Agenda – Plymouth Select Board 3-22-22 Agenda

Official Minutes – Plymouth Select Board 3-22-22 Minutes

Please note this transcription is unofficial. If you find an error, use the contact page to notify Plymouth On The Record.

Dick Quintal:

Select board’s meeting Tuesday, March 22nd, 2022. Please join the board in the pledge to the flag.

All:
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Dick Quintal:

Before we get going with a meeting, I have something I want to just read briefly. The meeting on March 25th to discuss the potential of a thoroughbred racetrack and other potential service amenities will not be open to the public. This meeting will be held with the state, county and local officials along with executives from the group from Kentucky to review the details of the proposal prior to any public discussion. If this project were to move forward, there will be multiple sessions for public input. Additionally, residents always have the option to weigh in on any matter during select meetings on the public comment. What I’m trying to say nicely and plainly is we do not have all the details of what’s going to be proposed, so therefore we can’t share them with you. But I have scheduled it for the 29th, so we’ll meet with them on the 25th, and we’ll give you all the answers we can at this next select boards meeting, and you’re all welcome to come. Zoom in and ask your questions, and we’ll do the best we can.

The first order of business is a public hearing for the Uva Wine Bar. In accordance with Chapter 138 of the Massachusetts General Laws as amended, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held remotely or in-person at the Plymouth Town Hall, 26 Court Street, Plymouth, Massachusetts on Tuesday, March 22nd, 2022 at 6:00 pm to consider the application for an alteration of premises from Uva Wine Bar LLC, holder of an Annual Wine and Malt Restaurant License, 46 Main Street, Katherine Thayer, manager. Description of premises is as follows: 2700 square feet one floor with three rooms, two entrances, three exits. Applicant seeks to add outdoor seating on the sidewalk and the cordoned off parking spaces for the license agreement from the town. Anyone wishing to be heard on this matter should plan to attend this meeting/hearing. I now declare the meeting open. And Mr. Brindisi is there anybody here from the Uva Wine bar? I don’t believe so.

Katherine Thayer:

I’m here. This is Katherine, yes.

Dick Quintal:

There you are. Okay. How are you doing? Welcome.

Katherine Thayer:

Great, thank you. Sorry, my dog. Hold on, lock her out of the house.

Dick Quintal:

Okay. Where’s judge?

Katherine Thayer:

It’s not easy. Okay, sorry about that.

Dick Quintal:

That’s okay. So, basically, you’re asking for outdoor dining, correct?

Katherine Thayer:

Yeah, it’s just continuing what we’ve done for the past two years, and just to make it more I guess now we have to apply for this for the ABCC did give it to us every year, so we don’t have to apply every year.

Dick Quintal:

Okay. Anyone wishing to speak in favor of this application? Anyone wishing to speak in opposition? Seeing none, I bring it back to the board for any questions or comments.

Betty Cavacco:

Motion to approve.

Charlie Bletzer:

I’ll second that.

Dick Quintal:

Discussion? All those in favor? Unanimous. Thank you.

Katherine Thayer:

Thank you.

Dick Quintal:

Now we got a public hearing for KKatie’s. Is there somebody from KKatie’s online? Keith, okay, I’m going to read the notice.

Keith Steiding:

Can you hear me?

Dick Quintal:

Yeah, we can. Thank you, Keith. In accordance with Chapter 138 of the Massachusetts General Laws as amended, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held remotely or in-person at Plymouth Town Hall, 26 Court Street, Plymouth, Massachusetts on Tuesday, March 22nd, 2022 at 6:05 pm to consider the application for an alteration of premises from KKatie’s Plymouth Incorporated during business as KKatie’s Burger Bar, holder of an Annual Wine and Malt License, 38 Main Street Extension, Keith Steiding, the third manager.

[0:05:13]

Dick Quintal:

Description of the premises will be as follows: one entrance exits on main street, one in the rear basement alley, one floor, main floor, bar seating, kitchen, two restrooms, cellar for storage. Applicant seeks to add outdoor seating on the sidewalk against the building and in cordoned off parking spaces in front of the building and use of the sidewalk to travel from the restaurant to the parking spaces per the license agreement from the town. Anyone wishing to be heard on this matter should plan to attend this meeting. I now declare this hearing open. Is there anyone in the audience or on Zoom that would like to speak in favor of this?

Keith Steiding:

Yes, I would. Keith Steiding.

Dick Quintal:

Okay.

Keith Steiding:

Okay. Well, basically, like the prior applicant, this is a continuation of the last few years. A couple of things; I know there are some people in town that would like to have Plymouth bring a downtown vibrancy every year by adding outside seating and to bring up some business from the waterfront. The waterfront seems to get a lot of outside dining summer times that’s outside, so I know a lot of people were looking to do this permanently, which this media’s not about that. Secondly, we want it because during the pandemic, we had outside seating in front of KKatie’s and outside of the Landmark Building, and it really helped us. What it did is it also we received some what they call EIDL loans, Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA and these are 30-year note loans. So, any additional seating would help us generate revenue to pay that. So, this would be very, very helpful to us. If anybody knows KKatie’s inside, it’s very small and it’s hard to increase revenue because we can’t add any seats. So, this would be very beneficial to us going forward and hopefully every year, and that’s what we’re applying for.

Dick Quintal:

Okay. Thank you. Anyone else wishing to speak in favor of this application? Anyone wishing to speak in opposition? Seeing none, I close that part of the hearing and bring it back to the board.

Patrick Flaherty:

I make a motion to pass as presented.

Charlie Bletzer:

I’ll second that motion.

Dick Quintal:

First and second by Mr. Bletzer. Discussion? All those in favor? Unanimous. Thank you.

Keith Steiding:

Okay. Thank you very much.

Dick Quintal:

You’re welcome. Next, we have Fire Chief Ed Bradley. Welcome, chief, my favorite Chief.

Betty Cavacco:

You’re not supposed to say that.

Dick Quintal:

It’s a long going joke for like 20 years.

Chief Ed Bradley:

I bet you say that to all the Chiefs. Chairman Quintal, Vice-Chairman Cavacco, Select Board Members: Flaherty, Helm and Bletzer. Thank you for giving me time tonight to address you. As you know, there was a special act back in 2019 passed at the request of the Board of Selectmen that went to town meeting and then to the state legislature that would allow me to continue in your employment until my 67th birthday. And in that period of time, my charge was to lead the Fire Department and bring up a complete plan, succession plan who would be taking my place, who would be moving up. I’m here tonight to report that that has been done, has been completed and to notify you that my last day on the job will be my 67th birthday, which is Tuesday, April 12th of this year. And I want to thank you all for all the support you’ve given me over the years in my department. Usually, you see me here because I’m getting ready to ask you for support for some large expenditures, so tonight this is an easy one for you.

Dick Quintal:

Well, thank you very much, Chief. And I’m sure some people want to make a few comments on the board. So, anybody? Mr. Bletzer?

Charlie Bletzer:

Yeah, Chief Bradley, great job, great career. I’m very happy for you and thank you for extending your stay with us through we were hoping it was going to be our 400th. Unfortunately, the pandemic kind of hurt those plans a little bit, but it was nice to know that you were still on board.

[0:10:00]

Charlie Bletzer:

And the second thing, I want to thank you for is for mentoring Neil Foley, your successor and having him picked in a timely manner, so he could spend time with you so you can mentor him forward. So, when he takes over, he’s going to be all set to do that. And I know Neil, he’s going to do a great job too. He’s going to be a great chief also.

Chief Ed Bradley:

Yes, he will.

Charlie Bletzer:

He will. So, anyway, thank you. You’re a credit to Plymouth and I just want to thank you for your service.

Chief Ed Bradley:

Thank you.

Dick Quintal:

Patrick?

Patrick Flaherty:

Yeah, just to echo what Charlie said, I think these last couple years had a little bit different plans for you and what you’re going to be managing, but the town benefited so greatly from your experience especially in a lot of the unknowns that came up in the last few years in this extension. So, a career of service to this town and just thank you for everything you’ve done and good luck.

Chief Ed Bradley:

Thank you.

Dick Quintal:

Mrs. Cavacco?

Betty Cavacco:

It’s difficult for me to say Chief Bradley, because I just know you as Eddie. So, from a long history down in Manomet, on White Horse Beach. But I have to say that it really warms my heart to see what you’ve accomplished and what you’ve accomplished for the town. So, I so appreciate what you’ve done. I know that you just love Plymouth as much as we do. And I couldn’t be happier with Chief Foley coming up the ranks and taking over for you. Although, you are some tough shoes to fill but honestly, I can’t thank you enough for everything that you’ve done for the town and for the Fire Department and I think it’s come a long way. And I think Neil will have a lot of great things to move forward, so I appreciate your service.

Chief Ed Bradley:

Thank you.

