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Special Town Meeting Nov. 30

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Residents of Plympton will convene Wednesday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m. at the Dennett Elementary School,  80 Crescent St., to consider seven articles on the warrant that include the following:

Article 1 asks the town to authorize the Board of Selectmen to acquire by purchase, gift, or eminent domain the lands off Palmer Road, Maple Street and Main Street, such acreage known as “Turkey Swamp”, including any buildings and improvements thereon, and any interests in abutting lands that may be convenient to provide access, for open space, conservation and passive recreation purposes.  The lands will be held in the custody and control of and managed by the Conservation Commission. Any and all related costs, deposits to secure purchase agreement, attorneys’ fees will be appropriated from the Community Preservation fund and expended under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.

Article 1 also asks the town to authorize the Board of Selectmen and/or such other Town boards or commissions as the Selectmen may designate, to apply for, accept and expend any sums, including grants and/or reimbursements, that may be provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts under Chapter 132A, Section 11, including the Massachusetts Municipality Vulnerability Preparedness Program, or by any other public or private source, to defray all or a portion of the costs of said acquisition, and to enter into all agreements, execute any and all instruments, and take any and all actions as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the foregoing purposes; or take any other action relative thereto.

Board of Selectmen Recommended by BOS (3-0)

ARTICLE 2 asks the Town will vote to amend the Town’s General Bylaws to add a new section to authorize the Treasurer establish payment agreements, or Tax Title Payment Plans for parcels of land in tax title to allow delinquent taxpayers to pay off their tax liens over time – up to five years – for both commercial and residential property, industrial, and open space.  There are specific conditions under which a tax title payment plan may be drawn and may include a waiver of up to 25% of the interest due, provided payments are made in a timely basis according to the agreement.

Town Treasurer Recommended by BOS (3-0)

ARTICLE 3  asks the Town to vote to transfer from Free Cash the sum of $21,000.00 to the Unemployment Line (Budget Line 30) in the FY 2023 budget as voted in Article 4 at the May 18, 2022 Annual Town Meeting.

Town Treasurer Recommended by BOS (3-0)

ARTICLE 4 asks the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to petition the Massachusetts General Court for special legislation, to allow Stephen Silva to continue his appointment to the position of Fire Chief until age 70. Provided he is mentally and physically capable of performing the duties of his office.

Board of Selectmen Recommended by BOS (3-0)

ARTICLE 5 asks the town will vote to amend the Wage and Personnel Bylaw, Section 11, Sick Leave, by striking subsection (c) in its entirety and by editing subsection (g) to read as follows: (g) Unused sick leave shall be credited and shall accumulate from year to year without limit. Unused sick leave is not eligible for payout in the event of an employee’s separation from the Town for any reason, or take any other action relative thereto.

Board of Selectmen/Wage Advisory Committee Recommended by BOS (3-0)

ARTICLE 6 asks the Town to transfer from available Overlay Surplus funds the sum of $100,000.00 for the purpose of reducing the Fiscal 2023 Interim tax rate.

Board of Assessors Recommended by BOS (3-0)

ARTICLE 7 asks the Town to vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds a sum of money for the repair and/or replacement of the roof on the Old Town House, including all necessary work and improvements related thereto, or take any other action relative thereto.

Town Properties Committee Recommended by BOS (3-0)

Warrior Mites win Super Bowl!

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The Silver Lake Warriors gathered around their trophy for their victory  over East Bridgewater Sunday, Nov. 13, winning the Super Bowl for their 10-0 season.

The Warriors are the 3rd and 4th grade players for the Old Colony Youth Football League, or OCYFL,  all from Halifax, Plympton, and Kingston.

