Familiar face takes oath of office
In Plympton Monday the Board of Selectmen met to take care of a few matters of business following the previous week’s Town Meeting and Town Elections. Notably, Christine Joy was sworn in. Ms. Joy returns after leaving public life for a period of time, but returns as the most experienced Selectperson due to her previous experience of 6 years on the board from 2000 – 2006.
Mark Russo was re-elected Chairman of the Board and, as is tradition, the newest member, Joy, was elected as Clerk of the Board. Russo thanked all who came out to the Town Meeting and the Town Elections, and also thanked Selectmen’s Assistant Kristen Levangee for her hard work in the previous year, especially her effort in putting together the annual Town Report.
Russo spoke about taking the final steps to join CHAT, the Carver-Halifax public cable access station that Plympton has been courting.
The final hurdles that need to be cleared, according to Russo, now that funds have been appropriated, are to renew the town’s license with Comcast and negotiate with Carver and Halifax to join the studio, located in North Carver. He expects this to be finished by July 1st.
Ongoing solar projects, a cause championed by departing Board member John Henry, remains on the agenda, but is still stalled at the moment due to ongoing legal action. Mr. Henry promised to continue to liaise with the Board regarding solar energy projects.
The Board briefly discussed Memorial Day activities, and affirmed that they would be participating.
Chairman Russo then laid out his vision for the upcoming year, stating that he wanted to take the next few meetings to focus on several specific priorities.
Amongst his suggestions were to study the Department of Revenue Report on Plympton’s financial operations, developing a Committee for Public Safety, working towards the Tri-Town television studio finalities, to continue to make Town Hall an hospitable place for townspeople to volunteer and serve the town, and to create a liaison between the Board and other committees. He also wants to continue study of the ongoing solar projects, internal and external communications, a committee for Policies/Procedures and tax relief.
Selectmen Joy wished to get up to speed on the Town’s financial situation, which Town Coordinator Pleau promised to get her information about. She also expressed interest in inviting Board Chairs and or whole Boards and Committees to present to the Selectmen from time to time.
Selectmen Colleen Thompson stated that it was time for a Town By-Law review.
The Board finally discussed its reduced summer schedule. They will meet next Thursday, May 28th at 6 p.m. and then on June 1st, 15th, and 29th.
In Other News:
Officer Brent Peterson was again hailed as a hero for saving yet another life with NarCan, an opiate antidote. When a citizen was found unconscious by a family member due to an opioid overdose, he responded and was able to administer the medication. The Police Chief forwarded a Notice of Commendation to the Board.