Pembroke meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Pembroke boards meet on housing plan, pool variance, and upcoming Select Board vote

Recent Pembroke board meetings were all agenda-only, with no final decisions or votes taken. The most consequential items on the table include a 22-unit housing proposal, a pool variance request, and a series of contract awards for the Housing Authority. The Select Board is set to act on a liquor license and discuss license plate readers next week.

Planning Board reviews housing production plan

The Planning Board met Aug. 10 to discuss the Housing Production Plan update, including public survey results and a draft of Chapter 4. The board also received a progress update from the BESS Bylaw Committee, which is reviewing battery energy storage system regulations. Administrative items included appointing an Old Colony Planning Council alternate representative, filling a Community Preservation Committee vacancy, and endorsing two approved site plan mylars for recording. No votes were recorded.

Zoning Board hears pool variance request

The Board of Zoning & Building Appeals held a public hearing on Aug. 17 for a variance request at 71 Wampatuck St. The applicant seeks to place an above-ground swimming pool 20.2 feet from the front property line, where 40 feet is normally required. The board also announced that Town Counsel will present new zoning bylaw changes at the Sept. 21 Planning Board meeting. A separate special permit case for Stephen Brandon at 447 Washington St. is scheduled for the board's Sept. 14 meeting.

Conservation Commission continues housing hearing

The Conservation Commission on Aug. 20 continued its review of a Notice of Intent for 13 residential buildings with 22 units at 660 Washington St. The project includes structures within a wetland buffer zone. The commission also discussed a Certificate of Compliance for 99 Old Washington St. and trail kiosks. An executive session was scheduled to discuss litigation strategy in the case of Spath v. Pembroke Conservation Commission.

Housing Authority to consider contract awards

The Housing Authority met on Aug. 17 to consider awarding design contracts for trim and window projects. The agenda included a $9,500 award to RESCOM for the trim project and a $12,500 award to RESCOM for the window project. A change order for Building C, from Northshore Group, was listed at $18,500. The board also reviewed warrants for July 21 to Aug. 17 and the August Section 8 warrant.

Other routine meetings

The Recycling and Sustainability Committee met Aug. 12 to approve minutes and social media posts, discuss a recycling audit, and finalize plans for an educational table at the Pembroke Farmers' Market on Sept. 12. The Library Trustees met Aug. 19 to review reports, discuss building updates and study pods, and consider the Youth Services Librarian position. The Town Clerk's Office tested voting tabulators on Aug. 17 for the Sept. 1 State Primary.

Coming up

• **Select Board** (Aug. 26): Will vote on a one-day liquor license for an event at Riverside Sports Complex on Sept. 11, discuss license plate reading technology, and consider warrant articles for a Special Town Meeting. An executive session will cover negotiations for an Assistant Town Manager, a battery storage lawsuit, and a real estate license agreement with Weathervane at Pembroke Country Club.
• **Bylaw Review Committee** (Aug. 25): Routine meeting to approve minutes from Feb. 10 and discuss committee reorganization.

All meetings are open to the public. Agendas and minutes are available on the town's website.

Pembroke boards weigh housing, zoning, and sustainability items; no decisions yet

Pembroke's Conservation Commission, Planning Board, and Recycling and Sustainability Committee met over the past two weeks, but none of their minutes have been published yet, so no final decisions are available. The most significant item on the recent agendas was a continued hearing on a proposed 22-unit residential development at 660 Washington Street, which would place structures within wetland buffer and riverfront areas. The Planning Board also reviewed survey results for the town's Housing Production Plan update.

Conservation Commission (Aug. 6)

The commission held a continued public hearing on a Notice of Intent for 13 buildings with 22 units at 660 Washington Street (DEP# 056-1140). Four structures would sit within the 100-foot wetland buffer and the riverfront area of McFarlane Brook. The board also discussed a Certificate of Compliance for 99 Old Washington Street (DEP# 056-0329) and trail kiosks. No votes or decisions were reported.

Planning Board (Aug. 10)

The Planning Board discussed the Housing Production Plan update, including public survey results and a draft of Chapter 4. It also received a progress update from the BESS Bylaw Committee. Administrative items included appointing an Old Colony Planning Council alternate representative, filling a Community Preservation Committee vacancy after Andrew Wandell's resignation, and endorsing two approved site plan mylars for registry recording. No decisions were recorded.