Harry Helm:

Chief Bradley, just want to thank you like everybody has for a very long distinguished career. Thank you for all your service to the town. This little thing here reminded me of the first time I ever met you, which was a million years ago before I was even on the Finance Committee. You appeared with one of the residents of Manomet Point in my driveway. They had constructed their third of July bonfire the day before, and they had put mattresses in it, and I was impressed with your willingness to cooperate with the residents when they were out of bounds. You made a really tough situation easy to deal with, and I was impressed from that moment on. So, once again, thank you for your career, thank you for all the time, thank you for staying longer that was really helpful, and thank you for bringing along our future chief, Neil Foley, he’s going to be great, so.

Chief Ed Bradley:

Yes, he will. Thank you.

Betty Cavacco:

Sorry.

Charlie Bletzer:

I think they forgot who’s in charge, Mr. Chairman.

Dick Quintal:

If I may, I think it was in 2000 or 2001, when I first became a Select, many years ago, and you were on the Bargaining Committee for the Firefighters Local and that’s where I first met you. And I have to say through my years of service, I watched you come up the ladder, watched Neil also come up the ladder. And more than that, we have a lot of department heads that put in a lot of hours and work, but I’ve always been amazed at all the events that I’ve attended and there he is, he’s not all dressed up like that. He might not even be like–and I know you’re on duty 24 hours a day, but not actually in that station. You’re out, checking this out and checking that out and that’s when you know you have a good manager and your heart is in it and if your heart is in it then you’re usually pretty happy. I mean, I was proud to say that we brought the first class of recruits into the fire training within Stoll. We went to that town; we’re classified by this for training there. We brought under Mike Silvia, we brought the first tower truck into the town, that was a proud moment for me until I actually got in and they raised it in West Plymouth. I could see well followed that I wanted to. I was like, “Okay. You can bring me down. I was moving up here.” So, I’ve always supported your department naturally as everyone else, and thank you for these wonderful years of service. You’ve done a great job. This town was lucky to have you and blessed to have you. Thank you very much.

[0:15:05]

Chief Ed Bradley:

Thank you. I don’t have to tell any of you that live in town that I started in October 13th in 1974. So, it will be 47 years and 6 months to the day. The town was much different back in October of 1974 with 24,000 residents. We’ve more than doubled that now and the growth has been unbelievable, but it’s been great.

Charlie Bletzer:

I can remember you running from Geller’s, when you recall Fireman Pete Geller, yourself jumping on the trucks and heading down to the fire station down in Manomet. It was a qualifying. That was 47 years ago.

Chief Ed Bradley:

Yes, yeah.

Charlie Bletzer:

You’ve come up right through the ranks, and yeah, congratulations.

Dick Quintal:

Enjoy your retirement, Chief.

Chief Ed Bradley:

I will.

Charlie Bletzer:

Enjoy the grandkids.

Betty Cavacco:

Can we put the new Chief Foley on the spot for a moment? He looks like he really wants to say something.

Dick Quintal:

One of my favorites–come on up, my favorite Chief.

Neil Foley:

Just slide right in there with that. I just want to echo what you said, what Chief Bradley’s been able to do with our Fire Department to bring us up where we are now, to put us in the position where now I can take over confidently knowing that we’re on solid ground is really incredible. We were talking earlier about all the things that he’s done over his career and it’s tough to keep count. It’s tough to keep count. I know that I say on behalf of the rest of the Fire Department, thank you very much for everything you’ve done. Making sure that we have the manning that we do now, making sure that we have quality apparatus that is ready to respond at moment’s notice, and thank you for addressing all the issues that have come up through the years with the buildings or personnel issues and everything else. So, thank you very much, Chief Bradley and thank you for your comments as well as far as me taking over. I really look forward to it. It’s an honor. It wakes me up every day and hits me right in the face that I’m going to be lucky enough to take over this fantastic department and lead some proud men and women. So, thank you very much.

Dick Quintal:

You’re welcome. In short, you’re definitely leaving it in a better place than when you took the job, so we thank you and we understand that the firefighting jobs have all changed drastically especially with COVID. I mean, I went to the open house in North Plymouth, they grind the needles and they have drop-off boxes for that stuff so it’s disposed of properly. So, anybody that doesn’t know that, there’s one at central station and is there another one? North Plymouth. So, station seven and central station both have drop-off parks like the mailboxes outside, right? I know about the one in central station because I use that one. Okay. Thank you. Ms. Barrett, Beach and 4×4 Stickers.

Lynne Barrett:

Good evening, Lynne Barrett, Director of Finance. So, I’m here this evening, you received a memo in your materials. What we’d like to do is institute a calendar year sticker now for beach stickers both 4×4 and the regular annual beach sticker. The reasons for this I sort of spelled out in the memo, but it’d just be really less confusing I think for the customer and plus the staff. Currently, what happens right now is we have two different color stickers leading into July 4th weekend. So, we have one sticker that’s good until June 30th and then a new one that’s good from July 1st and going on. So, we’ve just had many different issues over the years regarding that timeline and a lot of customer frustration and staff frustration in trying to manage that and administer it. So, we’re actually recommending to do a calendar year sticker. What we’d like to do is start out with an 18-month sticker. So, the one that we would sell this spring would be good for July 1st through December 31st, 2023 and then the sticker after that would be a 12-month sticker for that calendar year ’24.

[0:20:04]

Lynne Barrett:

Also, what we’re asking for is to basically eventually increase the price of the beach sticker to help support the costs associated with both programs because both programs the prices are increasing. The price for the labor is increasing, the price of materials and the price of selling the stickers and the online system and just different things are increasing, but what our proposal does is for the 18-month sticker, what we would do is we would take the current price of the sticker and basically, they would get two years’ worth or two seasons worth at a 20% discount. So, if you bought your sticker this year, it’s good until December 31st of 2023, which would be two summer seasons and that would be at the current price of the sticker times two but less about 20%. So, we’re requesting that you would approve those rates. So, for the 4×4, the regular sticker the price of that 18-month sticker would be $110.  The 4×4 senior would be $70. The annual beach, the regular, it would be $80 and the senior would be $40. So, that would be one vote that we would request that you would do.

And then a lot of people when we met internally, and we talked about this then what would happen for that person who say moved to Plymouth next year, wasn’t here to purchase the two-year sticker, what would we do for those people who didn’t get a sticker this year but are going to buy a sticker next year for the rest of that season, because the season’s going to end December 31st of 2023? So, we would reduce the price of that 18-month sticker to the second season sticker and those prices we’re recommending to be just slightly higher than the current rate. So, a $5 increase for the 4×4 regular to be $75, the 4×4 senior to be $50, the annual beach regular would be $55 and the annual beach senior would be $30. And we would start selling those after the end of the first season for the following season. The 12-month sticker for calendar year 2024, we would recommend an additional increase at that point from the previous year to the regular 4×4 of $85, the senior 4×4 at $60, the annual beach regular at $65 and the senior annual beach at $40. So, those are our proposals and I’d be happy to answer any questions that you may have.

Dick Quintal:

Any questions on the board? Mrs. Cavacco, Mr. Helm and Mr. Bletzer, in that order.

Betty Cavacco:

Thanks, Lynne. And every year that we do these beach stickers, you know every year that I’m going to ask, is there any additional discount that we can give to the seniors? Because every year, once we set these rates, we have a bunch of seniors coming towards us and asking for some type of reduced rate, so.

Lynne Barrett:

We do offer reduced rate for seniors and our recommendation includes keeping a senior discount off of the regular rate.

Betty Cavacco:

So, where am I?

Dick Quintal:

It’s 24 the last year.

Betty Cavacco:

Right, the last year.

Lynne Barrett:

Yeah, we would continue to offer a discount for seniors. That’s what the program, we’re not recommending to change that at all.

Betty Cavacco:

Okay. All right.

Harry Helm:

Lynne, this is not about the change of the timing of this which makes total sense and it kind of makes me wonder why we’re just doing this now? But I think it’s a great idea to change the timing. In terms of the rates, how has the White Horse Beach Parking program? Because I know there were probably–I know it’s hard to tell, but there were probably additional beach stickers that were purchased by residents so that they could park on their streets, but also the revenues from the parking fines. Have they been calculated in here and added in, and we still have this deficit or are they sort of not able to be considered at this point?

[0:25:12]

Lynne Barrett:

When you refer to revenues from the parking funds, I guess, what are you referring to?

Harry Helm:

Well, the White Horse Beach Parking Program where the residents are now required if they want to park on the street not in their driveways, they have to purchase a beach sticker.

Lynne Barrett:

Right. So, in the proposal and the estimate of the number of stickers that on the last page of the document that I sent out. So, a 4×4 or a regular beach sticker, that includes the sales of those people that live in the White Horse Beach area. We don’t separate out them any differently because all they have to do is they get their four parking passes with the purchase of either a 4×4 or a regular beach sticker. So, they’re not identified separately in revenue at all. I mean, the number of stickers that we sold this past year definitely increased over the previous year, but the previous year was also like a COVID year, so it’s really hard to tell if the increase was necessarily all those people that lived in the White House Beach area. And we don’t charge for the White Horse Beach parking stickers. They’re free with the purchase of a sticker.

Harry Helm:

Sure. No, I understand that. So, they are included in this extrapolation?

