On the agenda: Plymouth meeting — Data Center (Sep 30)

Advisory & Finance Committee
The following meeting of the Advisory & Finance Committee has been posted and will be held
At:
Great Hall, Town Hall / Zoom Cloud Meetings Video Conference
On: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 7:00 PM
Items on the agenda will include but are not limited to the following.
Other discussion may include items that were not reasonably anticipated by the Chair 48-hours in advance of the meeting posting.

Call to Order
Announcements
•

•
•
•

Hybrid Meeting: This meeting is likely to be conducted in a hybrid format, with some participants attending
physically and others attending virtually via a video conference application
Ways to Watch: The meeting will be airing on Comcast 9, Verizon 47, or on The Local Seen Streaming

Channel: www.youtube.com/@plymouthmeetingsls.

Public Comment: Any speaker giving public comment is allotted up to 5 minutes in which to speak. Public
Comment can be made at the beginning or end of each meeting, or in regard to a particular agenda item the
speaker wishes to be heard on
Zoom Login Information: Anyone who wants to attend the meeting virtually, including members of the public
who wish to give public comment, can use one of the following methods in which to do so:
o Join via Zoom application: Download the Zoom meeting application on your device, press/click on
“Join”, then enter Meeting ID: 995 2986 0638, and then the Meeting Password: 100131, or
o Join via website (requires microphone): Go to www. zoom.us, click “Join A Meeting” on the top
righthand side, and enter the meeting ID: 995 2986 0638, and then the meeting password 100131, or
o Join via Telephone (voice only): Dial 929-205-6099 and Enter Meeting ID: 995 2986 0638 and enter
Meeting Password: 100131

Public Comment
Agenda Items

Introduce New Member – Kevin Hood

By Kelly A McElreath at 12:32 pm, Sep 25, 2026

Fall Town Meeting Article Review:
Article 1 – Budget Amendment – Visitor’s Center
Article 16 – Zoning Bylaw – Data Centers
Article 18 – Easement – Retaining Wall, 75 Long Pond Rd
Article 19 – Easement – Traffic Signal, 75 Long Pond Rd
Article 24 – Citizen’s Petition –Unified Complexes – NO MOTION. NO ACTION.
Approve Minutes:
August 26, 2026, Meeting
September 2, 2026, Meeting
September 9, 2026, Meeting
September 10, 2026, Meeting
Discussion of Possible Reconsideration of Articles for 2026 Fall Town Meeting
Review of Fall Town Meeting Precinct Caucus Assignments
Committee Discussion
Public Comment
Adjournment

TOWN OF PLYMOUTH
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
26 Court Street, Plymouth, MA 02360
FINAL PLANNING BOARD REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION ON ARTICLE 16: ZONING
BYLAW AMENDMENT – DATA CENTERS ZONING
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF PUBLIC HEARING:

September 3, 2026
September 10, 2026

DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING:

September 23, 2026

VOTE: On September 23, 2026, the Planning Board voted (4-0) to recommend approval of
the following article to the Zoning Bylaw, as amended:
INTENT OF THE PROPOSED ARTICLE:
The intent of this article is to amend the Zoning Bylaw, §201-3, Definitions, by adding a
definition for “Data Center”, and by creating a new section, §207-12, Temporary Moratorium
on Data Centers, which would enact a one-year temporary moratorium from October 17,
2026, until October 16, 2027 on the application, permitting, construction, expansion, or
conversion of any Data Center to provide the Plymouth Planning Board with sufficient time
to research and understand this complex use so that reasonable regulations may be
developed for consideration at the Fall 2027 Special Town Meeting, all by inserting the
underlined as documented on file with the Town Clerk, “Zoning Bylaw Amendment – Data
Centers Zoning”, or take any other action relative thereto.
NEED AND JUSTIFICATION FOR THE ARTICLE:
Data Centers are a rapidly emerging market that have raised concerns nationally, statewide,
and locally about potential adverse impacts to a community, including but not limited to high
water usage, electrical grid impacts, increased utility rates for other users, and visual, odor,
and noise nuisances. While sixty-one data centers of varying size presently exist in
Massachusetts, a previously approved tax incentive program offered by the Commonwealth
was recently paused by the Governor in June 2026 until stronger protections are in place at
the state-level. Additionally, a handful of communities across the Commonwealth have
begun adopting zoning regulations either by limiting the size of data centers or instituting a
temporary moratorium on new data centers.
The purpose of a temporary zoning moratorium is to allow a community the time to research
and understand a subject matter of some complexity. While Plymouth does not currently
have a definition of or any active applications for a data center, it is possible that a data
center could argue that this type of use falls within other existing definitions in the Zoning
Bylaw that are allowed by-right or by Special Permit. Given their increasing footprint across
the nation and in the Commonwealth, creating dedicated time now to study this complex

