The Plympton Board of Selectmen met on Monday, July 24. The Selectmen took up a vote to issue a notice of non-exercise for 399 Main Street, Figueroa. “This was a parcel, that I believe is going solar,” Chair Christine Joy said. “We did look at that property – I spent some time with the Open Space Co-Chair and the Conservation Agent and we once had this vision of multi-use property – solar, agriculture, affordable housing and in looking more closely at it, it was clear that there is a lot of wetlands and there just wasn’t going to be room to do it.” “ I don’t think it’s a missed opportunity,” Selectman Mark Russo said.
The Selectmen voted to approve a sign at Harry Jason Park. Selectman John Traynor explained that it was being driven by the Recreation Committee. He further said that the Dennett Elementary School soccer field was in bad shape and the program wished to use the field at Harry Jason Park as the grass was in better shape. While the Selectmen approved the request, the Recreation Commission will be responsible for paying for and installing the sign. Traynor said that the sign will be installed prior to the start of the program in September.
The Selectmen voted to approve a pilot agreement for 61 Upland Road. It was previously approved at the May Town Meeting. Joy said it was vetted by all the necessary parties including Town Counsel and the Board of Assessors.
They also voted to approve a proposed agreement to allow the transfer of ownership of land owned by Crescent Moon Cranberry LLC on Upland Road to SolaREIT. Joy asked them to confirm that they were aware of all of the restrictions including conservation and was told that they did. The conservation restrictions include a permanent habitat for Eastern Box turtles and a conservation restriction the town has on the balance of the bog property. Russo touched on the endangered species restriction and noted that he is on the Board of Wildlands Trust. He also said that the Wildlands Trust Board would like to see the town hold both restrictions, rather than the Wildlands Trust being the holders of the endangered species restriction. The Selectmen agreed that they were open to holding both and that it might help to keep things “cleaner.”
The Board also discussed and approved a proposed easement between Jeff and Michelle Smith and SolaREIT to ensure that the abutting homeowners maintain the needed access to their property.
The Selectmen ended their meeting with their raves for the last few weeks. Traynor said that his rave was for the Fire Chief Search Committee. “What an excellent job they did… I think that process of having a Committee of two Fire Chiefs, a Moderator, the Town Administrator, and the Police Chief resulted in a very good decision,” he said. He also gave a shout out to Project Arts that puts on live music on Wednesday evenings at the Plymouth Waterfront. “So, I think my rave is the way things naturally, organically slow-down during the summer; I think people are on vacation and it gives us all a chance to catch our breath a little, get a bit of perspective, so that we kind of gain some momentum with direction as we head into the fall,” Russo said. Joy said her rave was for the possibility of the town taking ownership over the restriction for the Box turtles. “It’s a beautiful forest area that would be protected,” Joy said.

The Kingston Board of Selectmen met on Tuesday, July 18. Chair Kimberley Emberg said on June 22 they received an email letting them know that Police Chief Maurice Splaine did not intend on renewing his contract which expires in February. She wished him well in his retirement and thanked him publicly for his service to the town.
Town Administrator Keith Hickey recommended to the Selectmen that they consider hiring a search committee to do an external search. “That doesn’t exclude any internal candidates from applying for the position; they would apply for the Police Chief position and if they were deemed to be in competition with any external candidate that applied, they would certainly go through that process and potentially be hired,” Hickey said. He continued, “In doing that, what I have found in the past… is that if an internal candidate gets hired, it provides the internal candidate some credibility with the Department and the community that they made it through the process and they are the best candidate for Police Chief and not just an internal promotion.” He also said that Duxbury is currently going through a Police Chief search now and he spoke to the company that is handling the search. Hickey told the Selectmen that the search would take 3-4 months to find and vet candidates to bring before the Board.
Hickey also suggested that they hire a firm to do a study of the current Police Department to make recommendations to the Selectmen regarding staffing levels, policies and procedures, and building needs. He said that it would be an impartial take on the Department that could be used to justify decisions made by the Selectmen as well as inform votes taken at Town Meeting. Selectman Sheila Vaughn asked about the costs of hiring these external firms. Hickey said that the evaluation would cost between $20 to $25,000 and the Police Chief search would be another $20 to $25,000.
Selectman Eric Crone argued that the Police Department might not need or want to have an independent evaluation done. He suggested that the Police Chief might be the best person to assess the Department’s needs. He also said he would be interested in hearing the thoughts of the Mass Chiefs of Police or IECP (International Association of Chiefs of Police) on the evaluation and asked Hickey about potentially reaching out to those entities.
Vaughn argued that it would be hard to do an expensive evaluation for one department, but not others. She said she felt it was a lot of money to ask for both the evaluation and the hiring firm. Vice Chair Donald Alcombright said, “At least to me, I think the benefit of it is you bring an outside perspective to a new Chief coming in that’s not clouded in anything; here’s the information, this is what we saw – you can do as you want with it, but I think that independent information could be beneficial to a new Chief coming in. Emberg said that it sounded as though the Selectmen were mostly in favor of hiring a firm to conduct the Police Chief search while the issue of whether to do the independent evaluation was less clear. They agreed to take steps toward hiring a firm for the search.
Hickey also said that the Selectmen may want to consider sponsoring a Town Meeting article that would remove the Strong Police Chief. Hickey explained the Strong Police Chief as, “a Police Chief that has basically complete authority over the Department, answers directly to the Board of Selectmen, and provides direct oversight for all of the staff in the Police Department. The alternative is to have a Police Chief that works for the Town Manager/Town Administrator… and answers to that position as most other department heads would.” A Police Chief that is a Strong Chief has hiring and firing authority as opposed to non-Strong Chiefs. Vaughn asked if most neighboring communities had a Strong Police Chief. Hickey said he was unable to find that information after a search but said that he suspects that as communities have become more professionalized, the Strong Police and Fire Chief positions have likely become fewer. Hickey recommended that if they were going to make the change, they do so before hiring a new Chief. The Board appeared to be mostly against making the move to restructure the Police Department in this way and agreed to table it for the time being. They noted that the fall town meeting would be too short of notice to bring such a change before the town for a vote.
Emberg said that there were a number of Boards and Committees that had vacancies. Those included openings on the Finance Committee, Community Preservation Committee, Capital Planning, Cultural Commission, Rent Control Board, Ichabod Washburn Fund Trustees, Old Colony Elder Affairs Board of Directors, Board of Registrars (Republican seat), and the Housing Authority. The Council on Aging also needs a volunteer to deliver for Meals on Wheels. The Board of Selectmen will hold a joint meeting with the sewer commissioners on August 1 to fill a vacant sewer commissioner position.
Emberg also went over several upcoming events including music nights at Grays Beach on August 15 and August 29 at 6 p.m. A movie night will be held on August 10 at dusk. A farmer’s market will be held on Sunday, Aug. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. National Night Out will take place on Aug 8 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Silver Lake Regional Middle School. Emberg said it “will feature food, refreshments, pony rides, public safety vehicles, K-9 demonstrations, a DJ, and more.” Laura Casey-Pupek, of the Police Department, spoke saying they still had vendor openings available for National Night Out.
The Selectmen also dealt with a number of appointments. Mary Hayes was appointed to the Council on Aging for a three-year term and Kathy Studley was appointed to a one-year term as an alternate. The Selectmen also voted unanimously to appoint Jennifer Alukonis to a two-year term on the Affordable Housing Trust.
Vaughn went over some recent donations including $800 in gift cards from an anonymous donor to the Veteran’s Department. There was also a $10,500 donation from the Kingston Public Library Foundation to the library programs. Of the donations, Vaughn said, “Woohoo, awesome!”

