Alan Ingram
Express correspondent
Residents of Kingston’s private roads expressed frustration at a Board of Selectmen meeting Tuesday, Sept. 24, over a new policy that may halt snow plowing on some streets this winter. The board agreed to revisit the issue and hold a public hearing Tuesday, Oct. 8, to address concerns about safety and communication.
The policy, approved by the board in August 2023, would stop town plowing on private roads that don’t meet minimum standards, including a 10-foot-wide roadway with 2-foot shoulders on each side. Residents whose roads do not meet these standards were told they would need to make improvements or lose plowing services. Those residents say they were blindsided by letters sent out in early September informing them of the changes.
Several residents voiced worries about emergency vehicle access and the financial burden of maintaining their own roads. “I just cannot believe that I’m even here because I was never even notified,” said Victor Hult of Stagecoach Drive, who has lived on his road for 48 years.
Paul Brokmeier of Stagecoach Drive said he received estimates as high as $28,500 to bring his street up to the town’s standards. “I don’t really wanna hear that they’re not gonna plow my street when I won’t be able to get an ambulance into my home,” Brokmeier said.
Scott Bishop of Main Street, not an affected road, asked, “Why are you stopping services to citizens who pay taxes? What are you doing to ensure that emergency services are going to be available to these people? What are you doing to maintain upkeep of town property on these roads?”
Violet Berry of Meadowbrook Road recounted how town officials promised to plow her street when she moved there in 1960. “Now, when I was growing up, my father was, had his own business.… He never in his life signed a paper or had anybody sign the paper. He would quote a price, they’d shake on it and that was the legal document, so my feeling is, I’d like that honored.”
Berry added “I’d like to be able to continue living on Meadowbrook Road. It would be a hardship for me if I had to start putting out thousands of dollars or whatever to keep the road going.”
Highway Superintendent Paul Basler explained the policy aims to protect town plowing equipment and address a shortage of plow drivers. He said the town maintains about 80 miles of accepted roads and 35 miles of unaccepted private roads.
“We are having a big problem getting these plow trucks in anymore because A, insurance rates are high, the price of trucks is 70 or 80 grand, and nobody wants to put a plow on a truck, or an 80 grand plow truck, and have the transmission blow, or have the truck break down because it hit something on the side of a road,” Basler said.
“We’re trying to save the private plows and trucks from damage,” He added. “We need to keep our old trucks running to serve everyone in town who pays taxes.”
The new rules require private roads to meet minimum width and clearance standards. According to Basler, most issues involve overgrown trees and brush that need trimming.
Board members acknowledged the policy rollout could have been handled better. Selectman Kim Emberg apologized for the late notification.
“I apologize for it not going out until now. We voted it August of 2023. My understanding was that notifications would go out then. They didn’t, so I am apologizing to everyone for that, and we are trying to remedy that in a future meeting,” Emberg said.
The board voted to hold a public hearing on Oct. 8 to further discuss the policy and potential modifications. They also requested updated information on which streets don’t meet requirements and what specific repairs are needed.
“We’re not trying to postpone it and not have it done being closer to November. We’re trying to solve it,” said Chairman Eric Crone. “I mean, I’m telling you, we’re all residents of the same town.”
Emberg suggested the board could consider delaying implementation for a year or making tweaks to address concerns while still protecting town equipment.
“We could keep the policy as it is, not change anything, which I don’t think is fair at this point, given that people didn’t have the notification that was intended,” she said.
“So that leaves us a middle ground, which is either delaying the policy until next year, or figuring out maybe some tweaks for this season to address the concerns about the trucks, but also try to get to as many private roads as possible.”
The public hearing on the private road plowing policy is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. in the Kingston Town House.

The Silver Lake Regional School Committee met onThursday, Sept. 5, for the first time since the school year began. Mark Guidoboni provided a SAFER update. He told the Committee that a Facilities Director notified the subcommittee that there were several HVAC failures throughout the buildings that could result in a loss of heat. “Come budget time next year, we’re going to have to make some decisions on these units and facilities going forward,” he explained. He explained that there may be some available funding sources.
He turned things over to Director of Finance and Operations Sarah Hickey to elaborate. She said, “As you know, there were changes in personnel and Mike Lawless, Director of Facilities, and I pretty much got up and running in January and so the money that was voted for the FY24 capital projects, we weren’t really getting going on spending in the spring and summer and so what I put together for you is a spreadsheet that has the fiscal year of when something was voted, what the project was, what the budget was, what has been expended, and then any balance or shortfall.” She continued, “Mike and I brought an idea to SAFER about having a comprehensive facilities study done and Mark mentioned HVAC repairs… we’re required by law to provide heat.” Hickey said that they were hoping to use the $100,000 for FY25 and the excess for FY24 unspent projects to fund a comprehensive study to guide the discussions of the Capital Committee in the future. She said that any money not spent on the study would go toward HVAC repairs. She added, “One of my big concerns since I got here is priorities of projects and I have to be honest with you, I sort of hit the roof when I found out that we spent a half a million dollars on tennis courts and we have portions of the building where the heat doesn’t work.”
Guidoboni explained, “I would like to vote to use the excess funding from the projects at $42,442.00 and the other revenue… so a total of $142,442.00… for an HVAC and comprehensive study.” Committee Chair Gordon Laws questioned whether it should be voted on as it wasn’t explicitly stated in the agenda. Committee member Jason Fraser said that since it was part of a subcommittee report the Committee could vote to accept the report with the recommended movement of capital included. Committee member Paula Hatch made a motion to reallocate the dollars in the capital plan for a comprehensive facility plan with the remainder of the funds being used for HVAC fixes. The Committee voted in favor of the motion.
Guidoboni also discussed the possibility of moving the administration building. The first of the three options is an $8 million, 8,000 square ft. building. The second option is renting or purchasing an off-site facility in one of the towns for around $1.8 million. The third option is to build a 4,000 square ft. annex adjacent to the existing building.
