Plympton Awards Townhouse Renovation Bid, Authorizes Grant Pursuit for New Fire Station
Town Administrator Liz Dennehy Appointed by Easton Select Board
PLYMPTON - March 9, 2026 - The Plympton Board of Selectmen moved forward on several key municipal infrastructure projects Monday, awarding a $35,500 contract for renovations to the Townhouse front entrance and granting the Town Properties Committee (TPC) broad authority to seek state and federal grants for a proposed new fire station. The board also authorized the use of opioid settlement funds for school safety equipment and initiated a new lease agreement for the Old Townhouse following past utility issues.
The Full Story
The meeting opened with a focus on community and infrastructure. Chairman Dana Smith and Vice Chairman Nathaniel Sides presided over the session, with Town Administrator Liz Dennehy participating remotely via Zoom. [00:12] The board’s first action was the unanimous approval of an Eagle Scout project proposed by Ross MacPherson, which will involve interior renovations to the Holt Field Snack Shack. [01:31]
Attention then turned to the historic Townhouse front entrance project. Following a competitive bidding process that drew four applicants, the board issued a Notice of Intent to Award the project to DDC Construction Inc. for $35,500. [02:43] Vice Chairman Sides noted that the bid was “pleasantly surprisingly low” compared to other estimates, and the town’s architect has already verified the contractor’s references. [02:50]
In a move to secure future funding for the town’s most significant upcoming project, the board granted the Town Properties Committee (TPC) a “blanket authorization” to pursue grants for the proposed new fire station. [17:19] This authorization allows the committee to apply for various funding opportunities immediately, though any grants requiring a local match will return to the Selectmen for a specific vote. [16:41]
The board also addressed public health and safety by authorizing $8,500 in opioid settlement funds for the Dennett Elementary School. [06:07] The funds will cover educational “LEAD” materials, cruiser decals, and a radio project for the School Resource Officer (SRO). [04:03] Town Administrator Liz Dennehy noted that if the school department is successful in securing separate grant funding for these items, the opioid funds would be returned to the town’s general settlement pool. [05:33]
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the future of the Old Townhouse and its relationship with the Plympton Historical Society (PHS). [06:44] The board moved to draft a new, formalized lease agreement to clarify maintenance responsibilities and utility costs. [11:39] The discussion revealed that a previous lack of clear oversight led to the building’s gas being shut off due to unpaid invoices after the former society group disbanded. [08:54] Under the new leadership of the PHS, the town seeks to ensure the building remains active for community use, including yoga and meditation classes, while protecting town finances. [09:32]
“Seeing the vacancies getting filled is very, very encouraging... kudos to all those who have stepped up and take on this responsibility of volunteering.” [14:23] — Dana Smith, Chairman
The meeting concluded with a moment of reflection. Chairman Smith offered high praise for the Highway Department’s “fantastic effort” in clearing roads during a recent major blizzard, comparing the storm’s intensity to the historic Blizzard of ‘78. [21:15] The board also stood in a moment of silence for Donald Vautrinot, a long-standing member of the community, Vietnam veteran, and former Plympton Deputy Fire Chief and Police Officer, who passed away recently. [22:12]
Why It Matters
For Plympton residents, these decisions represent a dual focus on fiscal responsibility and community preservation. By awarding the Townhouse bid to the lowest qualified bidder and aggressively pursuing grants for the fire station, the board is attempting to modernize town facilities while minimizing the direct hit to the local tax rate. Additionally, formalizing the lease for the Old Townhouse ensures that a historic community asset remains functional and safe without the risk of future utility lapses.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To approve the Eagle Scout project for the Holt Field Snack Shack interior renovations.
Vote: Unanimous ([01:41])
Motion: To issue a Notice of Intent to Award to DDC Construction Inc. for the townhouse front entrance project for $35,500.
Vote: Unanimous ([03:49])
Motion: To authorize the use of opioid settlement funds ($8,500) for Dennett SRO materials and radio project.
Vote: Unanimous ([06:20])
Motion: To create a new lease with the Plympton Historical Society regarding building utilization and responsibilities.
Vote: Unanimous ([13:19])
Motion: To appoint Gabriela Falconieri to the Community Preservation Committee.
Vote: Unanimous ([14:17])
Motion: To authorize the Town Properties Committee to pursue grant funding for the proposed fire station.
Vote: Unanimous (Roll Call) ([17:45])
Public Comment
No formal public comments were made during the open session; however, the board acknowledged the recent ribbon-cutting for a new local business, Asher’s Sandbox, scheduled for March 13th at 9:30 AM. [18:55]
What’s Next
Following the conclusion of Monday’s public agenda, the Plympton Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn directly into Executive Session. The stated purpose was to “conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiation with non-union personnel... in regards to the town administrator”. While the board did not return to open session, the context for these negotiations became clear last week.
On March 2, 2026, the Easton Select Board conducted final interviews for their Town Administrator position, featuring Plympton’s own Liz Dennehy as a lead finalist. During that session, the Easton board praised Dennehy’s “scrappy” and “professionalized” approach to municipal management, specifically noting her success in building Plympton’s administrative structure from the ground up.
“She owned that Plympton’s a small town, but... it’s no small feat building that role up from the ground up. You could see that in her answers.” — Craig Barger, Easton Select Board
Following a brief deliberation, the Easton Select Board voted unanimously to appoint Dennehy as their next Town Administrator, pending successful contract negotiations. As Plympton’s first-ever Town Administrator finishes her nine-year tenure, the town now faces its first major leadership transition in nearly a decade.
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