Plympton-Halifax-Kingston Express

You are here: Home / Archives for More News Left

Pine Street Bridge detours

By

The Pine Street, Halifax is closed to through traffic and detoured for the duration of the bridge replacement project.
The southbound detour will be Route 106 to Route 105 and northbound will be Route 105 to Route 106.
Emergency vehicles, deliveries, and homeowners on Pine Street will be able to get to their homes, but will only be permitted to enter and exit from the side of Pine Street bridge where the home is located. Pictured is a map of the detours that went into effect on Tuesday, May 30, and will remain in effect for the duration of the Pine Street bridge replacement project.
This map was created and provided by the Halifax Highway Department. If there are any questions, please call the Halifax Highway Department at (781) 293-1760.

Green – Northbound detour.
Blue – Southbound detour.
Red – Barriers; Pine Street at Thompson Street right-side blocked, left-side for local entrance and exit. Pine Street at Plymouth Street left-side blocked, right-side for local entrance and exit.
You should contact the Highway Department at (781) 293-1760 with any questions.

Russo wins another term as Plympton selectman

By

Despite having only one contest on the ballot, 9.35 percent of Plympton residents cast their ballots in Saturday’s election. There were 229 votes cast out of the 2448 registered voters.
The position for selectman was the only contest on the Plympton ballot last Saturday and incumbent Mark Russo won handily with 176 votes over self-described newcomer Gary Somero’s 47. There were five blanks and one write-in.
Ethan Stiles won another three-year term on the Board of Assessors with 190 votes, and 39 blanks.
Arthur Morin Jr. won a three-year term on the Board of Health, with 155 votes, 39 blanks, and two write-ins.
Cheryl M. Davis and Douglas F. Reese were unopposed as constables, garnering 197 and 187 votes respectively, and 74 blanks.
Finance Committee members Marilyn Browne and Kathryn Shepard won 198 and 190 votes respectively, with 70 blanks for the three-year term.
Nate Sides won 187 votes for the one-year position, with 38 blanks and four others.
Library trustees for three years brought Rebecca Archambeault and Jonathan Mulcahy 198 and 195 votes respectively, with 64 blanks and one other.
Library trustee for two years elected James Lundgren with 195 votes. Jessica Lau won 34 write-in votes, and 226 blanks and three others.
Library Trustee for a one year term saw Colby Leoncio elected with 49 write-in votes., 175 blanks, and five others.
Joan Ann Beckwith won a five year term on the Planning Board with 194 votes, 35 blanks.
Daniel Cadogan and Robert Montgomery won three year terms to the Plympton School Committee with 187 and 21 write-ins respectively. There were 247 blanks and three votes for others.