Guidoboni told the Committee that Kingston recently discussed establishing a school zone as a result of a safety audit that was done. He explained, “we didn’t have authority to have a school zone in the past. High schools did not qualify and our middle school was set too far back from the street to qualify… we went through this when we built the schools almost twenty years ago… the State changed the rules and allows high schools now to have school zones,” he explained. He said that Kingston voted in favor of putting a school zone together in front of the schools complete with a flashing sign. He said that they are looking for different funding sources to pay for the sign, etc. Guidoboni said that the Kingston Town Administrator said he has found all but $10k to $20k of that money. Guidoboni asked the Committee to vote to support a school zone along Pembroke St. in the mornings and afternoons. The Committee voted unanimously in favor of it.
Proposal for EV Charging Stations
The Committee listened to a presentation on a proposal for EV charging stations to be installed on the Silver Lake campus. A representative from Innovus Power told the Committee that they have installed about 1,000 ports in 15 different states. “There is a limited window that is closing on fast-charging rebates,” he explained. He further said that if they just did a station at the high school, they would offer a 20 percent profit share, but if they did one at the Kingston Elementary school as well, it would be 30 percent.
Asked where the stations would be located, they said there were two options. One would be on the corner of 27 and the senior/upper parking lot. The other option would be the first six spots next to the admin building. There was some concern discussed regarding safety issues with random people wandering around the school grounds while school is in session. The representative said that anecdotally people tend to sit in their car on their devices while charging. Asked about cost, it was said that the only potential cost would come with needing to ensure the spaces are free and clear of snow.
The representative said that the application submittal is not obligatory. “We can get you in line, but you don’t have to move forward even if you get an approval… the downside is if we miss the window, we miss the window,” he explained. The Committee voted in favor of submitting the application since it doesn’t bind them to a decision either way. Laws said, “I can tell you from my own personal standpoint… I am extremely interested in fighting even for nickels and dimes in terms of pulling in revenue and free cash flow given what could be… the challenges of our finances at the end of the year.” The Committee voted unanimously to submit an application “pursuant to further diligence, discussion, and final approval of the Committee.”
Potential Cell Phone Ban
Laws told the Committee that a concerned parent wrote to them expressing their desire for a schoolwide cell phone ban as has been adopted in other schools. Middle School Principal Becky Couet said that the policy in their school is that the phones need to remain in the students’ lockers. She said that a new teacher commented to her that he has never been in a school where he has never seen a phone until this one. Couet said that she doesn’t feel the need to have a stricter policy. High School Principal Michaela Gill said that they have a slightly laxer policy that prohibits phone usage during instructional time. Questions were asked regarding Apple watch usage, specifically regarding cheating. Gill answered that the teachers were savvy but noted that if a student really wants to cheat, they will find a way.
Principals’ Reports
Couet listed off some new teachers as well as a retirement. She said that she wanted to call attention to the front of the school and said that Amnesty ambassadors came in August to help organize the opening ceremonies for the school. She also said that she wanted to recognize the custodial efforts over the summer to get the school ready for the year.
Gill also provided a report. She recognized all of the student support and volunteerism that enabled them to do the Freshmen Orientation. She also asked the Committee for approval for an out-of-state spring trip to Carnegie Hall for chorus and band members. The Committee voted to allow the trip. Gill did note that any student who was accepted to perform wouldn’t be denied due to finances.
Gill told the Committee the Silver Lake Hall of Fame Committee reached out about fundraising for and creating a memorial on campus for Buddy Teevens. Teevens, who attended Silver Lake (Class of ’74), was the winningest coach in Dartmouth football history. He passed away last year. Laws said, “If you don’t know American football very well, Buddy Teevans was not just a great coach at Dartmouth, he actually changed the game across America. His practices of how he managed his team to reduce injuries and head injuries and things like that have generally speaking been adopted everywhere.”
Gill also said that an issue of MIAA eligibility came up for students who are now attending a state-sponsored virtual high school. She said that after investigating it they found out that permission could be granted for such instances. A Committee member asked if the same was true for charter and home school students. Gill said that home-schooled children were absolutely eligible to participate in district sports though she wasn’t sure about the charter school issue.
Gill said that the School Resource Officer Richard Allen has made many connections with students who might otherwise struggle to make meaningful connections. She said that he is heavily involved with boxing and several students have expressed interest and even attended the gym where he boxes. As a result of growing interest, the Police Department is looking to establish the Kingston Police Boxing Club which would be open only to Silver Lake students. The Committee voted to approve the request to share the flyer.
Student Representative Carissa Smith addressed the Committee. She told them that the first football game would be the following day. Spirit Week as well as an in-school Student Council retreat and NHS induction are both coming up soon. The main thing she spoke about was Silver Lake hosting the SEMASC (Southeastern Massachusetts Association of Student Councils).
Assistant Superintendent Report
Assistant Superintendent Tricia Clifford addressed the Committee. She said that she has been working on ESSER title grants to fund various things throughout the District. She also said that she worked on new teacher orientation on August 21 where they spent time discussing the strategy for district improvement.
Superintendent Jill Proulx spoke next. She said that in August they had a training with legal on new Title IX requirements. She introduced some of the new staff including Clifford, new Athletic Director Richard Swanson, and new Integrated Preschool Principal Sarah Chick.
SLEA Update
New Silver Lake Education Association (SLEA) President Jessica Drew addressed the Committee. She called their roles as educators more than a job saying it was a “passion and identity.”
Legislative Update
Committee member Jason Fraser said that over the summer he spent considerable time working with the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators (MAVA). He said there is a bill on the table that would create a blind lottery for CTE admissions. He said that MAVA is staunchly against the bill. “The ultimate goal is to increase funding for CTE programming so every single student in the Commonwealth will have access to a seat in a CTE program if they so desire,” Fraser said.

Alan Ingram
Express correspondent
HALIFAX – The town will hold a Special Town Meeting on December 16 to address zoning changes, including a proposed MBTA Communities overlay district.
The Zoning Bylaw Review Committee has completed its work after a year-long process, presenting two main recommendations for consideration.
Board of Selectmen Chairman John Bruno explained, “We’re making two recommendations. One is a revision and updating to the current zoning bylaw. It’s very detailed.”
