Plymouth Appoints New Planning Board Member
Town selects Joseph Higgins for full seat from 10 applicants
PLYMOUTH - January 7 - Plymouth's Select Board and Planning Board convened a joint meeting Tuesday to appoint a new member to the Planning Board and discuss budget adjustments for the upcoming fiscal year.
Joseph Higgins was appointed to the full seat on the Plymouth Planning Board after a series of interviews with nine candidates, of the ten applicants. The position will be up for election in May for a one-year term, after which the seat will be open for a five-year term in the following election.
"I cannot nor will I stand before you tonight and pretend that I'm an expert on all issues or situations that will be presented to the planning board," Higgins said during his interview. "But I can say with confidence that through my education and professional experience, I've developed the skills that can serve this community well as a member of the planning board."
Higgins, a criminal prosecutor turned defense attorney, emphasized his ability to remove personal beliefs from situations that require adherence to rules and regulations. He expressed his commitment to advancing the wishes of Plymouth residents and serving as a liaison for community concerns.
The boards also addressed revisions to Plymouth's FY26 operating budget, with Town Manager Derek Brindisi presenting reductions totaling $18,632. These adjustments include cuts to Human Resources and Planning and Development equipment budgets, as well as a reduction in the recreation budget due to changes in Whitehorse Beach management.
"We are moving away from having lifeguards and moving to one full-time beach supervisor," Brindisi explained. "By doing so, that has reduced the recreation budget by approximately $16,532."
The Select Board approved the budget adjustments, which will be presented to the town meeting for final approval.
In other business, Brindisi announced the release of the second edition of the Plymouth Magazine, aimed at communicating how tax dollars are being spent and encouraging public involvement in the budget process. The magazine is available on social media platforms, with 200 hard copies to be distributed throughout town facilities.
The town manager also provided updates on several ongoing projects and initiatives:
- The acquisition of 22 Mary B. Lane for DPW expansion, with closing scheduled for Jan. 29.
- Development of a park management plan to address issues at Morton Park, Fresh Pond, and town beaches.
- A 40% increase in fire department call volume over the past 10 years, prompting data-driven deployment strategies.
- The start of a new crime analyst position in the police department to help guide operational decisions.
- Deployment of body cameras for police officers, with training set to begin Feb. 10.
- Recruitment of nine new police officers starting academy training on Jan. 8.
Select Board Chairman Dick Quintal raised concerns about street lighting maintenance, prompting Brindisi to investigate the issue further.
The meeting concluded with board member John Mahoney requesting information on the recent state recognition of the Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe and its potential impact on the town.