PLYMPTON– On Monday, Sept. 10, Plympton Selectmen met at Town House for about an hour. They prepared for the Special Town Meeting, discussed an earth removal permit and talked about restoration projects at Old Town House.

Special Town Meeting

The warrant for the Thursday, Sept. 20, Special Town Meeting is ready to go and has been mailed to residents. With one article only, to purchase the property known as the Twin Brooks Preserve, the Special Town Meeting warrant is short.

Selectmen Chairman Mark Russo will speak for the board at the meeting, recommending the article.

The Community Preservation Committee and the Open Space Committee are also expected to present at the 7 p.m. meeting at the Dennett School.

For weeks, town officials have been diligently putting together this article that allows the town to exercise its right of first refusal on the sale of the property. The property, that would otherwise be sold for gravel excavation, is classified as a Chapter 61A agricultural property, allowing the town this option because of the change in ownership.

Earth Removal Permit

The board discussed another Chapter 61A property, this time bogs owned by Harju Limited Partnership, abutting Main Street, Pleasant Street and Mayflower Road.

Many years of sand and gravel have built up on-site as part of the cranberry-growing process, and the partnership wishes to remove the excess.

The board voted to exempt them from an earth-removal permit, not only because they are not actually removing earth in the traditional sense per-se, but because the property is Chapter 61A agriculture property, and does not need a permit for the work sought.

Rick Burnet, of the Conservation Committee, mentioned that his board wished for some silt barriers to be in place before the work, and that his committee would do a site visit.

The Selectmen made a motion to approve the work, as it is exempt from a permit, pending any requirements from other boards and committees.

Restoration at Old Town House

Elizabeth Dennehy, Town Administrator, reported that bids for the windows and doors at the Old Town House (the Historical Society Building) came in higher than anticipated. Jon Wilhelmsen, of the historical society, is currently checking references on the bidders, according to Dennehy.

“The ball’s in their court now,” said Russo, but Dennehy noted that the ball would eventually be back in the Selectmen’s court for final approval of any money being spent.

Selectman John Traynor noted that he had seen birds flying behind the clapboard in the eaves of the building.

He stated that it would be a shame to do all of the planned work and not address the clapboard.

He hoped that money to fix this problem could come out of the Building and Maintenance budget.

In other news:

• The board is in very early discussions regarding the purchase of software that would assist in planning paving and road maintenance.

• Email addresses will be changed in the near future at Town House. A date for the rollover has not been set.

• Selectman John Traynor received two informational bids to add amplifying speakers to the Large Meeting Room of Town House.

One bid was around $10,000, the other was around $4,000. Russo will bring the information to Area58 TV for their input.

• Construction at the Public Safety Building is going slower than expected, but there may be money found to build a permanent driveway, that had been previously deferred.

• Special Town Meeting is Sept. 20, 7 p.m. at the Dennett Elementary School with the single warrant article being the proposed purchase of Prospect Road acreage from the Atwood Family Trust.

• Selectmen will next meet Monday, Sept. 24, at 6 p.m.

Turnout was higher than expected in Tuesday’s primary elections, according to clerks in both Plympton and Halifax and unofficial election data.

By 9 a.m. turnout was high in Plympton, and town clerks in both Plympton and Halifax anticipated a busy day.

In Plympton total turnout was 24 percent, with 548 ballots cast, more than twice the ballots from the last primary. In Halifax there were 1,309 ballots cast, representing 23 percent turnout.

Many races were not contested in either primary, although a few were close.

The Republican race for Representative for the 12th Plymouth District, which includes Duxbury, Halifax, Kingston, Middleborough, Plymouth and Plympton, was too close to call until Tuesday night. It was the most watched contest locally. Late Tuesday night, Summer Schmaling, who won handily in Plympton and Halifax, conceded the nomination to Joseph Truschelli, who won overall, by just a few votes.

“I think it was a great race. I commend my opponent for getting into the race. It was an issues-driven campaign. I look forward to working with her [Schmaling], and hopefully this goes our way,” said Truschelli in comments to the Express Wednesday via cellphone. “It was a very tight race…there was good turnout,” he added.

Schmaling did not respond to a request for comment as of press time.

Truschelli will face Kathy LaNatra, a Kingston selectman and business-owner, in the General Election Nov. 6.

Geoff Diehl bested John Kingston and Beth Joyce Lindstrom for Senator. He will face Elizabeth Warren in the state-wide race for Senator in November.

