How the Plymouth Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide. David Golden Jr. joined the board in May 2024; Harry Helm left the board. Covers 45 meetings, May 21 to May 6, 2025.
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
What does the Select Board do? It is the town’s executive board. It prepares the Town Meeting warrant (the list of articles voters decide), appoints members of many town boards, hires the town’s top staff, signs warrants to pay town bills, and grants licenses and permits.
Town Meeting, not the Select Board, votes the town budget and town bylaws.
From the agendas Plymouth posts on its official site. Agendas can change; the posted agenda is the official one.
What Town Meeting decided
In Plymouth, Town Meeting — not the Select Board — votes the town budget, bylaws and zoning. Here is what it did with each article, in the Town Clerk’s own words. Town Meeting members are elected by precinct; counts are from the town’s electronic voting.
Special Town Meeting · April 11, 2026 7 votes: 6 passed, 1 failed
Art. 1Appropriate $318,000 from sewer retained earnings to design wastewater plant HVAC systemsPassed“Motion carried · 146-3-0”
Art. 2Add $300,000 from free cash to the police station HVAC replacement projectPassed“Motion carried · 147-1-0”
Art. 3Appropriate $50,000 from free cash for July 4 Plymouth, Inc. (250th anniversary)Passed“Motion carried · 135-15-0”
Art. 4Appropriate $50,000 from free cash for America's Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration (250th anniversary)Passed“Motion carried · 135-17-1”
5-8Charter and bylaw changes (Articles 5-8, voted together) to move the town election and Spring Town Meeting later in the yearPassed“Motion carried · 117-37-0”
Art. 9Let the Select Board sign solar credit purchase contracts of up to 30 yearsPassed“Motion carried · 144-6-1”
Art. 10Citizen petition: special law ending the 2003 retiree health premium rule for employees hired after it takes effectFailed“Motion failed · 34-112-6”
Art. 29FY2027 Community Preservation budget, debt service and reserves: $1,322,806Passed“Motion carried · 146-0-0”
Art. 30Allow leases for private carport solar at Plymouth North High and South Middle School, with credit purchases up to 30 yearsPassed“Motion carried · 146-1-1”
Art. 34Let the Select Board sign payment-in-lieu-of-tax (PILOT) agreements with renewable energy facilities, up to 30 yearsPassed“Motion carried · 136-4-1”
Art. 35Accept M.G.L. c.33 §59 (paid military leave up to 40 days for employees)Passed“Motion carried · 139-4-3”
Art. 36Citizen petition: $28,492.32 from the tax levy for weed treatment at Billington SeaPassed“Motion carried · 145-0-0”
Art. 6Petition the Legislature for a land acquisition account funded by Chapter 61 rollback taxesPassed“Motion carried · 123-17-1”
Art. 7Accept culvert easements and take temporary/permanent easements at Morton Park Road for the Town Brook culvert projectPassed“Motion carried · 83-0-0”
Special Town Meeting · April 5, 2025 14 votes: 13 passed, 1 failed
Art. 1Pay prior-year water bills of $1,691.14 from the FY25 Water Enterprise budgetPassed“Motion Carried · 143-0-0”
Art. 2FY25 budget change: move $20,000 from debt service to Town Clerk expensesPassed“Motion Carried · 141-0-0”
3 A1-A2Appropriate $151,048 from the Environmental Affairs Fund for a vehicle and Black Cat Bog restoration engineeringPassed“Motion Carried · 132-8-2”
3 B1Borrow $6,738,500 for Jenney Pond dam repairs and bypass (Town Brook)Passed“Motion Carried · 145-0-0”
Art. 12Opt municipal buildings and town property out of the new state firearm 'prohibited areas' rule (Ch. 135, Acts of 2024)Failed“Motion Failed · 34-112-5”
Titles are short descriptions of each article from the official record; the quoted words are the Town Clerk’s. A vote at Town Meeting is not the final word on everything: some articles also need a ballot vote (such as a tax override) or the Attorney General’s approval (bylaws).
"At X of Y meetings" counts the members the minutes list as present at the start of each meeting in this record. Members who step out are listed on each meeting page.