Plympton COA hosts candidate debate

By

Saturday morning at the Plympton Town House, two candidates for the single three-year term of selectman, incumbent Mark Russo and newcomer Gary Somero, were guests of the Council on Aging Candidates’ Debate. Moderated by Plympton Director of Elder Affairs Colleen Thompson, each candidate was given three questions and had three minutes to answer. About 30 people attended and here are some of the highlights.
Both candidates credited preserving Plympton’s unique charm and character as a top priority. Russo gave his long list of things left to do, describing Plympton as the “hidden gem of the South Shore.” He continued that in the past decade there has been a lot accomplished by the board of selectmen, and there is a lot left to do. “Small changes in the leadership can make huge changes in how functional or dysfunctional the government can be.”
Somero introduced himself as a newcomer, both to Plympton and to politics. He noted that his top priority in serving as a selectman would be to help keep Plympton the way it is. He loves the town and its special qualities. As a single father, he is raising his daughter here and she is a student at the Dennett Elementary School. Schools as well as the elderly need to be taken care of. “I’m new to politics and that’s both good and bad, but I’m willing to learn… “
Russo said his top prioriies are 1.) to maintain Plympton’s unique and distinctive character. 2.) promoting a balanced frugal and sane fiscal policy that provides needed services but controls growth. 3.) continuing to foster effective collaborative, civil and welcoming town government. 4.) to focus on the particular need for high quality education for our children, among others, and building the town government one brick at a time.
Both candidates were asked their thoughts on a new fire station. Russo answered that he had served on various committees to solve the fire station problem. He said that serving on the Police Station committee, it took 10 years until it was built. Back then, he said, he advocated for building both police station and fire station together. “Had we done that now, we would have been done with it, at a lot less expense.” Russo went on to say that there are still a lot of unanswered questions to the projeect of a new fire station, particularly septic and water systems infrastructure. We need to get those figured out, before we can do anything else, he said. There is a lot left to do.
Somero, a firefighter in Plympton, told the audience that the current fire station needs to be replaced. There are federal mandates that the town needs to follow. The station is too small. There are no segregated bedrooms. There is only one bathroom. There is no protection for the employees from the exhaust. “Cancer is killing our first responders,” he said. “We are 99 % more likely to get cancer than a normal person because of all the stuff that we have to deal with.” Build the station now and it will last 40 years, he said.
Colleen Morin was concerned that if we build the fire station using the Capital Stabilization Fund, there won’t be enough money left to maintain the roads. Russo responded that the money is low now, but it will be replenished each year and it is his hope that the fire station funding payments can be drawn from Capital Stabilization without impacting the tax rate.
Nancy Butler asked the candidates their preference In person-to-person meetings vs Zoom meetings. Somero said he was in favor of in-person meetings. Russo asked “How can we best offer access to the most people?” He said he would continue to investigate that, noting that he helped bring Area 58, who was recording the debate for public streaming. Butler continued, stating that as a senior citizen, she has a hard time navigating a Zoom meeting as do a lot of her friends. Russo responded that some training is necessary, and also noted that if Zoom wasn’t possible, the simple thing is to dial in by phone.
Somero said that sometimes he has problems with the Zoom meetings. We need to work on that. It’s a work -in-progress. Technology is always changing and you can get up to speed and two weeks later it gets updated.
Susan Vetterlein asked how each candidate would support protecting our water here in Plympton as almost all of our residents depend on private wells. What would each candidate do to support water protection.
Russo responded that for many of us our home is our most valuable asset and if the water in our wells fails, it affects our homes’ values. Towns in our area have been less careful of their water resources, citing Carver and Middleboro as examples. One of the many things town government may do is advocate for water resource protection and as much open space as possible, and to the degree possible, control growth. He told the assembly that over the last decade Plympton has put almost 500 acres of land into conservation, protected in perpetuity. There are a couple of court cases going that we need to be aware of that could affect our future groundwater, he added.
Somero said he came from a city where they didn’t have to worry about water. Now he has to pay attention to it. “I’m a firm believer that we should be testing our water.” … “ It is the most important resource that we have in town.”
Dominique Sampson asked Somero his opinion on the new proposed water protection by-law for groundwater protection the town would be voting on at town meeting. Somero said that he hadn’t read the bylaw, a lengthy item on the warrant, but that he agreed that water is our number one resource in town.
Russo responded that he is very much in favor of the groundwater protection by-law and fully appreciates the work done by the by-law review committee to construct its wording.
A Montello Rd. resident asked what Plympton can do about the new proposed development on the toxic waste site in North Carver? Russo answered that he hopes to make people aware, to the degree that we can – about things that can affect properties in neighboring towns. He also told the gathering that the selectmen have worked very hard to maintain a warm relationship with our state representative and senator to keep our lines of communication open.
Somero said he wasn’t aware that the project has resurfaced and thought it had been stopped. As a board of selectmen, we need to reach out to these other towns and try to make them aware of what effects their actions have on other towns.
