Plymouth Select Board Approves $4.5 Million in Capital Projects Despite Airport Runway Concerns
PLYMOUTH - September 9 - The Plymouth Select Board unanimously approved Article 4's capital improvement recommendations totaling approximately $4.5 million on Tuesday night, but not before reducing funding for a visitor center expansion project and expressing concerns about an airport runway resurfacing initiative that lacked proper representation.
The Full Story
The board's most significant debate centered on the visitor center expansion project, originally requesting $378,518 but ultimately reduced to $178,518 after Chairman Kevin Canty voiced concerns about the $200,000 funding gap. The project, which would expand the front area for visitors and improve handicap accessibility, relies on $210,000 from the Visitor Services Board and a pending $200,000 MOTT grant from the Massachusetts Office of Tourism.
"I personally find the ambiguity in the visitor center expansion piece to be a little disconcerting," Canty said, explaining his preference to approve only the certain funding amount rather than risk taxpayers covering the full cost if the grant doesn't materialize.
Director of Finance Lynne Barrett clarified that the board could authorize the reduced amount and return to town meeting for additional funding if the grant fails to come through. The compromise passed 3-1, with board member Bill Keohan dissenting, citing concerns about cost escalation delays.
The board also addressed a $9.2 million airport runway resurfacing project, with Airport Manager Matt Cardillo appearing virtually to answer questions. The 28-year-old east-west runway requires reconstruction due to cracks two to four inches wide and a deteriorating pavement condition index of 53. The project will be 90% federally funded, 5% state-funded, and 5% locally funded through the airport's enterprise fund.
Keohan pressed for details about the scope of work, asking whether the project would involve subsurface improvements beyond basic repaving. Cardillo explained that soil borings would determine the extent of work needed, but assured the board this was purely a maintenance project that wouldn't change aircraft operations or attract larger planes.
Other approved capital projects include various department equipment purchases and infrastructure improvements. The Capital Improvement Committee, with Procurement Officer Sandy Strassel, had previously ranked and reviewed all submissions.
In a separate action, the board unanimously recommended five Community Preservation Committee articles totaling over $1.6 million, including $900,000 for an ADA-accessible trail at Jenney Park, $644,000 for rehabilitation of the historic Training Green, and smaller amounts for historic preservation projects.
The Training Green project, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1711 and recognized as potentially the oldest continuously used park in the country, generated particular enthusiasm. "I think this unassuming small park in town is actually one of the most important parcels under our care and control," said board member David Golden.
However, board member Deb Iaquinto raised concerns about installing irrigation systems during ongoing water conservation efforts. Parks Superintendent Nick Faiella assured the board that any irrigation would comply with local water restrictions.
The board also approved recommendations for the Gilmore land acquisition ($896,000 for 20.8 acres), Memorial Hall historic structure report ($90,000), Little Red Schoolhouse preservation study ($36,000), and town records transcription project ($35,000).
A contentious discussion arose during new business when board member Golden criticized Chairman Canty's handling of agenda items and committee appointment compliance issues. The board discovered approximately 90 appointees have failed to be sworn in within the required 30-day period, violating town bylaws.
Following public comment from Manomet Village Steering Committee Chair Alice Baker about one particular non-compliant appointee, the board agreed to give all non-compliant appointees until close of business September 18 to get sworn in, with further discussion scheduled for September 23.
Why It Matters
These capital investments represent significant improvements to Plymouth's infrastructure, recreational facilities, and historic preservation efforts. The visitor center expansion will enhance tourism services, while the airport runway project ensures continued safe operations. The Training Green rehabilitation preserves a nationally significant historic site, and the Jenney Park trail project advances accessibility and inclusivity in outdoor recreation. However, the discovery of widespread non-compliance with oath requirements highlights systemic issues in municipal governance that could affect the legitimacy of committee decisions.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve change of ownership interest for Southers Marsh Golf Club. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 8:51)
Motion: Approve listed licenses as a group. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 9:45)
Motion: Amend Article 4 visitor center funding from $378,518 to $178,518. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 3-1 (Keohan opposed). (Timestamp: 1:20:47)
Motion: Include amended Article 4 on warrant and recommend approval. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:28:08)
Motion: Recommend town meeting approve Article 16 (Dark Orchard Trail). Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 28:34)
Motion: Recommend town meeting approve Article 17 (Gilmore Land Acquisition). Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 34:31)
Motion: Recommend town meeting approve Article 19 (Little Red Schoolhouse). Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 36:15)
Motion: Recommend town meeting approve Article 20 (Memorial Hall Historic Report). Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 42:06)
Motion: Recommend town meeting approve Article 21 (Training Green). Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 53:35)
Motion: Recommend town meeting approve Article 23 (Town Records Transcription). Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:01:35)
Public Comment
Steve Lydon thanked town staff for their work supporting the capital improvement committee. Alice Baker, chair of the Manomet Village Steering Committee, raised concerns about non-compliance with oath requirements for committee appointees, specifically citing an appointee who has not been sworn in for 80+ days in violation of town bylaws.
What's Next
All appointees who have not been sworn in must do so by close of business September 18. The board will discuss appointment compliance and agenda policy on September 23. Town Manager will organize a community energy forum with Eversource and state delegation. CPC articles and capital projects will proceed to Fall Annual Town Meeting for final approval.
Full meeting available via Local Scene (Comcast Channel 9, Verizon Channel 47, or YouTube).