For the race of Governor, Charlie Baker, the Republican incumbent, will face Democrat Jay Gonzales, who won against Bob Massie, in the General Election.

Karyn Polito, a Republican, will run against Quentin Palfrey, a Democrat, for Lieutenant Governor.

James McMahon, III, in a close race, bested Daniel Shores in the Republican primary for Attorney General. He will face Maura Healey, who ran unopposed in the Democratic primary in the General Election.

Anthony Amore, who ran unopposed in his Republican primary, will now face incumbent William Galvin, who beat Josh Zakim in the Democratic primary, for Secretary of State.

The Treasurers’ primaries were both unopposed. Keiko Orrall will face Deborah Goldberg, the Democratic incumbent, in the General Election.

The Auditor’s race was also unopposed. Helen Brady will face the Democratic incumbent Suzanne Bump in the General Election.

Peter Tedeschi, who ran unopposed in the Republican primary will face Bill Keating, the Democratic incumbent.

Christopher Iannella, Jr. a Democrat who ran against Mark Rooney, will be Councilor, as he has no opponent.

Michael Brady, the incumbent Democrat for State Senator, will run against Republican Scott Hall in the General Election.

Timothy J. Cruz, the Republican incumbent for District Attorney will remain in that office as he has no opponent, as will Democrats Robert Creedon, Jr. as Clerk of Courts and John Buckley, Jr. as Register of Deeds.

There was one person who pulled the Libertarian ballot in Plympton, which only had one race.

HALIFAX – Hingham resident Bob Demaggio has vacationed at Halifax’s Lake Monponsett for over four decades. His wife and kids have continued to go there every summer and take out the boat. Last Tuesday, Demaggio brought up a safety concern regarding the lake to the Board of Selectmen.

“I had an incident at the beginning of the month where I was taking my whaler with my wife,” Demaggio said.

Demaggio was going north on East Monponsett Lake when he said he hit an obstruction. Even going only at a trolling (slow) speed. Demaggio said the boat flew out of the water. His wife almost fell from the boat.

“I lost the prop (propeller), that’s no big deal, but I didn’t wat to lose a wife. That’s the important thing,” Demaggio said.

Demaggio and the Board of Selectmen believed the obstruction was some sort of glacial erratic. Glacial erratics are large rocks transported by glaciers and left behind when they melt.

So far, Demaggio said he’s spoken to the town, state, and Watershed Authority. He said it bothers him that there isn’t a sign warning people about the moving glacial rocks.

Selectman Thomas Millias said Demaggio’s request sounds reasonable. Selectman Tory Garron agreed. He said the Board will talk to the town’s other boards and will see what can be done.

New Board/Committee Appointments

The Halifax Housing Authority filled a vacancy on its committee with both the Board of Selectmen’s and Housing Authority’s appointment of Paula Walker.

Walker is used to a fast pace style of work having worked 50 years in the media industry including time with the Patriot Ledger, Brockton Enterprise, and the Boston Globe.

When asked by the Board of Selectmen why she wants to join the Housing Authority, Walker said she’s bored in retirement. Garron joked saying Walker will have to serve another 50 years with the Housing Authority.

Both boards unanimously approved Walker’s appointment.

Peter Veneto was unanimously appointed to the  Central Plymouth County Water District Advisory Board. Laurie Monahan was appointed as an alternate.

Other News

Town Administrator Charlie Seelig announced that several weeks ago, Gov. Charlie Baker signed an expansion on what types of cancer are covered by insurance for police officers and firefighters. Seelig sent a note to the state auditors office asking specifically what is in the mandate. The mandate is expected to cover all types of cancer.

The Board of Selectmen approved changes to the job description for the application process for a new police chief. At the suggestion of the Police Chief Assessment Center the Board of Selectmen voted to require at least a Bachelors degree for the position and a Masters degree to be the preference.

The next Board of Selectmen meeting is Tuesday, September 11. Open session starts at 7:30 p.m.

PLYMPTON– Although it never affected Plympton’s 911 service, handled by the Regional Old Colony Communications Center in Duxbury, last Saturday’s torrential downpours apparently knocked out the business line of the Plympton Fire Department.

It is still not working as of press time.

Captain John Sjostedt has taken to Facebook to communicate with the public. According to him, 911, which should be used for emergencies, and 781-585-0783, a direct line to the fire station which can also be used for emergencies, are both in working order.

