A contentious Select Board meeting on Wednesday erupted into allegations of verbal abuse and police involvement as the board moved to ratify Town Manager Bill Chenard’s three-year contract. School Committee Vice Chair Allison Glennon addressed the board during community comment, reading a series of emails she allegedly received from Member Daniel Trabucco following a public records request regarding the Town Manager’s agreement. Glennon claimed the correspondence was vulgar and aggressive, prompting her to file a report with the Pembroke Police Department. She quoted one message stating: Allison, if you and your cabal are going to bust the town manager's balls, I'm going to bust your balls. Cut the [expletive] or you and your cabal are in for a battle. Glennon requested that D. Trabucco recuse himself from future school budget deliberations and that the board undergo ethics training.

D. Trabucco did not deny the emails, instead providing copies of the correspondence and the police report to the public gallery. He defended the Town Manager’s new contract, which includes a $20,000 leveling increase in the first year to bring the salary in line with comparable towns, followed by subsequent raises of 2.5% and 1.5%. Member Richard Flynn, participating by phone, characterized the tension as a result of the School Committee’s contentious nature, alleging they seek to dictate town management while consuming half the municipal budget. Motion Made by D. Trabucco to ratify the Town Manager's employment agreement. Motion Passed (4-0-0). During the discussion, D. Trabucco warned residents about potential attempts to strip the Town Manager's salary at the upcoming Town Meeting, stating, If someone gets up in town meeting floor and tries to amend the town manager's budget, that is evil... I think there are some people in this town that are dirty enough to do it.

The board also performed a deep dive into the $83,788,482 operating budget proposed for fiscal year 2027. Town Manager Bill Chenard highlighted several financial pressures, including a $900,000 transfer to cover a snow and ice deficit that currently sits at $1.1 million. Chenard explained he is holding back on funding the full deficit in hopes of state or FEMA reimbursement. Motion Made by D. Trabucco to recommend favorable action on Article 1 of the Special Town Meeting regarding transfers. Motion Passed (4-0-0). In the solid waste budget, Chenard noted that rising tipping fees are being exacerbated by strange stuff found in recycling bins, including bowling balls and human remains. Either he or she threw out the parents' ashes in an urn in the recycling bin, Chenard said. Keep it out of the recycle bin so we can save some money.

Departmental reports revealed significant operational shifts and infrastructure needs. Water Superintendent Dan discussed a transition to a new meter replacement project for 3,500 units because current software is nearing the end of its life. He also noted that the price of treatment chemicals remains volatile due to overseas market control. To support new infrastructure, Motion Made by D. Trabucco to grant an easement to National Grid for an underground distribution system at 324 School Street. Motion Passed (4-0-0). Senior Services Director Diane Pacott reported a surge in activity at the community center, noting 3,499 check-ins in March alone. We're averaging about 117 people a day, Pacott told the board, highlighting the success of the Wednesday Cafe. Library Director Julia noted the facility is no longer open on Sundays and is moving a part-time position to full-time to stabilize staffing amid ongoing HVAC and roof repairs.

The board addressed outdoor entertainment, a topic that has remained sensitive following previous noise complaints at other local establishments. Dave from DJB Restaurant Inc. requested a license for acoustic music at Town Tavern and Treehouse on Mattakeesett Street. He provided decibel readings to prove the volume remains at background levels. R. Flynn supported the request, noting, I was there last year and it's a very low volume... I don't really have any issue on this particular property. Motion Made by D. Trabucco to grant the application for an outdoor live entertainment license for light amplified acoustic performers daily until 9:00 p.m. Motion Passed (4-0-0). Resident Sue Renee later criticized the board’s overall demeanor during the meeting, specifically addressing D. Trabucco. Your tone and what you—how you addressed her—is what's wrong, Renee said regarding the exchange with Glennon. We've heard this tone before.

Rounding out the financial business, the board recommended favorable action on a $4,191,700 capital budget, which includes $1.55 million for Taylor Street drainage and the replacement of police cruisers. Motion Made by D. Trabucco to recommend Article 5 of the Annual Town Meeting warrant. Motion Passed (4-0-0). Following an executive session, the board moved to finalize the sale of town-owned property at 380 Washington Street, the site of the old fire station. Motion Made by D. Trabucco to accept the offer of MPG on the property at 380 Washington Street and allow the negotiation of the purchase and sale. Motion Passed (4-0-0). The board concluded the session by signing the warrants for the May 12 Town Meeting and the May 16 Annual Election.