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.
Schmaling chairs final meeting
The Halifax Elementary School Committee met on Monday, May 8. Chair Summer Schmaling pointed out that the Committee would be different when meeting next after the election. The Committee is not scheduled to meet again until their closeout meeting in July.
Superintendent Jill Proulx began her update by saying, “First, I’d like to thank our Chairperson Summer Schmaling for her years of dedication to Halifax Elementary Schools and Silver Lake Regional School District will certainly recognize you at our upcoming Silver Lake meeting as well. Summer has served our District and our School and has volunteered her time for the betterment of students throughout our community and we have enjoyed working with her and we are certainly going to miss her leadership and her dedication.” Schmaling said, “Well thank you for all of you, you’ve been a wonderful team to work for and with; it makes this role a lot easier and more enjoyable when you enjoy the people that you are working with.”
Schmaling opened the meeting to public participation. Silver Lake Regional School District’s Director of Human Resources Dave Turcotte spoke regarding increasing the step rate and corresponding wages for substitute custodians and substitute food services employees. The Committee voted unanimously to make the change.
Principal Kayne Beaudry told the Committee that they are looking to add a second DLC classroom (Developmental Learning Center). The current classroom serves the fourth grade who will be next year’s fifth grade. The proposed classroom will serve grades K-2 which has a current cohort of five. Schmaling said that she assumed that they would need teachers for the classroom. Administrator of Special Education Marie Grable explained, “To explain, in terms of the financing, Halifax is currently paying a tuition rate for those students to attend KES… and transportation.” Schmaling asked if the extra classroom was contingent upon them being able to fill the positions to staff the classroom. “The reality is, we’re in the same situation no matter which town the program resides in, so in other words, if our Halifax students remain in KES, we will need to hire another teacher at KES because the numbers are at a point right now, we’re it’s not sustainable. So, we’re either opening a third classroom at KES or opening an elementary classroom here, so either way we need to be hiring a teacher.” Grable clarified that it was one teacher and two paraprofessionals. She added that they would also like to add a 0.5 speech language therapist.
Committee member Lauren Laws asked, “Is there ever a crossover like can the specialists there help with the other students in the building if needed or if there is space?” Grable said, “Here, yes, absolutely, because it will be a Halifax program working with all Halifax students so absolutely this therapist and staff could work anywhere they were assigned which is not the case in Kingston because it is a Silver Lake program.” Schmaling asked if for this year it would be a cost savings to Halifax or if it would be a “wash-out.” Grable responded that for this year it would be a wash-out. Schmaling asked about the possibility of one of the classrooms absorbing the other in the future should the numbers change. Grable said they are required to follow a rule that does not allow for students with greater than a 48-month age difference to be together. The Committee did vote to approve the additional classroom.
Curriculum Coordinator Melissa Farrell attended the meeting to provide an update on the science curriculum. “The State is in a bit of flux with science in terms of how they are viewing it and they’re looking to update the MCAS and so it is time to move on from what we adopted… in the 2015/2016 time… because that curriculum is out of date, but we also don’t want to make any rash decisions.” She said that the interactive science lessons are being updated to a new version called Elevate Science. She also said that they planned to adopt Mystery Science of which she said it would “try and create more of a consistent guaranteed science experience for all of our students K-5.” Farrell also called it user friendly and said it would allow some flexibility for the teachers.
Farrell said that they are starting a transition in sixth grade that would move them more toward a phenomenon-based science curriculum that she said would better align with what is done at the Middle School. “We need any and every opportunity we can give our kids for accessing nonfiction texts and so using a digital resource is an easy way to do that. So, Newsela is a great resource. It’s dynamic, it updates, it adds more resource on a daily basis.” She said that it is easily searchable and that it identifies students’ reading levels and updates accordingly. She further said that it was a nice addition to Mystery Science which is more hands-on.
Shea celebrates 60 years as a barber acutting
Sunday, May 7, John Shea, John the Barber, was celebrated at the Upland Sportsman Club in Plympton for his 60 years in business.
John’s son and fellow barber Darren Shea introduced John to the crowd.
John spoke about how he started his barber career working for Louie Gallerani in 1963 at Louie’s Barber Shop, Hall;’s Corner in Duxbury. After working there five years he decided to open his own shop in Halifax.
