Select Board
Rockland's main governing board. Sets town policy, approves major contracts, and makes key appointments.
200 items across 21 meetings.
June 16, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Standard opening.
• Status unclear
Rockland Day is Saturday June 20th, 2:00pm–9:30pm.
• Status unclear
Approval of prior meeting minutes.
📋 Proposed
Joint vote with Planning Board to appoint John Lucas as associate member.
📋 Proposed
Treasurer to review and approve borrowing results for the Water Treatment Plant, which affects future water rates.
💬 Discussed
Status update on the track renovation project.
📋 Proposed
Town to accept deed for Camp Alice Carleton land, Parcel 78-009.
• Status unclear
Routine administrative update.
• Status unclear
Individual member comments.
📋 Proposed
Closed session to discuss grievances and strategy under the AFSCME Council 93 union contract.
June 2, 2026 · minutes
• Status unclear
Routine opening items.
✅ Approved
Minutes of 5/19/26 approved unanimously.
✅ Approved
Black Hat Brew Works & Players Sports Bar & Grille approved for a one-day liquor license at Memorial Stadium for Rockland Day, June 20, 2026 (rain date June 21), 2:00–9:30 PM.
📍 Memorial Stadium
✅ Approved
Kevin McKenna reappointed as Constable unanimously.
✅ Approved
Melissa Burgio (Democratic party) and Sue Ide (Unenrolled party) appointed to the Board of Registrars; John Ward withdrew his application.
✅ Approved
Town received a $1.1M federal grant for the WWTP, credited to Dave Taylor and Senator Keenan's office.
💰 $1,100,000 federal grant
💬 Discussed
ZBA issued an updated Special Permit for the Fire Station project; it now advances to the Planning Board, with a public update scheduled for the July 14 Select Board meeting.
💬 Discussed
Demolition of Lincoln School expected to begin the week of June 2.
📍 Lincoln School
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned by unanimous roll-call vote.
June 2, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine opening.
• Status unclear
Open community announcements segment.
📋 Proposed
Board will vote to approve minutes from the May 19, 2026 meeting.
📋 Proposed
Black Hat Brew Works & Players Sports Bar & Grille seek a one-day liquor license for Rockland Day at Memorial Stadium on 6/20/26 (rain date 6/21/26), 2:00–9:30 pm.
📍 Memorial Stadium, Rockland
📋 Proposed
Reappointment of Kevin McKenna as a Rockland constable.
📋 Proposed
Three appointments to the Board of Registrars, which oversees voter registration.
• Status unclear
Placeholder for any additional new business raised at the meeting.
• Status unclear
Placeholder for any additional old business raised at the meeting.
• Status unclear
Town Administrator presents updates and correspondence to the board.
• Status unclear
Individual board members share comments; opinions do not reflect the full board.
May 19, 2026 · minutes
• Status unclear
Routine opening.
💬 Discussed
Board honored the memory of retired Deputy Chief Barry Ashton.
✅ Approved
Minutes of 5/5/26 approved unanimously; Ellard and O'Donnell abstained.
✅ Approved
John Lucas recognized for years of volunteer service, including organizing Rockland Day fireworks.
✅ Approved
Space Bistro's license category changed from Beer/Wine to All Alcohol after a public hearing; approved unanimously.
📍 323 Union Street
💬 Discussed
Christopher Schultz (Health Agent) and Hillary Waite (Sewer Superintendent) introduced and welcomed; board praised Sewer Commissioners for stabilizing the department.
✅ Approved
Board unanimously approved the annual list of reappointments to town boards and committees.
✅ Approved
Joanne Barbara appointed to ADA Committee, Debra Ventimiglia to Conservation Commission, and Kathy O'Neil as Old Colony Elder Services Delegate; all approved unanimously.
✅ Approved
Waiver of the 50% project cost requirement for a Community Development Block Grant housing rehab case approved due to an irrevocable trust situation.
✅ Approved
On-premises alcohol and beer/wine license holders may open at 8am (instead of normal hours) only on scheduled World Cup game days from 6/11/26–7/19/26; passed 4-1 (Ellard opposed).
💬 Discussed
Senate restored state aid cut by House; Allyson Quinn secured a $350,000 Municipal Vulnerability Grant via Abington partnership; Memorial Day observance Monday 5/25 at 11am at Veterans Memorial.
💰 $350,000 Municipal Vulnerability Grant
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned by roll call vote.
May 19, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Opening pledge.
• Status unclear
Moment of silence honoring Deputy Police Chief Barry Ashton.
