A routine appointment to the Southshore Recycling Cooperative turned contentious Tuesday night as the Rockland Select Board rebuked Board of Health Chair Robert Stevens for his public criticism of a town employee. Stevens appeared before the board seeking to replace incumbent Delshan Flipp, the town’s Health Agent, arguing the seat historically belonged to a Board of Health member and questioning Flipp's workload and communication. The discussion quickly shifted from qualifications to personnel management after Stevens mentioned friction within his office and the cancellation of a student internship.

Board members expressed immediate discomfort with the nature of Stevens’ testimony. Stevens told the board I noticed that she is not a resident of the town... she intends to retire in December... I wouldn’t mind serving on it and I’m actually pretty enthusiastic about serving on it. Member John Ellard, Jr. pushed back against the comments, noting There were a lot of accusations kind of thrown about that Delshan thought she had to defend herself... I’m trying to envision what that looks like in a meeting representing the town of Rockland. Vice Chair Lori Childs, presiding in the absence of Chair Tiffanie Needham, offered a sharp critique of Stevens’ leadership style. I’m a manager in my day job... Delshan is your employee. And the way you were talking about your employee is not right, Childs said. So to represent Rockland as an appointment from this board gives me great trouble. Motion Made by J. Ellard, Jr. to reappoint Delshan Flipp to the Southshore Recycling Cooperative. Motion Passed 3-0.

The theme of community communication continued as Rogers Middle School 8th-grade students Alice de Olivera and Karine Fernandez presented a civics project regarding the inclusivity of Rockland’s immigrant population. The students highlighted that many non-English speakers, particularly within the Brazilian community, were left in the dark during the town’s recent boil water order. A majority of immigrants and non-English speakers... agreed there should be more involvement, Fernandez said, suggesting solutions like an international food night and translated flyers. De Olivera shared her personal perspective, stating, I moved here from Brazil a couple years ago... my parents go out of their way to encourage me to get involved. Member Steven O'Donnell acknowledged the town’s shortcomings during the water crisis, saying I took note of the non-translated alerts related to the water issue. I think that was a big miss. We do have a large Brazilian community in this town... we can do better.

Assistant Town Administrator Courtney Beals provided further context on the recent boil water order, explaining that the Abington-Rockland Joint Waterworks operates as a quasi-independent agency. We do not tell the Abington-Rockland Joint Waterworks what they can and cannot do... we do not want to be speaking on their behalf, Beals noted, adding that the Water Superintendent would be invited to a future meeting. Addressing resident requests for refunds following the service disruption, O'Donnell explained that the utility is funded entirely by rates. All funds... go to supporting our water system. So if we were to [issue refunds] it would need to be paid for later through raising rates. You’re essentially robbing Peter to pay Paul, O'Donnell said.

Fiscal pressures also triggered a request for federal funding waivers. Beals presented memos to waive project caps for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects, citing a sharp rise in construction expenses. These projects... focus on critical health and safety improvements for community members who are in need... cap waivers in general have become more common due to just the rising construction costs, Beals explained. Motion Made by S. O'Donnell to authorize both CDBG project cap waiver requests. Motion Passed 3-0.

Veterans Agent Tim White updated the board on upcoming Memorial Day plans, explaining that the traditional parade has been replaced by an 11:00 a.m. ceremony at the Veterans Memorial on Monday. White cited the aging veteran population as the primary reason for the change. They just can’t march anymore; they have to take a vehicle, White said. I do think they are looking for the next generation to pass the baton to. White encouraged attendees to bring lawn chairs and noted that medical equipment like scooters and wheelchairs are available for donation at his office. The board also moved forward with annual reappointments, though Childs recused herself from the Council on Aging vote because her mother-in-law was on the list. Motion Made by S. O'Donnell to reappoint the slate of committee members as read, excluding the Council on Aging. Motion Passed 3-0. The board then separately addressed the Council on Aging. Motion Made by S. O'Donnell to reappoint the Council on Aging members. Motion Passed 2-0-1 (L. Childs abstaining).

In other business, Sandra Collins was named an alternate to the Council on Aging. Collins told the board she was eager to help the senior center, stating I just think I’d like to be more involved in the council... I was invited to be on with by the president. Motion Made by J. Ellard, Jr. to appoint S. Collins as an alternate to the Council on Aging. Motion Passed 3-0. The meeting concluded with board comments, including O'Donnell’s praise for the Rockland Cardinals baseball team and Childs’ reminder for students to remain safe during the upcoming prom weekend. I just want to wish the best of luck and for a good time at the prom this week... but they also use some intelligence... and remain safe, Childs said.