The Plymouth Select Board navigated a series of fiscal and administrative challenges Tuesday night, punctuated by a stark warning from local organizers that the town’s Independence Day celebrations face a looming fiscal crunch. Matt Tavares, speaking during public comment, alerted the board that the July 4th committee has exhausted $54,000 in reserves over two years and faces rising public safety costs now estimated at $109,500. The sad reality is that we're going to actually make a decision on June 15th, Tavares told the board. If we don't have $150,000 by June 15th, one of the shoes is going to drop. I hate to say that to the town, but we're in a major fiscal crunch. I'd like to see this board be a little more outwardly supportive. Resident Charlie Blitzer echoed these concerns, criticizing previous board skepticism regarding parade funding by stating, This comment that why should we fund it, they're going to come anyway—it just shows how out of touch this board is with the businesses in town.

The board’s fiscal focus turned toward the upcoming Town Meeting as members moved to reverse a funding increase suggested by the Advisory and Finance Committee. While FinCom recommended adding $213,000 for two new IT positions under Article 7, the Select Board voted to stick to its original, leaner budget. Member Deborah Iaquinto noted, I am always of the mind that it's better to send it forward to Town Meeting and have the members debate it. However, we made our original recommendations, and I think we should stand behind them. Member Kevin Canty agreed, adding that Any increase to the budget should be discussed. While these IT positions are important, every department could benefit from more staff. Motion Made by D. Iaquinto to amend Article 7 to reduce the IT budget by $213,000, returning it to the Select Board's original recommendation. Motion Passed (4-0-0).

The board also advanced several Article 18 capital projects to Town Meeting, including $162,900 for a police parking lot and $115,250 for downtown resiliency, despite a lack of support from FinCom. A $220,000 request for lighting and irrigation at the Training Green drew specific scrutiny from Member William Keohan. I have concerns about the historical integrity of the Training Green, Keohan said. I do not support the lighting until I have a better handle on the design. Motion Made by K. Canty to recommend Article 18, Item A33 (Training Green lighting and irrigation) to Town Meeting. Motion Passed (4-0-0). Additionally, Motion Made by K. Canty to recommend Article 18, Item A7 (Police parking lot) and Item A30 (Downtown Resiliency Phase 2) to Town Meeting. Motion Passed (4-0-0).

A contentious debate emerged during the appointment process for the Board of Health. The sole applicant, Mr. Sullivan, a correctional nurse, drew questions from the board after he expressed skepticism regarding the politicization of public health and vaccine efficacy. I am not anti-vaccine, but I question the efficacy of vaccines that are advertised as 'protection' rather than 'prevention,' Sullivan stated. Member Kevin Canty specifically asked, What is your opinion on vaccinations? before the board ultimately decided to seek more candidates. I would really like to see this be a more competitive situation rather than just choosing from one person, said Iaquinto. Motion Made by D. Iaquinto to re-advertise the position for the Board of Health. Motion Passed (4-0-0).

In more settled appointments, the board filled three seats on the Plymouth 250th Commemoration Committee. Dr. Kathy Babini highlighted her history as a social studies coordinator, suggesting the town tie commemorations to Flag Day and Mercy Otis Warren. Applicant Jennifer proposed a reliable, scheduled shuttle system for tourists, while George McCay emphasized his decade of experience planning for Plymouth 400. The Board appointed Dr. Kathy Babini, George McCay, and Margaret Scott to the 250th Commemoration Committee. The board also appointed Tamiel Buffalo Ellis and Dr. Serini McCundan to the Plymouth For All Committee. Buffalo Ellis discussed her work on school diversity, while McCundan, a Harvard professor, spoke of his desire to advocate against bias and ensure dignity for all residents. Motion Made by K. Canty to appoint T. Buffalo Ellis and S. McCundan. Motion Passed (4-0-0). For the Climate Action Net Zero Committee, Alan Giles was appointed after discussing his career in renewable energy. Motion Made by K. Canty to appoint A. Giles. Motion Passed (4-0-0).

Infrastructure and maintenance remained a recurring theme. Member Keohan successfully advocated for a new Facilities Task Force to evaluate whether building maintenance should be removed from the DPW and made an independent department. Residents are concerned about how we take care of our buildings, Keohan said. DPW Director Bill Coyle offered a blunt assessment of current resources, noting the town side has only 13 people for 50 buildings. We are living it every day, Coyle said. You can have a task force, but at the end of the day, you need staff and money to get the work done. Member Richard Quintal noted that the town never appropriates enough money... We're always pitting town money against school money. Motion Made by W. Keohan to create a Facilities Task Force for a four-month term. Motion Passed (3-1-0), with D. Iaquinto dissenting.

The board also addressed town-owned foreclosed land, deciding the fate of six properties. They moved to retain a lot in Buttermilk Bay Shores and a 1.8-acre West Plymouth lot for a pocket park pilot program. However, a property at 79 Herring Pond Road was cleared for sale. Motion Made by K. Canty to sell 79 Herring Pond Road at public auction. Motion Passed (4-0-0). Another property at 130 Esther Road will be auctioned with a strict deed restriction against primary structures due to its location on a pond with cyanobacteria issues. Motion Passed (4-0-0).

Earlier in the evening, Second Wind Brewing Company secured approval to expand its 11 Main Street location into an adjacent storefront, restoring the space to its historic Jim's Lunch footprint. Applicant Ken noted the 700-square-foot addition will provide more seating and a new bathroom. Member Keohan praised the move, saying, I'm always glad to see a business in downtown Plymouth succeeding. Motion Made by W. Keohan to approve the application for Second Wind Brewing Company for change of ownership and alteration of premises. Motion Passed (4-0-0). The board also approved an Eagle Scout project by Dylan Mott, who will rehabilitate bleachers at Forges Field. Becoming an Eagle Scout is not an easy thing to do. Congratulations, Iaquinto told Mott. Motion Passed (4-0-0).

Town Manager Derek Brindisi concluded the meeting with updates on a $3 million grant application for downtown resiliency and the completion of the town’s Comprehensive Plan. He also noted that the recent tree and brush drop-off was so successful it caused traffic issues, which staff are working to mitigate for the next event in late April. Town Engineer Rick Bossy and Treasurer Patricia Mehan assisted the board throughout the evening on land and fiscal matters, while Anthony Provenzano of Plymouth 400 briefed the board on ongoing grant-making, noting the organization brings in about $32,000 annually from specialty license plates. Acting Chair Richard Quintal suggested that with rising event costs, maybe we can all work together to support these town events through those funds.