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01:20:44 pm Plymouth County Under Hurricane Warning

Categories: News, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester

The National Weather Service announced today at noon that Plymouth county is under a Hurricane Warning, prompting safety preparations in the Tri-Town.

At Mattapoisett Town Wharf, the tow trucks were busy pulling boats from the harbor as onlookers sat in the shade of the trees. Building winds tossed leaves and made the surf increasingly choppy, and the wharf ice cream stand was preparing to move back to Route 6.

The region’s Hurricane Warning indicates that Earl will bring hurricane conditions on Friday, including winds of 74 mph or more. Meteorologists are waiting to see if the hurricane will veer to the left; if this does happen, the wind speeds will be even more intense.

All three towns are urging their residents to use safety and to secure outdoor items like umbrellas, patio sets, and lawn mowers. If residents haven’t done so already, they should prepare hurricane survival kits (details can be found here: http://www.wanderer.com/information/HurricanePrep.pdf), develop family communication plans and stay informed via media sources throughout the whole warning.

The town of Marion is reminding residents of Planting Island to be especially cautious since they are “vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms”. Planting Island access has been cut off to traffic in past storms, and residents should be prepared to leave early in case a storm surge brings water over the causeway. According to a Marion press release, “it is important for Planting Island residents to realize that, once the causeway is under water, it will be virtually impossible for us to get emergency aid to you.” The Water department plans to shut off the water supply to Planting Island if the causeway is flooded.

If evacuations are necessary, Marion will open an emergency shelter at the Sippican School – no pets will be allowed into the emergency quarters. No emergency quarters have been sanctioned in Mattapoisett or Rochester yet, but the Wanderer will update this story as it develops.

By Anne O’Brien-Kakley

 

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11:30:58 pm Students Return to Transformed RMS

Categories: Rochester

Rochester Memorial School (RMS) students will return to a transformed landscape this week, witnessing the result of the first major phase of construction for RMS’s $26.5 million renovation and expansion project.

“I’m very, very excited,” said school Principal Jay Ryan. “The entire construction crew worked miracles all summer. It’s amazing the amount they got done.” Mr. Ryan was confident that despite rumors, RMS would open as planned with few hassles for new and returning students.

The most notable change is the two-story addition that was constructed from brick precast panels with the help of a 190-foot crane during the hot July months. The crane swung panels, some of them weighing up to 22,000 pounds, into place, essentially building the entire structure in a matter of weeks. The new 34,000 square foot school building, which will include a new art room, 14 classrooms in addition to tutorial and special education facilities, will be ready for occupancy by fourth, fifth and sixth graders by Christmas. In the meantime, Mr. Ryan said the new building would be sealed off to ensure safety.

In addition, the existing school was gutted out and renovated extensively. According to Town Facilities Michael Meunier, who is overseeing the project, renovations included new seismic bracing and diagonal steel beams, the addition of HVAC and water lines, new heating pipes, a new sprinkler system for the cafeteria and gymnasium, and technology and electrical upgrades. He said the crews scrubbed, waxed and painted the interior to get the building in tip-top shape for returning students. Future improvements include the addition of a music room on the northeast corner of the building.

“I’m glad I’m on the job to make sure the town gets the most bang for its buck,” said Mr. Meunier. “We are working with great people and we have checks and balances to make sure things get done correctly,” he added.

“Wow, wow, wow!” said Diane Legasse, the principal’s secretary, upon reentering her office after spending the summer with Mr. Ryan at the Old Rochester Regional administrative headquarters. The teachers spent last weekend unpacking supplies and prepping the rooms for the first day of school on September 1.

Town Administrator Richard LaCamera also expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of the work. “The project has gone extremely well. I’m happy with what we’ve accomplished over the summer. I’m so excited about the pre cast addition that will be set in January. Things have gone really well,” he said.

The project will continue with the old section’s renovation during school vacations over the next year, and has a projected finish date of September 2011.

By Laura Pedulli

 

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11:28:08 pm Board Discusses Affordable Housing Plan

Categories: Rochester

A meeting of the Rochester Planning Board was called to order by Arnold Johnson on August 24, 2010 at 7:00 pm at the Rochester Town Hall. Also present were committee members Gary Florindo, Susan Peterson, Dan McGaffey, Bendrix Bailey, John DeMaggio, Planning Board Secretary Shirley Darcy and Town Planner John Charbonneau.

As the first order of business, the board approved the August 10 minutes as well as various vouchers for office supplies.

The board then met with Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon regarding an affordable housing production plan that board members did not approve during a vote on July 27. At that time, former member Bob Cummings and Mr. Bailey had abstained from the vote, Mr. DeMaggio had voted in opposition to the plan, and Mr. Johnson, Mr. Florindo and Mr. McGaffey had voted in favor of it.

Ms. Farinon attended the meeting in the hope that the board would reconsider its vote and approve the plan, which would be submitted to the state. “The housing production plan’s purpose is to come up with strategies that the town can take to address the need for affordable housing,” she said, noting that work on the plan began nine months ago in consultation with SRPPED and is the product of input from various Rochester boards, including the planning board.

Ms. Farinon described the plan as a “dynamic document” that addresses deficiencies in affordable housing. “I don’t think there is anything earth shattering about it,” she said. Ms. Farinon conceded that state receipt of the plan does not guard the town against 40B developers, but it does provide closure for the work put into the plan. A certified percentage of at least 10 percent affordable housing is required to receive a moratorium on 40B developments, she explained.

“At least we’ll have something to hand to a developer,” Ms. Farinon said, noting that the developer could incorporate ideas from the plan. She did clarify that the document is not required by the state.

Mr. McGaffey noted the adverse reaction to the term “affordable housing” and wondered if “workforce housing” – a term used in Marion – could make the strategies seem more palatable to Rochester residents.

“That’s just painting it with a different brush,” remarked Mr. DeMaggio.

“I think the goal of having workforce housing is an admirable one. It would be inappropriate to say that we are going to zone Rochester in such a way so that our police and fire personnel and teachers can’t live here. We want to have affordable housing for people who are working, tax-paying contributors. Nobody wants to see a poverty-subsidized housing plan,” Mr. Bailey weighed in.

Mr. Charbonneau added that, “even if 40B goes away, there is still a need for affordable housing.” Ms. Peterson agreed and remarked that having a plan in the books assists with the acquisition of grants. “This is a good start and not particularly controversial,” she said.

Mr. Johnson, however, hesitated with voting in favor of the plan without knowing who is accountable to it. He said he does not agree with the entire plan. “I’m uneasy with the implementation of the plan,” the chairperson said.

“The intent is not to force-feed anyone. The intent is to start a conversation. This is not the end, it’s just the start,” Mr. Charbonneau said. Mr. Bailey said he could work with Mr. Charbonneau on meeting with “workforce people” through public workshops to find out if they would move to Rochester if affordable options existed.

“This is a major document for the town. I want to know the game plan before approval,” Mr. Johnson said again, with the suggestion that a “composite committee” be formed with members from the Conservation Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Board and Board of Selectmen to explore affordable housing strategies and their implementation.

Under the suggestion of Mr. Florindo, the board decided to continue the discussion on the matter on September 14, allowing time for Mr. Charbonneau and Ms. Farinon to provide more detail and for the board to read the plan more thoroughly.