BOSTON – Rep. Kathy LaNatra of Kingston announced that the Food System Caucus, of which she is a member, has prioritized eight pieces of legislation and endorsed twenty additional pieces of legislation for the 193rd session. Led by Co-Chairs Representative Kane, Representative Vargas, Representative Schmid, Representative Domb, Representative Donahue, Senator Comerford, and Senator DiDomenico, the Food System Caucus has based its priority and endorsed legislation on the three primary areas identified as priorities in the Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan and accepted by the Massachusetts Food Policy Council in 2015:
• Food access/insecurity: Reducing waste, hunger, and food insecurity while making available more fresh, healthy food to everyone who lives in the Commonwealth.
• Farmland: Protecting the land and resources necessary to produce food while maximizing the environmental benefits of agriculture and fishing and the preservation of agricultural land.
• Economic Development: Recognizing the significant impact to local, regional, and state economies, supporting the increase of production, sales, and consumption of Massachusetts-farmed food and seafood, and creating jobs and improving wages in the food, farming, and seafood industries.
• The Food System Caucus will be a hosting an upcoming legislative briefing to highlight and summarize the caucus’ priority legislation and answer any questions from members about the bills prior to August recess.
“Thank you to all of our fellow Legislators who submitted their important pieces of legislation to the Food System Caucus for priority consideration” said the Food System Caucus Co-Chairs. “We are excited to work together this session to propel these pieces of legislation forward.”
“I am pleased to be one of the many members of the Food System Caucus,” said Rep. Kathy LaNatra (D – Kingston).“The priority and endorsed legislation our Caucus has chosen this session will strengthen our local food system and help reduce food insecurity, as issue made acutely important over these past few years. I look forward to advocating with members to advance these bills this session.”
The House and Senate Clerks have now referred bills filed seasonably to the appropriate Joint Committee. All seasonably filed bills are guaranteed a public hearing before February of 2024, when Committees have a deadline to take action on bills heard by their Committees. Below is background on each of the priority and endorsed bills for the Food System Caucus.
The Food System Caucus includes 158 legislative members. For more information on the caucus, please visit our website: www.mafoodsystemcaucus.com

The Halifax Board of Selectmen held their June 27 meeting from the Holmes Public Library. This is the first in a series of meetings the Selectmen intend to hold in various municipal buildings to highlight both the various buildings and departments.
Library Director Jean Gallant said she has been the Director for the last seven years and has worked in the building since 1999. “It’s safe to say that this library is my home away from home,” Gallant told the Selectmen and others. Gallant said that the Library Trustees consist of six members that advocate on behalf of the library, approve the budget, and decide upon policies for the library. She also said that they are part of the SAILS network which consists of over 60 different libraries. “I’d like to say that this library is the rainbow fish in a bigger ocean because we have a relatively small budget compared to some of the libraries that are in the SAILS network and my Friends group is instrumental in providing programs for adults and children… we service more than just the residents of Halifax,” Gallant said referring to a group of volunteers at Holmes. Gallant said there is also a Committee, made up of residents, that work together on the long range plan for the library. She read the mission that the Committee wrote. She noted that the complete plan can be found on the website.
Gallant said that $15,000 to $20,000 was spent on ensuring access to electronic materials. She referenced Libby which is an electronic database owned by the SAILS network. “With your library card, you have access to e-books and e-audiobooks and music, children’s, adult stuff and we also just purchased Hoopla