Tim Dempsey asked if the town has done any studies on the water farm in town that sells millions of gallons of water each year, to see what effect this has had on the aquifer and is there any chance of losing or harming the aquifer.
Russo replied that the town hired a hydrogeologist who said that it was unlikely that the amount of water withdrawn was going to have any major effect on the aquifer. He did say that Plympton has spent $110,000 in legal fees and “The court has not been sympathetic to our position.” Russo said that a pretty simple mistake by a selectman 15 years ago left us with this continuing mess 15 years later. “I think it’s one of the reasons that a savvy, experienced selectman is a really important aspect of town government.’
Dot Cushman asked about transportation for the elderly. “While the COA does a good job, they aren’t always available.” Russo responded there have been some conversations with GATRA and this is another thing that needs to be addressed.
Somero said he agrees with Russo that the issue of transportation for the elderly population is very important. “Again, if I’m elected, it will be one of my top priorities,” he said.
Colleen Thompson, Director of Elder Affairs, responded that she has been working with GATRA to provide services but unfortunately, they can’t get drivers and until they do, they can’t add more services.
What about changing the town meeting from Wednesday night to Saturday, Nancy Butler asked, to increase participation.
Somero said he thought it was a very good idea. “The more people you can get to these meetings, the more people who can put their input in, and that’s important.” .
Suzanne Jafferian questioned affordable housing. Somero responded that regarding the MBTA (mandate) “I think we ought to fight it and do it on our own terms and make it what we want.” He noted he is not in favor of big apartment buildings and wouldn’t want to see them in town. He also said he is a single parent and can’t afford to buy a house in town. If I’m elected selectman, I want to get input from everybody. “It affects everyone in this town.”
Russo responded that he is very much against the MBTA legislation. “It’s a real challenge, and unfortunately the attorney general two weeks ago implied that towns that don’t adopt the new zoning required by the legislation might be in legal matters beyond losing grants along the way. Russo continued that the legislation doesn’t take into consideration the uniqueness of smaller towns. He further went on to say that the selectmen have been in touch with Habitat for Humanity and want to come up with a design for cluster housing, with open space around it, and are looking for a suitable piece of land to buy where the town could place homes architecturally designed to complement the small-town feel of Plympton.
He continued that we already have the answer to affordable housing needs and it has nothing to do with the federal government or the state government, or even the town government. It is the Accessory Dwelling Unit by-law that was passed two or three years ago. “It gives each of us the opportunity to devote part of our house to an accessory dwelling, an apartment, or a barn or garage that can be converted to income-producing living space.”
Susan Vetterlein asked the two candidates for selectmen what they think are the most important traits to be an effective selectman.
Somero responded that the ability to listen to what other people are saying is vital, the ability to figure out a plan to defuse a situation, and to work as a team with other committees within the town, all work to bring out a conclusion to something that will work out for all of us.
Russo replied that he has served on a great number of committees throughout the town and quoted former selectman Joe Freitas who said that to be a good selectman “you’ve got to put in the time.” Russo told the audience that he attended selectmen’s meetings for two years before running for election, in addition to serving on the town’s finance committee. “You need to have a clear sense of what’s to be done and prioritize those items that are most important.”
Joe Beck of upper Main St. asked the two candidates what they would do about the speeding problem in town.
Somero agreed, saying that he lives on the corner of Lake St. and County Rd. where cars race through the stop sign. I believe we need to increase traffic enforcement around the town.
Russo agreed with more enforcement, but another thing that citizens can do, rather than government, is that when you’re out driving, use cruise control to set your speed to the speed limit and watch the number of cars piling up behind you. “What if all the people in town did this.”
Jackie Rafferty asked if the town of Plympton keeps the revenue from the tickets? While Russo didn’t know he said he will find out. He said that manpower is likely an issue. Rafferty responded that back in the day, Hubie Angus was chief and he ran the department with one or two part- time officers and they wrote tickets.
Somero responded that he agreed with the manpower needs of the police department, adding that law enforcement has changed since COVID-19. He supported the adding of a resource officer at the Dennett Elementary hoping it will help police gain respect from youngsters.
Candidates were asked why they were the best choice for the job. Russo concluded he is the best candidate, with a clear sense of priorities, protecting Plympton’s unique nature, balancing Plympton’s frugal fiscal policies, effective collaborative civil welcoming town government, concern particularly for children, education, affordability for senior citizens, clear sense of priorities, the experience to constructively make those things happen. A proven track record over time, a long list of accomplishments. “I greatly appreciate the opportunity to support this town. I greatly appreciate the sense of purposefulness that comes out of stewardship for this beautiful town.”
Somero concluded, “I am new to politics. It’s time for a change, time to get some new blood. I have the utmost respect for the board of selectmen that we have now and I was under the impression that my opponent wasn’t going to run again.. I said I would do it. I’ve been in public safety for 40 years. I hope to be your next selectman.”