Recycling and Sustainability Committee (Aug. 12)

The committee's agenda was routine: approving July 2026 minutes and social media posts, receiving updates on a recycling audit and website, and discussing collaboration with town management on sustainability goals. Members also finalized plans for an educational table at the Pembroke Farmers' Market on September 12th. No major actions were listed.

Coming up

Several meetings are scheduled in the next two weeks:

• **Town Clerk (Aug. 17):** Testing of voting tabulators for the September 1st State Primary. Procedural only.
• **Housing Authority (Aug. 17):** Awarding design contracts to RESCOM for trim ($9,500) and window ($12,500) projects, and approving a change order for Building C with Northshore Group ($18,500). Also approving warrants.
• **Board of Zoning & Building Appeals (Aug. 17):** Public hearing on Case #14-26, a variance request for an above-ground pool at 71 Wampatuck St., which would be 20.2 feet from the front line instead of the required 40 feet. The board will also announce upcoming zoning bylaw changes to be presented at the Sept. 21 Planning Board meeting.
• **Library Trustees (Aug. 19):** Review of May–July reports, building updates, study pods, a dedication event, and the Youth Services Librarian position.
• **Bylaw (General) Review Committee (Aug. 25):** Approving minutes from Feb. 10, 2026, and discussing committee reorganization. No specific bylaw proposals are listed.

Residents interested in any of these items should check the town's meeting calendar for agendas and remote participation details.

Pembroke boards meet on July 29; agendas include police promotions, park name change

The Pembroke Select Board and Board of Health each met on July 29, but no decisions have been published yet; minutes are pending. The agendas include police promotions, a potential park name change, and a new fee schedule.

Select Board

The Select Board's agenda includes several items that could come to a vote, though no outcomes are recorded. The board is scheduled to consider promoting Thomas J. Baragwanath to lieutenant and Mark Digravio to sergeant in the Pembroke Police Department.

Other items on the agenda:

• A road race application for Center Street on November 22 from 7:00 AM to Noon.
• Appointment of Alison Parks to the Affordable Housing Committee.
• A vote to appoint a Select Board member to the Affordable Housing Trust.
• A vote to extend the useful life of borrowing items for a 6 Wheel Hook & Lift and Backhoe.
• A SunRun door-to-door solicitation permit application.
• Discussion and possible vote to name Veterans Park as "Veterans Memorial Park on the Common."
• Discussion of the Bylaw Review Committee structure.

All items are listed as agenda items only; no minutes have been published, so no decisions are confirmed.

Board of Health

The Board of Health also met on July 29. Its agenda includes:

• Discussion of Board of Health fees for calendar year 2027.
• A Kratom ban update with Kathleen Mahoney.
• A Health Agent report, including complaints regarding Pleasant St.
• Discussion of CBD and THC restrictions.
• Review of electronic and paper Septic Plan Submittal requirements.

As with the Select Board, these are agenda items only; minutes are not yet available.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed in the next 14 days.

Pembroke boards weigh police promotions, 2027 health fees, housing warrants in late July meetings

Pembroke's town boards convened several meetings in the second half of July, with agendas covering police promotions, a 2027 Board of Health fee schedule, and Housing Authority funding warrants. Minutes have not yet been published for any of the meetings, so the items below reflect what boards were scheduled to consider rather than confirmed outcomes.

Select Board — July 29

The Select Board's July 29 agenda included votes on two police promotions: Thomas J. Baragwanath to Lieutenant and Mark Digravio to Sergeant. The board was also scheduled to vote on appointing Alison Parks to the Affordable Housing Committee and appointing a Select Board member to the Affordable Housing Trust.

Other agenda items included a road race application for Center Street on November 22 from 7:00 AM to noon, a SunRun door-to-door solicitation permit application, and a vote to extend the useful life of borrowing items for a 6 Wheel Hook & Lift and Backhoe. The board also listed a discussion and possible vote on naming Veterans Park to "Veterans Memorial Park on the Common," as well as discussion of the Bylaw Review Committee structure.

Board of Health — July 29

The Board of Health was scheduled to discuss its fee schedule for calendar year 2027. The agenda also included an update on the Kratom ban with Kathleen Mahoney, a discussion of CBD and THC restrictions, and a review of electronic and paper Septic Plan Submittal requirements.

The Health Agent report on the agenda included complaints regarding Pleasant St.