The board then met with Richard Charon of Charon Associates. Specifically, he requested an amendment of conditions for an approved special permit for a back lot and common driveway. Mr. Charon said the applicants could not obtain a mortgage to build their home because the permit required a completed driveway. The applicants needed the mortgage to fund the required driveway, thus were in a bind. The board unanimously approved the amendment change to the special permit.

For the next hearing, representatives of the City of New Bedford’s Department of Public Infrastructure detailed a site plan for .42 acres of photovoltaic panels on a property off of Negus Way. Carol Rego of Camp Dresser and McKee said the panels could provide up to 90 kilowatts of power. She said the panels – which cost approximately $650,000 – are funded by federal stimulus money. Further, she noted that the Conservation Commission required an order of conditions to protect sensitive wetlands areas during installation. Mr. Johnson said that town counsel will draft the decision for review by their counsel prior to the Planning Board’s September 14 meeting.

The board then briefly considered a backlot special permit extension for Mark and Elizabeth Hathaway. The applicants had failed to complete grass work around their driveway by the deadline. The board voted to extend the special permit by one year.

Mr. Charbonneau then presented a brief report, including information on an upcoming Approval Not Required application and a future site plan review for solar panel installation on the Sperry Tents building. He also is wrapping up an application for a capital grant. Mr. Johnson also mentioned concern that Kenneth Motta of Field Engineering was not properly compensated by the town for a drainage design plan he put together for the Rochester Memorial Building project. He said he is trying to resolve the issue, which may require rewriting his contract. “We are trying to work it out. We should be paying him,” he said.

With nothing left on the agenda, the board adjourned at 8:50 pm.

By Laura Pedulli

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11:28:05 pm Rochester Fair Celebrates Hillbillies

Categories: Rochester

Rain or shine, this year’s Rochester Country Fair – themed “Hillbilly Days” – offered a plethora of fun for hillbillies and hillbilly admirers. Although the threat of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) led to the cancelation of the annual Pig Roast and bonfire, old traditions flourished and new traditions took root at last weekend’s event.

Saturday visitors enjoyed sunny weather and packed the fairgrounds for popular events, including the annual car cruise showcasing hot rods, street rods, custom and stock vehicles. The photo contest and exhibit “You Might be Hillbilly If…” – as well as the fair’s first ever hub cap decorating contest – elicited amused reactions from attendees. In the back, a small crowd cheered on tractor drivers hauling impressive loads during the popular Antique and Garden Tractor Pull competitions.

On the corner of makeshift street signs Pig-N-A-Poke Path and Daisy Mae Way, children and frogs gathered around for the popular Frog Races. As a Bring Your Own Frog event, the amphibians carefully were categorized as small, medium and large and then competed in a nine-way race for hopping superiority.

Rochester resident Cheryl Carter Hebert looked on as her children Mari and Jack participated in the event for the first time. She said that her children spent much time exploring the swampy land behind their home in the hope of catching a winning amphibian in their nets. “They were outside for almost an hour, and captured eight frogs which they took home in five-gallon buckets,” she said.

Nine medium-sized frogs jockeyed for first place, with 11-year-old Elizabeth Davis and her frog, Pudge, coming out as the winners. Daniel Bertrand and his frog took second place. “I got this frog from Grandpa Ed’s pond,” he smiled. Volunteer Kim Amato, who oversaw the event, presented the winners with ribbons.

Meanwhile, festivalgoers feasted on some unique hillbilly fare. In addition to the Rochester Lion’s Club tasty burgers and hotdogs, booths offered fare with names like “moonshine spam with oiled up taters” and “barbecue rattlesnake taters with bathtub gin turnips.” Additionally, attendees enjoyed local peaches, apples and deep fried Twinkies and Oreos.

A variety of organizations manned booths promoting their causes. Rochester Memorial School students Morgan Alexander and Nicole Correia enthusiastically encouraged attendees to participate in a raffle to support the fifth grade outdoor education experience. The tradition recently was cut from the school’s budget, explained volunteer Ruth Correia, thus the kids and parents ran the booth to ensure it continues next year.

The local Boys and Girls Scout troops also actively solicited donations, but in creative and unique ways. Donna Blanchard, troop leader of Rochester Troop 81001, with members Taylor Amaral and Jaclyn Stadelmann, offered attendees the chance to create “Art You Can Eat” in exchange for support. Directly adjacent to that booth, Scoutmaster Mike Blanchard with troop members Owen Reed, Nick Ferreira and Corbin Blanchard, had an ambitious goal: plaster an old car with quarters. “This is unique, something that no one has seen before,” said Mr. Blanchard and the troops lined the car with coins.

Manning the Rochester Land Trust booth, Laurene Gerrior reflected on the canceled Pig Roast, one of the group’s primary fundraisers. “It was the right thing to do,” she said, but conceded that the monies usually earned are significant in supporting the organization. Noreen Hartley also expressed disappointment that the Pig Roast, which she describes as a “bridge” between the daytime festivities and annual bonfire, was canceled due to the EEE threat.

Clouds and intermittent drizzle characterized Sunday’s weather. Although the crowd numbers dwindled, it did little to dampen the fun. Skip Daniels put on the children’s magic show to about two-dozen appreciative parents and children in the main arena.

Meanwhile, young and old, professional and amateur fiddle players jammed in the music tent for more than three hours, playing rags, jigs, and waltzes. Close by, crowds huddled under umbrellas in the rain as they watched four men participate in the Man Vs. Food competition. It was a race to see who could consume two double burgers, fries, cheddar, and bacon the quickest. The oldest and smallest man, nicknamed “Toe Cutter,” took first place, dangling the final French fry in his mouth with a wide grin to much applause.

All and all, whether rainy or sunny, this year’s Rochester County Fair provided much enjoyment to everyone who attended.

By Laura Pedulli

 

 

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11:27:48 pm Selectmen Appoint Planning Board Member

Categories: Rochester

A regular meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectmen was called to order by Chairman Naida Parker on August 23, 2010 at 7:00 pm in the Rochester Town Hall conference room. Also in attendance were Selectmen Richard Nunes and Bradford Morse, Town Administrator Richard LaCamera and Assistant to the Selectmen Veronica Lafreniere.

The minutes of the July 22 meeting, both regular and executive, and the minutes of the August 9 meetings were approved.

In their first appointment of the evening, the Board met with Police Chief Paul Magee, who presented two candidates for openings in the police department. According to Chief Magee, the two applicants, Elizabeth Rich and Benjamin Katz, had completed an entrance exam, a full physical, background checks and other rigors to be considered for the vacancies.

“They are a good match for the department,” said Chief Magee, who noted that Ms. Rich has worked for the department before, and Mr. Katz is a sergeant for the Mount Ida police department. Both hold bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice.

The Board voted to appoint both Ms. Rich and Mr. Katz to the police department for four months each.

The Board then voted to sign the state primary election warrant. The state primary will take place on September 14, 2010.

In his Town Administrator’s report, Mr. LaCamera presented a list of democratic poll workers for the Board to approve. The Board made the approval and Chairman Parker said that a similar list would be coming from the Republican Town Committee soon.

The Board then met to discuss a vacancy with the Planning Board. The vacancy, which was advertised in The Wanderer, produced one interested candidate. Susan Peterson was appointed to the board vacancy by the vote of the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board.

While the Planning Board was present, Chairman Arnold Johnson asked the Board to reinstate regulatory meetings, since they have not conducted one in over a year.

