The Pembroke Select Board signaled a major investment in local recreation and infrastructure Wednesday, moving forward with $153,000 in Community Preservation Act funding while beginning the procedural countdown for a significant tax override regarding South Shore Technical High School. The funding decisions came during a meeting that balanced a somber tribute to a long-time volunteer with technical discussions about storm recovery and the town’s digital presence.

Town Manager Bill Chenard informed the board that the window is now open to place two critical questions on the May ballot regarding Pembroke’s entry into the South Shore Vocational Technical High School district. Following the town’s overwhelming vote to join the district last October, voters will now face a debt exclusion to fund the construction of a new facility and a Proposition 2 ½ operating override to cover the ongoing expenses of sending students to the school. Chenard noted that the debt exclusion requires a four-fifths vote from the Select Board, while the operating override requires a simple majority. Previous projections have estimated the annual tax impact for these measures at approximately $450 per household.

Local recreation projects saw a boost as the board recommended favorable action on five Community Preservation Committee (CPC) requests under Article 12 of the Town Meeting warrant. The approved allocations include $50,000 for backstop nets for Pembroke Youth Soccer at Hobomock, $45,000 for a new storage shed at Madakiset Ballfield, $30,000 for bocce courts at the Community Center, $15,000 for a shed at Magoun Field, and $13,000 for summer program office space. Vice Chair John Brown questioned the cost of the Madakiset shed, while Member Sean Keegan sought clarity on the bocce court location to ensure existing gardens weren't affected. Chenard assured the board the courts would be placed behind the center without displacing current users. Motion Made by S. Keegan to move favorable action for Article 12 recommendation A through E. Motion Passed (5-0).

The board also reflected on the challenges of a recent 30-inch snowstorm, which exposed vulnerabilities in the town's DPW fleet. Chenard explained that federal drug testing and licensing requirements for Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL) have made it difficult to recruit staff, forcing the town toward smaller trucks that struggle with heavy accumulation. The bad is that we've been downsizing to smaller trucks due to CDL requirements, and those trucks can't move 30 inches of snow, Chenard said, noting the town had to call in MEMA and state equipment. Clerk Richard Flynn defended the department’s response, stating, People were complaining online, but they should remember we usually have 46 plows and we were down to about 23. The DPW did a great job with what they had.

The evening began with a moment of silence for Linda Osborne, the long-serving chair of the Memorial Committee who passed away on March 2nd after six decades of community service. Chair Tracy Marino read a tribute to Osborne’s extensive volunteer work with the Girl Scouts and Historical Society. I just wanted to share that our community had a fixture in this town pass away, Marino said. I was heartsick to hear about this; I didn't know until this morning.

In community news, Fraser from the Pembroke Chamber of Commerce announced the return of the "Taste of Pembroke" on June 6th, an event that has been on hiatus since 2018. We are bringing back the 'Taste of Pembroke' on June 6th at the Community Center. It hasn't been done since 2018, Fraser told the board. Fraser also introduced the "BRIDGE" initiative, designed to help local companies train managers to employ residents with disabilities from organizations like New England Village. Member Daniel Trabucco expressed interest in the event's history, asking, Who hosted that before? Do we remember? before the board discussed the transition of the event leadership.

The board also reviewed several permit requests, including a door-to-door solicitation application for Renewal by Anderson. Vice Chair Brown reminded applicant Steven Dunn that the town maintains a strict no-solicitation list. Dunn replied, Yes, there will be two of us knocking, and we are aware of the no-knock list. Member Keegan emphasized the importance of timing, stating, Even if it says 7:00 PM, if it's dark, please don't knock. That's a big one for us. Motion Made by R. Flynn to approve the application of Steven Dunn for the door-to-door solicitation permit authorizing sales from 11:00 a.m. to dusk or 7:00 p.m. for 90 days. Motion Passed (5-0).

A one-day liquor license was granted for an April 2nd beer and wine tasting fundraiser at Tiny and Sons to benefit the Karen Boille Scholarship Foundation. Applicant David Boille shared the personal nature of the event, noting that the foundation has provided significant funds to Pembroke students. I am a master trainer for TIPS and teach ServSafe, so I know what I'm doing, Boille said. Motion Made by J. Brown to approve the request of Dave Boille on behalf of Karen Boille Scholarship Foundation for a 1-day liquor license on April 2nd, 2026. Motion Passed (5-0). Additionally, the board approved a license for a "sip and shop" vendor event on March 28th at the Community Center. Motion Made by R. Flynn to approve the request of Stephanie Leiden on behalf of the Southshore Vendors Event for a one-day liquor license on March 28th, 2026. Motion Passed (5-0).

The board initiated a discussion on reorganizing the Bylaw Committee to create a more formal mission statement and rotate leadership. Marino suggested the committee select its own chair rather than having a Select Board member serve indefinitely. I'd like to see a mission statement and a rotating chair, Marino said. Member Trabucco agreed that input should come from within, stating, I think it would be nice if Rich could give us a recommendation for changes. The people with boots on the ground can give better feedback.

Finally, the launch of the town’s new ADA-compliant website drew mixed reviews during public comment. Resident Judy Ferrante reported difficulty finding the town bylaws and meeting information. I went looking for our general bylaws... and I could not find it. I found something dating back to 2009, Ferrante said, expressing concern about departmental oversight of the new pages. Chenard acknowledged that while the site is functional, his office is still tweaking the layout and promised to address navigation loops.