The Town of Plympton is pleased to announce that Captain Cheryl Davis has been appointed as the Plympton Fire Department’s next Fire Chief pending successful contract negotiation. Ms. Davis has been serving on the Fire Department in various capacities since 2007 and was promoted to the rank of Captain in March 2015. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Bridgewater State University and is pursuing a Master’s Degree; additionally, she is a licensed EMT-Paramedic and has completed the Massachusetts Firefighter I and II Certifications through the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy.
We had the privilege of interviewing three very capable finalist candidates and we are delighted to be able to promote from within and look forward to watching the Fire Department continue to grow and experience new accomplishments under this future capable leadership.
Plympton Board of Selectmen and Town Administrator
How to shelter migrants safely Permanent?
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.
Halifax fireworks can be seen July 1
The tradition continues, thanks to community contributions and stalwart volunteers who put everything together and clean it all up.
The Town of Halifax’s Fireworks Celebration, coordinated by the members of the Fireworks Committee, is scheduled for Saturday, July 1. There will be a day event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an evening event from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. that will include a variety of fun-packed and family-oriented activities such as a DJ, food vendors, dunk tank, and much more. Day Event Activities from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. include T-Shirt Sales, Corn Hole, Hula Hoops, Cookie Decorating, Dunk Tank, and Face Painting.
Evening Event Activities from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. include Food Trucks , DJ/Music, Face Painting, Balloon Animals, and of course Fireworks (after dark)
The Halifax Fireworks Committee is also seeking volunteers on July 1 to assist with setting-up and running activities throughout the day and also on July 2 to help with clean-up. If you can volunteer, please e-mail Janice Hayward at [email protected] or Susan Hill at [email protected].
This event is made possible by the support and funding from residents, guests, sponsors, and local businesses. We are thankful to all who have contributed towards continuing the tradition. Everyone is invited to take part in watching one of Halifax’s grand community events as we celebrate our nation’s birthday alongside friends, family, and neighbors.
Gray’s Beach Park Playground Open
Gray’s Beach Park Playground Rebuild Project Phase 1 is now complete and the playground is now open. Due to State and Federal funding, grant award and resources, the project needed to be completed in phases.
Phase 2 of construction is anticipated to begin in late summer. This will involve installation of the Poured-In- Place surfacing, and the installation of the final pieces of playground equipment. The playground will close temporarily during Phase 2, which should take about two weeks to complete.
The town undertook the reconstruction project because the playground was almost 18 years old, and the structural integrity of the equipment had become compromised due to erosion and excessive rust, along with site drainage concerns and other ongoing issues.
Halifax Outside Watering Restrictions
As of June, 1, 2023, the following outside water restrictions were put in place.
SUNDAY: NO WATERING
MONDAY: EVEN NUMBERED HOUSES 5 – 8 a.m. and 6 – 9 p.m.
TUESDAY: ODD NUMBERED HOUSES 5 – 8 a.m. and 6 – 9 p.m
WEDNESDAY: NO WATERING
THURSDAY: EVEN NUMBERED HOUSES 5 – 8 a.m. and 6 – 9 p.m
FRIDAY: ODD NUMBERED HOUSES 5 – 8 a.m. and 6 – 9 p.m
SATURDAY: NO WATERING
Sprinklers are allowed during the above specified hours. Washing cars is allowed during the above specified hours even on a no watering day.
If these restrictions are not adhered to the following fines will be enforced:
1st Offense – Verbal Warning
2nd Offense – $50.00 fine
3rd Offense – $100.00 fine
4th Offense – TERMINATION OF WATER SERVICE & $250 TURN ON FEE.
If you have a well, please go to the Board of Health and obtain a well or irrigation well
number. THIS NUMBER MUST BE POSTED ON THE FRONT LAWN. To prevent the Water Department or Police, who enforce this policy, from stopping at your house,
The Board of Water Commissioners appreciates your cooperation.
Halifax water woes continue
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.
Halifax Beautification Essay contest winners
The Halifax Beautification Committee sponsored an essay contest for Halifax Elementary School students on the subject of litter, pollution, and it’s negative effects on the environment.
One essay contest winner each from 4th, 5th and 6th grade was selected by the Halifax Beautification Committee.