Lynne Barrett:

Yes, in those numbers, they’re included.

Harry Helm:

Yeah. So, the second component is something that you may not be able to quantify because it may be outside of your purview, but the fines for the tickets that were written. There is revenue from that. What is happening with that?

Lynne Barrett:

The revenue from the fines from the White Horse Beach district area goes into the general fund. PGDC actually collects for us on all of our various parking tickets. So, that particular area, that revenue goes into the fine’s revenue account in the general fund. And the beach program, I didn’t put that on here as revenue generated. I mean, I can calculate that figure. I could get that figure for you, but it no way is going to make up the $245,000 deficit that we have in the general fund beach program with all the costs.

Harry Helm:

Okay. Thank you.

Charlie Bletzer:

Yeah. Hi, Lynne, I have a question, when was the last increase we had on these stickers?

Charlie Bletzer:

We did it in of May 2019 for the summer of ‘19.

Charlie Bletzer:

Three years, okay. And how much did we raise it at that point?

Lynne Barrett:

I don’t have that in front of me.

Charlie Bletzer:

This is $10 or $15 raise.

Lynne Barrett:

Originally, over the two-year period, it’s going to be a $15 increase. So, the calendar year ‘24 is eventually–

Charlie Bletzer:

No, but for the calendar year, for the 12 months.

Lynne Barrett:

For the 12-month sticker is a $15 increase over what they currently cost right now, but that won’t go in effect until the December of–

Charlie Bletzer:

And in 2019, how much did we do we go up?

Lynne Barrett:

I don’t have that in front of me. I think it was very modest. I don’t think it was significant. We actually requested a two-year increase. We requested it for the summer of ‘19 and then the summer of ‘20, but we only got an increase for the first summer, and we never came back for an increase for ‘20 or ‘21.

Charlie Bletzer:

So, my next question is this $10 or $15 increase going to cover the $245,000 deficit?

Lynne Barrett:

It’s not. I mean, I think we have–I mean, from working with the board at the time when we came for a request before, I think we all understand that the general tax rate funds, a lot of the program of the beach program and that the cost of the fee is not necessarily covering all costs. I mean, if you wanted me to propose a fee that was going to cover all the costs, I certainly would, but I don’t think there’s an appetite for that.

Charlie Bletzer:

I don’t think we want to. I don’t think we want to do that, so.

Lynne Barrett:

Yeah.

[0:29:54]

Betty Cavacco:

Charlie, it was $15 when we did that back in 2019. But one of the things that I’d also, and it has nothing to do with the fees and maybe the town manager can take a look at this, a lot of people want to be able to come in and buy their beach stickers, dump stickers and I know–I mean, I don’t have a problem with doing online, but I know they do. So, I’m hoping that we’re going to have that availability this time, that people can come in and buy their beach and dump stickers.

Lynne Barrett:

Yeah, I think we’re looking at doing a couple of different things; one is that we are working with the online provider that people who had their car registered in Plymouth don’t have to actually upload their license or their birth certificate to the system because they’ll have the age for the seniors. You know what I mean? Because I think that was challenging for them to upload a copy of their license or things like that. So, we’re working with the provider to actually provide that information so that they don’t have to physically upload it if they do purchase online. The other thing that we’re looking at is having like a terminal outside the collector area in front of the windows there so that people could purchase it there. And if they do need assistance, we could assist them there. And then also the IT Department has offered the help desk people who will be on the second floor across from the Assessor’s Office to assist customers there. They’re going to have a counter and a terminal there. So, we are working on that. We do recognize that that has been an issue.

The other thing is the Center for Active Living, Michelle’s always been really good about helping any senior over there who may want to purchase online over there. So, we are sort of working on different things that will be able to help with that.

Betty Cavacco:

Great. Thank you.

Dick Quintal:

Looking for a motion for the three charts: the rates, three sets of rates recommended by the Finance Director.

Betty Cavacco:

Motion to approve as proposed.

Patrick Flaherty:

I’ll second that.

Dick Quintal:

Second by Mr. Flaherty. Discussion? Mr. Helm?

Harry Helm:

Yeah, question. Are we voting just on the rates or are we voting on both proposals to move the timing of the beach stickers and the rates, or are we going to divide those two questions?

Dick Quintal:

Well, I just read right here. It says we are requesting your support by voting three sets of recommended rates highlighted in yellow and bold, so that’s what I was basically going off of. Do you need a separate vote, Lynne?

Lynne Barrett:

I mean, the proposal includes the transition year with the rates and then the final 12-month calendar year. So, I think all the three votes would include changing it to an annual sticker versus a fiscal year sticker. So, I think that would be fine.

Dick Quintal:

All those in favor?

Betty Cavacco:

Did we get a second?

Dick Quintal:

Yes, Mr. Flaherty. Right, yeah, okay.

Betty Cavacco:

Can’t see you over there, Patrick.

Dick Quintal:

No problem.

Betty Cavacco:

We need Lincoln Street.

Lynne Barrett:

Thank you. Thank you very much.

Dick Quintal:

We’re all set. Thank you and I know that you renewed your contract with the town and I got to say I’m very happy about that.

Lynne Barrett:

Thank you.

Dick Quintal:

We have a hearing on the Energy Committee. Energy Committee hearing, I should say, and that would be?

Lee Hartman:

Good evening, Lee Hartman. This is when I’m acting in my former capacity of acting town manager at this point. I think probably one of my last duties in that role. So, as you recall, you have a policy on removal of appointed members of different boards and the review requires that I do an interview as acting town manager of the situation and prepare a report, which I have for you and you have it before you. So, this is a complaint that was filed by the Energy Committee Chair asking that Anatol Zukerman be removed from the Energy Committee. Also, you’ll see in my comments, there’s a second request by Anatol Zukerman to remove Hollyce States the chair of the committee. So, you really have two things that came before you.

So, just for background, I interviewed six people about this, well seven including Mr. Zukerman, but six people when the complaint came forward. Patrick Farah, the Energy Officer, Hollyce States, Margie Burgess, Ron Dobrowski, Jack Willett, and Everett Malaguti who are all on the Energy Committee.

[0:35:02]

Lee Hartman:

Again, each one of them gave slightly different statements, but all in all, I would say that for all of those people they indicated on one occasion or more that Mr. Zukerman spoke without being acknowledged by the chair, that he yells, he’s verbally abusive and at times makes behavior that either by email or in-person that verges on bullying. So, I met on February 9th and I discussed these allegations with Mr. Zukerman, and he indicated that they were not true. And then again, he asked that Mrs. States be removed.

And as I interviewed all these individuals that I mentioned, they all indicated that she’s a good chair, she’s professional, she does not behave in a dictatorial or abusive way. So, those were my findings based on those interviews from people I spoke to. Thank you.

Dick Quintal:

Thank you, Mr. Hartman. Is there anybody in the audience on the Energy Committee wishing to speak to this complaint? Identify yourself for the record, please when you get up to the microphone.

Anatol Zukerman:

My name is Anatol Zukerman. I’m a member of Energy Committee. And in response to the complaint against me that was filed by the Energy Committee Chair, Hollyce States on November 17th, 2021 and to clarify my previous complaints against Ms. States and previous Chair, Mrs. Burgess, I wish to state the following; first, all statements of the said complaint against me are false and were designed as a retaliation against my previous complaints against Ms. States and Ms. Burgess. Two, despite my best efforts during the past 15 months, Ms. States and Ms. Burgess and Mr. Malaguti refused to support and to seriously discuss the mandatory rooftop solar photovoltaic citizen’s petition, which was signed by 123 Plymouth citizens and endorsed by several elected officials and community organizations. Three, despite my multiple attempts to report the facts of the progress of this petition during the Energy Committee public meetings, Ms. States shouted me down and muted me when she didn’t like what I was saying, which in my opinion is a violation of Massachusetts Open Meeting Law. Four, during one of the Energy Committee public meetings, Energy Engineer Patrick Farah made a disparaging remark about my country of origin. In response to my dissenting comments in the process of energy discussion. He said, “We’re not in Russia anymore,” and Margie Burgess laughed out loud.

I escaped from Russia 49 years ago, sacrificed my family, my career and my culture for the sake of American democracy, but this democracy is being suppressed right here in this Plymouth Town Hall, which is supposed to be a bastion of free speech. Mr. Farah apologized later, but he inadvertently expressed the attitude of many in this town. Five, apparently this whole conflict was based on the Energy Committee’s unwillingness to present the proposed petition to Plymouth town meeting and the assumption that potential developers would not like the word mandatory in that petition’s language. Perhaps the committee’s leaders forgot that they’re supposed to serve the Plymouth community, not the developers who may or may not like mandatory solar construction.

[0:40:12]

Anatol Zukerman:

Six, according to Plymouth’s Charter Court, the Energy Committee shall collaborate with communities in the region to provide the maximum benefits of energy infrastructure and capacity for the residents of Plymouth and Commonwealths of Massachusetts and the nation and of court. Despite my multitude reports from the Town of Watertown, in the City of Bedford who mandated the installation of solar energy on the rooftops of large commercial construction and the well-documented commercial to environmental success of those mandates, the Energy Committee ignored these reports during the past two years.

