Meeting report · Select Board
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Select Board — March 31, 2026
Routine approvals dominated, but unaddressed public funding pleas and two split votes introduced modest tension
Public impact
Issues from this meeting with documented community impact.
01
July 4th Parade and Fireworks
Risk of full cancellation without additional funding Affected: Town residents and visitors attending annual events
service reduction
02
Disposition of Multiple Foreclosed Properties
Determines future use (sale, park, aquifer protection) for 7+ parcels Affected: Residents near Buttermilk Bay Shores, 130 Astor Road, and retained open-space parcels
other high impact
Decisions logged
Every recorded vote, with timestamps and dissents.
Approve Second Wind Brewing Company LLC change of ownership and premises alteration
Motion by Mr. Kohane, second by Mr. Canty; all members voted yes.
Unanimous (4-0)
Approve La Bamba Tacos and Tequila liquor license manager and ownership change
Motion by Mr. Cohen, second by Mr. Canty; all members voted yes.
Unanimous (4-0)
Move Article 7 IT budget amendment to reduce by $213,000
Motion by Ms. Iacunto, second by Mr. Canty.
Unanimous (4-0)
Move Article 18 training green pedestrian lighting and irrigation to town meeting
Motion by Mr. Canty, second by Ms. Iacunto; Mr. Cohen voted no.
3-1
Move Article 18 police rear parking lot and downtown resiliency phase two to town meeting
Motion by Mr. Canty, second by Ms. Iacunto.
Unanimous (4-0)
Appoint Dr. Babini, Herbert McKay, and Margaret Scott to 250th Anniversary Committee
Votes by Ms. Iacunto, Mr. Cohan, Mr. Canty
Approved (unanimous by members)
Re-advertise Board of Health position instead of appointing sole candidate
Ms. Iacunto, Mr. Gandy, Mr. Colahan agreed to seek more applicants
Approved
Appoint Alan Giles to Climate Action Net Zero Committee (2027 term)
Votes by Mr. Canty, Ms. Iacunto, Mr. Cohan
Approved
Appoint Jennifer Lynn E. Hall/Diehl to Climate Action Net Zero Committee (2026 term)
Mr. Cohan and one other
Approved (2 votes)
Appoint Tameo Buffalo Ellis and Dr. Mukundan to Plymouth for All Committee (2027 terms)
Votes by Mr. Canty, Ms. Iacunto, Mr. Cohan
Approved (unanimous)
Auction Buttermilk Bay Shores property subject to drainage easement
Initial motion passed; follow-up motion to retain for municipal purposes (drainage and park) passed unanimously.
3-1 (Canty, Iacono yes; Coen no)
Auction 130 Astor Road with covenant for no primary structures
Motion by Mr. Cohen after amendment to prior motion.
Unanimous
Retain 51 MacKay Ave for open space
Motion by Mr. Canty, second by Ms. Iaquinto.
Unanimous
Retain Pautuxet Acres for pocket park initiative
Motion by Mr. Cohan, second by Mr. Canty.
Unanimous
Appoint Patricia Meehan as custodian of auction properties and record deeds for retained properties
Motion by Mr. Canty, second by Mr. Iacuinto.
Unanimous
Approved formation of 9-member facilities task force (2 town manager appointees, 2 building committee members, 1 DPW, 1 school facilities, 1 procurement, 2 residents at large) charged with developing an RFP for a professional facilities management study including best practices and organizational options.
Task force to report by end of July; RFP to be used to seek funding from facilities maintenance stabilization fund.
Unanimous (4-0)
Agreed to hold an informal planning session for the historic event
Kevin and Jade to recommend dates; no posted meeting required
Consensus
Topics discussed
Click a topic to expand quotes and full context.
