Plympton-Halifax-Kingston Express

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Town meeting part two was over in an hour

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Phase two of the Halifax Annual Town Meeting met Monday night, May 16, at the Halifax Elementary School, All-purpose Room.  Interim Town Moderator John Bruno, took the gavel for the evening as Town Moderator Robert Gaynor II was unwell.

Bruno called the assembly to order and in less than an hour the remaining 19 articles were read, discussed, and voted.  At the table on the stage, Selectman Ashley DeSesa was the senior member of the board, with newly elected selectmen Alexander Meade and Jonathan Selig seated beside her.

The following warrant articles were acted on:

Article 9 asked the town to fund a 1% wage increase for the Police Sergeants who are in the union.  Article passed.

Article10 asked the town for $8,242 to fund a 1% wage increase for the Police Patrolmen who are in the union. The article passed.

Article 12 asked for $150 for the Plymouth County Cooperative Extension Service and its many programs that benefit the Town including the 4-H program.  The article passed unanimously.

Article 15 asked the town to spend $110,000 to purchase and equip a new marked cruiser to be used for patrol and a new unmarked cruiser to be used by the Chief of Police.  Frank Johnston of Elm St. asked why the town should purchase two vehicles this year because last year they purchased three vehicles, one with ARPA funds.  Police Chief Joao Chaves responded that the extra vehicle last year was a pickup truck that would not be used as a patrol car, but to tow various pieces of equipment as needed.  Both vehicles that are being replaced will either be passed along to other town departments if needed or auctioned.  The motion passed.

Article 16 asked the town for $5,000 to replace six bulletproof vests at $900 each as the department requires police officers to wear them.  The manufacturer’s recommended lifespan for the vests is five years.  The article passed.

Article 18 asked the town for $66,941 for repairs and replacement parts for the Halifax Elementary School elevator.  Two years ago, when the control board was replaced, the school was told that they had the last control board for the elderly elevator.  Matt Durkee, the Silver Lake Regional School District Facilities Manager, spoke to the article saying that they need to have a replacement board on hand when the current board fails.  Without this replacement board, the school would not have a working elevator.   The article passed.

Article 19 asked the town to move $200,000 to purchase a medium duty dump truck, equipped with plow and sander, to replace a 1995 Ford L800 that will be sold at auction.  Highway Surveyor Steve Hayward told the assembly that the medium duty truck will be more versatile and very useful, especially in snow. The motion passed.

Article 23 asked the town for $3500 to support the South Shore Resource and Advocacy Center for domestic violence intervention and prevention services.  The article passed.

Article 24 asked the town for $850 for a new time and date stamp for the Town Clerk’s office.  The Town Clerk is required by law to date and time stamp many documents that come into the office.  The article passed.

Article 25 asked the town for $1000 to purchase a new computer for the Holmes Public Library.  Library Director Jean Gallant told the assembly that this is the last computer to be purchased in the rotation program, so that all the library’s computers will be running Windows 10.   The article passed.

Article 27 asked the town to raise and appropriate $340,000 to purchase and equip a new ambulance for the Fire Department.  Fire Chief Jason Viveiros spoke to the article saying that the wait time for a new ambulance is now two years, due to the inability to get chasses.  This will replace the 2017 ambulance that will have more than 100,000 miles on it by the time the new one is delivered.  The article passed.

Article 30 asked the town for $520,000 for a Phase II project to upgrade outdated and failing components in the Town’s Richmond Park and YMCA Water Infrastructure to keep the plant in compliance with DEP regulations.  The article passed.

Article 31 asked the town to fund $36,000 for Halifax’s share of a part-time school resource officer at the Silver Lake Middle School.  The article passed.

Article 34 asked for $38,800 for a new intercom system for the Halifax Elementary School.  Silver Lake School District Facilities Manager Matt Durkee spoke to the article saying that the current system is old and failing and is a proprietary system that requires the school to use one vendor to make adjustments to the system, such as resetting the clocks for Daylight Savings Time, or after a power failure, at a significant cost to the town.   The new system is user friendly, non-proprietary, and will solve a number of problems.  The article passed.

