PLYMOUTH - August 26 - The Plymouth Select Board approved an extensive set of 81 goals for fiscal year 2026 during their August 26 meeting, marking the most comprehensive annual planning effort since the town began formal goal-setting in 2022. The goals span nine priority areas including public safety, financial planning, economic development, and infrastructure improvements.
The Full Story
Town Manager Derek Brindisi presented the ambitious agenda to the board, explaining that the goals represent additional work beyond the regular statutory duties of town departments. "Our departments have their annual reoccurring work," Brindisi said. "We expect the fire department to put out fires. We expect the police department to arrest bad guys. And then we add these goals on top of what they're already required to do."
The nine priority areas include ensuring a safe and healthy community, long-term financial planning, public communication and engagement, vibrant economic development, improved town infrastructure, environmental protection, workforce strengthening, efficient town government, and long-term strategic goals.
Among the significant initiatives planned for the coming year are the completion of a community health assessment and improvement plan, development of a five-year financial forecasting model, creation of a comprehensive communication strategy, pursuit of downtown economic development including acquisition of DCR property on Water Street, and master planning for Forges Field and Hedges Pond recreation areas.
Infrastructure improvements will include breaking ground on the Route 80 cemetery project this fall and conducting a comprehensive evaluation of Memorial Hall to determine its future use. Environmental protection efforts will focus on completing improvements at the Full Sail property and advancing the downtown resiliency project, which aims to add over 70 shade trees and improve pedestrian walkways downtown.
The town also plans to address workforce challenges, particularly in recruiting and retaining police officers where the department has maintained ongoing vacancies of 10-15 officers annually. Additionally, the goals include updating town bylaws and policies to "work in 21st century" standards according to Brindisi.
Board members expressed both enthusiasm and concern about the scope of the agenda. Select Board member Deborah Iaquinto suggested implementing a mid-year check-in rather than waiting until June for progress review. "This certainly is an ambitious agenda," she said, noting it could serve as "a blueprint for the resources that we would need to get some of this work done."
In other significant business, the board postponed appointments to the Airport Community Advisory Committee to allow for additional applications, following a request from board member Bill Keohan. The delay will provide approximately two weeks for new applications before making appointments.
The board also approved two articles for the fall town meeting warrant. Article 1 addresses supplemental budget adjustments totaling over $2 million, primarily from additional state aid that exceeded budgeted amounts. The town will receive approximately $968,000 while the school district gets about $1.5 million, following the established 39-61 percent split formula.
Article 6, presented by Board Chair Kevin Canty, would establish a special fund to capture Chapter 61 rollback taxes for future open space, recreation, or municipal use needs. These taxes, collected when land is removed from forestry, agricultural, or recreational tax status, have generated approximately $1.5 million for Plymouth over the past 18 years but currently flow into general funds.
The meeting included recognition of two Plymouth lifeguards, Gage Chasteen and Ashley Godrey, for rescuing two distressed swimmers at Plymouth Beach on July 31st. Recreation Director Anne Slusser praised their "extraordinary bravery" in battling rough waters to guide the children safely to shore.
Town Manager Brindisi reported that the buyer of Atlantic Country Club has terminated their purchase agreement, ending immediate development concerns for the 176-acre property in South Plymouth. The town will continue pursuing an appraisal of the property as previously directed by the board.
Why It Matters
The 81 goals represent the most comprehensive planning effort in Plymouth's recent history and will directly impact residents through improved public services, infrastructure upgrades, and enhanced communication. The financial planning component, including a five-year forecasting model, will help inform future budget decisions and tax implications. The downtown resiliency project alone will significantly improve pedestrian safety and environmental conditions in the town's core tourist and business district.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve amplified music permit and liquor license revocation. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:22:38)
Motion: Postpone Airport Community Advisory Committee appointment and re-advertise. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 4-1. (Timestamp: 1:27:21)
Motion: Approve FY 26 goals and priorities as presented. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:56:15)
Motion: Include Article 1 on fall town meeting warrant and recommend approval. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 2:05:34)
Motion: Include Article 9 on fall town meeting warrant and recommend approval. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 2:07:43)
Motion: Include Article 6 on fall town meeting warrant and recommend approval. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 2:36:15)
Public Comment
Residents raised concerns about the Bert's property demolition timeline, requested updates on the Japan sister city delegation, criticized oversight failures regarding Memorial Hall maintenance and school food service issues, and questioned liquor license review processes. Additional comments addressed revenue enhancement options including spent nuclear fuel taxation and utility rate concerns.
What's Next
The Airport Community Advisory Committee applications will be re-advertised for approximately two weeks with appointments expected within 30 days. Fall town meeting articles will proceed to town meeting for voter consideration. Department heads will begin implementing the approved 81 goals with potential mid-year progress review. The Bert’s property demolition is expected to begin by the end of next week with completion by mid-September.
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