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You are here: Home / Archives for Breaking News

Growing Pot in Plympton

January 7, 2016 By Abram Neal, Express Correspondent

Growing Pot in Plympton? Local farmer proposes medicinal marijuana ‘grow-op’ venture

On Monday, Jan. 4, Plympton Selectmen met to discuss what appeared to be a very short agenda. Yet, a surprise lurked in the “Appointments” section of the agenda. Only a resident’s name and “Agricultural venture” gave away any type of hint as to the surprise that would come with the 6:30 p.m. appointment.

potleafThe resident, local farmer Jeff Randall, is proposing to build a medicinal marijuana growing facility, commonly known as a “grow-op”, on his farm on Ring Road. The marijuana, according to Randall, would             be grown indoors, in soil in a 60 foot by 180 foot enclosed building. He presented a very detailed written proposal to the Board, detailing the entire licensing process. He specifically noted that he is not proposing a medical marijuana dispensary in Plympton (a place where medical marijuana is sold to patients).

Although marijuana is still considered illegal at the Federal level, at the State level it has been “decriminalized” for recreational use and legalized for medical use with a doctor’s prescription. The Commonwealth has stringent regulations for growing marijuana and selling it to patients medicinally, and Randall noted that he was still early in this    process.

At some point, he needs either a letter of support or a letter of “non-opposition” from the Board of Selectmen. Randall noted that he was quite likely in front of the Board prematurely, but was seeking input from the Selectmen to get a feel for where they stood on the issue.

The responses of the Selectmen were as interesting as the proposal.

The Board had clearly done their homework and asked detailed questions about security, abutters, the licensing process and Randall’s future intent with his property. The Commonwealth requires stringent security, and Randall had already had what he described as a productive meeting with the Police Chief. He stated that he hadn’t spoken to every abutter, but those that he had spoken to were enthusiastic and he has no intention of giving up his other farming activities, which include cultivating cranberries and boarding horses.

Selectperson Christine Joy spoke first when it came time for the Board to express where they stood on the proposal. Joy initially stated that she was opposed and personally uncomfortable with the idea. “I’m not a huge fan. I don’t think it is a good fit for the town … But if the townspeople support it, I support it.”

Selectperson Colleen Thompson spoke next. Typically she appears to listen very carefully, take everything in and ask a few pointed questions. This night was no different. She didn’t have many questions, but she stated that she “was not opposed.” Thompson said that she wasn’t sure if she would lean more towards a letter of support or a letter of non-opposition, but in any case would not stand in the way of Randall.

Selectmen Chairman Mark Russo enthusiastically supported the proposal. Citing that Plympton is a “right-to-farm” community, that he encourages expanding agriculture in town, the revenue such a venture could bring in taxes and his own interest in herbal medicine and noting  that his brother is a world-wide expert on the medical use of marijuana, he was whole-heartedly on board provided the appropriate other town boards approved the proposal.

The Board plans to set aside time at their January 25th meeting to seek public input and hear more from Randall.

Filed Under: Breaking News, News

Conflict erupts at Plympton Selectmen meeting

December 17, 2015 By Abram Neal, Express Correspondent

Conflict erupts at Plympton Selectmen meeting over petitions

Plympton – Monday, Dec. 14, Plympton Selectmen’s regularly scheduled meeting at the Town House began with former Selectman John Henry dropping off two petitions regarding meetings being filmed by Area 58 Community Access Media to the Board as they adjourned their executive session.  Henry was not on the agenda and this was not expected. The Selectmen also finalized a title for the “employee document” and further tackled various sections. They also announced that the USDA had auctioned off the property at 59 Parsonage Road. The meeting was brief, but dramatic.

Henry presents petition

Selectmen were just closing their executive session when resident and former selectman John Henry handed the Express two petitions he had circulated asking that all Finance Committee meetings between January 1, 2016 and the Annual Town Meeting be filmed by Area 58 CAM. The other asked that the Public Safety Building Committee meetings be filmed, as well.

He also supplied an email dated Dec. 6, stating that many elderly residents in the community could not attend these meetings because they don’t drive at night, that the room where they are held in is too small and uncomfortable, that the busiest meetings for the FinCom happen during flu season and that the FinCom meetings should be moved to a different room.

Selectmen had previously discussed the matter and decided that there was no problem with the current arrangement as the meetings are lightly attended, and FinCom Chairman Susan Ossoff had cited logistical issues in moving from their current space.

