Agenda – Plymouth Select Board 2-7-23 Agenda

Official Minutes – Plymouth Select Board Minutes 2-7-23

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

Betty Cavacco:

Good evening, everyone and welcome to the Plymouth Select Board meeting, Tuesday, February 7th, 2023. Could you please all join us in the Pledge of Allegiance?

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.

Betty Cavacco:

Thank you. We call this meeting to order. Before we get into the agenda, I would just like to recognize the Boy Scouts BSA who’s here and they’re going to be trying to get their government badge. Is it government or community service? I’m not sure. Citizenship in the community. So, everyone that is here, please be mindful that we have children in the room.

So, the first order of business is the Jordan Hospital Club Polar Plunge. Oh, I’m sorry? Mr. Helm, please read though.

Harry Helm:

I get to, great. Okay. In accordance with Statute 2475, and pursuant to Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021, this meeting will be conducted via remote means and in-person. Members of the public who wish to watch the meeting may do so in the following manner: tune into PACTV government cable access channels, Comcast Channel 15 or Verizon Channel 47 and watch the meeting as it is aired live or watch the meeting live on PACTV website at pactv.org. Members of the public who wish to participate in the meeting may do so in the following manner:

In-person: Great Hall located at the 2nd Floor at Plymouth Town Hall, 26 Court Street, Plymouth, Massachusetts, or remotely: go to the town website, under the Select Board page and click on the Zoom webinar link.

Betty Cavacco:

Thank you, Mr. Helm. And now, we have a polar bear amongst us that I think probably wants to talk about something. No hitting. We can’t hit in here. So, go ahead.

Catherine McKenna:

Good evening, and thank you so much for the opportunity. I’m here with Jordan, the mascot for the Jordan Hospital Club, Polar Plunge. And my name is Catherine McKenna and I’m here to just take a few minutes of your time to let you know that this coming March 4th will be the 21st Annual Polar Plunge.

And so, 20 years ago, Jordan and I were at the old Town Hall talking about the Polar Plunge. And it was so well received that we are still going after 20 years. Over that time, the Plunge and I’m talking about the corporate sponsors, the donors, the plungers have raised over $1.5 million for the cancer center at BID Plymouth. What’s extraordinary is the enthusiasm and support of the community because the bulk of these donations are $5, $10, $25 increments. Yes, we have larger donors and of course, we welcome and appreciate those larger numbers, but this is really a grassroots effort by the broad community to support and thank BID Plymouth. It’s a great day, March 4th. I know, I’m sure many of you have probably been, I’m hoping or a few of you have been. I know over the years we’ve had a number of town Selectmen who have plunged. But it is a great day.

The hardest thing is getting the donors. You show up in March 4th and Nelson’s speech with your donations and a registration form in hand and just enjoy the day as it unfolds. So, there’s music by Rudy Sampson and Ken Grady. There’s food donated by everyone from Panera, Quintals. Also, Marylou’s Coffee and Hot Chocolate. Costumes, trophy is awarded for best costume by families. And so, it’s just a really great day.

Plunge is fast. It’s fast, furious and painless. You run in and you turn around and run out so fast, you don’t even know what you’ve done. And then it’s followed by a great award ceremony at the PYC and the food there is donated by Mamma Mia’s. DJ Gene is there. So, it’s just a wonderful thank you to our plungers for supporting BID, supporting the cancer center and all the money does stay here. And because so many in the community have donated, small businesses have donated so much, virtually all the money raised is then forwarded.

[0:05:02]

Catherine McKenna:

Last year, that was $91,000, which went to support the Patient’s Assistance Fund, which is this wonderful fund that helps patients and their families who are struggling with this disease, paying anything from babies or childcare or prescription drugs, those kinds of costs. And additionally, the new breast center at Exit 5 or Exit 13, I think. No, Exit 5. You know where that is. So, anyway, thank you very much. We hope you’ll consider plunging, pledging, just even coming down to support March 5th. And Jordan’s here right now. I’m going to hand this over. Thank you. Thank you very much. Jordanhospitalclub.org.

Janice Rushforth:

Thank you very much. I’m Jan Rushforth, and I’ve been with the Plunge for 21 years. And I’m here to talk about tradition. It has been a tradition in the town. The town has supported it tremendously. The Town Hall and the Townhouse has supported it overwhelmingly between police and fire and DPW and trash and even town managers and assistant town managers. It is tradition that when you are a new Town Manager or Assistant Town Manager, you lead the community and you take the plunge. So, we tonight, have your Plunge papers for you. Mr. Brindisi, we’re sorry you’re sick but Jordan is leaving some cough drops here for you so that you could be better. And Mr. Quintal has asked if he could be the first one to donate to your Plunge.

Dick Quintal:

Bring the papers right over.

Betty Cavacco:

Well, he can jump out of the plane into the water. Thank you.

Janice Rushforth:

I’ve been told that Mrs. Cavacco is quite a seamstress, and this is a costume event and we give a trophy for the best costume. So, if you would like to whip something up for the boys for that night, that day at the Polar Plunge, I’m sure that we’ll all just love it and they could bring the first-place trophy back to the townhouse.

Betty Cavacco:

You really are getting us all into this.

Janice Rushforth:

I aim to please. So, we thank you very much. Look forward to it. And Derek, if you want, I’ll walk your little paper around here and get the employees to. You can even do a team. We have teams. So, we have Plymouth North that has teams and Plymouth South that have teams. So, if you want to have a Town House team, that would even be better. Thank you very much. Feel better.

Derek Brindisi:

Thank you. I appreciate it.

Janice Rushforth:

And the police have a team, so maybe we could have a little competition going.

Derek Brindisi:

That’s a little competition, yeah.

Janice Rushforth:

Thank you. Feel better.

Dick Quintal:

Janice, March 3rd, right?

Janice Rushforth:

March 4th.

Dick Quintal:

Fourth? Okay, 4th.

Derek Brindisi:

What time is that again?

Dick Quintal:

Early.

Janice Rushforth:

The time itself is 12:00 noon sharp. But Jordan will pick you up at 10:30.

Derek Brindisi:

All right. It’s my drill weekend, but I’ll have to call my commander to see if he’ll excuse me for four hours.

