The tension between Wolf Rock Farm and the Town of Plympton reached new levels at Monday, August 7, 2017 Selectmen’s Meeting as the farm at 157 Center St. continues having horse shows despite a lack of a business license or proper food and event permits.
On Sunday, August 6, 2017, Wolf Rock Farm held a horse show without a large event permit or vendor food permits. These permits are issued by the Board of Health.
According to Board of Health chairman Art Morin, Wolf Rock Farm didn’t want a health inspector there. Morin said he attended and didn’t see any cooking, but told them if he saw any, he’d shut down the vendor since proper permits were not issued.
Last week, Town Clerk Tara Shaw spoke with Town Counsel about the situation and learned that the Farm doesn’t necessarily need a business license with the town in order to operate. Shaw said that Wolf Rock Farm is registered as an LLC (corporation).
Shaw said LLC’s only need to have a business certificate with the state. It’s merely contact information and not grounds for the town to disallow the conducting of business.
Inaccuracies were discovered by Shaw though, which makes the certificate not fully valid. Shaw said the address on the certificate is incorrect and listed the business at 163 Center St. The business, however, operates at 157 Center St.
Shaw also said the managers on record are inaccurate. In fact, they no longer work at Wolf Rock Farm. In order for this to be valid, Shaw said this information needs to be updated with the state. She’s only been able to make contact with Project Manager Rebecca Nunez via email at this time.
Morin was not happy with this and urged for a bylaw change. He said, “I’m speaking as a tax payer in this town. It’s deplorable that someone cannot pay taxes, but generate income in the town. We need a new bylaw.”
Selectmen are choosing to explore all options and see what kinds of licenses are needed for certain events as well as explore bylaw changes for the future. Selectmen Clerk Mark Russo said there’s a lot that needs to be evaluated, more about what requires an event permit and what constitutes just using private property.
Fire Department
Update
The search for a consultant to do the Fire EMS study approved at Town Meeting is moving quickly. According to Selectman John Traynor, the search is narrowed down to four candidates.
Three have submitted detailed proposals and they are waiting for the fourth. Selectmen want to conduct two interviews per night at Selectmen’s meetings.
Traynor also gave an update on the search for clerical help for the Fire Department. He said Town Accountant Barbara Gomez narrowed down the position to two candidates.
New assessors’
administrative assistant
Allison Merry has been hired as the Board of Assessor’s new administrative assistant.
In a letter of correspondence to the Board of Selectmen, the Assesors said they look forward to working with Allison.