Pembroke Historic Commission Shakeup: Two Members Not Reappointed Amid Controversy

Turner House debate resurfaces as town officials grapple with committee oversight

PEMBROKE, MA - July 10 - The Pembroke Select Board declined to reappoint two long-serving members of the Historic District Commission Wednesday night, amid heated debate over accountability, missed meetings, and the controversial Turner House preservation project.

Elizabeth Bates, who had served on the commission for over 40 years (43 by her recollection), and Miles Prescott, a member for about six years, were not reappointed following concerns about attendance and failure to submit meeting minutes.

"[You had] 69 meetings. And there's eight sets of minutes. And four of them were brought in last month," Select Board member Richard Flynn said. "That's not, you didn't miss a month. I mean, this is heavy."

The decision sparked tense exchanges, with Bates ultimately resigning during the meeting. "If you want to fire me, I'm not going to let you," she said before walking out.

Prescott acknowledged administrative shortcomings but defended the commission's work, particularly on the Turner House project. "Even without John Turner that lived on the property, yeah maybe he didn't live in that house, but there's remnants in that house that are in the 1700s," he said.

The Turner House preservation, which involves relocating the structure as part of a public safety building project, has been a contentious issue. Some board members questioned its historical value and $1 million price tag.

"If this was a stand alone vote for the Turner House to be moved for a million dollars... it not would have gone through," Flynn argued. "But because you had us over a barrel... that's why it passed, not because people thought it was a good idea."

Town Manager Bill Chenard expressed frustration with the commission's performance. "I am really frustrated as a town manager," he said. "There's a lot going on out there that we're not talking about tonight."

The situation prompted discussion about improving oversight of town boards and committees. Select Board member Dan Trabucco cautioned against micromanagement.

"We cannot be in a position where the select board has to micromanage or babysit minutes and attendance," Trabucco said. "We should be able to rely on our boards and committees to be autonomous."

Residents urged the board to consider the commissioners' knowledge and contributions. Karen Flashman said, "It seems really a shame to lose people who have so much to offer the town when they seem to have the ability going forward to do a whole lot better now that this all has come to light."

The board discussed implementing annual reviews of committee performance to catch issues earlier. "I think it's a very good idea," Chenard said. "We would have never known."

As the meeting concluded, the Historic District Commission was left with two vacancies and lingering questions about its future direction and oversight.