📋 Proposed
Approval of prior meeting minutes.
• Status unclear
Presentation of Rockland's Best Award.
📋 Proposed
7:00pm hearing on Space Bistro's request to upgrade its license from beer/wine to all alcohol.
📍 323 Union Street
• Status unclear
Introducing new Health Agent Christopher Schultz and Sewer Superintendent Hillary Waite.
📋 Proposed
Annual round of town board and committee appointments.
📋 Proposed
Proposed appointments: Joanne Barbara (ADA Committee), Debra Ventimiglia (Conservation Commission), and Kathy O'Neil (Old Colony Elder Services Delegate).
📋 Proposed
Vote to waive the 50% project-cost requirement for a federally-funded housing rehabilitation case.
📋 Proposed
Vote to allow all licensed establishments to start pouring alcohol at 6:00am from 6/11/2026 through 7/19/2026.
• Status unclear
Administrator updates and correspondence.
• Status unclear
Individual board member comments.
May 5, 2026 · minutes
• Status unclear
Opening pledge.
💬 Discussed
Rockland Day is Saturday, June 20th, 2026; May is Mental Health Month with a resources event and Rail Trail luminary walk.
✅ Approved
Motion to approve prior meeting minutes.
💬 Discussed
Board presented certificates of recognition to the North River Collaborative for its 50th anniversary.
✅ Approved
Board designated several Recreation Department positions (Seasonal Program Director, Coach/Program Instructor, Seasonal Supervisor, Teen Center Employee) as special municipal employees to comply with state conflict-of-interest law.
💬 Discussed
Quorum of 150 was barely met (155 attended); all warrant articles passed except Article 31, which was pushed to add Pembroke to the SS Vo-Tech Regional School agreement.
💬 Discussed
Bid for the Bicentennial Track Project is posted on the Town website; bids due May 27, 2026.
💬 Discussed
Fire Station Project going before the ZBA tonight; project continues to move forward.
💬 Discussed
Phase I of Water Treatment Plant upgrades selected for the Mass Clean Water Trust intended use plan—a funding step.
💬 Discussed
Fire Department received a $10,674 Student Awareness Fire Education Program Grant.
💰 $10,674 grant
💬 Discussed
Recreation noted longtime supporter PJ Burke passed away; family set up a scholarship fund for Rockland Rec summer programs.
💬 Discussed
Vice Chair Childs noted ongoing resident concern about PFAS in the water; info is on the Town website and residents should call the Water Department directly.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned by roll call vote.
May 5, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Opening formalities and community announcements.
📋 Proposed
Approval of prior meeting minutes.
📋 Proposed
Recognition honoring the North River Collaborative's 50th anniversary, coming up May 5.
💬 Discussed
Update on special municipal employee designations, coming up May 5.
💬 Discussed
Recap of recent Town Meeting outcomes, coming up May 5.
💬 Discussed
Administrator's report and correspondence to the board.
• Status unclear
Individual member comments.
May 4, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Board reviews and discusses articles for the upcoming Special/Annual Town Meeting Warrant, which sets taxes, spending, and bylaws residents will vote on.
📍 Rockland High School Cafeteria, Rockland MA
📋 Proposed
Catch-all for any urgent items that arise before the meeting.
April 21, 2026 · minutes
• Status unclear
Routine opening.
💬 Discussed
Community Clean-Up Day is 5/2 (9–11am); Annual Town Meeting is 5/4 at 7pm; defibrillators installed at town parks; library systems updating 4/27–4/30 with possible delays.
✅ Approved
Minutes of 4/7/26 approved unanimously.
✅ Approved
Lt. Steven Somers promoted to Deputy Chief, Sgt. Brian McDonald to Lieutenant, and Det. James Casper to Detective Sergeant; Board congratulated all three.
✅ Approved
Board unanimously authorized forwarding Anita Marie's Breakfast & Lunch request to the ABCC to expand hours to Mon–Sat 8am–11pm and Sun 10am–10pm for evening dining.
✅ Approved
Christopher Schultz, current Abington Health Agent, unanimously appointed to replace retiring Health Agent Delshaune Flipp (retiring May 13) per Town Charter process.
💬 Discussed
Community outreach meeting on 4/16 had low turnout but was recorded by WRPS; TA described the proposed general bylaw language as clear and effective.
💬 Discussed
Net State Aid to Rockland decreased by $85,000 in the House budget, which the TA called distressing.
💬 Discussed
A proposed Motor Vehicle Excise Collection change was removed from the House budget, which the TA noted as good news.