The business line for the ROCCC in Duxbury also works.

But the business line for the PFD, 781-585-2633, rings twice and then goes to an error message stating that the number is out of service.

Capt. Sjostedt, reached via email, said, at first that this was a technical problem at the ROCCC.

The director of the ROCCC, Michael Mahoney, said that it was a problem in Plympton.

“We are more than capable of handling any emergency calls at our center,” said Mahoney. “I believe it is an internal problem [at Plympton] and they have technicians on it.”

Town Administrator Elizabeth Dennehy said Monday night that Verizon, the town’s telephone provider, is looking into the issue.

The Express contacted Verizon for comment, and Verizon stated they would look into the issue.

But after contacting Verizon, Sjostedt followed up and stated that he didn’t believe that this was a Verizon problem at all.

“It is actually not a Verizon issue,” he said. “That’s part of the hang up. There is another service involved and I’m having difficulty figuring out who the other involved company is.”

Internet searches reveal the number to come back to the PFD, but do not report which phone carrier issued the number.

Always call 911 in an emergency, officials say.

The Halifax Board of Selectmen have approved a plan for deal with some of the traffic on Route 106 caused by pick up and drop off at Halifax Elementary School.

According to Selectmen Chair Kim Roy, the traffic is getting pushed down Route 106 in both directions. “It is becoming a safety issue,” Roy said.

Roy said the traffic is becoming a safety issue because oftentimes, the traffic is pushing in front of the fire station.

Selectman Troy Garron said the situation makes it difficult for ambulances to get out during emergencies at those times of day.

The approved plan involves Highway Surveyor Steven Heyward removing some dead trees. Then, he’ll take some left-over asphalt from another project to create a path that will get some of the traffic off the road.

Selectman Thomas Millias said this won’t solve the problem completely, but it will at least get some of the traffic off Route 106.

Licensing News

The Board of Selectmen approved a 10-month extension for Jan and Raymond Jacobs for a temporary trailer at 23 Annawon Drive.

The Jacobs’ house burned down, so they have been living in the trailer as a temporary home. The house is in the process of being repaired, but the demolition of the old one hasn’t yet been completed.

Jan Jacobs said they will need a 10-month permit extension for the repairs to be completed. The Board of Selectmen approved this extension unanimously.

Millias said because “insurance tends to drag these things on,” come back for another extension if necessary.

Mud Fest

Mud Fest head operator Robert Bergstrom came in and told the Board of Selectmen that, as of right now, attendance is down from previous years.

Because of the lack of attendance, Bergstrom asked if it be okay to reduce the police detail at the festival from six officers down to four. The Board of Selectmen left that decision up to Police Chief Edward Broderick.

Broderick who was in attendance for the meeting, said he was not going to commit to anything tonight. However, he said he is willing to work with Bergstrom.

As Mud Fest approaches, Bergstrom and Broderick will look at expected attendance. Broderick said he’ll then make the appropriate decision based on safety.

Mud fest is scheduled for November 11 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Other News

• Theresa Levenson has resigned from the Halifax Fireworks Committee. The Board said Levenson did most of the work on the committee for many years without a lot of volunteer support.  In Levenson’s resignation letter, she cited frustration from a lack of volunteers. The Board of Selectmen said they did’t blame her. Millias said he understands how one can get burned out when they are in a group doing the majority of the work.

Selectmen accepted Levenson’s resignation and are writing a letter to thank her for her service to the town.

• The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved appointing Judy Rakutis to the Old Colony Elder Services Board of Directors (ODEC).

Rakutis said she is excited to get involved in town. She became a Halifax resident three years ago when she moved to town the day after Thanksgiving, 2015.  Rakutis also lived in Halifax as a child. She was going to move to Florida before moving back here but chose to be closer to her daughter in East Bridgewater after her husband passed away.

“I always wanted to come back,” Rakutis said. “I am by accident.”

The next meeting of the Halifax Board of Selectmen is Tuesday, August 28 at 7 p.m.

There will be a Special Town Meeting Monday, August 20, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.

The Halifax Police Department along with representatives of the Plymouth Country District Attorney’s office held a public forum at the Halifax Town Hall on Tuesday answering questions about a series of home and car break-ins occurring in town.

On Tuesday July 31, Halifax Police arrested Jamir Johnson in connection with the break-ins. During the booking process, it was found that Johnson had murder charges filed against him for a December 2017 murder in New London, CT.