Coming from a poor showing last year, this team pulled it all together and showed the world and themselves what good players they could be.   They are

Bechkam Rondeau, #32; Bobby Bodel, #80; Brady Cleman, #65; Brendan Barrette, #28; Bryan Ledwell, #48; Caleb Hession, #56; Camden Calter, #26; Colby Coleman, #71; Cole Ryan, #3; Declan Barry, #51; Declan Fay, #4; Deegan Rondeau, #16; Delilah Deaton, #8; DJ Barrett, #6; Drew Cyrus, #24; Faolan Mahoney, #85; Georgio Berkachi, #76; Jack Kelley, #17; Jack Calter, #12; Jacob Short, #14; Jake Tassinari, #35; Jameson Dansky, #47; Jaxton Litwinsky, #39; Joey DeWilde, #63; John Fontes, #31; John Paul Kennedy, #62; Kaden Mota, #93; Kayson Berrio, #2; Lucas Astuto, #34; Marc McGarry, Jr., #45; Mason Carbone, #5; Mason Ramsdell, #25; Nicholas Diodato, Jr., #58; Preston Berry, #11; Robert DeWilde, #74; Roland Toulopoulos,#77; and Seth Johnson, #68.

Coaching their team to victory were Erik Barrette, Chris Hession, Marc McGarry, Robby Cahill, John -Michael Fontes, Doug Carbone, Brandon Barry and Bobby Cyrus.

Historic foundation unearthed

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Just 50 feet from Winnetuxet Road, Plympton, near the bank of the Winnetuxet River, this huge foundation was excavated to reveal the size of the building project.  The barn was part of a complex that included Blanchard’s Sawmill, a poultry shed, and dairy barn, built in 1897.  Also unearthed was this cast iron cylinder with an opening at each end.  Do you know what it is?  Email deb@whphexpress.com. See page 6 for more about the old barn through the words of Eugene Wright.. Photos by Sandi Neumeister

Halifax Board back to three

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The Halifax Board of Selectmen met on Wednesday, Nov. 9 with a full board for the first time in 76 days. The abrupt resignations of Alex Meade and Ashley DiSesa in August had left just Jonathan Selig as the sole remaining selectman.

John Bruno and Naja Nessralla were elected to the Board following the special town election earlier this month. Selig began with the reorganization of the Board, nominating Bruno to serve as Chair. Bruno said that he wanted to start with his gratitude for what Selig has done the last few months. He also thanked Sandra Nolan saying that she had “provided service that is just well beyond whatever we could have expected from any town employee… she’s done a wonderful job for us.” He also thanked Selectmen Assistant Pam McSherry and Selectmen Secretary Irma Vasel. He then led the packed room in a standing ovation for Selig, Nolan, McSherry, and Vasel before nominating Selig to serve as Vice Chair.

Selig read from a prepared statement saying, “Sometimes trials and tribulations bring out the best in people and I’m happy to say that was the situation here in Halifax. While everyone leaned in to help, there were a few that went above and beyond the call of duty the past 11 weeks and I think they deserve some special recognition.” He called McSherry the “great and powerful Oz.” He also thanked Nolan saying that she took on the role of Town Administrator despite having no interest in doing so because she felt it was in the best interest of the town. He thanked Town Clerk Sue Lawless and her assistant Tara Wakefield commending them for holding both a local and State election on the same day. Selig also thanked his family saying, “I want them to know their sacrifices have not gone unnoticed.” Finally, he thanked the people of Halifax for their understanding.

The Selectmen met with Sue Lawless who has been chairing the Search Committee for a new Town Administrator. Lawless said that the Committee had selected three finalists to appear before the Selectmen for interviews. The interviews are scheduled for Friday, Nov. 18.

Police Chief Joao Chaves said that he was bringing forth to the Board two candidates for Patrol Officers. He asked that the Board consider offering a full-time position to William Feltrup with a probationary period of one year. Bruno asked Feltrup to tell them a little bit about himself. “I’ve been in law enforcement for over 10 years now, it’s mostly been with colleges, with five years as a part-timer in Whitman. In college there is a heavy stress on community policing creating an environment where the students, or the town in this case, come to you with their issues so they can be solved either by us or we can point you in a direction where someone else could help you. I believe that is the proper way to police; it’s worked for me for 10 years. It builds a strong community, I feel along with some transparency,” he explained.

The second candidate for a full-time patrolman position was Paul Campbell. Campbell, who is currently an officer at Massasoit Community College, said he oversees the Community Engagement Unit at the school. “I strongly believe that it’s essential to really reach out to your community and really get to know your community,” he explained. “One of the things that I try to do everyday is meet new people and start a conversation about whatever the person wants to talk about… I feel like 75 to 80 percent of policing is relationships,” he continued. The Board voted to hire both officers starting at a Step 3 pay grade.

