20-Year Water Roadmap and $126M Bridge Project Take Center Stage in Pembroke
Tensions Erupt Over Public Speech and "Retaliation" Claims
PEMBROKE - February 18, 2026 - The Pembroke Select Board on Wednesday night reviewed a massive overhaul of the town’s water infrastructure, including a capital plan stretching to 2045, while receiving word of a looming $126 million bridge replacement on Route 3 that will impact local traffic for years. Amidst these major infrastructure updates, the Board also resolved a high-tension legal matter, voting to take “no action” on complaints regarding public comments made at a previous meeting, citing strict First Amendment protections.
The Full Story
The meeting opened with a detailed presentation from Apex Engineering (formerly Environmental Partners) regarding the Water System Master Plan. This was the first comprehensive update since 2016, a delay the Board acknowledged was “long overdue” [39:41]. Engineers Jon Hittie and Lauren Underwood laid out a vision for a system serving over 18,000 residents through 131 miles of pipe [13:03].
The plan identifies a future maximum day demand of 2.74 million gallons per day (MGD) [15:20]. To meet this, the town is relying on the Swanberg Well (expected online April 2026) and the replacement of Wells 3 and 4 later this year [17:32]. A key component of the plan is the removal of Vinyl Lined Asbestos Cement (VLAC) pipes, which were discontinued in 1980 due to concerns over PCE, a known carcinogen [30:03]. The Board was also warned that all three of the town’s storage tanks—Oak Street, Learning Lane, and West Elm—currently require rehabilitation [19:42].
Town Manager Bill Chenard addressed the elephant in the room: the cost. When asked by the Board if the town could afford the decades-long list of projects, Chenard was blunt.
“I think the answer is do we have a choice? We will be looking at cost structure and modeling... taking a look at where we’re at, the water rates, and our borrowing capacity.” [43:06] — Bill Chenard, Town Manager
Following the water discussion, Chenard announced that the Route 3 bridge replacement over the North River is officially moving into the construction phase [48:06]. The $126 million project is expected to take at least three years and will restrict traffic to one lane during heavy travel times [48:22].
The “Retaliation” Allegations
The meeting took a contentious turn during a legal discussion regarding the boundaries of public comment and the rights of residents to criticize town leadership. The Board originally planned to enter executive session to discuss formal complaints filed by town employees against resident and former school committee chair Patrick Chilcott. However, Chilcott exercised his legal right to have the discussion held in open session, bringing a brewing internal conflict into the public eye.
Town Counsel Carolyn Jenkins explained that several employees felt “retaliated” against following a public comment made by Chilcott two weeks prior. Those employees had participated in an independent investigation into a gender discrimination complaint involving Town Manager Bill Chenard. They alleged that Chilcott’s public remarks regarding that investigation created an unsafe and hostile work environment.
Jenkins advised the Board that while employees have a right to a safe workplace, the law heavily favors the First Amendment rights of citizens in a public forum. Citing the 2023 Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling in Barron v. Kolenda, Jenkins noted:
“Although civility can and should be encouraged in political discourse, it cannot be required.” — Attorney Carolyn Jenkins [01:00:47]
A “Smoke Screen” for Accountability
Chilcott, granted permission to speak by Chair Tracy Marino, remained defiant. He argued that the complaints against him were a “smoke screen” designed to divert attention from his actual grievance: the town’s handling of the Chenard investigation and broader management issues [01:06:58].
Chilcott asserted that his previous comments never named specific individuals or positions.
He described the Board’s attempt to bring him into executive session as “intimidation” and an effort to “hurt my family.”
He vowed to continue asserting his First Amendment rights “in as classy and professional and appropriate way as possible.”
The “No Action” Resolution
Ultimately, the Board was forced to acknowledge the limits of its power. Under the guidance of Town Counsel, the Board voted 5-0 to take no action on the matter [01:08:35]. This vote effectively dismissed the employees’ claims of retaliation, reinforcing that in the “Public Comment” portion of a meeting, the right of a resident to criticize the government remains nearly absolute under Massachusetts law.
Why It Matters
For Pembroke residents, the Water Master Plan represents a necessary but expensive commitment to public safety and water quality. The replacement of aging cast iron and VLAC pipes will eventually reduce main breaks and “brown water” complaints, but it will likely necessitate future adjustments to water rates. Meanwhile, the Route 3 bridge project will become a significant daily hurdle for commuters, requiring patience as a critical piece of regional infrastructure is rebuilt.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To approve the Town Meeting warrant articles 6, 7, 8, 15, and 16 as a slate (covering trust fund transfers, CPC allocations, revolving funds, and routine town business).
Vote: 5-0 [47:03]
Motion: To approve the meeting minutes of January 7, 2026.
Vote: 5-0 [47:30]
Motion: That the Board take “no action” in the matter of employee complaints regarding public comments.
Vote: 5-0 [01:08:35]
Public Comment
40B Concerns: Selectman Dan Trabucco addressed resident concerns regarding the Plain Street 40B project being listed for sale. He clarified that the “Friendly 40B” permit negotiated by the town remains attached to the land, meaning any future owner must abide by the terms secured by the Board [54:12].
Volunteer Shoveling: The Council on Aging is urgently seeking student volunteers to help seniors with snow shoveling. Interested students should contact Melissa Donahue at 781-294-8220 [53:12].
What’s Next
Board of Health Info Session: Monday, February 23 at 6:00 p.m. at the Community Center to discuss Kratom and tobacco products [06:03].
New Website Launch: The town’s new, upgraded website is scheduled to go live during the first week of March [51:36].
Conservation Commission: The Board will meet with the Conservation Commission in early March to finalize plans for boat ramps and beach improvements at Stetson, Old, and Furnace ponds [50:25].
Source Video: Pembroke Meetings: Local Seen Streaming Channel