type of development and to draft regulations for consideration at a future Town Meeting may
be prudent before any application is received.
The original article included a definition with language that focuses on a Data Center as
being the primary use of the property, however, during the public hearing the Planning Board
voted to add the language “of that structure.” to the end of the proposed definition. This
additional language was added to ensure that any structure fitting the description outlined
in the definition, even if in connection with a separate structure of a different principal use,
was included.
ARTICLE 16: Zoning Bylaw Amendment – Data Centers Zoning
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Bylaw, Article I, Authority, Purpose and
Definitions, §201-3, Definitions, by inserting the underlined as written below,
§201- 3. Definitions. [Amended 10/23/2018 FTM by Art. 23; Amended 4-8-19 SATM
by Articles 22 and 23, 4-6-2024 ATM by Article 14]
DATA CENTER – A building or series of buildings, with the intended principal use being
commercial, that houses and supports the high-performance servers, storage
systems, networking equipment, and related computing infrastructure and
equipment necessary for storing, processing, and distributing data and applications,
and is not in connection with any other principal use of that structure.
and, to amend the Zoning Bylaw, Article VII, Special Regulations, to include a new Section
by inserting the underlined as written below,
§207.12. Temporary Moratorium on Data Centers
There shall be a one-year temporary moratorium on the application, permitting,
construction, expansion, or conversion of any Data Center, as defined in Section 2013 of the Plymouth Zoning Bylaw. The purpose of the moratorium is to provide the
Plymouth Planning Board with sufficient time to research and understand this
complex use so that reasonable regulations may be developed for consideration at
the Fall 2027 Special Town Meeting. The moratorium will be in effect starting on
October 17, 2026 upon adoption at Special Town Meeting and will remain in place
until October 16, 2027. During such moratorium, no application, permit, special
permit, site plan approval, variance, building permit, zoning permit, or other land use
approval shall be accepted, approved, or issued for any Data Center.
or take any other action relative thereto.
PLANNING BOARD
For the Planning Board:

/s/Steven J. Bolotin
Steven Bolotin, Chair

TOWN OF PLYMOUTH
BOARD OF SELECTMEN / TOWN MANAGER
26 COURT STREET, PLYMOUTH, MA 02360
PHONE (508) 747-1620

MEMORANDUM
TO:

SELECT BOARD
ADVISORY AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

FROM:

KATE MCKAY

SUBJECT:

ARTICLE 18 AND ARTICLE 19

DATE:

SEPTEMBER 9, 2026

Articles 18 and 19 are for two easements, both at 75 Long Pond Road.
Article 18 is to grant an easement due to a retaining wall that is encroaching on town property.
Article 18 pertains to an area of approximately 100 square feet. The purpose would be to allow
the retaining wall and handicap ramp to remain in their current state.
Article 19 is to obtain an easement for a traffic signal that is on the property of Mr. Cushing for
all purposes for which public ways are used in the town.

"EXHIBIT PLAN A

EXHIBIT PLAN A
HORIZ.

30

0

30

SCALE IN FEET

60

LONG POND ROAD
PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS
PREPARED BY
PLYMOUTH DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS
SCALE 1" = 30'
MARCH 25, 2026

TOWN OF PLYMOUTH
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
26 Court Street, Plymouth, MA 02360
FINAL PLANNING BOARD REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION ON ARTICLE 24: CITIZEN’S
PETITION – WARRANT ARTICLE FOR UNIFIED COMPLEXES
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF PUBLIC HEARING:

September 3, 2026
September 10, 2026

DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING:

September 23, 2026

VOTE: On September 23, 2026, the Planning Board voted on the recommendation to approve
Article 24 as follows: (0 in favor – 4 opposed – 0 abstained).
Article 24, as submitted to the warrant, would amend Section 203-1.D (Lot Regulations:
Number of Principal Buildings on One Lot) of the Zoning Bylaw by requiring a Special Permit
under this Section, subjecting this Section to the provisions of Section 203-2 (Natural
Features Conservation), and increasing the dimensional requirements for a Unified
Complex.
The Planning Board voted unanimously not to support this article because not only is this
existing section of the bylaw already subject to the provisions of Section 203-2 (Natural
Features Conservation), but it introduces language not found or defined elsewhere in the
Zoning Bylaw and would also reference sections of the Bylaw that do not exist. The Board
also believed that the article would be moving the Town backwards from the Unified
Complex provisions that were adopted by Town Meeting in 2022 and would make
commercial development more difficult for certain developers, which is not aligned with the
2026 Comprehensive Plan.
For the Planning Board:

/s/steven J. Bolotin
Steve Bolotin, Chair

ADVISORY AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
Minutes
August 26, 2026, Hybrid Meeting
PRESENT
ABSENT

11 members of the committee were present: Gail Butler, Thomas Jacintho, Joe
Lalley, Everett Malaguti, Molly O’Connor, Myles Ramey, Maria Reitman, Christine
Richards, Mark Snyder, David Trudell and James Young.
4 members of the committee were absent: Brian Dunn, Dennis Friedman, Briana
Keating, and Jazmine Tapscott.

