The Plymouth Select Board narrowly advanced a controversial citizen-led petition Tuesday night that seeks to codify local immigration enforcement policies into a permanent town bylaw. The "Plymouth Community Trust Bylaw," designated as Article 37 for the upcoming Spring Town Meeting, aims to ensure town resources are not used for federal civil immigration enforcement. Petitioner Arthur Disloges explained that while the current police chief maintains a similar internal policy, a bylaw offers stability that administrative rules lack. Disloges told the board, A bylaw is permanent until it is repealed by a vote at town meeting. Conversely, town departmental policies can be changed immediately without elected civilian oversight.

The proposal sparked a sharp divide between board members and town administration regarding the chain of command. Town Manager Derek Brindisi cautioned that the measure could create legal and operational friction, noting, The chief has a 5-year contract that says he sets the rules and regulations. If the bylaw conflicts, the message to officers is confusing—do they enforce the chief's rules or the bylaw? Vice Chair David Golden echoed these concerns, stating, I reject the notion that this is going to be a silver bullet that will make people trust the police. If you don't trust them today, you're not going to trust them when this is enacted. Member Richard Quintal also voiced opposition, arguing that Plymouth already has a professional department that does not require additional legislative guardrails. Quintal remarked, What you see in Minnesota is not what's happening in Plymouth, nor will this bylaw prevent that.

Public testimony leaned heavily in favor of the bylaw. Resident Peter Matlin argued the measure is a matter of public safety, noting that people are afraid to report crimes for fear that if they're in a mixed status household, somebody in their home would be taken away. Support on the board eventually carried the recommendation forward. Member Deborah Iaquinto stated, I don't see this as a competition between the police policy and a town bylaw. I see them as complimentary pieces. Chair Kevin Canty added that the high-stakes discussion belongs before the full town body, noting, I think town meeting is the best place to have a further discussion... we can draw a line and say that this town stands up for the residents regardless of national origin. Motion Made by W. Keohan to recommend article 37 for approval to spring town meeting. Motion Passed (3-2) with Members Quintal and Golden in opposition.

The board also moved to significantly expand benefits for town employees serving in the military. Vice Chair David Golden presented Article 35, which would adopt a state statute granting up to 40 days of paid military leave for employees in the National Guard or Reserves. Under current town policy, Plymouth only pays the "delta" or difference between an employee's military pay and their town salary. Golden noted the move would strengthen the town's commitment to veterans. Member Deborah Iaquinto asked, I'm just curious how many other communities have already adopted it? While Golden did not have a specific count, he noted the law has been available for decades. Chair Canty pointed out a minor budgetary nuance, explaining that the current "delta" system allows unspent salary funds to flow into free cash at year-end, meaning the change could slightly reduce that year-over-year reserve. Motion Made by K. Canty to include article 35 in the warrant and recommend approval. Motion Passed (5-0).

Environmental funding was also on the docket as the Billington Sea Watershed Association requested $28,492.32 to combat invasive fanwort. Representative Christie noted the request represents the town's 45% ownership share of the property, while residents are funding the remaining 55%. Member William Keohan spoke in favor of the partnership, stating, I'm glad the neighborhood is taking the effort... the residents put up 55% and basically we're just asking the town to pony up with their share. Motion Made by W. Keohan that the board recommends town meeting approve article 36. Motion Passed (5-0).

In his operational report, Town Manager Derek Brindisi provided updates on the $10 million Jenny Pond project, noting the town has already secured over $4 million in federal grants from NOAA. He also alerted residents that dog licenses are due by March 31st and the town is actively pursuing grants to remediate petroleum and PFAS contamination at the Zero Spooner Street fire station site. During new business, Member Richard Quintal requested the formal advertisement of a 250th Anniversary Committee to begin planning for the national semi-quincentennial, an initiative he has championed to ensure Plymouth remains a focal point of the country's upcoming celebrations. Member Deborah Iaquinto also announced the imminent launch of a new e-bike education campaign, featuring a dedicated website and signage to manage the growing use of electric cycles in town. The meeting concluded after a brief discussion on a potential Charter amendment proposed by Chair Canty to move Town Meeting and elections later into the spring to better align with the state’s budget cycle.