When selectmen asked Henry if his petitions were on the meeting agenda for the evening, Henry replied that no, he was just going to hand them to the Board after the meeting had begun.

As the Board broke from executive session, Henry entered the room and before the Board had come back into Open Session presented his petitions to the Board.

The entire exchange happened quickly, as Area 58 was setting up their cameras, so no record of the incident exists. A heated discussion ensued and Selectmen Chairman Mark Russo and Henry exchanged harsh words. The meeting began in open session after Henry left, continuing his tirade with members of the Finance Committee who were standing in the hall outside the selectmen’s meeting room.

Everyone who signed the petition to have the Public Safety Building Committee meetings filmed signed the petition to have the FinCom meetings filmed, but a few more signed the FinCom petition, with 78 unique signatures. Two individuals signed twice and were thus only counted once.

Just examining the FinCom petition, approximately 60% of the petitioners were over the age of 70, according to an analysis by the Express accomplished by crosschecking the names and addresses of the petitioners against birth years provided in the 2015 edition of the annually published “Plympton Street List”. The average age was about 70, and the median age was 72. According to the 2010 US Census, the median age for Plympton is 44.

Of all the petitioners, only four were under the age of 50. Of these four, only one was in his 40’s. The other three were between 30 and 35. The range of ages of the petitioners was from 30 to 90.

The Selectmen agreed to discuss the petition next week.

Sale of 59 Parsonage Road

Several attempts to negotiate Plympton’s obtaining the storied 36-acre property at 59 Parsonage Road for conservation land and other uses, fell through due to the lack of funding on either side for Phase II environmental studies.   The USDA, which owned the property through foreclosure, was finally able to bring it to auction on Friday, Dec. 11, when the property was sold to the highest bidder.

There was no floor on the initial bid. The USDA would not confirm the sale price as of press time, although the popular real estate website Zillow.com indicates a pending sale of $170,000 for that address.

The Chairman Russo wasn’t sure if the buyer’s name had been made public, but he did mention that he was led to believe that the property owner intended to continue to use it for agricultural purposes.

The Express has since learned it was a Plympton resident who made the purchase.

Personnel document progresses

The “personnel document” received a new name – the “Town Employee Policy and Procedures Handbook”.

The Board also settled on disciplinary guidelines, chosen from several other towns and Town Counsel, which were voted on and approved for a ten-day posting period for public comment. Following the review period, it will become part of the handbook.

They also voted on a uniform employment application, which as well will be posted for a ten-day period for public comment.

The Selectmen also discussed a “social media policy”, and were examining several possibilities, from one to eight pages long. The longest policy was recommended by Town Counsel.   The Board decided they needed more time to look over the document.

Furure meeting dates

Future meeting dates:

  • The Board of Selectmen will meet next on Dec. 21 and Jan. 4.
  • The Public Safety Building Committee will meet next Dec. 30.

Filed Under: Breaking News, News

Regionalization is key, more grants available for Plympton

December 11, 2015 By Abram Neal, Express Correspondent

Regionalization is key, more  grants available for Plympton

PLYMPTON – On Monday, Dec. 7, Plympton Selectmen discussed the progress of the employee handbook, which is being prepared over several weeks; Selectperson Christine Joy presented a new Community Compact grant opportunity for further regionalization purposes; and the concept of “municipal aggregation,” was introduced, referring to purchasing electricity with other municipalities to get better rates.

Employee handbook

The “employment document,” as it is being called, is coming together as a full-fledged employee handbook. The Board has taken similar documents from other towns, as well as suggestions from Town Counsel, and “cutting and pasting” the best parts.

At this point, a hiring policy, a recruitment policy as well as a CORI policy have been adopted.

Selectmen discussed a disciplinary policy on Monday, although the exact language was not voted. They were referring to a model from the Town’s attorney, and it was based on a model of “progressive discipline,” whereby warnings are given before eventual termination.

Where the Board did not have a comprehensive list of rules to be broken – or followed – this section continues to be a work in progress until they can develop a protocol.

The process has included input from all three Board members, as well as Town Coordinator Dale Pleau, who has been gathering comparative documents from many Massachusetts towns.

Next up: a uniform employment application for all Town positions.

Regionalization Grant

Selectperson Joy notified the board that a new round of Community Compact grants are available.

Plympton just signed a document with the Commonwealth awarding three financially focused grants to the town.