Housing Authority — July 20

The Pembroke Housing Authority agenda included review and approval of minutes from May 18, 2026, an Executive Director's report, and a finance discussion covering CFA no. 13 and OCPC utility allowances.

The board was scheduled to act on two warrants: the AP Warrant covering June 23 through July 20, 2026, and the Section 8 warrant for July 2026. An affordable-housing agenda item was also listed, along with old and new business.

Board of Assessors — July 20

The Board of Assessors agenda included signing monthly reports of abatements and/or exemptions, an excise commitment, a real estate commitment, and a Chapter 61A lien. The board was also scheduled to consider the CAMA conversion to AP5.

What residents should know

Because minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, it is not yet possible to confirm which items were approved, tabled, or continued. Residents seeking confirmed outcomes should check the town's official meeting minutes when they are posted. Agendas indicate the Select Board's police promotions and appointments, the Board of Health's 2027 fee discussion, and the Housing Authority's warrants are the items most likely to affect town operations and services.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed for the next 14 days. Residents should monitor the town calendar for newly posted agendas.

Pembroke Boards Set Fall Town Meeting Warrant, Housing Bylaw Talks; No Minutes Published Yet

Pembroke's boards and committees covered a busy stretch of meetings from July 8 through July 16, with agendas spanning the Fall Special Town Meeting warrant, housing bylaw changes, year-end budget transfers, and litigation strategy. However, minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, so outcomes of scheduled votes and discussions cannot be confirmed from the available record.

Select Board: Fall Town Meeting Warrant, Liquor License, FY27 Budget

The Select Board's July 15 agenda called for votes to open the warrant for the Fall Special Town Meeting on August 10 and close it on August 14. The board was also scheduled to vote on a one-day liquor license (MGL c. 138 §14) for the Pembroke Arts Festival at 128 Center Street on August 7, 2026, and to appoint Judith Ferrante to the Advisory Committee for a term expiring June 30, 2029. A discussion and possible vote on a General Bylaw Review Committee reform proposal was also listed, along with an FY27 budget update from the Town Manager. Minutes are not yet published.

Advisory Committee: FY26 Year-End Transfers, Candidate Interviews

The Advisory Committee met July 13 with a reorganization vote and election of officers on the agenda, followed by a vote on FY26 year-end transfers presented by the Town Manager. The dollar amount was not specified in the agenda. Four candidates were scheduled for membership interviews: Stephen Perry, Joseph Suppa, Judith Ferrante, and Jean Comfort. Minutes are not yet published.

Affordable Housing Committee: Inclusionary Zoning, Lot Sizes Under Review

The Affordable Housing Committee's July 15 agenda included discussion of possible bylaw changes — specifically inclusionary zoning and reduced residential lot sizes — which would affect how new homes are approved and built in Pembroke. The committee was also set to receive an update on the Pembroke Housing Production Plan being prepared by the Old Colony Planning Council, review contributions to the Affordable Housing Trust, and introduce new Planning Board member Alysha Perry. Minutes are not yet published.

Zoning Board of Appeals: Executive Session on Palmer Management Litigation

The ZBA met via Zoom on July 14 to approve June 15, 2026 minutes and hold an executive session to discuss litigation strategy in Palmer Management Corp. v. Pembroke ZBA. Upcoming meetings were scheduled for August 17 and September 21, 2026. Minutes are not yet published.

Historical Commission: Veterans Park, Registry Placement

The Historical Commission's July 13 agenda included the Veterans Park Revitalization Project and the process for placing Veterans Memorial Park on national and commonwealth historical registries. Updates on Bethel Chapel repairs and King's Highway Inn outbuilding progress were also scheduled, along with bylaw working group volunteer appointments. Minutes are not yet published.

Other Committees

The Recycling and Sustainability Committee (July 8) was set to reorganize, approve June minutes and July social media posts, and discuss collaborating with town management on sustainability objectives. The Recreation Commission (July 16) had approval of April 14, 2026 minutes, a report from Community Services Director Lance Kennedy, and a leadership restructuring discussion on its agenda. Minutes are not yet published for either meeting.

Coming Up

Two meetings are scheduled for today, July 20:

• **Board of Assessors** — Will sign reports on abatements, exemptions, and commitments, and consider the CAMA conversion to AP5.
• **Housing Authority** — Will review May 18, 2026 minutes, discuss the Annual Plan including the AP Warrant (June 23–July 20, 2026) and Section 8 warrant (July 2026), and address affordable housing matters.