The proposed changes include reorganized sections, combined definitions, and updates to the site plan review process. A new section on accessory dwelling units has been added to match recent state law changes.
“And we added in a section on blighted properties, which gives the town a little bit more ability to deal with properties that have become an eyesore, become dangerous, that type of thing,” Bruno said.
The most significant proposal addresses the MBTA Communities law, which requires towns to establish a zoning overlay district allowing multifamily dwellings within a half-mile radius of train stations.
After reading a brief statement explaining his concerns with the mandate for an overlay district, Bruno described the proposed solution: “What we are proposing then is to place an overlay zone on this area, identifying Twin Lakes development property and certain abutting property to more precisely describe what is already in place.”
The proposed overlay district largely encompasses the existing Twin Lakes Condominiums development, which already supports multifamily housing.
“Since the law does not require that anything new actually be built, and since Halifax already has an area supporting a multifamily development, putting the proposed zoning change in place resolves any issue about compliance with the state decree,” Bruno explained. “I liken what we are proposing to giving a fresh coat of paint to an existing wall. Nothing of substance changes except what it is being called.”
Town Administrator Cody Haddad noted that the state has preliminarily approved the town’s plan, with only minor adjustments requested.
The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to submit the proposed zoning bylaw changes and the MBTA zoning bylaw changes to the Planning Board for a public hearing.
The Special Town Meeting on Dec. 16 will provide residents the opportunity to vote on these proposed changes.
Halifax is set to lose approximately $185,000 in annual revenue due to changes in state regulations regarding marijuana dispensaries. Haddad explained that the 3% impact fee the town had been collecting from two local dispensaries will no longer be allowed under new state regulations. “Between the two dispensaries for the last fiscal year was around $185,000,” Haddad said.
The Board voted unanimously to approve a new Host Community Agreement template for one of the dispensaries, Flower & Soul, which removes the 3% impact fee but maintains other aspects of the original agreement.
Haddad noted that the town believes the new regulations do not apply retroactively to existing agreements. “We feel as though the legislation and the regulations that change that 3% are not retroactively applied to host community agreements that were signed prior to that date,” he said.
In other business, the Board interviewed three candidates for a newly formed Town Government Study Committee.
The committee will review Halifax’s current governmental structure and potentially recommend changes.
Sandy Dolan, the recently retired town accountant with 15 years of experience, expressed her willingness to serve. “I have a lot of municipal knowledge, not just of the way municipalities run, but the way the town of Halifax runs,” Dolan said.
Mary Gravinese raised concerns about the committee’s potential time commitment. “Looking at two years of this, I could never commit to that,” Gravinese stated, emphasizing the need for efficiency. She had previously petitioned Town Meeting to increase the size of the Board of Selectmen to five members.
Jim Walters highlighted the importance of public input. “We need to have public meetings, talk to the people out in the town, send out surveys through whatever fashion we want to send out surveys, look for input and feedback from them,” Walters suggested.
Board member Jonathan Selig expressed enthusiasm for the diverse perspectives represented by the candidates. “I think some of the best committees don’t always agree on everything,” Selig noted.
The Board plans to keep the application process open until Sept. 18 and make appointments at their next meeting on September 24. One candidate is already scheduled to interview on the 24th.
Chairman John Bruno stressed the significance of the committee’s task. “This is a big effort. What we’re trying to do is consider reorganizing how government works in Halifax. And it’s not something that we can make a decision on quickly.”

The Kingston Board of Selectmen met on Tuesday, Aug. 27. The Kingston School Committee called a joint meeting with the Selectmen to interview candidates for a vacancy left by Timothy Lewis’ recent resignation. The seat would be filled by appointment until the May election.
Candidates Sheila Vaughn and Ronnie Litif took turns making statements. Vaughn, who has been a resident of Kingston for 20 years, said that she has three children ranging from six years old to a senior in high school. She noted that she served on the School Committee for nine years as well as having served as a Selectman for four. Additionally, she is currently active on the Affordable Housing Trust. Vaughn said that she felt her experience would come in handy, particularly as the town heads into budget season.
Litif told the Selectmen that he has four children with the youngest being just a year old and the oldest being in fifth grade. “Last year, all of the budget stuff was kind of alarming to me, and I started showing up to meetings,” Litif said. “I have probably too many ideas my wife would say.” He said that he is a baseball coach in town and his wife is on the PTO. “Whatever you guys decide is going to be best for the schools that’s what I hope,” he concluded.
The School Committee members and Selectmen then interviewed each of the candidates. Both were asked if they would run for the seat come the election. Litif said he would consider it, but not commit to it. Vaughn, on the other hand, said she probably would run for the three-year seat if she’s going to be on the Committee for the next several months. Vaughn also touted the fact that she was already accustomed to the time commitment, saying it was much more than once a month. Crone asked Litif if he has ever been involved in any kind of committee that followed parliamentary rules. He answered that he had not done anything beyond instructional baseball. Both were asked what their goals were and both answered that saving teachers’ jobs would be high on the priority list.
Selectman Kimberley Emberg said that it was a “tough” choice between new ideas versus experience. School Committee member Jeanne Coleman said that given the difficult budget season they were entering into, she felt that Vaughn’s experience would be invaluable. Both Crone and Coleman said that regardless of whether Litif was selected or not, they would hope that he would continue to be involved and share ideas.
Vaughn was voted in unanimously. Litif left everyone laughing after saying that he probably would have voted for her too. He did let everyone know that he would continue to share his myriads of ideas including potential solar on the roof of the school in exchange for a free, new roof. Many in the room echoed the sentiment that they hoped he would run for a different seat or one of the two available seats on the School Committee come election time.
Town Administrator Keith Hickey addressed some concerns about EEE. “I’ve heard a couple of comments about something the Board of Health may be doing or should be doing regarding EEE. I had a conversation with our Health Agent who has been communicating with the Board of Health. Our Health Agent is reviewing the current status of the EEE situation in Kingston as well as some of the neighboring communities. At this point, fields and outdoor town properties are still open for use. If there is a need to potentially close from dusk to dawn, like Plymouth has recently done, could be a recommendation. That will occur at a public Board of Health meeting,” Hickey said.