Police Chief Edward Broderick said they held the joint meeting so victims and residents could understand what’s happening with the process and to clear any confusion that could potentially occur with charges given the impending transfer of the prisoner back to Connecticut where he will answer murder charges there.

In cases like this, the murder and fugitive charges in Connecticut are addressed first. According to Assistant District Attorney Rick Linehan, the Halifax charges will be temporarily dropped. Linehan wanted to clear up any confusion over the charges being dropped because they will be refiled after the fact.

We will get warrants issued,” said Linehan. “We will get them in the WMS Warrant Management System and the NCIC a national database so if he ever got out the Connecticut case, his warrant will be right in the computer on the time of his release.”

Both Broderick and Linehan said they wanted to emphasize how this process worked in case victims and other residents read in a news outlet that the charges on Johnson were dropped.

Broderick also reiterated that a report of Johnson having a gun was false. He said Johnson was found with a knife and burglary tools.

The public forum also gave the Halifax Police Department a chance to let victims know what they know so far and what the department is still investigating.

According to Broderick, police are still looking to tie Johnson to a residence. As of right now, police do not know if Johnson was staying in the woods, an abandoned property, or at a Halifax residence.

The department are asking for community members to come forward if they’ve seen anything or haven’t reported a break in yet.

“Search your memory a little bit,” said Broderick. “You guys are the eyes and ears.”

Currently, police are aware of four homes and sheds being broken into since May. More than 54 cars were also reportedly broken into. Similar break-ins were reported in Pembroke.

One resident asked if Johnson confessed to anything. Sergeant Theodore Benner said Johnson would not even tell police his name or who he was. There was not much interrogation after police found out about Johnson’s murder charges.

Broderick said, “We don’t want to jeopardize the Connecticut issue, so we don’t go too into depth on an interrogation on our charges.” He explained that the murder charges take priority here.

Another resident asked if there will be any retribution for the theft victims. Broderick said it could be hard to prove all the cases and the more evidence that’s provided and the more people that come forward, it helps them build a stronger case.

Representatives from the Plymouth County District Attorney’s office offered to take contact information from victims. There will be a letter sent out to victims when the charges are refiled. Any victim can call the District Attorney’s office at (508) 584-8120.

Jake Sullivan and Justin LeClair are getting a chance to realize their dream of owning a business, and they’re doing it while still in their twenties.

The Halifax Board of Selectmen on Tuesday approved their Class II license application to open a used car business, J and J Motor Sports, to be located on Plymouth Street, Route 106, next to the Salvation Army collection box.

As far as the vehicle price range, Sullivan said, “We’re looking to retail used cars for roughly $3,000 to $10,000.” The business would be by appointment only.

Selectmen Chair Kim Roy asked Sullivan and LeClair if any repairs or auto body work would be done on site because that type of work requires more licensing than what the Class II license allows. Leclair said the business is strictly sales. Any necessary work would be contracted off site.

One area of concern for the board was the donations collection box on the property that has been there for some time.  Selectman Thomas Millias said the problem with the collection box is donations often sit there for long periods of time without being collected.

Sullivan said a trial period with the collection box will take place for about a month. If the collection box service does not improve, Leclair and Sullivan will have it removed. The men are hoping to open business within a month or two.

Thompson Street Safety Improvements

The Board of Selectmen approved solid double lines for Thompson Street barring Town Administrator Charles Seelig checking legal ramifications with the state.

William Balfour asked that the lines become solid no passing sections on both sides in order to prevent future car accidents.

Seelig said, “Basically, there’s a section of Thompson Street where the yellow lines are drawn as a passing area and he’d like that eliminated; he thinks it’s a danger. There are several blind driveways in the area, some curves and such.”

Balfour’s son William Balfour Jr. attended the meeting to advocate on behalf of his father’s wishes. He told the Board of Selectmen, “I’ve been here for 50 years. I grew up in this and over the years as well as recently, there’s been a number of accidents on both ends of the stretch on either end of the corner.” He said there have been deaths on both sides of the street.

Hemp Production

At selectmen’s last meeting, the question of whether hemp production needed special permitting was brought into question after Seelig told the Board he’s received an inquiry from a party about a hemp production business in town.

Seelig investigated the subject and spoke with Town Counsel who advised hemp production is allowed as an agricultural product.

“Processing and manufacturing is allowed in the commercial district by special permitting in the industrial district by right.”