Seven, despite my multiple reports about Massachusetts Legislators who are working on two mandatory solar bills that may oblige all the state municipalities to install solar systems and all structures in the near future, the Energy Committee Chair, Margie Burgess and Hollyce States ignored these reports during the past years.

Eight, despite the well-documented endorsements of the mandatory solar petition by State Representative Matt Muratore, the Planning Board Chair, Malcolm McGregor, Sustainable Plymouth and South Shore Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Miss States ignored these endorsements.

Nine, despite the well-documented resolution by this Select Board and the Planning Boards to amend the solar petition language, Ms. States publicly and repeatedly stated that these boards rejected the very idea of a mandatory solar petition. When I protested her statements, Ms. States muted me during several meetings of the Energy Committee.

Ten, as you can see from the attached documents, which I submitted to Plymouth’s Acting Town Manager Hartman, Chair Burgess violated Massachusetts Conflict of Interest Law, Chair States violated Massachusetts Open Meeting and Retaliation Laws and the Town Engineer Patrick Farah violated Massachusetts Discrimination Law. I have reported these crimes to you, ladies and gentlemen of Select Board in the hope that you will finally pay attention to these facts. If you ignore them again, I will appeal to the appropriate legislative and legal organizations of Massachusetts.

Eleven, the previous chair, Margie Burgess and the current chair, Holly States effectively turned the Energy Committee which is supposed to represent the Plymouth community into an extension of Plymouth Planning Department and conducted clandestine meetings with various departments without consulting the members of Energy Committee. Instead of the charter prescribed seven members, the current Energy Committee consists of six members who are unable to appoint the secretary. If this Select Board removes me or Ms. States from this committee, it will consist of only five members.

[0:45:16]

Anatol Zukerman:

Therefore, I suggest that your board dissolve this remaining members of the committee and appoint new members. Regardless of your decision, I will continue to promote the use of solar energy in Plymouth as a concerned citizen.

Twelve, all the statements above are proven in the attached documents called My Response to Accusations by Plymouth’s Energy Committee Chair Holly States, which was sent to Lisa Johnson, the town manager, her team immediately after Ms. States filed her complaint against me on November 17, 2021. This Select Board issued a new rule “Removal of an appointed committee member on November 30, 2021.” According to this rule, this Select board have to schedule a public hearing about her complaint “20 calendar days of receipt of the written complaint,” which was supposed to be scheduled no later than December 9, 2021. Nevertheless, this hearing as you can see was scheduled tonight, March 22, 2022, 105 days later. Why was this hearing delayed for 105 days? Thank you.

Dick Quintal:

Thank you.

Anatol Zukerman:

I’m ready to answer any questions.

Dick Quintal:

Thank you. We have a George Noel waiting with his hand up. Identify yourself for the audience and the public, Mr. Noel.

George Noel:

Yes. My name is George Noel. I’m the Business Manager for OPEIU Local 6. I don’t know how to do my video, but I’m here tonight to urge you to remove Mr. Zukerman from the committee. I represent the workers at the Town of Plymouth, which Patrick Farah is a member. And I think it’s horrible that Mr. Zukerman’s inappropriate behavior towards Patrick, which has included profanity, yelling, accusations of lying and publicly misquoting them is deplorable. Our members are dedicated professionals. They’re dedicated public servants, they’re eager to assist the committees as content experts, and they strive to be helpful. The OPEIU Local 6 cannot and will not stand for this type of abuse of our members. Once again, in one occasion, Mr. Zukerman began using profanity towards his peers and accusing them of lying. As I remember, Mr. Farah attempted to leave the meeting due to the hostility. Mr. Zukerman told Mr. Farah, “I pay your effing salary.” That’s totally inappropriate and uncalled-for. Like I said once again, we at Local 6 urge you emphatically please remove him from this committee and stop the abuse of our members like Mr. Farah and the other committee members. Thank you for your time tonight. I want to thank the Select Board for giving me the time to share this with you tonight. Thank you.

Dick Quintal:

Thank you very much, Mr. Noel. Is there anyone in the audience that would like to say anything? Just please come up and identify yourself for the record.

[0:50:11]

Hollyce States:

My name is Hollyce States, I’m the current chair of the Plymouth Energy Committee and I have been on the committee since October 2019. I just want to say to you thank you for holding this hearing tonight, for creating the policy and for following it through. I know this is not a comfortable situation for any of us here tonight, but I do want to say you have my letter of November 17th. Everything I said in that letter is true and I stand by it. I will not respond to the accusations that have been voiced toward me tonight. They are baseless. I just want to I say that as you as the appointing authority have all the information you need to make a decision tonight and I trust that you will make the right one. Thank you.

Dick Quintal:

Thank you. Anyone else wishing to speak? Please identify yourself for the record. Everett?

Everett Malaguti:

Everett Malaguti, Vice Chair of the Energy Committee. I would like to state that since my name was in part of the complaint as one of the bullet items that I felt it was my responsibility to actually give my point of view. So, during the entire past 12 to 18 months that we’ve had this conflict that Mr. Anatol has been abusive. He has used the word dictator as well as authoritative toward our chair. He has accused me as not actually participating or actually denouncing his plans for the proposed mandatory solar bylaw, which is entirely false for my understanding of it because I actually gave him a course to actually go through other departments to get their actual perspective on this, which is what would have been actually necessary for it to be even looked at by the Finance Committee, let alone even going to town meeting.

The bylaw that was being proposed at this entire hearing about today that caused the tension was in basically a boilerplate of a draft policy that’s done by another community especially Watertown, which is what it’s based off of and had no basic information at all that is even detailed for anything that the Plymouth Finance Committee, the Select Board, Planning Department, Building Commission or Town meeting looks at for zoning changes. It was very loosely termed. It never got any changes to it except for just grammatical errors and I resent being told that I had no course of actually helping him with it and denied him anything. I did help him. I guided him to all the departments. My former Chair, Margie Burgess and my current Chair, Hollyce States also did that as well too of guiding him for it.

We tried to give him the best opportunities to promote this forward, but instead he just kept lashing out of us not supporting an idea that wasn’t even concrete in the terms of even looking at to discuss and vote on it and actually having the audacity, in my opinion, to say that we undermined anything when we basically followed the procedures that we have as a committee. So, I stand by everything that Ms. States wrote in her letter to the board as she has been an excellent chair as well as our former chair, Margie Burgess that we have been a very cohesive committee for looking at ways for bettering the residents of town and the businesses and operations, and we will continue doing that, but we can’t do it with a hostile member who is going to keep derailing all of our procedures. Thank you.

Dick Quintal:

Thank you. Anyone else wishing to speak? Margie’s on?

Margie Burgess:

Actually, there’s not much more to be said than what you have written and–

Dick Quintal:

Could you just identify yourself for the record?

[0:55:00]

Margie Burgess:

Oh, I’m sorry, Margie Burgess. It’s just been going on and on and on, and it’s very wearing and it’s very difficult for the committee to complete the goals that we have. And I just wanted it to be a cohesive good committee. I think most of the people you saw get along very well and some of the things were difficult to deal with. For instance, responses, responses against the meeting laws. In other words, if an agenda is sent out and out comes a letter from him about something, and we can’t share it all over. We can’t talk about it between meetings like that. So, that’s what’s being ignored. But actually, I was very good to him. And in January last year, I gave him the union to present his proposal on this mandatory solar. And we’ve offered suggestions many, many times about changing like mandatory to incentives or something like that, but whatever. He did present it, but beforehand, he sent a message to all town meeting members to come to the meeting and this is the kind of thing. We’ll mention something that we’re going to do in the meeting for instance go to the library about something and he’ll be right down there and then the library won’t call back when I call because it’s been so unpleasant. So, that’s the kind of thing that’s painful and we just need it to end so that we can move forward as a group. So, thank you very much for your time and attention.

Dick Quintal:

Thank you very much. Anyone? Please come up and identify yourself, sir for the record.

Jack Willett:

Jack Willett, 22 Wellington Road. I’m new to the committee. I’m one of the junior members and I have been on other town boards where I lived for 45 years. One on the School Committee for 22 and one in the Water Department for 20 years, and there are rules that we go by. I pointed out too in Anatol at one meeting there’s a procedure. If we don’t operate the right way, then the whole thing is for nothing. The same way as you’re a committee, you operate. No one oversteps the boundary. All that you have to do is raise your hand. We’ve been curtailed because of the virus. All you had to do is raise your hand and you would be recognized.

Anatol has spoken numerously out of order, not being recognized. We’ve told him many times, we have a procedure you have to go by, and he doesn’t want to go by that procedure. The first year, I thought maybe it was something wrong but no, it’s up to now and these two chairmen, the outgoing one and the new one has been excellent, excellent women chairman. The town and as you know by what we have done in the past reported back to you, we have saved the taxpayers of Plymouth millions of dollars in our new schemes and will still go on to save as much as we can. Thank you very much.

