The financial fallout from the "Blizzard of 2026" took center stage Tuesday morning as Town Manager Derek Brindisi revealed the single storm cost Plymouth $2.5 million, pushing the town’s total snow and ice deficit to $3 million. With the town’s revenue cushion already tightened to approximately $270,000, the fiscal strain comes just as the Select Board was legally forced to call a Special Town Meeting following a successful citizen petition. Brindisi noted that the town is aggressively tracking MEMA and FEMA reimbursements to cover 75 percent of the blizzard costs, while also managing the recovery of 80 miles of gravel roads. Please bear with us, Brindisi told residents, adding that the storm saw 80 percent of the town lose power and triggered over 1,600 emergency calls.

The board’s agenda was further complicated by a certified petition containing 219 signatures, which mandates a Special Town Meeting within 45 days under the Town Charter. The petition reportedly addresses collective bargaining agreements and potential long-term savings. Member Richard Quintal voiced sharp opposition to the move, arguing the petition was an inappropriate way to handle town business. I can't support administrative note number one for a number of reasons. This is not the way to do business. We won't see any savings on this even if it were to pass until 2040, Quintal said, noting his intention to vote against calling the meeting. Motion Made by K. Canty to approve administrative note one. Motion Passed (4-0-1) with R. Quintal abstaining.

Town Clerk Kelly McElreath clarified the board's limited options, explaining that once more than 200 signatures are obtained, the select board shall call a town meeting within 45 days. That's both what the charter says and state law says. Member Kevin Canty echoed the procedural necessity, stating that our oath of office requires that we comply with the laws of the Commonwealth and the charter of the town. Member William Keohan expressed sympathy for Quintal’s frustrations regarding the petition’s content but ultimately agreed that I do see the need that I have to uphold this responsibility as a select board member. To facilitate the process, the board immediately opened the warrant for the upcoming session. Motion Made by K. Canty to open the warrant for the Special Town Meeting. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

Environmental and infrastructure concerns also dominated the session as Wastewater Manager Doug Bernard and Mike Hamlin presented an update on the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan. Hamlin displayed a "heat map" identifying impaired water bodies in Plymouth, including the harbor and various ponds, emphasizing that the plan is a community-wide effort. We want to bring a community perspective, Hamlin said. It's as much about water quality issues in our harbor as it is about septic systems. Nathan, a representative from Weston & Samson, explained that "impaired" status often triggers a Total Maximum Daily Limit for nutrients like nitrogen. R. Quintal raised specific concerns regarding the Eel River and the Camelot area, stating, I want to make sure that the drinking water is not being affected. If there is any way we can do a few more tests to be safe, I'd feel a lot better.

The board also took steps to modernize local oversight by approving a significantly condensed set of sewer regulations. Bernard explained that by referencing state documents like Title 5 instead of reprinting them, the town reduced a 160-page draft down to just 47 pages. If there's ever any changes in state regulations, we don't have to come in front of you to update these, Bernard noted. Motion Made by R. Quintal to approve the updated Town of Plymouth Sewer Regulations. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

In a moment of celebration, Police Chief Dana Flynn introduced four newly promoted officers and one new recruit to the department. The group included Lieutenant Craig Provo, a 25-year veteran, and Sergeants Kyle Kryer, Patrick Hicks, and Terresa Best, along with new Patrol Officer Michael Hagoff. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to introduce our newest promotions within the department and our brand new officer, Flynn said. State Representative Kathy LaNatra offered her congratulations to the families in attendance. I know what you go through—holidays, birthdays, late nights, LaNatra said. Thank you to the families for supporting your officers.

Looking ahead to 2026, the board established the Plymouth 250 Commemoration Committee to coordinate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. The committee will include representatives from 15 local entities, including the Wampanoag Tribe and historical societies. Ann Marie Winchester of the July 4th Plymouth Committee questioned the board on specific expectations for event coordination. R. Quintal, who proposed the group, emphasized that the idea is to get everybody on the same page and promote the town as one. W. Keohan was appointed as the board liaison to the group. Motion Made by R. Quintal to approve the establishment of the Plymouth 250 Commemoration Committee as amended. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

During a busy period of new business, Member Deborah Iaquinto distributed a summary of the town’s federal immigration enforcement policy to ensure community clarity on the matter. Member Canty requested future updates on a potential Philharmonic Orchestra residency at Memorial Hall and the status of the building's failed boiler. W. Keohan pressed the Town Manager for a timeline on replacing the Assistant Town Manager, calling it a critical vacancy. Acting Chair David Golden presided over the meeting in the absence of a designated chair, steering the board through a consent agenda that included several routine administrative approvals. Motion Made by K. Canty to move administrative items 3 through 8 as a group. Motion Passed (5-0-0).