“I agree. They were very beneficial,” said Selectman Morse, who thought that they should schedule one in a month, once the new Town Planner has had a chance to “get his feet wet”. “You guys made a really good selection,” Selectman Morse added, saying that he was impressed with the new Town Planner, John Charbonneau.

In regards to the Rochester Country Fair, the Board remarked that it was another successful event, despite the rain on Sunday.

“It pretty much went off without a glitch,” said Selectmen Nunes. “A lot of people attended. It went well.”

The Board thanked the highway department and the fair committee for their work in the event. “A lot of people donated time and energy and it is very much appreciated,” said Chairman Parker.

In a Rochester Memorial School building update, Mr. LaCamera said that the project was going well, and was still scheduled for completion in September 2011. Some of the classrooms will have temporary carpeting prior to tiling, said Mr. LaCamera, and the furniture bidding came in “well under budget.”

“We actually hit the right time, I guess,” said Mr. Johnson, in regards to getting low bids for work. Mr. Johnson noted that the new RMS building will accommodate three lunches instead of four, “so the kids are eating lunch at a more reasonable time.”

Upon the suggestion of Selectman Morse, the Board agreed to send a letter of appreciation to former Planning Board member Bob Cummings for his years of service to the town.

The Board voted to adjourn at 7:31 pm.

By Anne O’Brien-Kakley

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11:44:24 pm Rochester Race Raises Money, Fun

Categories: Rochester

Runners and spectators alike enjoyed flawless weather Saturday morning during the Fifth Annual Rochester Road Race. Approximately 425 runners young and old participated in the community event, which raises about $4,000 each year for Wareham-based Damien’s Place Food Pantry. The funds and the donations of canned food and other nonperishable items collected at the race have yielded approximately 12,015 pounds of food for the nonprofit.

“It is a sweet, sweet, sweet day,” remarked Race Director Scott Muller as enthused runners flew through the finish line. Mr. Muller and approximately 15 volunteers coordinated the race, which includes a flat and shady 5k course that loops through the town’s historic center. “We all get along really well, as friends, and it gives us a chance to do something fun that helps other people,” he said.

Early in the pack, finishing the race at approximately 22:11, Brian Lamoureaux of Plymouth dashed through the finish line with a winning smile. His time would be impressive for anyone, but Mr. Lamoureaux’s accomplishment was particularly special because he ran the race while pushing his two-year old, Grace, in a jogging stroller. “It’s a great, flat race and the roads are freshly paved,” he said. “I enjoyed it. It was a lot of fun.”

Ashlee Santos finished the race greeted by her husband, Matt, who offered her a bouquet of flowers as their 18-month-old, Emelia, looked on. As a first time participant, Ms. Santos expressed satisfaction with the race, which she completed with her mom. “It was a very nice race, a really good course,” she said.

71-year-old Kevin O’Farrell of Plymouth also was all smiles as he cruised through the finish line at 32:33. “I’ve got my health, thank God, and I’d like to give back to the less fortunate. That’s why I’m here,” Mr. O’Farrell said. “The race is run by very nice people. It is a well-organized and scenic race. God-willing, I’ll be here next year.”

In the final results, Julien Di Maria of Lexington led the pack with a time of 15:34. Dartmouth resident JoAnn Mathews, the fastest woman, breezed through the finish line at 18:28.

Remarking on the race’s origins, Mr. Muller said the organizers at first wanted a community race for Rochester but then decided to take it a step further. “We asked ourselves, ‘What’s the point of doing it?’ It’s a lot of work. We then were determined to give to a good cause,” he said. Mr. Muller described Damien’s Pantry as a worthy recipient due to its low overhead and the critical assistance it provides to needy families. “The purpose is really to raise money for them,” he said.

By Laura Pedulli

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11:44:16 pm Rochester Forms Open Space Committee

Categories: Rochester

In an effort to increase Rochester’s stock of open space, encourage small-scale farms, protect water quality, improve recreational opportunities, and promote low-impact development, a group of local residents recently formed an Open Space Action Committee.

Every ten years, the town’s Open Space Committee submits a mandatory report to the state detailing its open space, cultural and natural resources. Recently nine Rochester locals – Laurene Gerrior, John Teal, Halima Tiffany, Ben Gilmore, Ginette Castro, Michael Oleksak, Susan Peterson, Rosemary Smith and Laurell Farinon – decided to take it a step further and formed an action committee to enhance these resources in a tangible manner. This committee is under the purview of the Conservation Commission.

Three years ago, a survey administered to town residents overwhelmingly favored preserving Rochester as it is for future generations, according to Ms. Gerrior. “The bottom line [from the survey], is keep Rochester like it is,” she said, quoting one comment from the survey, “It isn’t broken, so don’t fix it.” Ms. Gerrior said this particular survey attracted an eight percent return, or 136 responses. She said 95 percent supported more open space and better water quality and conservation; 83 percent consider farms important; and 63 percent support more open space recreation.

In addition, Ms. Gerrior said the survey revealed a “striking increase” in concern about groundwater quality and loss of the rural environment. The majority of residents in Rochester – except for about 60 households that receive their water from a line that runs to Marion – rely on wells.

To address these concerns and improve the open space and natural resources of Rochester, the open space action committee identified goals on a seven-year timeframe. The group created a detailed spreadsheet with goals and objectives and assigned members to fulfill them.

The action committee’s first goal is to protect surface and ground water. Rochester encompasses three large glacial aquifers that provide water to several neighboring towns. “Every committee is driven by water, we are a big aquifer,” remarked Ms. Peterson. In addition to general objectives to acquire land along the Mattapoisett River and other water areas, the committee is working on a campaign to encourage a reduction in water use. The committee thus plans to disseminate press releases, handouts and brochures with water reduction tips. Ms. Peterson noted that integrating these ideas into school curricula is critical to ensuring their effectiveness.

The committee also is compiling water quality data from various sources, including the U.S. Geological Survey, the Coalition of Buzzards Bay, and Mattapoisett River Valley Authority. Local students may be used to conduct water quality testing to fill any gaps, Ms. Peterson said.

Another committee goal is preserving farm and forestland. “It’s not that we want to reduce the people in town – it is we want to offset the number of people with protected open space and working landscapes,” explained Ms. Peterson. Measures to achieve this include the adoption of a right-to-farm bylaw, the creation of an Agricultural Commission, and a “Buy Local” campaign.

One hope is that residents will farm on their property, which more sustainably supports the town’s tax base than selling a parcel, Ms. Peterson said. “You can make a reasonable income off an acre of good farmland. We’ve got good soils. You won’t make $100,000 per year, but you could make $15,000 to $25,000 if you managed it well, are good at marketing, and you had good luck,” she said, noting that several local programs exist to assist with local farming endeavors.

Ms. Peterson stressed that a less residential town, with more forestry and farms, would lessen the strain on the town’s coffers. “Those lotuses don’t need a school, do they?” commented Ms. Gerrior.

Another committee goal is to give Rochester residents recreational opportunities in facilities and natural areas. The committee currently is working on a brochure listing accessible land for activities such as hiking, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking. Another long-term project is re-opening Mary’s Pond beach for recreational use.

Lastly, the committee hopes to encourage growth in areas with the least environmental impact. Part of that effort entails distributing the Open Space Plan, which the state approved but has yet to return to the town. Also, the committee is seeking to encourage the Planning Board to adopt bylaws that preserve open space greenbelts.