Hickey addressed some changes to their agreement with the business Elevated Roots due to changes in State law. State legislation has modified the three percent franchise fee that allowed three percent of the gross sales to be paid to the town. “The town would need to provide expenses that are eligible to be reimbursed by the organization to be refunded to the town… frankly, I believe there have been little to no costs associated with having Elevated Roots here in town… they’ve expanded their business from retail to now growing.” He called them a “good corporate neighbor.” He said they now get a percentage of the sales from growing as well as retail. “Our revenues have increased as a community because Elevated Roots has expanded their business as they said they would,” he explained.
There was a request for several one-day liquor licenses for Forty Second Brew Co. at the Weir Family Christmas Tree Farm for the dates of 11/29, 11/30, 12/1, 12/7, 12/8, 12/14, and 12/15 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. “The application has been reviewed and signed by the Fire and Police Chiefs and all documentation has been received,” Crone said. The Selectmen voted unanimously to approve.
Hickey said that he met with the Police Chief, Fire Chief, Streets, Trees, and Parks, Superintendent, Planning Director, and school staff members to identify a school zone that they believe complies with State law. He said that it was submitted to a traffic consultant and engineer for their review and concurrence. A request to take the costs associated with the project, approximately $59k, from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds will be made in coming week. Hickey noted that those funds plus just over $11,000 needed for fiber optic improvements would likely be the end of available ARPA money. The Board voted unanimously to approve the $11k and move the approval of the $59k to a meeting at a later date.
The Board also discussed the possibility of establishing a “no jake brake: area on a portion of Main St. He said that despite Mass DOT and Old Colony Planning’s hesitation that such a restriction can be enforced, the Police Chief feels that they could police it through a noise ordinance. Police Chief Brian Holmes read from the law that he believed enabled the Board to make a specific section of the road a no exhaust brake zone. He did note that “jake brake” is a specific brand and not a general type of brake. Selectman Donald Alcombright said that he was against the restriction saying that he believed that driver safety should supersede a noise complaint. Alcombright said, “These are implemented for truckers for a reason and if it’s not breaking noise levels, they should be allowed to use what’s in their vehicle to stop their vehicle.”
Crone said he was in favor of it. Hickey said that the hope was that it would become a “learned behavior” that using a jake brake would not “be acceptable behavior in Kingston.” Emberg recommended holding off on the vote until they had a “full Board” as she sensed that the vote might end up 2-2. The Board agreed to table the vote.
Hickey said that Governor Healey recently passed the Heroes Act that allows local control for communities for additional tax exemptions for veterans who are property owners. He said that the Board of Assessors would be reviewing the legislation and making a recommendation. “It’s important to understand that any monies that are shifted from veterans… its not a reduction in taxes, it’s being shifted to those who aren’t veterans,” Hickey said. He called it a “bit of a balancing act” noting that they would take into account “what the community can afford.”
Hickey said that the Water Commissioners decided not to bring a warrant article forth for the funding of a new well on the Kelleher property. He expressed dismay saying that a lack of new water connections would mean continuing the water ban which would have detrimental effects on residents.
Hickey also said that he and the Conservation Agent met with Brockton’s Mayor about the amount of water that’s being withdrawn from Silver Lake for the city of Brockton. He said that the Mayor said that Brockton had additional repair work that required that they withdraw more water than normal from the lake. Hickey said that the work is now done and the water being withdrawn should be back to acceptable levels.
Longtime Streets, Trees, and Parks Superintendent Paul Basler is retiring. Hickey said they are considering changes to the position, but said if there are no changes, they will post the position as-is soon.
During their meeting, the Selectmen also voted unanimously to declare September as Suicide Prevention Month.

Alan Ingram
Express correspondent
Halifax will hold a special town meeting on Dec. 16 to address MBTA Communities zoning requirements and other zoning changes. The Select Board set the date during its Aug. 27 meeting, citing the need to comply with state regulations by year’s end.
Town Administrator Cody Haddad outlined a timeline leading up to the December meeting. The planning board is expected to hold a public hearing on proposed zoning changes around Oct. 18, with the special town meeting warrant closing on Nov. 4.
“We would have liked to have had this done earlier…we were able to send it back to the state for kind of a preliminary approval,” said Select Board Chair John Bruno. “We sent it to them and said, well, do you see any problems?”
Haddad noted the state took 97 days to respond with only minor changes required.
“It’s unfortunate we have to wait until practically the 11th hour to hold the special town meeting, but it was beyond our control to do that,” Bruno added. “It also has to be done. We do have to make a vote.”
The town must comply with MBTA Communities zoning regulations by Dec. 31 to remain compliant with the law and remain eligible for many state grants.
Board member Jonathan Selig stated, “Am I psyched that it’s in December? No. But I feel better that we didn’t try to push this through any faster than we can because you really can’t. You have to follow what we need to follow.”
The board plans to review all zoning articles and make recommendations to the planning board at its Sept. 10 meeting. They will also vote to open the special town meeting warrant, set to close on Nov. 4.
A public workshop on MBTA zoning with the Old Colony Planning Council and state delegates is planned for the week of Oct. 8.
The board agreed to mail out the warrant to all residents to ensure widespread awareness of the proposed changes.
“Where you say this is a lot of moving parts, I’m a fan of actually sending it out to folks in advance,” Selig said.
The special town meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Dec. 16, with Dec. 17 set as a backup date in case of inclement weather or lack of quorum.
Haddad also presented a comprehensive update on the town’s goals, highlighting numerous accomplishments.
“I think what you see is we have done a lot in the town in the past year,” Haddad said. “This is a testament to you guys on the board, but really the staff here. You don’t accomplish these things without a really good team in place.”
Key achievements included securing a $75,000 grant for online permitting services, combining part-time positions to create more efficient full-time roles, and adopting a code of conduct for elected and appointed officials.
Selig reacted, “I am floored at how much we’ve done in a year, and kudos to you, Cody, and kudos to the board, and kudos to people here at town hall.”