Pembroke Select Board Swears In New Police Chief; Conservation Commission Takes Up 22-Unit Project

Pembroke boards covered public safety leadership, housing development, and sustainability planning in early July, though official minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings. What follows reflects the agendas as posted; confirmed outcomes and vote tallies are not yet available.

Select Board — July 1

The Select Board's agenda included swearing in new Police Chief Wendy LaPierre, a step that directly affects town public safety leadership.

The board was scheduled to hold a public hearing on transferring liquor and restaurant licenses from Dish's Route 53 Tavern to 67 Coastal Group, Inc., at 615 Washington Street. A separate vote was planned on a one-day liquor license for Widowmaker Brewing Co. at Sun and Ski's, covering July 11–12, 2026.

Reappointments on the agenda: Marilyn Christmann (Council on Aging), Linda McCollum (Cultural Council), Laura DeYoung (Historic District), and Ginger Comeau (Recreation) — all to 2029. Appointments to the Historic Commission included Mary Frances Hughes as member and Aaron Surdham as alternate.

Because minutes are not yet published, it is not confirmed which items were voted on or approved.

Conservation Commission — July 2

The Conservation Commission was scheduled to hear a Notice of Intent for a 22-unit residential development at 660 Washington Street, involving 13 buildings within wetland buffer zones and riverfront area (DEP# 056-1140). This is the most significant land-use item of the period, as it involves new housing construction near protected resource areas.

The agenda also included an extension permit and Order of Conditions at 23 Bristol Road, reorganization of the Open Space Committee, and an executive session on the litigation Spath v. Pembroke Conservation Commission.

Town Memorial Committee — July 1

This committee planned to review recent Memorial Day events, begin planning for Veterans Day, receive an update on Veterans Park, and appoint a new secretary. No outcomes are confirmed.

Recycling and Sustainability Committee — July 8

The committee's agenda included approval of June 2026 meeting minutes, July social media posts, and a recruitment statement for new members. Members were also set to reorganize and discuss a proposal to collaborate with town management on sustainability objectives.

Coming Up

Advisory Committee — Monday, July 13: The committee will reorganize and vote on FY26 year-end transfers presented by the Town Manager. The dollar amount is not specified in the agenda. Four candidate interviews are scheduled: Stephen Perry, Joseph Suppa, Judith Ferrante, and Jean Comfort.

Historic District Historical Commission — Monday, July 13: The commission will consider the Veterans Park Revitalization Project and the process for placing Veterans Memorial Park on national and commonwealth historical registries. Updates on Bethel Chapel repairs and King's Highway Inn outbuilding progress are also on the agenda.

Affordable Housing Committee — Wednesday, July 15: The committee will discuss the Pembroke Housing Production Plan, review transit community development updates, and consider possible bylaw changes including inclusionary zoning and reduced residential lot sizes. Such changes would affect how new homes are approved and built in town. The committee will also review contributions to the Affordable Housing Trust and welcome a new Planning Board member.

All recent meeting agendas are available through the town's official postings; minutes will confirm final actions and votes once published.

Pembroke boards weigh housing development, liquor license transfer, and police chief swearing-in

Pembroke's town boards had a busy stretch in late June and early July, with a 22-unit housing proposal at 660 Washington Street appearing before two separate boards and the Select Board scheduled to swear in a new police chief. All meetings listed below were agenda-only as of this report — minutes have not yet been published, so items reflect what boards planned to take up, not confirmed outcomes.

Select Board: New police chief, liquor license hearing

The Select Board's July 1 agenda included swearing in Wendy LaPierre as the town's new police chief. The board also planned a public hearing on transferring liquor and restaurant licenses from Dish's Route 53 Tavern to 67 Coastal Group, Inc., at 615 Washington Street.

Other agenda items: a vote on a one-day liquor license for Widowmaker Brewing Co. at Sun and Ski's for July 11–12, 2026; reappointments of Marilyn Christmann (Council on Aging), Linda McCollum (Cultural Council), Laura DeYoung (Historic District), and Ginger Comeau (Recreation), all to 2029; and appointments of Mary Frances Hughes as a Historic Commission member and Aaron Surdham as an alternate.

660 Washington Street: 22-unit proposal before two boards

A proposal by Whatbarn, LLC to build 13 detached multi-family buildings totaling 22 units at 660 Washington Street appeared before both the Planning Board and the Conservation Commission.