Ms. Peterson stressed that the Open Space Action Committee is not working in a vacuum, but with other local environmental nonprofits to achieve the same end: environmental protection and sustainability. She said all of the efforts are essential to maintaining a circle of life.

“People just don’t realize how it all hooks together, so it’s an unending process of explaining those connections. For example, the turtles rely on [good] water quality. If the water quality is really poor, the turtles and frogs die and our insect control becomes more difficult. Also, we have natural predators to eat insects that are harmful for our agricultural plants and may be even harmful to us,” she explained.

The committee also hopes to preserve Rochester as an idyllic place to live.

“I think anybody that’s lived in Rochester truly loves the town and is happy to be here… It’s a wonderful place to raise children. I’m glad for new families in town. They have a wonderful town to raise children and we want to keep it that way,” said Ms. Gerrior.

By Laura Pedulli

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11:04:03 am Rochester Resident Arrested for Alleged Heroin Possession

Categories: News, Rochester

A routine traffic stop for an equipment violation led to the arrest of a Rochester man for heroin and marijuana possession early in the morning of August 14.

At 2:35 am, Rochester police officer Robert Nordahl stopped a vehicle on Hartley Road for a defective headlight. When Officer Nordahl approached the vehicle, he detected a strong odor of freshly burnt marijuana coming from the car. The occupants of the vehicle admitted to smoking marijuana. With assistance from Officer Shaun Peterson, the vehicle and occupants were searched. During the search of the vehicle, police found loose marijuana scattered around inside the passenger compartment, a bag of marijuana in the ash tray, a partially smoked marijuana cigarette, two pipes used for smoking marijuana, a cut off straw, a razor blade, and a scale.

A cigarette pack containing heroin was also located in the vehicle. When asked who it belonged to, David J. Norman III, 18, of Paulines Way in Rochester admitted that the pack was his. Mr. Norman was arrested and has been charged with possession of a class A substance and was issued a civil violation for marijuana possession. Norman was released on bail and is scheduled to appear in Wareham District court on Monday.

From a Rochester Police Press Release

 

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11:46:28 pm Board Endorses New Member

Categories: Rochester

A meeting of the Rochester Planning Board was called to order by Arnold Johnson on August 10, 2010 at 7:00 pm at the Rochester Town Hall. Also present were committee members Gary Florindo, Robert Cummings, Dan McGaffey, Bendrix Bailey, John DeMaggio, Planning Board Secretary Shirley Darcy and new Town Planner John Charbonneau. Susan Peterson of the Open Space Action Committee and Town Counsel Blair Bailey also were present.

At the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Johnson and the board continued a discussion with Phil Herr, a planning consultant, on advancing the village overlay district, exploring economic activity and development, and framing a process for adoption of a proposed land use map. Mr. Herr provided the board with a draft document on these topics as a starting point to the Planning Board’s efforts to establish a revised town-wide land use map for vote at the next town meeting.

As the meeting began, the board discussed the impediments that may exist in the existing provisions for economic activity in the agricultural and residential district and how best to address them. Currently, Rochester has an occupation list that exempts certain home businesses from receiving town approval to operate.

“The best thing to do is not make a list,” Mr. Herr said, contending that the board should examine how a business affects neighbors in terms of noise disruption and flow of employees, for example. “We should use function of business performance instead of a list,” he clarified. Mr. Johnson agreed that bylaws could help protect abutters from noise – especially from early morning truck activity –and safety hazards

“This is Rochester. Rightly or wrongly, there is an attitude of leaving people alone. No one has tested that list. I’m all for not having a list – but if not a list, then what?” responded Attorney Bailey, Town Counsel. Atty. Bailey also noted that it would be “a bear to enforce [new bylaws].” After some discussion, though, Atty. Bailey recommended establishing a Special Permit process for individuals wishing to work from home. “I think a Special Permit is the way it should go,” he said, adding that such a special permit should delineate setbacks, screening and hours of operation.

Mr. Charbonneau also weighed in, saying that creating a list can inadvertently create problems. “When you don’t leave room for interpretation, it creates fewer problems,” he said.

On an additional topic, Mr. Herr discussed framing the Planning Board’s efforts to rezone the district by working on a map to add to the Master Plan. He noted that the current Master Plan does not include a map. “One thing we could do is refine the map, vote on it as part of the Master Plan. With public hearings, that would carry some weight,” Mr. Herr said.

“I think a new map should be linked to the Master Plan,” Mr. Charbonneau agreed, suggesting that public hearings should be informal and offer examples from other towns ideas the board wants to incorporate in Rochester.

The discussion then ended with Mr. Herr scheduled to meet with the Planning Board again on September 28.

Mr. Johnson then asked Atty. Bailey his opinion on whether the board could allow an extension for a Back Lot Special Permit that recently expired. Mr. Bailey first responded that the bylaws need changing specifying deadlines for permits, as they are not addressed currently in the town bylaws. Part of the Special Permit allowed for a lot to be buildable, which Mr. Bailey said stands despite the deadline because it is recorded in the Registry of Deeds.

Overall, Mr. Bailey said: “You can allow an extension despite the passing deadline. The extension is needed so the common driveway is taken care of.” Thus, the board unanimously voted to extend the deadline by 10 years.

The board then approved minutes for July 17. At this point, Alan Ewing of Alan Ewing Engineering presented an Approval Not Required application to allow the division of a 62 acre parcel into two 31 acre pieces. The application was on behalf of George Church of 139 Mattapoisett Road.

In honor of the late Judge Chris Byron, Mr. Cummings made his final motion as a board member to endorse the ANR.

Mr. Johnson then reported that Ms. Peterson, present at the meeting, applied to fill the empty slot on the Planning Board. The board unanimously invited her to join the board. A joint meeting between the Selectmen and Planning Board will occur to further vet their new recommended candidate.

Mr. Charbonneau then briefly mentioned his efforts to update the town web site with local links and project links. He also said he is pursuing several grant opportunities for the board.

With nothing left on the agenda, the board adjourned at 8:25 pm.

By Laura Pedulli

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11:45:47 pm Rochester Town Planner Contract Signed

Categories: Rochester

A regular meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectmen was called to order by Chairman Naida Parker on August 9, 2010 at 6:55 pm in the Rochester Town Hall conference room. Also in attendance were Selectmen Richard Nunes and Bradford Morse, Town Administrator Richard LaCamera and Assistant to the Selectmen Veronica Lafreniere.

Under Selectmen’s Signature items, Mr. LaCamera informed the Board that a committee of Rochester and Wareham interested parties, including the Wareham Town Administrator and Mr. LaCamera himself, had selected a candidate for the combined Rochester/Wareham Town Planner position. The selected candidate is John Charbonneau, and the position will be split up, Tuesday and Thursday in Rochester, Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Wareham. His salary will be 40 percent covered by Rochester, which totals $24,000 annually. The Board voted to sign the job offer to Mr. Charbonneau.

Under his Town Administrator’s report, Mr. LaCamera said that the “school project is going very well,” and is still on schedule for December 2010 completion. The precast construction for the 14-room addition began on July 7 and concluded last week. Once the addition is complete in December, one-third of the older section of school will be moved into the new section to facilitate a renovation of the old wing. Construction workers will then use April and summer vacation of 2011 to complete the entire renovation portion of the project.

When the project is complete, the new Rochester Memorial School will have a 70,000 square-foot renovation and a 34,385 square-foot two-story addition. According to the RMS fact sheet, the entire project will cost $20,564,000.