Article 36 asked the town for $12,500 for IT as a next step toward centralizing Town-wide IT Communication services to include the Holmes Library and the Water Department.  The article passed.

Article 37 would use any remaining funds leftover to pay down the Plymouth County Pension Fund Liability Account.  The Finance Committee did not recommend it because if all articles were voted there would not be enough free cash left over to use.    The article was passed over at the Finance Committee’s recommendation.

Article 40 asked to remove the Fire Chief as a mandatory member of the Holidays in Halifax Committee.   In the past, when fireworks were being used, the Fire Chief was useful in planning the event.  Now, with no fireworks, the chief’s talents can be more useful elsewhere.   The motion passed.

Article 42 asked the town to change the Board of Selectmen from a three-member board to a five-member board.  The article was passed over to allow the new board of selectmen time to further investigate whether it is necessary.

Article 43 asked the town to limit the number of marijuana retailers to two.  The finance committee did not recommend it.  The motion failed.

Pat Kauffman honored by library

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Mike Slawson, Plympton Library Director, wanted to celebrate Pat Kauffman’s years of service to the Library and was preparing to give a little speech, as well as present Pat with a bouquet of flowers and a blooming plant in recognition of her years of service. Mike was not able to attend the “First Saturday at the Library” gathering due to having contracted Covid. He asked that the presentation continue and the award given.

Selectman John Traynor delivered Library Director Slawson’s words as follows:

“For over 30 years Pat Kauffmann has been coordinating and setting up the art displays here at the Library.  The artwork Pat has brought to the community has been in various formats and of all levels – from professional artists to the students at local schools.  Not only do the art displays help to bring in new visitors and make our building more beautiful, they also help the Library fulfill its function as a place of culture and recreation.  I have especially enjoyed seeing the excitement from kids when they see their creations up on display.

“After her decades of service to the Library and community, Pat has finally decided to pass the torch to someone new.  I want to give a special thank you from myself, the Library staff – past and present, and the members of the community who have often expressed their gratitude for the time she has invested to make this library a more beautiful and welcoming place.

“Pat, you will be missed here at the Library, and your dedication and service to the community are a prime example of what makes the Plympton so great.  We wish you the best of luck in whatever endeavor you choose next!”

Senior Center one step closer

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The All-purpose Room at the Halifax Elementary School was filled to bursting with the 241 registered voters and 37 visitors who came to see or take part in old fashion New England style democracy.  The Halifax Annual and Special Town Meetings were underway.

Many were older members of the population eager to help push forward the new Halifax Senior Center at the site of the current Halifax Museum.   They have been disappointed before and it seemed that like Lucy with the football,  they would be disappointed again.

Selectman chairman Gordon C. Andrews told the assembly that after 6:30 last Friday night, he received word from the cost estimator that with rampant inflation in the construction field, the project could not be completed for the price previously stated, indeed it would need to be increased by at least another $800,000 to finish the job.  Andrews seemed very disappointed as he spoke to the assembly;.he has been working on this project for nearly two years.

A woman took the microphone and asked if Article 32 could be heard out of order as so many older persons came specifically to vote on it. After consulting with town counsel,  the meeting was told it must proceed at the mercy of the lottery as to when Article 32, concerning the funding for the senior center, could be heard and voted.   After 10 p.m. the article was called.

Support for Article 32 came from all sides.   Summer Schmaling, who is also a member of the Halifax Elementary School Committee,  asked if the $160,000 remainder from the School Roofing project could be appropriated for the Senior Center project even though the Town isn’t ready to spend it, lest it be diverted into another project.  Bob Kniffen agreed that the money needs to be put aside for the specific project of the senior center.  A dozen voters took to the microphone to support the project.  When the vote was called, and the green cards raised for “Yes”, the vote was unanimous!   The next step is to vote the project on the ballot in Saturday’s election.