The Community Compact Cabinet is offering a new grant opportunity to help towns study the possible benefits of regionalizing – sharing – certain services.

Board Chairman Mark Russo has been encouraging further discussions with neighboring communities on regionalization for months, but notes the difficulty in getting busy officials from differing towns into the same room. “It’s like herding cats.”

The Selectmen authorized Joy to apply for the grant.

Municipal Aggregation

Though it might sound like “regionalization,” or even combining towns, municipal aggregation is a term that refers to the purchase of electricity for residents in bulk together with other communities to get the best rate.

Joy recently attended a presentation on this topic by the Old Colony Planning Council.

The basic premise is that multiple towns hire a third-party “aggregator” who seeks out the lowest possible price for electricity.  Lower prices are due to the increased purchasing power of a group of towns buying together.

A resident could choose to opt out and no one would see a change in the company that their bill comes from. The savings would be modest, according to Joy, although she mentioned that very conservative estimates were presented by the OCPC.

Several towns in the county have expressed interest, and the Board will continue to explore the matter.

“It’s an interesting opportunity,” said Joy.

In Other News:

• Just Right Farm was issued a Common Victualler’s License. Because Chairman Russo lives at Just Right Farm, he recused himself from the vote.

• The Selectmen will meet next on December 14th and December 21st at 6 p.m. in the Committee Meeting Room.

• The Public Safety Building Committee will meet next on December 16th and December 30th at 6 p.m. in the Committee Meeting Room.

Filed Under: Breaking News, News

Plympton and State sign Community Compact

December 3, 2015 By Abram Neal, Express Correspondent

Plympton and State sign Community Compact,  provide granting in three financially- focused areas

Plympton Selectmen met on Monday, November 30th to discuss an unusually lengthy agenda. They signed the Community Compact with the State in the presence of State Senator Michael Brady and State Representative Thomas Calter, the Board discussed a citizen request for Area 58 Community Access Media

Plympton and State sign Community Compact

From left, State Representative Thomas Calter, Selectmen Colleen Thompson, Selectmen Chairman Mark Russo, Selectperson Christine Joy and newly elected State Senator Michael Brady pose with the Plympton Community Compact. Photo by Abram Neal.

to broadcast FinCom meetings, they were debriefed on a request to reduce the noise-level of back-up alarms from the Sysco distribution facility, and finally finalized the language of a CORI policy.

Community Compact signing

Selectperson Christine Joy was originally supposed to sign the Community Compact between Plympton and the State on behalf of the Board with the Lieutenant Governor and a group of other towns in Brockton last week; technology unfortunately interfered.

Joy’s GPS sent her to the wrong address, and she missed the ceremony.

All was not lost, however; in fact Plympton got its own special ceremony; Selectmen Chairman Mark Russo signed on behalf of the board with State Representative Thomas Calter and newly-elected State Senator Michael Brady looking on. He signed the agreement with the same pen that the group of towns and the Lieutenant Governor used at the “official” ceremony in Plymouth.

The Community Compact with Plympton will provide grants in three financially- focused areas to hire consultants to help Plympton follow best practices in financial policies and long-range and capital planning.

Broadcasting FinCom meetings

Former Selectman John Henry made a request that FinCom meetings be broadcast by the local television studio, Area 58 Community Access Media.

Although FinCom chair Susan Ossoff, and members Lisa Hart and Marilyn Browne, stated no objection to the meetings being taped, Ossoff insisted that the space they used, a small conference room off the Town Clerk’s office which Henry characterized as a “closet,” worked very well for them.  Ossoff made clear that this was not the only characterization in the communication that she found objectionable.

Ossoff stated that the FinCom tries to have “paperless” meetings where they make as much use of a projector as possible and that they have a computer that they work from remotely, which is therefore always on and must be secured.

She was not sure if the dark required for the projector or the size of the room would interfere with a cameraperson’s ability to film the meeting. She also added that there has always been room to accommodate the public should they choose to attend FinCom open sessions.

“If you can find us another space where we can secure our computer, fine. But we are not going to move all of our things for every meeting,” Ossoff said.

Chairman Russo did not think taping FinCom meetings was necessary and the board agreed. “Most of your work is done in the last few weeks before Town Meeting,” he said.

Russo insisted, as he often does, that the public is encouraged to attend public meetings.

Area 58 films 100 meetings or events for the town per year for free.