The Board received a significant amount of Correspondence since their last meeting. Included in their correspondence was the following:

• Rochester resident Susan Peterson sent a letter to the Board expressing interest in a projected opening on the town’s planning board. Since one planning board member will be moving from town, she submitted her resume to the Board for consideration in the vacancy. Chairman Parker described her experience as “lengthy and impressive,” but the Board did not act on the submission yet, since the planning board member had not yet officially announced his resignation.

• Chief Dispatcher Tracy Eldridge submitted a request to the Board for permission to destroy previous 911 detail records, dating from January 1, 2003 to July 31, 2006. The Board voted to authorize this request.

• The Board heard correspondence from Daryl Manchester, Clerk Magistrate, concerning a public hearing on the Wareham Trial Court’s possible relocation. The public hearing will occur on Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 5:00 pm in the Brockton District Court. Both Rochester Police Chief Paul Magee and Mr. LaCamera plan to attend the hearing.

Chief Magee has made it clear, in previous correspondence to the Board, that the closing of the Wareham District Court will negatively impact his department.

Included in the correspondence regarding the relocation of Wareham District Court was a letter to Chief Magee from District Attorney Timothy Cruz. Atty Cruz, along with Representative Susan Williams Gifford and Representative William Straus, have expressed opposition to the court’s closure, citing a strain on area law-enforcement and a strain on local businesses who rely on customers from the court. Atty Cruz said that he would be in attendance at the public hearing, and in the meantime, requested detailed information from Chief Magee on how the court’s closure would negatively impact the Rochester Police Department.

• In an updated letter from the state, the Board learned that the owner of the Hathaway Pond Dam in Rochester must complete a “hazard reclassification request” by September 30, 2010. The pond dam is currently classified as “unsafe”. The letter from the Commonwealth also stated that the dam would have to be in complete compliance and repair by November 30, 2011.

• The Board received more correspondence from the Board of Health (BOH) and the Massachusetts Department of Health (MDPH) regarding the ongoing Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) threat to the southeastern portion of Massachusetts. The BOH said that the 6:00 pm curfew for all public beaches, parks and ball fields in Rochester and Marion would still stand, despite the regional aerial spray of a mosquito pesticide called Anvil. The letter from the BOH said that this effort to keep the public safe from mosquitoes is the result of “levels of EEE virus in mosquitoes [that] are the highest they have seen in decades”. The BOH still urges the public to “apply insect repellent when outdoors and wear pants, long sleeves, and socks to prevent mosquitoes from biting” until the first frost.

The Board noted that several Rochester Country Fair events, including the ball game on Friday night, the bonfire and the Woodsman Competition were canceled due to the EEE threat. For more information on EEE, the public is invited to call the BOH at 508-763-5421, ext 1. Mr. LaCamera also said that more information on EEE could be found on the town website: www.TownofRochesterMass.com.

• NSTAR also informed the board that there would be “a new pilot grant program to help towns within NSTAR Electric service territory promote residential energy efficiency.” NSTAR plans to provide funding for up to five pilot communities this fall, for the sake of educating the pubic and encouraging residents to be energy efficient. “Town-appointed energy committees, energy offices, conservation commissions and local non-profit community organizations partnering with town offices are invited to apply,” said Jan Gudell, NSTAR program manager.

The Board then voted to renew their three-year lease with the Rochester Women’s Club for the clubhouse that the town hall uses as an annex on Route 105.

Town Counsel Blair Bailey informed the Board that there would be a training session on the updated list of Open Meeting Laws at the next department head meeting. There will also be a night meeting on this topic for the members of all boards, committees, commissions, sub-committees, and ad-hoc committees, since the laws apply to all these groups.

Mr. LaCamera told the Board to start considering whether or not there will be a need for a fall Special Town Meeting. Right now, there is only one article for a Special Town Meeting. The article, which concerns the abolishment of the Historical District Commission (HDC), was tabled at the Annual Town Meeting. The article cannot proceed, however, without a report from the HDC, which needs to be submitted to the state. In turn, the state has a 60-day comment period as part of the review process before the article can go to town meeting.

The HDC has not had a meeting to complete this necessary paperwork, however. “What do we do if they don’t have that meeting?” Selectman Morse asked the Board. The Board said that they would monitor to see when the next HDC meeting was posted, but the article will likely not be ready in time for a fall Special Town Meeting.

The next Rochester Board of Selectmen meetings will take place on August 23, September 13, September 27, October 4, October 18, November 1, November 15 and November 29.

The Board voted to adjourn at 7:30 pm.

By Anne O’Brien-Kakley

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01:29:13 pm Mosquito Spray Tonight for Rochester, Mainland Mattapoisett and Marion

Categories: News, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester

Governor Deval Patrick announced this week that the state would be conducting an insecticide spray over the southeastern portion of the state, in response to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's reports of high levels of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in tested Bristol and Plymouth county pools.

So far, a young Middleborough horse has been euthanized due to EEE, and more recently, a Worcester horse was diagnosed with EEE as well. MDPH is hoping, with an aerial spray and a widespread educational campaign, that they may be able to minimize or avoid a human case despite the unusually high level of EEE-positive mammal-biting mosquitoes found.

The aerial spraying will use an insecticide called Anvil to kill the mosquito adults. The following towns will be sprayed: Easton, Norton, West Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, Hanson, Pembroke, Taunton, Raynham, Bridgewater, Halifax, Duxbury, Berkley, Middleborough, Plympton, Kingston, Lakeville, Carver, Plymouth, Freetown, New Bedford, Acushnet, Rochester, Fairhaven, Mattapoisett, Marion and Wareham.

Areas directly along the coast will be excluded from the spray, including coastal areas of Mattapoisett and Marion. A PDF version of the map can be viewed here: http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dph/cdc/arbovirus/aerial_spray_map.pdf

Also excluded from the spraying will be organic farms, public water supply areas and Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) areas.

According to representatives from the MDPH, residents within the spray zone, and even coastal residents near the spray zone, should use some precautions on the evening of the spray. Precautions include closing windows, shutting off window fans and air conditioners, washing garden fruits and vegetables before consumption and bringing in pets for the night.

The aerial spray was originally slated for the evening of August 4, but was postponed due to high winds. As of 7:30 pm, the state was still planning to spray certain municipalities within the spray zone, including all of Rochester, and northern "mainland" sections of Mattapoisett and Marion.

By Anne O'Brien-Kakley

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07:48:47 am EEE Buzzkill for Tri-Town Activities

Categories: News, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester

It’s on the tip of everyone’s tongues, this EEE business.

The increased Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) threat has curtailed all evening outdoor activities in the Tri-Town over the past week, per orders from the Board of Health (BOH). The Rochester Block Dance, originally scheduled for Saturday, July 31, will have to be rescheduled for autumn. A New Bedford Sea Chantey chorus event, organized by the Friends of Plumb Library, was moved indoors on July 28. The Old Rochester Farmers’ Market will be wrapping up business an hour early, at 6:00 pm, until the BOH lifts the evening curfew. Most recently, the Mattapoisett Heritage Days were rescheduled to the weekend of September 17, and several Rochester Country Fair events, including the Woodsman Show and bonfire, have been canceled.

Beaches, playgrounds, and other public facilities are closing each day at 6:00 pm, due to the levels of EEE found in Bristol/Plymouth county mosquitoes. The Tri-Town Boards of Health are cutting to the chase and saying: no evening activities altogether. If residents absolutely must go outdoors, they should wear clothing that covers – long sleeves and pants – and they need to cover themselves in DEET-based bug repellant.