💬 Discussed
TA provided a brief update on the Bicentennial Track project timeline; no details recorded in minutes.
💬 Discussed
Vice Chair Childs recognized Jane Hackett for spearheading an initiative to reorganize Medicaid benefits for Rockland schools.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned by roll-call vote.
April 21, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine opening.
📋 Proposed
Town-wide clean-up day scheduled May 2, 2026, 9–11 a.m.; meet at Town Hall for supplies; register at rocklandrec.org or (781) 871-1730.
📍 Town Hall, 242 Union Street
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of prior meeting minutes.
📋 Proposed
Lt. Steven Somers promoted to Deputy Chief, Sgt. Brian McDonald to Lieutenant, and Det. James Casper to Detective Sergeant.
📋 Proposed
Authorization requested to expand Anita Marie's hours at 349 Union St to Mon–Sat 8 a.m.–11 p.m. and Sun 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
📍 349 Union Street
📋 Proposed
Christopher Schultz to be appointed Health Agent per Town Charter § C-2.19(A).
💬 Discussed
Board recaps a community outreach meeting on a proposed bylaw targeting problem properties ahead of Town Meeting vote.
• Status unclear
Routine update from the Town Administrator.
• Status unclear
Individual board member comments; opinions are their own.
April 7, 2026 · minutes
• Status unclear
Routine opening.
💬 Discussed
Annual Town Election set for Saturday 4/11/26, polls 8am–6pm; Community Clean-Up Day is 5/2/26, 9–11am.
✅ Approved
Prior meeting minutes approved unanimously.
✅ Approved
One-day liquor license approved for 4th Floor Artists at 83 E. Water St., 6–10pm on 4/11/26.
📍 83 E. Water St., Rockland
✅ Approved
One-day liquor license approved for Players Sports Bar at the field behind Phelps Elementary & Senior Center, 2:30–5:30pm on 4/12/26.
📍 Field behind Phelps Elementary & Senior Center
✅ Approved
One-day liquor license approved for Players Sports Bar at Veterans Memorial Stadium for the Recreation Dept. Adult Egg Hunt, 7–10pm on 5/2/26.
📍 Veterans Memorial Stadium, Rockland
💬 Discussed
Recreation Director Blaney updated the board on May programming; department also received the Mass. Parks & Recreation Agency of the Year Award for mental health outreach.
💬 Discussed
Town Administrator read through all articles on the final warrant for the 5/4/26 Annual/Special Town Meeting; board briefly commented.
✅ Approved
Board unanimously authorized the Chair and Town Administrator to sign a letter opposing a pending state bill that would limit the town's ability to collect motor vehicle excise tax.
💰 Could affect town revenue from motor vehicle excise tax collection
💬 Discussed
Town Administrator shared a draft letter to be sent to employees regarding an upcoming health insurance transition.
💬 Discussed
Fire Department received a $19,000 state grant for safety and communications equipment on new engines; no town match required.
💰 $19,000 state grant; $0 town match
💬 Discussed
Incoming Sewer Superintendent Hillary Waite will be formally introduced at a future Select Board meeting.
💬 Discussed
Vice Chair Childs corrected a public statement: the new Town Charter is finalized and has been signed by the Governor's office — it does not require a Town Meeting vote.
✅ Approved
Board voted to enter executive session under M.G.L. c.30A §21(a)(3) to discuss the National Opioid Litigation.
April 7, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Opening of meeting.
• Status unclear
Annual Town Election is 4/11/26, 8:00am–6:00pm; Community Clean-Up Day is 5/2/26, 9:00–11:00am, meeting at Town Hall (register at rocklandrec.org).
📍 Town Hall, 242 Union Street
📋 Proposed
Approval of prior meeting minutes.
📋 Proposed
Coming up April 7: one-day liquor licenses for 4th Floor Artists (83 E. Water St., 4/11), Little League Opening Day near Phelps Elementary (4/12), and the Adult Egg Hunt at Veterans Memorial Stadium (5/2).
📍 83 E. Water St.; Phelps Elementary; Veterans Memorial Stadium
💬 Discussed
Discussion of Recreation Department plans for Mental Health Awareness Month.
💬 Discussed
Coming up April 7: review of the warrant for the May 4 Annual/Special Town Meeting, which sets what residents vote on (budget, articles).
• Status unclear
Updates from the Town Administrator.
• Status unclear
Individual member comments.
• Status unclear
Closed-door session on the National Opioid Litigation, per M.G.L. c.30A §21(a)(3).
