Sunrun Solar Representative Granted Door-to-Door Solicitation Permit
Select Board approves 90-day permit amid discussion of company practices and resident protection
PEMBROKE - June 11 - The Pembroke Select Board grants a 90-day door-to-door solicitation permit to Safette Oboni of Sunrun Solar during their June 11 meeting, despite concerns about the company's business practices.
Oboni, who has worked for Sunrun for approximately four months, appeared before the board to request authorization to conduct door-to-door sales in Pembroke. The permit allows him to solicit from 10 a.m. to dusk or 8 p.m., whichever comes first, Monday through Sunday until September 11.
"I try my best to have the best way of communication with people. I don't like being pushy," Oboni tells the board. "I don't think pushing somebody to buy a product is the best way to sell a product."
The board's discussion reveals tension between protecting residents and respecting the legal right to door-to-door solicitation. Select Board member Sean Keegan expresses concerns about Sunrun's reputation.
"I have absolutely no problem with you, but I have a problem with the company, with what I've read online, with the litigations and everything that's been going on," Keegan says.
Assistant Town Administrator Sabrina Chilcott explains that door-to-door solicitation is protected by law, noting that the town's bylaw was carefully crafted to balance constitutional protections with resident safety.
"This bylaws on the books and the opportunity to door-to-door solicit is a protected right," Chilcott says. "You guys do your very best every single time balancing the better, the greater good of the residents that you represent with the actual rights that these companies and solicitors have."
Select Board member Dan Trabucco emphasizes that the company is following proper procedures.
"This company is trying to do it the right way," Trabucco says. "The town meeting passed, so the voters of Pembroke allowed door-to-door solicitation to happen, so long as it's done the proper way. This is the proper way."
The permit is approved by a 3-1 vote, with Keegan opposed. The permit is non-transferable and applies only to Oboni, not to other Sunrun representatives.
The Pembroke Community Center marks its one-year anniversary with a Classic Cars, Burgers, and Cornhole celebration that also honors Father's Day.
Select Board member John Brown reports that over 50 people attended the event, which featured classic car displays from the Model T Club and members of the Dull Men's Club.
"It was a great time," Brown says. "The Classic Cars were there. All the guys from the Model T Club and the Dull Men's Club, pretty much, who were part of the Model T Club also, showed off their cars. It was really cool."
During the meeting, Select Board Chair Tracy Marino inquires about signage at the Community Center, asking whether there are plans to add "Senior Services" to the existing sign to better reflect all services offered at the facility.
Town Manager Bill Chenard confirms there had been early discussions about additional signage, but no formal plans exist currently.
The Select Board also addresses several other matters during the June 11 meeting:
* Somewhere Else Tavern: The board approves an Alcohol Beverages Control Commission Alteration of Premises Application for Somewhere Else Tavern, allowing seasonal outdoor eating and alcohol consumption from April 15 to November 1 under a 30-by-60-foot tent that can accommodate approximately 75 people.
* Trail Maintenance: The board approves a request from Owen Gray of Wildlands Trust to perform trail maintenance on Misty Meadows Trails in August. The work includes clearing existing trails and building a new connecting trail at no cost to the town.
* Hobomock PTO Bike-a-thon: The board approves the use of town roads for the Hobomock PTO's bike-a-thon fundraiser on June 13 from 7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., pending approval from the Police Chief and DPW.
* Upcoming Events: Brown announces several upcoming events, including the Old Colony Elder Services March Against Elder Abuse, the opening of Vitality Fitness and Recovery at 20 Corporate Park, and free concerts at the Community Center on June 18, June 23, and July 9.
* Town Hall Closure: Chenard announces that Town Hall will be closed on Thursday, June 19, for the Juneteenth holiday and will reopen at 8 a.m. on Friday.
Marino reminds residents that she holds monthly office hours at the Community Center, with the next session scheduled for June 12 from 10 to 11 a.m.