In Plymouth, Town Moderator Steven Triffletti appeared before the Select Board on the 19th requesting that he be given special municipal employee status—which he received. So what does this designation mean and why is it significant?
WATD’s Bobbi Clark has more…
Town Manager Derek Brindisi says the special municipal employee status is complicated…
“…but, generally speaking it requires a municipal employee to seek this status if they want to, in this situation, the moderator, represent private parties in front of other municipal boards.”
Town Moderator Triffletti is an attorney who has and does represent some clients before municipal boards. And as town moderator he receives an annual stipend of two thousand dollars.
Brindisi says only the Select Board can approve special municipal employee status, so…
“…the moderator sought the Select Board’s permission in order to receive this designation. Once approval was received that now allows the moderator to go act in his private capacity as an attorney, representing individuals in front of other municipal boards.”
In his first bid for this special status before the Select Board in March of last year, that Board voted 5 to 0 against this—essentially ruling that Triffletti cannot act as a lawyer before town boards while also serving as a moderator.
But, things have changed since last year, including some seats on the Select Board. Kevin Canty now chairs the Board and he spoke vehemently against granting the town moderator special municipal employee status.
Nevertheless, last month Canty and Select Board members, unanimously approved all applications for special municipal employee designation, This included an attorney and a surveyor who are members of the elected Planning Board.
In the end, David Golden, Select Board Vice Chair, made a motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Selectman Deb Iaquinto and passed on a four to one vote.
In Plymouth, Bobbi Clark, WATD News.
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