March 17, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Prior meeting minutes approved unanimously.
✅ Approved
Board adopted votes authorizing financing for the Bicentennial Track & Fire Station project after the treasurer reviewed bond anticipation note results.
💰 BAN financing (amount not stated)
💬 Discussed
Capital Planning Committee presented an updated plan running through 2031 with ranked FY27 department requests.
💬 Discussed
Administrator Doug Lapp received an overall 'achieved' rating across eight criteria.
💬 Discussed
Lapp presented the FY27 budget noting significant savings from switching insurance carriers and recommended use of free cash; Finance Committee votes 3/25 and Select Board votes the final warrant 4/7.
💰 Savings from insurance carrier change; use of free cash
💬 Discussed
Draft Special and Annual Town Meeting warrant articles were read; final warrant comes before the Board April 7.
💬 Discussed
Town received a $350,000 DEP grant to install three new energy-efficient aeration blowers for the Sewer department.
💰 $350,000 grant
💬 Discussed
Town received a $129,000 Community Compact Cabinet grant to scan Town Hall paper documents.
💰 $129,000 grant
💬 Discussed
Conservation Commission approved the Bicentennial Track permit and the Pleasant Street Landfill project contract is being finalized with Clean Earth.
📍 Pleasant Street
💬 Discussed
Public meeting on future water supply for Union Point announced for Wednesday 3/18 at 6:30pm, Abington High School.
📍 Union Point
🗳️ Voted on
Board voted to enter executive session on Highway/Parks union bargaining and potential purchase/lease of parcel ID 78-9-0.
📍 parcel ID 78-9-0
March 17, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Opening pledge.
• Status unclear
Abington/Rockland Joint Water Works holds a public meeting on future water supply for Union Point, Wed 3/18 at 6:30pm, Abington High School Seminar Room.
📍 Abington High School Seminar Room
• Status unclear
Approval of prior minutes.
📋 Proposed
Treasurer to review and approve borrowing (note sale) results for the Bicentennial Track and Fire Station project.
💰 Borrowing for track and fire station project; amounts not specified
📋 Proposed
Capital Planning Committee Chair Rich Harris presents the FY27 capital plan.
📋 Proposed
Board reviews the Town Administrator's performance.
💬 Discussed
Continued discussion of the FY27 town budget.
💬 Discussed
Continued review of articles for the upcoming Town Meeting warrant.
• Status unclear
Administrator updates and correspondence.
• Status unclear
Individual member comments.
📋 Proposed
Closed session on Highway/Parks union (AFSCME Council 93) bargaining strategy and the purchase/lease/value of real property at parcel ID 78-9-0.
📍 parcel ID 78-9-0
March 3, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Prior meeting minutes approved unanimously (2/17) and 4-0 (2/21, Needham abstained).
✅ Approved
Three one-day licenses approved: Trinity Episcopal Church wine tasting 3/8 at 3 Goddard Ave.; Players Sports Bar Sip & Shop at Rockland Garden Center 3/14; 4th Floor Artists Concert 3/14 at 83 W. Water St.
📍 3 Goddard Ave.; Rockland Garden Center; 83 W. Water St.
✅ Approved
Select Board presented ACO Ian Davidson a 'Rockland's Best' certificate for community contributions beyond his official duties.
💬 Discussed
Staff presented a draft Blight & Nuisance bylaw; board decided to hold public outreach meetings before advancing it.
✅ Approved
Staff updated both plans; Steve O'Donnell unanimously appointed as Select Board liaison to the Housing Production Plan Committee.
💬 Discussed
Town Administrator presented a PowerPoint on the FY27 budget; final budget to be delivered at the 3/17 meeting.
💬 Discussed
Town Administrator presented draft warrant articles; list to be finalized at the next meeting.
💬 Discussed
Capital Planning Committee has finished its work and will present findings to the board at the 3/17 meeting.
✅ Approved
Governor signed the updated Rockland Town Charter; it is now enacted.
💬 Discussed
Health Agent Delshaune Flipp retiring after ~21 years; updated charter lets the town post and hire a replacement soon.
💬 Discussed
Board entered executive session to consider purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property at parcel ID 78-9-0, plus prior exec-session minutes.
📍 Parcel ID 78-9-0
March 3, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Opening pledge.
• Status unclear
General community announcements.
📋 Proposed
Approval of 2/17/2026 and 2/21/2026 minutes.