Bruno read a letter from Dennis Carman who ran for Selectman in the special town election. It said, “To my neighbors and all of my neighbors in this beloved town of Halifax, though I am disappointed that I was not successful in my run for Selectmen in yesterday’s special election, I am heartened that 3,131 people, 57.65 percent of our registered voters, took time out to vote. I congratulate Naja Nessralla and John Bruno for their impressive wins to become Selectmen.” He thanked all the other candidates as well for running positive campaigns. He thanked Selig for his service during unprecedented times and thanked all town employees and volunteers in the town. “Make no mistake, we have significant problems in our cherished hometown; having any doubt of that means you may need to become more engaged in what is happening locally, but please do not add to these problems. Rather, get engaged and become part of the solution. We’re not always going to agree but we must always respect each other and connect with each other as caring human beings who are dedicated to compromise and progress,” Carman’s letter continued.

The Board also went through several recycling abatements as well as scheduling on-site inspections for a number of liquor licenses including Country Club of Halifax, Happy Dragon, Grille 58, Harmony Two Liquors, and others.

Before adjourning, Bruno suggested that the Board consider having regular office hours perhaps monthly. Bruno explained that he believes that residents sometimes attend Selectmen’s meetings in the hopes of discussing a particular issue, but that issue isn’t on the agenda and therefore doesn’t get discussed. He said that the office hours would be intended to allow residents a chance to talk with a Selectman about whatever they feel might be a pressing matter.

Corrigan tells Traffic and Safety Committee about local concerns

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Fred Corrigan, a resident of Halifax Estates, has taken on the project of making the roads safer for drivers and pedestrians alike.

Corrigan told the Halifax Traffic and Safety Committee, chaired by Police Chief Joao Chaves, about speed limits that are just too fast for the area, and blocked vision at intersections and exiting traffic.

Corrigan gave the board the example of exiting Dunkin Donuts onto Plymouth St., where shrubbery has overgrown and limits visibility for drivers trying to exit onto Route 106.  Corrigan used a laser pointer to emphasize his photos demonstrating blocked vision and lack of signage to make clear just what the regulations are.

Chief Chaves brought data for several area roads including the intersection of Holmes  and Plymouth streets, where Route 36 meets Route 106.  Chaves told the assembly that over a period of 7-10 days, major streets in town see 32,000 vehicles using the streets, and while the average speeds are within reason, only a few mph above the posted limit, there are exceptions, up to 107 mph for one vehicle.

Corrigan asked the committee to consider the examples he has delineated and see what can be done.  Chaves said that he has hired two new patrolmen this week who will help with traffic enforcement.

A Victorian Christmas musical celebration at Kingston Public Library

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The Kingston Public Library will mark the beginning of the holiday season with a special Victorian Christmas celebration featuring musical guest Diane Taraz on Saturday, December 3 at 2 p.m. at the Adams Center, 33 Summer St., Kingston.

Taraz brings a captivating program of Christmas music from the Victorian era, when many of today’s familiar carols were written or revived. She presents these carols, together with fascinating stories about their origins. Taraz will come dressed in an 1850s style hoop-skirted gown, accompanying herself on guitar and dulcimer. There will be many opportunities for the audience to sing along to many well-known favorites.

For years, Taraz has been writing her own songs and breathing life into traditional ones. She brings a dry wit and light touch to explain the intricacies of her music. Taraz has 19 solo CDs, 6 CDs with groups, and four singles to her credit. Taraz has performed at festivals, senior centers, museums, libraries, and other locales all over New England and the Northeast. You can learn more about Diane Taraz on her website – https://dianetaraz.com.

To register for this event, please visit – https://kingstonpubliclibrary.org. For more information, you can contact Steven Miller, Reference Librarian at (781) 585-0517 x6272 or at smiller@kingstonma.gov.

Halifax now has a full board

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The seat at the table now won’t be quite so lonely in Halifax as voters chose two selectmen in Tuesday’s special election to join Jonathan Selig in conducting the business of the town.