The board will now focus on developing new goals for the upcoming year. Haddad emphasized the importance of aligning future objectives with the board’s vision for the town.
“This is a good opportunity for us to reflect and pivot,” Haddad said. “As the chief policy makers of the town, the direction that you want to see go in the next year, several years, right? Because this isn’t a yearly document.”
The board approved an agreement with National Grid to install four level 3 electric vehicle charging stations near HOPS Playground. The $296,000 project will be fully funded by National Grid and its partners, with no cost to the town.
Level 3 chargers are “fast chargers”, with charging time measured in minutes instead of hours. The board praised Energy Manager Kathy Stanley for her work on a number of energy initiatives, including these chargers.
The board also addressed the recent elevation of Halifax to high risk for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Aerial spraying is set to begin in the town, with residents advised to check the Board of Health website for precautions.
“Bob Valery, our health agent, does an excellent job of keeping that updated,” Haddad said.
The Board also met the night before, Aug. 26, with a single focus, interviewing representatives from two law firms as potential new town counsel, exploring options to enhance legal services for the municipality.
They met with attorneys from Clifford & Kenny and Mead, Talerman & Costa to discuss their approaches to municipal law, experience, and fee structures.
Both firms emphasized their expertise in land use and zoning issues, which Select Board Chair John Bruno identified as a primary concern for Halifax.
“Our bigger issue is probably zoning and land use, some general government stuff, making sure that our town meeting runs efficiently,” Bruno said.
The board expressed interest in training programs for volunteer board members, particularly in technical areas like conservation and zoning.
Jay Talerman of Mead, Talerman & Costa highlighted their firm’s commitment to education, stating, “We do all of that. Now, sometimes it doesn’t require curriculum as much as it does like a let’s get around the table and talk about it kind of thing.”
John Clifford of Clifford & Kenny emphasized their firm’s responsiveness and accessibility, noting, “If there’s something serious going on, and it doesn’t happen that often, but when there’s a crisis going on, it’s mainly Jamie and I, we’ll get calls from all the board members on a regular basis, and that includes nights and weekends.”
Both firms discussed their approaches to town meeting preparation and attendance, with representatives from each firm assuring the board they would prioritize Halifax’s annual meeting.
The Select Board is expected to make a decision on new town counsel soon, with board members indicating they would check references before finalizing their choice. Town counsel contract was one of the stated reasons for an executive session at the start of the August 27 meeting.

A public hearing was held during the Aug. 13 Halifax Board of Selectmen’s meeting to determine whether a dog is a nuisance or dangerous dog. The hearing stemmed from a complaint regarding a dog owned by Tabor McSherry.
Halifax’s Animal Control Officer (ACO) testified first. He said that the victim, Robert Wheeler, had a dog run up to him and his dog in his backyard. The offending dog started a fight with the victim’s dog. The dog was taken for a 10-day quarantine.
The ACO said, “from there, I figured the situation was solved and hopefully this wouldn’t happen again. Five days later, on June 24… I got another call… as I was pulling up to the scene I saw two officers… speaking with a female who was the dog walker of Tabor’s dog… I went over to talk to the victim, Mr. Wheeler… I then went and talked to the dog walker.” He continued, “I talked with Tabor on the phone once again and tried to explain to him how two bites in less than a week is a very bad situation to be in.”
The dog reportedly got loose when one of the prongs on it’s collar broke off allowing the dog to get free. The dog was described as a tan and white mixed hound approximately 50-60 lbs. He is also described as being “fairly muscular” and “lean.” Selectmen Chair John Bruno asked the ACO what his impression of the dog was upon handling him. “I could tell that he was dog aggressive… was looking to initiate the fight with the dog… but when I had custody of him he didn’t seem aggressive to me at all, seemed very good on the leash with me… overall was very good with people; didn’t seem aggressive to any of the officers on scene.”
Wheeler described the incidents as a “horrific attack” and said that the dog tried to rip his dog’s face off. He further stated that he no longer likes any dogs and is very fearful of them now. He said that the nurse at the Minute Clinic he went to told him he should go to the hospital due to injuries sustained to his arm.
Wheeler called the dog “vicious” and said it came directly into his living room. Selectman Jonathan Selig asked if he felt the injuries he sustained were from breaking up the fight between the dogs or the dog attacking him primarily. He said, “Either way, I still got bit.” He went on to say that he now stands in his doorway daily worrying if the dog is coming.
Town Counsel showed Wheeler a picture and asked him if it was an accurate photograph of what his arm looked like following the attack. He confirmed that it was.
McSherry, who has had the dog since February, testified next. “On the day of the first incident the dog was with the dog walker and had brought the dog into the backyard – it is a fenced-in back yard… she forgot to latch the gate which is how the dog initially escaped… so my dog went straight down the street and attacked his dog from what I heard. I wasn’t informed about the incident until about 8 o’clock that night,” McSherry said. He explained that on the day of the second incident, he picked up the prong collar from the Police Station. He also stated that he had hired a new dog walker. “Unbeknownst to me… that collar was broken so as soon as he went out the door that collar came right off of him and he took off down the street and attacked that same dog again,” McSherry said. Asked what type of dog he is, McSherry said he was a rescue but he believed he is a pointer. Bruno asked if he was licensed and was told he was not.
Bruno also asked McSherry if he has taken any steps to stop this type of event from happening again. McSherry responded that they have a new protocol now including wearing a harness and using a double-ended leash that latches to both the collar and harness. Selig asked if there were any other incidents regarding the dog and he said that an unleashed dog ran up to his dog and bit him in the face. He cited that since then, the dog has been apprehensive toward other dogs. Town Counsel confirmed that the only people who walk the dogs are McSherry and the new dog walker. Town Counsel also confirmed that the dog is typically friendly toward people, including children.
The current dog walker who was involved with the second incident also testified. She said that the dog was very comfortable with her despite it only being the second time she had met the dog. She said that the collar broke allowing the dog to get free and take off and eventually into Wheeler’s open door. She said that in addition to the double-end leash, she also keeps a leash wrapped around her waist. They asked her about her certifications and were told that she is a dog trainer. Selig said, “do you consider this dog to be reactive to all dogs?” She called him “more dog selective” meaning the dog can get along with some dogs but not others. She was asked in her opinion if the dog posed a risk and confirmed that she didn’t believe it did. Selig also asked her if she was bitten when separating the two dogs and she confirmed that she was.
