Town Manager Derek Brindisi delivered a harrowing account of the Blizzard of 2026 during Tuesday night’s Select Board meeting, describing a community pushed to its operational limits. The storm, which began on February 21, saw 27,000 homes lose power—roughly 80 percent of the town—while visibility dropped to near zero. Brindisi detailed a cascading series of equipment failures, including the breakdown of town front-end loaders on the first day and the failure of a 30-year-old generator at the police station that compromised 911 dispatch capabilities. We had to use front-end loaders to pull vehicles out of snowbanks, Brindisi said, noting that MEMA eventually deployed 32 loaders and two snow melters to assist. The Fire Department saw a 250 percent spike in calls, battling seven structure fires and responding to numerous carbon monoxide alarms caused by improper generator use. Assistant DPW Director James Downey reported that crews plowed 380 roads, many of them three times over, during the height of the white-out conditions.

The storm’s aftermath has intensified the Board’s focus on Plymouth’s aging infrastructure, particularly following the total failure of the boiler at Memorial Hall. Brindisi reported the unit is unrepairable, leaving the historic building without heat. This infrastructure strain comes as the town navigates a fiscal cliff, with only $270,000 in excess levy capacity remaining. Vice Chair David Golden, who chaired the start of the meeting, emphasized the need for a formal workshop to define the Board's role during such crises. We need to better communicate with panicked residents, Golden noted, while Chair Kevin Canty called for a full debrief to analyze contractor rates and equipment needs to prevent future dispatch failures.

The Board also addressed a contentious $5 rate increase for Long Beach stickers, moving forward with the hike despite pushback from the Natural Resources and Coastal Beaches Committee. Chair Everett Malaguti argued against the increase, pointing to a revolving fund that currently holds approximately $500,000 in retained earnings. I believe there is sufficient funding available at the moment to keep the rates where they are, Malaguti said, suggesting that non-resident daily passes be targeted instead. However, Member William Keohan moved to support the increase to ensure continued service levels. Motion Made by W. Keohan to approve the Long Beach rate increases. Motion Passed (3-1-0) with Golden dissenting.

Neighborhood tensions flared during a public hearing regarding a one-way pilot program on Fremont Street. Resident Connie Mela Horus urged the Board to make the change permanent, citing safety concerns for emergency vehicles. Emergency vehicles struggle to pass when cars are parked on both sides, she said. Conversely, resident Brian Cochran argued the change creates backups on Lincoln Street and endangers school children. James Downey presented data showing that while speeds dropped from 23 mph to 21 mph, the pilot caused 15-minute delays during school drop-off periods. Chair Kevin Canty suggested a longer trial to see how summer tourism and school sessions interact. Motion Made by K. Canty to extend the trial period for the one-way pilot on Fremont Street for an additional nine months. Motion Passed (3-1-1) with R. Quintal opposing and W. Keohan abstaining due to his residency on the street.

New state legislation regarding foreclosure equity, specifically Section 64A, has changed how the town handles tax-title properties. A representative from the Treasurer’s office explained that the town must now return excess equity to former owners and can no longer simply auction properties without professional appraisals. The Board reviewed 51 Cypress Street, a property carrying $55,411 in debt. Member Keohan urged the town to consider such properties for the housing crisis. We should think about how a unit might be beneficial for affordable housing, Keohan said, suggesting collaboration with the Community Preservation Committee. Despite the discussion on housing, the Board moved to sell the property. Motion Made by D. Iaquinto to move the property for sale. Motion Passed (4-0-0).

The Board also filled two committee vacancies. For the Board of Health, Katherine Marini was elevated from her alternate position to a full member. Marini noted her ongoing work on nicotine regulations and the kratom ban, while Golden remarked that her time as the alternate is invaluable experience. Motion Made by W. Keohan to appoint Katherine Marini to the Board of Health. Motion Passed (5-0-0). For the Distinguished Visitors Committee, the Board selected Tamio Buffalo Ellis, who highlighted her background in nonprofit work and her personal connection to the town's Japan exchange program. Motion Made by R. Quintal to appoint Tamio Buffalo Ellis. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

The meeting closed with a moment of silence for Rick Scrabath, a veteran paramedic who served Plymouth since 2015. Member Deborah Iaquinto requested a future discussion on consolidating local trash haulers to improve environmental efficiency, while Member Richard Quintal flagged concerns regarding abandoned box trucks in North Plymouth. Before adjourning, the Board authorized several routine permits, including the 24th Annual Jordan Hospital Club Polar Plunge scheduled for March 7 at Nelson’s Beach. Motion Made by R. Quintal to move the licenses as presented. Motion Passed (4-0-0). The Board also moved routine administrative items. Motion Made by R. Quintal to move administrative items one, two, and three. Motion Passed (4-0-0).