John spent 18 years at his shop at the Halifax King’s Market on Route 106 before moving up the street to the Cumberland Farms location at the intersection of Routes 58 and 106, where he continues to practice with his three other barbers: Darren Shea, John’s son; Corey Socha, nephew of Darren Shea’s wife; and Jared Traynor, John’s nephew.
A good size crowd stopped in to congratulate John, including his very first customer, Paul Barber. The furthest attendee came from Texas.
Kingston Memorial Day Parade and Community Cookout 2023
The annual Kingston Memorial Day parade is back this year bigger and better. The parade will kick off at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 29, 2023 at the WWII War Memorial (across from Cancun restaurant), proceeding onto Landing Road, Main Street, Green Street and Evergreen Street. The event will end with a ceremony on Town Hall lawn.
All veterans are invited to participate by marching or riding along the parade route in provided transportation. Please contact the Veterans’ Services Department at 781-585-0515.
We encourage the Kingston community to turn out as spectators to honor our veterans and pay respects to the service men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
All residents are welcome to enjoy a free community cookout (behind Town Hall) immediately following the ceremony. Bring a picnic blanket or camp chair and enjoy a hamburger or hotdog served from the grill by Kingston town employees and volunteers.
Halifax BOS stays at three
The annual Halifax Town Meeting was held on May 8. The petition articles, which can be brought forth by any resident attaining a total of 10 signatures, resulted in some of the heftiest discussion and debate of the night.
Article 23 was a petition article brought forth by Mary Gravinese to increase membership in the Board of Selectmen from three to five. Gravinese said, “I did this article on my own; I have spent a lot of time in the last year or so attending meetings, attending Selectmen’s meetings, watching them on video and I just don’t know that our Selectmen actually represent all of the residents of Halifax… I feel like there is a portion of us that may not be represented, so maybe if there were one or two more Selectmen there might be an overall look at the whole town and what we all want.” The Finance Committee did not recommend the article.
Selectmen Chair John Bruno said, “The Board of Selectmen do not recommend; the idea that the generally elected officials don’t represent certain sections of the town, I just can’t agree with.” He noted that the majority of the voting public voted for each of the three members of the Board of Selectmen as well as all other elected positions in town. Bruno said that Halifax has had three Selectmen since 1734. “It seems to have worked fairly well… the Selectmen don’t make all the decisions… it’s really the Town Meeting that makes the decisions,” Bruno said.
A resident asked the Finance Committee why they weren’t voting to recommend. They said that they didn’t feel there was an added benefit and also stated that there may be a financial cost associated with having more Selectmen. Resident and member of the Halifax Elementary School Committee Summer Schmaling spoke saying that the additional cost to the town was only $3,000. She further noted that most surrounding towns of similar size had a five-member board. Candace Kniffen spoke saying, “we have a history in this town that is not admirable where we have elections that are uncontested and more of the times when our Selectmen elections have taken place, they’ve been uncontested. It seems to me that if you feel unrepresented, you put up a candidate that will represent your interests and here we are this year with yet another uncontested Selectmen’s race. We have trouble getting volunteers.” Another resident said, “I don’t feel comfortable in this room, with this small group of people, voting to change the government in our town – I think that’s really risky.” Resident Amy L. Troup spoke saying that a reason to consider five Selectmen would be what happened over the summer when two Selectmen resigned leaving just one until a special election. Another resident said that what happened last year was a once in a lifetime event and the Town’s government should not be changed based on it. The article did not pass.
Article 24 was another petition article by Mary Gravinese to petition the Legislature to change the Town Clerk, the Treasurer/Collector and the Highway Surveyor to appointed rather than elected. The motion had to be amended per Town Counsel to make it legally viable. Current Highway Surveyor Steve Hayward said, “I’m against this article; I have six people – I have five employees that live in the town, and they care about the town. If we start having the Select people or whoever appoint these positions, they have total control. I answer to the taxpayers. They don’t like what I’m doing, they can vote no.” Gravinese responded, “This isn’t about people not caring about the town. The town has to start running like a business and in order to do that we need people that have education, experience, qualifications to do the jobs – they are no longer entry level,” she said. She further said that her child could become the Highway Surveyor because he is 18 and lives in the town. “We can’t have someone that just is popular that wants to put a sign up if anyone left,” Gravinese said. The article was defeated.
