Meeting report · Select Board
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Select Board — April 7, 2026
The meeting featured pointed public comments regarding government ideology and frustration over infrastructure timelines, though the board maintained a professional decorum.
Public impact
Issues from this meeting with documented community impact.
01
Impending Fiscal Cliff and Levy Capacity Loss
Projected significant fiscal challenges in the early 2030s due to declining new growth and a nearly drained excess levy capacity. Affected: All residents and businesses in Plymouth
tax increase
02
Nuclear Energy Feasibility Question
Potential long-term shift in town energy and financial strategy through a proposed ballot question. Affected: Plymouth residents
other high impact
Decisions logged
Every recorded vote, with timestamps and dissents.
Motion to enter executive session regarding collective bargaining and property disposition.
Motion by Mr. Cohen, seconded by Ms. Aquinto.
Approved
Approval of one-day wine and malt license and amplified music permit.
Moved as presented.
Approved
Approval of administrative notes.
Moved as a group by Mr. Aquinto, seconded by Ms. Aquinto.
Approved
Approval of memorial application for a bench in remembrance of James Joseph Harris.
Approved under administrative notes.
Approved
Vote on adding a nuclear energy feasibility question to the ballot.
The board decided to defer the vote to allow for legal review of the language by Attorney McCay and to ensure a clear scope is presented.
Deferred
Vote on the land acknowledgement memorandum.
The board deferred the vote to allow the Town Council (Attorney McCay) to review the proposed language for the ceremony.
Deferred
Vote on reconstituting the Water Conservation Committee.
The board requested to see a specific scope of work and the proposed membership makeup before taking a vote.
Deferred
Adjournment of open session to enter executive session.
Motion to adjourn open session and proceed to executive session without returning to open session.
Passed
Topics discussed
Click a topic to expand quotes and full context.
▶ 23:00 Executive Session Declarations
The Board declared two executive sessions: one regarding collective bargaining strategy with COBRA, OPI, and SEIU, and another regarding the disposition of property at Hedges Pond Recreation Area.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 96:54 Public Comment: Government Neutrality and Land Acknowledgement
Citizens provided comments regarding the town's neutrality, the timing/purpose of a proposed land acknowledgement, and the accuracy of historical narratives involving the Wampanoag Confederacy.
Speakers: Len Levin, Speaker Shaburn
▶ 103:00 Memorial Application: James Joseph Harris
The Board discussed and recognized a petition to place a memorial bench in honor of James Joseph Harris, a veteran and community member.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Mr. Cohen
▶ 110:50 Cedarville Traffic Mitigation Update
The DPW provided an update on the Route 3A State Road project, discussing design options (roundabouts vs. signals), the process of getting on the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and the estimated timeline for completion.
Speakers: Bill Coyle, James Downey, Rick Bossy, Bill McNelte, Representative Badger
▶ 130:50 Revised Budget Timeline and Five-Year Forecast
The Town Manager and Finance Director presented a proposed new budget timeline and warrant process based on shifting Town Meeting and election dates, along with a high-level five-year financial forecasting model.
Speakers: Derek Mendesy, Lynn Barrett, Mr. Cohen, Miss Aquinto
▶ 146:38 Charter and Bylaw Amendments
Discussion regarding the timeline for implementing potential charter and bylaw amendments following town meeting, noting the involvement of the state legislature.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 150:36 Five-Year Financial Forecast Presentation
Ms. Barrett presented a high-level five-year forecasting model for the general fund, detailing revenue assumptions (property taxes, state aid, etc.) and projected expenses.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Miss Barrett
▶ 166:00 Fiscal Challenges vs. Fiscal Cliff
A discussion on the town's long-term financial health, distinguishing between manageable fiscal challenges and a potential 'fiscal cliff' in the early 2030s due to declining new growth.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Miss Aquinto, Mr. Kanty, Mr. Cohen
▶ 200:00 Nuclear Energy Technology Advisory Question
The Chair presented a proposal to place a non-binding advisory question on the 2026 ballot regarding evaluating new nuclear energy technologies at the former Pilgrim site.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Golden
▶ 235:33 Herring Pond Wabanaki Tribe State Recognition Event
Discussion regarding the planning and logistics for the upcoming April 30th ceremony to recognize the Herring Pond Wabanaki tribe's state recognition.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Mr. Brendesy, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Crow
▶ 244:06 Land Acknowledgement Language
The board discussed a memorandum regarding the use of formal land acknowledgement language during the upcoming tribal recognition ceremony.
Speakers: Mr. Kanti, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Ky, Miss McCay
▶ 257:27 Reconstitution of the Water Conservation Committee
A proposal to re-establish a water conservation committee (possibly including water quality) to help manage resources and implement the 2022 conservation plan.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Mr. Cohan, Hampton Watkins, Peter Gordon, Kendra Martin
▶ 281:51 Open Space Committee Trail Request
The Open Space Committee requested the installation of 'person gates' at the new Route 80 cemetery to provide public access to the adjacent Darby Pond Conservation Area.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Diane, Mr. Quintel, Mr. Cohen
▶ 295:30 Town Hall Accessibility and Maintenance
A discussion regarding improving the visitor experience at Town Hall through better signage, seating, and potential greeter services for seniors.
