement, which includes 2.5 percent annual increases and a new maternity policy for female firefighters that the administration hopes to eventually expand town-wide. Meanwhile, demolition of the Lincoln School is set to begin in earnest, with hazardous material removal scheduled for September 22. Lapp also confirmed he has applied for credentialing with the International City Manager Association to further his professional development.

The upcoming Fall Festival, scheduled for September 27, received the board's enthusiastic support. Organizer Olivia detailed a robust schedule featuring over 80 vendors, 12 food trucks, alpacas, and a beer garden. We have Break Rock Brewing, Quarry Sports Bar, and Abington Depot for the beer garden this year, she said, noting the event remains free for the community. Vice Chair Childs thanked her for the coordination work, though she later sparked laughter during the fire station discussion by suggesting the old station could become a restaurant called "Work the Pole" where waiters use the fire poles for service.

Motion Made by S. O'Donnell to approve a one-day liquor license for Break Rock Brewing, Quarry Sports Bar and Grill, and Abington Depot for September 27. Motion Passed (5-0)

The board also filled a vacancy on the Council on Aging, moving Sandra Collins from an alternate to a full member position. Motion Made by S. O'Donnell to approve the appointment of Sandra Collins to the Council on Aging. Motion Passed (5-0)

As the meeting drew to a close, Member Tiffanie Needham praised the town’s current trajectory, stating Rockland really is the little town that can. Our town administration is working so well together and cohesively. Before entering executive session to discuss national opioid litigation, the board also noted a vacancy on the Rent Control Board, urging residents to apply to help the body reach a quorum for pending senior housing matters.

Motion Made by M. O'Loughlin to enter into executive session per MGL Chapter 30A section 21 A3 (Opioid Litigation) and A7 (Minutes), not to reconvene in open session. Motion Passed (5-0) via roll call.