The Animal Inspector, Brian Kling, spoke next explaining that he is the one who manages the quarantine which he said is strictly to vet for rabies. He said that the animal shelter, where the dog was staying, is akin to a prison for humans and noted that some dogs react poorly to being housed there. He said that it can cause them to be aggressive upon release, but he said he didn’t experience that.
The responding officer to the first incident also testified. He shared photographs he took when responding to the incident. He also shared that Wheeler was in fact bleeding.
Bruno explained they have three options. One, decide that the complaints should be dismissed. The other two options were to determine whether the dog was a nuisance dog or a dangerous dog. According to Bruno, nuisance refers to “activity which arises from unreasonable, unwarranted, or unlawful use by a person injuring the right of another and producing material annoyance, inconvenience, and discomfort.” Town Counsel said that deeming a dog a “nuisance” allows the Board to make a number of determinations regarding actions that must be taken. Deeming a dog a dangerous dog, on the other hand, limits which actions can be taken with the most extreme being that it is put down. Demanding that the dog be kept confined to a structure also falls under the dangerous category. “Nuisance you have a wide range of discretion,” Town Counsel explained.
Town Counsel said that the court would ask that the Selectmen “apply common sense.” Bruno said that his definition of a dangerous dog would be one that can’t live in society without extreme measures taken, up to and including euthanasia. Bruno said, “I think that this particular dog sounds to me that it needs some additional socialization and training.” He further said that he would like to declare the dog a nuisance dog with certain conditions that go along with that, most of which he said are already in place since the incident. Selig agreed with Bruno’s assessment. Selectman Thomas Pratt, however said that he believed the dog should be treated as a dangerous dog due to the two incidents happening in quick succession.
Bruno made a motion that they declare the dog a nuisance dog. Selig seconded it. Bruno and Selig voted in favor of the motion while Pratt voted against it. Majority won and the dog was declared a nuisance.
The ACO said that regarding conditions, he would recommend the double leashing and possibly the waist leash as well. He also said that a muzzle may want to be considered. “I think confining this dog to the property is a little extreme, especially for the type of breed that this is… it needs to be walked… get that exercise,” he said. He also recommended dog-on-dog training to remedy aggression toward some dogs. Kling also spoke again saying he recommended a minimum of a 6 ft. fence in the yard as well as having a backup dog walker that knows the requirements and how to handle the dog.
Bruno said, as part of the order, he would like a written plan for additional training for the dog. He also advocated for the triple leashing as well as a muzzle for a determined amount of time. Selig said his three things were the triple restraint, the 6 ft. fence, and a plan for a trained professional backup dog walker. He said he didn’t see a reason for a muzzle. Kling said, “muzzling the dog while the dog is out in public is a good short-term answer.”
The Selectmen voted to declare the dog a nuisance dog who has to be triple-restrained when off the property, including a muzzle. Secondly, the yard must be enclosed entirely by a secure 6-ft. fence, at a minimum. Thirdly, a written training plan must be submitted by the Selectmen’s next meeting. The dog must also be licensed in the town.

The Halifax Conservation Commission met on Tuesday, August 13. Chair Alan Dias was joined by Co-chair Kathy Evans and member Edward Lane.
A public hearing was held for a stormwater management permit at 265 Monponsett St. The request was filed in May by JDE Civil Inc. on behalf of the applicant Thorndike Development. Thorndike Development plans to build a 3-story, 30-unit 55+ senior housing facility. The building is set to be built beside the new senior center which will be gifted to the town by Thorndike. New pickleball courts, a pool, a pool house, and associated parking garages are also included.
President and principal engineer at JDE Civil, Gregory Driscoll, gave a presentation on their plans. He said that all other necessary boards and commissions had reviewed the plans and provided comment. Pat Brennan of PGB Engineering said he reviewed the plan for both the Conservation Commission for the stormwater management and the Planning Board for the site plan review. He said that all his original comments have since been addressed by JDE Civil.
Several members of the public were concerned with the project resulting in flooding for them after efforts were already taken on their behalf to remediate existing flooding. An abutter asked if she could expect flooding after installing her own French drain and was ensured there wouldn’t be any.
Joseph Tonello, who owns 284 Monponsett St. (Shelby Plaza), asked how many bedrooms there would be in the planned building. He explained that the amount of water going into the building and subsequently returned to the draining ditches was determined not by bathrooms but bedrooms. He was told there would be 24 one-bedroom units with the rest being two bedroom.
Patricia Sullivan said that Halifax Meadows did a big water diversion project a few years ago. As a resident there she was looking for assurance that this project wouldn’t cause a problem to resurface. Driscoll said that no problems should reoccur and added that the plans were in accordance with DEP regulations and the Water Protection Act. Still another resident asked if the new project would be raising elevations. Driscoll said, “we are raising some portions of the site.”
Dias asked for an explanation of some of the basics of stormwater for the sake of the public. Driscoll explained, “a detention basin would be a basin that just holds the water; it doesn’t allow any water to recharge into the ground… an infiltration basin… is designed for water to infiltrate to the bottom and recharge the groundwater table.” Brennan added, “the main thing is that you cannot increase post development runoff off site; the other thing is that you are supposed to kind of mirror what happens today with what goes into the ground now – you basically have to put the same amount back into the ground in post development… obviously when you pave a site you’re blocking it from going into the ground so you have to put these artificial… either they’re open air basins or sub surface infiltration basins. That’s the mechanism to get that water back into the ground.”
Dias told Driscoll that he didn’t feel that the plan was complete enough to close the hearing. “In my conversations with the Health Department, there were still some issues to be resolved,” Dias said. He suggested that they continue the hearing. Following Dias saying he believed the Conservation Commission was the final town board to give approval, Amy L. Troup spoke saying that the Planning Board had not yet approved the site plan. The Conservation Commission voted to continue the hearing to August 27.