Dick Quintal:

Thank you. Anyone else wishing to speak on this matter? Seeing none, I want to bring this back to the board for questions or recommendations.

Charlie Bletzer:

Mr. Zukerman? Can I ask you a couple questions? Question one, did you use profanity to some of your fellow board members?

Anatol Zukerman:

Excuse me, I have a hearing problem. Can you say it loudly?

Charlie Bletzer:

I’ll talk a little louder. Did you in your committee meetings use profanity to your fellow committee members?

[1:00:05]

Anatol Zukerman:

No, I did not use profanity in the public meetings. Once I used the profanity in the public–in the private meeting of the so-called working group organized by Patrick Farah, but I never used profanity in public meetings. So, the statement by Ms. States is a malicious lie, one of the several of her lies, malicious lies.

Charlie Bletzer:

Second question, have you ever harassed our public employees and degraded them, talked down to them?

Anatol Zukerman:

If I ever harass?

Charlie Bletzer:

Have you ever harassed, degraded or talked down to any of our public employees?

Anatol Zukerman:

I have never done that. I don’t even know what they–what I did was I proved some statements by Director Hartman when he falsified the facts of the citizen’s solar petition. I proved it in writing and in speaking during the public hearing of the Planning Board on August 31st, and I can send you the–or I can read it for you if you want now. No? Okay.

Charlie Bletzer:

This hearing tonight, this isn’t about the merits of your plan for solar in Plymouth. This is not what this hearing is about. This hearing is about your behavior as a committee member working with fellow volunteers, working towards a cause and because you don’t agree or people don’t agree with you, you’re getting disrespectful, and you’re yelling and screaming, disrupting meetings. This is what this is about. That behavior cannot be tolerated. Okay? In any committee.

Anatol Zukerman:

No.

Charlie Bletzer:

Especially not a volunteer committee where these folks, everybody’s volunteering, they’re not getting paid. And how do we expect–if we put up with your behavior, how do we expect to get any other volunteers for committees if they’re going to be able to get treated the way you’re treating them?

Anatol Zukerman:

They disrespected me. I did not–

Charlie Bletzer:

You think because they didn’t agree with your plan for solar, the solar plan you had that they didn’t agree with you and that’s why you’re upset with them. This is what I read, this is what I see, but that’s not how it works. Just like up here. There are five members up here. There’s a vote, we discuss it, and then we vote the way we feel. We don’t always agree with each other, but we’re not using profanity and we’re not harassing each other, and we’re not sending nasty emails back and forth. It is what I’m seeing here.

Anatol Zukerman:

Would you like to hear my answer?

Charlie Bletzer:

I’ve read all your things and I’ve listened to enough people right now.

Anatol Zukerman:

Well, I did not disrespect anybody.

Charlie Bletzer:

Well, I kind of get the gist of what’s going on here. It’s been going on too long from what I see, and it can’t be tolerated.

Anatol Zukerman:

I simply expressed my dissenting opinions based on my experience and my long research during the past two years, and they shouted me down. Do you think that was disrespected to me? Yes, it was. They disrespected me. I did not disrespect anybody. Okay? Any other questions?

Charlie Bletzer:

All set for me.

Dick Quintal:

I’ll run the meeting, but stay right there. Harry? Mr. Helm?

Harry Helm:

Thank you. I guess this would be either for Mr. Brindisi or Mr. Hartman, or maybe both of you. My question is why was this hearing delayed from the original complaints and is Mr. Zukerman’s implied concept that the delay in this hearing invalidates it? Does that have any merit?

[1:05:00]

Lee Hartman:

So, it’s a policy of the board, so it’s not a bylaw. It’s not a binding timeline. I think it’s a preferred timeline. As you know, we went through a big transition with the town manager stepping down, myself filling in. A little bit of a challenge coordinating meetings and discussing the issue with each of the people I interviewed. It took a while to proceed with that whole process, so. And then we had a plan to come in last week but Ms. States was on vacation last week, so we delayed it for a week. So, a lot of it was just the logistics of doing a lot of different things when I was acting town manager as well as trying to coordinate the interviews with the individuals I talked to. But it’s a policy, so there’s nothing binding there about that 20-day.

Harry Helm:

Thank you. But stay right there, Lee. Perhaps you can answer this or perhaps the chairman or vice chair of the committee. This mandatory solar bylaw being proposed by Mr. Zukerman, was this a citizen petition or was it his proposal to have the energy committee sponsor it?

Lee Hartman:

So, it was a citizen’s petition, and he asked the Energy Committee and also the Planning Board to support it, but neither of those groups chose to support it. So, I think his frustration is that nobody wanted to support what he was doing and so nobody put any kind of time or effort into something that was not supported by either the Planning Board or the Energy Committee. So, it was a petitioned article that again a lot of us looked at and very complicated, very difficult thing. It’s not like you could simply take that and run with it for town meeting. So, it was not supported by anyone.

Harry Helm:

Okay, thank you.

Dick Quintal:

Any other questions or comments from the board? Betty? Mrs. Cavacco?

Betty Cavacco:

I mean, it’s very disheartening that we are here and having to deal with something like this. The climate that we have, we just can’t behave that way to each other. I mean, we have a group of volunteers. They work very hard. I have to be honest with you, the way I look at this right now is that I’d like to make a motion to disband the entire board and have a cooling-off period and then have people reapply because I think that he said/she said of it is a little bit overwhelming for us to or actually for me because I believe what’s happening here. I unfortunately have experienced some of the same things. So, I think the inner workings of all of this and I think there are some potential legalities if we keep the board in place right now. And I honestly think that there needs to be some kind of possible cooling-off period, come back in 30 days, reapply and see if we can move forward. But other than that, I believe that we’re going to have some legal issues.

Dick Quintal:

Mr. Bletzer?

Charlie Bletzer:

I disagree about disbanding the board. I think the board shouldn’t pay be of one person with a bad behavior. They shouldn’t suffer for that. They’ve worked hard. I think Mr. Zukerman should resign or be removed and let the board will appoint somebody else and let the board keep working like they’re working. I mean, the committee. So, I think disbanding is, I don’t think that’s the right way to do it, so.

Dick Quintal:

Mr. Flaherty?

Patrick Flaherty:

So, there were a lot of letters and materials that came through, and I know that it is an awkward situation to have people come and discuss something like this, but sometimes you have to. We have I believe 68 various boards and committees in Plymouth, and I’ve been here just about three years and with all those people, hundreds and hundreds of people, this situation has only come up one time. And in here, we have near full consensus of those involved directly with how they perceive this to have played out. So, I, for one, looked at this and I agree that we should remove Mr. Zukerman from this committee.

I disagree though about disbanding the committee because again, we have a board of volunteers who are eager to help and do the charge of the Energy Committee.

[1:10:04]

Patrick Flaherty:

It’s been a long-standing committee and I don’t understand what type of legal issues you might be referencing Betty, if you have any words for that that might shed some light on it, but I wouldn’t–I don’t necessarily see it that way either.

Dick Quintal:

I have to say Patrick, I agree with you. I’m sitting here before me in the evidence and as Patrick said, it relieves the whole committee that’s the easy way to do this, but it’s not the right way. It’s a hard decision and it just you look through all this, I know a lot of the people in the room and have faith in them, I have faith in staff. I don’t think they’re making it up, and as far as it being a legal thing then I guess, that’s what the courts are for, and we’ll see, but that’s our policy. And when it’s not date driven and I stand with these two gentlemen here, I’m not going to vote to prolong or disband the committee. I thought about it for a minute or two, I put a lot of time into this, and I do apologize to you that it wasn’t in the exact time frame the policy says, but I must also tell you we’re a volunteer board also. And with Mr. Hartman acting as Town Manager and doing the best he can, and he’s done a great job of getting–you know why it took him a while? Because he wants to make sure he does everything right. That’s Lee. I would have just you know, but Lee takes his time, he looks at everything and I take a lot of stock on what he says, and I take stock on some of what you say, but I’m really not a judge, but I can tell you this, I don’t think all of those people are telling stories. So, it’s just what’s better for the committee and maybe this is why I’ve asked management before I want to see the Energy Committee. I want to get them in here, so we can get moving. It’s going to be in one of my sections for town meeting that I want to kick it up a notch. I mean, we don’t have time to be wasting on arguing and being disrespectful to anybody at Town Hall: employees, committees, anybody. And we need to send a message, we’re not going to tolerate it.

Betty Cavacco:

Patrick, I’m sorry. Mr. Zukerman did say that he would pursue legal avenues and that’s the reason why because I know the Energy Committee works really hard, and I just thought if they need a cooling down period, I would do that, but I will also support the removal of Mr. Zukerman and keeping the committee intact. I don’t want you guys to think that I didn’t believe you or you weren’t doing what you’re supposed–what you’re tasked to do. I just figured the tensions are high and we have to keep the liability to the town at as low level as we possibly could. And it was just my idea to think that that would do that, but like I said, I don’t have a problem supporting the removal.