Betty Cavacco:

Yes. We have to excuse Derek. He’s sick and wasn’t even supposed to be on Zoom. Even though his boss told him to not be on Zoom, he just ignored it. So, here we are. And I appreciate you being here, Derek so. All right. So, everybody signed the pledge form so we can get Derek in the water. I see something pink and fluorescent in his future, maybe sequin. What do you think, Dick?

Dick Quintal:

I’m a judge.

Betty Cavacco:

Sweet. Are we all set, Mrs. Rushforth?

Janice Rushforth:

Yes.

Betty Cavacco:

Okay. Moving on to the next order of business, Permits and Administrative Notes. If the Board has no questions on any of them, I ask for a motion to move as a group.

John Mahoney:

Madam Chair, I think there’s 14 sets of Open Meeting and Executive Session minutes totaling almost 100 pages.

[0:10:04]

John Mahoney:

I haven’t had a chance. We just got this over the weekend. If I had to make a motion, I would ask for another two weeks. I hate to put Mr. Senesi through this, but that’s an incredible volume of meeting minutes.

Betty Cavacco:

Don’t you read your stuff, John? Doesn’t your time machine do like, you know, Evelyn would, read fast. Okay. Do we–

John Mahoney:

I would make a motion that we table Administrative Note 1 through 14 until Tuesday, February 21st.

Betty Cavacco:

Okay.

John Mahoney:

Thank you.

Betty Cavacco:

Do we have a second?

Harry Helm:

I’ll second that.

Betty Cavacco:

All those in favor? Okay. We’re going to table those, Anthony.

John Mahoney:

Thank you.

Betty Cavacco:

And the rest now. Do you have any questions on the rest of them? And I look to move them as a group. Motion?

John Mahoney:

So, moved.

Betty Cavacco:

Do we have a second?

Harry Helm:

Second.

Betty Cavacco:

Discussion? All those in favor? Unanimous. Okay.

Dick Quintal:

I’m curious now, did you start reading from the back? Because that’s what we voted. We should have done that first. Okay.

Betty Cavacco:

Okay. Next is a Public Hearing: Aquaculture License (New) – George Caldwell IV. I believe our Harbormaster is here and so is Mr. Caldwell.

Chad Hunter:

Good evening. So, we’re obviously here for George Caldwell and he’s looking for an Aquaculture Site Expansion. George has had 2.57 acres in private titled lands over off of Saquish, the northwest side and he’s looking to expand that to 6.57 acres. I did provide a memo that we’re in support. We did discuss it at the Harbor Committee as well. The one concern that had come up was the area that is subtitle. So, that’s the area that’s below the low water mark and boats may use that area to transit. The concern about a hazard to navigation.

George and I have talked since I issued this memo and he wants to try some different ways to raise his seed. There’s marking of gear that’s required. So, I’m comfortable with him marking the gear and we see if there are any impacts to navigation moving forward. So, as far as the condition, I think it would just be to have him mark the gear as per the regulations. And then if there’s any concerns that come up the next season or uh season after that, then we will address those. And George is here, if you have any questions for George.

Betty Cavacco:

Great. Does anybody have any questions?

Dick Quintal:

Move as presented with the regulations.

Charlie Bletzer:

Second.

Betty Cavacco:

Moved by Mr. Quintal and seconded by Mr. Bletzer. Any discussion? All those in favor? Okay. Sure. You have to go to the podium.

Michael Duane:

My name is Michael Duane. I’ve had a house in Saquish, which this plot I believe is right in front of my house for over 40 years. When the list of permits first came out, I applied for one. I was denied because I wasn’t a permanent resident and they thought it was very unfair because I’ve been paying taxes down there for 40 years, not using the school system, not using the fire equipment and very rarely in the summertime using the police department. And like I said, I was denied being able to get a permit, oyster permit in the Town of Plymouth. I have no objection to this person, whatever he does with all the best to him raising oysters, but I think it was wrong that I was denied because I wasn’t a permanent resident. That’s my speech.

Betty Cavacco:

Okay, thank you. So, we have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? All those in favor? Unanimous. Congratulations, Mr. Caldwell.

[0:15:03]

George Caldwell:

Thank you.

Betty Cavacco:

The next Public Hearing is Craft Beer Cellar, Change of Location.

Ms. Stewart:

Good evening.

Betty Cavacco:

Good evening. How are you?

Ms. Stewart:

Good. How are you?

Betty Cavacco:

Good. It’s good to see you.

Ms. Stewart:

Good to see you guys too. Okay. So, we’re essentially looking to move across the street. We’re going from 31 Main Street to 44 Main Street.

Betty Cavacco:

Okay.

Ms. Stewart:

Tatum Stewart.

Betty Cavacco:

Did you hear that? Okay. Does anyone have any questions for Ms. Stewart? No?

Charlie Bletzer:

I’ll just have a question. So, the reason you’re expanding your store–

Ms. Stewart:

My store footprint will stay the same but will be located inside a new business coming downtown that will have more services for local residents and visitors.

Charlie Bletzer:

That’s exciting. So, I think you have a great business and I’m looking forward to seeing you get open over there and good luck.

Ms. Stewart:

Thank you. I appreciate it. I appreciate the Board’s support over the years.

Betty Cavacco:

Do we have a motion?

John Mahoney:

So moved.

Betty Cavacco:

Second?

Harry Helm:

Second.

Betty Cavacco:

Motioned by Mr. Mahoney. Seconded by Mr. Helm. Discussion? All those in favor?

Dick Quintal:

Abstain.

Betty Cavacco:

Four in favor, one abstention. Congratulations.

Ms. Stewart:

Thank you very much.

Betty Cavacco:

You’re welcome. Next is the Edward Santos Community Service Award Proposal. Could you please state your name?

Michael Gallerani:

Sure. I’m Michael Gallerani. I’m not a resident of Plymouth. I’m a resident of Norwood, just so that for the record. Thank you for having me and good evening. We live in today when communities are severely divided when public officials and appointed officials of all are trying to do the right thing, find themselves the target of threats, betrayal, slander and even violence.

