Pembroke’s financial outlook received a significant boost this week as Town Manager Bill Chenard reported that utility "new growth" revenue has climbed to $369,000, dwarfing the five-year average of $70,000. Chenard attributed the windfall to extensive infrastructure work on gas mains and substations by Eversource and National Grid. The timing is critical, as the surplus will allow the town to fund several items at the upcoming Special Town Meeting without dipping into one-time reserves. Chenard noted that the town remains on track to set the tax rate on schedule, avoiding the need for estimated third-quarter bills which he described as a financial burden that can negatively impact bond ratings.

The Select Board spent much of the evening coordinating with Town Moderator Steve Curley and Interim Town Clerk Sabrina Chilcott for the Special Town Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, at the high school. Among the ten articles on the warrant is a proposal to join the South Shore Regional Vocational School District. Chenard clarified that while the upcoming vote authorizes negotiations to join the district, actual entry is contingent upon the passage of a Proposition 2 ½ override and a debt exclusion at the annual town election in May 2026. Other articles include a petition to change the Town Clerk from an elected to an appointed position and a procedural shift to move the consent agenda to the start of the meeting. Chair Tracy Marino advocated for the change to the consent agenda, stating, The reason we are moving Article 4 is that every other town does it this way; it cleans things up considerably and saves time.

A request for an outdoor live entertainment license for Town Tavern and Treehouse at 242-244 Mattakeesett Street sparked a debate over the town’s lack of standardized noise regulations. Attorney John Aya and owner David Barry requested permission for lightly amplified musicians on summer weekends. The sound would be controlled and directed toward the treehouse and patio, at least 200 feet from property lines, Aya explained. Barry added that the music would be restricted to 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, noting, at the property line, we are below 60 decibels.

However, board members expressed concern about granting new licenses before formalizing a new town-wide entertainment bylaw, which is currently in development. Daniel Trabucco argued that the board previously failed to set sufficient conditions on similar licenses. I wouldn't be prepared to vote on it tonight without specific conditions drafted, Trabucco said. John G. Brown agreed, stating, We need parameters so it’s not a guessing game or a personality contest. To resolve the issue, board members will submit individual recommendations for noise and timing conditions to the Town Manager to be collated for a future meeting. Motion Made by D. Trabucco to table the Town Tavern license application until November 5th. Motion Passed (4-0).

In his operational report, Chenard provided updates on the town’s major infrastructure projects. Drilling has resumed at the Swanberg Well after crews cleared discarded tires and debris from what was once a cranberry bog; the Department of Environmental Protection has since approved the site for continued work. Meanwhile, construction on the new public safety buildings is moving forward, with rebar and concrete work underway at both the Monroe Street fire substation and the main headquarters. Motion Made by D. Trabucco to approve the minutes of September 24, 2025. Motion Passed (4-0). Following the public session, the board entered an executive session to discuss the value of real estate related to the West Elm Street water tank. Motion Made by J. Brown to enter executive session. Motion Passed (4-0) via roll call: J. Brown-Yes, D. Trabucco-Yes, S. Cano-Yes, T. Marino-Yes.