Dick Quintal:

Mr. Helm?

Harry Helm:

Yeah. I mean, in regards to Mr. Zukerman’s statement that he would consider or would pursue legal action during his statement to the board and the people assembled here, he variously accused the entire Energy Committee or various members of lying, discrimination, having clandestine meetings, violation of open meeting law and conflict of interest. That last one being a very serious accusation with absolutely no backup. I understand the idea of a cooling-off period, but a cooling-off period and then a reinstatement of a board that would not include Mr. Zukerman, which would be obviously what would happen doesn’t stop him from pursuing these things. Okay? So, I understand Betty why you’re proposing that, and I think that it’s actually in certain circumstances, it could be a valid idea, but this seems to me to be a situation that is entirely broken and without an ability to repair it and bring the sides together. And I’m going to support removing Mr. Zukerman from the Energy Committee.

[1:15:06]

Dick Quintal:

Mr. Bletzer?

Charlie Bletzer:

I’d like to make a motion to remove Anatol Zukerman from the Energy Commission effective immediately.

Betty Cavacco:

Second.

Dick Quintal:

Second by Mrs. Cavacco. Discussion? All those in favor? Unanimous. Mr. Brindisi, Town Manager’s report.

Derek Brindisi:

Great. Yeah, thank you. So, let me start by saying just kind of–

Dick Quintal:

Can you just speak up a little, Derek?

Derek Brindisi:

Sure. I’ll actually get closer to this mic. So, let me start by saying just a little background of the context of my Town Manager’s Reports, I meet every Tuesday morning with all the department heads. The reason I meet on Tuesdays is because we meet this evening and my purpose is to try to bring to the board and to the community at large the most accurate and most current information that we have. So, my report is generated from the conversations that I have throughout the week with the department heads but primarily our Tuesday morning meeting. So, that’s the context. My report will be submitted as part of the meeting minutes for folks to read at a later date.

With that being said, this morning when I met with the department heads, we talked about performance measures. And so, in the past and I had mentioned this when I did my interview that it was my intent to work with our departments and then to set up goals and objectives within those departments. So, today, we had the conversation on what that would look like and how we would start to operationalize that effective July 1st. So, we’ll go ahead again with each department, department head, identify very strategic goals and objectives. And I would expect after town meeting sometime in mid-April, we’ll go through that exercise, and then it’s my hope and I know the board has stated this on many occasions that you want to develop a five-year strategic plan. So, we’ll use those goals generated by the department heads, and then we’ll bring them forward in a workshop setting. I would imagine sometime in early May so that you are aware of what their thoughts and ideas are, you’ll have my thoughts and ideas and then collectively with your thoughts and ideas we’ll identify our short-term goals and our long-term goals. So, that’s in the works and I just wanted you to be aware that we’ve already started that conversation within the ranks of the town.

So, moving on to grants. One item that we did speak about today is under the Statute Chapter 53A, it’s required that before we submit any grants, those grants must be approved by the executive body. So, in this case, the Select Board. So, you will see in the future under administrative notes any grant that we apply for will be submitted to you in advance. You’ll have a chance to review it, to ask questions prior to its submittal. We will then ask you to take a motion to file and then accept the grant. So, if we were to receive the award then we would already have the approval by the board so then go ahead and accept the terms of that grant. So, again, that’s on the statute and that’s required. So, that’s something that you’re going to see in the future.

Moving on to some awards that have already been made. The town received, I just noticed two days ago that we received a $24,000 Workplace Safety Grant from the State Department of Industrial Accidents. I shared with you in the past, great work from the Board of Health office that we received a Public Health Excellence for Shared Services Grant, which is $300,000, which will be shared with the Towns of Carver, Kingston, Plymouth and then Wareham and ourselves. And then we also received word today that we were also awarded a CDC Wastewater Monitoring Grant. So, we’re still trying to get the details of that grant. Representative Muratore is working with us on the details, but that would allow us to test the wastewater for COVID and then additionally, we’re thinking–at least the Board of Health was thinking potentially opioids down the road.

So, moving on to some events that are coming up in town. On April 23rd, there’s a Hazardous Waste Day that will be held at Camelot Drive. So, we’re just giving folks advance notice. And then the first two weekends of April from 8:00 am. to 2:00 pm. over on Camelot Drive, we will hold our Yacht Waste Collection Days as well.

Moving on to some operational updates. This week, the Harbor Master’s office has already started to install the floats and the gangways into the harbor.

[1:20:02]

Derek Brindisi:

Our police department will begin the bicycle patrols effective April 1st in the downtown area and then expand as the summer starts to move forward. The barriers for the outdoor dining will start to be installed next week beginning with three of the establishments, that two you’ve heard this evening and one that’s already sitting at the ABCC. And then additionally, the concrete has been poured for the bulkhead project. And so, that project is expected to be completed in early June. So, we’re maintaining the current pace for that. And then I wanted to bring one other item because it came up at last week’s meeting, the Building Commissioner is working with the owners of Cordage Park relative to this smokestack. We’re expecting by the end of this week that we’ll get an engineer’s report, and so we want folks to be aware that if the engineer’s report comes back and suggests that this poses an imminent threat to life and safety, the building commissioner will be forced to order that smokestack to be removed. And again, I’m just bringing this up because I know there’s a historical background to that as well. So, more to come on that.

And then moving on to personnel. I’m happy to announce that there was an interview committee last week. I made up myself, Lee Hartman and Marie Brinkmann, our HR Director. We interviewed five candidates for the assistant town manager position. We have since offered the position to Mr. Brad Brothers who I think many of you know over at the School Department. So, you’ll be seeing hopefully in the future a request for you to support Mr. Brothers appointment.

Unfortunately, I’m announcing this evening that Marie Brinkmann, our Human Resource Director has announced her retirement effective April 29th. So, we’ll be looking for a human resource director in the short term. But just looking across the spectrum of all the different departments, we have 40 vacancies. And I know again, it was a big push by this board to create pay equity and to create a competitive wage for all of our employees so that we can kind of shorten the number of vacancies that we have in town, but 40 vacancies is a lot for a size of this community.

And then I’m meeting with the Police Chief today. We do have 10 potential police candidates that are headed to the police academy but even with those 10 candidates, we’ll still have an additional projected 10 vacancies still in the police department. So, we certainly have a lot of work to do across the spectrum of all of our different departments relative to personnel. Pending any questions, that’s all I have for this evening.

Dick Quintal:

Mr. Helm?

Harry Helm:

Real quick, Derek the 10 vacancies in the police department, are they included in the 40 total vacancies that you mentioned or are they separate?

Derek Brindisi:

Those are separate.

Harry Helm:

So, we actually have 50 vacancies.

Derek Brindisi:

Right. So, we have the 10 candidates that are going to the police academy will fill the current vacancy pool, but the Chief has reported that he has a number of retirements. Some folks are out on IOD that is going to make up an additional 10 that we’re going to have to fill probably within the summer.

Harry Helm:

Okay. So, effectively we have 50 vacancies across the town?

Derek Brindisi:

Yeah, I would say that’s an accurate number.

Harry Helm:

Yeah, thank you.

Derek Brindisi:

You’re welcome.

Dick Quintal:

If I may just add to that. We put them through the academy and I don’t know the exact cost, but I know it’s not cheap, and we get them their gear, their uniforms and then a lot of them switch off and go to another community for higher pay, and that’s the issue we’ve been having in the police department. One of the issues with some employees, but you can’t blame them if they can make a little more money doing the same work somewhere else, and you’re happy. So, we tried to work on that, and I hope we’ll know soon if it’s working. And the second thing I want to ask you about, you touched on the stack at Cordage and I know that if it’s a safety hazard, it has to come down and I reached out to Bill Keohan and the CPC Committee and asked him to bring it before them, but he said he would be in support of having one of their structural engineers for stacks look at that because they’re very much interested in saving it. So, if it gets to the point where the building inspector says it is a safety thing, I mean it’s quite obvious that the bricks of the stack are falling out but does it have to come all the way down? Is there a certain break point or is there a way it can be rebuilt later? So, I just don’t want to see it come down and not have the community know. I think we need to have a hearing, and I’d like to have the building inspector here. And Everett, you take care of it on Plymouth and get him here and Betty, anybody else that wants to–because there’s a lot of people out there that are very concerned with this such as myself.

[1:25:08]

Dick Quintal:

Once it’s down and gone, that’s it. That’s a piece of Plymouth that’s not going to be there. And if we don’t save some of the stuff then what is it for the future? I guess. So, I would just like to–and I know that’s not, I don’t want to call it a loophole, but I’ve known that’s the reason, that’s the only reason and the quickest way they can take it down is just to show it safety. On the top of it, Derek it’s all concrete. The first thing that I have to do, and I’m not an engineer, take that down they’ve released the pressure. And Bill was talking about wrapping. So, I’d just like to have a little communication on it, maybe have it as a docket item, so people understand it. So, I don’t just see it come down and then the Selectmen. They already started last week I think, didn’t they? And they put it on Facebook, and we’re not doing anything and with actuality, we’re trying our best, so.

