Plymouth Select Board Approves Retiree Assistance Fund

Town Manager Reports Progress on Multiple Infrastructure Projects

PLYMOUTH, MA - May 14 - The Plymouth Select Board unanimously approved the creation of a Retiree Assistance Fund during their meeting Tuesday. The fund aims to provide financial assistance to eligible retired town employees facing hardship with medical expenses.

Town Manager Derek Brindisi presented the proposal, explaining that the fund would be supported entirely by voluntary donations from current employees and retirees.

"If every active employee donated $1 every week into this fund, we would generate over $50,000 each year into this account to help assist those retirees that are most in need," Brindisi said.

Susan Page, representing the Plymouth Retired Employees Association, emphasized the need for such assistance.

"There are retirees who are in distress," Page stated, citing examples of retirees struggling with increased medical costs on fixed incomes.

The application process for the fund was developed to ensure confidentiality, with a committee of three people reviewing requests.

Dale Weber, representing the Retirement Board, praised the initiative but noted, "Employees, retirees... are the ones reaching into their pockets on this one."

Select Board members expressed strong support for the program.

Board member Charlie Bletzer commented, "This is a great thing. When I was running for Selectman, I was lucky enough to get invited to the PREA meeting, and I can tell you right now, my eyes opened up."

In other business, Brindisi provided updates on several ongoing infrastructure projects:

The Stevensville project is on track for a July 1 ribbon cutting, with playground and court installations nearing completion.

The Water Street sewer interceptor project is expected to reopen by Friday, weather permitting. Brindisi noted, "The sewer main is now live. So we're actively using the sewer main."

The Bartlett Road Bridge project is set to reopen at the end of the week, with guide rail installation completed.

The Brooks Street Bridge project is tracking for a June completion date.

Brindisi also announced that Public Works Day is scheduled for May 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Camelot Drive. The event will feature free food, snacks, gifts, and opportunities for children to experience public works equipment.

In-person sales for beach and transfer station stickers are now available at Town Hall through August. Brindisi reminded residents that fourth quarter water and sewer bills will be mailed this week.

The town manager concluded by reminding residents that the local election is scheduled for May 18, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The meeting also marked the final session for Select Board member Harry Helm, who is retiring after a decade of service to the town. Board members thanked Helm for his contributions and presented him with a copy of "Plymouth Plantation" by William Bradford as a parting gift.