Pembroke Select Board Modifies Outdoor Entertainment Hours Amid Ongoing Noise Complaints
Pembroke Approves $48.9 Million Bond and Short-Term Borrowing Package
PEMBROKE - September 10 and 17 - The Pembroke Select Board voted 4-1 Wednesday night to temporarily reduce outdoor entertainment hours at Somewhere Else Tavern from 6:30-9:30 p.m. to 6-9 p.m., while scheduling an October 8 public hearing to consider suspending or revoking the establishment's entertainment permit entirely due to persistent noise violations.
The Full Story - September 10
The contentious issue dominated the September 10 meeting as attorney John Danehey, representing tavern owners Jason and Lori Cook, met with the board to address mounting noise complaints from neighboring residents. The compromise came after town officials conducted decibel readings Saturday that showed compliance during their presence, but reported significant volume increases after they departed.
Board member Sean Keegan and Deputy Police Chief Wendy LaPierre visited the establishment Saturday at 7:30 p.m., recording readings of 60-62 decibels using the tavern's own equipment. "It didn't sound loud," Keegan reported. However, after a thunderstorm halted the music, complainant neighbor contacted police around 9 p.m. reporting the music had become "noticeably louder than it had been earlier in the evening, though not as loud as the previous weekend."
The situation was complicated by equipment failures and band management issues. Danehey confirmed that on Friday night, Cook had "pulled the plug" on a band that refused to comply with volume requests, ending their performance early. Saturday's problems were exacerbated when the tavern's PA system was damaged by rain, forcing the band to use a small handheld megaphone that officials said was "definitely louder" than the approved setup.
Board Chair Tracy Marino initially pushed for earlier hours, suggesting 5-8 p.m. or 5:30-8:30 p.m., citing the impact on neighboring families with young children. "There's just no reason at this point for this family to have to listen to it till 9:30 at night," she said. However, legal concerns about modifying permits without proper hearings led to the more modest adjustment.
Select Board member Dan Trabucco noted that town counsel had advised that permit modifications typically require public hearings, making the voluntary time reduction by the tavern owners legally safer for the town. "This way, we reduce the hours somewhat with the acceptance of the owners, and we still get a little clawback on our end," he explained.
The tavern's original application referenced Bridgewater's noise ordinance, suggesting limits of 65 decibels before 9 p.m. and 60 decibels from 9-10 p.m., measured from the property line. However, Pembroke lacks its own noise ordinance, creating enforcement challenges. Keegan pointed out the difficulty of compliance "when there's no specific settings for them to adhere to."
Town resident Elin Flashman reminded the board that Business A zoning requires uses to not be "noisy, injurious, noxious or offensive to the neighborhood," adding legal weight to neighbors' complaints. The tavern operates in a business district but is surrounded by residential properties.
The board also addressed other significant business, including approving liaison assignments for the 2025-2026 term. Marino will continue as school committee liaison and take over the advisory committee role. Sean Keegan will serve as liaison to both planning board/zoning board and the affordable housing committee. John Brown remains with the Council on Aging board, while Rich Flynn continues with the DPW water commission.
In other actions, the board unanimously approved a special one-day liquor license for the Pembroke Foundation's "Sip and Support" fundraiser on September 18 at the community center, aimed at revitalizing the Veterans Memorial Park project. They also approved the Chamber of Commerce's purchase of 300th anniversary books for $300 to donate to the Historical Society.
Town Manager Bill Chenard provided updates on extensive municipal projects, including water main replacements on Center Street and Oldham Street, innovative hot-in-place paving on Pleasant Street, and progress on two public safety buildings. Groundbreaking ceremonies are scheduled for September 29 at both the Monroe-School Street fire substation (4:30 p.m.) and the Barker-Washington Street public safety headquarters (6 p.m.).
The board also voted favorable action on four special town meeting warrant articles, including converting the town clerk position from elected to appointed, streamlining town meeting procedures, and updating kennel regulations.
Why It Matters
This decision affects the balance between supporting local businesses and protecting residential quality of life. The half-hour reduction provides modest relief to neighboring families while the tavern awaits the October 8 public hearing, where residents can formally voice concerns and the board will consider permanent changes to or elimination of the outdoor entertainment permit.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Modify Somewhere Else Tavern outdoor entertainment hours from 6:30-9:30 p.m. to 6-9 p.m. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 4-1 (Marino opposed). (Timestamp: 1:08:31)
Motion: Schedule public hearing for Somewhere Else Tavern outdoor entertainment permit on October 8, 2025 at 7 p.m. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:09:59)
Motion: Approve one-day liquor license for Pembroke Foundation September 18 event. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 29:34)
Motion: Sell 300th anniversary books to Chamber of Commerce for $300. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 32:34)
Motion: Approve liaison assignments for 2025-2026. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 44:37)
Motion: Favorable action on special town meeting warrant articles 3, 4, 5, and 7. Outcome: All approved. Vote: All unanimous.