Derek Brindisi:

And if I could, that’s why I wanted to bring it up tonight on the report. I know that it’s a sensitive issue. In fact, I learned today from Chief Flynn that it’s also a navigational tool for boaters. So, Nick Mayo, our Building Commission was actually reaching out to folks in Boston to learn more about that and what effect–if it did come down, what effect that would have to folks in the water? So, with your permission, I certainly can ask Nick Mayo to attend next week’s meeting.

Dick Quintal:

Yeah, that’s fine, but I know Bill’s stressed on. I know one community was Lexington and there were, I think there were four others that have saved stacks of different factories and preserved, and they have special engineers, that’s what they do. So, I mean, that’s the route. Maybe give them a call and just see what Bill says too, and that way everybody’s on the–Mr. Genetti I believe is in Florida, but I have his number if you need it, but I’m sure they have it on file. So, I think that’s it. I’m glad to hear that Mr. Brothers is going to be joining our force as an assistant. When does that take place, Derek because you’re going in and out there?

Derek Brindisi:

Yeah, So, Mr. Brothers, he has a 30-day notice. He has to provide to the school district. So, he’s already provided that notice effective today. And so, I believe on April 23rd, he would be reporting for duty here in Town Hall.

Dick Quintal:

I think that’s great news. I mean, I’ve worked with him a little bit, and I’ll tell you what, he’s very impressive. He does his stuff. I think he’s going to compliment you. I think he’s going to compliment Lynne Barrett, the whole upstairs. I mean, he’s a good finance guy. Okay, good job. Well, I thought you wanted to say something.

Betty Cavacco:

Well, I was going to ask the same question about Mr. Brothers, is there any opportunity that he’ll be able to join us sooner than 30 days?

Derek Brindisi:

So, I was able to speak to the school superintendent today, and so we’re trying to work out a shared partnership with the school district knowing that they’re going to need Mr. Brothers’ support beyond the April 23rd date. At the same time, I could certainly use his support as well. So, we’ll try to navigate through those murky waters, but certainly, I’m going to try to bring him in on some of the bigger meetings so he can get up to speed as quickly as possible.

Betty Cavacco:

Well, I hope the school realizes that we’ll help them any opportunity that we get anyway even if we didn’t have Mr. Brothers.

Derek Brindisi:

Absolutely.

Dick Quintal:

Anything else? Okay. I’m going to just skip over public comment for a brief moment because we have a gentleman in the audience, Patrick Quinlan. He’s going to do an Eagle Scout project. So, if you’d like to come up and explain to us so the public knows what you’re doing. I read my packet, but I’d like you to touch on it and I think you deserve to speak of what you’re going to do for the community.

Patrick Quinlan:

Thank you. Good afternoon. I’m Patrick Quinlan. I’m with the Troop 9 Boy Scouts, and I’m a downtown resident. I’ve lived down here all 15 years of my life and I go downtown quite often and like some of the benches downtown they’re wooden and old and like they can’t handle the extreme elements of Plymouth. So, my project would be to remove the existing ones, plaques included. I would replace them with stone granite benches that would be much more durable and last a lot longer requiring less maintenance. I would transition the existing plaques that are currently there onto the new ones, so they could still be commemorated for why they were built. And yes, that’s my project.

Dick Quintal:

Okay. Any comments from the board? Any questions?

Betty Cavacco:

I think it’s a great project, and thank you.

[1:30:00]

Charlie Bletzer:

Yeah, I think it’s great. When do you think you’ll be able to complete that?

Patrick Quinlan:

So, I would need to do all the funding beforehand and my end goal for when they would be installed would probably be before the end of summer of 2022. I think I could, depending on how quickly I can acquire the funding, I think around the middle of summer is when I could start talking to the stonemasons about how they can be transported and what steps I need to take to make sure they’re properly secured downtown.

Charlie Bletzer:

Well, keep us informed because when you’re done, we’d like to have a nice little ceremony down there for you and congratulate you. So, thank you.

Patrick Quinlan:

Thank you.

Harry Helm:

So, before you hit the road, Patrick, describe this funding that you’re going to be seeking.

Patrick Quintal:

So, I would be looking for funding for–excuse me, I would be hosting events and offering my time at places to acquire funding or resources that I would need. I would be seeking donations from people who would be willing and I would be hosting fundraisers.

Betty Cavacco:

Patrick, when you have all your funding mechanisms set whether it’s a go fund or whatever it is, please make sure that you send me the link and I’ll be sure to share it on all of my social media sites and maybe we can get someone that’s very giving to the community to help out with some–did I say that out loud?

Dick Quintal:

I’d be more than glad to help you.

Patrick Quinlan:

Thank you.

Dick Quintal:

I think it’s a worthwhile project. And actually, I’d like to see you come back with some photos when you can and show us the finished products. Not that we won’t see them but so everybody else can see them. And we’ll do a little something here and bring your troop in and your family, and we’ll do a proclamation for you as long as we approve it, which I think we will. All right? Does that sound all right with you?

Patrick Quinlan:

Sounds great. Thank you.

Dick Quintal:

You’re all welcome back when the project’s complete and bring your family and your troop whoever you want to invite, just let floor know and we’ll do something for you, and it’s well deserved.

Betty Cavacco:

And share those links.

Dick Quintal:

Yes. Okay. Now, we’re going to go back to anyone wishing to speak on the public comment? Please come up and identify yourself for the record please.

Evelyn Strahan:

Good evening, I’m Evelyn Strawn. I’m here this evening as a concerned citizen of Plymouth but also a concerned global citizen. And I think one of the things that I worry a lot about and that we all worry about is the climate crisis, and I’m here tonight to thank you for the leadership that you’ve shown over the last year in trying to help Plymouth move forward on taking some concrete steps to address that. I think I was prompt. Hopefully, I’m not premature since it’s later in your agenda that you’re appointing members to the CANZ, to the Climate Action/ Net Zero Climate Advisory Committee. I think I got all those letters. Anyway, I think that’s a really concrete step and there is at least one person here in the audience that’s a candidate to be appointed. So, thank you for moving that forward. I’m encouraged to think that we’ll actually get the climate resiliency position, that hopefully town meeting will approve the budget as it’s being presented to them and I think this committee could be a big help in working with that new position. So, thank you.

Dick Quintal:                        

Thank you very much. Anyone?

Pat Adelman:

Good evening. I’m Pat Adelman. I’m coming before you because there have been multiple rumors about the County Wood Lot in meetings that are being scheduled without public input. I know that the county does a lot without communicating, but I would just like to emphasize that I think we’re really missing the Manager’s report that Melissa used to publish online. You could ask questions and this is an example where the public would be informed because it would be in the Manager’s report and people could call and ask questions and get it answered. So, please consider that. And I’d like to welcome the new manager. Thank you.

Dick Quintal:

Thank you, Pat.

[1:35:04]

Betty Cavacco:

I don’t think she was here when you made that statement about that meeting.

Dick Quintal:

Okay. Pat, I don’t know if you were here, but I made a statement about the Wood Lot. Were you here when I–

Pat Adelman:

No, sorry.

Dick Quintal:

No, don’t be sorry. Do you want me–can I read it to you? The meeting on March 25th to discuss the potential of a thoroughbred racetrack and other potential services amenities will not be opened to the public. This meeting will be held with the state, county and local officials along with executives from the group of the Kentucky–of Kentucky to review the details of the proposal prior to any public discussion. If this project were to move forward, there will be multiple sessions for the public input. Additionally, residents always have an option to weigh in on any matter during Selectboard meetings under public comment, which you did and I appreciate that.

I’m only going to respond because you use the word rumors, and you’re absolutely right. That’s exactly what they are. It’s the County’s Wood Lot, they put on an RFP. It’s been returned to them and now since they’ve had it, they’ve opened it. They, I believe but I’m not sure yet, I believe they’ve signed an agreement. That being said now, they’ll go through the process just like anybody else would. Whether it’d be me or Everett or any business person or any developer, it all has to go through every hall in this building. The reason I’m having the meeting here is because some of the stakeholders now are coming to make their proposal to the Town Management team and I wanted all department heads there to listen, ask some questions and that’s going to happen on Friday. And then Tuesday night, we’re going to have a docket item right here. They’re going to be here, and you can ask any questions you might have or any concerns. I mean, it’s not going to be done in one meeting naturally, but you’re going to get the right information because I don’t have all the information. And I’ve tried telling so many people that. I mean, yeah, I heard the thoroughbred racetrack coming. We all heard that but what does that detail? I can’t give you any deals because I don’t have any. I’m not hiding them, believe me. So, that’s what Friday is about, seriously. And I just want you all to know that.

