Trio of Experts Tapped for Earth Removal Reform Amid $31 Million Funding Review
Key Points
- Hybrid Town Meeting model recognized as a statewide leader with 150 average participants
- Love Howard, Eric Cody, and Michelle Christensen appointed to the Earth Removal Bylaw Review Committee
- Legislative Oversight Committee identifies $31 million in unspent or open project funds
- Audit reveals 36 town meeting articles have been successfully completed and closed out
- Select Board utilized new oversight data to reallocate $750,000 for Memorial Hall repairs
- Moderators announce initiatives for the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution
- Technical analysis confirms 100% of remote voting issues are attributed to user error
Town Moderator Steven Triffletti opened the November session with a glowing report on Plymouth's governance, stating that the town of Plymouth is considered a star in the Commonwealth
for its pioneering hybrid meeting model. Assistant Moderator Naomi Manfredi echoed this pride while reminding the chairs that participation is a privilege, noting that 100% of the issues are user error
when remote voters struggle with technology. During the procedural opening, Motion Made by Wrestling Brewster to approve the minutes from October 2nd, 2025 meeting. Following a second by Charlie Vtrain, who signaled his approve
during the roll call, the Motion Passed 11-0 with seven chairs abstaining. Christine Pratt noted the importance of the town's records, telling the chairs, we can get those posted to the town site.
The moderators also highlighted the upcoming 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, prompting Beth Greg to observe that the historical context makes me understand better sort of the gravity of what we're doing.
The meeting transitioned into a marathon interview session to appoint three members to the Earth Removal Bylaw Review Committee. Candidate David Peek urged for reform, stating, It’s an important initiative because we have a lot of earth as we know and it’s not flat.
Candidate Hampton Watkins focused on legacy, asserting, I work for the future,
while Anatol Zuckerman emphasized that the urban fabric of the growing Plymouth must be controlled by that specific goal.
Concerns about environmental scars were raised by Eric Cody, who warned that some mining sites are visible from space,
while Edward Conroy admitted, I'm a little negative on things,
regarding the town's ability to enforce new rules. Professional horticulturalist Love Albrecht Howard described herself as a bonafide expert plant nerd
ready to protect local greenery, and hydrogeologist Scott McMillan noted, I’m making a second career of volunteer service
to protect the aquifer. Ultimately, Michelle Christensen pitched herself as a bridge between sectors, stating, I can be a candidate who bridges both those worlds.
The Chairs carefully weighed these qualifications against the committee's strict criteria. Dale Weber scrutinized the potential for conflicts, telling candidates, I appreciate Mr. Peek and his activities on several committees in town,
but questioned how simultaneous roles would square with the committee's charge. Pat Edelman pressed the applicants with a recurring question: What needs to be fixed in this present bylaw?
while Katherine Holmes noted her intention to vote in a strategic way
to ensure the best mix of skills. Following a precinct-by-precinct vote, the committee appointed Love Howard, Eric Cody, and Michelle Christensen. Other chairs voiced their support throughout the process, with Janette Kelly stating her vote is for David Peek, Love Howard, and Michelle and Christensen,
and Robert Freeland likewise naming his preferred trio. Ron Riley thanked the applicants for spending the time on this,
and Carmen added, I think everybody did an excellent job.
In a major financial update, Allan Costello presented a comprehensive audit showing over $31 million in open town meeting articles. Costello emphasized that oversight is a shared responsibility between departments, leadership, and residents,
revealing that 36 projects have recently been completed. George McKay spotted a minor error in the reporting graph, noting CPC is listed there twice,
which staff clarified was due to recent spending updates. Christopher Merrill suggested that the data would be important to bring to Lynn Barrett
to potentially revive an internal auditor role. Joe Hutchinson expressed that for me... this committee was going to be comprised of technically oriented contributors,
praising the new data-driven approach. Ken Stone remarked that one of the greatest concerns that everybody keeps mentioning is our sole source aquifer,
noting that the new tracking will help protect it. Chair Matt Tavaris concluded by reminding chairs that each precinct will choose three people
for future tasks as they work toward the spring session. Before closing, the chairs celebrated Dale Weber’s receipt of the Ed Santos Award for community service. The meeting was adjourned at 9:11 PM.