Call to Order - The meeting was called to order by Chairman Joe Lalley at 7:00 PM.
Announcements
• Hybrid Meeting: This meeting is likely to be conducted in a hybrid format, with some participants at•
•
•

tending physically and others attending virtually via a video conference application.
Ways to Watch: The meeting will be airing on Comcast 9, Verizon 47, or on The Local Seen

Streaming Channel: www.youtube.com/@plymouthmeetingsls.

Public Comment: Any speaker giving public comment is allotted up to 5 minutes in which to speak. Public Comment can be made at the beginning or end of each meeting, or in regard to a particular agenda
item the speaker wishes to be heard on
Zoom Login Information: Anyone who wants to attend the meeting virtually, including members of the
public who wish to give public comment, can use one of the following methods in which to do so:
o Join via Zoom application: Download the Zoom meeting application on your device,
press/click on “Join”, then enter Meeting ID: 995 2986 0638, and then the Meeting Password: 100131, or
o Join via website (requires microphone): Go to www. zoom.us, click “Join A Meeting” on the top
righthand side, and enter the meeting ID: 995 2986 0638, and then the meeting password
100131, or
o Join via Telephone (voice only): Dial 929-205-6099 and Enter Meeting ID: 995 2986 0638 and
enter Meeting Password: 100131

Chairman Lalley advised that Myles Ramey has given his resignation due to his workload on his legal
degree. Mr. Lalley thanked him for his service to the Town and the Committee.
Public Comment
Agenda Items
Fall Town Meeting Article Review:
Article 6 - Environmental Affairs funding – Cyanobacteria Monitoring & Sampling – Mr. Gould, Director of
Energy and Environment, is requesting to utilize $17,500 in Environmental Affairs Funds to continue ongoing
monitoring and sampling efforts associated with cyanobacteria blooms in freshwater lakes and ponds.
Together with the Public Health Department collaboration on issuing and lifting cyanobacteria advisories to the
public is achieved following the State Department of Public Health protocol. The advisory is not lifted until the
pond has been visually clear for two consecutive weeks and a laboratory cyanobacteria cell count sample is

below State recommended limits. Due to the complexity of the lab analysis each sample costs approx. $450.
Approval of this funding will allow these monitoring efforts to continue for the next several years.
Ms. Richards asked if this amount is enough for various testing and lifting of the advisories. Mr. Gould said yes.
Ms. Butler moved to recommend Article 6 to Town Meeting. Mr. Jacintho second. Motion carried unanimously,
10-0-0.
Article 7 – Environmental Affairs funding – Town Forest Fire Dept. OT - Mr. Gould, Director of Energy and
Environment, is requesting to utilize $10,000 in Environmental Affairs Funds to facilitate a two-day prescribed
burn being conducted at Town Forest in coordination with federal, state and local partners. This funding will
cover staff wages, the operational costs of two brush-breakers, and equipment for the duration of the burn.
The prescribed burn will be ecologically and anthropogenically beneficial and will address this undermanaged
swath of woodland between Drew Road and Plymouth Carver Intermediate School (PCIS).
Ms. Butler asked how many times this has been done. Mr. Gould said this is the first time for this location.
Prescribed burns have been done on other locations.
Ms. Richards asked if other funding was being provided or just this request. Mr. Gould said this was the only
request.
Mr. Snyder asked if two staff would cost $10,000. Mr. Gould said the cost was for equipment and staff to fully
staff two brush-breakers and the brush-breaker vehicle. There are two employees for each brush-breaker.
Mr. Malaguti moved to recommend Article 7 to Town Meeting. Ms. O'Connor second. Motion carried
unanimously, 10-0-0.
Article 10 – Adoption of G.L. Ch 39, §23D, Mullins Rule – Ms. Lind, Assistant Town Manager, is requesting the
Town adopt the Mullins Rule. Many municipalities have adopted the Mullins Rule which allows for member of
an Adjudicatory/Regulatory Board of Commission to miss one meeting from a session and submit certification
that they have watched or listened to a recording of the missed session and thereby be eligible to continue
their participation in the public hearing and not be exempted from the process due to an absence. This will
cover all adjudicatory boards.
Ms. Richards asked about the certification process. Ms. Lind said a form is completed and submitted
confirming the member has watched or listened to a recording.
Mr. Malaguti asked about alternate members. Ms. Lind said the alternate member must have been a sworn
member or alternate present at the opening or initial session of that specific public hearing for the Mullins
Rule to be applicable.
Mr. Ramey moved to recommend Article 10 to Town Meeting. Mr. Jacintho second. Motion carried
unanimously, 10-0-0.

