The Plympton Board of Selectmen met remotely on Wednesday, May 6. Town Administrator Elizabeth Dennehy told the selectmen that she is working with staff to figure out the best way to safely reopen.

They are paying particular attention to any structural changes that may need to be implemented. Dennehy and Selectman John Traynor met with Library Director Debbie Batson to discuss possible changes such as droplet barriers. Dennehy also said that Amazon sells large sneeze guards that might be useful for a temporary change to townhouse offices with large counters.

For those offices without counters, work has already begun to trim the doors and alter them into a Dutch style door where the top can remain open.

This alteration would allow business to be conducted through the door. Dennehy said they are also looking into what kind of face coverings will be required for the employees.

The Plympton Highway Department has resumed normal business hours but are still following social distancing protocols. One of those protocols is limiting vehicles to just one person. The department has begun their regular seasonal mowing.

Memorial Day activities postponed

The selectmen also discussed postponing the usual Memorial Day events in town. They had previously discussed moving the events to Veteran’s Day as other local communities have elected to do. Selectman Mark Russo said that he absolutely agreed that the events needed to be postponed but suggested making Veteran’s Day a tentative date with a firm one to come later. He said that if possible to hold the events sooner than Veteran’s Day, it might be a good opportunity to celebrate getting past the adversity that has been posed by the pandemic.

Tree loss on Green

The selectmen also voted to remove the tree that is down at the town green. Dennehy said she would find out if grinding the stump is a possibility. Russo said, “It is not infrequent when a tree comes down anywhere in town, but particularly the town green, that there are one or two citizens that get pretty upset.” He continued, “ That’s the reason we waited a week and got it on the agenda, moreover, any of us that have seen this tree it’s amazing it didn’t come down in the last week… this isn’t a debatable one and there’s no way that we could be held in any way but the highest judgement to get rid of that tree.”

Town Barn roof replacement

Selectmen Chair Christine Joy made a motion to open the town warrant to insert an emergency article to replace the roof and insulation at the town barn. The selectmen voted to do so before making a motion to close the town warrant immediately.

Free and reduced lunch program continues

Chair of the Plympton School Committee Jon Wilhelmsen was in attendance and gave an update on the schools. Wilhelmsen said that the chairs of the various school committees met with the administrators to discuss the ongoing free and reduced lunch program which has continued despite the school closures. The food service director requested that the program be opened to anyone who needs the assistance right now rather than limiting it to just those that had previously qualified.

Wilhelmsen also said that he had requested that the school budget be amended to adjust for items that are being put into the special town meeting as well as the actual numbers from the new bus contract.

Raises for town employees

The Selectmen and Dennehy were joined by Chair of the Finance Committee Nathaniel Sides and Committee member Marilyn Browne to discuss the FY21 budget. Dennehy said they were considering a 1.6 percent cost of living adjustment across the board for town employees. Dennehy said that she felt that it was a “defensible” number even after going over all the numbers with the town accountant. She said that it was actually a net decrease due to the rising cost of insurance. “From my perspective, it is also about building up some goodwill with the employees,” Dennehy explained. Russo noted, “Even the 1.6 percent cost of living increase is going to ruffle feathers a little.”

Sides said that it has been an extremely challenging time for the Finance Committee. After wrapping up the budget previously, they were looking at about a 3.8 percent increase. Sides said, “There were some asks from some various departments that we were supportive of and still would be in a perfect world.” He continued saying that it would be difficult to stand in front of residents, many of whom are without jobs, and propose a budget that was arrived at through normal means. “I think our committee realizes we need to take another look at everything and come back to the townsfolk with a revised budget,” he finished.

All were in agreement that fiscal year 2022 is going to be the more challenging year. “I think the bigger problem is going to be next year and kind of managing people’s expectations,” Dennehy said. Speaking of 2022, Traynor said, “I’m very pessimistic about it.” Dennehy said that they would likely have to continue the freeze for non-essential items through next year especially given the possibility of another wave of the virus. Dennehy did say that some items, such as vacation overages, should be reimbursable but noted that reimbursement can sometimes take up to two years. She said the town has been maintaining records for those items.