Kingston Town Administrator Keith Hickey reported to selectmen at their June 20 meeting that the Baymont Inn, which has been housing migrants in what was supposed to be temporary shelter through December 2022, now appears to have no end date in sight. Hickey said he is concerned that the facility, which is no longer a hotel and is listed as permanently closed on its website, was not built for long-term residency and he and the Kingston buildings manager are concerned that it is not up to code; with every room filled, it is inviting problems for both the town of Kingston and the residents housed there.
Hickey will be meeting with representatives from the state to discuss remedies to this situation that will also answer the residents’ needs and assure their safety.
Town mourns loss
Beginning the selectmen’s meeting Chairman Kimberley Emberg told the board of the loss of Brad Norman, Kingston’s Buildings Manager, whose death followed a brief illness. After a moment of silence, Emberg expressed her sympathy to Norman’s family.
In the meeting’s open forum, a Kingston resident took the podium and sang the praises of Brad Norman. During the COVID shutdown, she said, Brad was invaluable with his hospital experience. “Suddenly there were sanitizers, sprayers, solutions, and anything else he could get his hands onto to keep us all safe. That was Brad.” This resident further told of the special project at Gray’s Beach. When a seawall was destroyed by storm, Brad consulted and was instrumental in planning and getting the grant-funding to construct a natural sea barrier, with boardwalks and restrooms, for the enjoyment of all. “I speak for many when I say he will be missed for his sense of humor, his collaboration, knowledge, compassion and as the gentleman he was. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Vacancies
The town moderator is seeking to fill open seats on the Finance Committee, the Capital Planning Committee, and Council on Aging who are also seeking a volunteer to help deliver Meals on Wheels. Anyone interested in any of these positions should reach out to the Director of Elder Affairs or to the Selectmen’s office.
Transfer Station stickers
Transfer Station stickers expire July 1 and are now on sale at the Highway Dept. from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., regular hours, and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through July 9, except for July 4. Bring your registration and the driver’s license of the person on that registration, proof of Kingston residency, and a check or money order for the sticker, as cash and credit and debit card payments are not accepted.
Farmer’s Market
The next Farmer’s Market will take place on Grays Beach Park Sunday, July 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The first “Music at the Beach” is scheduled for Tuesday July 11 at 6 p.m. at Grays Beach Park.
Retirement benefit
Charles Armanetti, a Plymouth County retiree living in Carver who worked for the town of Middleboro for 36 years, spoke to the County’s request for the one-time 5% increase in retiree’s benefits for the fiscal year 2024. Armanetti told the board that Kingston has 81 retirees and their average retirement stipend is $27,500, and the extra 5 percent would mean a lot to them.
Plymouth County Treasurer Tom O’Brien appeared as president of the Plymouth County Retirement Association. He said that 23 towns member units – all four who have already taken this vote, did so unanimously. Kingston voted unanimously to adopt the one-time retirement bonus.
Rocky Nook July 4th
Selectmen approved a request from Rebecca Hebert of Rocky Nook to close the roads in the Rocky Nook area for a 4th of July celebration. Included in the motion was a statement to ask the police to do their part in seeing that the laws regarding fireworks are upheld. Town Administrator Hickey said that was included so that it would be known that illegal fireworks are in no way condoned by the town. Selectman Donald Alcombright moved that selectmen order the closure of roads: a portion of East Avenue at Bayview Avenue, West Avenue. at Bayview Avenue., Cole Street at Bagnall Street, and a portion of Rocky Nook Avenue from the intersection of East Avenue at Bayview Avenue, to the intersection of Rocky Nook Avenue at North Street, on Tuesday, July 4, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. with the following conditions:
•Access for emergency vehicles is always maintained. All barricades must be placed to allow emergency responders to quickly move them. Sections of closed roads must have a width of 10 feet to allow apparatus access.
•The petitioner secures barricades and road closed signage from the highway department to be erected by the petitioners during the event.
•Notification is made by the petitioner to the neighborhood residents that are affected by the road closure.
•Instruct the police department to take appropriate legal action against private citizens who use, possess, or sell fireworks.
Town Administrator Hickey furthered that the group Ms. Hebert represents is not involved in fireworks. “I’ve asked in this motion specifically … to have the town, the Board of Selectmen, to direct the police chief to ask his staff to be more emphatic when they’re dealing with the types of displays that have been going on in the Nook now for a little while.”
Selectman Sheila Vaughn said that it’s not just one or two (involved with illegal fireworks) I do believe there’s quite a few citizens in there. “It has gotten much bigger over time,” Vaughn continued. Hickey noted that there are legal ways to light off fireworks. “If individuals in the Nook are interested in pursuing that, happy to have that conversation or put them in contact with the fire chief.” Hickey said the town is trying to be proactive and prevent injuries. “We’re talking about lighting off some pretty significantly large fireworks.” This isn’t the first time this concern has come up either, Emberg concluded.
Agricultural Fair