The challenge to attract people to community service is not much greater. From 40 or more years ago, when I first entered public service and I was sitting in Anthony’s seat. I remember saying to someone, what are we going to do when everybody retires? Because I looked around and everybody was my age. They had been people that I went to high school with, and the reality was at Sunday, all the employees, all the committees, everybody will be moving aside and who’s going to replace them? The response that I got that day in which I have kept in my mind all these years was I don’t care; I won’t be here. Well, I cared. And so, for all these years, I’ve cared very much about who’s going to replace us all.

Tonight, I’m here to talk about Ed Santos. And there’s no one in my lifetime that I’ve known that was more of a community service minded individual than Ed. He loved Plymouth beyond belief even more than I did in my time. I think it behooves us to step up and honor all those years and all that he did. The list of things he did goes on and on and on. He started with Jordan Hospital and then BID. The Jordan Hospital, the Jordan Health Foundation, the Cranberry Hospice, Plymouth Rotary. He was also a Paul Harris Fellow, the Chamber of Commerce, the Grand knights of Columbus. The Knights of Columbus, he was a grand night. The Plymouth Public Library, the Boys and Girls Club, the Y and Towns Personnel Board. He was a director at Sacred Heart, a director of Bridgewater State and Director and Vice President of Plymouth 400 committee, and that’s just the beginning of the list.

And even at 92, he continued to do things. Actually, on the day he passed away, he was at a meeting earlier that day making sure that the money from the charitable foundation was going in the direction that it should. I have been on this course trying to have a tribute to him and honor him since the day he passed away.

[0:20:04]

Michael Gallerani:

I turned to one of my friends at the funeral and says, if there’s anywhere that there’s a statue is that knowing that we don’t put statues up anymore, I’m here to propose that the town embrace the concept of a Edward W. Santos Community Service Award.

I’m asking for two things. One is that the town find a place to put an installation in that tells Ed’s Community Service Story and on the flip side or next to it, depending how much money I can raise, the winners of the annual award. And the annual award, I would ask that the Board make the announcement in November each year, who wins that award. And the process for getting to that award is you nominated two nomination periods per year. There’s a committee outside of town government. One of the seats would be someone from Ed’s family that would review the nominees, pick, recommend a winner, present it to the Board and the Board make the decision. And all they get for winning is an award. No stipend, no financial gain, nothing. And you’ve got to do good things.

In this town, there are some people that have done some very good things and continue to do so. We just need to encourage the generations and the generations and the generations to realize the community service, no matter what all the crazies out there think, that you still do. So, questions?

Betty Cavacco:

I don’t have any questions and I think it’s a great idea. And he certainly deserves that type of recognition, but I do know that we have a Memorials Committee. I don’t know if it’s active any longer. No? And I know that–well, if it’s not active any longer, then I think it’s something that we just start over. So, I don’t know. I’m trying to think of how to go about this because I know there were certain things in place. We had bylaws that it had to be a year, policies. So, now’s a good time to start because it’d probably take a year to get there anyway, so but I don’t know now, like who do we begin the process with. Anthony?

Anthony Senesi:

Determine the feasibility of re-forming that committee in determining how long it’s been stagnant.

Betty Cavaco:

Okay. And then you’ll make a recommendation back to the Board?

Anthony Senesi:

If the Board wants that, yes.

Betty Cavacco:

Please, yes. Mr. Helm?

Harry Helm:

I actually brought the Memorials Committee up a year or so ago because one of the members suggested that we need to reform it. So, Anthony, I suggest that you talk to Roxanne Whitbeck. She has the most knowledge about this.

Anthony Senesi:

Great. Thank you.

Harry Helm:

Okay. Thank you.

Betty Cavacco:

Mr. Bletzer?

Charlie Bletzer:

I just like to make a few comments, and I don’t know Mr. Quintal has got a lot, a lot more years and more experience working with Mr. Santos. I’m sure he’s going to agree with everything I say, but if you want to say something first.

Dick Quintal:

Go ahead, Charlie. You have the floor.

Charlie Bletzer:

Like I said, I’m the new guy, but I can just tell you looking at this packet right here says it all, right here what he’s been involved in. And the hardest thing Mike for you and the committee is going to find out where do you put that statue because there’s so many places that would be appropriate for that statue. I mean, there really is. I was involved at the courthouse, we started years ago, the Therese Murray. Kevin Canty can attest, the Therese Murray Citizen of the Year awards and distinguished people on that plaque. There’s a plaque at the courthouse with Phyllis use its name, with Lenny Vaz, with Ed Santos was in that, Peter Hogan was another one.

[0:25:00]

Charlie Bletzer:

We gave it to; I believe Judge Manahan and just people that’s huge in our community. And when Ed got it, he was humbled and gracious and I was so proud to be there and as you were too, Kevin, I know. I spoke to you before Mike about our Town Manager, our new Town Manager. One of the things I asked him to look into was that the pavilion down in one of the state park. I wanted to actually help tourism and help to buy that state park. I was trying and Derek worked and we attempted and I don’t know if we’ve given up, but it’s kind of a struggle. We’re trying to see if we could purchase that piece down there.

And the idea I had is to rename that pavilion where you see the shows on Wednesday night and Thursday, the Philharmonic and that hat shell or whatever you want to call it. Ed Santos is the one that gave the money to build that Pavilion and I wanted it name as the Ed Santos Pavilion. I thought that would have been a great appropriate place.

There’s one place you could put a statue. But I mean there’s like I said, there’s so many–you look at this brochure, that’s the hardest thing you’re going to have is where do you put Ed’s statue? But I’ll tell you, we should do everything we can. He deserves to have a statute for everything he’s done for economic development and for charitable things that he’s done in this community. So, I–

Michael Gallerani:

And if I may, you said economic development, I think I neglected because it’s just part of my very fabric that I think everybody knows it. But Ed Back in the 60s when this town was basically on its knees economically, 16% unemployment rate, manufacturers just leaving, Ed and others like Ed stepped in. And I can go through the names, Vinny Nicolay, Bob Fortini, Charlie Stazano, Freddy Witzberg, Manny Valent, Ronnie Ferioli and it goes on and on and on. Those guys stepped in.

