A recent session of the Committee of Precinct Chairs took a somber turn as members and residents detailed a breakdown in decorum during the Spring Town Meeting, including allegations of sexual harassment that went unaddressed on the floor. Lisa Murray recounted a distressing experience where a fellow member used a derogatory slur against her at a public microphone. I reached out to the moderator as a woman, Murray said, adding that she felt the lack of immediate action gives any man in that room the right to say that phrase. Resident Steve Lantang, who witnessed the incident, told the committee that the intimidation and sexual harassment my wife Lisa endured is appalling, noting that his attempts to seek help from on-site police were rebuffed because they lacked direction from the moderator.

Town Moderator Steve Trifletti addressed the incident by citing the legal complexities of free speech in municipal governance, noting that the State Supreme Judicial Court has held that while civility is encouraged, it cannot be mandated if it inhibits robust political speech. This limits what a moderator can do regarding 'indecent language' unless it clearly interrupts the meeting, Trifletti explained. Assistant Moderator Nicole Manfredi emphasized that being a member is a year-round commitment to the community, stating that respect is necessary for effective governance. Several chairs expressed frustration with the current safety protocols, including Pat Adelman, who asked, When the woman got up and said she didn't feel safe, my immediate reaction was, 'Where is the safety officer?' Alan Costello argued that the situation had spun out of control, suggesting that we have a police officer in the room at great expense, but they didn't render support.

The committee also grappled with Plymouth’s looming financial challenges following a failed attempt to implement a 1% budget cut across the board. Wrestling Brewster, who spearheaded the cut proposal, warned that while the town has not yet hit a "fiscal cliff," it is currently in a fiscal crisis. Brewster argued, I'd rather do 1% now than 3 to 5% later. We can't keep using the credit card of the taxpayer. Joe Hutchinson suggested the town must be more proactive with financial tools like overrides to maintain services, noting, We shouldn't be shy about using those tools to figure out what we need to make the town work. However, Dale Weber remained skeptical of the urgency, noting that the finance director predicted a cliff much later in 2030. This town doesn't want to raise taxes, Weber said, predicting that major infrastructure projects would likely remain unfunded.

Infrastructure costs were at the forefront during a presentation on the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan, a 20-year roadmap for a town where 80% of residents still rely on private septic systems. Consultants from Western & Sampson identified Manomet and Taylor Avenue as high-priority "needs areas" due to density and environmental risks. Wastewater Superintendent Doug Bernard explained that the plan serves as a vital guide for future development, ensuring that the infrastructure makes sense for that specific area's plan whenever roads are opened for work. Environmental engineer Mike Hanlon challenged the committee to act before water quality reaches a breaking point, asking, Do we have the courage to make these decisions?

The meeting concluded with sharp criticism from resident Joel Coffin regarding a proposed sewer extension at the Plymouth Municipal Airport, which he characterized as accountability by stealth. Coffin alleged that the project appeared on the warrant without proper public discussion or transparent votes by the Airport Commission. Chair Matt Tavares reminded the committee and the public that leadership requires empathy and active listening. Far too much, we see national divisiveness trickling down, Tavares said. He noted that the next meeting on May 21 will feature a deep dive into five-year fiscal forecasting, which he described as the appropriate time to determine if it's a crisis, a cliff, or a speed bump.