I watched Lynne Barrett’s in one of her reports last night, if you will or her charts and she was going through it and at the meeting preparing for town meeting and Plymouth had $3 million worth of new growth and that’s really our issue as a community. Now, growth comes in all kinds of ways, but I’d like to see some commercial development in this community that doesn’t affect our services, doesn’t require a lot of school-aged children. Not that I don’t like children, because I do, but we got to get caught up here a little if we have the opportunity. So, that’s what this is about and I think Harry’s touched on it and Charlie about commercial development, and we’re really going to focus on this coming year and hopefully get that new growth number up. And if we do that, then Patrick’s bottom line will equal out less for the taxpayer because without that, it’s not going to happen. So, the community is going to have a choice, the board is going to go through the process whatever the proposals are or maybe and that’s what’s going to determine your tax rate going forward.

So, I mean, that’s what we’re trying to do is capture some new growth. I mean, yes, we have Holtec on the other hand. We’re supplementing these budgets this year $3 million out of the stabilization fund. First, it was two million, and she added another million that’s three million. So, we got to try to make up for that and that’s all. We have to listen to everybody as a community. So, I can’t tell you if I sit here today anything more than but believe me, it’s not because we’re not trying to be transparent or clear. This is a process for everything and the process will be open to you a week from today. That’ll be the start of the process. There’s no way anybody around you can sign building permits or anything else without going through it. It just doesn’t happen in our government. So, we’ll look at it and see what happens. I don’t know what the proposal is. Let’s see what the numbers and what everything else looks like the impact, and we’ll have everybody there from environment, to planning, all the department heads. I believe that Derek, you sent out the invitation to department heads. And to let everyone know, the state delegations have been involved in this also, in some talks in the very beginning. So, I mean, it’s not like you know, but until you have a bidder and until you have the bids come back and you close it, you don’t know how many bids you have.

[1:40:06]

Dick Quintal:

So, there’s been nothing really to report. And I’m sorry rumors get out there and sometimes that’s why people don’t put the cards on the table when they start something because exactly for the reason rumors start. So, all I’m asking for is I’ll hear the proposal Friday with some town staff, and then we’re going to bring it right to the community the following Tuesday. Okay?

Betty Cavacco:

I was going to respond to you Pat, but I had to put all that in writing and I didn’t know how quite to do it.

Dick Quintal:

Well, I know she has a concern and I know you sent us email this. I just have it, but I was here with a meeting at three o’clock. I ran back home, changed in just that order and came right back to this meeting. So, I apologize because you know I always respond to you. So, it would have been after the meeting, so I’m glad you are here, so I can see you face-to-face. Anyone else wishing to speak on a public comment? Identify yourself for the record, please.

Everett Malaguti:

Everett Malaguti, town meeting precinct one, as well as Chair of the Natural Resources and Coastal Beaches Committee. First, I would like to welcome Mr. Brindisi to being our new town manager, and I am encouraged to be working with him again on numerous projects in the future. And unfortunately, I would like to say I’m sorry for the meeting today being sort of in your new position is not really being a good welcome but at least it was done professionally, and thank you for that.

So, I would like to state while this already happened, and I’m okay with it at the moment, the sticker proposal that was done earlier I’m hoping since there is basically a two-year lag until the next increase happens, I’m hoping that there is a review in those two years to make sure that numbers did not decrease forcing another increase onto the stickers because we don’t want people to be deterred and not by them and then have to increase them again and then basically less people purchasing them. So, in this context, I’m asking as Selectman Quintal basically stated in the beginning that he wanted to bring the Energy Committee into work with them on new proposals. I’m inviting the entire board as well too as Chair of the Natural Resources Committee to do the same thing and using this platform to help create a better understanding of how we can actually level fund the services that are provided for all the other beaches so that we don’t have deficits but also don’t always burden the person that’s purchasing a sticker as well. So, I would like to offer the olive branch to get us to working on a better situation and a more creative outcome that helps both us and the residents. Thank you.

Dick Quintal:

Anyone else wishing to speak on the public comment? And just in a quick response, I look forward to your olive branch, Everett. And I really want to–well, you’re all here, I really want you to turn up the heat and let’s get some things going. I know Patrick’s talked and there hasn’t been support like for replacing the streetlights and there’s a lot of them out there outdated. Other communities, our neighboring community I believe Carver has them up and running and every time I drive to one of these communities, I start at the wheel because why isn’t Plymouth doing it? And I know we’re a large community but even if we did it in peace sakes, so I know we’re a little off the path there but.

Everett Malaguti:

Trust me, it is in the process. It’s been slow and arduous. Well, myself, the Energy Committee and a couple other stakeholders including Patrick Farah wanted to wait till Mr. Brindisi was comfortable in his position. So, we didn’t burden him all in one fell swoop, but it is ahead on not just on the Energy Committee but also on the Revenue Idea Task Force. It’s also one of our agenda items. So, it’s a joint effort, and we’re trying to fast track it as possible so that we do reap the benefits sooner than later. Thank you.

Dick Quintal:

Thank you. Michelle, is there anyone wishing to speak on public comment out there?

Michelle:

There is no one.

Dick Quintal:

Did she say no? There is somebody?

Michelle:

There is no one.

Dick Quintal:

Okay. You can put them forward please.

Michelle:

No one.

Dick Quintal:

Oh, no one? Okay then.

Michelle:

There is no one.

Dick Quintal:

All right. It’s hard to hear in this room. I don’t know. Everett, you’re right. Thank you very much. I’m sorry.

[1:45:11]

Dick Quintal:

All right. We’re going to go to Licenses and Administrative Notes.

Spectacle Management is requesting a One Day Wine and Malt License for April 8th, 14th, 21st, 28th, 2022 from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m.

Betty Cavacco:

Motion.

Charlie Bletzer:

Second.

Dick Quintal:

Motion, seconded by Mr. Bletzer. Discussion? All those in favor? Unanimous.

And we have one through nine on the administrative notes. Three was Patrick Quinlan, but I put a circle on number four because–Betty, can you read number four for us?

Betty Cavacco:

Certainly.

Dick Quintal:

I think it needs to be noted for the public so that they know.

Betty Cavacco:

The board will vote to approve and allow the Plymouth Little League to gift infield renovations to Field One, Field Two and Field Three located at the Manomet Recreation Area. This would consist of grading, conditioning and renovation of base paths and the pitcher’s mound by a reputable company. This project has full support of the DPW in Parks Division.

Dick Quintal:

Thank you. And thank you to Little League. Derek, if you could have someone from the office send them out a thank you. I think.

Derek Brindisi:

Absolutely.

Dick Quintal:

Thank you. And then number nine is the board will vote to appoint the following people to the Climate Action Net Zero Advisory Committee also known as CANZ. Betty, would you like–I think you know we should read this out so people know who’s on the committee.

Betty Cavacco:

Sure.

• Doug Savidge
• Leanna Scanlan, I’m sorry, I don’t have my glasses, Leanna Scanlan
• Judy Savage
• Malcolm McGregor,
• Ewa Now
• Cheryl Jamieson
• Catherine Shetterly
• Patrick Farah
• Cassandra Thayer and
• Dale Bryan

Charlie Bletzer:

Motion to approve.

Betty Cavacco:

Second.

Dick Quintal:

Is that all of them?

Betty Cavacco:

Yes.

Dick Quintal:

Okay. And the second. Discussion? All those in favor? Thank you. Committee Liaison Updates.

Betty Cavacco:

Do we want to–excuse me, Mr. Chairman, number five because we’re going to give licenses.

Dick Quintal:

Yes, go ahead. Yeah, I’m sorry. Yeah.

Betty Cavacco:

The board will vote to approve and execute Mussel Dredging Licenses for one year under the restrictions listed on the licenses for the following people:

• Domenic Santoro
• Jim Keding
• Lenny Michaud
• James Reynolds
• John Reynolds

And I’d like to make a motion to approve.

Charlie Bletzer:

Second.

Dick Quintal:

Second. Discussion? All those in favor? Unanimous.

Designee Updates? Old Business? Letters? I have two things. There was a letter in my packet. I don’t know about everybody’s, but it’s for the board. And in Washington, they have a Memorial Day Parade, and they select so many high school marching bands to be a part of it. So, I’d like to send this invitation along to, I’m going to say it right now, the Superintendent to the right party and see if Plymouth might be interested in sending the students there. I know years, I was a kid so that was a long time ago, we went to the Rose Bowl Parade. I remember–Mario, I think his name was Cruciati [?], he was the Band Director then, and we sent a marching band right down there to the Rose Bowl. It was pretty cool. They all had the little you know on their uniforms. Yeah, I remember it. I have friends that were in the band. All right? That’s what it was. So, I’m just waiting to see. Yeah, it’s the 2023 Parade because it’s already be in April and you can let them know. I’ll pass this back to you, Derek.

Derek Brindisi:

Sure.

Dick Quintal:

I’d be more than willing to help with fundraising. If they’re interested and if they get selected, I’m there for them because I think it’s awesome to represent our community in Washington. And that’s it on that one.

New Business? Wow, all right then, motion to adjourn?

Betty Cavacco:

Motion.

Charlie Bletzer:

Second.

Dick Quintal:

Okay. Thank you very much. Have a good night, a good week and please keep the people of Ukraine in your thoughts and prayers. Good night.