At the end of it, they had assembled an $8 million dollar account just on building out the industrial park. On top of the fact that they built out an industrial park, and they created thousands of jobs, incredible tax revenue for the town and still head as a nonprofit, $8 million dollars that then get dispersed in the community. A million to the hospital. They also bought the seats for Memorial Hall, the Boys and Girls club first they gave the land, then they paid off the mortgage. Pilgrim Hall, Camp Clark. And again, the list goes on and on and on. And he lived on until the day that Eddie passed away, as you know.

So, we should just have a statue for him for the economic development accomplishments, but it goes way, way, way beyond that. And I was fortunate enough to be present for a lot of it because if Eddie was involved somehow, I got involved. And there’s many, many of us in public service, business and just guys that are doing the right thing that stand on Eddie’s shoulders, and I think that’s an important part of this story as well. Thank you.

Charlie Bletzer:

I commend you for what you’re doing.

Betty Cavacco:

Well, I think at this point, I think Mr. Gallerani start working with Anthony. Let’s come up with a plan so we can move forward and then bring it back to the Board and we’ll have that discussion. Sound good?

Michael Gallerani:

Sounds good. Excellent. Thank you.

Betty Cavacco:

Thank you so much. Okay. Next order of business is Public Comment. Is there anything? Mr. Lydon?

Anthony Senesi:

Madam Chair, we also have Meg Sheehan that would like to speak during Public Comment on Zoom.

Steve Lydon:

Steve Lydon, resident of Plymouth. I wasn’t going to say anything about this, but I met Ed Santos about five years ago and really didn’t know him. And this is when we were getting air conditioners for the elderly.

[0:30:04]

Steve Lydon:

And he came over to Kenny Buechs and myself and he goes, “Hand us an envelope.” And he goes, “This is for you to get some air conditioners and I don’t want anyone to know.” There was a check in there for $5,000 and he gave it to us and he didn’t want anyone know anything. And ever since that time, every time I run into him, I’d say, “Are you cold enough?” And he’d laugh, but that’s not what I really wanted to speak about.

I went to the meeting they had down the walk through at Hedges Pond. I want to thank the Town Manager, Barry DeBlasio and Bill Keohan. A lot of issues were brought up from all the stakeholders and all the people that were there. Everyone gave their two cents of what the issues were and it was constructive. It wasn’t negative. There was no arguments about anything. It was just a bunch of people’s ideas on how to make that place work. And I’m glad to see that the CPC is going to use administrative funds to get a survey on the building to see if the building is worth saving or not. It might take a year, but at least will be done right. But I want to thank the town employees that come down because they listened and they answered a lot of questions. Thank you.

Betty Cavacco:

Thank you. Anyone else? Meg Sheehan who I believe is on Zoom. Go ahead, Ms. Sheehan. You’re muted.

Margaret Sheehan:

My name is Margaret Sheehan. I’m an attorney with 40 years of practice in Massachusetts. I’m a Plymouth native. I’m from Rocky Pond Road. I’m here to speak about the Zoning Board of Appeals hearing on January 4th.

On January 4th, 2023, I appeared as an attorney before the Zoning Board of Appeals on behalf of Community Land and Water Coalition, a public interest group whose mission is to protect our drinking water and our environment. This matter involved an appeal seeking enforcement of our zoning bylaws at a sand and gravel mining site.

I sent a letter to the Board of Selectmen on January 9th regarding the conduct of this hearing and it was sent to Betty Cavacco, Chair with copies to the Board members. And I’d like to read the letter and this is regarding Zoning Board of Appeals public hearing, January 4th, 2023 case number 4077.

Dear Chair Cavacco and Board members,

This is to bring to your attention the improper conduct of the Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals, Michael Main on January 4th, 2023 in running the public hearing and case number 4077. I request that you watch the recording of the hearing posted on YouTube and available at this link, which is included in the letter. Please watch to the end so that you can hear the testimony from the public, including neighbors. The Zoning Board of Appeals is created by a statute, General Laws Chapter 40A, Section 12. It is the ultimate authority responsible for carrying out the purposes of the town’s bylaw, which are to protect the public health, safety and welfare and the environment.

You may refer to Zoning Bylaw, Article 12, Section 201-1. The Zoning Board of Appeals is a quasi-judicial body and has a duty to act as an objective, unbiased and professional adjudicator of matters before it. Do you consider what is shown on the video to be an objective, unbiased and professional Zoning Board of Appeals Chair.

Very truly yours,

Margaret Sheehan

With a copy to the Town Manager. Thank you. I would like to say that I received no response to that letter, even though I did ask for it to be read at two Zoning Board–two Select Board Meetings under Letters. So, thank you for the opportunity to read the letter to the board and so the public can be informed of what transpired on January 4th.

Betty Cavacco:

Thank you. Anyone else, Anthony? No. Okay. The next order of business is the Climate Resiliency Planner Update with Mark Reil. Good evening, Mark.

Mark Reil:

Good evening. Thank you for having me tonight.

[0:35:01]

Mark Reil:

I was planning to be there in-person with you all, but I’m not feeling well, so I didn’t think anyone would want me in the same room.

Betty Cavacco:

We do not, correct.

Mark Reil:

So, it’s been about six months now that I’ve worked for the Town of Plymouth and I thought it would be appropriate to come before you to provide you and the community with just a brief update on some of the things that we’re working on. I know that you’re aware of some of the items but I thought I would go in a little more detail so that the community is aware as well. So, one of the first things we started working on here was the integration of electric vehicles into the town fleet. But it’s really an effort to reduce costs to town on fuel. We were able to reduce the purchase price of these vehicles through the MassEVIP grant program by $7500 per vehicle which will total $37,500 which is a real benefit to the community.

So, we’re on track to purchase five, as I mentioned. One of those vehicles is a Ford Lightning and then the rest are Chevy Bolts. We currently have three of the five, and two of the Bolts are on order. This endeavor to me has really been a success due to your leadership, the Town Manager and the Assistant Town Manager’s leadership as well. And I just wanted to offer a special thanks to Ben Jesse at the DPW for all of his help in acquiring these vehicles.

And then in addition to the vehicle purchases, we are installing four additional charging ports up on the Cornish parking lot behind Town Hall. So, this will provide for a total of six charge ports and we’re waiting on approval for funding from the MassEVIP program again, that will fully fund the purchase of the unit. So, this will not cost the taxpayer anything.

