Select Board — March 31, 2026
Routine approvals dominated, but unaddressed public funding pleas and two split votes introduced modest tension
Questions about this meeting? Just ask.
Ask MeetingWatch answers from this meeting’s report, transcript, and records — with linked sources.
At the March 31 Select Board meeting, Matt Tavares reported that the July 4th parade and fireworks face a $109,500 public safety bill against only $65,000 guaranteed funding, with reserves already drawn down $54,000. The board heard the comment but took no action and set no follow-up.
The same concern has surfaced before. In a year marking the nation's 250th, the annual event now depends on a June 15 decision with no visible board plan to close the gap.
Residents also asked for a scheduled hearing on Shallow Pond Estates road acceptance after completing the Roads Advisory Committee process; that request likewise received no commitment. Routine approvals and appointments filled the rest of the agenda.
Public impact
Risk of full cancellation without additional funding
Determines future use (sale, park, aquifer protection) for 7+ parcels
Topics discussed
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.
Application for change of liquor license manager and 50% ownership transfer due to current manager's unavailability.
Recognition of Dillon Mott from Troop 64 for proposed rehabilitation of bleachers at Forges Field Soccer Field 3.
Matt Tavares reported funding shortfall for 2025 parade and fireworks, with $109,500 public safety cost and decision deadline of June 15.
Residents requested scheduled hearing for acceptance of streets as public ways after prior submissions to Roads Advisory Committee.
Anthony Provenzano provided history and ongoing grant-making activities funded by license plate revenue.
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).
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.
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.
Applicants Alan Giles and Jennifer Lynn Diehl/E. Hall discussed renewable energy experience; board voted on two terms (expiring 2026 and 2027).
Applicants Tameo Buffalo Ellis and Sreeni Mukundan presented on cultural outreach, ESL/civics, unity, and bias data; board appointed both for terms ending 2027.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Board discussed starting meetings earlier, prioritizing agenda items, dedicating one night per month to board/committee appointments to reduce late meetings and staff burden.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
July 4th Committee Funding Shortfall
Training Green Pedestrian Lighting and Irrigation (Article 18)
Buttermilk Bay Shores Foreclosed Property
Split votes
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
Creating this report cost real money.
MeetingWatch attended, transcribed, and analyzed this meeting on its own dime. If this work is valuable to you, chip in to keep covering Plymouth.
Follow Plymouth
One email when a new report is published from the Select Board — or one weekly digest.
grok-4.3, claude-opus-4-7 · analyzed 2026-05-27.
Members feature
Ask questions. Get answers with receipts.
Ask about anything covered on this page and get a plain-English answer that links to the report, the official records, and the exact moment in the meeting video.
Create a free accountFree with a MeetingWatch account — no card, no spam.
Already a member? Sign in
Ask questions about any meeting
Open a community, board, issue, or meeting and I can answer from its records — with links to the report, official documents, and the exact moment in the video.
Then reopen this button to start asking.
AI-generated from meeting records — verify against the linked sources. Conversations are stored (privacy).