Article 11 – Charter Amendment – Addition of Two Alternate Members to the Conservation Commission – Ms.
Lind, Assistant Town Manager, is presenting on behalf of the Town Manager, and is requesting that the
structure and requirements of the Conservation Commission be amended to add two alternate members to
Conservation Commission. The Selectboard discussed this and subsequently voted to submit an article to Fall
Town Meeting to recommend the Charter Amendment.
Mr. Malaguti asked why not have them be full members. Ms. Lind said it is a 7-member commission, and they
aren't looking to add members just alternates. Mr. Malaguti asked why the proposal was for 3-year overlapping
terms when other committees, such as the ZBA, have shorter terms for alternates. Ms. Lind said she would get
back with more information. Ms. Lind’s follow-up: Upon further review of the Town Charter this proposal for
the Conservation Commission is consistent with similar alternate positions already existing in the Town
Charter.
Ms. Richards moved to recommend Article 11 to Town Meeting. Mr. Snyder second. Motion carries, 9-0-1, Mr.
Malaguti abstained.
Article 21 – CPC: Reduce Borrowing – Jenney Pond Dredging- Mr. Ed Bradley, CPC Chair, briefed that this article
it to reduce the original amount of borrowing authorized by $415,351 and instead use the Fiscal 2027
Revenues Open Space and Recreation obligation of $415,351 for this purpose, Jenney Pond Dredging.
This was initially submitted for Spring but referenced the wrong parcel and was pulled and resubmitted for the Fall 2026
Town Meeting.
Ms. Butler asked how much interest was being saved. Mr. Bradley said that short-term interest wasn't necessary at this
time.
Mr. Trudell moved to recommend Article 21 to Town Meeting. Mr. Young second. Motion carried unanimously, 10-0-0.

Article 22 - CPC: Conservation Restriction – Buzzards Bay Coalition – Mr. Ed Bradley, CPC Chair, is requesting
support to permanently protect more than 390 acres of forested uplands, wetlands, cranberry bogs and
associated habitat near Buttermilk Bay at the southern end of Plymouth within the Buzzards Bay watershed.
This project is proposed in partnership between Buzzards Bay coalition and the Towns of Plymouth and Bourne
to acquire and permanently conserve these lands through fee acquisition and conservation restrictions. The
project will protect lands connecting more than 900 acres of contiguous existing open space. They are
requesting $750,000 from CPC available funds. Town of Plymouth would hold the CR on 179 acres.
Ms. Richards is concerned about appropriating $750,000 reliant on $5.5 mil in other funds. She asked Mr.
Gould how confident he was that the additional funding would come through. Mr. Gould is very confident that
the funding will come through. The coalition has a good track record and the $750,000 won't be released
without the property sale closing.
Mr. Young asked if Wareham has been contacted. Mr. Gould said no because there is no land is Wareham but
the Coalition is actively working with the Town of Bourne on a Conservation Restriction and funding for the
portion of land in Bourne.

Ms. Butler asked how discharge would be managed. Mr. Gould said that chemicals won't be used on the site
any longer as the bogs won't be in use.
Mr Snyder asked what happens if Plymouth says no. Mr. Gould said the coalition would find funding
elsewhere. Mr. Snyder is glad to hear that because he doesn't feel we should spend any money on this
proposal.
Mr. Malaguti asked if funding would be held until the restriction is recorded. Mr. Bradley said no funds would
be released until the restriction is recorded. Mr. Malaguti asked about the closing. Mr. Bradley said that was on
the buyer.
Mr. Jacintho asked about maintenance. Mr. Gould said that Plymouth will review the property annually, but we
are not responsible for maintaining the property, that would be the owner.
Mr. Lalley asked if there was any borrowing for the $750,000. Mr. Bradley said it would come from available
funds.
Mr. Lalley asked if Conservation Restriction and Conservation Easement are similar. Mr. Gould said yes but in
Massachusetts Conservation Restriction is a term for commonly used.
Ms. Butler wanted confirmation that no funding would be released unless the property closes. Mr. Bradley
confirmed.
Ms. Pat Alderman, Precinct 12, asked if this was the Mann property and how many cranberry bogs were on the
property. Mr. Gould said the cranberry bogs would not be used and would revert to their natural state. Ms.
Alderman asked if there could be building on the property. Mr. Gould said the town is not purchasing any
property.
Ms. Butler moved to recommend Article 22 to Town Meeting. Mr. Jacintho second.
Mr. Malaguti doesn't think the timeline will be achievable, and he isn't going to vote in favor.
Mr. Young is supportive of green space and using CPC funds.
Ms. Richards supports this and feels this is what CPC is for conservation and another plus is eliminating these
bogs that use pesticides and pollutants.
Motion carried, 7-3-0, Mr. Malaguti, Ms. Reitman, and Mr. Snyder opposed.
Approve Minutes of the August 19, 2026, Meeting – Mr. Lalley noted a change to other business. Mr.
Malaguti moved to approve the minutes with the change. Ms. O'Connor second. Motion carried, 9-0-1.
Committee Discussion Ms. Richards thanked Mr. Ramey for his hard work on the committee and subcommittee and would love to see him come back as an attorney.