Election day is Saturday, May 20. Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Make your voices heard!

 

Rep. Lanatra brings $335K to district

By

Budget Highlights include permanent funding for universal school meals, free community college for qualifying residents, investments in child care funded by the authorization of online purchasing options for the state lottery, and funding to ensure statewide access to abortion medication

BOSTON – Last week, State Representative Kathy LaNatra (D – Kingston) and her colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed its fiscal year 2024 (FY’24) budget. This budget responds to the needs of residents and makes targeted investments that provide support for families across the Commonwealth. Funded at $56.2 billion, the House’s FY24 budget provides strong support for the Commonwealth’s cities and towns, and among many critical investments, includes significant funding for education, transportation, health care, housing, and workforce development.
“Budgets reflect organization’s values and priorities and this budget prioritizes and values a strong workforce, families ability to access health care and educational opportunities, a public transit system that our residents can rely on, and the need for a more stable and affordable housing market,” said State Rep. Kathy LaNatra (D – Kingston). “Among these accomplishments, I was proud to be able to secure $335,000 for the 12th Plymouth district to honor our veterans, increase public safety, support small businesses, and invest in our youth enrichment. Thank you to Speaker Mariano, Chairman Michlewitz and all of my colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee for another successful budget debate.”
Representative LaNatra secured a total of $335,000 through the adoption of the following sponsored amendments:
$150,000 for Harbor Health Services Inc. to expand their dental services in Plymouth and Cape Cod
$100,000 for the construction of a new Veteran’s Memorial in Kingston
$25,000 for the purchase of new furniture in the Plympton Public library children’s room
$25,000 for the Plymouth Downtown Waterfront District to support small businesses
$20,000 for the Kingston Rec. Department to purchase lunches for summer campers
$15,000 for electronic upgrades on the Plymouth Police boat
Other notable items in the budget include investments into education and transportation stemming from an anticipated $1 billion in Fair Share revenue that includes funding universal school meals, MBTA workforce development, and other capital investments.
The budget invests in protecting renters through the RAFT program as well as the rental voucher program. The budget makes other strong targeted investments in workforce development, higher education, mental healthcare and environmental protection and clean energy.
The budget passed the House of Representatives 156-0 and will now go to the Senate for consideration.
Representative LaNatra’s district includes all residents of Kingston, Plympton, Plymouth (Precincts 1,2,3,5 and 13) Middleboro (Precincts 1 & 5A), Halifax (Precincts 1 & 2A) and Pembroke (Precinct 3)..  To reach her, email Kathleen.LaNatra@mahouse.gov or her Chief of Staff, Chris Jean, at Christopher.Jean@MAhouse.gov. The phone number for the office is 617-722-2575.
For updates and announcements, please visit Representative LaNatra’s Facebook page, or her website, https://www.kathylanatra.com.

