The Plymouth Select Board moved forward with the sale of the "Sims House" at 29 Manomet Point Road for $40,000, sparking a heated debate over the handling of town-owned assets and taxpayer investments. Member William Keohan led the opposition to the purchase and sale agreement, arguing that the property, which was originally acquired using Community Preservation Act funds, is worth well over $1 million. I was opposed to putting an RFP out to sell the building. I think that we should have been leasing the building, Keohan stated. This is not how you treat taxpayers' money. I'm completely opposed to giving a building away for pennies on the dollar. Motion Made by D. Iaquinto to approve and execute the purchase and sale agreement for 29 Manomet Point Road. Motion Passed (3-1) with Keohan dissenting. Public reaction was equally sharp, with one resident expressing disbelief at the price tag. I can't believe I just heard that this board is selling the Sims house for $40,000, the resident said. My car cost more than that! We're just shocked.

Conservation efforts took center stage as the Buzzards Bay Coalition presented a massive land protection project involving the 400-acre Mann Property. Brendan Annett, Vice President of Watershed Protection for the Coalition, informed the board that the organization has secured a purchase agreement for the $6.25 million cranberry farm and plans to restore the bogs to natural wetlands. The project hinges on a significant local financial commitment. Our organization is preparing to submit a proposal to the Community Preservation Committee requesting $750,000 for the purpose of the town to acquire a conservation restriction on the portion of that property, Annett explained. Director of Energy and Environment David Gould noted that this effort is part of a long-term strategy dating back to 2009 to protect the Agawam River corridor, which also includes a 600-acre acquisition from A.D. Makepeace supported by federal NOAA funds.

The town’s control over future development was also tested regarding the 130-acre Landers Farm. While the board pulled a decision on exercising its right of first refusal for the Chapter 61A parcels until the next meeting, residents urged the town not to let the opportunity slip away. Resident Katherine Harelson argued that the town must act now to maintain the aquifer and prevent unrestricted development. The best way for the town to retain control of the future of these parcels is to exercise its right under chapter 61 and then we can decide what we want to do with it later, Harelson said. Resident Sybil Holland echoed these concerns, reminding Chair Kevin Canty of his past warnings that without that protection... Plymouth has no control over its future and we would be at the mercy of developers.

Procedural urgency dominated the discussion regarding the Conservation Commission, where Acting Chair Walter Morrison pleaded for the board to fill a current vacancy immediately. Morrison warned that the commission’s strict 21-day decision window for permits creates a risk of automatic approvals if the body lacks a full complement. Tie votes automatically deny a proposal, and I don't think that is an outcome I want to have happen, Morrison said. Member Deborah Iaquinto supported an accelerated timeline, stating, I think that we, if there was any way that we could accelerate that process so that we could get someone in place as soon as possible, I think that would be great. Vice Chair David Golden suggested the town go further by creating alternate positions for the commission to ensure quorums are always met.

Town Manager Derek Brindisi highlighted several operational successes, including the graduation of five new police officers. He attributed the improved recruitment to recent contract successes. I think a lot of the credit goes to the select board for working with the two unions negotiating an agreement that works well, Brindisi said. He also announced a $15,000 grant for cybersecurity training, a move Vice Chair Golden championed. I'm encouraged that we're making progress on cyber security... my agency was attacked seven years ago and shut down statewide for a month. It can be a really systemic problem, Golden noted. Other updates included the July 21 launch of "Cal Express 2.0" on-demand senior transportation and an upcoming major film production scheduled to shoot downtown on June 16.

The meeting opened on a somber note as Chair Canty requested a moment of silence for Charlie Vanini, the beloved "Mayor of North Plymouth," and offered condolences to Member Richard Quintal following the loss of his mother. Charlie Vanini, who's a longtime community member and volunteer... passed away. I'd like to offer a moment of silence, Canty said. Before the session concluded, Member Keohan inquired about the disappearance of the "Christa McAuliffe Way" sign in the industrial park, asking staff to locate and restore the tribute. The board also processed a batch of administrative approvals. Motion Made by D. Iaquinto to approve the licenses for outdoor music, malt and wine, and vehicle operators as a group. Motion Passed (4-0).