They also held a hearing for a stormwater management permit for the proposed project at 266 Monponsett St., across the street from the previous one discussed. Brennan spoke saying that while the previous project retained approximately 75,000 cubic ft. this project is retaining around 8,000 cubic ft. Dias confirmed that the Fire Chief asked for specific changes that were included in the plan.
Tonello asked what the elevations are “today” on the property “before you start filling stuff.” He was told 73 ft. “My system though is 5 ft. above the parking lot; I just had it replaced and there is no way there’s only 3 ft. from the top of my system to the existing property there right now,” Tonello said. He continued, “I stand on your property, my septic system is over my head – I’m a lot taller than 3 ft.” He noted that his system cost $180,000. Tonello added, “I’m not here to stop this, I’m here to make sure it doesn’t impact me.” Dias said that sometimes the elevations can be off a foot because the computers don’t “take a shot every 25 ft.” Dias asked Brennan if he was comfortable with the plan. Brennan said, “all proposed impervious surfaces on site will discharge to those infiltration systems.”
Dias asked Driscoll how they planned to address the number of trucks that it will take to complete the plan. Dias said that he estimated that it would take over 700 trucks to fill the site and another 300 for the development. Dias also said he had spoken to the Police Chief and there were concerns. “We can’t have half a dozen trucks backed up… that’s going to cause a major problem at that intersection,” Dias told Driscoll. He did note that the issue was likely outside the purview of the Conservation Commission.
Brennan said that they had submitted a plan from the traffic engineer that showed solar operated blinking yellow lights at the crosswalk and advanced warning signs saying that there is a crosswalk ahead. “They’ve committed to installing that infrastructure to make that a safer cross there,” Brennan said. The Commission voted to continue the hearing to August 27.
The Commission also interviewed Paul Doucette to fill an opening on the Commission. They voted unanimously to send a letter to the Selectmen informing them of their recommendation to appoint Doucette.

The Plympton Board of Selectmen met on Monday, Aug. 5. Alyssa Papantonakis from the Old Colony Planning Council presented an update on the 2017 Housing Production Plan. Selectman John Traynor said that a similar presentation was given at the library and was met with “great enthusiasm.” Papantonakis described the Old Colony Planning Council or OCPC as “a regional planning agency created in 1967 to improve the physical, social, and economic conditions of the district.” She explained affordable housing and said that a household is considered “house burdened” if they spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing-related costs.
She said that households qualify for affordable housing if they are at or below 80 percent of the area’s median income. According to Papantonakis the median income for a family of four in Plympton is $97,800. “If under 10 percent of the housing stock is affordable, local zoning boards of appeals can approve affordable housing development proposals under flexible rules,” she explained. Plympton is currently around 4-5 percent. From 2000 to 2020, Plympton’s population grew 11 percent. She also said that 22.8 percent of owner-occupied homes and 45 percent of renter-occupied homes are house burdened. Papantonakis went over a “menu” of possible solutions.
Selectman Mark Russo asked if anything set Plympton apart from other towns in terms of their needs. He was told that Plympton’s topography and wetlands as well as its small size sets them apart. It was also said that compared to neighboring communities, Plympton has a high subsidized housing inventory (SHI) at around 5 percent. Russo also asked, “when we get our accessory dwelling unit program really built up, will an ADU [Accessory Dwelling Units] count toward the 10 percent of stock?” He was told that in the State’s most recent iteration of the Housing Bond Bill, ADUs are allowed to built as of right in single-family zoning districts.
Town Administrator Liz Dennehy asked, “Where would you say we’re at as far as the ADUs and the timeframe – like say we wanted to apply for a technical assistance grant to get your help with maybe looking at what we have in place for our ADU bylaw, maybe along with this housing bond bill if that language is in fact implemented, and seeing about a way that we could make better use of it, like actually get our residents to understand what they might be allowed to do with their property.” She continued, “There are people here in town that maybe aren’t even aware that we have some of these regulations in place to assist them if maybe they have a family member who needs to downsize and maybe they want to come live with them.” She was told that Mass Housing Partnership (MHP) might have something available to help with that. Papantonakis also mentioned the District and Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) which becomes available once a year. Dennehy noted that they have taken advantage of DLTA in recent years.
Regarding the plan, the Selectmen were told that the plan would not be adopted until accepted by the Planning Board. “If you’re looking for technical assistance or other support for ADUs or any of this, having an adopted Housing Production Plan is additional points,” one of the representatives from OCPC said.
The Selectmen also reviewed the Code of Conduct for boards and committees and considered it for adoption. Dennehy explained, “the idea was to give boards and committees, in particular, but also department heads to give them some tools that they could use that if they were encountering a difficult situation, either with a member of the public or an employee, something of that nature; it would just be another tool in the toolkit to have something concrete to point to and utilize for documentation purposes.” Dennehy further said that she hoped it would be a reminder to people that “we are on the same team.” She told the Selectmen that she was looking for approval of the concept from them, noting that she planned to get feedback from boards, committees, and department heads before finalizing the document.
During her update, Dennehy said that Selectman Dana Smith donated a P.A. system for the Townhouse. Dennehy said that Area 58 would assist in getting it up and running. “Our people in the audience should hopefully be able to hear us and we should be able to hear them… so big thank you to Dana for setting us up with that system,” Dennehy said.
Dennehy told the Selectmen that Erik and Katrina Player resigned from the Recreation Commission leaving two open positions. The Selectmen also voted to appoint Deborah Batson to the Council on Aging Board effective August 5 through June 30, 2027.
The Selectmen ended their meeting with their raves. Traynor said that the Recreation Commission came to the library on Saturday. “It’s just amazing, the work they have been doing,” he said. He said that the Commission is hoping to get someone to fill the open positions that has experience with construction and project management. He said that they are working on a walking trail around Holt Field that will be accessible by a wide array of people. Selectman Mark Russo said his rave was for some progress by the OCPC on housing as well as the progress on the Code of Conduct. “And actually the one I’m really excited about is Town Counsel coming to the next meeting and updating us on some ongoing litigation,” Russo said. Dennehy said that her rave was for the community liaison for Eversource who pointed her in the direction of a grant opportunity that allows for Eversource to donate $2,000 toward National Night Out in partnership with the Firefighter’s Association.