In addition to the electric vehicles, we are working with the Woodwell Climate Research Center in Woods Hole. They’re doing a climate risk assessment on coastal flood impacts as well as inland flooding impacts and this is funded through philanthropic funding that they receive. So, again, no cost to the community. And I really see it as potentially a great tool to assist in planning. And I look forward to presenting those findings to the Board in the near future. We’re expecting that the results from this modeling should be done in the next couple of months. It’s been a little bit slower than expected but we’re not in a real hurry so that’s good.

In addition to that, we are working on the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program which as you may know, is administered by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Plymouth is an MVP Community. There’s two phases to the MVP Program. There’s the planning phase, which is the first phase and Plymouth completed that in 2009. And then the second phase of the program is the action phase which is where you really received some grant funds to take action on the planning phase. So, a couple of years ago, the town received funding to study impacts of saltwater intrusion into the freshwater aquifer. And that study is wrapping up. And so, we’re planning for the next grant round, which will be opening in March. We submitted with the help of Tiffany Park to the staff at the MVP Program. Two projects that we will receive feedback on which will be important as we put together our full application. Those projects are the Bartlett Road Bridge project which includes culvert and stormwater management improvements and another project around the reduction of Heat Island effect in North Plymouth, which will include tree plantings and installation of cool surfaces on one of the parking lots in North Plymouth to just get to kind of run it as a pilot process. So, we’re looking forward to feedback from the state on that.

[0:40:04]

Mark Reil:

And then we have the Green Community’s Designation. As you know, Patrick Farah and the Energy Committee have really been working on this issue for quite a while and it’s finally come to fruition through their dedication and hard work. The program is administered through the Department of Energy Resources.

The purpose of the program is to reduce the Town’s energy consumption by 20% over five years. And so, the Town received a designation grant of $270,000 and we have hired Guardian Energy as our consultant for these projects going forward. We’re working with the schools and the town’s facilities directors to make sure that we are keeping them in the loop and picking the right projects that will have the most impact. And then the last thing that has been really on the radar more recently with the Select Board providing funding for a climate action plan. As I was before you last week, this plan is going to really be the kick off point for a lot of the work we have to do together and will really serve as a guide for not only the town government but for the community at large.

And so, with that, just want to say that this is really all just the beginning of the work we’re going to do. And I really look forward to working with all of you and members of the community as we prepare Plymouth to be more resilient and sustainable and always. Thank you.

Betty Cavacco:

Thank you, Mark. Does the board have any questions for Mr. Reil? John?

John Mahoney:

Mark, good job. Nice presentation. How many parking spaces do we currently have dedicated towards the ability to recharge an electric vehicle?

Mark Reil:

Are you speaking in terms of around the community at large or just the Cornish lot?

John Mahoney:

Around the community at large.

Mark Reil:

So, I believe there are 11 chargers with two ports each. So, there will be 22 spots.

John Mahoney:

And what’s the long-term goal there?

Mark Reil:

Well, I think that we need to definitely take a look at planning that a little more because there is going to be an increased need. What I’m looking at for the future here is I expect there to be funding available for fast chargers at some point soon with the federal monies that are coming down to the states. And so, we may want to really look at that as the next option because that’s going to be really critical for tourism and economic development and making sure that we have the fast-charging capabilities here in Plymouth.

`

John Mahoney:

And I’m a little behind on this. So, can you tell us especially the scouts what a fast charger is?

Mark Reil:

Sure. So, there’s essentially three different levels of electric vehicle charging. Level one is just like if you were to plug in to the wall at your home, which is a very slow way of charging your electric vehicle. I have an electric vehicle. So, I’ve used all three forms. Level two chargers are the chargers that you see around town and you’re getting about 25 miles added to your vehicle per hour, which isn’t terrible, but if you’re on the road and you’re on a road trip then you’re probably going to be waiting all day if you have a low battery. And then the level three chargers are considered fast chargers and I can get from, I’d say almost zero battery to 80% battery in about an hour. So, if folks are traveling through Plymouth or are here in Plymouth and they need to charge up, they can stop and they’d be here for an hour or more and that would mean probably stopping in restaurants or shops and hopefully staying, but it does provide that option. So, there are some fast charges if you’re interested in seeing them at the AllTown gas station in Plymouth next to the police station. That’s what they typically look like.

John Mahoney:

Okay. Last question, I had read a story online about a community closer to Boston that had, I believe was the first community to install the charging infrastructure, I believe on a telephone pole.

[0:45:05]

John Mahoney:

It was about 10 foot off the ground and the benefit was, wasn’t in anybody’s way. If a car pulled up, they could just pull it down, be able to charge and upon leaving they would just retract up and be out of somebody’s way. Is that something that you’re familiar with and is that catching on or?

Mark Reil:

It is something I’ve read about and I’ve seen, but I haven’t heard of that being the option that’s expanding around communities. So, I think it could serve a purpose, especially what I envision as areas that might be more rural that you can attach. Instead of doing underground wiring, you could attach it to the telephone pole at maybe a parking lot around a town conservation land or areas like that. But I do think that, you know, we’ll keep an eye on that and see if other communities are adopting it. I’ve only heard, I believe it’s either Medford or one of those communities up near Boston that implemented that technology.

John Mahoney:

Okay. Thanks, Mark.

Mark Reil:

Thank you.

Betty Cavacco:

And not for anyone vertically challenged for 10 ft, correct? Mr. Bletzer?

Charlie Bletzer:

So, Mark, I know the answer to this, but with all the mandates in the next 10 years with these electric vehicles, do you anticipate that the equipment is going to get a lot better and a lot cheaper? Kind of like what’s happened with televisions and computers and everything else.

Mark Reil:

Sure. Well, I think it’s interesting because the technology is advancing rapidly and the cost of these vehicles are actually not exorbitant. I mean, we purchased the vehicles on the state bid list, the Ford Lightning was purchased for 39,000 and we got 7500 off of that price. So, it’s actually very–

Charlie Bletzer:

I’m more interested in the charging stations because I know what they cost when I was on the PGDC, we installed them and I know what they cost. It was grant money that got them purchased because we were lucky enough but I know what that cost, and it was a lot of money. So, in the way it’s going the mandates and 10 years from now, there’s going to be not many more gasoline vehicles being made. We’re going to need charging stations all over the place. So, I’m hoping that they get a lot more inexpensive to purchase.

