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Select Board — March 3, 2026

The meeting featured high-intensity public testimony on neighborhood safety and allegations of committee mismanagement, with the board failing to address several key public grievances in real-time.

Date Tuesday, March 3, 2026 Duration 2.1h Speakers 1 Public comments 10 Decisions 6 Spirited
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Summary AI-generated to surface controversy & community impact without bias — always verify against the actual meeting before relying on it.

At the March 3 Select Board meeting, several decisions were made that highlight a disconnect between town leadership and community input.

One major point of contention was the approval of rate increases for Long Beach stickers. Even though the Chair of the Natural Resources and Coastal Beaches Committee spoke in opposition—arguing that existing fund surpluses mean a price hike isn't necessary—the Board voted to approve the increases anyway.

The meeting also saw intense testimony regarding the Fremont Street one-way pilot program. Residents remain deeply divided over whether the change improves safety or simply displaces traffic to other streets. The Board decided to extend the pilot for a full 12-month cycle to collect more data before making a permanent decision.

Perhaps most concerning was the testimony regarding the Distinguished Visitors Committee (DVC). A former committee member raised allegations of mismanagement, lack of transparency, and politicization, specifically calling for a formal review of the committee's charter and spending. Despite the weight of these claims, the Board did not offer a response or engage with the concerns raised during the public session.

Mar 3, 2026 2.1h long 1 speakers 10 public comments 6 decisions Spirited
❝ Notable statements ↔ Drag to browse

“The town only owns three front end loaders. One of them broke down on day one.”

— Town Manager · Explaining the difficulty in responding to stranded vehicles during the blizzard. ▶ 12:09

“I believe that there is sufficient funding available at the moment to keep the Long Beach stickers of the same price.”

— Ever Malaguti · Opposing the proposed rate increases for Long Beach. ▶ 41:49

“I feel this committee [DVC] should have a complete review of its charter makeup, funding, and spending.”

— Lenn Leven · Providing testimony on the mismanagement of the Distinguished Visitors Committee. ▶ 56:10

“Should the town decide to retain the property for municipal purposes, the funding must be in place... we would have to return the excess equity.”

— Unidentified speaker · Discussing the financial implications of the town keeping a foreclosed property. ▶ 1:04:17

“I would make a motion that we do option one... extending the trial period... to allow for a full 12-month cycle.”

— Mr. Kanty · Moving to decide the future of the Fremont Street traffic pattern. ▶ 1:47:48

“I would like to get an understanding of what the role is of a select board member during a storm like that... I would like to move it to a workshop status.”

— Mr. Quintel · Discussing the need for better communication and defined roles during emergencies. ▶ 2:05:40
This meeting — choose a section

Public ⁠impact

Issues from this meeting with documented community impact.
What was discussed

Increase in annual fees for beach access stickers.

What was discussed

Potential permanent change to street direction affecting emergency access and local traffic flow.

Topics ⁠discussed

Each topic expands to quotes and full context.
Speakers: Patricia Meech, Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

The Treasurer Collector presented a recommendation to sell a foreclosed property following new state legislation regarding excess equity and disposal procedures. The board discussed legal and financial procedures, including hiring a realtor, potential auction, and the option of the town retaining it for municipal use.

Speakers: Speaker A (Town Manager)
What was discussed

The Town Manager provided a detailed report on the town's preparation and response to the recent blizzard, including data on emergency calls, staffing levels, equipment usage, and the role of state assistance (MIMA).

Speakers: Speaker A (JHC Representative)
What was discussed

A presentation regarding the upcoming 24th annual Jordan's Polar Plunge fundraiser benefiting the JHC Cancer Center.

Speakers: Speaker A (Board Members)
What was discussed

Review and approval of one-day wine and malt licenses and amplified music permits.

Speakers: Ever Malaguti, Speaker A (Board Members)
What was discussed

The Chair of the Natural Resources and Coastal Beaches Committee spoke in opposition to proposed rate increases for Long Beach stickers, citing existing fund surpluses.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Mr. Kanty, Miss Jenkins Brown, Miss Marini, Miss Holmes
What was discussed

The board interviewed four applicants for a full term on the Board of Health: Kate Jenkins Brown, Katherine Anne Marini, Nicole Holmes, and Dan Sullivan.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Mr. Kanty, Buffalo Ellis, Charles Nilosk
What was discussed

The board interviewed candidates for a citizen-at-large position on the Distinguished Visitors Committee.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker, James Downey, Mr. Kanty, Mr. Quintel
What was discussed

The DPW presented data and resident feedback regarding the 60-day one-way pilot program on Fremont Street, discussing traffic speeds, school-related backups, and future options.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Mr. Brendy, Mr. Kanty, Mr. Quintel
What was discussed

The board discussed the town's response to recent winter storms and the need for a formal debrief to improve future emergency coordination and equipment readiness.