Next, selectmen approved a request from the Agricultural Commission to use town property was posed by Jean Landis- Naumann, associate member, who spoke in place of John Wheble, Jr., chairman, who was out of state and could not attend. “We have had this agricultural fair traditionally on the old green since about 2008. This year, when we made our request, the police chief came back to us and said he would require two detail officers. When we informed him we did not have sufficient funds for two detail officers, he kindly worked with us and recommended that we consider using the property around the townhouse… We have looked at the property and feel it is adequate for what we have in mind. We’re hoping to amplify some of the things we’ve done in the past. We’re reaching out to additional vendors, not just from Kingston, but also from surrounding communities, and are asking that they include an educational component to their display. There will also be lawn games. The one-day event will be Sunday, Sept. 10, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Produce sharing
In other business, Landis-Naumann asked for permission to set up a produce-sharing program, using the Gazebo. Town administrator Hickey noted concerns from the health agent regarding spoilage and how to deal with it. The Council on Aging director offered their setting for the produce sharing should the Agricultural Commission fail to get the okay for the Gazebo. Selectmen voted to approve the produce sharing for the Gazebo and should problems arise, the operation can be seamlessly moved to the Council on Aging.
Selectmen unanimously approved five separate one-day liquor licenses for Michael Johnson of Brewery 44 Music at the Beach events at Gray’s Beach Juy 11, 25, August 15, and 29, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Sept. 23, 2 to 6 p.m., along with any rain dates that may be needed.
Reappointments
Selectmen undertook the lengthy list of reappointments to various boards and committees. John Alcombright was appointed as the selectmen’s representative to the Agricultural Commission. The COA Advisory Board is different as required by their by-laws, causing selectmen to vote to waive the by-law to allow Joan Hutchinson and Maureen Elwood to the three-year terms beginning July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2026. Austin Sennett was approved for another three-year term beginning July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2026.
Selectmen unanimously voted to fill the vacancy of the recreation department’s program administrator and hired Brandy Gordon to fill the position. She had worked in the program.
Due to the recent resignation of the assistant treasurer, and having undergone the recruiting process, the board was asked to approve the appointment of Nicholas Derbes, who is currently working as the assistant tax collector. Emberg noted that this would be a promotion for Derbes and require recruiting for the assistant tax collector position. Hickey commented, “Good for him. He’s done a great job.”
Special Town Meeting
The school department reached out to Hickey to schedule a special town meeting. Hickey provided selectmen with a timeline, making Tuesday evening, Oct. 24, the proposed date. In addition to a school warrant item, there town will likely be a Community Preservation Committee article which will help refurbish the Opachinski fields, among others. Chairman Emberg asked that the supporting information for each of the warrant articles as they come up be posted on the town’s website, keeping the public informed as the warrant develops. Hickey said he would be happy to do it.
Donations accepted
Selectmen voted to accept the following donations to the Veterans Department: $250 donation in gift cards from an anonymous donor, a $100 donation from Andrew and Carmen Risio, and a $100 donation from Rui and JoAnn Santos. For the Veterans Memorial, selectmen accepted the donations of $250 from William Martin, $250 from Goodrich Lumber Company, $100 from Barbara Holmes, $200 from Dennis Reddy, $10 from Jane Core, $78 from election day donations, $100 from Deborah Grace, $100 from Ronald Perry, $50 from Ann Govoni, $790 in t-shirt sales March through June. Selectmen also voted to accept a $102 donation from Stop and Shop for the Meals on Wheels program.
Hickey updated the board on the progress of the bill for $100,000 to Kingston to help fund the Veterans’ Memorial to be built in front of the Townhouse. Hickey told selectmen that the bill has made it through both the house and the senate. Once the budget has been set, “we are hopeful that that donation will come to fruition and help out the completion of that project, which will be nice.” Hickey also reported that the Elm Street drainage project that the Conservation Commission and agent are working on through a grant is going well. They hope to have the project done by the end of the month and the road re-opened.
“We’ve run into a little bit of a challenge with the Route 106 and 27 intersection improvements. Bids ranged from $456,000 to $630,000. The town received just under $400,000 for a grant.” Hickey said the shortfall was primarily because of the increase in the cost of materials. He said he would meet with the state and talk internally about how to fund the $56,000 deficit and see where we can go. There are other sources, and Hickey said he would put it together and bring a proposal back to selectmen.
Gray’s Beach playground open
Hickey happily announced that Gray’s Beach playground is open, phase one having been completed. “I was told that the recreation director was one of the first ones down the slide. I wish we had it on video. We don’t.” Phase two includes setting the compound rubber material used for footing, accessibility, and safety, he said. That phase will begin in late August and close the playground for approximately two weeks while it is installed.
OCPC Traffic Study
Hickey said he had met with Old Colony Planning Council regarding the Landing Road/Maple Street/Bay Road intersection to come up with a safer solution. He will meet with the Town of Duxbury to see if they will agree to Kingston’s putting up a “No Through Truck Traffic” sign keeping trucks off those roads. Duxbury will have to agree as Bay Road is also in Duxbury. While 3-Way Stop signs were also suggested, OCPC determined that it didn’t meet all the warrants allowed. Hickey said he expects Kingston will get a report from OCPC detailing their traffic study and suggestions by the end of June.
Tragic loss
In closing, Sheila Vaughn spoke of the loss of Brad Norman and how it is such a tragic loss to his family, and friends, and to the town. “It’s just a tragic loss and really sad for everyone.”
Selectmen’s next scheduled meeting is July 11 at 6 p.m.