Dennett makes safety a priority

By

The Dennett Elementary School Committee met on Monday, April 24. Chair of the School Committee Jon Wilhelmsen provided an update on school safety. “Since last June, the event that happened in Uvalde, Texas, we’ve actually been holding with the Police Department, the Fire Department, the Town Administrator and myself representing the School Committee, and of course Mr. Veneto and others, have been meeting to talk about school safety and making sure that we are doing everything we can with respect to both the physical building and trying to make sure that we have the appropriate plans in place; those meetings happen every month, every two months,” Wilhelmsen explained. He further said that a large drill was held at Silver Lake in April and noted that both the Plympton Police and Fire Departments were present. A training was held at the Dennett over winter break as well. Wilhelmsen said that upgrades were made to the building’s security including the front entryway which now has additional security. “We are constantly looking at that,” he explained. According to Wilhelmsen the Police Department has put a request on the warrant for Town Meeting to fund a full-time school resource officer at the Dennett. A member in the audience asked, “as you can tell, we are surrounded by glass… are there additional considerations that are going into as far as swapping that kind of stuff out to bulletproof glass or putting some kind of protective film on that that is bullet resistant?” Wilhelmsen, who said that he didn’t want to go into too much detail, said that they were.
Dennett Roof
Wilhelmsen said a study was done on the Dennett roof. Of the results, he said, “it wasn’t awesome.” Wilhelmsen told the Committee that a follow-up meeting will have to be held with Facilities Director Matt Durkee. “There Dennett Roof
Wilhelmsen said a study was done on the Dennett roof. Of the results, he said, “it wasn’t awesome.” Wilhelmsen told the Committee that a follow-up meeting will have to be held with Facilities Director Matt Durkee. “There were some spots where there is significant moisture in the installation but I want to understand, can we repair that and then utilize the additional roofing treatment or is it just something we are stuck with having to do a complete redo,” Wilhelmsen explained.
Dog Droppings on Dennett Fields
Wilhelmsen noted that sports were starting back up again outdoors and said that it was his understanding that nothing was better with respect to owners not picking up after their pets on the Dennett Fields. He said that signage had been put up and trash bags provided. Committee member Jason Fraser asked what next steps would be and Wilhelmsen said that talking to the Board of Selectmen about enforcement, whether it be an animal control officer or other method. Wilhelmsen also said that an idea might potentially be to explore a dedicated dog park in Plympton. Wilhelmsen noted that it is standard practice for dogs not to be allowed on town sports fields.
Playground
Director of Business Services Christine Healy said that she has had initial conversations regarding the next steps for the removal of the mulch and the installation of the rubberized surfacing. She said they need to figure out where to put the mulch. She also said that they are working on securing updated pricing.
Solar Project
Regarding the solar project, Wilhelmsen said, “the panels are up, the electrical connection is done, the inspection is done, now they’re waiting on the connection piece of that. I have some documents that I have received that I have to sign.”
School Choice Hearing
The Committee held a school choice hearing to decide if they would allow school choice at the Dennett next year. They unanimously voted not to allow it citing concerns over already large class sizes.
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Working Group
Committee member Jason Fraser complimented Coordinator of Student Support Christine Marcolini on her efforts within the group. Marcolini said that they have looked at different models and what that would potentially look like at the Dennett. “We’re kind of at that point where we have a good framework of what we think this would look like at the Dennett… our vision is that we would be able to do some work over the summer and that would involve teachers, paras, specialists, so that we can really take a whole-school look at this and get together a model that is comprehensive… I did connect with a consultant,” Marcolini explained. Fraser said that ESSER funds were held back to be used for exactly this type of purpose.
Legislative Update
Fraser began, “So the House Ways and Means budget came out – ironically, Plympton, for schools, is down about $2,500 compared to the Governor’s budget which doesn’t typically happen but it’s all around the adjustments made for reimbursements for charter schools… After a student has been out of care for three years, 100 percent of our Chapter 70 funds goes towards that student; we’ve tried to balance out making it fair to the town and also making it fair to the school… so there’s constant readjustments to how much we’re being charged and how much the State reimburses us for.” He said that Representative Kathy LaNatra and her counterparts were debating the budget in the full House, noting there were still a number of steps for it go through before moving onto the Governor.
Principal’s Update
Principal Peter Veneto said that current enrollment stands at 241 students. He also said that on Good Friday, he received a call from Technology Director Steve Pellowe saying that water was coming from the water closet. “Upon further inspection, it was a lot of water… the issue was with the pressure relief valve,” Veneto told the Committee. ServePro was called in to dry everything out and eventually the dry wall was replaced. “Electricians and plumbers confirmed that things were running smoothly,” he said. Veneto said that the water issue was the same day as the power outage; he further said that no one could definitively say if the two things were connected. Veneto said that on a positive note there would be a number of fun events and field trips to come before the end of the school year.
Wilhelmsen’s Farewell
Fraser noted that it would be the final regular meeting for Wilhelmsen. “Appreciate over the eight years of you sitting in the Chair, the leadership that you’ve shown, and your presence is going to be deeply missed,” Fraser said. Wilhelmsen joked, “I was supposed to be gone three years ago.” He continued, “It has been a pleasure to do this, it’s been a pleasure to learn as much as I have with this and even though I won’t be sitting on this side, you’ll always have a supporter in the audience… I wish the Committee and the School and teachers and everything all the best of luck as you keep moving forward.”