Speakers: Connie Mela Horus, Brian Cochran, Edward Cushing, William Harding
What was discussed

Public comment regarding a resident petition to make Fremont Street permanently one-way for safety reasons, with conflicting views from neighbors.

Speakers: Lenn Leven, Matt Tvarus
What was discussed

A former committee member expressed concerns regarding the politicization, spending, and leadership of the DVC.

Controversy & ⁠dissent

Where the board, the community, or the agenda diverged.

Potentially controversial issues

01

Fremont Street Traffic Pattern

Residents are deeply divided over a proposal to make the street permanently one-way. Supporters cite safety and noise reduction, while opponents fear detours, traffic displacement to other neighborhoods, and inconvenience.
Board position: The board opted for a middle ground by extending the 60-day pilot program to a full 12-month cycle to collect more data.
high concern
02

Distinguished Visitors Committee (DVC) Governance

A former committee member alleged politicization, lack of transparency, and mismanagement regarding spending and leadership, calling for a full charter review.
Board position: The board did not take a formal position or address the grievances during the public comment period.
medium concern
03

Long Beach Rate Increases

The Chair of the Natural Resources and Coastal Beaches Committee opposed the increases, arguing that existing fund surpluses should prevent a price hike for sticker holders.
Board position: The board approved the rate increases despite the opposition from the committee chair.
medium concern

Community vs. board tension

Public ⁠comment

What residents said — verbatim, with timestamps.
10
Total speakers
1
Addressed
1
Partial
8
Not addressed
Mr. Leiden
▶ 43:51
Addressed
The speaker congratulated Lee Filson on her upcoming retirement after seven years of service as a director. He also praised the DPW for doing a great job clearing the streets after a storm, noting that emergency vehicles would be able to pass. Key concern
Recognition of staff retirement and praise for DPW snow removal efforts.
Board response
The board thanked him for his comments.
The board acknowledged the positive feedback and the retirement announcement.
Connie Mela Horus
▶ 46:36
Not addressed
As a long-time resident of Fremont Street, she presented a petition signed by most residents to make the street permanently one-way. She argues that current traffic and parking issues create safety hazards and impede emergency vehicle access. Key concern
Request to make Fremont Street a permanent one-way street for safety and emergency access.
The board moved immediately to the next speaker without addressing the petition or the request.
Brian Cochran
▶ 48:03
Not addressed
A resident of Fremont Street who opposes the one-way street proposal. He believes the current two-way system works well, with drivers being cautious and pulling over for one another. Key concern
Opposition to making Fremont Street one-way, arguing that the current system is not 'broken.'
The board did not respond to his comment.
Edward Cushing
▶ 49:36
Not addressed
A resident of Fremont Street since 1977 who argues against the one-way change. He claims the street has always been two-way without major accident issues and expresses concern about the inconvenience of detours. Key concern
Opposition to the one-way street change due to historical stability and inconvenience.
The board did not respond to his comment.
Unidentified speaker
▶ 50:41
Not addressed
A resident of Fremont Street who expressed concerns about the inconvenience of current detours. They noted that a parked truck recently blocked the street, potentially hindering emergency vehicles. Key concern
Inconvenience of detours and potential emergency access issues.
The board did not respond to the comment.
CR
▶ 52:15
Not addressed
A resident of Lincoln Street who favors keeping the neighborhood streets two-way. He argues that making Fremont one-way would negatively impact the wider neighborhood's traffic flow, especially during school hours and tourist season. Key concern
Protecting neighborhood traffic flow by keeping streets two-way.
The board did not respond to the comment.
Lenn Leven
▶ 55:35
Not addressed
A former secretary-treasurer of the Distinguished Visitors Committee (DVC) who resigned due to alleged politicization and lack of transparency. He requested a full review of the committee's charter, funding, and leadership selection processes. Key concern
Request for a formal review of the DVC's governance, spending, and appointment processes.
The board did not address the specific grievances or the request for a review during the public comment portion.
William Harding
▶ 58:19
Not addressed
A long-time resident who supports making Fremont Street one-way. He argues it improves safety, reduces vehicle speeds, and makes the street quieter and more resident-friendly. Key concern
Support for making Fremont Street a one-way street for safety and noise reduction.
The board did not respond to the comment.
Matt Tvarus
▶ 1:01:16
Not addressed
A current member of the DVC who responded to Mr. Leven's comments. He suggested that the previous speaker's claims could be refuted by reviewing past Zoom meeting recordings. Key concern
Counter-argument regarding the transparency and voting history of the DVC.
The board did not respond to the comment.
Patricia Meech
▶ 1:03:05
Partial
The Treasurer Collector presented information regarding the foreclosure disposition of 51 Cypress Street. She explained new state legislation regarding excess equity and recommended selling the property rather than retaining it. Key concern
Providing updates on legislative changes regarding tax title foreclosures and recommending the sale of a specific property.
Board response
A board member asked about affordable housing opportunities and whether the property had been offered to housing entities.
The board engaged with the presenter by asking questions about affordable housing potential, which led to a discussion on the topic.