The Halifax Board of Selectmen met in-person on Tuesday, June 13. “We’ve heard increased concerns of the water quality in town,” Town Administrator Cody Haddad said. He noted that he did invite the Water Superintendent to attend but he was unable to come. He did, however, send an update saying that the discolored water the last few weeks was due to Well #4 which was turned off as a result.
Haddad said it would be $20-30 million to do a filtered plant. “At this point, it is not something that is necessary, the water is still meeting standards,” he added saying it was just discolored iron in the water.
Selectmen Chair John Bruno said they do have a filtration plant on two of the wells but acknowledged that it is in the midst of a large-scale rehabilitation project. The contract was approved at this past town meeting at a cost of $300 million to upgrade the filter plant at Wells 1 and 2. Haddad said that just design and engineering would be $700,000 for the filtration on the other wells.
Town Green Requests
Council on Aging Director Darlene Regan explained a request for a use of town green. She said that they have had a guitarist come many times through the Mass Cultural Council and said they would like to have him again on July 28. The Selectmen also fielded a request to use the Town Green from Troop 39 on July 22 for a bottle drive fundraiser. They approved both requests.
Energy Update
Haddad told the Selectmen that at a previous meeting they had given him permission to sign an energy contract for energy aggregation. “We went out to bid several times… working with our consultant… unfortunately, the rates just aren’t what they used to be,” Haddad said. He said that the rate they finally agreed upon was for $0.15 per kWh (kilowatt-hour) compared to the previous rate of just over $0.10 per kWh.
Noise Complaint
The Selectmen also dealt with a noise complaint on Monponsett St. Haddad said that the Selectmen had had the invidivual in question in to a meeting and noted that they have a garage that they have been holding parties in and reportedly charging people to attend. Police Chief Joao Chaves spoke to it saying that the permit the resident received was good through 9 p.m. but they had to shut the party in March down closer to 10 p.m. He said that since then the Police have had to go out to the residence numerous times. Chaves said that there was also a large field in the back that is used for volleyball. He said that he found on the resident’s Facebook page an advertisement for a large scale volleyball tournament with thousands of dollars in cash prizes, a bouncy house, and live entertainment. Chaves said the event did get shut down by the Police. “It seems like the homeowner is kind of utilizing the language barrier thing for his benefit; I think he’s well aware of it, he’s not supposed to be doing this stuff,” Chaves said. He recommended that the resident come back before the Board and explain himself. “If that doesn’t work, at that point, we’ll start bringing criminal charges to him,” Chaves said.
Police Update
Chaves said that he has a vacancy for Sergeant. Chaves said that they would have an assessment center scheduled for June 29 with Halifax resident and Interim Duxbury Police Chief Michael Carbone, Halifax resident and Holbrook Police Chief William Smith, Carver Police Chief Mark Duphily, and Haddad. Chaves said that thus far he has had two officers send a letter of intent. He said that the officers interested are giving an essay to write at home and then are given another one the day of the assessment center. The Chief also addressed the need to fill a Deputy Chief position which will be filled by Sergeant Theodore Benner. “I think he’s well qualified for it… well respected by the residents… I think it’s a great choice,” he said. Bruno said that he agreed and thinks the world of him.
A letter of commendation was read for three officers who answered a call for a woman in cardiac arrest. The officers were Sergeant Patrick Sterling, Officer Michael Schleiff, and Officer Ryan Simpson. “These officers showed a great professionalism and proper use of their training, experience, and equipment, to bring a successful conclusion to what might have been a tragic result to this family,” Bruno read.
ARPA Requests
Haddad addressed what money was left from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding that went to the town. He said that the Municipal Maintenance Department doesn’t have a dedicated shop. He asked the Selectmen that they allocate $25,000 of ARPA funding toward such a shop. Haddad said that after appropriating the money for this use, they would have about $40,000 left for general use and about $200,000 for Covid-related expenses. The Selectmen approved the funding. A second request was for $600,000 for water treatment plant upgrades. It had already been allocated prior to the Selectmen approving the request at Tuesday’s meeting.
Trash Update
Haddad told the Selectmen that the town went out to bid for trash collection. He said that Pay-As-You Throw programs, like the one in Halifax, are difficult to get companies to bid on since it presents greater adversity to the trash collectors. He said that as a result, totes are now being utilized. He said that a transition program will be rolled out soon and residents will have the option to opt-in to it. Haddad said that the estimate for trash and recycling for the year would be around $370 to $400.
Student Council Thank You
Bruno shared a letter from the Student Council of Halifax Elementary School. “We all appreciate that you make decisions that benefit our town; when you make decisions you are changing people’s lives for the better,” Bruno read. Selectman Jonathan Selig explained that the letter, in part, came from a group of first graders who toured Town Hall.
Halifax PRIDE
Update
Lori Costa-Cline of Halifax PRIDE appeared before the Board to ask if a Selectman would be able to attend the PRIDE event on Saturday, June 17 to welcome the crowd. Costa-Cline acknowledged some of the hateful comments that have appeared on Social Media. The Selectmen said that none of them would be able to attend the event due to scheduling conflicts. Costa-Cline acknowledged how wonderful Chief Chaves has been in assisting with the event. Chaves spoke addressing community concerns over drag performances saying, “Again, we hear the same noise that we heard last year, and it turned out to be, I thought, a good family event. There were children running around… I’ve been able to look at some of the comments on Facebook when they start to bring in… the argument, trying to say that some entertainers because of how they dress are going to be automatically pedophiles – it’s a stretch. It doesn’t matter what they’re wearing; no one is allowed to touch any children,” he said. “It’s a good event for the town,” Chaves continued.

