Pembroke Select Board Approves 2024 Values and Goals
Board emphasizes communication, infrastructure, and modernization
PEMBROKE, MA - September 11 - The Pembroke Select Board voted Wednesday to accept new values and goals for 2024, focusing on improved communication, infrastructure enhancements, and modernization of town processes.
The board approved a list of values that will guide their operations in the coming year. These include promoting accessible and effective governance, fostering open dialogue, protecting public health and safety, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and committing to infrastructure maintenance.
"The Pembroke Select Board shall annually affirm a guiding constellation of values to establish the spirit and duty in which it operates and aligns with the town's needs and wants," said board member Steve Ciciotti, reading from the document from the working group.
The board also approved an updated list of goals and priorities for 2024, which included 15 new items. Among these are revisiting the town's prohibition on marijuana retailers, updating the volunteer application process, and implementing a certificate of recognition program for town volunteers.
Town Manager Bill Chenard reported on several infrastructure initiatives, including a new AI-powered road condition assessment system. "We are one of the first communities in Massachusetts to actually do it," Chenard said. "It's going to be a huge cost saver to the town."
The system, called Violytics, uses smartphone technology to assess road conditions and inventory street signs. Chenard noted that this could save the town significant money compared to traditional assessment methods.
Chenard also announced plans to test a new hot in-place asphalt technology on School Street. This method could potentially reduce road paving costs by 75 percent. "If we can do that, then we can accelerate our roadway improvement program because we'll be able to do more roadways," Chenard explained.
The town manager provided an update on the new outdoor fitness court being installed behind the community center. Funded largely by a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield, the court is nearing completion and will offer residents a new outdoor exercise option.
"It just adds to what we're offering," Chenard said. "If you walk this complex... it's just outstanding."
Board members expressed enthusiasm for the new initiatives and goals. "Modernization. That's part of the 2024 values," Ciciotti noted.
The board also briefly discussed ongoing projects, including the public safety building construction and water infrastructure improvements. Chenard emphasized that Pembroke's water quality is excellent, coming from deep groundwater wells rather than surface water sources.