Town Properties Chair Resigns Amid Political Tensions Over Fire Station Project
Wilhelmsen to resign Town Properties Committee and Historical Commission effective September 8
PLYMPTON - September 3 - The chairman of Plympton's Town Properties Committee announced his resignation during Tuesday night's meeting, citing frustration with the political climate surrounding the failed fire station project and criticism from Board of Selectmen Chairman Smith. The resignation comes as the committee grapples with the aftermath of a $14 million fire station proposal that was overwhelmingly rejected by voters.
The Full Story
Committee Chairman Jon Wilhemsen opened the September 3rd meeting by delivering a prepared statement announcing his intention to resign from both the Town Properties Committee and Historical Commission on Monday, September 8th. Wilhemsen, who has volunteered for the town in various capacities for over 25 years, expressed frustration with what he described as increasing politicization of town government work.
"Increasingly, it seems that the politics part of town government cannot be avoided," Wilhemsen said. "I've never been interested in the politics of town government, but rather in doing what I believe is right for the town and to lay the groundwork for lasting improvements."
Wilhemsen specifically criticized Board of Selectmen Chairman Dana Smith for placing the townhouse door restoration project on the August 18th Selectmen's agenda without inviting Town Properties Committee members to participate. "I do not believe this was an oversight, and it made for much better theater to not have us there," Wilhemsen stated. "After watching that meeting, I'm no longer interested in being subject to Chairman Smith's style of leadership."
The committee immediately moved to select Mark Wallis as the new chairman following the resignation announcement. The fire station project, which dominated much of the evening's discussion, remains in limbo after voters rejected the $14 million proposal. Committee members expressed frustration with what they described as inadequate public engagement and second-guessing of their extensive planning work.
"We saw that with the barrage of comments regarding the fire station project on Plympton Helping Plimpton after town meeting," Wallis said. "Certain commenters were looking for answers, but a number of the most prolific were not, and they spent their time engaging in organized second-guessing and hurling baseless accusations that this committee of volunteers did not consider alternatives."
Committee member Ross MacPherson expressed skepticism about proposals to reduce the project scope by removing the meeting room and medic room, arguing that such changes would not yield sufficient cost savings to gain public support. "I don't think that's listening to the residents enough," he said. "I'm also of the opinion that that station is what the town needs, not in the future, but now, with the future in mind."
The committee also addressed immediate fire station maintenance needs, particularly HVAC system issues identified by a state inspector in May. The current heating system, which uses ducts underneath the concrete slab that continuously fill with water, was flagged as a code violation. Committee members agreed to pursue quotes for overhead ductwork installation that could be completed before winter, potentially seeking funding at a special town meeting.
In a separate agenda item that sparked the recent political controversy, the committee voted unanimously to proceed with the townhouse door restoration project. The $60,000 Community Preservation Act-funded project was approved at the 2024 town meeting with only three dissenting votes out of 106 registered voters present. The project addresses a failing front door that allows significant heat loss and structural issues around the entrance.
Wilhelmsen provided detailed cost breakdowns that were absent from the recent Selectmen's meeting discussion, showing $12,000 for door replacement, $20,000 for wood trim repair, $4,500 for interior repairs, $5,500 for asbestos abatement, $9,500 for architectural fees, and $9,000 in contingency funds. "This was not anything about an application for a townhouse door," Wilhelmsen emphasized. "This was an approved CPA project to rectify the fact that the front door is inoperable" and lets a lot of heat out of the building. Additionally plaster is falling off the walls and the floor is asbestos tile.
The committee also received updates on the municipal water project, which is proceeding toward final state approval. Project manager Dan Pallotta reported that water treatment requirements would be simpler than initially feared, potentially avoiding the expensive systems required at other municipal facilities. The project must spend county grant funds by year-end, requiring coordination with town meeting scheduling for any supplemental appropriations.
Two residents expressed interest in joining the committee, and members voted to recommend their appointments to the Board of Selectmen. The committee scheduled its next meeting for September 18th, with new chairman Mark Wallis taking the lead on future agenda planning.
Why It Matters
The resignation of a long-serving committee chair reflects deeper tensions about public engagement and political discourse in local government. With the fire station project stalled and critical infrastructure needs mounting, residents may face difficult decisions about municipal services and tax impacts. The committee's ability to continue major capital projects depends on rebuilding public trust and finding effective ways to engage voters in complex technical discussions about town infrastructure needs.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Select Mark Wallis as committee chairman. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 6:14)
Motion: Move forward with townhouse door restoration project. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:00:17)
Motion: Recommend two residents for committee appointment to Board of Selectmen. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:24:03)
Motion: Approve April 21st meeting minutes. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 3-0 with 1 abstention. (Timestamp: 1:20:14)
Public Comment
Two residents attended and participated in discussions about fire station alternatives and grant funding opportunities. Both expressed interest in joining the committee and were recommended for appointment. One resident provided information about potential federal and state grant programs for public safety projects.
What's Next
The new chairman will contact the Town Administrator about posting future meetings and coordinating with Area 58 for recording. Committee members will pursue HVAC system quotes for the fire station and continue coordinating the municipal water project timeline with town meeting scheduling. The Board of Selectmen will consider the two new member appointments at an upcoming meeting. Next committee meeting scheduled for September 18th at 6:30 PM.
Jon Wilhelmsen has been a great volunteer asset to the town over many thousands of hours for decades. Our town is much the worse for his departure.
Garbled a bit by AI?