Russo asked if the town had any indication how much of the $90 million received by Plymouth County under the federal CARES Act might go to Plympton. Dennehy said, “We don’t unfortunately, and I just hope that whatever the process is, it’s transparent and its nonpolitical and every community gets what they rightly deserve.” The Plymouth County Commissioners have elected to distribute the $90 million themselves rather than letting the state distribute the money to municipalities as most other counties have done. The Halifax selectmen and town administrator expressed their frustration with the commissioners’ decision during one of their meetings.

New Normal committee eyed

Traynor said that it would probably be a good idea to form a committee to address how the town should plan for the “new normal.” Joy said that the Old Colony Planning Council had sent out a survey to help in coming up with a plan for maximizing resources, serving the town, and establishing a new normal.

Dennehy said that many surrounding towns have been moving their town meetings outdoors with alternate rain dates available. They have also been moving them earlier in the day in order to take advantage of daylight. The town moderator had concerns about moving the start time to 5pm, however, as it could impede on some residents’ ability to attend. Traynor suggested the possibility of holding it on a Saturday. Russo said he was going to take the minority position saying, “I think the less variables we have the better… I could make the case we said the seventeenth and we just make that happen.” Joy said she would like more time to think it over before deciding.  If a town meeting doesn’t occur before June 30, the town will have to go to a 1/12 budgeting scenario.

Halifax Town Clerk Barbara Gaynor has been getting the town ready for the first election in the past hundred years to be held during a global pandemic.  But she’s up to the challenge.

The election is Saturday, June 20, and the last day to register to vote is June 10.  “I will encourage online voter registration,” Gaynor said.  The link to register to vote is on the town’s website – Halifax-ma.org /Town Clerk.

The polls will be open the regular hours, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and as of now, “we are still planning on the polling place being the gym at Halifax Elementary School.”   She encourages early voting/absentee voting for this election.

Selectmen are meeting virtually this morning, Friday, May 8, at 9 a.m. to discuss the warrant for the annual town meeting scheduled to be held Monday, June 15.  “Town meeting … is still a work in progress.  There are bills before the Senate and House dealing with town meetings so I think that is part of the town delay.   I take direction from the Board of Selectmen as to the when and how,” Gaynor said.

The ballot is finalized and shows only two contests, Michael J. Schlieff is opposing incumbent R. Steven Hayward for Highway Surveyor, and Alan J Dias and Ashley DiSesa are both seeking the single five-year term on the Planning Board.

The rest of the ballot looks like this:

• Board of Assessors, 3-year term, vote for one, John J.R. Shiavone (candidate for re-election)

• Board of Health, 3-year term, vote for one, Steven MacFaun

• Housing Authority, 3-year term, vote for one, no candidate

• Housing Authority, 4-year term, vote for one, Patricia McCarthy (candidate for re-election)

• Housing Authority, 5-year term, vote for one, Richard Clark, (candidate for re-election)

• Board of Library Trustees, 3-year term, vote for one, Diane Ruxton

• Park Commissioner, 1-year term, vote for one, no candidate

• Park Commissioner, 3-year term, vote for one, no candidate

• Planning Board, 5-year term, vote for one, no candidate

• Halifax Elementary School Committee, 3-year term, vote for two, Robert Johnson and Alison J. Vance (both candidates for re-election)

• Silver Lake Regional School Committee, 3-year term, vote for one, Edward Desharnais, Jr. (candidate for re-election)

• Board of Selectmen, 3-year term, vote for one, Troy E. Garron (candidate for re-election)

• Board of Water Commissioners, 3-year term, vote for one, Richard Clark, (candidate for re-election)

There is one ballot question.

“Shall the town vote to accept the provisions of section thirteen of chapter two hundred and fifty-eight of the General Laws which provides that the town shall indemnify and save harmless municipal officers, elected or appointed, from personal financial loss and expense including reasonable legal fees and costs, if any in an amount not to exceed one million dollars, arising out of any claim, demand, suit or judgement by reason of any act or omission except an intentional violation of civil rights of any person under any law, if the official at the time of such act or omission was acting with the scope of this official’s duties and employment?”

Plympton resident Scott Materna, who works as the Facilities Manager for the Town of Halifax, put his skills to good use recently as he disinfected the new police station in a mutual aid endeavor.  The disinfecting was not due to any specific risk, just something that needs to be done from time to time, according to Plympton Police Sgt. Stephen Teri.

First responders from throughout the area came together at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Plymouth, last Thursday afternoon to form a parade around the building, showing their support and thanks to the healthcare workers who put their lives on the line every day they come to work.