The threat is coming as a result of mammal-biting mosquitoes that were found in both Plymouth and Bristol counties – more specifically, in Mattapoisett and Rochester. There hasn’t been a human death from EEE since 2006, which was a particularly bad year for EEE. From 2004 to 2006, there were 13 human cases and six deaths from EEE.

Every year we hear about EEE – so why the extra precautions this year?

“All the scenarios [this year] are the same as 2006, just a little earlier,” said Mattapoisett Public Health Agent Dale Barrows. Compounding this fear is the young horse in Middleboro that recently had to be euthanized due to EEE sickness. The Boards of Health are hoping that, with extreme measures, they may be able to avoid a human case of EEE.

In regards to a human case, Mr. Barrows said, “It is just a matter of time – that’s what [the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is] anticipating.” That means, until the region undergoes a hard frost, there could be a lot of evening event cancelations.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) reported on Tuesday that samples from 30 pools all tested positive for EEE, which is triple the level typically found at this time of year. MDPH officials describe these mosquitoes as being “hot”, meaning they contain concentrated levels of the virus.

Both Mattapoisett and Rochester have both sprayed their entire towns with trucks, but an aerial spraying requires a “public health emergency”. Mr. Barrows describes aerial spraying as “a very expensive undertaking”. Local Boards of Health do not have jurisdiction over aerial spraying. Such a decision would be left at the state level. State Epidemiologist, Dr. Alfred DeMaria M.D. said, “Aerial spraying will be done if the virus keeps intensifying as measured by infected mosquitoes, especially mammal biters… and it can be done to get the effect on flying adult mosquitoes that will reduce risk.”

Over the past weekend, Governor Deval Patrick said that public risk was great enough to justify aerial spraying, which was slated to begin as early as August 4, depending on the weather.

"This has been an unusual year in terms of persistent hot weather and rainfall conditions," said DPH Commissioner John Auerbach. "We believe there is a significantly higher risk of EEE this year than in years past, but we're hopeful that the prudent use of aerial spraying will decrease that risk, along with people taking care to keep from getting bit by mosquitoes."

According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), only 100 cases of EEE have occurred in Massachusetts since the virus was first identified in 1938. However, with 60 percent of these cases falling squarely on Bristol and Plymouth counties, the Boards of Health still consider this rare disease a regional threat.

Despite the rarity of the disease, the public fear arises from the inability to treat the virus. It starts as a stiff neck with fever and lethargy. The symptoms progress rapidly, with seizures and most of the time, coma and death as the brain swells. Of those who do contract the disease, only about 10 percent completely recover – the rest die or are permanently disabled. EEE is a particular concern to children younger than 15, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

At a recent Rochester Board of Selectmen meeting, the Board urged the public to take the threat seriously, citing the 2006 case of Derek Ashworth, a Rochester resident. Mr. Ashworth was one of the rare 10 percent who survived the disease without permanent disability, but still suffered from a coma and had to fight to live.

Some residents think that they should report dead birds to the state. One thing to note is that the state is not testing dead birds to gauge the EEE threat, so it is unnecessary to alert the MDPH to dead birds. According to Dr. DeMaria, “EEE does not make birds sick or kill them.” A public health fact sheet from the MDPH says the EEE virus infects the bird, but there still is no evidence of sickness in the bird. The problem arises when the mosquito bites the infected bird and then bites a human. Likewise, Dr. DeMaria said that testing dead birds for West Nile Virus (WNV) is also useless, since, “Even when we tested dead birds, most didn’t have WNV… because North American birds are no longer susceptible [to WNV].” So far, Mr. Barrows said that West Nile is not shaping up to be a problem this year, and has not been detected in tested mosquitoes.

In the meantime, the BOH is hoping that the public will follow their recommendations: to stay indoors during peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk), wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, and wear mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin, premethrin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, though these repellants should not be used on infants. For help selecting the right repellant, the public is invited to call the National Pesticide Information Center at 1-800-858-7378.

The public is also urged to get rid of standing water in the yard, since mosquito larvae can thrive in as little as a thimble-full of water. Clogged gutters and birdbaths can also be a source of mosquito colonies. Every year from May to the first hard frost, MDPH collects mosquitoes from various state locations and tests for EEE and WNV. Visit www.mass.gov/dph/cdc/wnv/wnv1.htm throughout the season to see where positive samples have been found.

On Tuesday, the state advised the public to stay informed on the scheduled aerial spray, which contains a pesticide called Anvil. Anvil is a man-made chemical that is molecularly similar to the chrysanthemum flower. Its pesticide properties are enhanced with the addition of piperonyl butoxide. Some areas containing drinking water and organic farms will be bypassed in the spraying. Although the low concentrations of Anvil are not considered a health threat to the public, MDPH is advising the public to bring in pets, and turn off air conditioners and fans when the spray is conducted, likely in the late evening/early morning hours.

For information on a local level, visit the town websites, www.Mattapoisett.net and www.MarionMA.gov, for updated information from the Board of Health throughout the week. Rochester residents can receive more information by calling their Board of Health at 508-763-5421, ext. 1.

By Anne O'Brien-Kakley

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11:49:36 pm Rochester Motocross Star Represents USA

Categories: Rochester

At 12 years old, Rochester’s Jake Pinhancos is a star in the making. An accomplished sportsman of motocross – off-terrain motorcycle racing on enclosed off-road circuits – Mr. Pinhancos will represent the United States in the Junior Motocross World Championship slated for August 22 to 24 in Dardon Gueugnon, France. The event will take place at the Circuit de Gueugnon.

“I’m beyond excited. It is a once in a lifetime experience. I’m so happy,” said Mr. Pinhancos, who is one of eight riders chosen to participate in the “motocross Olympics.” This is the first year the United States has sent a team abroad to participate in the event, although individual riders have fared well in past competitions.

Brian Noah, the U.S. team manager, expressed excitement about the young team’s foray into the world championships. “I know all the kids selected to represent Team USA are among some of the best riders in the United States, and I am confident they will perform well at the Junior World Championship," he said "Managing this effort will definitely be a highlight of my career."

Mr. Pinhancos took to riding at a young age when his parents gave him a motorcycle for his fourth birthday. “My heart went pitter-patter when I saw my son take [the motorcycle] out of the garage for Jake,” recalled his grandmother, Dot Orlowski.

Her son, Leo Pinhancos, thus passed on his love for motorcycle riding, although he enjoyed woods riding more than the closed course variety, at which his son now excels. Junior Pinhancos spent many days practicing riding through the trails in his backyard, but eventually honed his passion at the Capeway Rovers Motocross Crow Hill Motor Sports Park in Middleborough, MA.

Currently, the talented motocross rider is traveling the country with his family participating in various competitions. He recently finished in the finals at a Motocross Regional Championship and participated in the exclusive Loretta Lynn Ranch tournament in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. Mr. Pinhancos is homeschooled in order to participate in events like these and his ultimate aspiration is to go professional. “I want to keep riding as I get older,” he said.

At a young age, Mr. Pinhancos already has accomplished amazing feats. His longest jump is about 120 to 130 feet in the air, the equivalent of a five-story building. Moreover, he can go hand-free after the jumps propel his motorcycle into the air, and the young rider has mastered other various moves while in flight called footer and no handler. The courses themselves range from two to two and a half miles in distance.