Speakers: Mr. Cohan, Mr. Quintel
▶ 298:12 Manager's Report
Updates on National Public Health Week, the community baby shower drive, the successful Fix-It Clinic, the Water Street project, Memorial Hall repairs, and a small footprint housing initiative.
Speakers: Mr. Bissy
Controversy & dissent
Where the board, the community, or the agenda diverged.
Potentially controversial issues
01
Land Acknowledgement Policy
Citizens raised concerns regarding government neutrality, historical accuracy of the Wampanoag Confederacy narratives, and the ideological implications of formal land acknowledgements.
Board position: The board deferred a vote to allow legal counsel to review the language, signaling a cautious approach to the potential legal and social friction.
medium concern
02
Nuclear Energy Advisory Question
The proposal involves evaluating new nuclear technologies at the former Pilgrim site to address fiscal needs, which touches on energy policy and long-term town finances.
Board position: The board deferred the vote to allow for legal review of the language and to ensure the scope is sufficiently clear for the public.
medium concern
03
Cedarville Traffic Mitigation Timeline
Residents expressed significant frustration regarding the projected 2034 completion date for Route 3A improvements, citing safety and urgency.
Board position: The board and staff focused on the necessity of following state processes (TIP) and achieving 'shovel-ready' status to secure funding.
medium concern
Community vs. board tension
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Action items
Who owes what, by when.
Work with the Harris family regarding the specific location for the memorial bench.
Assigned: DPW Staff
Continue project design to reach the 25% milestone and schedule a public informational meeting in Cedarville.
Assigned: Town Staff/GPI · Due: May 2026
Attempt to advance the project design timeline to meet the 2029 TIP year.
Assigned: Town Administration · Due: Fall 2028
Complete a detailed 'deep dive' forecasting model including salaries and contractual items.
Assigned: Miss Barrett · Due: Summer 2026
Provide the Select Board with monthly financial summaries/reporting.
Assigned: Miss Barrett · Due: Monthly
Schedule a financial presentation/update for the board.
Assigned: Miss Barrett · Due: Fall 2026
Conduct a financial planning workshop to discuss strategy and cost-saving measures.
Assigned: Select Board · Due: Following the completion of the robust budget model (Summer 2026)
Work with Mr. Cohen to develop a detailed scope and membership makeup for the proposed Water Conservation Committee.
Assigned: Staff · Due: Next meeting (2026-04-21)
Coordinate with the Wabanaki tribe regarding the use of the 1820 courtroom for the recognition ceremony and food logistics.
Assigned: Staff · Due: Prior to April 30, 2026
Review the proposed land acknowledgement language for the ceremony.
Assigned: Attorney McCay · Due: 2026-04-21
Finalize invitation lists for the tribal recognition event, including state and federal officials, town meeting members, and elected officials.
Assigned: Staff · Due: Prior to April 30, 2026
Work with staff to develop a scope of work for the water conservation committee to be presented for ratification.
Assigned: Kendra Martin · Due: Next available agenda
Meet with the Open Space Committee to review maps regarding the cemetery trail compromise.
Assigned: David/Staff
Conduct a site visit to Town Hall and the 1820 Courthouse to evaluate maintenance needs and accessibility improvements.
Assigned: Mr. Cohan and Mr. Quintel
Notable statements
I believe the best form of government is a neutral impartial one. When governments are no longer neutral or impartial, it becomes less effective. — Len Levin · Public comment regarding the proposed land acknowledgement policy. ▶ 97:40
Our goal is to get the project shovel ready... [the project] is not on the tip at all [right now]. — Bill Coyle · Explaining the necessity of completing the design phase to compete for state funding. ▶ 111:00
This is based upon the four articles that will be under the special time meeting warrant that proposes a change in the town meeting date that moves from April to May. — Derek Mendesy · Explaining the reasoning behind the revised budget and warrant timeline. ▶ 132:10
The anticipated deficit using all of those in assumptions for 2028 would look like about a $1.4 million deficit... In the out years 29, 30, 31, 32 where the fiscal challenges become much more concerning. — Miss Barrett · Presenting the results of the five-year summary model. ▶ 166:00
I think that right now... there are a lot of confusion in the community. People think that like we're standing at the edge of the cliff. — Miss Aquinto · Discussing the community perception of the town's fiscal status. ▶ 171:00
It is not an approval of any particular strategy... It is about whether or not the town of Plymouth wants to take control of its energy and financial future. — Golden · Explaining the purpose of the non-binding nuclear energy advisory question. ▶ 202:00
We're facing a fiscal cliff... we'll be taxing our residents and businesses to the max as of fiscal year 2028. — Unidentified speaker · Justifying the need to explore new revenue streams like nuclear energy. ▶ 208:06
I do think we are facing a fiscal cliff. We've got declining growth. Our excess levy capacity is nearly drained. — Golden · Discussing the economic impact of the Pilgrim site closure and the shift in tax burden to residents. ▶ 209:00
My concern is if we put this on the ballot in May, we don't have a lot of time to educate people about it. — Miss Aya Quinto · Expressing concern that a lack of public education could lead to an emotional 'no' vote on the nuclear proposal. ▶ 218:50
Residential gallons per capita day are down to 57... which is significantly below that standard of 65 gallons a day per person. — Peter Gordon · Providing data on the success of current water conservation efforts. ▶ 271:30
Residential gallons per capita day are down to 57, which is significantly below the standard of 65 gallons a day per person. — Unidentified speaker · Discussing the necessity and efficacy of water conservation efforts. ▶ 280:47
We agreed to an entrance along Route 80... leaving the existing trail that goes along the Kingston Plymouth line... as a compromise. — Cemetery Superintendent · Explaining the resolution between cemetery needs and open space access. ▶ 309:03
Public comment
What residents said — verbatim, with timestamps.