The 4th grade winner was Madison Balboni with her Essay “The Mama Turtle That Swam with Fear”, 5th grade essay winner Joshua Grispi with his essay “What Can Litter and Trash Pollution Do to the Environment”, and 6th grade winner Peyton Scuilli with her essay “Everything Connects.”
Each winner received a $50 check, a plaque and a tree to be planted at Halifax Town Hall and Halifax Elementary School from the Halifax Beautification Committee, all three trees were planted the first weekend in June.
On page 12 find excerpts from each of the winning essays and see that we are leaving the world in capable hands.
Beautiful black bear in Plympton
Calls started coming in to Plympton police about 10:50 a.m. Tuesday to report a beautiful juvenile black bear roaming the streets, Lt. Dan Hoffman of the Plympton Police Dept. told The Express.
Coming from the pond behind Competition Auto Body on Main Street, the bear stopped on the fence to look both ways and when Plympton’s finest held traffic at bay, the bear cossed the street to continue through the woods to Parsonage Road, then again to Elm Street. From Elm St., the bear didn’t bother the sheep, donkeys, and llamas, but continued behind the houses there and into the woods where he probably settled down for a much-needed nap.
What do you do if you see a bear? First of all, leave it alone! The Massachusetts Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife say that bear attacks are seldom, and much of the time you can quietly back away. Don’t run, and don’t climb a tree. Bears can run faster than you, and climb trees very well.
Bears are omnivores, meaning they eat everything, both animal and vegetable. Don’t put out the welcome mat by leaving your garbage unsecured, or putting out yummy suet cakes for the birds – bears like them, too!
For a full detail of what to do when you see a Northern Black Bear, go to: https://www.mass.gov/doc/what-to-do-if-you-encounter-a-black-bear/download?_
They have all the information you need for the safety of both you and the bear.ga=2.1255027.372540900.1686683450-593656785.1673282875
Kingston BOS hears kelp farm proposal
The Kingston Board of Selectmen met on Tuesday, June 6. Jared Waitkus appeared before the Board with a proposal for a sugar kelp/shellfish farm. Waitkus told the Selectmen that he has been on the oyster wait list since 2015. He referenced a book called Eat Like a Fish by Bren Smith. Waitkus said Smith is the founder of GreenWave and has spent 15 years creating the 3D Ocean Farm off Long Island. Waitkus included in his presentation, “GreenWave’s integrated model shifts the practice of aquaculture from growing vulnerable monocultures to creating vibrant ecosystems, which produce higher yields.”
Waitkus explained that sugar kelp is a “yellowish- brown marine algae that looks like lasagna.” He also said it is popular in Asia and is now becoming more popular in the U.S. He called it a “zero impact crop.” Regarding the benefits of growing it, he said, “sugar kelp consumes excess nutrients and carbon dioxide from the water column and give off oxygen as they grow.”
Regarding the grant layout, he said that it would be just under three acres, 200 ft. wide by 645 ft. long. He said that the sugar kelp would make up approximately two acres while the shellfish would take up approximately one acre.
Waitkus explained the seeding process saying, “They take PVC pipe in short lengths, they wrap it with a thin twine, and then they put it in tanks and that’s where it gets seeded with basically baby kelp.”
Waitkus also explained potential locations saying that they investigated three different locations. According to him, the nearest land is 2,520 ft. away, Gray’s Beach is 3,175 ft. away, and the nearest eel grass bed is 189 ft. away (well within requirements). Waitkus said, “Channel width at that location is approximately 350 ft. wide and with the farm there, there will still be 200 ft. of open channel for boats to navigate.” He noted that Duxbury has a 12-acre kelp farm that is currently being farmed.
Chair Kimberley Emberg, “Is there enough room to navigate around that, it looked like there are very few deep spots and channels in the bay?” Waitkus said, “Even with that, with the farm there, when it’s fully operational and the kelp is in the water, there’s still 200 feet for boating; I think the average boat in Kingston is no wider than eight feet wide.”
“The hope after talking to Woods Hole is to try to get approval from the State to do basically scallops, mussels, oysters, and sugar kelp,” Waitkus said. He clarified that the sugar kelp would account for 80 percent of the farming. Waitkus acknowledged that there could be a potential issue as he is number two on the waitlist for a shellfish grant and there is someone ahead of him. “We have a waitlist for shellfish, so I just want to make sure that we’re cognizant of that,” Emberg said. She also said that at this point she wanted to consider a sugar kelp grant rather than a dual one for that and shellfish.
