Kingston boards weigh water superintendent resignation, bylaw changes, and wetland permits
Kingston's town boards held a packed schedule over the past two weeks, with the Board of Water Commissioners scheduled to accept the resignation of Water Superintendent Chris Veracka effective July 31, 2026, and discuss an interim replacement. All recent meetings listed below are agenda-only — minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes and vote tallies are not yet confirmed in the public record.
Water Superintendent resignation
The Board of Water Commissioners met July 22 in executive session to discuss a personnel matter regarding Chris Veracka, covering reputation, character, or discipline. The board did not return to open session. On July 28, the board was scheduled to vote on minutes from July 7, 2026, accept Veracka's resignation effective July 31, 2026, and discuss an interim superintendent plus a search process for a permanent replacement. Engineering updates on the new well project and South Street Well cleaning were also on the agenda, along with discussion of an RFP process for a new meter program.
Wage & Personnel Board
On July 20, the Wage and Personnel Board was set to discuss a stipend for the Energy Manager position for FY2027, with Melissa Russal, Scott Lambiase, and Carol McCoy named on the item. The board also planned to review bylaw amendments for fall town meeting, including a change to the Local Inspector position, the status of the Flag Attendant, and deletion of the Finance Director–Town Accountant position. A cost-of-living adjustment request from the Recreation Department for FY2027, board reorganization, and approval of minutes from June 15 and June 22, 2026, were also listed.
Board of Health
The Board of Health met July 21 to consider a new wind turbine shadow flicker regulation, fines for operating without a permit (set at 2x the permit fee or $500 for septage/rubbish), fees for insufficient funds, and risers added at time of pumping. A Battery Energy Storage (BSS) discussion was also scheduled.
Conservation Commission
On July 22, the Conservation Commission had several wetland buffer matters on its agenda: a Certificate of Compliance for a dual-use agriculture and solar array in cranberry bogs at 126 Ring Road; a Determination of Applicability to demolish and rebuild a fire-damaged home with a master bath addition at 5 Reed Street; a Certificate of Compliance for a single-family dwelling within the 100-foot wetland buffer at 63 Christmas Tree Lane; a Notice of Intent for a septic system upgrade within the 100-foot wetland buffer at 74 Ring Road; and a Notice of Intent for stormwater improvements in coastal wetland buffer zones at Drew and Seaver Avenues.
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen met July 30 in executive session only, scheduled to discuss litigation strategy in Kingston v. O'Donnell Family Trust, collective bargaining negotiations involving Police Unions, and approval or release of executive session minutes. The board did not return to open session.
Coming up
- **Aug. 4 — Board of Water Commissioners:** Review of the Water Superintendent job description and an update on the interim superintendent role. Public may attend in person or via Zoom.
- **Aug. 4 — Wastewater/Sewer Commission:** Discussion of the Miramar Project Contract, sludge and pump contract updates, the CDM Contract, a $406.60 final water bill, and a leaching field update.
- **Aug. 4 — Board of Health:** Variance requests for 52 Higgins Road and 24 Forest Street, plus discussion of fines for housing and septic violations and Council on Aging senior check-ins.
- **Aug. 4 — Open Space Committee:** Updates on the Henrich parking area, Tree Farm Landing cleanup, trail mapping, and workday scheduling. Town House Room 203 and Zoom, 5:45 PM.
- **Aug. 5 — Zoning Board of Appeals:** Public hearings on special permits for 17 Old Orchard Lane (New Orchard Realty, to raze and rebuild a non-conforming dwelling with a deck, Map 59 Lot 52) and 149 Main St. (Diversified Funding Acquisition LLC, to convert a former hotel into multi-family housing, Map 57 Lot 26-1).
Because all recent meetings are agenda-only with minutes not yet published, residents should consult the official minutes once posted to confirm what was actually voted on or decided.