The Planning Board's June 22 agenda listed a continued public hearing on the project, along with discussion of Pembroke's Housing Production Plan with Jason Desrosier, an ANR (Approval Not Required) subdivision application by Grissom Park Co., LLP to split 280 Oak Street into two lots, appointment of a new Planning Board representative to the Affordable Housing Committee following the resignation of Andrew Wandell, and review of minutes from May 18 and June 8, 2026.

The Conservation Commission's July 2 agenda included a Notice of Intent for the same 660 Washington Street project (DEP# 056-1140), involving construction within wetland buffer zones and riverfront area. The commission also planned to discuss an extension permit at 23 Bristol Road, reorganize the Open Space Committee, and hold an executive session on the litigation Spath v. Pembroke Conservation Commission.

Housing Authority: Project payments and warrants

The Housing Authority's June 22 agenda called for reviewing the annual plan and affordable housing, approving warrants, and considering final payment on the Lydia Ford door/window project (#231-105) and the Kilcommons and Mayflower LED light replacement project. The AP warrant covers May 19–June 22, 2026, and a Section 8 warrant for June 2026 was also listed. Dollar amounts for the warrants and project payments were not specified in the agenda.

Town Memorial Committee: Veterans Day planning

The committee's July 1 agenda included a review of recent Memorial Day events, an update on Veterans Park, planning for Veterans Day, and appointment of a new secretary.

Coming up

• **Advisory Committee, July 13, 2026:** The committee plans to reorganize with a vote and election of officers, then vote on FY26 year-end transfers presented by the Town Manager (amount unspecified). Four candidates are scheduled for membership interviews: Stephen Perry, Joseph Suppa, Judith Ferrante, and Jean Comfort.

22-unit housing plan dominates recent town agendas as boards weigh permits

The proposed 22-unit residential development at 660 Washington Street appeared before two Pembroke boards in the past two weeks, emerging as the most significant land-use matter on recent agendas. The Planning Board continued a public hearing for the Whatbarn, LLC project, while the Conservation Commission took up a Notice of Intent for the same site, which would place 13 detached multi-family buildings within wetland buffer zones and a riverfront area.

Minutes from all recent meetings were not yet published at press time, so votes and final actions remain unconfirmed. The following summarizes the agendas as they were made public.

Development and Conservation

The Planning Board on June 22 discussed an update to the Housing Production Plan with consultant Jason Desrosier and continued the hearing for the 660 Washington Street project. That board also considered an Approval Not Required (ANR) application from Grissom Park Co., LLP to split 280 Oak Street into two lots, and appointed a new representative to the Affordable Housing Committee following the resignation of Andrew Wandell.

On July 2, the Conservation Commission opened a Notice of Intent for the 660 Washington Street proposal (DEP# 056-1140), with construction planned in wetland buffer and riverfront areas. The commission also took up an extension permit at 23 Bristol Road and reorganized its Open Space Committee. An executive session was scheduled to discuss litigation in Spath v. Pembroke Conservation Commission.

Select Board

The Select Board met July 1 and swore in new Police Chief Wendy LaPierre. The board then held a public hearing on the transfer of liquor and restaurant licenses from Dish’s Route 53 Tavern to 67 Coastal Group, Inc., both at 615 Washington Street. Members were also scheduled to vote on a one-day liquor license for Widowmaker Brewing Co. at Sun and Ski’s for July 11–12, 2026, and to reappoint Marilyn Christmann (Council on Aging), Linda McCollum (Cultural Council), Laura DeYoung (Historic District), and Ginger Comeau (Recreation), all with terms through 2029. New appointments to the Historic Commission—member Mary Frances Hughes and alternate Aaron Surdham—were also on the agenda.

Other Boards

The Housing Authority on June 22 listed final payment for the Lydia Ford door/window project (#231-105) and the Kilcommons and Mayflower LED light replacement project, along with approval of accounts payable and Section 8 warrants for June 2026. Old business included the annual plan review.

The Town Memorial Committee received an update on Veterans Park, reviewed Memorial Day events, and began planning for Veterans Day, while also naming a new secretary.

Coming up

The Advisory Committee will meet July 13 to reorganize with an election of officers and then vote on FY26 year-end transfers presented by the Town Manager. The committee will also interview four candidates for membership: Stephen Perry, Joseph Suppa, Judith Ferrante and Jean Comfort. Dollar amounts for the transfers were not specified in the agenda.