The special town election was held on the same date as the state’s mid-term election.

John Bruno, former selectman and town moderator, among others, will join Selig, as will Naja Nessralla, who will fill the unexpired term of Ashley Disesa, until May 18, 2024.  Bruno, who ran unopposed, will fill the   unexpired term of Alexander Meade until May 17, 2025.    Nessralla won by a substantial margin, with 1035 votes.  His closest opposition came from Dennis Carman who garnered 731 votes.  Mary Gravinese won 579 votes, David M. Mascio got 529 votes, and William Smith 228 votes.  467 voters chose not to choose and left their ballots blank. Six voters chose someone else not on the ballot.

In all, 3,180 of Halifax’s  6,241 registered voters cast ballots in Tuesday’s election, just over half, or 50.95%.

‘Pay as You Throw’ is a GO!

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Plympton selectmen voted Monday night to implement the much-debated Pay as You Throw trash bag purchase program.  Residents will now – as of April 1, 2023 – be required to purchase trash bags specifically marked for Plympton, at a cost of $1.25 each for the 15-gallon size and $2.50 each for the 33-gallon size.

About a half dozen residents attended the ZOOM hearing to speak against the program, questioning how compliance could be enforced if current transfer station rules for recycling and what can be accepted at the rubbish compactors cannot.  Highway superintendent Rob Firlotte said that it would be enforced the same way that stickers are enforced – people without the proper trash bags would be turned away, just as people without current stickers are turned away.  Flagrant violators could have their transfer station privileges cancelled.

Colleen Morin, Administrative Assistant at the Highway Dept., said she will begin selling the new stickers on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, at a cost of $65 and a discounted cost of $45 for those over age 65.  Recycling only stickers will remain at $30 and additional stickers for residents with a second vehicle at the same residence will remain at $10.

Selectman Chairman Christine Joy told those in attendance that she feels it is the right move and the right time and didn’t think it necessary to rehash the situation when the end result would be the same.  Mark Russo made the motion to ratify vote of the Board of Health and the wishes of the Highway superintendent to implement the Pay as You Throw program, with Joy seconding.  Selectman John Traynor voted against the motion, saying that he didn’t think people have had enough time to get informed on the concept and many older residents who aren’t comfortable with computers need to be brought up to date with new information.  The motion carried.

North Carver Rte 44 project terminated

In other business, Chairman Joy read correspondence from Sharon Clarke, Chairman of the Town of Carver Redevelopment Authority.    “We’ve been working with them closely on the project behind the former Shaw’s building, “ Joy told the board, “She wanted to let us know that they were notified on Monday from Hillwood that they have terminated their contract with Route 44 for the North Carver project.  There was an issue about extending their agreement for the Attorney General’s office appeal period for the new bylaws that Carver passed and they chose to terminate their agreement.    Joy said that Clarke will keep Plympton informed if any new projects are proposed.

Dennett kids score above state MCAS average

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The Plympton School Committee met in person at the Dennett Elementary School on Tuesday, Nov. 1.

Assistant Superintendent Ryan Lynch gave a presentation on the results of the 2022 MCAS testing. Lynch said that data was provided for Grades 3, 4, 5, and 6 for both math and ELA but noted that the science data was for just Grade 5. No test was administered in 2020, a half test was given in 2021, and in 2022, all students took the full test. Lynch said that 52 percent of Dennett students are meeting or exceeding expectations in English Landuage Arts compared to 41 percent State-wide. In math, 50 percent of Dennett students are meeting or exceeding expectations compared to just 39 percent across the State. The school’s science scores were significantly higher than the State average. Lynch called science a “bright spot” for Plympton.

“The goal here at Dennett and across the District is to try and move that number back to where it was in 2019… the goal is to get to 70 percent meeting or exceeding,” Lynch explained.  He further explained that while high achievement was noted for Dennett students, slower growth was also observed. The implementation of Collaborative Literacy in Grade 5 was among the programs instituted to ensure continued growth and improvement. A math interventionist and reading tutor is also part of the Dennett team as is a student support team who identifies students who may need increased interventions and progress tracking.