Article 2  was passed to add the holiday “Juneteenth” to the list of designated holidays in the Wage and Personnel By-Law Section, as well as give a 1% increase to all Wage and Personnel  employees

Article 3 was passed by town meeting to fix the salaries of the Moderator, Town Clerk, Selectmen, Treasurer-Collector, Assessors, and Highway Surveyor, giving those positions a 1% pay increase for FY23.

Article 4 passed the town’s operating budget.

Article 5 dealt with setting revolving accounts, including Fire Chief CPR classes, ZBA consulting, Library computer, printers and copier, Selectmen legal advertising, Council on Aging  Elderbus, Building Inspector Wages, and several more.   The article passed.

Article 6 is the same article for $125,000 that comes before the town each year to set up reserves in case of unforeseen emergencies during the year.

Article 7  funds a 1% wage increase for firefighters who are in the union.

Article 8  funds a 1% wage increase for the Highway and Cemetery workers who are in the union.

Article 13  voted $300,000 to maintain town roads.

Article 14 voted $18,600 to pay for the assessors’ recertification which is done every five years.

Article 17 asked the town for $7,379 to purchase and install cell block surveillance cameras for the Police Department.  The existing cameras are beginning to fail.  Passed unanimously.

Article 20 would replace a single walled tank for waste oil with a double walled 500 gallon tank to be located at the Highway Barn.  The motion passed.

Article 21 asked for $75,000 to purchase a new Water Recycling Unit and Shed Roof for the Wash Bay at the Highway Barn to bring the town up to code with MS4 stormwater regulations.  The motion passed.

Article 22 voted $3,500 to the South Shore Resource and Advocacy Center, providing residents with services dealing with domestic violence intervention and prevention.  Article 26 voted $4,000 to purchase two copy machines, one for the Highway Department, one for the Holmes Public Library.

Article 28 voted $36,800 to install exterior surveillance cameras at several locations for the safety  of employees, as well as the public, especially at night.

Article 29 voted $60,000 to purchase and equip a new truck for the Water Department that will have a plow to assist the Highway Dept.

 Article 33 approved $110,000 as Halifax’s share to repair and rebuild the tennis courts at Silver Lake High School.

Article 35 approved $46,380 to purchase 15 body worn cameras for the Police Dept.  This is a 5-year cost, including a camera upgrade and replacement after 3 years.

Article 38 was passed over.

Article 41  voted $22,057 to reimburse the Halifax Housing Authority for payments made by the authority to the Plymouth County Retirement Fund for an employee of the Town of Hlaifax.

Article 44 asked the town to establish a Stabilization Fund for the Silver Lake Regional School District.  The town said no.  Ed Whitney of Stoney Weir Rd. said it was removing control from the townspeople.  The article failed.

Article 45 would allow the selectmen to grant temporary liquor licenses for events held on town properties.   The article passed.

The meeting was adjourned until  Tuesday night, but then rescheduled for Monday, May 16, at 6:30 p.m.  when the remaining 22 articles will be acted upon.

Anne Sayles awarded Boston Post Cane

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Anne Sayles of Lake Street is the latest recipient of Plympton’s “Boston Post Cane.”   A tradition since 1909, the Boston Post Cane has been awarded to the town’s oldest citizen.   Happily, the event coincided with Anne’s 98th birthday!

In addition to her age, Anne deserves recognition for her involvement in the town.  Over the years she combined her early training as an actress with her love of books to read “The Night Before Christmas” to the families gathered at the Congregational Church to celebrate Santa’s arrival on the Plympton Green and at the Plympton Public Library to help celebrate the season.

We are blessed to know her welcoming smile, ready wit, and generous hospitable spirit.  We hope Anne long enjoys her tenure as the holder of the Cane.

About the Boston Post Cane:  In August 1909, Mr. Edwin A. Grozier, Publisher of the Boston Post newspaper, sent a gold-headed ebony cane to the Board of Selectmen of several hundred towns across New England with the request that it be presented with the compliments of the Boston Post to the oldest male citizen of the town.  The cane was to be used by that citizen as long as he lives (or moves from the town), and at his death handed down to the next oldest citizen of the town.  The cane would belong to the town and not the man who received it.