▶ 32:29 Opening and Public Hearing for Second Wind Brewing Company LLC
Public hearing on change of ownership (Daniel Terrian purchasing Steven Shepherd's interest) and alteration of premises adding 700 sq ft at 11 Main Street for a total of 2900 sq ft. Presentation on expansion and business history provided.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Mr. Semken, Mr. Cohen
▶ 44:53 Public Hearing for La Bamba Tacos and Tequila
Application for change of liquor license manager and 50% ownership transfer due to current manager's unavailability.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 47:27 Eagle Scout Recognition
Recognition of Dillon Mott from Troop 64 for proposed rehabilitation of bleachers at Forges Field Soccer Field 3.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Dillon Mott
▶ 48:59 Public Comment: July 4th Committee Funding
Matt Tavares reported funding shortfall for 2025 parade and fireworks, with $109,500 public safety cost and decision deadline of June 15.
Speakers: Matt Tavares
▶ 58:52 Public Comment: Shallow Pond Estates Road Acceptance
Residents requested scheduled hearing for acceptance of streets as public ways after prior submissions to Roads Advisory Committee.
Speakers: Mike, Sally
▶ 1:02:59 Plymouth 400 Legacy Update
Anthony Provenzano provided history and ongoing grant-making activities funded by license plate revenue.
Speakers: Anthony Provenzano
▶ 1:13:24 Town Meeting Articles Discussion
Review of Advisory and Finance Committee differences on Article 7 (IT positions) and Article 18 capital projects (police parking lot, downtown resiliency, training green lighting).
Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Canty
▶ 1:38:35 250th Anniversary Committee Applicant Interviews
Multiple candidates (Dr. Kathy Bambini, Daniel Contrino, George McKay, Margaret Scott, Timothy Shawbrook, Hunter Young) presented backgrounds and ideas for commemorating the 250th, including school involvement, shuttles/trolleys, Native American history, and Mayflower Compact ties.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Dr. Kathy Bambini, Daniel Contrino, George McKay, Margaret Scott, Timothy Shawbrook, Hunter Young
▶ 2:11:00 Board of Health Appointment
Single candidate Daniel Sullivan interviewed on public health focus (nutrition, fitness, skepticism on vaccines/politics in health); board declined to appoint and voted to re-advertise for more candidates.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Daniel Sullivan, Mr. Canty
▶ 2:19:00 Climate Action Net Zero Committee Appointments
Applicants Alan Giles and Jennifer Lynn Diehl/E. Hall discussed renewable energy experience; board voted on two terms (expiring 2026 and 2027).
Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Alan Giles, Jennifer Lynn Diehl
▶ 2:35:30 Plymouth for All Committee Appointments
Applicants Tameo Buffalo Ellis and Sreeni Mukundan presented on cultural outreach, ESL/civics, unity, and bias data; board appointed both for terms ending 2027.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Tameo Buffalo Ellis, Sreeni Mukundan
▶ 2:52:00 Disposition of Town-Owned Foreclosed Properties
Treasurer presented list of foreclosed properties for retain/sell decisions. Specific parcels reviewed: Buttermilk Bay Shores (Map 30) debated for drainage easement vs. sale; 79 Herring Pond Road, 130 Astor Road, 51 MacKay Ave, Pautuxet Acres, and 15 Eastwind Drive acted upon.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Treasurer Patricia Mechin, Town Engineer, Mr. Canty, Mr. Cohen, Ms. Iacono
▶ 3:37:12 Downtown Resiliency Project Phase 2 Presentation
Conceptual designs presented for town square, courthouse green, and Main Street extension parking lot emphasizing stormwater management, tree planting, permeable surfaces, and historic character while addressing steep slopes.
Speakers: David Gould, Mike Cahill
▶ 3:52:54 Facilities Maintenance Task Force Proposal
Board discussed creating a task force to examine reorganization of facilities operations, potentially making it independent from DPW and reporting directly to the town manager. Further debate on internal task force vs. external consultants, RFP development, and comparison of town vs. school maintenance capacity.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Mr. Cohen, Speaker A (Quintal), Speaker A (Canty), Speaker A (Iacono), Bill Coyle (DPW Director), Kevin
▶ 4:51:27 1820 Courthouse Maintenance and Revolving Fund
Update on needed work for the 9-year-old building including cupola painting, slate roof repair, Lady Justice statue, weather vane, and brick sealing; review of zero-balance revolving fund intended to support ongoing maintenance from event fees.