Holmes celebrates Library Week

By

Linda Redding
Special to the Express
The Holmes Public Library in Halifax celebrated National Library week last Friday, and also honored the last day of their popular Children’s Resource Librarian, Holly Ianucci Slawson, who has accepted the position of Children’s Librarian at the Kingston Public Library, in her home town.
The Friends of the Holmes treated library staff to cupcakes, cookies, and other goodies, in addition to giving each a lovely pink Kalanchoe plant, a breath of spring.
Below, Miss Holly was presented a favorite book, “Loud Mouse”, that will feature a bookplate noting that the book was given to the Library in her honor. Friends member Bob Hodge presented the book, that was signed by the two authors, sisters Cara and Idina Menzel from Frozen and Broadway fame, and the illustrator, Jaclyn Sinquett. Hodge was also Miss Holly’s high school assistant principal at Silver Lake Regional High.
At left, Miss Holly accepts a parting gift from the staff of the Holmes Public Library.

Bruno argues against MBTA action plan

By

The Halifax Board of Selectmen met on Tuesday, April 11. Selectman Chair John Bruno said he wanted to provide an update on the MBTA Action Plan. “Just to refresh our memories, the State, about two years ago, passed a law regarding what they call MBTA communities, which lucky for us we are one, where they are trying to force us to change our zoning to add a significant amount of multi-family housing. I don’t have any problem with multi-family housing, and I do think we need to add some to Halifax. What I do have a problem with is overreach of the State government on this project,” Bruno said. He further said that he had drafted a letter stating his opinion which he would like to see sent to State representatives and surrounding towns. He then proceeded to read the letter which can be found in the recording of the Selectmen’s meeting on Area 58. “Glad to sign it and send it along,” Selectman Jonathan Selig said. “I think the only way we can really address this, other than crossing our arms and refusing to do it, which is going to cause problems, is to bring our representatives in – that’s what their job is. Their job is not to show up on Facebook every other day saying I went to a Needle Scout ceremony, I just got appointed to this community or that community – their job is to look out for us and I think we need to put the heat on a little bit… it’s time that they did their work,” Bruno said.
Bruno said that Police Chief Joao Chaves, Highway Surveyor Steve Hayward, and Fred Corrigan with the Traffic Safety Committee were all in attendance to discuss changing the speed limits on Route 106. “You can’t just go changing speed limits, especially on 106 or any numbered road. We might take care of it, but it is still a State road, so you have to have studies done,” Hayward said. He further said that the change would be to make the speed limit 25 mph throughout all of Halifax unless otherwise posted. Corrigan argued using excerpts from State law that you do not need a survey done to change the speed limit.
Chaves said that it was brought up at Town Meeting a few years ago and voted down. “The issue with asking the State to do a study is they could actually tell us, your street is too low,” Chaves said. He further said that 85 percent of the vehicles that travel that road do so at an average speed of 41 mph when the posted speed limit is 35. Corrigan noted that Old Colony Planning Council (OCPC) does these studies without additional cost to the town. Selig said, “I know there have been residents that have been concerned where 106 is getting built up with businesses so I wouldn’t be opposed to slowing things down in that business area but we just have to be sure we aren’t opening up a can of worms with setting a town-wide speed limit so I would be for the OCPC recommendation.” Corrigan asked if anyone asked why the Traffic Safety Committee was formed and Bruno said, “I absolutely do” and referenced a pedestrian that was struck. The Selectmen agreed to contact OCPC.
Appointment to Zoning By-Law Review Committee
The Selectmen had an appointment with Jeremy Gillespie to discuss his appointment to the Zoning By-Law Review Committee. “I just see a lot of things in there that could be simplified and then things that need to be addressed,” Gillespie said. “I know… you’re a very passionate guy especially about environmental things in the town… you’d be open to, I guess, other takes on different issues and other ideas and working together to come to some sort of consensus?” Selig asked. Gillespie said “absolutely.” Resident Alan Dias spoke up saying, “I did send a letter to the Board suggesting that they not appoint Mr. Gillespie based on his Facebook posts, his anonymous complaints to DEP, Conservation Commission and I don’t know that that type of action would be helpful to the town.” A Conservation Commission member disputed the claims saying that Gillespie never files anonymous complaints. Bruno said that he doesn’t have a problem with someone being passionate and unafraid to tell the town when they are wrong. The Selectmen voted unanimously to appoint Gillespie.
50k for Park Commission and Youth and Recreation
Bruno said that there was an issue of $50,000 that needs to be allocated between the Park Commission and the Youth and Recreation Commission. At a previous Selectmen’s meeting, the Board had gone over Youth and Rec Director Dick Steele’s proposals for using a share of the funds. Steele said that they were looking to take care of some of the more costly items in their small budgets. He noted that they were looking for approximately $16,000. The Selectmen agreed to submit the Youth and Rec request for the $16,000 of earmarked funds while allowing the Park Commission to take another week to finalize their requests for the remaining $34,000.
Open Seat on Board of Registrars
Haddad told the Selectmen that there was an opening for the Republican seat on the Board of Registrars. He said that the Board of Registrars would submit three recommendations or nominations and then the Selectmen would select one for a three-year term. The Selectmen had a brief discussion regarding whether to choose Gordon C. Andrews or Summer Schmaling. “I know they’re both passionate Republicans and I think both would, for that capacity, be fine – splitting hairs,” Selectman Selig said. Bruno moved that they appoint Schmaling and they all agreed unanimously. “And that’s just because I had to pick one,” Bruno explained.
Morse Brothers Update
Haddad said, “they did notify us that they would be moving a second pile of dirt with two trucks – they would be avoiding the school bus schedule. We obviously have had various discussions with counsel and engineers, we brought in our Water Commissioners, Water Superintendent to make sure that there was no negative impact on the water. We’ve been assured by everyone involved that there is not and at this point, they are not digging anything further.”
Review of Town Meeting Articles
Haddad said that Town Meeting would be held at 6:30 p.m. on May 8. “It’s only an annual town meeting, we do not have a special town meeting,” he explained. He said that the election would be on Saturday, May 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Haddad reviewed the articles with the Selectmen. “Many of the articles are housekeeping, annual articles,” Haddad said. There were no significant changes to salaries of town employees. He did note that they are recommending a part-time Conservation Agent. “The Wetlands Protection Act and our bylaws are very diverse and they require a professional who really understands this. If we get a call for enforcement, we are really limited in who can go out and make that assessment,” Haddad said. He noted that it was a recommendation of the Conservation Commission. The town also wishes to add a Deputy Chief to the Police Department.
Regarding the schools’ budgets, Haddad said that overall, they are at a 2.9 percent increase, and the Elementary School is at a 5 percent increase. “We’ve had discussions with our schools to voice our concerns that we cannot continue to sustain large increases like this,” Haddad said. There was an article for $38,000 to support the School Resource Officer.
“We have a total operating budget of $28,113,913 for this year,” Haddad said. “One million more than last year,” Bruno said. Haddad noted that despite the large increase, the budget is mostly level-funded.
Some of the larger expenses from the Capital Plan article included a wield excavator for the Highway Department for $150,080, ADA Compliance projects for $500,000, town hall portico repairs for $50,000, library window replacements for $45,000, A fire command vehicle for the Fire Department for $80,000, and two police cruisers for $110,000.
Article 22 allows the Board of Selectmen to lease a landfill for the purposes of solar for up to 30 years. Article 23 is a petition article to increase the size of the Board of Selectmen from 3 to 5 members. Article 24 is an article to change the Town Clerk, Highway Surveyor, and Treasurer/Collector from elected to appointed. Bruno noted that he was not in favor of either Articles 23 or 24. “I don’t see how it gets any more efficient by increasing the size,” Bruno said of increasing the members on the Board of Selectmen.