Article 25 was a petition article brought forth by Barbara Gaynor that would adopt Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 41, Section 97A, commonly known as the “strong chief” section, concerning Police Chiefs. Police Chief Joao Chaves spoke to the article. The article would give the Chief of Police greater jurisdiction over the Police Department. A resident spoke saying, “The Select Board appointed him as Chief to run the department; the Select Board’s job is to run the overall town, not have their hands in any individual department on daily operations; what this does is it lets Chief have complete control of his Department and set the policy as he sees necessary… so this is a great change as far as the management of the Police Department.” The Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee did not have a recommendation on this article. The article passed.
Article 1 was to hear and act on the reports of Town Officers and Committees and it passed. Bruno acknowledged the tumultuous year it was for the Board of Selectmen and credited Selectman Jonathan Selig and Town Accountant Sandra Nolan for stepping up during that time. Selig remained as the sole Selectman for a time while Nolan stepped in to be acting Town Administrator.
Article 2 amended the Wage and Personnel by-law to change the steps and corresponding salaries for certain positions in town that are under-compensated. It was recommended by both the Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee. It passed unanimously. Article 3 determines the salaries for several elected positions. It also passed unanimously.
Article 4 was the operating budget. A resident asked for an explanation as to why the new Town Administrator is getting an $11,000 increase as well as why the Town Accountant would be receiving a $17,000 increase. Bruno said the increase for the Town Accountant actually had to do with money being set aside to assist in hiring a new Accountant as the current one will be retiring soon. Moderator Bert Gaynor went through each of the sections of the operating budget individually, grouping line items together. Everything passed including for the $14 million school budget.
Article 7 sought to appropriate $3 million for upgrades to the water treatment plant. Bruno said, “to meet this appropriation, the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, is authorized to borrow said amount… the amount authorized to be borrowed shall be reduced to the extent of any grants, gifts, or other funds received by the town to be used to pay the cost of this project.” It was recommended by the Finance Committee. The Water Superintendent said that the equipment in question is 40 years old and noted that they already have close to $1 million set aside toward this project. The article passed.
Regarding road maintenance in the Capital Plan, a resident asked for clarification as to the usage for the $300,000. Hayward said that this summer he would be able to use some of it for paving and “fixing up of the roads.” The Moderator asked the resident if that answered her question and she said, “Not fully, no.” She continued, “If you’ve driven around Ocean Ave, Lingen St., the numbered streets, they’re patching them, and I know you guys are doing your best and it’s not against that. It’s putting band-aids on broken legs. It’s ruining our cars, it’s ruining the police vehicles that we are paying to replace and maintain and I just want to make sure that our tax money is going toward things that really need to be done and not just roads that people that don’t live on the town drive on… do we have a plan for when we are going to do that?” Hayward said that just one mile on Plymouth St. cost $400,000. “And that was on a halfway decent road,” he said. “Out of all the 53 miles of road, we’re going to need millions of dollars; I could ask for a bond and nobody wants our taxes to go up… to fix the roads is money we don’t have,” Hayward explained.
There was also some discussion about new vehicles for the Fire Department. A resident said, “The town currently has three command vehicles, the Chief wants to upgrade one and get a new one for himself to the tune of $80,000 and we have a brand-new brush truck … I think the $80,000 is money we don’t need to spend on a new vehicle for the amount of times we have brush fires in the Town…” The Fire Chief said that the current vehicle he is driving was purchased with Covid funds from the State. He also said that some of these vehicles are used across other communities as well. “We do need a proper command vehicle and we do not have one setup at this time,” he said. The Fire Department costs were approved.
Regarding the Police Department costs, a resident asked Chief Chaves how often vehicles are replaced and was told every three years. Schmaling asked what would be done with the vehicles that are being replaced. Chaves said that they would be trading them in to offset the cost of the new vehicles. Residents requested that the article be amended to state that the cruisers would be traded in or auctioned before voting. The amendment did not pass though the overall Police costs were voted through.