Speakers: Speaker A (Quintal), Speaker A (Canty)
▶ 4:56:53 Herring Pond Wampanoag State Recognition Event
Brief discussion on forming a unified Select Board approach to planning and hosting the event without creating a formal posted committee; collaborative planning for historic/fun event on the 30th including invitations and venue.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Speaker A (Mr. Quintal), Speaker A (Ms. Ayaquinto)
▶ 5:04:30 EOC and DPW visits
Discussion of scheduling visits to the EOC for active training (not a tour) and DPW to review equipment needs, with training session dates to be provided by the fire chief.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 5:07:01 Town Manager's report
Updates provided on MVP grant application ($3M), National Public Health Week, ARISE RFP ($75K awards), cemetery groundbreaking, Swap Shop reopening, Fix-It Clinic, tree/brush drop-off, open burning rules, and completion of the comprehensive plan.
Speakers: Speaker A (Town Manager)
▶ 5:14:09 Meeting efficiency and procedures
Board discussed starting meetings earlier, prioritizing agenda items, dedicating one night per month to board/committee appointments to reduce late meetings and staff burden.
Speakers: Speaker A (Mr. Quintal), Speaker A (Mr. Canty)
Controversy & dissent
Where the board, the community, or the agenda diverged.
Potentially controversial issues
01
July 4th Committee Funding Shortfall
Potential cancellation of parade/fireworks for 2025 (and 250th anniversary year) due to $109k+ public safety costs and depleted reserves; multiple public speakers expressed disappointment and urged town support
Board position: Listened during public comment but took no action or commitment
high concern
02
Training Green Pedestrian Lighting and Irrigation (Article 18)
Mr. Cohen raised concerns over historical integrity and lighting design at a historically significant site
Board position: Forwarded to town meeting (3-1 vote)
Internal dissent
Mr. Cohen voted no citing design concerns
low concern
03
Buttermilk Bay Shores Foreclosed Property
Debate over sale vs. retention for drainage easement and park use
Board position: Initially voted to auction (3-1), then unanimously reversed to retain for municipal purposes
Internal dissent
Mr. Cohen initially opposed auction; later supported retention
low concern
Split votes
Move Article 18 training green pedestrian lighting and irrigation to town meeting
3-1
Auction Buttermilk Bay Shores property (initial motion)
3-1
Community vs. board tension
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Action items
Who owes what, by when.
Work with Mr. Golden to schedule Shallow Pond Estates road acceptance hearing
Assigned: Select Board
Decide on parade/fireworks continuation by June 15 based on funding
Assigned: July 4th Committee · Due: 2026-06-15
Re-advertise Board of Health vacancy for competitive applicants
Assigned: Select Board · Due: Next meeting cycle
Review remaining foreclosed properties for municipal interest before individual votes
Assigned: Town departments · Due: Ongoing
Proceed with auction of approved properties under MGL Ch. 60 §77b as custodian
Assigned: Patricia Meehan (Treasurer) · Due: Next steps per board schedule
Record deeds at Plymouth County Registry of Deeds for retained properties
Assigned: Relevant departments · Due: Following conveyance approval
Form facilities task force with representatives from building committee, procurement, DPW, schools, and town manager's office
Assigned: Board/Staff · Due: Report back in 5-6 months
Work with staff to review 1820 courthouse maintenance needs and status of revolving fund; report back to board
Assigned: Mr. Quintal and Mr. Canty · Due: Next meeting
Develop RFP for comprehensive facilities study and organizational assessment
Assigned: Facilities Task Force · Due: End of July
Recommend dates for board planning meeting on historic event
Assigned: Kevin and Jade · Due: Next day (tomorrow morning)
Provide dates for EOC training session and DPW visit
Assigned: Town Manager/Fire Chief
Circulate potential meeting dates for event planning
Assigned: Staff
Notable statements
Concern regarding historical integrity and lighting design at training green site prior to any approval. — Mr. Cohen · Article 18 discussion ▶ 1:16:26