Kingston Town Election is Saturday, April 22

By

Kingston’s Annual Town Election will be Saturday, April 22, at the Kingston Elementary School, 150 Main St,, off Route 3A. Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
There are still positions open with no candidates. They are: Housing Authority, 1 seat available for a 5-year term and Library Trustee – two seats available for 3-year terms Check the Town Clerk’s website to see if you qualify for an absentee ballot. See www.kingstonma.gov for additional information under Election News. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Kingston Town Clerk’s office at 781-585-0502.

Kingston school committee votes budget

By

The Kingston Elementary School Committee met on Monday, March 20. Town Treasurer Carl Pike asked to speak at the beginning of the meeting regarding the budget. He called himself a strong supporter of schools and school budgets over the last decade before saying that it was difficult for him to speak up regarding the preliminary budget and what it would do to the Town’s overall finances. He noted the $2.1 million increase this year saying that even with $600,000 removed due to increases in state aid, they were still at an increase of approximately $1.5 million. “What that does to the residents of the town of Kingston – we have about 4,500 residential parcels so that would equate to about $350 of a tax increase for every residential house in the town of Kingston for the next fiscal year.”
Pike also spoke about what the school’s increase would mean for the rest of the town. Pike said that the other town departments were challenged to stay around a 2 percent increase. “We have always strived to leave about a million dollars on the table; what that means is if I could tax the residents $40 million across the town, we try to only tax them $39 million so there’s a million on the table.” He said that with the school’s increase that wouldn’t be possible. He noted that this leaves the town in a dangerous position. He noted that the million dollars carrying over each year prevents a Prop 2.5 override. He encouraged the School Committee to reconsider their budget saying that he would have trouble supporting it as-is and said he suspects that the Finance Committee and Selectmen likely would also have difficulty supporting it.
Selectman Sheila Vaughn, who noted she is also the parent of an incoming kindergartener, thanked Pike but said it is very difficult to run a school and level-fund it. “We have schools… we need to be taking care of them… we’ve done more with the legislature to try to secure more funding,” Vaughn said. She said that cuts always come out of the regular day operating budget because it is difficult to cut from special education and out of district vocational. “We have parents and we have people who will support this,” she said.
Superintendent Jill Proulx shared version three of the budget with the Committee. She noted that Circuit Breaker was still estimated at 70 percent. “No cuts were made to this since the last time we met… regular day in this includes the addition of three classroom teachers, one kindergarten para, a 0.5 para, $60,000 in equipment, 0.4 music, and 0.4 art bringing it to a 9.53 percent increase. “Special education in this budget, we have added the paraprofessionals for the program, we have added the behaviorist… they show up in the form of tuition increases… so now special education is at 23.2 increase,” Proulx told the Committee. She said that there was some discussion about using free cash and carrying over some of Circuit Breaker into FY24. “We are very much open to that idea,” Proulx said. Committee member Tim Lewis said he was “absolutely passionate” about the three new classroom teachers and the special education educator.
There was some discussion about whether the behaviorist was necessary. Some Committee members argued that the time taken away from students while teachers dealt with these issues was immeasurable. Other Committee members felt that the data was not there to warrant the position. Kingston Intermediate School (KIS) Principal Mike Bambery said that the need was imminent due to the strain on other staff. Coleman spoke in favor of the behaviorist but questioned the need for a third classroom teacher. She did note, however, that she didn’t want to be put in the position they are in now where kindergarten parents are outraged about the large class sizes which are approaching 30.
Proulx said that in speaking with the Technology Director and the Curriculum Coordinator “we felt that we could absorb $19,000 for curriculum and $30,000 for technology because we felt we could move some of that into ESSSER.” The Committee also discussed reducing positions, such as music from 0.4 to 0.2., to save money. Proulx pointed out that it would be difficult to find someone to take over a 0.2 position. Coleman said that she was comfortable bringing the budget as-is to the Town Meeting floor. Lewis said that one hundred percent of the people at the public budget hearing supported the budget. Coleman said that she spoke to a mother of a kindergartener and a third grader who moved across the country sight unseen in part because of the Kingston’s schools. “I don’t want to lose that,” she said.
There was considerable conversation around the budgetary impacts of students who transfer into the district mid school year. Lewis asked, “Am I correct in saying that there is a law on the books that if a student moves into the district after a certain date than the previous district owns that bill; so when we talk about an extraordinary year because of move-ins, aren’t those move-ins being paid for by the previous district?” Administrator of Special Education Marie Grable said “Correct, there is an April 1 move-in law, so if there is someone who moves into our district after April 1 that we did not have a chance to budget for, then that district owns and assumes the tuition for the rest of the school year but there are other taxes.” If students moved-in earlier than April 1, the district still has to pay for them regardless of those students not being included in the approved budget.
The excess cost that was spoken of was $700,000. Grable said that the bulk of that came from students who turned 3, move-ins, and some out-of-district placements that were not foreseen. Grable explained that if students that move-in are private then the April 1 law applies. She continued, “if they are collaborative, then we look to see if we have some in-district program that can meet their needs, so we are not bound to the move-in law if we have a comparable program.” Grable said, “we received students that weren’t on an IEP that were challenging to place; I’m really toeing the line here.” Committee Chair Jeanne Coleman said, “I think the majority of the public might be able to connect some pieces with the timeline that we’re looking at… and now we’re fiscally responsible… and the State dropped the ball on providing appropriate funding.” While it was not explicitly stated, the implication was that the conversation centered around the 64 migrant children who were housed in a hotel in Kingston in October. Director of Business Services clarified that that situation only made up a small portion of the additional expenses.
After considerable conversation and debate, the Committee voted to approve a regular day operating budget of $10,410,747, a special education budget of $6,354,065, and an out of district vocational education budget of $228,000. Coleman noted that the increase was actually 8.6 percent.
The Committee listened to some changes to two policies that were previously discussed at the Halifax and Plympton School Committees. The first dealt with access to security footage from the schools. The changes allowed for more emergency services to access the footage in the event of an emergency. Previously, only Police were allowed but the changes allowed for both Dispatch and Fire and Rescue to also view them. The second policy was regarding the opt-out option for parents for student surveys. Parents have the option to opt-out of the social and emotional surveys being administered by the schools. The Committee voted to approve both policies.
During the Teacher’s Corner for the month of March it was said that the reading focus was Dr. Suess. It was noted that author, Beth Ferry, came to work with students and would be returning to work on creating their own books. The second grade participated in a March Madness book tournament where books went head-to-head until one was voted as the favorite. The first grade participated in a STEM project creating Leprechaun traps. After School programs led by KES teachers and being put on by Kingston Youth and Rec have been very successful.
KES Principal Kerri Whipple provided an update saying the focus of the past month has been curiosity. Whipple called Ferry’s visit a success and noted that they had positive feedback on the visit from many families especially those with students with special needs. Whipple said that the first-grade celebrated beach day where they studied marine animals. Whipple said that the program “germs alive” was incredible. “There’s a lot of events coming up; it’s our busy time of year,” she told the Committee.
Bambery also provided an update on recent goings on at KIS. He said that the infrastructure trials for MCAS have gone well. He said that the student/staff basketball game went wonderfully, selling the entire place out. “The kids just had a fantastic time; I had kids coming up to me harassing me because I didn’t call any fouls,” he said laughing. Bambery also said that the fifth grade would be going on a field trip and the sixth grade would be having a cyber-bullying presentation.