Selectman Tyler Bouchard said, “We have a moratorium on new grants… there’s three and at this point, it doesn’t seem like there’s going to be more than three for the time period and obviously you are on the short end of that list, which is great.” Bouchard said that he would want to make absolutely certain that the 250 feet or 350 feet are navigable given the limited waters in Kingston. Town Administrator Keith Hickey said that he would want to verify that emergency boats would still be able to navigate around the farm in the event of an emergency.
Bouchard also said that another consideration is that the three grants have specific locations already and if one of those were to retire and Bouchard’s turn should come up, will one of those plots be able to be moved to his kelp farm location. There will be a public hearing in July regarding the proposed kelp farm.
Hickey provided a Town Administrator’s update and said that there are three employees who were hired through the Regional Health Coalition. “The Board that oversees that grant voted to move that grant Host Community from Kingston to Plymouth, so those employees will become Plymouth employees after July 1,” Hickey said.
Hickey also said that representatives from the Town and the State, including D.O.T., and concerned citizens have been invited to a meeting with the Old Colony Planning Council to discuss the intersection at Maple St. and Landing Rd. The intersection has been deemed dangerous by many.
Hickey also said that Eversource has reached out to see if they could install a transformer in the library parking lot. He noted that it would be about the size of a parking space. “Unless there’s an event going on, it really shouldn’t be that much of an issue,” Hickey said.
Emberg provided those in attendance with several announcements including various vacancies. The Sewer Commission has a vacancy as of July 1. Emberg also said, “The Moderator is recruiting to fill open seats on the Finance Committee. Anyone interested should reach out to the Moderator.” There is also an open seat on the Capital Planning Committee, and anyone interested should reach out to Finance Committee. Additionally, there is an opening for a Kingston resident on the Old Colony Elder Services Board of Directors, and for a volunteer to deliver for Meals on Wheels. The Council on Aging is seeking an Associate member.
Other announcements included that the Animal Rescue League of Boston is sponsoring a spay wagon and will be coming to Kingston a few times per month. Appointments are required and can be scheduled via phone or online. Transfer Station sticker sales have begun. Upcoming events include a farmer’s market on Sunday July 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gray’s Beach. The next Music at the Beach event will be July 11 at 6 p.m. at Gray’s Beach Park.
Selectman Don Alcombright brought forth the issue of a need for a police detail at the Hilltop during sports season, particularly for the Thursday night events. “Part of the issue is traffic gets backed up all the way to the light, so they’re double parking and they’re taking up all the spaces in the first few baseball fields; so, people that are actually trying to attend sporting events, can’t,” Emberg said. Hickey said he would have a conversation with the Chief and the club.
Selectman Sheila Vaughn acknowledged that it is PRIDE month and said two Kingston residents are running an event to celebrate at Nelson Park in Plymouth on June 25. “It is a great event and it is run by two of our Kingston residents who run Plymouth PRIDE. Plymouth PRIDE is all of our surrounding towns… Plymouth area,” Vaughn said. She said there would be food trucks and other entertainment.
Before adjourning, Bouchard said of the Memorial Day events in Kingston, “It’s one of those days where it’s like the best of what you get to see in a town like we have, between the speakers and the volunteers who put their time into it.” Emberg also thanked everyone for a wonderful Memorial Day parade and cookout.
First Parish Summer Fair in Duxbury June 17
The annual First Parish Church Fair will take place on Saturday, June 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 842 Tremont Street/Route 3A next to Town Hall in Duxbury.
Food, games, and thousands upon thousands of items at bargain prices provide something of interest for all ages. Highlights include a live auction at 10 a.m., thousands of books, jewelry boutique, antiques and collectibles, musical entertainment, plus Father’s Day gifts, hundreds of children’s toys and games, crafts, plants, white elephants, snacks, and strawberry shortcake. Admission and parking are free! We’ll have live music in the afternoon. Come rain or shine.
From Route 3, take exit 20 (old exit 10) and go a little over 2 miles on Route 3A north. For more information, call 781-934-6532 or check out our website: www.uudux.org.
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