Stoughton Select Board members signaled progress in long-running negotiations with Stoughton Media Access Corporation (SMAC) during a brief Thursday night meeting, opting to delay a scheduled public hearing to finalize a potential settlement. The session, which lasted only three minutes, focused on the procedural step of extending the hearing timeline to accommodate what officials described as critical new developments in the case.

Vice Chair Debra Roberts, who oversaw the public hearing portion of the meeting, moved for the continuance. She noted that the postponement was necessary to ensure all parties could properly address recent updates in the ongoing discussions between the town and the media corporation. Motion Made by D. Roberts to continue the public hearing.

Member Scott Carrara provided a rare glimpse into the tone of the negotiations, which have largely taken place behind closed doors in executive sessions over the past several months. Carrara emphasized that the delay should be viewed as a positive sign for the community media center's future rather than a setback. Carrara stated, I just want to say to the public that both the SMAC board and the Board of Selectmen are working very hard to get to 'yes,' and that process—this is being delayed only to be able to achieve that outcome.

Chair Stephen Cavey echoed that sentiment, confirming that the board’s current priority is securing a successful final agreement. Cavey told the assembly, That's exactly right, regarding Carrara's assessment of the collaborative effort. Motion Passed (3-0).

The decision to push the hearing follows a contentious period for the board and SMAC, characterized by previous debates over redacted tax filings and the necessity of public hearings during active litigation. Since October, the Select Board has held numerous executive sessions to steer a settlement strategy, with members Cavey and Carrara frequently asserting the board's role as the primary policy-making authority in these negotiations. While Member Louis Gitto and Member Joseph Mokrisky were absent from the Thursday session, the remaining quorum indicated that the additional time would be used to bridge the final gaps in the agreement.

Because the public portion of the meeting reached a swift conclusion and no further litigation strategy needed to be addressed in private, Chair Cavey noted that the scheduled executive session for the evening was not required. The board is expected to resume the public hearing once the final draft of the settlement is ready for formal review.