Plympton’s Fire Chief Stephen Silva’s daughter is an ER nurse there and tells her dad of the difficult situations they face.  Many who could come outside applauded the parade – and first responders could see the gratitude on their faces.

Church bells rang out, horns sounded, and doors opened to let out clapping, singing, and music-making Wednesday and Thursday evenings for five minutes at 7 p.m., all to pay homage to our first responders and healthcare workers who have put their own lives on the line in service to others, especially now, during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Selectman Mark Russo put the program into action, inspired by what neighborhoods throughout New York City, and others across the continents are doing to show their appreciation.

Colleen Thompson and Susan Vetterlein rang the bell at the First Congregational Church in Plympton Village, a bell that was cast by George Holbrook, an apprentice under Paul Revere, in 1830!  It cost a princely sum of $386 at that time.   The First Congregational Church was the first church in town to have a steeple and a bell.  The bell weighs 1,100 pounds and it takes strong arms to pull the ropes to ring it.

Russo invites all of Plympton to continue to open their doors each night at 7 p.m. to make a joyful noise – or just listen, “listen deeply to what is possible.”

Fire Chief Stephen Silva had his department take available trucks to the bottom of the driveway and flash their lights.

Police Chief Matt Clancy’s department also took part to show their appreciation.  Fire and police opted not to sound their sirens out of respect to their neighbors.

Lean out the door, windows, sound a horn, sing a song, bang on a pot, and continue at 7 p.m. each evening at least until Tuesday, or until the virus is contained.

The Plympton Board of Selectmen, town administrator Elizabeth Dennehy, and chair of the Board of Health Arthur Morin have been holding weekly meetings via phone conference during the coronavirus pandemic. Their Thursday, April 2 meeting was the first since Governor Baker extended the state-wide stay-at-home advisory to at least May 4.

One of the first orders of business was to appoint Cathy Ferguson and Arthur Morin to the Emergency Management Team. The Board also voted to appoint Nathan Cristofori as a special police officer through June 30.

Dennehy gave an update on the number of cases in town and said that coronavirus related information will be kept up to date on the town website. As of press time, there are two confirmed cases in Plympton. Morin said that the Department of Public Health notifies the Board of Health directly when there is a confirmed case. According to Morin the Cape Cod Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) assigns a nurse to each patient and it is the responsibility of the nurse to conduct the patient interview and trace contacts. Selectmen vice chair Mark Russo asked Morin who was responsible for reaching out to those that had contact with the infected person. Morin said that task fell under the jurisdiction of the VNA per an order from the Department of Public Health. “They are nurses; they are medical professionals and they know how to do this,” Morin explained. Chair Christine Joy asked Morin if an update on patients’ conditions is given to the Board of Health but was told that would violate the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

The Board of Health notifies the fire and police departments of the address of the infected person though no names are given. This action enables the departments to take necessary precautions as needed. Once the pandemic is over, the addresses will be destroyed.

Dennehy said that the A1 ambulance in Plympton has been designated the COVID ambulance and is outfitted in plastic for easy decontamination. Dispatch will determine when to use this ambulance based on a series of questions in the initial call. Dennehy said that the Army National Guard had dropped off some supplies with the town’s fire department. Additionally, Morin said that the town also has a very small supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) including a few different types of gloves, some goggles and N95 masks, and six full PPE suits. Of the suits, Morin added, “There’s only six so when those are gone, they’re gone.”

Dennehy also gave an update on the disinfection of various municipal buildings and vehicles. The fire and police departments as well as the town house have already been done. A determination for when to disinfect the library was being discussed as it has been empty for some time now and holding off a bit could help to eliminate any remaining virus. Russo agreed saying, “At some point, even if there was virus, it’s lost all of its virulence.” According to Dennehy both ambulances have been fogged and there is capacity to do the police cruisers as well. Selectman John Traynor asked about the old town house but Dennehy said that they were hesitant to disinfect the building as they were concerned about damaging old artifacts. The possibility of just disinfecting contact surfaces rather than fogging the air was discussed.

Dennehy also told those on the call that they have been doing their best to minimize the number of employees deemed essential to the functioning of the town and therefore physically in the building. Most town house employees have been working remotely. Dennehy said, “We’ve had a lot of cooperation overall and things seem to be going relatively smoothly at least for now.”

