The Plymouth Select Board navigated an emotionally charged session this week, culminating in a rare consensus regarding the town’s stance on federal immigration enforcement. The meeting began with a focus on personnel updates, specifically the formalization of the fire chaplain position and the hiring of new legal staff. Town Manager Derek Brindisi explained the administrative move, noting, We're trying to formalize this position and include this position within the personnel code. While the board generally supported the hires, Richard J. Quintal Jr. expressed reservations about how budgetary shifts were presented, stating, I caution on that and I I don't want to see that like that anymore. Motion Made by Kevin B. Canty to approve admin note five Motion Passed 5-0.

Before diving into the main agenda, the board heard from several residents on non-immigration matters. Shane Pbenda presented a proposal for an industrial battery electric storage system on land surrounding the nuclear power plant, calling it a transformational opportunity for Plymouth... to leverage existing infrastructure and implement a best system. Additionally, Richard M. Serkey introduced a citizens petition aimed at addressing the town's fiscal cliff by altering retiree health insurance benefits. Serkey argued that those employees would be on notice before they're hired that after they retire, the town's health insurance percentage payment for them will no longer be grandfathered.

The centerpiece of the evening was a presentation by Police Chief Dana Flynn regarding the department’s existing immigration policy, which adheres to the landmark Lund decision. Chief Flynn emphasized that the department focuses on local safety rather than federal civil matters, stating, The Plymouth Police Department has not and is not involved in immigration enforcement... we represent victims of crime regardless of immigration status. Board members sought further clarity on the mechanics of this cooperation, with Deborah Iaquinto asking, I was just wondering if you could summarize what those are—procedures related to detainers. Chief Flynn explained that the department does not hold individuals beyond their lawful release time based solely on civil requests from federal agencies.

A competing proposal was introduced by Chair Kevin B. Canty, who sought to codify a public-facing policy for all town employees. Canty argued that town employees and officials, in my opinion, should focus on advancing local priorities and protecting the rights of all residents. This sparked a debate over redundancy, as Vice Chair David M. Golden Jr. questioned, What is the purpose of this policy if we already have a sufficient policy? Public comment mirrored this divide. Opponent Tim Sharbrook noted that ICE did us a big favor removing those three men from our community regarding past arrests of violent offenders, while supporter Kristen Thomas urged the board toward a formal standard, saying, Tonight, we can choose clarity over confusion, unity over fear, and lawful governance over uncertainty.

Ultimately, the board reached a compromise to adopt the Police Department’s internal policy as the official Select Board policy for the department, ensuring it is public-facing and subject to a yearly audit. William Keohan praised the collaborative result, noting, I'll support the motion... it's an example how when we all start to communicate at a higher level, we actually get things done. Motion Made by Kevin B. Canty to adopt the police policy as the select board policy as it relates to employees of the Plymouth Police Department in relation to immigration enforcement as written other than the headers at the top, subject to an annual review by both parties and subject to updating as part of an ongoing dialogue Motion Passed 4-0. Due to the late hour, the board postponed its fiscal year 2027 budget discussion to a supplemental meeting on Friday. The meeting was adjourned at 10:26 PM