Silver Lake Regional School Committee member Gordon Laws read that the SLRS Committee voted to amend Article 14 on the floor of Town Meeting due to increases in labor and equipment costs. Laws moved that the Town vote to amend the amount in Article 14 to $100,100 for the replacement of one rooftop unit. The units supply heat and air conditioning to the high school cafeteria and auditorium. The article previously read that the Town would vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds the sum of $202,458.79 for the replacement of two roof top units at Silver Lake Regional High School. Laws explained, “the air conditioning units are 15-year units and we are at 19 years with those units which is why we were hoping to replace both of them. If they happen to go, it will constitute kind of an emergency for all three towns… the estimate for the two together came in far more than what we had hoped for which is why we are asking for the one.” He further explained that they chose the one over the cafeteria since if that one were to go, it would create unsafe working conditions for the staff in the kitchen. It passed unanimously.
Plympton COA hosts candidate debate
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
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 [email protected] or her Chief of Staff, Chris Jean, at [email protected]. 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.
Kingston gives Eversource OK
The Kingston Board of Selectmen met on Tuesday, April 25. Chair Kimberley Emberg thanked everyone who came out and voted in the recent town election. “It is my pleasure to welcome the newest member of the Board of Selectmen, Eric Crone and congratulate Don Alcombright who was just re-elected to a three-year term,” Emberg said.
Given the recent election, the Board decided to deliberate on reorganization. They unanimously voted to renominate Emberg as Chair again. Alcombright was unanimously voted in as Vice Chair, and Sheila Vaughn was unanimously voted in as Clerk. “I just love note taking,” Vaughn joked.
“Thank you to everyone who participated in our third Annual Keep Kingston Clean event… I saw lots of cleanup efforts on William Gould Way, Captain Jones, Maple Street, Brightside Ave, all across the nook so thank you everyone that participated and thank you to our Highway Department,” Emberg said.
Emberg said that they had a recommendation from the Highway Superintendent regarding transfer station fees. He noted that it has been five years since sticker fees have been raised. He said that they are trying to get a new vendor as of July 1. With a new vendor will come a reduction in the fee for mattresses but items such as air conditioners and freezers that were previously free, will now come with a fee. “We are not making any additional dollars above what the vendor is charging us to dispose of it,” he explained.
A public hearing was held for Eversource per their request to allow for the installation of lines across a number of public roadways as part of the Carver/Kingston Reliability Project. A public hearing was previously held on February 14 which was continued onto February 28. The Board opened it up to any members of the public that wished to speak. A resident asked why they were meeting on it again. “It was debated, the Board voted, they didn’t get the answer they liked so they got to do it again… I guess I’m just looking for clarification on why we’re doing this whole thing again,” he said. Emberg said that she planned to ask Eversource the same question. Another resident read something from the Plymouth County of Deeds regarding the preservation of conservation lands. Emberg said that the Conservation Commission did vote on this project in 2021.
A resident said, “We haven’t been given any information at all, no numbers, no figures, no nothing – they could be pulling off a scam. It’s just an idea. But someone needs to look into this – someone other than people in this room who have no interest in this at all, probably the State and the federal government need to look at what they’re doing. This is a scam and it’s being overlooked here; I wish someone would take the time to do something.”
Town Treasurer Carl Pike spoke saying, “I’d just like to speak on behalf of the majority of people in Kingston who want to have electricity in this town; we want to have strong lines that will support the town during tough, difficult periods for electric generation. I’m also insulted by someone talking about a scam. Massachusetts has a Department of Public Utilities that all of your public utilities report to… it’s a heavily regulated industry and I believe that only in Kingston would we have people arguing against a power line.”
Emberg then opened it up to anyone from Eversource. Ryan Earle who is with Community Relations for Eversource spoke next. Regarding why they were back, Earle said they did file a petition with the State. “Our main goal is to work with municipalities at all cost… we’ve worked to try to alleviate some of those concerns… and to petition again for the nine street crossings that we came here for in the previous meetings as well as tonight.”
