Rockland Awards Major Landfill Contract, Honors Firefighter Heroism
Select Board Calls Out Board of Health "Dysfunction"
ROCKLAND — January 6, 2026 — In a unanimous decision that promises both environmental remediation and new revenue for the town, the Select Board voted Tuesday to award the Pleasant Street Landfill capping contract to Clean Earth LLC. The agreement sets the stage for closing the landfill while generating an estimated $4.25 per ton in revenue and saving the town tens of thousands in annual monitoring costs.
The Full Story
After reviewing proposals from three firms, the Select Board selected Clean Earth LLC to manage the importation of material, capping, and closure of the Pleasant Street Landfill. The project is designed to transform the site at no cost to the town, instead bringing in funds through tipping fees.
Town Administrator Doug Lapp and the review committee—which included town staff, legal counsel, and engineers from CDM Smith—strongly recommended Clean Earth. Lapp highlighted the firm’s “impressive track record,” in-house material sourcing, and a superior financial offer. Crucially, Clean Earth’s proposal included a post-closure monitoring plan, which Lapp noted would save the town approximately $40,000 annually currently paid from the general fund.
“The fact that they included that in their proposal... they were still a more economic, better choice financially,” Mary Mancini P.E. with CDM Smith said. “It’s not even a question.” [25:15]
The project will now move to contract negotiations and a rigorous permitting phase. Lapp emphasized that Tuesday’s vote is just the first step.
“This vote that you just took... is not the end of this process. This is literally before the beginning... There’s going to be extensive community outreach before anything gets underway.” — Doug Lapp, Town Administrator [30:13]
Firefighters Honored for Bravery
The meeting opened with a solemn recognition of Rockland firefighters for their actions during a June 21, 2024, house fire. Chief Scott Duffey recounted how crews arrived to find heavy fire conditions with two elderly occupants trapped inside.
Firefighter Thomas Henderson was singled out for his decisive action. Operating the engine and not fully geared up for entry, Henderson saw a victim and immediately rushed in to pull him to safety. Henderson received a Medal of Valor for his actions.
“To make that decision is... just putting yourself above everybody else and going to try and make that rescue is amazing,” Chief Duffey said of the team’s efforts, which included Captain Jason Fricker, FF Thomas Henderson, FF Liam O'Flaherty, FF Robert Creighton, FF Caio Costa, FF Marc Oshry, FF Reid Broderick. [05:07]
Sadly, a second victim rescued from the home later succumbed to injuries. The department was also presented with a new SUV donated by Webster Park Rehabilitation in gratitude for the department’s assistance during a separate emergency evacuation at the nursing facility.
Select Board Calls Out Board of Health “Dysfunction”
In a rare moment of public friction between two elected bodies, the Select Board closed Tuesday’s meeting with a sharp rebuke of the Board of Health, citing chronic absenteeism that they say is stalling town business.
Vice-Chair Lori Childs and Chair Michael O’Loughlin did not mince words, directing their frustration specifically at Board of Health Chair Robert Stephens.
The controversy centers on the Board of Health’s inability to hold meetings due to a lack of a quorum (the minimum number of members required to vote). While the Town’s Health Agent, Delshaune Flipp, manages day-to-day operations, she cannot legally approve certain variances, permits, or regulatory changes without a vote from the three-member elected board.
Vice-Chair Lori Childs raised the issue during her Select Board comments, noting she had received multiple complaints from residents and business owners whose projects are in limbo.
“I just want to express my frustration... for the lack of meetings that the Board of Health has had,” Childs said. “We have a Health Agent [Delshaune Flipp] that is working very hard... but she can’t do it all. She needs a board to support her.”
A Call for Political Action
Select Board Chair Michael O’Loughlin escalated the criticism, suggesting that the issue is not just a scheduling conflict, but a dereliction of duty by the Board of Health Chair.
O’Loughlin pointedly reminded the viewing audience that the solution lies in the upcoming Town Election.
“He’s just non-responsive at this point... Nomination papers are available tomorrow. If you have an interest in serving on the Board of Health, I highly encourage you to go down to the Clerk’s office.” — Michael O’Loughlin, Select Board Chair [59:50]
Why It Matters
For residents, the landfill contract signals the end of a long-standing environmental liability without burdening taxpayers. Instead of costing money to cap, the site will generate revenue and eliminate annual maintenance fees. Meanwhile, the Board of Health is an elected body, meaning the Select Board has no legal authority to remove its members or force them to meet. Their only recourse is public pressure, which two members applied on Tuesday night.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Acceptance of Vehicle Gift
Motion: To accept the donation of an SUV from Webster Park Rehabilitation for the Fire Department.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously (5-0)
Vote: [16:24]
Pleasant Street Landfill Contract Award
Motion: To award the contract for the Pleasant Street Landfill cap to Clean Earth LLC.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously (5-0)
Vote: [30:08]
Snow & Ice Stipend for Highway Superintendent
Motion: To approve a $50/hour stipend (capped at $10,000) for Superintendent Dave Taylor to perform snow removal duties outside normal hours.
Outcome: Passed (4-1)
Vote: [36:12]
Note: Select Board Member John Ellard voted No, citing legal concerns about setting compensation outside of Town Meeting.
Common Victualler License (Thai Sho)
Motion: To approve a Common Victualler license for Thai Sho at 8 West Water Street.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously (5-0)
Vote: [39:05]
Budget & Policy Updates
Fiscal Strategy: The Board discussed a proposal circulating in Plymouth County to extend the OPEB (retiree benefits) funding deadline to 2040. Member Steven O’Donnell argued against delaying payments, advocating to stick to the town’s aggressive 2031 payoff schedule to free up $9.5 million annually for debt relief sooner. The Board agreed to “wait and see” rather than proactively asking for an extension. [48:09]
Health Insurance: Town Administrator Lapp warned of a potential “double-digit increase” in health insurance costs, a major budget driver for FY27. [42:40]
What’s Next
Town Election: Nomination papers are available starting January 7, 2026.
Landfill Project: Contract negotiations with Clean Earth LLC will begin, followed by public outreach sessions.
Budget: Department head meetings with the Finance Committee are commencing.