Funding has dwindled; $54,000 drawn from CDs in last two years; no guaranteed funding beyond $65,000 against $140,000 budget. — Matt Tavares · July 4th Committee public comment ▶ 51:50
Advocated trolley/shuttle for 250th events linking museums, downtown, and free parking, suggesting outreach to P&B — Mr. Cohan · During Contrino interview ▶ 1:49:00
Emphasized highlighting Wampanoag contributions and Crispus Attucks' Wampanoag heritage in 250th events — George McKay · 250th applicant response ▶ 1:56:00
Stressed returning to core vaccination definition (prevention/cure) and removing politics from public health — Daniel Sullivan · Board of Health interview ▶ 2:12:00
Supported rehabbing existing nuclear plants with new tech and multi-source climate strategies — Alan Giles · Climate committee interview ▶ 2:23:00
Emphasized need for deed covenant on 130 Astor Road due to Clear Pond cyanobacteria issues and to prevent additional structures. — Mr. Cohen · Property auction discussion ▶ 3:14:55
Noted town square as one of the most historically significant sites in North America and supported reintroducing trees and permeable historic materials. — Unidentified speaker · Resiliency project feedback ▶ 3:42:03
Advocated examining whether facilities operations should become an independent entity reporting directly to the town manager rather than under DPW. — Mr. Cohen · Task force proposal ▶ 3:53:38
We need a stronger advocate for town buildings; current process results in repeated patching rather than proper maintenance. — Speaker A (Quintal) · Facilities task force discussion ▶ 4:01:40
Town side has significantly less staff (13) and budget ($1M O&M) than schools (83 staff, $1.8M); need more people to move beyond triage. — Bill Coyle (DPW Director) · Comparison of town vs. school facilities capacity ▶ 4:08:36
Uncomfortable with internal group evaluating another department; prefer professional study funded from stabilization account. — Speaker A (Iacono) · Opposition to task force scope ▶ 4:36:08
Let's just sit down like adults at a table and make a plan... This should be what we all know it's something we want to do. — Speaker A (Mr. Quintal) · Advocating collaborative planning for the event ▶ 5:01:01
I think we should keep that in mind... staff gets to go home earlier — Unidentified speaker · On adjusting meeting start times to reduce burden on staff ▶ 5:16:21
Public comment
What residents said — verbatim, with timestamps.
16
Total speakers
7
Addressed
3
Partial
6
Not addressed
Michael DiBenedetto
Addressed
Spoke in favor of the Second Wind Brewing Company expansion at 11 Main Street, noting it would provide additional seating and support the restaurant and downtown area.
Key concern
Support for brewery premises alteration and change of ownership approval.
Board responseBoard thanked him and proceeded to approve the application unanimously.
His support was noted during the public hearing and the board approved the project.
Matt Tavares
Not addressed
Representing the July 4th Committee, he reported severe funding shortfalls, rising public safety costs, and the risk that the parade or fireworks may be canceled without additional town support, especially for the 250th anniversary.
Key concern
Request for increased town funding and more visible board support for the July 4th events.
Board responseBoard listened during public comment but provided no immediate response or commitment, consistent with public comment protocol.
No direct action or funding decision was made in response; the board acknowledged the presentation but took no vote.
Unnamed supporter of July 4th
Not addressed
Expressed disappointment with the board's perceived lack of support for July 4th funding, emphasizing tourism benefits, volunteer efforts, and past town contributions.
Key concern
Urged the board to provide additional funding for the July 4th parade and fireworks.
Board responseBoard listened during public comment but did not respond or take action.
Public comment protocol followed; no reply or action taken.
Mike
Not addressed
Requested the board schedule a hearing on street acceptance for Shallow Pond Estates after completing all required steps and receiving Roads Advisory Committee support.