Beep, beep, beep…

Everyone has heard the ubiquitous alarm warning noise of a large vehicle reversing, such as a bus or a truck. This is for good reason: it is difficult for drivers of large vehicles to see where they are going when they reverse. It’s also federal law.

But, imagine living nearby the Sysco distribution facility where hundreds of trucks pass through everyday, backing into loading docks at all hours.

The noise became particularly offensive to one Brook Street resident who contacted the Town with his concern. Chairman Russo contacted the president of Sysco at his offices in Boston.

The response from Sysco was almost unheard of: the company converted its entire fleet of trucks to a more efficient and quieter reverse warning device that uses “white noise,” according to Russo.

The president also gave a personal tour of the facility to both the resident and Russo.

Russo reports back that noise levels are significantly reduced but most importantly, the trucks are still able to reverse safely – and legally.

CORI, check

The debate on the final wording of the Town’s CORI policy seems to now be final, pending a ten-day public comment period.

The language finally chosen was based on a sample from the state as well as from the Town’s attorney.

Selectperson Joy debated with Russo on whether the policy should be broad or narrow, in terms of which volunteers, committee members, appointed officials and employees are CORI checked.  Russo prevailed and the language was kept to what is required by the state: simply put, anyone with the possibility of unsupervised access to vulnerable populations such as the disabled, elderly and children will be checked.

Joy still favors a policy that would CORI anyone applying for any type of license from the Board. She stated that she would like to see the policy revisited at some point.

No matter what the CORI check turns up, it will still be at the discretion of the Selectmen to determine what exactly would disqualify an applicant from a position.

Filed Under: Breaking News

Farming goes downtown

November 24, 2015 By Stephanie Spyropoulos

Farming goes downtown with Reunion Farm, a farm with soul in the heart of Plympton

Rick and Geraldine Burnet could finally see their dreams coming true, when in 2006, the cupola on was placed on the roof peak of the new indoor riding arena of their Reunion Farm.  Right at the center of things in Plympton Village at the Town Green, Geraldine knew then she and her daughter Macaela would carry on as the fourth and fifth generation of horsewomen.

Farming goes downtown

Enjoying the sunshine on a crisp autumn afternoon! These beautiful horses, Feather at the front and Lily behind are part of the Reunion Farm landscape right in Plympton Center. Several equestrians are being put through their paces with a group lesson. CLICK HERE to view more photos. Photo by Stephanie Spyropoulos.

Macaela’s fiancé, Brian Mello, handcrafted the weathervane atop the cupola,  especially for the Burnets.  “The design is fashioned after my horse logo on the Reunion Farm signs,” Geraldine pointed out.

The eight-acre farm had been her dream for a long time.  It has 20 stalls where horses are boarded, and lessons for both horse and rider are given in hunt seat equitation.

The indoor riding arena, built by husband Rick, measures a generous 152 feet long by 70 feet wide.  The space is used for indoor lessons, scrimmages between equestrian teams, and training.   It has also given a home to several community events, including a barn dances and a fund-raiser last fall for the new Plympton Parks.

In October, Reunion Farm hosted the Interscholastic Equestrian Association Point Show, an event well-respected among equestrians.

With the mild weather of the past few weeks, Geraldine said they were happy to still be able to ride the outside jumps and courses.  She is active in many local programs, and coaches the Bridgewater State University Equestrian Team.

“I teach my students that they must learn with their eyes and legs, however steering the horse is when their hands come in to create the ride, “she said.

In a recent Saturday lesson, Burnet reminded the young rider that she was the pilot – she was in control. 

When horse and rider communicate well, Burnet explained, and the horse learns to accept the rider’s making the decisions, the horse learns to become compliant and the two work as a unit.

Burnet’s family traces back to County Wicklow in the eastern part of Ireland, where, she said, a long line of relatives raised Hunters, were trainers, instructors and lovers of the great stallions.

Her daughter Macaela is also a trainer and barn manager.

Over the dozen years that the Burnets have grown their business, the farm buildings and home have evolved into the corals and outbuildings there now.  Starting with an old chicken barn at the center of the structures, Rick began to construct and connect new stalls with existing buildings, making the viewing area and the indoor arena.  A wing off both sides of the original building joined the barns together.

The Burnets have rescued two dogs and maintain their separate complementary businesses: Rick builds “Buildings by Burnet” when he isn’t farming hay.  His recent project is the big red barn on Center Street at Sauchuk’s Corn Maze.

Filed Under: Breaking News

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