Friday afternoon, Halifax resident Jeremy Gillespie, representing 14 other residents, appeared in Plymouth County Superior Court in Brockton to present arguments in favor of stopping Morse Bros. LLC, Ryco Excavating, and Oiva Hannula & Sons, Inc. from continuing the truck traffic in the densely-populated neighborhood, breaking down the roads, shaking houses to their foundations, and in general interrupting the lives of the residents in the Lingan Street and “The Aves.“ neighborhoods, preventing them from enjoying their homes and destroying the narrow neighborhood roads. “They have been subject to a parade of trucks carrying sand mined outside the law, disturbing the peace and quiet enjoyment of their property,” Gillespie’s opening remarks continued.
Saying that the Right to Farm does not nullify other rights under the Constitution, “It is not without limit.” Gillespie quoted from Article 97 from the Massachusetts Constitution which reads, “The people shall have the right to clean air and water, freedom from excessive and unnecessary noise, and the natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic qualities of their environment; and the protection of the people in their right to the conservation, development and utilization of the agricultural, mineral, forest, water, air, and other natural resources is hereby declared to be a public purpose.”
Gillespie cited several violations of law in the 250 Lingan Street operation, including Chapter 144-1 of the Town of Halifax By-laws, relating to earth removal. No permit exists, and yet a significant portion of one of the largest hills in Halifax, the Whaleback glacial ridge, has been removed by the defendants, in violation of the town’s own by-laws. The hill, Gillespie maintains, has been documented as a site of Native archaeological significance and destroying it threatens the cultural heritage of both the Wampanoag people and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Whaleback hill is a glacial esker of sand in Monponsett Pond high enough to break the surface of the water. It serves as a filter to clean the water of Monponsett Pond that is used as an additional water supply for the city of Brockton. As the 250 Lingan Street operation takes the esker down, trucks it out over neighborhood roads that are merely 20 feet wide, in fully loaded 18-wheel vehicles weighing some 80,000 pounds, as many as 50 times a day, the area residents are suffering disruption in their own household water.
Gillespie said that the Town of Halifax has not helped at all in curtailing the sand mining activities at 250 Lingan St. Selectmen, he maintains, have issued only one earth removal license to 250 Lingan St and that was in 2016, for only 50,000 cubic yards.
Fourteen plaintiffs joined in their action against Morse Bros., LLC, RYCO Excavating, Inc., RYCO Lease and Repair, Inc., and Oiva Hannula & Sons, Inc., claiming that they have evidence of improper sand mining, referencing the earth removal application that was withdrawn on August 2, 2022 after considerable push-back from the community. Sand removal at the location continued. The plaintiffs claim that the area mined is a MassDEP approved DIV II Wellhead protection area subject to a number of protections. Also, there are no current monitoring wells at the 250 Lingan St. site as required by law. Plaintiffs also state in their complaint that defendants are actively transporting unchecked material to the site, potentially contaminated iron and manganese bottom scrapings from their Middleborough lowland bogs as well as other chemicals, metals, and possible pathogens.
Plaintiffs seek an injunction barring the Defendants from proceeding with further projects on the Site until a determination is made. In addition, the Plaintiffs ask the court to
• declare the Defendants to be engaging in Earth Removal without a permit.
• order soil samples to be tested for elevated chemicals, metals, and pathogens immediately at the Defendants’ expense
• permanently enjoin and restrain the defendant from removal of earth or any other activities on the site until all permitting and investigations are complete.
• such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.
Responding to the allegations, Brendan Moquin, Controller of Morse Brothers, Inc., explained that Morse Brothers has been growing cranberries at that location for approximately 46 years, and in Massachusetts for more than 60 years. Stating the specific need of cranberry cultivation is a loamy soil confinement base, topped with 6-8 inches of sand. The sand layer, he explained in his affidavit, aids in water flow and retention, crop growth, and reducing the depletion of organic soils beneath. By applying sand, growers can reduce the demand for pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, as well as maintain the longevity of the bog. This is best practices for cranberry bog management as detailed by the Natural Resource Conservation Services (NCRS) among others.
Moquin maintains that Morse Brothers prepares and updates a Farm Conservation Plan that documents Morse Brothers’ compliance with NCRS recommended standards.
Morse Bros has a vested interest in the water quality of Monponsett Pond as it uses that water to irrigate their bogs, Moquin continued, and enforces the drinking water protection program in accordance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act and various Massachusetts statutes.
Moquin stated in his affidavit that an earth removal permit was not required because the Halifax bog renovation was for cranberry growing, and is subject to various applicable state agricultural exemptions. Nonetheless, he said, Morse Bros. submitted an application in order to engage the town and address any concerns regarding the work. The response by a group of residents, some of whom are the plaintiffs, was “swift and hostile.” Morse Brothers withdrew the application, and, according to Moquin’s affidavit, has never engaged in and is not engaging in any of the work that was the subject of the 2022 earth removal permit, and turned its attention to upgrading two of is other smaller bogs in Middleborough and Hanson.
The Morse Bros Middleborough property received a USDA grant to upgrade a 5-acre bog, and part of the work entailed applying fresh sand that was removed from the Halifax property. The 24 acre Hanson bogs also benefitted from the Halifax excavations. Moquin stated that all of those renovations have conformed to and have applied best management practices.
Moquin continued that the Halifax Board of Selectmen, John Bruno, Chairman, continued to field concerns from residents, largely regarding truck traffic, resulting in a site inspection with Moquin, two members of the Halifax Conservattion Commission and the Town of Halifax Health Dept., the Halifax Water Dept., and others. Mr. Bruno reported that he saw no interaction between Morse Brothers’ operations and the Town’s drinking water and further reported that Mores Brothers is not engaged in any earth removal or any operations in violation of Town ordinance or other laws. Moquin submitted a video recording of that selectmen’s hearing.
Moquin asserted that in connection with the renovation projects, no soil, sand, gravel, manure, or similar material has been brought onto the Halifax property. He furthered that an injunction prohibiting Morse Bros. from conducting activities on its properties would be “catastrophic” to its business, that produces approximately 18.200 barrels of cranberries a year, approximately $820,000 in revenue that would be lost during the pendency of the case, as well as satisfying other management contracts.
Moquin continued that leaving the cranberry bogs without proper maintenance would injure their productive yield. “Bogs require constant maintenance to remain productive,” … Halting the sand transported from the Lingan Street location would cause injury to bogs in other locations.
Judge Brian Glenny took the matter under advisement and we will wait to hear his verdict.

