The Plympton Board of Selectmen approved an updated procurement policy and authorized a property survey during their July 7 meeting, addressing several administrative and operational matters affecting the town.
The board unanimously adopted revisions to the town’s procurement policy, retroactive to June 30, 2025. Town Administrator Liz Dennehy explained the changes focus on clarifying requirements for written scope of work documentation.
“The updated policy that’s proposed clearly specifies that for construction type services between $5,000 and $10,000 that are for work on town grounds or in town buildings that we have that written scope of work in the file,” Dennehy said.
The policy update ensures detailed documentation of work to be performed for quoted prices, while maintaining compliance with Massachusetts General Laws governing municipal procurement.
Selectmen authorized Dennehy to proceed with surveying the Old Townhouse property, following an estimate of $1,300 from a local surveying company. The survey will establish visible stakes for property boundaries and provide the town with a plan showing exact property lines.
The survey addresses issues stemming from recent tree removal work that left stumps on the property. Tree Warden services removed 13 trees due to damage concerns affecting both town property and neighboring properties.
“If the board was inclined to consider putting a fence up at the property in the future, I would strongly recommend that we have the survey done,” Dennehy said.
Funding for the survey will come from existing articles for surveys and appraisals, with any remaining costs covered by the town buildings and grounds maintenance budget.
The board appointed Nathaniel Sides as their representative to the Old Colony Planning Council. Dennehy described the role as involving monthly or bi-monthly meetings, with participation varying based on topics relevant to Plympton.
“It’s not something that you would have to participate in every single month,” Dennehy explained. “Sometimes they’ll have meetings, and if it was something that was of particular interest to you, like, they have their board meetings, but then they also have, like, the joint transportation planning group.”
The council provides technical assistance to member communities, including help with green community grant applications and housing production plan updates. Dennehy noted the organization has helped Plympton secure hundreds of thousands of dollars in green community funding.
Selectmen reappointed Timothy Johnson as a part-time police officer from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Johnson previously declined a full-time appointment, creating complications with the school resource officer program.
The town voted to fund a full-time school resource officer position, but Johnson’s preference to remain part-time requires renegotiation of the memorandum of understanding with the police union.
“The little hiccup in everything is that the union contract, it involves like it’s supposed to be a full-time officer,” Dennehy said. “So if he’s only going to remain part-time, we need to go back to the drawing board and come up with another option.”
Police Chief Matt Ahl is working with the union to develop a hybrid approach that would involve multiple officers in school coverage while maintaining patrol responsibilities.
Dennehy provided several operational updates, including work on closing fiscal year 2025 with line-to-line transfers needed to balance accounts. The town accountant continues processing final invoices through the July 15 deadline.
The auditor has signed an engagement letter and aims to begin the audit process by early September. A finance committee meeting scheduled for the evening of July 7 will recommend a candidate to fill a vacant committee seat.
Regional Old Colony Communications Center received grant funding to update fire and police radios, addressing long-standing communication issues between departments.
“Radios are very expensive. And the ROC went out of their way to apply for some additional grant funding for us,” Dennehy said.
The highway department’s generator failed and requires replacement. Town officials solicited written quotes following proper procurement protocols, with South Shore Generator selected to install a more powerful unit.
Funding will come from a combination of ARPA funds and town building maintenance accounts, depending on invoice timing.
Website improvements are underway to address ADA compliance requirements and mobile accessibility issues. The town plans to integrate the police department website with the main municipal site for cost savings and improved functionality.
“I think the biggest issue with it, it looks fine if you access it from a desktop computer, but when you’re on your phone, which I feel is, like, a lot of people access from their phone, it brings up, an abbreviated menu,” Dennehy said.The board continues expanding video coverage of municipal meetings through Area 58. Additional boards including Board of Health, Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Board, and Town Properties Committee are being added to the recording schedule.
Board Chair Dana Smith emphasized the importance of accessibility to town government, noting that video recordings allow residents to view meetings at their convenience.
The board scheduled their next meeting for Aug. 18 at 1 p.m., moving the start time earlier to accommodate scheduling conflicts.