Selectman Tyler Bouchard noted discrepancies between conversations he had with Eversource and emails that he would receive back that in his words, “felt like they were written by an attorney.” He said, “As a public service utility company, I just feel like there is a piece missing. You know, with the poles and certain things and communication and not being totally forthright with those hearings that were two or three years ago. Unfortunately, we can’t go back and fix, but I hope, and I don’t have a lot of faith in this, what I would like to see is for the next hearing that comes up that the neighborhood be in good standing.” Emberg pointed out that the only thing they have jurisdiction over was the road crossings. Bouchard said, however, that he has changed his vote to allow them to cross the street based on having worked through many of the safety concerns that he had initially. “In that capacity, I feel reluctantly comfortable,” Bouchard concluded. The Board voted to approve the construction or erection of poles across Kingston’s public ways as stated in the public notice.
Emberg said that the Board had some appointments to make since there were resignations at the Library, a retirement in the Police Department, and a resignation in the Treasurer’s office for the Payroll Coordinator. Holly Iannucci was appointed to Head of Youth Services with the Kingston Public Library as of May 1. Tyler Potrykus was named as a permanent, full-time Civil Service Police Officer. Katelyn Drapeau was named as the new Payroll Coordinator. “Welcome, it’s very exciting,” Emberg said.
Following the retirement of Kingston’s Wastewater Superintendent, the Sewer Commissioners voted to appoint the current Sewer Foreman, David Walsh, as the next Superintendent. The Commissioners asked that the Selectmen approve the starting salary for Walsh at a Grade 4, Step 8 rate of $94,967. The Board voted unanimously to approve.
Assistant to the Town Administrator Patricia Tucker provided an update as Town Administrator Keith Hickey was absent. Regarding the open Health Agent position, Tucker said the Board of Health did interview two candidates. “One was very overwhelming – they all loved her, so they gave the Chair the authority to negotiate… they came up with an amount and agreed upon it so we’re hoping to get her signed on and to start the end of May,” Tucker told the Selectmen.
Before adjourning for the evening, Vaughn thanked the “500 people who came out and voted.” Emberg corrected her that it was over 600. Vaughn said that she would like to see the election moved to a different weekend and the assumption was that she meant so there would be greater participation.
BOS, BOH, meet to mull well concerns
Plympton selectmen met Monday night with the Board of Health and chairman of the buildings and properties committee, Jon Wilhelmsen, trying to discern whose responsibility it is to work with the state’s Department of Environmental Protection in siting a new well or wells, making up a public water supply to serve the town buildings complex as it develops.
Board of Health administrative assistant Cathy Ferguson told selectmen that Plympton has been in non-compliance with its water supply at the Town Hall, Library, and Fire Station, and has been working with the DEP to resolve these issues.
“This has to be done in a very specific way,” Ferguson said, “to comply with their directives.” Ferguson told selectmen that she hadn’t heard from DEP in several weeks regarding information she had provided them with and later found that the DEP had mistakenly thought that the Town Properties Committee and the Board of Health were presenting the same project. The Board of Health wanted to be sure that the siting of the well for the Town buildings complex be done properly, step by step, to ensure that not only present needs, but also future needs for these buildings are accommodated.
Town Properties Chairman Jon Wilhelmsen argued that their study should come first and the siting of the well for these buildings should come under Town Properties Committee’s umbrella of responsibility, as they are working under the authority of the Board of Selectmen.
Cronin said that Town Properties Committee has had plans drawn and work done that the Board of Health has not been made aware of. He said that in order to get the project done properly, they need to know what’s been done already.
Vice-chairman of the Board of Health Harry Weikel told The Express that he had requested any plans for the complex and were told that there were none. He said it wasn’t until he got a FOIA (Freedom Of Information Act) request, that the plans were given to the Board of Health – the day of the meeting with selectmen.
Chairman of the Board of Selectmen Christine Joy suggested that the two boards get together and meet with representatives from the DEP to untangle the misunderstandings.
The Board of Health and the Town Properties Committee agreed that they would schedule a meeting as soon as can be arranged with DEP representatives.
Wilhelmsen responded to a request for comment from the Express that he was not aware of the Board of Health or any individual asking for any information via a FOIA request, nor any FOIA request asking for the campus survey. He did say that in early March the Town Properties Committee was asked, via Liz Dennehy, Town Administrator, for any conclusions regarding the septic and/or well by Grady Engineering. Wilhelmsen replied to the Board of Health and the Town Administrator that Grady was simply hired to do a survey of existing conditions, and no conclusions were made. He emphasized that his committee has never refused to provide public documents to another commmittee/board or told a committee/board that they need to request via FOIA.