The Kingston Board of Selectmen met on Tuesday, May 23. Silver Lake Regional School Committee member Jason Fraser spoke to the Board regarding the intersection at Lake St. and Station St. Fraser said, “How many times have you felt like you were taking your life into your own hands crossing the intersection of Lake and Station on Rt. 27 right near Silver Lake High School and Middle School campus; I can tell you it sends butterflies through my own heart as an experienced driver.” He further said that a road safety audit was done on the intersection in May of 2021. “This audit kind of slipped right by the School Committee,” he explained saying that it was done during a stage in the Pandemic when the primary focus was getting students back to school five days a week. Fraser is currently heading up the Sub Committee responsible for looking into safety and facilities. Fraser told the Selectmen that Kingston, not the School Committee, has jurisdiction over the intersection and he asked them for their support in installing a traffic signal there.

Superintendent and Tree Warden Paul Basler said, “As everybody knows, municipal government comes down to funding; being the only one in the room that was involved in Rt. 27, we did this 15 years ago… DOT would not pay for funding for that light. If the town agrees, I would like to be the point person for the town for this project working with this gentleman, because if he has ways to get us funding that doesn’t include our taxes, I’m all for it.” Fraser said that he has already been looking into grant funding and has reached out to several legislators regarding the intersection. “The State grant that we’re looking at is the Shared Streets and Spaces grant,” Fraser said. The Selectmen voted to work with the Silver Lake Regional School Committee to work on improvements for the intersection.

National Public Works Recognition

Chair Kimberley Emberg said that in recognition of National Public Works Week, “we would like to recognize our employees in our Streets, Trees, and Parks, Water, and Wastewater Departments.” Selectman Tyler Bouchard also read a proclamation. He said, “For National Public Works Week 2023, to recognize the service provided in our community – are an integral part of our citizens’ everyday lives… and programs such as water, sewers, drains, streets, and highways, traffic control, public buildings, solid waste disposal, recycling, parks and forestry, and snow removal whereas the health and safety and comfort of the community greatly depend on the effectiveness of these facilities as well as their planning, design and construction are vitally dependent upon the efforts and skills of public works officials. And whereas the efficiency of the qualified and dedicated personnel who staff public work department is materially influenced by the people’s attitudes and understanding of the work they perform and therefore, be it resolved, the Kingston Board of Selectmen do hereby proclaim the week of May 21 through the 27 2023 as National Public Works Week… in the town of Kingston, Massachusetts.” Basler thanked the Selectmen and also announced that new transfers station stickers would begin being sold on June 1.

Library Update

Kingston Public Library Director Donald Colon appeared before the Board to provide an update on the status of the library. Colon said, “As of April 30, the library had met and exceeded our statistical transaction circulation; meaning that for the full fiscal 22, the library circulated over 91,000 physical items and as of April 30 we circulated 96,000 items so we were at 4.48 percent over last year for the entire year and I will also say that Kingston is only one of two libraries that were in the positive year to date and we were the best performing library in OCLN.” He continued, “What I can say about it is the library staff, the professional staff offering programs… the investment that we are making in the community with the services we are trying to offer really has been the focal point of all those increases and definitely it is something that we could not accomplish without the support of the foundation and the Friends of the Kingston Public Library.”