Other News

• A yard sale to benefit the fundraising of the Hops Playground will take place on the Town Hall Green on August 12. The yard sale is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

• Selectmen approved the Congregational Church’s use of the Town Green for its barbecue/festival on September 8.

• A road cut to open a new gas service was approved at 374 Plymouth Street.

The next Halifax selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for August 7. Open session begins at 7:30 p.m.

“We have a hole outside.” This is what Dennett School Committee Chair Jon Wilhelmsen said to indicate that the water treatment project at Dennett Elementary School is underway.

At the last school committee meeting on June 25, Principal Peter Veneto said the company they hired was at the school on June 23.

Veneto described their progress. He said, “They basically have punched through the building so that whatever is going to be coming out, I’m essentially calling it a drain pipe…to get the material from out of the building into the drywell.”

In addition to this construction work, Wilhelmsen said the needed piping equipment has arrived. He said they just need the plumber to install it.

Playground Update

Committee Vice Chair Jason Fraser updated the committee on the new playground project. He said options are still being explored, but some of the searching for playground consulting did slow down.

Fraser said the committee is still on schedule with trying to make progress over the summer and to have project details finalized by the September/October deadline. Veneto and Fraser plan to do another site visit to get more detailed plans down.

Nancy White from Playground Inspections of New England, LLC Fraser said, continues to reach out to the committee on a regular basis.

Education Stability Update

Silver Lake Regional Assistant Superintendent Jill Proulx went over the results from the school district’s education stability review with the school committee.

The education stability review assessed the school district’s effectiveness working with students in unique situations including homelessness, students in foster care, and students with family members in the military.

Proulx identified two areas the district needs to work on regarding these specific groups: policy and staff training.

As far as new policies, Proulx said the district is waiting for recommendations from the state. With staff training, they are in the preparation process. According to Proulx, there are some uncertainties, but she believes they are ready.

Proulx said, “That’s not something we’ve done in the past. It’s something we’ve done with select staff, but not the entire staff.”

Principal’s Update

Principal Veneto said the school year finished with strong enrollment at 206 students. He also expects the kindergarten class next year to grow to 32-33 students.

Other News

• Silver Lake Regional Technology Director Steve Pellowe got the phones at Dennett Elementary back up and running. The old system was no longer working, so part of the new system was installed. Veneto said, “We basically have the skeleton of what the new system is going to look like in place right now.”

• PAC finalized paraprofessional contracts for the next three years.

The next Dennett School Committee meeting is July 16 at 5 p.m.

PLYMPTON – Monday, July 9, Plympton selectmen met for approximately 35 minutes to execute a short summer agenda.

• Steven Fennell, Stephen Galambos, Leah Marshall (who wasn’t present) and Tyler Potrykus were all sworn in by the board as call firefighters. The young group of new firefighters came with family and friends for the exciting celebration, and the selectmen expressed enthusiasm to see new, youthful firefighters joining the force.

• The board declared PFD Engine 3 surplus, at the request of Fire Management Consultant Chief Lance Benjamino. The 2008 GMC C5500 Danko Mini Pumper has served Plympton well over the past 10 years, according to a memo by Benjamino, but, “no longer fits into the Plympton Fire Department’s response plan.” A firefighter with the department noted after the meeting that the engine barely fits into the firehouse.

• Elizabeth Dennehy, Town Administrator, announced that the Town is seeking to hire a permanent fire chief, with an Aug. 17 deadline for applications and hopefully narrowed down to two or three names by September. Fire Management Consultant Chief Lance Benjamino will be assisting the town with the process.

• Robert Karling, in a memo to the board, respectfully declined a one-month appointment as the Zoning Enforcement Officer. Karling had been the town’s ZEO for a decade.  Tom Millias,  current Building Inspector, will fill that position on a temporary basis until a permanent ZEO is hired.

• Selectmen approved 30 hours of Town Counsel time for the Zoning Board of Appeals, which is currently dealing with several complex cases.

• Devang and Manisha Patel were granted a liquor license for the package store and convenience component of Plympton Gas & Convenience, which they lease. The gas station component is operated by a different owner. Minimal to no changes are expected in the operations of the store, according to the applicants. The hearing lasted less than 10 minutes.

• The board will next meet Monday, July 16, at 6 p.m. in the large meeting room of the Town House. A hearing regarding the Atwood property and the town’s first right of refusal will take place at that meeting.

Photos by Abram Neal