Mark Reil:

Yeah, I think that that will change and that’s why I mentioned that I think it will be important to take advantage of the of the grant funds that will be coming down from the federal government because there is a push for not only localities to implement fast charging but the state government is going to be implementing far more stations than what you see now. And so, yeah, we’re going to need to take advantage of the grant funds that come down.

Charlie Bletzer:

Right. Okay. Thank you.

Betty Quintal:

Mr. Quintal?

Dick Quintal:

How you doing, Mark? Up in the Cornish’s lot, PGDC had one or two chargers there, correct, Charlie?

Charlie Bletzer:

Yes.

Dick Quintal:

Did they get damaged or was an accident, have they’ve been replaced or are these replacing those?

Mark Reil:

So, there are two existing charger ports up there. So, we’re going to add an additional four.

Dick Quintal:

Okay. I just got to ask the question because I went with my kid sister that got a car a couple weeks ago and she backed up a little bit away from the car because she was told by the salesperson that the batteries are expensive to replace and they were going through them. I guess, the next two questions I have or comments I have is are we going to end up with battery dumps? And if so, how good is that for the water supply? And second off is where are we getting all this electricity? We’re taking down nuclear power plants faster than we’re making these electric vehicles. That’s for sure. And I asked when I was down at the Pilgrim Station or Entergy whatever you want to call it. Back in my day it was Pilgrim Station. I asked the guy from there and I said, “Hey, where’s the electric coming from?” He said, “You know what? That’s a very good question.” So, in light of all this, I mean, to all our scouts out there, the country doesn’t plan very well for these things. I mean, it’s A for effort and A for what they’re doing, but you need electric to amend the electric cars.

[0:50:07]

Dick Quintal:

And they say even all the trucks are going to be that. So, I forget the year, I don’t know if it’s 2040, but we’re already talking about it in our industries. I just wonder where it’s coming from.

Mark Reil:

Those are very valid points that cross my mind all the time when we’re looking at these things. In terms of the batteries, there is recycling programs that are being funded by the federal government, through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. There’s funds going towards increasing the capabilities of recycling batteries. But I think it’s interesting that these batteries should be lasting for a considerable amount of time. That the warranties are typically 100,000 miles on the battery system. So, that tends to at least make me feel that they are anticipating a long life on these batteries that they’re putting in the vehicles. But I really do value those comments. I think you’re spot on in recognizing those challenges.

Dick Quintal:

So, how do we get it to Washington? I mean, they’re having trouble getting a budget ready.

Mark Reil:

That’s always the challenge.

Dick Quintal:

Thank you.

Mark Reil:

Thank you.

Betty Cavacco:

Okay. Well, thank you, Mr. Reil. Our next order of business, but actually, I just want to say something quick. We’re at the end of our agenda. So, for the BSA Group, when we end, we invite you guys all to come up here and take a picture behind the bench because that’s a good way to memorialize what you folks are doing. So, just give us a few more minutes.

Next is the distribution of the Proposed Charter.

Anthony Senesi:

Madam Chair, Derek’s letting me take this for a little bit. So, I just want to give you a little bit of background. Obviously, the Charter Commission presented the Select Board with the proposed charter, I believe it was back in maybe December or November. And the Select Board was then tasked by State Law to distribute that charter to every registered voter household within the town. That’s roughly about 27,000 to 28,000 mailings for the entire town. We’ve been going back and forth a little bit in the past couple of meetings.

I gave you a letter in your packet. We’ve worked with the Procurement Office to determine a few different estimates. The one of the estimates that I talked about previously at a previous meeting, we determined that the vendor was changing the prices around and wasn’t able to give us the proper amount of paper. So, we were a little bit worried about that. So, we went with a proposed vendor that does extensive mailings for census, which is very similar to the mailings that you all stated that you wanted to have. I gave you a copy of that sample copy. It’s not the actual charter, but it is a sample. And based off of your opinions tonight about what the quality of that paper, feel free to make that judgment yourself. But we are proposing that the cost is roughly around $75,000 to mail and also to print as well.

We worked really hard to find the right paper quality and then also find the easiest and most direct way to get to every household possible in the most cost-effective manner. So, we really on the staff side tried our best with that. So, we recommend that if you would like to approve that tonight as presented, the Advisory and Finance Committee will consider a reserve fund transfer of $60,000 and then the remaining balance of the Charter Commission which is roughly about $15,000 will offset that reserve fund transfer. So, that is what we have presented for the Board tonight.

[0:55:02]

Betty Cavacco:

Any discussion with the Board? Mr. Mahoney?

John Mahoney:

So, sending out something, we have a sample here. This is the type of material in this similar form. So, 27,000 to 28,000 households, $75,000.

Anthony Senesi:

That is correct. There will also be additional copies of the, I believe you all agreed that it would be a redline version that would be sent. So that includes the track changes from the existing charter to the proposed charter, that is colored. So, it’s an additional cost. And then we also recommended that about a thousand copies of the clean proposed charter be also printed as well for folks that might want those copies if they want to come to Town Hall or Center for Active Living, the library. So, we wanted to make sure that there are copies on hand for folks if they wanted that physical copy.

John Mahoney:

And when we discussed this almost a month ago, there was $17,000 option?

Anthony Senesi:

Right.

John Mahoney:

Which was the newspaper version?

Anthony Senesi:

It’s a little bit less quality. And then we also believe that the vendor wasn’t going to be able to provide the quality of service in the most expedient way possible.

John Mahoney:

Okay, thank you. And the Madam Chair, has the Charter Commission weighed in on this?

Betty Cavacco:

Not that I heard of.

Anthony Senesi:

I don’t recall. I mean, it is up to the Board to make that decision.

Charlie Bletzer:

Can I ask a question?

Betty Cavacco:

Mr. Bletzer?

Charlie Bletzer:

So, Anthony, I must have misunderstood. I thought we got an email that the paper that we were going to use was similar to what Mr. Abbott had presented, and it was going to be around that price. The $17, $18,000 price. The same as the newspaper print. I must have misunderstood that.