Plympton, happily, has updated the cane presentation requirement to be all-inclusive.

ATM and STM Monday, May 9

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Special Town Meeting will be held on Monday, May 9, 2022 beginning at 6:40 p.m. in the Gymnasium at the Halifax Elementary School, 464 Plymouth St.

A copy of the warrant for the Special Town Meeting is available and is being mailed out.

All Halifax registered voters are eligible to attend, vote and participate at these special town meetings.  Residents must register to vote at least ten days before the date of the special town meeting in order to participate at the meeting.  Persons who are not registered voters in Halifax are permitted to attend the meeting but must sit in a special, designated section on the right side of the room, near the stage.

Annual Town Meeting will be on Monday, May 9, 2022 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Gymnasium at the Halifax Elementary School, 464 Plymouth St.

All Halifax registered voters are eligible to attend, vote and participate at the annual town meeting. Residents must register to vote at least twenty days before the date of the annual town meeting in order to participate at the meeting.  Persons who are not registered voters in Halifax are permitted to attend the meeting but must sit in a special, designated section on the right side of the room, near the stage.

A copy of the warrant for the Annual Town Meeting will be available closer to the date of the meeting

The meeting is run by the Town Moderator with advice, as necessary, from Town Counsel and the Town Clerk.

Making Prom memories …

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Karen Foye
Special to The Express

Covid didn’t stop the Juniors from Plympton, Halifax and Kingston from having a spectacular Junior Prom hosted by a few parents who wanted to make sure their kids had this special memory. Karen Foye, Jessica Gouveia and Hannah Doehler got together and put on the Junior Formal 2022 for the class of 2023 this past Saturday at the Middleborough Town Hall in the Grand Ballroom. More than 225 kids attended the event, decked out in their finest tuxes and beautiful gowns. It was a beautiful night for the event. Parents, friends and school faculty were invited to watch the Red Carpet introductions of all the attendees hosted by Matt Foye (who apologizes for mispronouncing many of the kids names, at least it made them smile as they were being introduced).

Tickets for the event were only $30 ($40 if purchased after April 1) that more than covered everything needed to create this memorable event. DJ services, a photo booth and lighting services were provided by South Coast Entertainment, a giant light up PROM sign, balloon sculptures and centerpieces, candy bar, sandwiches, snacks, cake pops, fruit skewers and lots of water were provided. Karen Foye, from Foye Photography, also captured the night at the red carpet in both video and photos as well as setting up a formal photo booth for the kids to pose for pictures she will send to all the parents.

Two Middleborough police officers and 14 parent/sibling chaperones provided security for the event and made sure everything went smoothly.

The host of the senior prom next year will have a lot to live up to in order to top this event!

Play Ball! Season opens

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Play Ball! Season opens

Both Plympton and Halifax held their season opening celebrations last weekend – with children putting on their brand new gloves, picking up bats, some for the first time, to engage in that ancient rite of Spring – Baseball!   Below, kids and coaches put hands over hearts as Laurel Fallis, far left, sings the National Anthem.  Laurel is a senior at Silver Lake Regional this year.  Photos of Halifax’s Opening Day are on pages 8, 9. Photos by Karen Foye

Kingston election results

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The Town of Kingston held its annual Town Election last Saturday, April 23, and these are the uncertified results from Paul Gallagher, Town Clerk.

Selectman – Tyler R. Bouchard won 560 votes for the three-year term.  There were 159 blanks and 12 write-ins.

Assessor – Michael P. Martin won re-election with 492 votes for the three-year term.  There were 226 blanks and 13 write-ins.

Collector of Taxes – Kenneth B. Moalli won re-election with 548 votes for the three-year term, 178 blanks, and five write-ins.

Planning Board – Thomas S. Buchard, Sr. won re-election to the five-year term with 527 votes, 198 blanks and six write-ins.

Silver Lake Regional School Committee – vote for two – Amy M. Cortright received 413 votes.  Michael E. Shekane received 382 votes for the three-year term.   Jeanne M. Coleman got 334 votes, and there were 328 blanks and five write-ins.