Meetings
About missing minutes
Loaded: Select Board minutes from January 2021 through September 1, 2026, as posted on the town’s Agenda Center. Not here yet: earlier years, and meetings the town lists without posted minutes (several each year, and meetings after September 1, 2026). Three 2021–2022 minutes are scanned documents, which we read with text recognition. Most votes are recorded by roll call with each member’s name. In 2021 and 2022 many votes show only a count such as “Voted 5/0”; when the count equals the members present we show each member as voting yes, and when it does not (for example 4/0 with five members listed as present), we show the count only. Some appointments were made by each member naming a choice or by ballot; those show the result only, with a note quoting who chose whom as the minutes record it. Where the names in the minutes do not match the recorded count, name a member the minutes list as absent or as having left, or list a member twice, we show the count only and add a note. Votes by other boards at joint meetings (Planning Board, School Committee, Housing Authority) and votes taken as Water Commissioners are not included. We will ask the town to confirm any noted vote.
Most board votes are unanimous. These are the ones where at least one member voted no or abstained, newest first.
May 6Approve all Licenses, listed below, as a groupMotion: to approve all Licenses, listed below, as a groupPassed · see note
May 6, 2025: Approve all Licenses, listed below, as a group
ApprovePassed · No count or names in the minutes
To approve all Licenses, listed below, as a group
The minutes say the Board voted to do this but do not record a count or how each member voted.
From the minutes
“On a motion by Vice Chair Canty, seconded by Selectman Bletzer, the Board voted to approve all Licenses, listed below, as a group..” (Motion: Canty, second: Bletzer)
May 6Accept the Gift of Land: 5 Acres Between Tupper…Motion: to accept the Gift of Land: 5 Acres Between Tupper Hill…Passed 5–0 · see note
May 6, 2025: Accept the Gift of Land: 5 Acres Between Tupper Hill & Route 3 South from Matt Sheridan of Sheridan Home Builders
ApprovePassed · 5–0
To accept the Gift of Land: 5 Acres Between Tupper Hill & Route 3 South from Matt Sheridan of Sheridan Home Builders
The names in the minutes do not match the recorded count (5-0), so individual votes are not shown.
From the minutes
“On a motion by Vice Chair Canty, seconded by Selectman Mahoney, the Board voted to accept the Gift of Land: 5 Acres Between Tupper Hill & Route 3 South from Matt Sheridan of Sheridan Home Builders. Roll Call 5/0: Quintal-Yes, Canty-Yes, Bletzer-Abstain, Golden-Yes, Mahoney-Yes.” (Motion: Canty, second: Mahoney)
Apr 29Restructure the Senior Task Force Committee as recommended by…Motion: to restructure the Senior Task Force Committee as recommended by Commissioner…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Canty
April 29, 2025: Restructure the Senior Task Force Committee as recommended by Commissioner Bratti
ApprovePassed · 4–0
To restructure the Senior Task Force Committee as recommended by Commissioner Bratti
Yes: Bletzer, Golden, Mahoney, QuintalAbstained: CantyThe roll call also says: "(brief absence)".
From the minutes
“Selectman Golden made a motion to restructure the Senior Task Force Committee as recommended by Commissioner Bratti. Selectman Golden seconded the motion. Roll Call 4/0: Quintal-Yes, Canty-Abstain (brief absence), Bletzer-Yes, Golden-Yes, Mahoney-Yes.” (Motion: Golden, second: Golden)
Apr 15Approve the International City of Peace Proclamation as presentedMotion: to approve the International City of Peace Proclamation as presentedPassed 4–1 · No: Golden
April 15, 2025: Approve the International City of Peace Proclamation as presented
ApprovePassed · 4–1
To approve the International City of Peace Proclamation as presented
Yes: Bletzer, Canty, Mahoney, QuintalNo: Golden
From the minutes
“Vice Chair Canty made a motion to approve the International City of Peace Proclamation as presented. Selectman Bletzer seconded the motion. Roll Call 4/1: Quintal-Yes, Canty-Yes, Bletzer-Yes, Golden-No, Mahoney-Yes.” (Motion: Canty, second: Bletzer)
Apr 1That the Select Board reconsider their recommendation of STM…Motion: that the Select Board reconsider their recommendation of STM Article 12…Passed 4–1 · No: Quintal
April 1, 2025: That the Select Board reconsider their recommendation of STM Article 12 to Town Meeting and request no motion no action
ApprovePassed · 4–1
That the Select Board reconsider their recommendation of STM Article 12 to Town Meeting and request no motion no action
Yes: Bletzer, Canty, Golden, MahoneyNo: Quintal
From the minutes