Anthony Senesi:

Like I said that the quote we received, we didn’t believe it was a responsible bidder. We wanted to make sure that that was getting to the right hands at the right time. We all know that there’s a lot of shortages when it comes to paper. And from my past experiences with smaller printers, it’s a little bit difficult for them to get that paper in hand. So, we utilize a larger vendor who has more of a stake in the game and can get that and acquire that paper in that short amount.

Charlie Bletzer:

So, the newspaper print, which is what I’m very comfortable with. I mean, that’s what I grew up with and that was going to be 17 but they can’t service. Okay. Because I would have been very comfortable to vote for that 17,000 because then we could use the money left over from the Charter Committee and it would cost us nothing. So, 75,000’s a lot of money plus. And that’s the only option right now?

Betty Cavacco:

Mr. Mahoney?

John Mahoney:

And the plan is to get approval from this Board and get this in the mail as soon as possible?

Anthony Senesi:

It would be the Board would approve it and then it would go to an Advisory and Finance meeting next week and they would approve the reserve fund transfer. And then we are good to go.

Betty Cavacco:

Now, is it a side-by-side document? Because I think it’s important that it’s a side-by-side document meaning that the changes are right there so people can see it. And like I said, $75,000 like yikes, honestly. And I have my own personal opinion about it and I guess I’ll just keep that to myself.

Dick Quintal:

No.

Betty Cavacco:

No? Well, I think it’s the worst document I’ve ever seen in my six years. And now, we got to pay $75,000 to put it out there? Ridiculous. But anyway. How would like the Board like to proceed?

John Mahoney:

I move approval.

Harry Helm:

I’ll second.

Betty Cavacco:

Discussion? Mr. Helm?

Harry Helm:

Yeah, just real quickly. We have no choice but to mail this, to distribute this. That is State Law. We had what I thought at the time as it turns out to be a ridiculously

and noting because I have a lot of friends to limit the cost of paper, I was surprised to say the least.

[1:00:02]

Harry Helm:

So, I’m also not surprised to find out that it was and you didn’t say it this way, but I will bogus. It was an attempt to get the business and then we would probably find out later that it was going to cost a lot more. And I know that $75,000 is a lot of money, but the work of this Commission and what they are proposing regardless of what one may feel about what they are proposing is a major change in our government. It is not a major changes many people thought like suggesting town council or mayor but within the structure of town meeting, it represents major changes to the way that our government functions and I think that it’s important that we have a clear legible, hand able document in the hands of the registered voters because they are the ones who are going to make the decision. And it is more expensive as Anthony pointed out because it is red line which means it is two-color. But red line is the most clear way to convey to the residents of Plymouth what was the charter, what remains of that charter, what is removed from that charter and what is being added to our current charter. So, I think we need to bite the bullet and go with it. I just think we owe it to the process and we owe it to the residents and we owe it to the future governance of this town.

Betty Cavacco:

Well, you certainly are right, Mr. Helm, that we really don’t have a choice. Too bad, the residents weren’t offered a choice. And that’s all I’ll have to say. So, we have a motion and we have a second. Discussion? All those in favor? Mr. Mahoney, Mr. Helm is yes, you’re no, you’re no. Sure. Make me the bad guy. I actually do believe that the Town deserves to see the document. Although, I have my opinions of it, so it does pass. Sure.

Charlie Bletzer:

We should have planned. We should have planned on this having to spend that kind of money. So, I’m not confident that a lot of people are going to read this document, so.

Betty Cavacco:

Well, if they don’t read it, it’s their responsibility, but at least we give them the opportunity to do so. Okay. Now, the Town Manager’s Report and it has to be quick because Mr. Brindisi is very ill and should be in bed, and I’m eating the lifesavers they gave me, the cough drops they gave me for you. So, go ahead, Derek.

Derek Brindisi:

I’ll keep this very brief because I’ll start coughing if I talk longer than a minute. I just wanted to bring to the Board’s attention that as you all know, we experienced record breaking, extreme temperatures over the weekend. The Fire Department on Sunday alone responded to over 40 calls for service for water breaks.

The town wasn’t held from that. I talked to the School Superintendent over the weekend and I think they had about four breaks amongst various schools. And then on our side of the house, we received a phone call that the CAL had a water break in the vestibule at the lower level. Very minimal damage was done and it was able to be restored and the Senior Centers CAL was able to reopen first thing Monday morning.

The most serious break that we had over the weekend took place at the Simes House. We received a phone call on Sunday that there was, I believe, the sprinkler had burst on the main floor, on the first floor in one of the living rooms that caused considerable damage to that room that’s not being restored as of today. But because of the amount of water that had burst into the main level, we had a shutdown power which knocked out all of the heating and HVAC systems, as you can imagine.

[1:05:18]

Derek Brindisi:

The two tenants had to move out. Unfortunately, Sunday evening until Monday, but I’m happy to report today that the water has been restored, the electricity has been restored, the gas has been restored, the HVAC systems have been restored. And as we speak right now, they are testing the sprinkler system. We are hopeful that this evening that sprinkler system will pass and then the tenants will be able to return back to their homes this evening.

We have ServiceMaster because again, there was some water damage on the first floor. ServiceMaster has been there for the last two days, just drying out the area so that it’ll be fully be able to be fully occupied as soon as the cleanup is complete. So, that’s all I have this evening for the Board.

Betty Cavacco:

Thank you, Mr. Brindisi. Does the Board have any questions or comments? Seeing none. Good night. Go to bed. Good bye. Feel better. Okay. Moving on to the next order of business. We have Select Board Open Discussion – New business/ Letters/ Old Business. Put your mic on.

Charlie Bletzer:

Just real quick. I know there was a school committee meeting last night and I’m not sure if you know the outcome of what’s going on with the South Elementary School with the issues down there. Is the situation going to be rectified? I don’t know if you know, if you have any answers that you may not, but I just want to make sure that they stay on top of that. And I know the Superintendent cares about the welfare and the well-being of the kids down there. So, I just want to make sure that that whole situation from what I heard, because I got a lot of calls on it. I got a lot of emails on it and there was some real concerned parents and teachers about what’s going on there. So, I just want to make sure that that gets squared away. I know we have February vacation coming up so hopefully they can square that away. Do you know anything about it?