Alan Ingram
Express correspondent
Kingston Selectmen voted July 30 to classify two Great Danes as “dangerous dogs” following three separate delivery driver biting incidents, imposing containment and liability insurance requirements on the owners.
The board voted 3-2 to deem the dogs, named Hank and Bert, as dangerous after hearing testimony about attacks that occurred on April 4, May 4 and July 14 at the home of Jenna Goldstein on Raboth Road.
Along with the “dangerous dog” classification, Goldstein must construct a secure enclosure with a roof for the dogs, obtain liability insurance of at least $100,000 per dog, and have the animals neutered.
Animal Control Officer Sonya Buckner recommended the dangerous designation, citing the repeated incidents.
“It’s three bites, whether they’re gentle giants or not,” Buckner said. “Who’s to say if she walks them off the property? I don’t know how they’re going to be. So our role as public safety officers is to make sure that nothing like this happens again and that we’re not here in another three, four months because something else has happened.”
Goldstein argued she had taken steps to prevent further incidents, including installing delivery instructions, a drop box, and signage warning of dogs on the property. She said the dogs have never had issues with visitors or family members.
“From the start here, I was already putting measures in to kind of protect the dogs, protect people from coming to the house,” Goldstein said. “I am taking this very seriously and I’m very sorry that this did happen”
Board member Kim Emberg expressed reservations about the dangerous classification, suggesting a nuisance designation instead.
“This isn’t like they’re running down the street attacking random people. They were acting as I would expect a dog in a safe, believed to be safe, place of their own, protecting their home,” Emberg said.
However, board member Tyler Bouchard argued the repeated incidents warranted the stricter designation.
“We’re not dealing with one, we’re not dealing with two, we’re dealing with three,” Bouchard said. “And respectfully, this could have been stopped at one. It’s our job now.”
The board set a Sept. 30 deadline for Goldstein to comply with the new requirements, with the option for an extension if needed.

The Halifax Board of Selectmen met on Tuesday, July 23. They began by entering into executive session to discuss negotiations with the Assistant Town Accountant as well as to discuss strategy with respect to litigation involving Morse Brothers. After returning to open session, the Selectmen approved a Memorandum of Agreement with the Assistant Town Accountant for a temporary pay increase while they are without a Town Accountant in the office.
Selectmen Chair John Bruno said, “We were made aware recently that Morse Brothers had started or were engaged in trucking what we think is sand, gravel, or some such thing off of their property over the last week or so, couple of weeks, I guess. Once we were made aware of that we discussed with Counsel what to do and the result of that is that the Board has issued a letter to Morse Brothers constituting a cease-and-desist order and an assessment of a fine for multiple violations of the town of Halifax’s soil removal bylaw.” He noted that the letter, which he read during the meeting, had been sent on July 18. A portion of the letter read, “the recent earth removal was not authorized by the soil removal permit because Morse Brothers had already removed almost all of the soil authorized by the soil removal permit. By letter dated May 3, 2024, Attorney Rosenberg stated that 19,908 yards of sand/earth had been removed from the property during the period of February 12, 2024 to April 5, 2024.” The letter also noted that the total earth removal allowed by the bylaw was plus or minus 20,000 cubic yards. Bruno told those assembled that they had been advised by Counsel not to discuss the matter any further in open session.
“Almost a year ago, the Selectmen… reinstituted the Zoning Bylaw Review Committee with a charge to review Zoning Bylaw taking into account all kinds of issues… including the potential for the MBTA Zoning that we do need to address by the end of the year,” Bruno said. He complimented the Committee, including the Building Commissioner and Town Administrator on their work on the large task. He said that he anticipated them having their recommendations ready for the next Town Meeting. Town Administrator Cody Haddad said that there were some “changes of substance” and noted that they would try and hold some public workshops to explain.
Library trustees appointed
The Selectmen met with the Library Trustees for some appointments. The Board spoke with Tina Palmer and Holly Dillon regarding their appointments from now until the election in May. Both spoke to their many qualifications before being unanimously appointed by the Board. “That’s two fantastic resume’s right there,” Bruno said.
Government study committee
The Selectmen also discussed the Government Study Committee that is being created to review the town’s governmental structure. Haddad read, “the Government Study Committee shall consist of seven members, five of which shall be voting members, one representative from the Board of Selectmen, four other members at-large appointed by the Board of Selectmen, the Town Administrator and Town Counsel; the Board of Selectmen representative shall serve as Chair of the Committee. The Selectmen are taking talent bank forms for consideration during the first Board of Selectmen meeting in September.
ARPA funds change
Haddad addressed the need for a change in the allocation of ARPA funds for Silver Lake. “The Board had previously allocated $463,380 to fund Halifax’s portion of air conditioning at Silver Lake that was initially supposed to install air conditioning at both the Middle School and the High School; they have gone out to bid on that project and that has come in over budget by $262,980 and that’s actually only going to do half of the AC at the Middle School,” Haddad said. He also said that there was another project to install a rooftop unit on the High School cafeteria. Halifax funded their portion of over $100,000 during Town Meeting; that project came in at a deficit. He asked the Selectmen to move the money around to better meet the needs of the projects though he noted that there was no net increase.
Summer Intern
Haddad told the Selectmen that their intern, Eva Chapman, created a monthly newsletter in order to assist with transparency with the town. Chapman is a rising high school senior. She did an interview with Town Accountant Sandra Nolan upon her retiring, among other stories. She said she was also hoping to come out with a video newsletter. Chapman said that she is also trying a new initiative to highlight different local businesses.
Summer Smash!
Before adjourning, Selectman Jonathan Selig said that the 20th annual summer smash softball tournament, which he called one of the largest in Eastern Massachusetts, would be occurring during August 2, 3, and 4. He warned residents that there would be a lot of people in town during those days. “It’s a lot of fun but so the residents are aware, the school lot will be very full; we’re kind of the crown jewel of town softball tournaments,” Selig said.