“Selectman Mahoney made a motion that the Select Board reconsider their recommendation of STM Article 12 to Town Meeting and request no motion no action. Vice Chair Canty seconded this motion. Vice Chair Canty made note that he voted against this article the first time and that the Board has received hundreds of emails in response to their vote since. Vice Chair Canty added that a Town Meeting Member could still move the Article on the Town Meeting floor since the Warrant has already been signed. Selectman Mahoney recommended the Town invest in an analysis of how this law would be enforced. Selectman Bletzer agreed to take no action and will state his recommendations within the next Agenda item. Selectman Golden stated that Town Meeting is not the appropriate venue for questions of Constitutional Rights and encouraged Town Meeting members to take a pause and let the Courts deal with this issue. Chair Quintal opened for public comment on the matter: - Pat McCarthy, Town Meeting Member and member of the League of Women Voters, thanked the Board for reconsidering their previous vote on STM Article 12. Ms. McCarthy stated that Massachusetts is a leader in gun safety and has some of the strongest laws in the country with this recent bill strengthening the laws to keep citizens safe. Chair Quintal stated that he sees this as an issue of the Second Amendment and has deferred to what the Police Chief recommends. Chair Quintal that he believes there is a large misunderstanding of this article, stating that it's not "to arm Town Hall". Roll Call 4/1: Quintal-No, Canty-Yes, Bletzer-Yes, Golden-Yes, Mahoney-Yes.” (Motion: Mahoney, second: Canty)
Apr 1Add a non-binding ballot question to the May 17,…Motion: to add a non-binding ballot question to the May 17, 2025,…Passed 3–2 · No: Canty, Mahoney
April 1, 2025: Add a non-binding ballot question to the May 17, 2025, local election pertaining to STM Article 12
ApprovePassed · 3–2
To add a non-binding ballot question to the May 17, 2025, local election pertaining to STM Article 12
Yes: Bletzer, Golden, QuintalNo: Canty, Mahoney
From the minutes
“Selectman Bletzer made a motion to add a non-binding ballot question to the May 17, 2025, local election pertaining to STM Article 12. Chair Quintal opened the floor for Public Comment on the matter: - Matt Tavares, Chair of the Committee of Precinct Chairs (COPC), took the floor. Mr. Tavares stated that he understands the intention of this proposal but that it is creating more confusion. Mr. Tavares supports allowing Town Meeting to do its intended work and let the process play out. - Mark Pulsinelli, Precinct 1 Town Meeting Member, agreed that making this decision would be too close to Town Meeting. Mr. Pulsinelli added that there are 162 Town Meeting Members who are elected to represent their constituents. - Pat McCarthy stated that she does not see it feasible for the Town Clerk and Town Manager to put together the wording for a ballot question this late and added that they have the duty to move forward at Town Meeting with what they have in front of them. Mr. Brindisi confirmed that the Town Clerk and Town Counsel have met to begin looking at this question and we are prepared to bring the language back on April 8 to define what a "yes" vote means and what a "no" vote means per the Town Charter. - Maura Kelly, Plymouth resident, took the floor to address Chair Quintal's statement that STM Article 12 / "the law" is confusing. Ms. Kelly reviewed her understanding of the law that was approved in October and Chair Quintal confirmed that the Legislature gave Town Meeting the right to opt out of the section referring to public buildings. Ms. Kelly stated that she was here when the Chief of Police spoke and that she respects the Chief's assertion that Plymouth Town Hall might be a "soft target" if guns are no longer allowed, however, she emphasized the right of residents and employees to be safe at work, suggesting there must be another option ensure public safety. - Charlie Vautrain, Vice Chair of Precinct 4, stated that the second amendment was created to defend ourselves from the militia after the Revolutionary War - back when a musket could shoot 3 bullets in one minute. Mr. Vautrain stated that in England you can have a gun or a shotgun but not hand weapons or submachine guns. Mr. Vautrain stated that for these reasons he supports the State's initiative, and his constituents are showing the same support. - Betty Cavacco, Precinct 6, stated that she's already moved the Town Meeting motion for STM Article 12. Ms. Cavacco stated that she believes in second amendment rights and stated that she will always defer to the Police Chief for guidance. Selectman Golden asked Ms. Cavacco if she would continue with her motion at Town Meeting if the non-binding question were to be approved tonight. Ms. Cavacco responded that she would want to first speak with the Chief of Police and the Town Moderator, because her biggest issue with this is that we are not listening to the Police Chief's recommendations. Vice Chair Canty stated that since the Board would need.” (Motion: Bletzer, second: Golden)