Appointments and Contract Amendments

The Board also took up the consideration of an amendment to the Assistant Town Administrator’s Contract. Town Administrator Keith Hickey told the Board that they finalized years 2 and 3 of the Assistant Town Administrator’s contract. Hickey said that the Assistant Town Administrator would be receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in June and because of that and some other things, he would like to see her salary increased. Selectman Sheila Vaughn told the Assistant Town Administrator that she should be very proud of her accomplishment. The Selectmen voted unanimously to amend her contract.

The Selectmen also voted to appoint Carl Ingemi as the new Wastewater Assistant Chief Operator. Emberg said they received a letter of interest to fill a vacancy on the Recycling Committee. The Selectmen voted unanimously to appoint Vanessa Verkade.

Town Administrator’s Update

Hickey provided a Town Administrator’s update which he began by saying that the Senate had approved an FY 24 budget. Hickey also said that moving to a Microsoft Outlet government platform was now complete. “It will provide the ability to make responses to public records much less cumbersome than they have been in the past,” Hickey explained. He also told the Selectmen that nearly all schools and town buildings have been connected to the town fiber thanks to a grant. He said the expectation would be for the project to be complete by October. According to Hickey, the Grey’s Beach playground update project has hit a speedbump because of delayed parts. He said they expect the delay will be short. He also said that the town’s two charging stations at the Library and in front of the Animal Shelter are now operational. “I would urge anyone that has an electric vehicle that needs to be recharged to stop by,” Hickey said.

Hickey said that he spoke with PAC TV about doing a sort of live call-in television show where people could call in either on the phone or via Zoom to ask questions. “I’m not sure when that will start, but it will be something we’ll do maybe monthly in the evenings,” Hickey explained.

Deb Anderson
Express staff
Plympton Board of Selectmen met Monday, May 22, and gave the results of Town Counsel Greg Corbo’s opinion as to who has the authority to site the well in the new, proposed town complex. The well will serve the police station, the new fire station, and the library. It will not serve the Town House, which has its own well in the basement of the building.
Plympton selectmen, the Board of Health, and Jon Wilhelmsen of the Town Properties Committee met earlier in May to discuss siting the well for DEP approval and there was some question as to where the final authority lay. At the request of Selectman Chairman Christine Joy and Town Administrator Elizabeth Dennehy, Plympton sought the advice of Town Counsel to properly delineate the roles and responsibilities associated with siting the well at the new Town Complex.
Dennehy pointed out that it does not include the well at the Town House, whose issues the Board of Health is working on with the Department of Environmental Protection; it only includes the new well that will serve the Town Complex.
Corbo’s letter to the board in part states that the authority to site the well belongs to the Town Properties Committee as representatives of the Board of Selectmen. The new well, a small public water system, serving the fire station and library, will need to be approved by the DEP, but the siting for the well rests with the Board of Selectmen and/or its designees, and also noted that the Board of Health does not have the authority to override the decisions of the Board of Selectmen.
Responding to Joy’s question as to whether the ruling is clear, Selectman Traynor said, “Absolutely. I think it is about as clear as you can get.”
In other business, selectmen appointed Sean Fitzgerald as a part-time police officer as recommended by Chief Matt Ahl. They also approved the use of the Deborah Sampson Meeting Room for a cooking demonstration with samples, for June 8, at 6 p.m., approximately 20 people will be attending. The Board of Health has already granted their approval. It will be put on by the Plympoton Public Library, featuring Chef Thomas Mottl of RTC Network, Pawtucket, RI.
Under correspondence, Russo read a letter to the board from Nancy Denman on Ring Road, concerning the MBTA Housing Mandate forced on Massachusetts cities and towns. She went on to say that she was at the meeting at the library where State Senator Susan Moran was asked by Russo what Moran could do to support small towns in their quest to retain control over their character and community. Denman said that she felt Moran’s answer was “disappointing.” Denman asked Russo to communicate with other towns in similar situations and form a united front to fight the mandate.
Russo responded to Denman’s letter by saying that “I think it’s deeply challenging that the attorney general has opined that we put ourselves in legal peril if we don’t move forward.” One of the good things, he continued, is that the next step will have to be approved by town meeting. Any action taken between now and June 1 could potentially leave Plympton in peril without accomplishing anything. “The tenor of that letter, I totally agree with.” Russo furthered that the purpose of this legislation is excellent, encouraging more use of the MBTA, but it is not in tune with the times. It is absolutely blind to the unusual situation – that of small towns.
Traynor responded that he agreed with Russo’s remarks, but he wanted to be careful in Plympton’s response. Traynor noted that there is a meeting being put together with representatives from the towns. “I think we should go forward and make our concerns known, and I think that based on what I saw, it felt like everybody’s coming from the same place – that it’s unfair and doesn’t really help because small towns, really don’t have – especially like Plympton – we really don’t have the acreage.” Traynor said that he just wants to be cautious as we go forward.
Joy said that all the selectmen have expressed their support for affordable housing but it needs to be in a manner consistent with the town that we can support with the services that we offer.
Raves – Traynor shared with his board that Jackie Freitas asked to give a shout-out to the Silver Lake Regional High School graduate signs that are popping up on Plympton lawns. Also a rave to the townspeople’s response to the Pay as you Throw program. “Really, we have not had any major pushback – not even minor pushback – so a rave to the townspeople, the highway department, the transfer station …” Final comment – poor showing at the polls. He said he was disappointed that with over 2,000 registered voters we couldn’t get at least 10 percent.