The Pembroke Select Board opted to delay the implementation of a formal outdoor live entertainment policy this week, citing concerns over noise thresholds and the specific locations where volume should be measured. While the board aims to create a standardized framework for local businesses following a string of recent outdoor license approvals, members argued that the initial draft required more granular control to protect residential neighbors.

Chair Tracy Marino opened the discussion by questioning the proposed noise limits included in a template provided by town staff. I do have a concern with the decibel levels. I think 70 is a little high, Marino said, sparking a technical debate among the board regarding how sound carries across different properties. Member Daniel Trabucco emphasized the dramatic impact of even small adjustments to noise scales, noting that the jump from 60 to 70 decibels represents a significant increase in perceived volume. For the people listening who may not know, if you have 60 dB and you go to 70, it's not like just turning the dial up 10 more, Trabucco said. Town Manager Bill Chenard clarified that the increase is actually tenfold in terms of intensity, noting that the draft number was intended as a starting point for the board to refine.

The conversation shifted to where enforcement officers should stand when measuring noise complaints. Clerk Richard Flynn asked, Where is it measured from? On the property line? The furthest point, the closest point? Town Manager Chenard explained that the draft was written to provide the board flexibility, allowing for case-by-case determinations depending on a property’s layout. However, Flynn pushed for more concrete parameters to avoid future disputes. I'm just looking for some sort of set parameters. I just don't want to go through what we went through before, Flynn noted.

A resident from School Street joined the discussion during public comment, suggesting that the board look beyond simple property lines. Regarding the property line, I was thinking you might consider the option of having it measured at the two nearest abutters, at least if there are two, the resident said. That way it's not just at the front where the road is, but it could be where the people are closest. Trabucco agreed, arguing that the offense occurs where the nuisance reaches a neighbor. If you take it next to the stage, they're only creating a nuisance for themselves. Where does their offense happen? At the property line, Trabucco said. Vice Chair John Brown suggested that the board members submit individual markups of the policy to the town manager to ensure enforcement mechanisms and penalties are clearly defined. Motion Made by D. Trabucco to table this item until our next available meeting on January 7th. Motion Passed 5-0.

In his Town Manager’s report, Bill Chenard provided a significant update on major municipal building projects. He informed the board that the Turner House relocation is now slated for February to take advantage of frozen ground. While masonry work may face slight delays due to freezing temperatures, Chenard delivered positive financial news, noting that the projects are currently significantly under budget. Most of that cost would come out of contingency, but we have plenty, Chenard said regarding potential weather-related expenses. He also alerted residents to imminent water shut-offs at West Elm and Dwelli as crews finalize winter preparations.

The board also addressed 40B housing provisions related to the Shepherd's Funeral Home and golf course properties. Vice Chair Brown requested clarification on how affordable housing requirements were being handled across those sites. I saw that the funeral home is down, Brown noted, asking about safety fencing and the transfer of lower-income designations. Chenard confirmed that the density and affordability credits still count toward the town's 10 percent state requirement and that fencing would be required once foundation excavation begins. It is a provision under 40B and we still get our quantity toward our 10%, Chenard explained. Motion Made by J. Brown to renew eligible Pembroke liquor licenses for 2026. Motion Passed 5-0. Motion Made by J. Brown to approve renewal of 2026 live entertainment licenses. Motion Passed 5-0. Motion Made by J. Brown to approve renewal of 2026 Sunday entertainment licenses. Motion Passed 5-0.

Financial transparency and administrative upgrades were also on the agenda. Vice Chair Brown requested an annual report of all grant applications, noting, I'd like to see everything we applied for, whether we got it or didn't get it. Chenard reported a successful year for the town, with only three denials, and agreed to provide a comprehensive spreadsheet in January. Additionally, the town is nearing the launch of a new website and has identified a candidate for the Town Accountant position. We have interviewed a candidate we are very happy with and I will be talking to them tomorrow morning, Chenard told the board.

The meeting concluded with a look ahead to the winter schedule, including a Class 2 public hearing for Fatty Maddie Custom LLC on January 7 and the formal presentation of the FY27 budget update on February 4. In the interim, the board approved a one-day liquor license for an upcoming event at New England Village. Motion Made by J. Brown to approve the request of Sharon Bohan of New England Village Incorporated for a one-day liquor license to serve beer and wine on December 16th, 2025. Motion Passed 5-0. The board also cleared a backlog of administrative tasks, approving meeting minutes from earlier in November. Motion Made by J. Brown to accept the minutes of select board meetings on November 19th and November 5th, 2025. Motion Passed 5-0.