He furthered, “TPC was unaware until late last week that BOH was planning to undertake tasks that we already had in progress.” … “My hope is that we can make some progress at that meeting and move the project forward for the benefit of the folks who work up at the town complex and the town as a whole.”
In other business, selectmen signed a contract with Sarian Company, Inc., of Sandwich, a woman-owned business with more than 20 years experience in the field, to help determine what is needed in a small public water supply, which the town buildings complex would require.
BOH Admin. Cathy Ferguson pointed out that there are a number of wells serving town buildings: the library, fire station, highway dept., that are undocumented and the Board of Health has no information regarding them. These wells, once the public water supply is online, will be repurposed for landscape watering.
Selectmen heard from Wilhelmsen in his role as a Chairman of the Plympton School Committe, that the regional agreement with Silver Lake needs some amendments. Some of the services with Silver Lake are administered at the town level, such as K-6 education. Other services, such as Pre-K, and food services, are shared services administered by the Silver Lake Regional District but are not included in the regional agreement.
Wilhelmsen said that the agreement hasn’t been adjusted in 35 years and it is time to take that under consideration.
Selectmen signed a contract with K&G Remodeling for $134,250 to replace the roof, fascia, and gutters on the Old Town House/Plympton Historical Society building. K&G was the low bidder on the project, coming in at considerably less that was requested in the warrant article. Chairman Joy said they would adjust the figure on town meeting floor.
Selectmen also affirmed their vote not to exercise their right of first refusal for Upland Road Solar, 61 Upland Rd. Pending town meeting approval of their PILOT agreement. They also voted to execute a legal fee agreement with Ring Road Solar.
Selectmen voted to appoint Timothy Ferraro to the Conservation Commission, with his term running from May 8, 2023 through June 30, 2025, and Christine Kelly as interim administrative assistant from May 9, 2023 until dissolved. Geraldine Cellini was also appointed election worker from May 8, 223 until dissolved.
Christine Joy announced that the town clerk is still looking for election workers to count ballots for the annual town election. Contact the clerk’s office to sign up. This is a paid position.
Closing the meeting, selectmen noted their “RAVES” for the week. John Traynor told the assembly, driving around town he noticed ‘The hummingbirds are back!” Selectman Mark Russo noted that it’s spring, the dogwoods are all blooming and what that means is – it’s time for Town Meeting! It’s such a pure form of democracy… the opportunity to influence the direction of the town, short-term and long-term. His rave was for the huge amount of work put into the Annual Town Meeting Warrant so things can go smoothly at Town Meeting. Christine Joy noted that town meeting is so important to the functioning of the town.
Halifax votes on Saturday
Saturday, Halifax voters will mark their choice for the annual town election on ballots at the Halifax Elementary School, Rte. 106, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
This year there is only one contest on the ballot. Alan J. Dias and David J. Hatch are both seeking the three-year term on Board of Health. There may be other write-in campaigns according to the abundance of political signs around town.
Asking for your vote are the following, in alphabetical order:
For the Board of Assessors, Holly J. Merry is the only candidate on the ballot seeking the three-year term.
Karyn Beth Townsend, candidate for re-election, and Kathleen L. Berry, are both seeking election to the two three-year terms on the Halifax Elementary School Committee.
Lori A Costa-Cline is seeking election to a one-hear term to fill a vacancy expiring May 18 on the Halifax Elementary School Committee.
Alan J. Dias and David J. Hatch are both seeking the single three-year term on the Board of Health.
R. Steven Hayward is seeking re-election to the three year term of Highway Surveyor.
Christine M. Thompkins is seeking re-election to the three-year term to the Halifax Housing Authority.
Kathleen Shiavone is a candidate for re-election to one of the two three-year terms to the Board of Library Trustees. The other post has no candidate.
Michael J. Schleiff is a candidate for re-election to the position of Halifax Park Commissioner for three years.
Thomas Millias is seeking election to the five-year term for the Planning Board.
Jonathan H. Selig is a candidate for re-election to the three-year term on the Board of Selectmen.
Jennifer Ann Carroll is a candidate for election to the three-year term on the Silver Lake Regional School Committee.
Richard A. Clark will run for re-election to the three-year term on the Board of Water Commissioners.
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