The Plymouth Select Board transitioned quickly into a private strategy session Monday afternoon to address an escalating legal conflict involving the Plymouth Airport Commission. In a remote meeting that lasted less than five minutes before the board moved to exclude the public, members focused exclusively on the litigation titled Plymouth Airport Commission et al vs. the Town of Plymouth et al.

Chair Kevin Canty opened the session by declaring that discussing the town's legal strategy in a public forum would harm Plymouth's legal standing. The Select Board will hold an executive session... to discuss strategy with regard to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares, Canty stated. He emphasized that the airport litigation was the sole focus of the afternoon’s agenda before asking for a formal move to close the session. I do so declare in the matter of Plymouth Airport Commission et al vs. the Town of Plymouth et al.

The move to private session comes at a time when the board is already navigating significant administrative and financial pressures. The town is currently managing the fallout from the Blizzard of 2026 deficit and recently established a Facilities Management Task Force to address maintenance backlogs across 50 municipal buildings. While the specifics of the airport commission's grievances were not detailed during the brief open portion of the meeting, the legal challenge adds another layer of complexity to the town’s current fiscal and legal workload.

With Vice Chair David Golden and Member William Keohan absent, the remaining three members acted swiftly to begin the strategy session. Member Richard Quintal initiated the transition by stating, Motion, to enter the executive session. Member Deborah Iaquinto provided the second for the request. When the roll call was called to finalize the move, Iaquinto recorded her support with a clear Yes, followed by Quintal and Canty.

Motion Made by R. Quintal to enter into executive session and adjourn the open session portion of this meeting. Motion Passed (3-0).

The board did not return to open session following the litigation strategy discussion. This legal maneuvering follows recent board efforts to finalize long-term planning for the community, including the recent completion of the town's Master Plan and the ongoing organization of the Plymouth 250th Anniversary Commemoration Committee. The outcome of the airport litigation remains pending as the town works to balance its legal obligations with current budget constraints.