Decisions ⁠logged

Every recorded vote, with timestamps and dissents.
Approval of one-day wine and malt licenses and amplified music permits.
Moved by Mr. Quint, seconded by Ms. Aquinto.
Approved
Approval of administrative notes items 1, 2, and 3.
Moved by Mr. Quintto, seconded by Ms. Aquinto.
Approved
Review of Long Beach rate increase (Item 4).
Moved by Mr. Cohan, seconded by Mr. Quintel.
Approved
Appointment of Katherine Anne Marini to the Board of Health.
Unanimous vote by the Select Board to appoint Marini as a full member, resulting in a vacancy for the alternate position.
Passed
Appointment of Buffalo Ellis to the Distinguished Visitors Committee.
Unanimous vote to appoint Ellis to the committee.
Passed
Extend the Fremont Street one-way pilot program.
The board voted to extend the trial period to allow for a full 12-month cycle of data collection and coordination with the school department.
Passed

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Board prioritizing revenue over committee evidence and existing surpluses
At the March 3 Select Board meeting, officials approved rate increases for Long Beach stickers. This happened despite the Chair of the Natural Resources and Coastal Beaches Committee testifying that existing fund surpluses should prevent... https://meetingwatch.org/ma/plymouth/select-board/2026-03-03/ #MeetingWatch
316/280 chars
Decision-making in the face of high community division
Plymouth Select Board voted to extend the Fremont Street one-way pilot program for a full 12-month cycle. The decision follows intense resident debate over neighborhood safety vs. traffic displacement. #PlymouthMA #LocalGov https://meetingwatch.org/ma/plymouth/select-board/2026-03-03/ #MeetingWatch
299/280 chars
Board ignoring community concerns regarding committee governance
Allegations of mismanagement and politicization were raised regarding the Distinguished Visitors Committee (DVC) at the March 3 meeting. Despite testimony calling for a full charter and spending review, the Board offered no response... https://meetingwatch.org/ma/plymouth/select-board/2026-03-03/ #MeetingWatch
311/280 chars

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1
The March 3 Select Board meeting was marked by significant community tension and decisions that ignored direct committee opposition. Here is what you missed regarding accountability in Plymouth. 🧵 #MeetingWatch #PlymouthMA
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2
First, the Board approved Long Beach sticker rate increases. This was controversial: the Chair of the Natural Resources and Coastal Beaches Committee argued that current fund surpluses make this increase unnecessary. The Board moved forward regardless.
252/280
3
Second, on Fremont Street, the Board opted for a middle ground: extending the one-way pilot program to a full 12-month cycle. This follows heated testimony from neighbors divided over safety concerns and traffic rerouting.
222/280
4
Finally, serious concerns were raised about the Distinguished Visitors Committee (DVC). A former member testified regarding mismanagement, spending, and politicization, calling for a charter review. The Board did not address these grievances during the... https://meetingwatch.org/ma/plymouth/select-board/2026-03-03/
279/280

Facebook — long form

At the March 3 Select Board meeting, several decisions were made that highlight a disconnect between town leadership and community input. 

One major point of contention was the approval of rate increases for Long Beach stickers. Even though the Chair of the Natural Resources and Coastal Beaches Committee spoke in opposition—arguing that existing fund surpluses mean a price hike isn't necessary—the Board voted to approve the increases anyway.

The meeting also saw intense testimony regarding the Fremont Street one-way pilot program. Residents remain deeply divided over whether the change improves safety or simply displaces traffic to other streets. The Board decided to extend the pilot for a full 12-month cycle to collect more data before making a permanent decision.

Perhaps most concerning was the testimony regarding the Distinguished Visitors Committee (DVC). A former committee member raised allegations of mismanagement, lack of transparency, and politicization, specifically calling for a formal review of the committee's charter and spending. Despite the weight of these claims, the Board did not offer a response or engage with the concerns raised during the public session. https://meetingwatch.org/ma/plymouth/select-board/2026-03-03/ #MeetingWatch #PlymouthMA

Action ⁠items

Who owes what, by when.
Conduct a conversation with the Select Board regarding resident responsibilities for clearing sidewalks.
Assigned: Town Manager / DPW · Due: October meeting
Compile data from the recent storm response (afteraction hotwash) for a formal presentation to the board.
Assigned: DPW / Engineering Department · Due: Within one month
Discuss school-related traffic issues (drop-off/pick-up) on Lincoln and Union streets with the School Department.
Assigned: DPW · Due: During the extended pilot period
Schedule a workshop for the Select Board to discuss emergency roles, coordination, and strategy with staff.
Assigned: Town Staff
Revisit the discussion regarding options for streamlining/consolidating town trash removal.
Assigned: Town Manager / Select Board
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Report composed by gemma-4-26b, claude-opus-4-7 · analyzed 2026-05-25.