Public Comment
Elin Flashman provided clarification on Business A zoning requirements regarding noise impacts on neighborhoods. No other public comment was recorded during the designated period.
What's Next
Public hearing scheduled for October 8, 2025 at 7 p.m. regarding possible suspension or revocation of Somewhere Else Tavern's outdoor entertainment permit. Groundbreaking ceremonies for public safety buildings on September 29. Special town meeting warrant articles will be presented at fall town meeting.
September 17 - The Pembroke Select Board unanimously approved two major debt issuances totaling $48.9 million on Tuesday night, including $40.8 million in bonds for the new public safety building and other municipal projects, and $8.38 million in short-term borrowing for infrastructure improvements.
The Full Story - September 17
Town Treasurer/Collector Kathleen McCarthy brought positive news to the board before requesting approval for the borrowing package. Standard & Poor's affirmed Pembroke's double-A stable credit rating and issued the town its highest possible short-term rating of SP-1 positive, which McCarthy called "the highest Standard & Poor's issues on short-term debt."
The bond sale, which attracted 11 bidders, was awarded to Huntington Securities at a total net interest cost of 3.74%. This $40.8 million bond includes $35 million for the public safety building project, $8 million for water department improvements, and funding for a Ford F-550 dump truck and street sweeper. The bond comes with a premium of nearly $3 million to help cover issuance and closing costs.
The short-term borrowing, structured as a Bond Anticipation Note (BAN), drew six bids and was awarded to Truist Securities at a net interest cost of $2.53, including an $81,000 premium. This $8.38 million borrowing will fund various projects including community center supplemental funding, school HVAC rooftop work, water storage tank upgrades, fire stations two and three treatment plant improvements, well replacement connections, water meter reader changeouts, and asset management plans.
The board also voted to enter contract negotiations with Town Manager Bill Chenard, establishing a two-member negotiating team consisting of Chair Tracy Marino and board member Dan Trabucco. However, the board tabled a proposed stipend for the town manager until the September 24 meeting, with Marino expressing a desire to consult with town counsel first due to concerns that discussions might touch on performance-related matters.
Before addressing the financial business, the meeting featured an extensive ceremony recognizing the Pembroke Fire Department's achievements and personnel. Fire Chief Jason Viveiros presented Massachusetts Fire Service Commission Service Awards to multiple firefighters, ranging from 20-year to 40-year service recognition. Deputy Chief Mark Gassiraro received a 25-year award, while Shawn Halloran, who retired in July, was honored for 35 years of service.
Two firefighters received 40-year service awards: Walter "Butch" Scoledge, who retired from full-time service but remained as a call firefighter, and Captain Robert Killinger. The department also celebrated three members achieving Fire Chief Accreditation from the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission: Deputy Chief James Shea, Deputy Chief Mark Gassiraro, and Captain Jordan Hill.
The ceremony concluded with the swearing-in of Lieutenant Shamus Ricciarelli by Interim Town Clerk Andraea Cesarini. Chief Viveiros noted that Ricciarelli was his first hire when he became Fire Chief 11 years ago and has served as Union President for the past three years. Additionally, the department received recognition from Governor Healey for providing 50 years of exceptional ambulance service to Pembroke residents.
The meeting concluded with the board entering executive session to discuss strategy regarding contract negotiations with non-union personnel and collective bargaining with the Pembroke Police Officers Association AFSCME Council 93 Local 1700 covering Town Hall, Public Works and Water Enterprise employees.
Why It Matters
The $48.9 million borrowing package represents a significant investment in Pembroke's infrastructure and public safety capabilities. The largest portion will fund the long-planned public safety building, while water system improvements will enhance service reliability for residents. The town's strong credit ratings helped secure favorable interest rates, potentially saving taxpayers money over the life of the bonds.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Sale of $40,790,000 general obligation municipal purpose bonds and $8,380,000 bond anticipation notes. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 27:42)
Motion: Enter contract negotiations with town manager. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 33:22)
Motion: Appoint Marino and Trabucco to negotiating team. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 35:31)
Motion: Table town manager stipend issue to September 24 meeting. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 34:02)
Motion: Enter executive session for contract negotiations and collective bargaining strategy. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 36:04)
What's Next
The bond and note closings are scheduled for September 25 and September 26, 2025, respectively. The board will take up the town manager stipend issue at their September 24 meeting after consulting with town counsel. Contract negotiations with the town manager will begin with the appointed two-member team.
Full meeting available via The Local Seen, September 10 and September 17.
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