8
Total speakers
5
Addressed
1
Partial
2
Not addressed
Len Levin
Not addressed
Levin expressed concerns regarding the impartiality of the government, specifically questioning the purpose and timing of a proposed land acknowledgement. He also pointed out that recent meeting minutes have not been posted in accordance with open meeting laws.
Key concern
The neutrality of the government regarding land acknowledgements and the failure to post meeting minutes timely.
Board responseThe board thanked him for his comment but did not provide a substantive response to his questions or the minute-posting issue.
The board acknowledged the speaker with a 'thank you' but did not engage with his questions about the land acknowledgement or the legal requirement for posting minutes.
Mr. Shaburn
Not addressed
As an amateur historian, Shaburn cautioned the board against using a 'land acknowledgement,' suggesting instead a ceremonial statement commemorating First Nations history. He argued the current statement is historically inaccurate and potentially carries legal implications.
Key concern
The historical accuracy and ideological implications of the proposed land acknowledgement statement.
Board responseThe board thanked the speaker by name.
The board acknowledged the speaker but offered no response to his historical arguments or his recommendation to change the statement.
null
Addressed
A member of the memorial committee requested that the board formally recognize an individual who has met all procedures for a memorial application. They emphasized that the individual was present in the room to be acknowledged.
Key concern
Formal recognition of an individual following the memorial committee's approval process.
Board responseThe board chair noted that the memorial application for a bench for James Joseph Harris had already been approved under administrative notes and invited the petitioning group to speak.
The board chair directly responded by confirming the application had been approved and facilitated the family's opportunity to speak.
null
Addressed
A member of the Harris family spoke emotionally about the life and legacy of James Joseph Harris, a veteran and longtime Plymouth resident. They requested a tribute bench be placed near the ocean, such as at Stevens Field, to honor his memory.
Key concern
Requesting a memorial bench in honor of James Joseph Harris in a location he loved.
Board responseA board member thanked the family and expressed support for the location, stating that staff would reach out to work with them on the next steps and location.
The board provided emotional support and a clear administrative path forward (staff reaching out) to fulfill the request.
Mr. Cohen
Addressed
Mr. Cohen expressed support for the memorial process and noted the need for benches in parks with ocean views. He suggested that town staff work with the family regarding the Stevens Field location.
Key concern
Support for the memorial bench and the specific location choice.
Board responseThe board chair confirmed that staff would be reaching out to work with the family on the location.
The board chair validated the suggestion and committed staff action.
null
Addressed
A resident inquired about the specific role of the Old Colony Planning Council (OCPC) in the transportation project process.
Key concern
Understanding the role of the OCPC.
Board responseBill McNelte from the OCPC was brought into the meeting to provide a detailed explanation of the organization's role as a metropolitan planning organization and its function in the TIP process.
The board facilitated a direct answer by bringing the relevant expert into the meeting to explain the role.
null
Partial
A resident expressed frustration regarding the timeline for the Cedarville traffic mitigation project, noting that a completion date in 2034 seems unacceptably long.
Key concern
The lengthy timeline for the Route 3A State Road project.
Board responseDPW and OCPC officials provided a detailed explanation of the complex state review processes, funding competition (TIP), and design phases that cause these delays.
The board/staff provided a thorough explanation of *why* the timeline is long, but they could not offer a way to make it faster, which was the underlying desire of the resident.
Mr. Kanty
Addressed
Mr. Kanty emphasized that the Cedarville intersection is a high-priority, treacherous area for a growing community. He urged the town to continue advocating for the project despite the long wait.
Key concern
The urgency of the Cedarville intersection safety improvements.
Board responseThe board chair summarized the discussion, reinforcing the need to get the project 'shovel ready' and move through the 25% design phase to remain competitive for funding.
The board chair acknowledged the priority and reiterated the strategic plan to address the concern.
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Report composed by
gemma-4-26b, claude-opus-4-7 · analyzed 2026-05-25.