Mr. Pinhancos expressed appreciation for the opportunity to live his dream. “My mom, dad and sister have supported me,” he said. In the meantime, Mr. Pinhancos is narrowing his focus on the world championships. “I will do my best to bring home the Gold!” he said.

By Laura Pedulli

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04:02:13 pm Rochester Police Respond to Assault, Accident

Categories: Rochester

• Rochester Man Charged with Domestic Assault – Rochester Police responded to a reported assault on Wordell Street at around noon on July 29, 2010.

According to Police Chief Paul Magee, Michael Eldridge, 26, of 34 Wordell Street in Rochester, allegedly assaulted his pregnant girlfriend, vandalized her car by smashing the windshield and breaking its lights, and then fled into the woods right before the Rochester police responded to the scene.

Acushnet police, Freetown police and a Plymouth County K-9 unit also responded to assist in finding the suspect. EMS responded to the scene to treat the victim. All responding emergency workers were warned that the suspect was allegedly armed with a knife.

The suspect was taken into custody after a brief search in the woods. He was found on Dr. Braley Road in Freetown, and taken by police to the Rochester Police Station.

Mr. Eldridge was charged with Assault and Battery, Assault and Malicious Destruction of Property over $250. He was held overnight and then arraigned the next day at Wareham District Court.

• Rochester Responds to Single Car Accident – While they transported an assault suspect on July 29, 2010, Rochester police and other emergency workers responded to a single car accident at 1:30 pm in the area of Alley Road and Haskell Ridge Road.

In the single-car accident, the operator, Augie Bloomstein of 137 Haskell Ridge Road in Rochester, veered into a telephone pole, then landed in the woods off the street, hitting another tree. The force of the impact “severed the [utility] pole at the base”, said Police Chief Paul Magee. The pole, along with its live wires, landed across Alley Road. Once Verizon and NStar removed power, emergency crews extricated the operator from the vehicle and transported him to Tobey Hospital.

Mr. Bloomstein was charged with Operating Under the Influence of Drugs and Failure to Stay in Marked Lane.

By Anne O’Brien-Kakley

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01:12:30 pm Rochester EEE Risk Moves Library Concert Indoors

Categories: News, Rochester

A Friends of Plumb Library summer concert, scheduled for the Rochester town gazebo for tonight, July 29, has been moved indoors due to a curtailing of all evening activities from the Rochester Board of Health.

The New Bedford Harbor Sea Chantey Chorus will perform inside the library at 6:30 pm. Since the event will take place indoors, space is limited, so library director Gail Roberts is urging early arrivals for placement.

As of this moment, all outdoor evening activities in Rochester are being curtailed due to an increased EEE (Eastern Equine Encephalitis) risk to the SouthCoast community. For more information, please call the Rochester Board of Health, 508-763-5421 ext. 1.

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12:02:11 am Board Discusses Open Space Plan

Categories: Rochester

A meeting of the Rochester Planning Board was called to order by Arnold Johnson on July 27, 2010 at 7:10 pm at the Rochester Town Hall. Also present were committee members Gary Florindo, Robert Cummings, Dan McGaffey, Bendrix Bailey, John DeMaggio and Planning Board Secretary Shirley Darcy. Susan Peterson of the Open Space Action Committee also was present.

As the first order of business, the board approved the June 22 minutes. Soon thereafter, the board approved various vouchers for field engineering work and supplies.

In another action item, the board voted to officially lower a $1 million bond by $187,438 for Connet Woods developer Tim Higgins.

The board then discussed a request for a two-year extension for a Back Lot Special Permit granted on June 24, 2008 for a property off Vaughan Hill Road. After noting that the deadline already transpired to obtain an extension, Mr. Johnson suggested receiving legal input from Town Counsel Blair Bailey in writing on how to proceed.

Mr. Cummings also suggested that the two-year deadline be reconsidered. “Expirations create more problems than they solve because if they transfer ownership, now there is a parcel of land that does not have the possibility to be built on,” commented Mr. Cummings. Further, the applicant would have to re-apply for a Special Permit or go to Zoning Board of Appeals for a variance, he said.

The board ultimately voted to continue this discussion – in addition to two other Special Permit Extensions – on August 10 after conferring with Mr. Bailey on the matter and getting his feedback in writing.

Mr. Johnson also announced that the SRPEDD grant assistance application was submitted by the July 16 deadline. “We tried to hit on the points they wanted, but left a lot of room for interpretation,” he said. The grant would provide assistance for developing mixed-use bylaws.

The next item involved a vote on modifying the latest draft of the Affordable Housing Plan. Mr. Johnson suggested that the board examine in further detail the Board of Health’s new flexible bylaws. However, Mr. Cummings responded that, “I don’t think we need do to anything. It is between the Board of Health and the developer.” He noted that all plans are submitted to each board for review and at that time the BOH can bring up conflicts to their bylaws in a proposed plan.

“I don’t want to create conflict,” Mr. Johnson answered, but Mr. Cummings stressed again, “This is the Planning Board, not the Board of Health.” The board dropped the issue and voted against the latest revision of the Affordable Housing Plan with Mr. DeMaggio in opposition, Mr. Cummings and Mr. Bailey abstaining, and Mr. Johnson, Mr. Florindo and Mr. McGaffey in favor of the revised copy.

A lengthy discussion ensued about the best way to open up Rochester to “houses of all economic backgrounds,” as Mr. Cummings described it. Mr. Bailey said that he is open to relaxing zoning requirements so individuals can buy cheaper and smaller lots, but took issue with mandates, such as 40B which penalizes towns that have less than 10 percent affordable housing. Mr. McGaffey said the fact that under 40B, only subsidized developments are considered affordable is an inherently flawed approach because it fails to consider smaller cottages.

Following the vote, Mr. Johnson noted that the Select Board is submitting the affordable housing document – regardless of the Planning Board’s vote – to the state government. “If you don’t have it on file, it affects grants and leaves the town wide open for 40B developers,” he said, describing it as a “game plan.” Mr. Cummings added that it is an admission that Rochester does not have affordable housing, “but we need some and there are ways to do it.” Mr. Johnson said that the planning board did not write the document, and that all questions regarding it should be directed to Town Administrator Richard LaCamera.

The topic then arose of when to meet with consultant Phil Herr, who is working on a new zoning overlay district for the town center. The board agreed that it could meet at 6:00 pm – an hour before its regularly scheduled meeting – on August 10 to chart out the plans to modify the zoning bylaws.

Mr. Johnson then reported that Wareham and Rochester selected an individual to serve as the new part-time town planner from three potential candidates. It was unclear if the individual has accepted the offer; however, if all moves accordingly, he will begin working sometime in mid-to-late August. He would be committed to working two days per week in Rochester and be required to attend all meetings.

“He is enthusiastic and willing to think outside the box… He seemed willing to get his hands dirty,” Mr. Johnson said, adding that he believes he will fit in nicely with the board.

Then Ms. Peterson of the Open Space Action Committee distributed its Rochester Open Space and Recreation Plan that she said the committee “hopes to implement as opposed to having it on a shelf.” Ms. Peterson in particular is concerned with goals for the year 2010 and noted that of the seven actions for 2010, almost all of them require action by the Planning Board. After a preliminary reaction to the plan, Ms. Peterson agreed to continue the discussion once the new planner is on board to avoid any redundancy.

At this point, Mr. Cummings formally announced that he would step down from the Planning Board on August 10. “The caravan leaves for California,” he said.