Derek Brindisi:

I talked to the School Superintendent last week about this. I know that they brought in certified pest control operators to identify where there may be infestation and try to remediate as quickly as possible. From what I understand, again, but this is what I was told last week, so don’t call me on this, that they were going to use a non-chemical approach, which the non-chemical approach takes a little bit more time.

I can tell you though, that our Health Director, Karen Keane, she had gone down there. Our authority really is mostly in the kitchen area. We issue a food establishment permit so that they can operate food establishment. So, we did send the Health Department in there. They took a look around. Their report came back very clean. They didn’t find any evidence of rodent infestation in the kitchen or surrounding areas. What they did know on the outside of the building that they did find multiple what they would call it, rodent burrows around the building. So, again, that’s an obvious sign of some type of rodent infestation. I know the School Department is committed to remedying this as quickly as possible. And we’ll continue to work with them and give them the support that they need.

Charlie Bletzer:

That’s all I can ask for. Thank you.

Betty Cavacco:

Anyone else? Mr. Helm?

Harry Helm:

Yeah, I have a couple of things. First, it’s come to my attention that due to Covid, resignations and a number of one-year assignments, the terms of the members of the Distinguished Visitors Committee have expired and the Select Board needs to reconstitute the membership of this committee. Working under the advice of our Town Clerk, I’d like to request that Anthony advertise the openings and that the vote for members and terms occur at the next Select Board meeting.

[1:10:05]

Harry Helm:

As a way of background, the Distinguished Visitors Committee was established by the Select Board in April of 2011. Its membership is currently 8 members, 7 of which are approved by the Board of Selectmen. They include a member of the Select Board, a member of the School Committee, a member of the Visitors Service Board, member of the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce, a member of See Plymouth, a member of Town Meeting and a citizen at large. The eighth is appointed by the Town Moderator. So, that’s what we need to do. And I would like to request that we put this as an agenda item, a vote to reconstitute the membership of the DVC onto the next Select Board agenda.

Betty Cavacco:

I’m not sure we have to reconstitute anything. I think we just instruct Mr. Senesi to put out the need and we get our folks that want to do it and then we vote on it.

Harry Helm:

Okay. I guess, I call it reconstitution whatever, but yes.

Betty Cavacco:

Okay?

Anthony Senesi:

Yes, we can do that.

Betty Cavacco:

Great. Mr. Quintal?

Dick Quintal:

May I suggest that we go through the rest of the Town Committees and Boards, Kelly and Anthony and so we’re not playing–what do you call it, Harry? Whack a what?

Harry Helm:

Whack a mole.

Dick Quintal:

Yeah, whack a mole. Let’s just check anything with Covid. I’m sure there’s a lot of things that have gone by the same road. So, we’ll just get them rather than bring them up very week, it’s just kind of when you get a chance.

Anthony Senesi:

Absolutely. We are aware of several.

Dick Quintal:

So, we know we are up-to-date.

Anthony Senesi:

Yup.

Dick Quintal:

Thank you.

Betty Cavacco:

Mr. Helm?

Harry Helm:

And one other thing, under the Open Discussion or well, actually, letters, if emails constitute letters. I do have some sad news to impart. This morning after a several month illness, Charlotte Fultz passed away peacefully with her husband Don and her family by her side.

I bring this up tonight, as many involved in town and state government, whether on committees holding elected office or town administration will be familiar with Charlotte as she had a tremendous love for Plymouth and a belief in what we could become, and she never shied away from taking action or questioning us.

For me, she was a beloved friend who never let our friendship stand in the way of demanding that I always think of the residents of Plymouth before anything or anyone else. And insisting that I expect more of myself than she did.

Many will miss you, Charlotte or as I called you Plymouth’s Queen of FOIA Requests.

Betty Cavacco:

Thank you. Anyone else? John?

John Mahoney:

Through the Chair, I believe you, yourself had mentioned a couple of months ago potentially having a discussion about a building moratorium. And I’m not saying I’m in favor of one, but I think that this community, given that everything that is going on, I would request it at your convenience, there’s an agenda item so we can have a public and open discussion about the ramifications.

I know Mr. Hartmann has been through this before. He can clearly outline some of the pros and cons and I’m sure Ms. Barrett would like to weigh in, but I think that discussion needs to be had.

Betty Cavacco:

Anthony, would you have that put on one of our agendas upcoming?

Anthony Senesi:

Absolutely.

Derek Brindisi:

If I can make a recommendation? If you don’t mind, Madam Chair.

Betty Cavacco:

Sure.

Derek Brindisi:

I’ve been talking to the Planning Director, Lee Hartmann about the possibility of maybe having a joint meeting with the Planning Board. And as Selectman Mahoney brings up, this is one item, certainly that’s an important item across the community that can be discussed. But then there’s also this this other item that I think we need to start having public discussions about and it’s the new regulations for MBTA Communities. And the expectation by state officials that MBTA Communities, which we are one because we are an abutting community to Kingston would have to have more dense housing in their communities.

[1:15:02]

Derek Brindisi:

And talking to Mr. Hartmann and he’s projecting that because of these new regulations, the state would be expecting the town to have to build 3,000 more homes here in the community. And Him and I have been discussing that maybe it’s time that we have a joint meeting with the Select Board and the Planning Board to discuss this MBTA Communities regulations. And now, with this issue on a moratorium, I think we would have a very full agenda for both Boards to consider.

Betty Cavacco:

Yeah, that sounds good. And also, I’d like to know that I believe or we’ve been told and I’m not sure if it’s true or if they’re finding other ways around it, if we choose not to accept the Mass grants that we don’t have to go buy that MBTA ruling. So, one of the things that I’d like to find out is how much does the town accept in those Mass grants. And I think that I personally would rather say, “We don’t want your grants and we don’t want 3,000 new homes.” But that’s not my decision alone. But yes, if we can get that on the agenda, so we can have a discussion. And probably one of the only things on the agenda for that evening.

Derek Brindisi:

Absolutely.

Betty Cavacco:

So, any other New Business/ Old business/ Letters/ Open discussion? No? Okay. We’re going to invite the BSA up here to take pictures. And in the meantime, I will make a motion to adjourn.

Charlie Bletzer:

Second.

Betty Cavacco:

All those in favor? Unanimous. This meeting is adjourned.