Public Comment - None.
Adjournment Mr. Ramey moved to adjourn. Ms. Reitman second. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting
adjourned at 8:20 PM.
Submitted by
Jeanette White
Budget Officer

ADVISORY AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
Minutes
September 2, 2026, Hybrid Meeting
PRESENT
ABSENT

10 members of the committee were present: Gail Butler, Brian Dunn, Thomas
Jacintho, Briana Keating, Joe Lalley, Everett Malaguti, Molly O’Connor, Maria
Reitman, Christine Richards, and Mark Snyder.
4 members of the committee were absent: Dennis Friedman, Jazmine Tapscott, David
Trudell and James Young

Call to Order - The meeting was called to order by Chairman Joe Lalley at 7:00 PM.
Announcements
•

•
•
•

Hybrid Meeting: This meeting is likely to be conducted in a hybrid format, with some participants
attending physically and others attending virtually via a video conference application.
Ways to Watch: The meeting will be airing on Comcast 9, Verizon 47, or on The Local Seen

Streaming Channel: www.youtube.com/@plymouthmeetingsls.

Public Comment: Any speaker giving public comment is allotted up to 5 minutes in which to speak.
Public Comment can be made at the beginning or end of each meeting, or in regard to a particular
agenda item the speaker wishes to be heard on
Zoom Login Information: Anyone who wants to attend the meeting virtually, including members of the
public who wish to give public comment, can use one of the following methods in which to do so:
o Join via Zoom application: Download the Zoom meeting application on your device,
press/click on “Join”, then enter Meeting ID: 995 2986 0638, and then the Meeting
Password: 100131, or
o Join via website (requires microphone): Go to www. zoom.us, click “Join A Meeting” on the top
righthand side, and enter the meeting ID: 995 2986 0638, and then the meeting password
100131, or
o Join via Telephone (voice only): Dial 929-205-6099 and Enter Meeting ID: 995 2986 0638 and
enter Meeting Password: 100131

Public Comment – None.
Agenda Items
Fall Town Meeting Article Review:
Article 14 – Zoning Bylaw – Senior Housing: Mr. Michael Silveira, Deputy Director of Planning, discussed the
proposed changes. The following changes are being made:
1. The amendment replaces the term “elderly” with “senior” throughout the bylaws to reflect current and
inclusive terminology. 2. modify parking requirements for Senior Housing use and adding a requirement
for Independent Living to increase from ½ space to 1 space, and to 3. prohibiting the Elderly Housing
use in the General Commercial, Arterial Commercial and Mixed Commerce Zoning Districts.
This is a housekeeping amendment that modernizes the language without changing the intent or application of
the bylaw.

Ms. Richards asked what part of the warrant language the Planning Board wasn’t recommending be changed.
Mr. Silveira said the definition of elderly housing was determined to be sufficient as currently shown in the
zoning bylaw, so no change is being recommended to the definition.
Ms. Reitman asked if minors could be living in the senior housing. Mr. Silveira said yes, municipalities can’t
discriminate due to age, gender etc. and must comply with the fair housing policy.
Mr. Snyder feels this defeats the purpose.
Ms. Keating feels this is just aligning with what is already being done and in compliance with fair housing.
Ms. Lauren Lind, Asst Town Manager, said this came up during the MBTA process and was flagged as needing to
be fixed. She said the recommended change complies with the fair housing policy, and the bylaw should reflect
compliance. This has been flagged as something that could be in conflict with Federal and State fair housing
practice.
Ms. Richards asked for the exact law that was in conflict. Ms. Lind said she couldn’t recite the law but would look
into it and get back. Ms. Richards can’t vote until she can review the law.
Ms. Butler moved to recommend Article 14 to Town Meeting. Mr. Dunn second.
Ms. Richards asked if developments HOA’s can restrict occupancy. Ms. Lind said that an HOA can enforce the
age restriction, but the Town can’t.
Motion carried, 8-0-1, Ms. Richards abstained.
Article 15 – Zoning Bylaw – Industrial Zoning Update: Mr. Michael Silveira, Deputy Director of Planning,
discussed the proposed changes and said the purpose is to make it easier for contractors to build higher
buildings in the Light Industrial Height Overlay Districts (LIBHOC).
He presented a presentation of the Planning Boards approved zoning changes.
He discussed the reduced setback and Special Permit requirements in the Light Industrial Building Height
Overlay District (LIBHOD).
He discussed the addition of Part “g” to the Dimensional Table to exempt mechanical equipment from the
height measurement calculation in the Light Industrial District. He also noted that the Planning Board
recommended an amendment to the initial Part “g” addition to include that equipment screening shall also be
excluded from the measurement and calculation requirement.
And lastly, he discussed the updated Use Table and Use Table Footnotes to eliminate the 0.25 maximum Floor
Area Ration requirement for Light Industry and Renewal/Alternate Energy Manufacturing uses.
Mr. Snyder said it seems the amendment is aimed at developers and asked if developers were part of the
discussion. Mr. Silveira said input was received from developers.
Ms. Richards asked which areas are applicable. Mr. Silveira said the areas applicable are the Plymouth Industrial

