The Kingston Board of Selectmen entered a new era Tuesday night as Kimberley Emberg was elected Chair, succeeding outgoing leadership following the recent town election. The leadership transition continued with the board electing Melissa Bateman as Vice Chair and Sheila Vaughn as Clerk, marking a significant reorganization of the town’s executive body. Emberg, who has recently championed the Boneyard Dog Park volunteer drive and town-wide cleanup efforts, presided over her first meeting in the top seat by emphasizing continuity during Kingston's administrative "reset." Motion Made by M. Bateman to elect K. Emberg as Chair. Motion Passed (5-0). Emberg remarked, I am honored to lead this board as we navigate the administrative transitions and the significant fiscal challenges ahead for our community.

Economic development took center stage as the board cleared the way for a new restaurant at 111 Main Street. Owner Celio Dilva and Attorney Jennifer Allen presented plans for Brazilian Point, a new eatery specializing in authentic Brazilian cuisine. Dilva expressed his eagerness to join the local business corridor, stating, We are excited to bring these flavors to Kingston and become an active part of the downtown community. Motion Made by C. Pike to grant a Common Victualler license to Brazilian Point. Motion Passed (5-0). Town Counsel Kayla Venowskis confirmed the application met all regulatory requirements, aligning with the board's ongoing push to modernize and standardize licensing procedures across town departments.

The board also authorized management shifts at the Indian Pond Country Club, involving a change in officers and a new manager for the facility’s liquor license. Attorney Albert DeNapoli and owner Bobby Palma detailed the corporate restructuring aimed at streamlining operations. We are committed to maintaining the club's standards while improving our internal management to better serve both members and residents, Palma told the board. Motion Made by S. Vaughn to grant the change of officers and manager for Indian Pond Country Club. Motion Passed (5-0). Vice Chair Melissa Bateman, who frequently abstains from police-related matters, supported the move, noting the importance of the club to the town’s recreation landscape.

Concerns regarding high-density housing resurfaced during the public comment period, specifically involving the Cushman Farms 40B project. Resident Will Cushman urged the board to remain vigilant regarding the potential "constructive approval" of the 142-unit development, which neighbors fear could bypass local infrastructure conditions. The residents need assurance that the town is monitoring the density impacts on our roads and water systems, Cushman said. This follows a period of procedural tension where the Zoning Board of Appeals has faced scrutiny over statutory deadlines. Selectman Joe Cunningham echoed the need for balance, noting, We must ensure that as the town grows, our infrastructure and budget capacity grow with it.

Fiscal constraints remained a primary theme as Town Administrator Scott Lambiase and Capital Planning Committee Chair Heath Emberg discussed the town's $613,000 cash limit for the upcoming year. This financial ceiling has already impacted department requests, including the Fire Department’s shift away from ambulance remounts. We are operating under a very tight 3% budget growth target to avoid a potential tax override in FY27, Lambiase explained. Motion Made by C. Pike to reappoint various committee members to the Open Space and Historical Commissions. Motion Passed (5-0). Selectman Carl Pike emphasized the value of the town's volunteer boards during these lean fiscal times, while Clerk Sheila Vaughn added, Every volunteer who steps up helps reduce the administrative strain on our full-time staff.