Plympton is receiving a $4,000 grant from the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards (MAHB) to be used toward anything related to the COVID-19 emergency including increased staffing, VNA charges, PPE, etc.

Dennehy said that she had been waiting for the state legislation enabling towns to postpone their town elections and town meetings to pass prior to rescheduling those events. Town moderator Barry DeCristofano and town clerk Patricia Detterman will attend the next Board of Selectmen meeting to further the discussion.

Joy ended the meeting with a “rave” as is tradition during regular Board of Selectmen meetings. She said, “My rave is the emergency management team – what a wonderful job you guys are doing. I feel like we’re in such good hands and it’s very reassuring in a very uncertain and troubling time.” Both Russo and Traynor concurred.

Charmian Evans
Special to The Express

This is a big “Hi” from Plympton – not in Mass but across the pond from Devon, England.

There are about seven Plymptons in the world – the Devon one being the oldest, and no doubt where your town got its name from.

Plympton St Maurice, to give it its full name goes back to 900 ad and today has one of the finest examples of town planning of that time. Strip gardens run down to a stream and animals would have been kept on the far side. Come the 12th century, Plympton St Maurice was busier than nearby Plymouth and was a tin assaying town, complete with castle.  As a result of the wealth, lots of lovely old buildings grew up, and over time we can boast that it truly is the birthplace of British art, with a host of well-known artists born in the village, not least Sir Joshua Reynolds. John Sparke explored the Spanish main and from that voyage became the first person to describe potatoes and tobacco. World famous clock makers, scientists, physicians and politicians all trod the pavements of this small village.

And folks, we’re still going! Now we are deemed a conservation area and many of our fine houses are listed for preservation. Our main road, Fore Street, was built about 1136! We’re situated about 4 miles from Plymouth and the coast, and about the same to Dartmoor, a 400 square mile  gorgeous national park complete with the special breed of “Dartmoor ponies”, thatched cottages and views that are beyond gorgeous.

We have a terrific community. In our Guildhall, built in the 1600’s, we have a pop up cinema and lots of fun events. Two pubs run a variety of entertainments as well as fine local ales.  A What’s App group keep us all informed and able to offer help if needed. Every summer we have a Midsummer Festival on the Castle Green, which includes a day long lamb feast, open gardens and a music festival. The whole village gets stuck in to help and it is a lot of fun.

And like you, we need it at the moment. Our beautiful conservation area is coming under threat.  A new town is being built not far away and our politicians and councils seem unable to divert traffic away from our area. Already our church has cracked windows, the original 16th century glass in some of the houses can’t cope with vibrations and the very safety of pedestrians is threatened because of excess traffic.

But never mind hey! Plymouth City council would rather spend millions on putting up a good front to celebrate the Mayflower 2020 anniversary than save the village that many of your ancestors may have come from.   It’s a sad tale and I’m sure you have these battles yourself. We’re in negotiations – have been for 12 years actually – but are now getting to the point when we need to get noticed. And we might just need the good people of Plympton Massachusetts to help us – so watch this space!

Progress on our village conservation is held up because of the dreaded “V” word. We’re all in lock down – only allowed out for absolute essentials and steering clear of anyone within  feet.  So far we have no cases and I hope, as I write this, that you have none either.  Of course it brings out the gardener in us, and seeds are being propagated in greenhouses and if it goes on much longer I reckon people will be building a still for some bootleg! Of course our seasons are a bit ahead of yours. The gardens are filled with spring blossom and there’s the cheery prospect of summer ahead.

This is the first, of what I hope may be more missives from England. We’d love to form links with you, love to hear any history you know of that the two towns might share. And we’d be tickled pink if any of you made it across here when times are easier. We would be delighted to host you. Meanwhile, keep well and if you’re interested, look us up on our website: https://www.plymptonstmaurice.com.

The Plympton Fire Dept. helps out in many ways – and with the COVID-19 order to close the schools for several weeks, it is delivering lunches that students would usually enjoy in the cafetoria.

Lunches are picked up at Silver Lake Middle School where they are prepared, then brought back to the Dennett Elementary School for distribution Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  On the left is Lt. Andrew Norton and right is Firefighter Steven Fennell.

“The guys are awesome – ready to step up and are glad to help,” said a proud Capt. John Sjostedt.  “We’ve never had a situation like this …”