Park, Camelot Park, Eversource lot and Holtec lot.
Mr. Malaguti asked for confirmation that the buffer increase wouldn’t change the neighborhoods. Mr. Silveira
said that the buffer to the residential areas hasn’t changed.
Mr. Lalley noted that there would be taller buildings in the industrial parks and that a town map depicting the
affected areas would be helpful as it could change the look for abutters.
Mr. DiNardo, Precinct 17, watched the hearings on these zoning changes and feels these changes are targeted
and careful about density. This article is reasonable and Town Meeting would need a 2/3 vote to pass.
Mr. Jacintho moved to recommend Article 15 to Town Meeting. Ms. Keating second.
Ms. Richards would need to see where these changes are allowed and what the impact will be to surrounding
neighborhoods and abutters before making a decision. She will vote no.
Mr. Malaguti is amendable to some of the setbacks but without dimensional maps he will abstain from the vote.
Mr. Snyder said that due to the cross-out setbacks, he can’t support this article.
Mr. Snyder moved to postpone Article 15 to a future meeting (Sept 10) so that Mr. Silveira can prepare
additional information per the committee’s comments and concerns. Mr. Jacintho second. Motion carried
unanimously, 9-0-0.
Article 16 – Zoning Bylaw – Data Centers Zoning: Postponed until after the Planning Board Public Hearing.
Article 17 – Title V Repair Fund: Mr. Michael Silveira, Deputy Director of Planning, is requesting to borrow
$400,000 to finance the Septic System Repair Program.
Town Meeting has approved seventeen prior rounds for this greatly needed and successful septic system
improvement program. To date, this program has enabled 422 homeowners to repair/replace their failed
systems and is administered by the Office of Community Development on behalf of the Town. $546,914 has
been funded/applied for since Fall Town Meeting 2025 – some of which was funded with leftover money
allocated in 2024. Due to the popularity of the program, the funds are often expended quickly, and the $251,347
that remains may be expended by Spring Town Meeting 2027. Similar to previous funding rounds, the
Department of Planning and Development recommends that the Town Treasurer borrow $400,000 from the
Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust. The State provides these funds to the Town at a 2% interest
rate. The funds are made available to local homeowners for septic system repairs, upgrades, or replacements
(systems must be failed to qualify). In cases where Town sewer is available, these funds can also be used to
cover the costs associated with sewer connections. Loans up to $35,000 are available per household at 5%
interest (interest charge covers the Town's cost of administering the program). Loans are recorded as liens on
the property and are billed by the Assessors' Office as a tax bill attachment. Terms of the loan range from five to
fifteen years.
Mr. Malaguti asked if this request was sufficient to carry till next fall. Mr. Silveira said yes.
Ms. Richards asked if the Town is advertising this towards pond front properties. Mr. Silveira said the advertising
didn’t target a specific property.

Mr. Malaguti moved to recommend Article 17 to Town Meeting. Ms. O’Connor second.
Mr. Snyder thinks this is a great program and hopes everyone supports it. Mr. Lalley and Ms. Richards echoed
the sentiment.
Motion carried unanimously, 9-0-0.
Article 20 – Tax Title Property Transfer: No Motion. No Action.
Article 23 - CPC: Downtown Resiliency Phase I Construction -Shirley Square Park and Depot Square Park: No
Motion. No Action.
Approve Minutes: None
Committee Discussion
Chairman Lallley is developing the caucus schedule as the Precinct meetings get scheduled. The vacancy on the
Committee is being reviewed for applicants.
Public Comment - None
Adjournment – Ms. Reitman moved to adjourn. Ms. Richards second. Motion carried unanimously, 9-0-0. The
meeting adjourned at 8:09 PM.
Submitted by
Jeanette White
Budget Officer

ADVISORY AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
Minutes
September 9, 2026, Hybrid Meeting
PRESENT

ABSENT

13 members of the committee were present: Gail Butler, Brian Dunn, Dennis
Friedman, Thomas Jacintho, Briana Keating, Joe Lalley, Everett Malaguti, Maria
Reitman, Christine Richards, Mark Snyder, Jazmine Tapscott, David Trudell and
James Young.
1 member of the committee was absent: Molly O’Connor,

Call to Order - The meeting was called to order by Chairman Joe Lalley at 7:00 PM.
Announcements
•

•
•
•

Hybrid Meeting: This meeting is likely to be conducted in a hybrid format, with some participants
attending physically and others attending virtually via a video conference application.
Ways to Watch: The meeting will be airing on Comcast 9, Verizon 47, or on The Local Seen

Streaming Channel: www.youtube.com/@plymouthmeetingsls.