Mar 4Approve the New Annual All Alcohol Restaurant License for…Motion: to approve the New Annual All Alcohol Restaurant License for Dillon's…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Quintal
March 4, 2025: Approve the New Annual All Alcohol Restaurant License for Dillon's Kingston Inc. d/b/a Local Provisions
ApprovePassed · 4–0
To approve the New Annual All Alcohol Restaurant License for Dillon's Kingston Inc. d/b/a Local Provisions
“On a motion by Selectman Bletzer, seconded by Vice Chair Canty, the Board voted to approve the New Annual All Alcohol Restaurant License for Dillon's Kingston Inc. d/b/a Local Provisions. Roll Call 4/0: Quintal-Abstain, Canty-Yes, Bletzer-Yes, Golden-Yes, Mahoney-Yes.” (Motion: Bletzer, second: Canty)
Mar 4Approve Outdoor Dining for the proposed season, May 19…Motion: to approve Outdoor Dining for the proposed season, May 19 to…Failed 2–2 · No: Golden, Mahoney · Abstained: Quintal
March 4, 2025: Approve Outdoor Dining for the proposed season, May 19 to October 13, 2025, at a rate of $1,400 for a prior participant to renew and $4,200 for a new applicant…
ApproveFailed · 2–2
To approve Outdoor Dining for the proposed season, May 19 to October 13, 2025, at a rate of $1,400 for a prior participant to renew and $4,200 for a new applicant to apply for and enter the program. This would be a $1,000 reduction for a preexisting participant, and no reduction for a new participant
“Vice Chair Canty made a motion to approve Outdoor Dining for the proposed season, May 19 to October 13, 2025, at a rate of $1,400 for a prior participant to renew and $4,200 for a new applicant to apply for and enter the program. This would be a $1,000 reduction for a preexisting participant, and no reduction for a new participant. Selectman Bletzer seconded the motion. Selectman Golden stated that there are restaurants in other parts of Plymouth that don't benefit from this program and that the businesses who are able to benefit from the opportunity should pay. Selectman Golden is a supporter of outdoor dining but cannot support a reduced amount for returning businesses. Roll Call 2/2: Quintal-Abstain, Canty-Yes, Bletzer-Yes Golden-No, Mahoney-No.” (Motion: Canty, second: Bletzer)
Mar 4Approve Outdoor Dining for the proposed season, May 19…Motion: to approve Outdoor Dining for the proposed season, May 19 to…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Quintal
March 4, 2025: Approve Outdoor Dining for the proposed season, May 19 to October 13, 2025, at the proposed rate of $2,400 for a prior participant to renew and $4,200 for a new…
ApprovePassed · 4–0
To approve Outdoor Dining for the proposed season, May 19 to October 13, 2025, at the proposed rate of $2,400 for a prior participant to renew and $4,200 for a new applicant to apply for and enter the program
“Vice Chair Canty made a motion to approve Outdoor Dining for the proposed season, May 19 to October 13, 2025, at the proposed rate of $2,400 for a prior participant to renew and $4,200 for a new applicant to apply for and enter the program. Roll Call 4/0: Quintal-Abstain, Canty-Yes, Bletzer-Yes, Golden-Yes, Mahoney-Yes.” (Motion: Canty)
Mar 4Approve the proposed rate for non-parklet outdoor seating, pursuant…Motion: to approve the proposed rate for non-parklet outdoor seating, pursuant to…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Quintal
March 4, 2025: Approve the proposed rate for non-parklet outdoor seating, pursuant to the regulations of the Inspectional Services Department and any other relevant regulations as needed, at $100 per table
ApprovePassed · 4–0
To approve the proposed rate for non-parklet outdoor seating, pursuant to the regulations of the Inspectional Services Department and any other relevant regulations as needed, at $100 per table
“Vice Chair Canty made a motion to approve the proposed rate for non-parklet outdoor seating, pursuant to the regulations of the Inspectional Services Department and any other relevant regulations as needed, at $100 per table. Selectman Mahoney seconded the motion. Roll Call 4/0: Quintal-Abstain, Canty-Yes, Bletzer-Yes, Golden-Yes, Mahoney-Yes.” (Motion: Canty, second: Mahoney)
From the Plymouth Select Board’s official minutes, posted on the town’s Agenda Center. We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos of current members: Deb Iaquinto and Bill Keohan from the Plymouth Independent (April 2025); David Golden Jr.’s campaign photo, via the Plymouth Independent (May 2024); Kevin Canty’s campaign photo and Richard Quintal Jr. (PACTV interview), via The Plymouth County Observer (2023). Former members show initials.