The Pembroke Select Board voted to advance a local tax exemption for veterans to the upcoming Town Meeting warrant, despite concerns regarding the timing of the financial commitment. Town Manager Bill Chenard presented the Heroes Act local option, recommending a fixed 10% increase to veteran exemptions. Chenard noted that the change would cost the town approximately $20,320, an amount funded entirely by local taxpayers through the overlay. While Vice Chair John Brown stated, I certainly think it has enough merit to get on the warrant, Chair Tracy Marino cast the lone dissenting vote. Marino cited concerns over the town’s broader fiscal calendar, stating, I guess to me it's just the timeframe. I would have preferred it be a fall [meeting]. Just worried about overrides. Motion Made by J. Brown to put the Heroes Act on the town meeting warrant - Passed (4-1-0).

The atmosphere in Town Hall grew tense during a discussion regarding the annual evaluation process for Town Manager Bill Chenard. Resident Patrick Chilcott delivered a sharp rebuke of the current administration, alleging that low morale has left the finance department entirely unstaffed. We currently don't have a finance department. None, Chilcott said, claiming that employees feel surveilled and terrified to participate in supposedly anonymous reviews. Chilcott further criticized the town's management of pandemic-era funding, claiming, The fact that we returned $400,000, $800,000, a million dollars [of ARPA funds]... quite frankly, it was an embarrassment. He urged the board to take decisive action, suggesting, Sometimes to save the body, you have to cut the cancer out. The board ultimately decided to postpone the selection of outside evaluators for the Town Manager’s review until their February 11 meeting.

The town is also facing a looming crisis at the curb, as recycling contamination levels have spiked to 21%, up from a previous low of 13%. Nicole Leidk, Clerk of the Recycling and Sustainability Committee, presented a technical assistance grant aimed at educating residents before waste management facilities begin refusing Pembroke’s loads. One of the risks we pose if we don't take action at this point is that these waste management facilities have been refusing certain municipalities' waste due to the contamination level, Leidk explained. Member Daniel Trabucco suggested that wishful recycling is likely to blame and advocated for direct resident interaction. Clerk Richard Flynn questioned the enforcement of existing environmental policies, asking, So what are we doing to enforce [the plastic bag ban] publicly? Mr. Manager, curious like with all the stores... what's our enforcement for that? Chenard admitted he did not know which staff member was currently responsible for those inspections.

Winter operations took center stage as DPW Director Joe Dudie warned of a critical shortage of snowplow contractors. The town’s roster of outside contractors has plummeted from 44 in 2015 to just 23 today. No one wants to do it no more, Dudie said, citing the prohibitive cost of insurance for plowers. Resident Tommy Driscoll questioned the town’s proactiveness after his daughter was involved in a serious accident on December 16. Did you say that you wait for the cops or the police to call you after accidents happen? Driscoll asked. Dudie clarified that while crews are proactive for forecasted storms, they often rely on police reports for isolated icing incidents.

The board also reviewed a proposal from Habitat for Humanity to develop town-owned land on Chapel Street. The proposal met immediate resistance from neighbors who raised concerns about drainage, wildlife, and the potential for a high-density 40B project. It's really not fair to the people who bought the properties around there that had to adhere to our bylaws, our zoning, noted member Daniel Trabucco. A resident named Sue noted that while 40B developments provide a tax base, the neighborhood impact remains a concern. Chenard reported that Pembroke is currently at 8.78% affordable housing, but upcoming projects on Plain Street and at Madakis Village could soon push the town over the 10% threshold, granting the town more control over future developments.

In other business, the board approved a short-term license for a local fundraiser. Motion Made by R. Flynn to approve the request of Kathleen Kaloop of the Friends of the Community Center for a one-day liquor license to serve beer and wine from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026 - Passed (5-0-0). Chenard concluded with a grant report, noting the town secured $1.7 million in 2025, including funds for municipal fiber optics and Green Communities weatherization. He also released the 2026 paving list, which includes University Avenue, Plymouth Street, and portions of Center Street. The meeting concluded with a move into non-public session. Motion Made by R. Flynn to enter Executive Session for the purposes stated and not return to public session - Passed (5-0-0).