Public Comment: Any speaker giving public comment is allotted up to 5 minutes in which to speak.
Public Comment can be made at the beginning or end of each meeting, or in regard to a particular
agenda item the speaker wishes to be heard on
Zoom Login Information: Anyone who wants to attend the meeting virtually, including members of the
public who wish to give public comment, can use one of the following methods in which to do so:
o Join via Zoom application: Download the Zoom meeting application on your device,
press/click on “Join”, then enter Meeting ID: 995 2986 0638, and then the Meeting
Password: 100131, or
o Join via website (requires microphone): Go to www. zoom.us, click “Join A Meeting” on the top
righthand side, and enter the meeting ID: 995 2986 0638, and then the meeting password
100131, or
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Public Comment - Mr. Al DiNardo, Precinct 17, is requesting support for Article 25, Airport Enterprise,
to segregate the funds from this enterprise fund and he would like to specifically keep the Federal and
State funds separate. This is for accountability.
Steve Langtange, Precinct 18, suggested that the proposed runway extension and sewer extension and
other significant airport projects should be transparent process and not included with Capital projects.
Lisa Langtange, Precinct 18, would like support for Article 25 and feels it will help residents know when
a project is being proposed.
Agenda Items
Fall Town Meeting Article Review:

Article 1 - Budget Amendment – Visitor’s Center Capital Funds – Mr. Derek Brindisi, Town Manager, is
requesting support for Article 1. He discussed the previous Town Meeting vote on the Visitor Center
which indicated that the appropriation would be reduced from any grants received. See Plymouth did
receive the $200,000 grant and therefore this article should be reduced by the $200,000 grant and the
appropriation should be reduced to $178,518.
Mr. Brindisi discussed the initial bid which exceeded the funding appropriated and the bid was pulled
for further review and changes to reduce the costs. The project has been put back out to bid.
Mr. Malaguti asked when the lasted bids are due. Mr. Brindisi said they are due September 24.
Ms. Bulter asked what the scope of the work will be. Mr. Brindisi said the entrance would be renovated
with a ramp to comply with ADA, and the restrooms would be renovated.
Mr. Lalley asked what happens if the bids exceed the available funding. Mr. Brindisi said Town Meeting
could vote to not reduce the appropriation.
Mr. Lalley suggested that this article be postponed to the September 30th meeting when bids proposals
will be known and the Advisory & Finance Committee (A&F) will be more prepared to make a
recommendation.
Mr. Malaguti moved to table Article 1 to September 30. Mr. Trudell second. Motion carried
unanimously. 11-0-0.
Article 9 – Change 2027 Spring Town Meeting Date – Mr. Brindisi noted that special legislation was
voted to change Spring Town meeting from April to May, but it may not be approved before December
31, 2026. In the event that the special legislation hasn’t passed he is requesting that Town Meeting
approve the latest date that the Charter will allow, which is April 24, for the Spring Town Meeting date.
This will allow for a longer budget process which is the intent.
Mr. Malaguti asked how this will affect the A&F and the caucuses. Mr. Brindisi said a new schedule for
the budget using the April 24 date will be provided to the A&F and COPC to plan accordingly. Mr.
Malaguti asked if article submission dates would change. Mr. Brindisi said no.
Mr. Jacintho moved to recommend Article 9 to Town Meeting. Ms. Reitman second. Motion carried
unanimously, 11-0-0.
Article 2 - Budget Amendment – Solid Waste Enterprise - Ms. Lynne Barrett, Finance Director, said the
request is to change the funding from raise and appropriate to transfer from Solid Waste Retained
Earnings of $125,000.
Ms. O’Connor moved to recommend Article 2 to Town Meeting. Ms. Reitman second. Motion carried
unanimously, 11-0-0.

Article 3 - Rescind Borrowing Authority - Airport WWTP – Ms. Barrett explained that this project was
funded solely from ARPA and MASS DOT funds. This is an administrative article to rescind the
borrowing authority since the project is complete.
Ms. Richards moved to recommend Article 3 to Town Meeting. Mr. Trudell second. Motion carried
unanimous, 11-0-0.
Ms. Richards noted that the Memo stated that there was no cost to the Town and wanted to clarify
that ARPA funds are town funds.
Article 4 - FY26 Snow and Ice Deficit Funding Recommendation – Ms. Barrett, said that the town
experienced a very tough winter which resulted with a $2.9 mil snow & Ice deficit on the June 30,
2026, balance sheet.
She is recommending three actions to fund the excess 1) raise & appropriate $1,955,293, 2) transfer
from Water Retained Earnings $30,227.23, and 3) transfer $323,435.26 from. A grant reimbursement
has been submitted and if received it will reduce the transfer amount from the General Municipal
Stabilization Fund.
The total amount spent on Snow and Ice for FY26 is $4.4 million.
Mr. Young asked what the balance is in General Municipal Stabilization Fund. Ms. Barrett said it is $15
million.
Mr. Young moved to recommend Article 4 to Town Meeting. Ms. Butler second. Motion carried
unanimously, 11-0-0.
Article 8 - Title Research Funding for Roads of Shallow Pond Estates - Mr. William Coyle, DPW Director
and Richard Bosse, Town Engineer, presented 6 private roads totaling 6 miles which the Select Board
voted to provide $300,000 in funding to cover the title research, appraisals, legal fees, land surveying
and drafting costs to prepare the roadways for future acceptance. Mr. Coyle advised that 190
properties are involved.
Ms. Richards asked what happens if there are title problems. Mr. Coyle said they have added a buffer
to cover a deeper title search is necessary, but the costs could exceed $300,000. Ms. Richards asked if
this sets a precedent that developments 40 to 50 years old will have the town pay the fees to get their
roads accepted. Mr. Coyle said this came through the Select Board and is not the norm and they have a
policy that is in place for future cases and this public entity felt that they had petitioned the town
previously and shouldn’t have to comply with the policy and should be exempt.
Ms. O’Connor asked why the action took so long, and didn’t the residents know that this was a private
road. Ms. O’Connor said shouldn’t the neighbors have developed an HOA. Mr. Coyle said the
contractor was supposed to create an HOA to fund the road management, but it was never done. Is
this an obligation to the town and is there a benefit to the town. Mr. Coyle said it will have

