Select Board appoints temporary registrar, approves L Street USA250 crosswalk and multiple 250th events

The Select Board appointed Paul Groder as a temporary Republican registrar to serve at a hand recount scheduled for June 27, 2026, after a request from the town’s board of registrars. Lori West disclosed a business relationship with Groder under G.L. c. 268A during the meeting; special counsel explained the temporary registrar’s duties and the recount process, including how recount workers and observers interact and how disputed ballots are elevated to the registrars for determination. The board voted to appoint Groder.

On a separate agenda item, local resident Dan Liy proposed painting a red, white and blue crosswalk at the Veterans Memorial for the USA250 celebrations. Law-enforcement staff advised caution at highly trafficked, non-signalized crossings and recommended a simpler color treatment or a signalized location. After discussion the board amended the request and approved a privately funded painted crosswalk at L Street (the proposed parade terminus), asking that the applicant coordinate logistics and private funding for installation and maintenance.

The board also approved several one‑day entertainment and alcohol licenses and fee waivers for USA250 activities (Blessing of the Fleet on June 27; community events on July 18; events on Aug. 15), and approved other one‑day licenses for community concerts tied to the celebration. In each case the board recorded motions to approve with fee waivers for co‑sponsored events.

The board emphasized that privately funded crosswalk work must comply with traffic-control guidance and that event licenses include standard public-safety conditions (police detail when required).