📋 Proposed
Three one-day liquor licenses up for approval: Trinity Episcopal wine tasting (3 Goddard Ave, 3/8), Players Sports Bar Sip & Shop (60 Centre Ave, 3/14), and 4th Floor Artists concert (83 E. Water St, 3/14).
📍 3 Goddard Ave; 60 Centre Ave; 83 E. Water St
💬 Discussed
Presentation recognizing Rockland's Best.
📋 Proposed
Town Planner to present a proposed bylaw targeting problem properties, which could affect property owners and neighborhood enforcement.
💬 Discussed
Updates on the town's open space, recreation, and housing production plans, which guide future development and housing.
💬 Discussed
Continued discussion of the FY27 town budget.
💬 Discussed
Review of draft warrant articles for the Annual Town Meeting, which set what residents will vote on.
💬 Discussed
Administrator's report and correspondence.
💬 Discussed
Individual member comments.
📋 Proposed
Closed session to approve executive minutes (1/20/26, 2/3/26) and discuss purchase/value of real property at parcel ID 78-9-0.
📍 parcel ID 78-9-0
February 21, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
All licensed establishments approved to open at 8:00 a.m. on 2/22/26 for Olympic Hockey Games; request originated from Players Sports Bar & Grille, 86 VFW Drive, then extended town-wide.
📍 86 VFW Drive (and all Rockland establishments)
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned by roll call vote.
February 21, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Meeting called to order.
📋 Proposed
Coming up Feb 21: request to open Players Sports Bar & Grille at 86 VFW Drive early at 8:00am on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
📍 86 VFW Drive
• Status unclear
Any unforeseen items.
• Status unclear
Meeting ends.
February 17, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Prior minutes approved 4-0, Needham abstained.
✅ Approved
Dianne Holden appointed to the Council on Aging (3-year term) and Patricia Norton named alternate, both unanimously.
💬 Discussed
Board voiced frustration over inadequate state aid, warning the Town is in significant trouble with FY27 increases to state aid, health insurance, and Plymouth County Retirement; legislators pledged to push for more local aid.
💰 FY27 cost increases cited; no figures given
💬 Discussed
Town Administrator updated the board on the MWRA water supply expansion study; no decisions made.
💬 Discussed
Preliminary list of Town Meeting warrant articles reviewed; will be updated and kept on future agendas.
💬 Discussed
New town charter enacted and awaiting the Governor's signature or veto within 10 days from 2/12.
✅ Approved
Hillary Waite hired as permanent Sewer Superintendent with a 3/30 start date.
💬 Discussed
Rockland Recreation named 2026 recipient of Massachusetts Recreation and Park Agency of the Year for its Mental Health Awareness Initiative.
✅ Approved
Members offered Black History Month remarks, congratulations, and other comments before adjourning by roll call.
February 17, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine opening.
• Status unclear
Open community announcements segment.
📋 Proposed
Approval of prior meeting minutes.
📋 Proposed
Board to appoint Diane Holden and Patricia Norton as Alternate to the Council on Aging.
📋 Proposed
State legislators will brief the board on FY27 state aid levels, which directly affect the town budget and property taxes.
📋 Proposed
Board reviews the list of proposed warrant articles for the upcoming Annual Town Meeting, setting what voters will decide.
💬 Discussed
Continued discussion of the FY2027 municipal budget.
💬 Discussed
Update on the MWRA (Massachusetts Water Resources Authority) study of expanding Rockland's water supply capacity.
• Status unclear
Routine report and correspondence from the Town Administrator.
• Status unclear
Individual board member comments; do not represent full board positions.
February 3, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Standard opening.
• Status unclear
Moment of silence honoring retired Fire Department Lieutenant David P. Patry.
• Status unclear
Approving prior meeting minutes.
📋 Proposed
Appointment of Maureen Sutherland to the Council on Aging.
📋 Proposed
One-day liquor license request for an event at 83 E. Water St. on 2/13/26, 5:30pm-7:30pm.
📍 83 E. Water St.
💬 Discussed
Inventory report overview and vote on slum and blight designation, a step tied to community development grant eligibility.
💬 Discussed
Public hearing on the FY2026 Community Development Block Grant (federal funds for local projects).
💬 Discussed
Update to the town's buy-recycled purchasing policy.
💬 Discussed
Continued discussion of the FY27 town budget.
• Status unclear
Administrator updates and correspondence.
💬 Discussed
Closed session on firefighter collective bargaining and grievances, possible purchase/lease of parcel ID 78-9-0, and litigation in David B. McCarthy v. Town of Rockland.
📍 parcel ID 78-9-0