Key concern
Request for transparency and a scheduled public hearing on road acceptance petition.
Board responseBoard listened during public comment but did not schedule a hearing or commit to a date.
No immediate action or scheduling occurred.
Sally
Not addressed
Reinforced the request for a hearing, highlighting extensive research showing town responsibility for the roads and urging board members to review the records.
Key concern
Request for board to read records and schedule a hearing on road acceptance.
Board responseBoard listened but took no action or commitment.
Public comment; no response or follow-up action.
Anthony Provenzano
Partial
Provided update on Plymouth 400 Legacy, including license plate revenue, grants, and historical preservation efforts; offered potential support for July 4th events.
Key concern
Update on ongoing historical commemoration work and possible collaboration.
Board responseBoard engaged with questions about license plate revenue and future 250th planning.
Board asked questions and discussed collaboration but took no formal action.
Kathy Bambini
Addressed
Applied for the 250th Committee, highlighting extensive experience in education, curriculum, and prior 400th committee work; suggested student and community engagement activities.
Key concern
Request for appointment to 250th Anniversary Committee.
Board responseBoard asked questions and later voted to appoint her.
Board interviewed her and included her in the approved appointments.
Daniel Contrino
Partial
Applied for the 250th Committee, citing business ownership, Visitor Services Board experience, and a proposed trolley/shuttle project to improve downtown access.
Key concern
Request for appointment and promotion of shuttle idea.
Board responseBoard asked questions about the trolley concept but did not appoint him.
Board engaged on his ideas but he was not selected for appointment.
George McKay
Addressed
Applied for the 250th Committee, emphasizing experience from Plymouth 400, knowledge of local and state agencies, and plans to highlight Wampanoag contributions to the Revolution.
Key concern
Request for appointment to 250th Committee.
Board responseBoard asked questions and later voted to appoint him.
Board interviewed and appointed him.
Margaret Scott
Addressed
Applied for the 250th Committee, offering administrative and organizational experience from Plymouth 400 volunteering and other nonprofits.
Key concern
Request for appointment to 250th Committee.
Board responseBoard asked questions and later voted to appoint her.
Board interviewed and appointed her.
Timothy Shawbrook
Not addressed
Applied for the 250th Committee, stressing his history background and desire to highlight the Mayflower Compact's connection to American independence principles.
Key concern
Request for appointment to 250th Committee.
Board responseBoard asked questions but did not appoint him.
Board engaged but he was not selected.
Hunter Young
Not addressed
Applied for the 250th Committee, offering event planning experience and a desire to engage younger residents through modern outreach.
Key concern
Request for appointment to 250th Committee.
Board responseBoard asked questions but did not appoint him.
Board engaged but he was not selected.
Daniel Sullivan
Not addressed
Applied for the Board of Health, highlighting nursing experience and a focus on nutrition, fitness, and youth wellness over politicized topics.
Key concern
Request for appointment to Board of Health.
Board responseBoard asked questions about vaccinations and decided not to appoint, opting to re-advertise.
Board declined to appoint and chose to re-advertise the position.
Allen Giles
Addressed
Applied for the Climate Action Net Zero Committee, bringing renewable energy expertise and a willingness to support existing initiatives.
Key concern
Request for appointment to Climate Action Committee.
Board responseBoard asked questions and later voted to appoint him to the 2027 term.
Board interviewed and appointed him.
Tamiyo Buffalo Ellis
Addressed
Applied for Plymouth for All Committee, citing nonprofit operations, cultural work, and school system involvement.
Key concern
Request for appointment to Plymouth for All Committee.
Board responseBoard asked questions and later voted to appoint her.
Board interviewed and appointed her.
Sreeni Mukundan
Addressed
Applied for Plymouth for All Committee, emphasizing immigrant experience, medical leadership, and equity work.
Key concern
Request for appointment to Plymouth for All Committee.
Board responseBoard asked questions and later voted to appoint him.
Board interviewed and appointed him.
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