Plymouth’s Department of Public Works secured the green light for an ambitious 2026 roadway program, even as some town officials and residents voiced frustration over the texture and maintenance of local streets. During Tuesday’s Select Board meeting, Town Engineer Rick Bossy presented a plan to address 15 miles of residential roads with rubberized chip sealing and 11 miles with traditional paving, a strategy designed to stretch a $2 million budget that would otherwise only cover less than two miles of full reclamation.

The program sparked a rare split on the board, with Member Richard Quintal Jr. signaling his opposition based on constituent feedback. I’m not going to support this tonight, Quintal said, explaining that the decision had nothing to do with staff performance but everything to do with the volume of complaints he receives. People are already asking for their streets to be swapped. There are still too many loose stones. Despite these concerns, other members emphasized the fiscal necessity of the approach. Member David Golden Jr. noted that our roads are in dire shape after this winter, adding that the DPW’s increased focus on sweeping and reducing overspray satisfied his concerns. Motion Made by D. Iaquinto to instruct the DPW to move forward with the 2026 roadway program as presented. Motion Passed (4-1-0), with Quintal dissenting.

Public support for the measure came from resident Steve Leiden, who warned the board about the dangers of deferring maintenance. Chip sealing is the only way to go or we're going to be at that financial cliff pretty soon or have some pretty big potholes, Leiden said. According to Bossy, the town’s average Roadway Surface Rating has already climbed from 67.9 to 72.6 over the last two seasons due to these preservation efforts.

The board also shifted its focus toward the future of local waste management, leaning away from a return to municipal curbside pickup. Assistant DPW Director James Downey outlined four potential paths for the town’s trash removal model, ultimately recommending that the town focus on enhancing the existing transfer station rather than attempting to compete with the 11 private haulers currently operating in Plymouth. Option 3 is the most cost-neutral and effective approach, Downey told the board, suggesting that efficiency improvements would benefit the 5,000 residents who currently utilize the station. Member Deborah Iaquinto questioned if the market volatility that ended the town's previous curbside program in 2018 had stabilized, but Downey noted the recycling market remains unpredictable. Member William Keohan advocated for a focus on resident education, noting that the recycling committee has already made strides with the swap shop and composting initiatives. The board reached a consensus to have staff return with specific ideas for transfer station improvements.

In a significant leadership announcement, Chair Kevin Canty informed the community that he will not seek another term as the board's presiding officer during next month’s reorganization. As many know, I am a candidate for another office, Canty stated, referring to his run for a state-level position. To ensure consistent leadership and avoid a mid-year transition after the November election... I want to facilitate a seamless transition now. Canty confirmed he will remain an active member of the board through the end of his term.

During the public comment period, resident Rich Serkey drew gasps from the audience while detailing the theft of school department food and equipment by a former employee. Serkey described the actions as brazen, alleging the employee ordered $3,199 in burger patties on the town’s dime to sell at a private side business. If the board feels, as I do, that a prison sentence of between four and 10 months is inadequate, then the board should immediately write to United States Attorney Leah Foley, Serkey urged. Town Manager Derek Brindisi later clarified that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the School Committee and the Superintendent.

Local businesses and residents also saw movement on several licensing requests. Second Wind Brewing Company owner Kenny Samkin addressed questions regarding an upcoming anniversary event at 7 Holland Street. Member Keohan noted the event is located on a confined street with neighbors, to which Samkin responded that the amplified music would be restricted to the afternoon and wind down at dark. Motion Made by R. Quintal to approve the four outdoor amplified music licenses and two one-day wine and malt licenses as a group. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

Additionally, Harbor Master Chad Hunter secured renewals and amendments for several aquaculture licenses in Plymouth Harbor. Hunter highlighted that Cassie Goslin has been in full compliance for 13 years and noted that Connor Doyle would be shifting locations to meet high demand, returning his old site to the town’s waiting list. Motion Made by R. Quintal to approve the aquaculture licenses for Cassie Goslin, Bill Morani, and Doug Bartlett, and to amend the existing license for Connor Doyle as recommended. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

Town Manager Brindisi concluded the session with several infrastructure updates, noting that the Water Street sewer repair is nearly finished. We hope to be out of the ground in three weeks, in time for Memorial Day, Brindisi said. He also announced that the Lady Justice statue would be removed from the 1820 Courthouse this Friday for repairs. Member Keohan cautioned the crew to be careful with the scales, noting they are original artifacts from a previous iteration of the statue.