State Rep.Kathy LaNatra co-chairs Joint Committee on Ways and Means budget hearing 

By

Boston – On Tuesday, March 21, State Representative Kathleen LaNatra (D – Kingston) co-chaired a hearing of the Massachusetts General Court Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Along with her colleague and co-chair, State Senator John Cronin (D – Lunenberg), the Joint Committee on Ways and Means heard from health and human services-related agencies across the State as the Massachusetts Legislature begins to work on their FY’24 budget.
“I was honored to be given the opportunity to chair a hearing of the Committee on Ways and Means, examining the Governor’s FY’24 budget,” said LaNatra (D – Kingston). “The budget is critical in determining the legislature’s priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, and I am proud to be able to play a role in creating the House budget. I am grateful to Chairman Michlewitz for instilling in me the confidence to lead this hearing.”
Tuesday’s hearing was the second of two hearings regarding the Governor’s budget proposals for health and human services. The Committee met in Fitchburg at the town’s Legislative Building. The Committee heard from the Executive Office of Veterans’ Services and Soldiers Homes, the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Department of Youth Services, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission and the Office of Refugees and Immigrants.
Representative LaNatra’s district includes all residents of Kingston, Plympton, Plymouth (Precincts 1,2,3,5 and 13) Middleboro (Precincts 1 & 5A), Halifax (Precincts 1 & 2A) and Pembroke (Precinct 3)..
To reach her, email Kathleen.LaNatra@mahouse.gov or her Chief of Staff, Chris Jean, at Christopher.Jean@MAhouse.gov. The phone number for the office is 617-722-2575. For updates and announcements, please visit Representative LaNatra’s Facebook page, or her website, https://www.kathylanatra.com.