Kingston Elementary School Committee – vote for two – Timothy E. Lewis, candidate for re-election, topped the vote with 490.  Michael E. Shekane was next with 334 votes.  Sheila Vaughn, candidate for re-election, got 257 votes.  There were also 374 blanks and seven write-ins.

Water Commissioner – Robert J. Erlandsen was unopposed and won 485 votes for the three-year term.   There were 242 blanks and four write-ins.

Board of Health – Joseph F. Casna, Jr. and William J. Kavol  both won re-election to the three-year term, Casna with 443 votes and Kavol with 407 votes.   There were 593 blanks and 19 write-ins.

Library Trustee – two positions for three-years.  Ralph T. Calderaro won relection with 488 votes.  Carolyn Bromage won the position with 60 write-in votes.  There were 886 blanks and 88 write-ins.

Recreation Commission – Joseph P. Cunningham, Jr., ran unopposed, taking the position with 488 votes.   There were 231 blanks and 12 write-ins.

Recreation Commission – Patrick Rooney won the one-year term with 59 write-in votes.  There were 617 blanks and 114 total write-in ballots.

Sewer Commissioner – Elaine A. Fiore, candidate for re-election, ran unopposed and won 469 votes.  There were 250 blanks and 12 write-ins.

Constable – Brian J. Graziano and Robert J. Short, both candidates for re-election, won their bids,  Graziano with 439 votes and Short with 411 votes for the three year terms.

Housing Authority – Mary L. Hayes was re-elected to a five-year term with 490 votes.  She was unopposed.  There were 238 blanks and three write-ins.

Housing Authority – There were 710 blanks for the one-year term and 21 write-ins.

Matthew Ahl named Plympton Police Chief

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The Town of Plympton Board of Selectmen is pleased to announce that we have selected Mr. Matthew Ahl as the next permanent Police Chief of Plympton.  Mr. Ahl has accepted the position pending successful contract negotiation, with an anticipated official appointment date of May 9, 2022.

This decision marks a significant milestone for the Plympton Police Department, as the Chief position has been filled on an interim basis since July 2019.  We would like to thank those who stepped forward to assist us during a transitional period in an interim capacity, including most recently Acting Chief Daniel Hoffman.

Mr. Ahl was selected from an incredibly talented pool of candidates after progressing through an initial rigorous screening and interview process and subsequently participating in a competitive final public interview process before the Board of Selectmen, along with three other highly qualified finalist candidates.  Community Paradigm Associates of Plymouth, MA coordinated the professional search process.

Mr. Ahl has been serving the Town faithfully since 2016 and was promoted to the role of Sergeant in 2021.  Mr. Ahl also has prior law enforcement experience with the Town of Whitman, and has a private sector business and management background that we believe will serve the Department well.

The Board of Selectmen is enthusiastic about Mr. Ahl assuming this new role on a permanent basis, as his character and work ethic align with the goal of further professionalizing our Town Departments and continuing to provide efficient, effective and responsive service to the public.  We also take great pleasure in having so many talented individuals serving within the Department and being able to develop leadership from within. We look forward to Mr. Ahl continuing with efforts towards Department accreditation and leading the amazing team of men and women who serve the Town proudly on a daily basis.

Silver Lake Middle School History Bee

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Matthew MacKenzie
7th Grade Social Studies teacher
Special to The Express

Recently, the History Bee returned to Silver Lake Regional Middle School as students participated in both a classroom level and schoolwide level competition.

The student competitors set the bar high for the event and were able to answer many challenging questions.

Twenty-six classroom level champions came together to compete for the title of SLRMS History Bee Champion. After eight solid rounds of competition it came down to Peter Bohmbach and Nathan Campbell. They went back and forth for a couple rounds but in the end, Nathan Campbell of the 8-3 All Stars won out with the correct answer to a challenging question.

Below are the results of the school level history bee.

1st: Nathan Campbell (8-3 All Stars)

2nd: Peter Bohmbach (8-3 All Stars)

3rd: Thomas Powers (8-1 Seekers)