Superintendent Jill Proulx also provided an update to the Committee saying that the Admin team met with building principals regarding interventions and said that it was an important reminder of the role of data in identifying students that may need additional supports including those that are not on an IEP. She also said that herself and Lynch met with building principals, assistant principals, and local Police and Fire Departments regarding emergency support plans.

The Committee voted to join litigation against Juul Vaping for marketing its products to minors. Many other school districts, municipalities, and states have also joined the large-scale settlement. Silver Lake Regional School Committee voted to join during their last meeting as did the Halifax Elementary School Committee.

Chair Jon Wilhelmsen touched on some of the unfinished business including the ongoing issue of dog waste being left on the fields at the Dennett. Wilhelmsen summed up the problem saying, “new signs, no change.” The Plympton Police Chief has been approached regarding placing a large-scale sign by the school’s driveway. If that doesn’t yield results, the issue will again have to be revisited. Regarding the additional rubberized surfacing at the new playground, Director of Business Services Christine Healy said, “we’re on pause until later this winter to see if going out to bid is the best option.” Regarding the solar project at the Dennett, Wilhelmsen said, ““it’s still going… a bunch of emails going back and forth… trying to negotiate the agreements…. there’s just general disagreement about what should be in the contract.”

Each of the standing committees also provided a report. Committee member Jason Fraser provided the status for Admin Review saying that when they last met, they went over the Superintendent’s goals for the year. He noted that they would be meeting back with her again after the new year for the formative review process. Wilhelmsen provided the update for Negotiations saying, “all contracts are done.”

For Union 31, Superintendent Jill Proulx said that it just came to their attention that the current structure of the Silver Lake special education programs at the elementary schools isn’t allowed for under the Regional Agreement. She said that there are 34 staff members who fall under the special education umbrella in Kingston and two or three each in Plympton and Halifax. Proulx said that one of the first recommendations was to bring the pre-K into the regional agreement. Of the proposed change, Wilhelmsen said, “We voted in principle to support that.” Fraser said that DESE will give the District until June 30, 2024, to implement further changes. Proulx said, “We are working with our attorney and the Department of Education on how best to proceed.”

Fraser provided the Legislative update saying, “Next Tuesday is Election Day… please take the time to go out and vote and thank you to those people who put themselves out there to be candidates.”

Principal Peter Veneto was not in attendance so Assistant Principal Christine Marcolini provided the Principal’s Report saying that student enrollment currently stands at 238. She said that CASA put on a luncheon for staff on October 5 and that parent teacher conferences were held on October 27. Marcolini said, “We had a very successful book fair last week… we are grateful for that.” She also said that the entire staff was led in ALICE training by one of the Police Department’s officers.

Marcolini said that Melissa Ritter, a parent of a Dennett kindergartener, was hired for an open Title I reading position. She also reminded the Committee of the upcoming Thanksgiving feast at the School on November 17.

Healy provided an update on Circuit Breaker, the State’s special education reimbursement program. Healy said there is a threshold of anticipated costs and that once those costs are exceeded the Circuit Breaker kicks in and the school is eligible for some form of reimbursement usually in the 75 percent range. Anticipated costs this year are around $46,000. “We’re waiting for that final release of information, so we have some idea of where we stand at the end of the year,” Healy explained. She also told the Committee that Plympton still doesn’t have any students attending out-of-district vocational so the money that was budgeted there would likely be returned to the town at the end of the year.

Proulx told the Committee that budget season was officially underway. She said that she has asked that principals and directors submit their budget proposals for review by November 15. She also asked the School Committee to begin to think about their priorities and goals for the budget so they can work on those with their building principal.  She also shared with the Committee that homeschool enrollment has remained static for Plympton at the elementary level while increasing by one for Grades 7-12. Finally, she said that while Plympton’s shared cost percentage was previously at 13 percent, it was down to 12.5 percent for FY24.

Before adjourning for the evening, Wilhelmsen shared some important dates to remember. He said that there would be no school for students on Tuesday, November 8 while it would be an in-service day for teachers. There will be early release on November 23 and the Thanksgiving break would be on November 24 and 25. The special Town Meeting will be held on November 30 in the cafeteria of the Dennett. There will be a joint school committee meeting on December 1 and a regular meeting on December 12.