maintenance costs and future costs to maintain. The benefit is Chapter 90 Roads funds are $10,000 a
mile per year.
Mr. Freidman asked if these private roads meet the town specifications and in general Mr. Coyle feels
they do but waivers may have been granted to reduce the specifications. Mr. Brindisi said the policy to
accept roads require the homeowner to pay for title work etc. and a betterment gets applied to the
owners for the costs.
Rick Bosse said that if title problems existed in the past the town would require the homeowner the
pay the costs.
Mr. Jacintho asked if Catheline Drive is responsible for milling etc. and Mr. Coyle said yes. Mr. Jacintho
asked about the water mains on Catheline Drive and whether the town is responsible for those. Mr.
Coyle said yes.
Ms. Butler asked how other towns handle road acceptance. Mr. Coyle said typically it’s done through a
betterment process over 20 years to repay the costs of acceptance.
Mr. Lalley asked about special districting that will fund this work and be paid by the neighborhood and
those who will benefit from it over time. Mr. Coyle said that in Massachusetts it’s usually a betterment
process.
Ms. Butler feels that all records and titles are recorded, and the homeowner should know that the road
is private.
Mr. Friedman asked if the 40B nearby could be held responsible. Mr. Brindisi said the approvals are in
place for the 40B development so it’s too late to negotiate something.
Mr. Canty, Precinct 1 resident, spoke against approving this article. He doesn’t feel this is in the best
interest of the town with its financial challenges to take on the continual maintenance of these
decades’ old private roads and the roadways. The town is under no obligation to accept roads. He feels
that because private responsibility has become financially difficult doesn’t make it public responsibility.
He is requesting a no vote.
Mr. Al DiNardo, Precinct 17, visited the neighborhood and said he was expecting dirt roads, but what
he found was paved roads that were in good shape, and this is a unique situation that he is inclined to
support.
Ms. Richards moved to recommend Article 8 to Town Meeting. Mr. Trudell second.
Ms. Richards will not support this request. She lived in a private associated neighborhood for 20 years
and paid into the association for their maintenance costs as do many private road neighbors.

Mr. Malaguti has similar feelings to Ms. Richards, but he will support based on what the residents have
gone through with the hostile 40B.
Mr. Jacintho feels that from a broader picture the developer went bankrupt and the hostile 40B
couldn’t be stopped and it goes right through their neighborhood. He will support this request.
Mr. Friedman can’t support nor the precedent that it sets. Mr. Friedman feels the title work and legal
work should be a betterment to the 190 homes and that there is too much open-ended liability to the
town.
Ms. Butler would like more background information before she decides.
Ms. Reitman feels the expenses aren’t clear and therefore can’t support.
Mr. Malaguti said that Town Meeting could vote in the spring not to accept the roads if the legal
challenge and title research are too challenging.
Mr. Lalley doesn’t support this request and suggests a betterment process would be better suited.
Motion failed, 3-8-0.
Article 18 – Easement – Retaining Wall, 75 Long Pond Road - Postponed to 9-30-26 Meeting.
Article 19 –Easement – Traffic Signal, 75 Long Pond Road – Postponed to 9-30-26 Meeting.
Caucus Assignments Discussion – Caucuses will begin 9-30-26 and a survey will go out for assignments
preferences.
Committee Discussion - Mr. Kevin Hood has been appointed to the A&F.
Public Comment Mr. DiNardo stated that Article 25 Federal and State funding paid for a 10,000 square
parking lot.
Adjournment Mr. Dunn moved to adjourn. Mr. Friedman second. Motion carried unanimously, 11-0-0.
The meeting adjourned at 8:44 PM
Submitted by
Jeanette White
Budget Officer