The board then had a brief discussion on a former applicant who failed to follow the conditions of a Special Permit for a common driveway. The applicants did not obtain proper permits for its project and has encountered finance issues, Mr. Johnson said. The board agreed to open a new hearing to consider an amendment to the Special Permit so the applicant can continue with the project.

With nothing left on the agenda, the board adjourned at 8:50 pm.

By Laura Pedulli

 

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12:01:42 am Rochester Enjoys Old-Time Supper and Song

Categories: Rochester

“Pennies From Heaven” became the theme song for a fabulous thunderstorm followed by an equally fabulous chicken dinner with all the fixin’s at the First Congregational Church in Rochester on Saturday, July 24. The storm started as over 100 members and friends of the Rochester Historical Society gathered together for a fundraiser to share friendship, food and nostalgic songs of the 1920’s and 30’s.

Historical Society President, Fran Florindo, welcomed the wet friends who rushed into the hall with umbrellas and rain jackets. Moist chicken, potato salad, copper penny salad and green beans were attractively laid out on the tables, with a group of efficient volunteers doling out the goods. The old-fashioned Copper Penny salad consisted of carrots, tomato soup, green peppers and onion. “This recipe was in the original church cookbook, over fifty years ago,” explained Jean Szyndler, an RHS member. “The blending of the flavors is out of this world. The carrots have to be cooked just right, only a few minutes,” she said.

Supper was followed by a dessert table with a ‘blueberry’ theme. Blueberry buckle, blueberry pie, blueberry ‘dump’ cake and blueberry pound cake were served along with watermelon and a “Hartley Salad.”

While dessert was being served, musician John Root began his presentation of a program entitled, “The Golden Years” which featured songs written after 1920 but before 1939. Mr. Root provided insight into some of the songs and noted that “It Had To Be You”, was featured in over 40 motion pictures and sung by just as many artists.

Mr. Root likes to parody and re-arrange words occasionally and did a humorous take on “Honey,” by substituting Winnie the Pooh as the subject. When Mr. Root broke out into “Good Night Sweetheart,” one woman said, “I remember that from the dances, they always played that at the end of the night.” Other familiar songs included: “Pennies From Heaven,” “Without A Song.” “Sunny Side of the Street,” “My Blue Heaven” and “Singing in the Rain.”

In his banter about the various songs, Mr. Root said that a recent survey ranked “Over the Rainbow” as the best song of the 20th century. This prompted some discussion at the tables over whether people agreed.

In the song “Try a Little Tenderness,” the man is encouraged to have empathy toward his “weary woman” who wears a shabby dress. Mr. Root noted that when Otis Redding heard the old song, he was so moved by it he recorded it in 1966, and it became a hit, thirty-four years after it was written.

Mr. Root noted that, “Sunny Side of the Street” was written in 1930, just after the Depression plunged the majority of people in the United States into poverty and the song pokes fun at rich “Mr. Rockefeller” and the lack of “gold dust at my feet.” “It was a way of thumbing a nose at the rich,” he explained.

“The songs of the 20‘s and 30‘s are uplifting, heartfelt and have a positive message,” said Mr. Root. “The purpose of the songs was to lift morale and help people get through their day. I have a 21-year-old son, and he feels that today’s songs are heavy and often dwell too much on sorrow or lost love. I agree with him,” he said.

The fundraiser will enable the society to continue with needed repairs to their beautiful location in the East Rochester Church, which is located at 355 County Road, off Route 105, in East Rochester, near the Wareham border. The building is open on Sundays during the summer from 1:00 to 3:00 pm and welcomes visitors and new members.

By Joan Hartnett-Barry

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12:01:18 am Hathaway Dam is “Structurally Unsafe”

Categories: Rochester

A regular meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectmen was called to order by Chairman Naida Parker on July 26, 2010 at 7:00 pm. Also in attendance were Selectmen Richard Nunes and Bradford Morse, and Assistant to the Selectmen Veronica Lafreniere.

The minutes of the July 12 meeting were approved.

Under Action items, the Board voted to approve an employment agreement for the Council on Aging director, Sharon Lally. The agreement detailed the parameters of Ms. Lally’s position as director and listed her annual compensation as $72,670.

In Correspondence, the Board heard from the Plumb Corner business tenants, who wished to inform the public that there would be a July 31 block dance at Plumb Corner from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. The event is free and open to the whole community. According to the Plumb Corner Business Association president, Beverly Pierce, a police officer was hired for detail.

The Board received notification of a town payment from SEMASS in the amount of $302,718 for the month of June, 2010.

The Board also received a letter from Richard Sullivan, commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), informing the Board that the Hathaway Pond Dam’s status was downgraded from “poor” to “unsafe”. A March 16, 2010 inspection determined that there was a “sizable sinkhole” near the dam spillway, and the report described the dam as “structurally unsafe”.

An unusually high amount of rainfall on March 29 and 30 tested the dam’s capacity. The dam failed the test, requiring sandbags and reinforcement to stop an overflow.

DCR’s correspondence directs the town to take several precautions, including removing any accumulated debris, take steps to “protect the overall dam structure” and resolve the sinkhole issue. The Town of Rochester was also ordered to conduct follow-up inspections on the dam.

The Board received an official invite from Scott Muller, President of the Rochester Road Race, to participate in the Road Race opening ceremonies on August 14 at 9:00 am. The race will benefit Damien’s Pantry in Wareham. Selectman Nunes, who usually runs the race, agreed to represent the Board.

Town Administrator Richard LaCamera was not present for the meeting, but he left a memo for the Selectmen. In his memo, he said:

• The Board needed to approve a street name for a common driveway off Snipatuit Road. The two choices were: Garbie Drive (preferred by the families living at the location) and Emelia Drive (preferred by the Rochester Police Department). The Board voted to approve the name “Garbie Drive”.

• The school project continues to be on schedule, with both drainage and septic systems ready for final inspection and completion by August 2.

• The final interviews for the Rochester/Wareham joint town planner were held on July 15. The towns are putting together a job offer letter and a draft contract for the candidates to review. Mr. LaCamera estimated that the town would have a new planner within two weeks.

The Reverend Dr. Leo Christian of the Rochester Congregational Church visited the Board to inform them that he was helping to organize a youth concert at the Church green on Sunday, August 15, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. The youth concert, which would feature U Mass Dartmouth student bands, would benefit Damien’s Pantry. Rev. Christian asked those interested to bring lawn chairs and at least one canned food item to the event. Rev. Christian also hoped that this could become a regular event next summer, if other area musical groups were willing to participate.

“It sounds like fun,” said Selectman Nunes. “[It] sounds like something the kids would like to do.”

Rev. Christian said that he would be in communication with Police Chief Paul Magee to see what kind of detail would be required for the event.

In a final item, the Board informed the public that Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) had been found in Rochester mosquitoes. A letter from the Rochester Board of Health (BOH) informed the Board that this could be a bad summer for EEE. According to the letter, “EEE is a rare, but serious illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.” The letter urged residents to avoid peak mosquito hours (dusk and dawn), wear long-sleeves and pants, apply DEET-based insect repellent, mosquito-proof homes with fitted screens and drain any standing water on their property.

According to the BOH, a town-wide mosquito spraying was scheduled for July 28 from 2:00 to 5:00 am. More information about EEE can be obtained by calling the Massachusetts Department of Public Health information line: 1-866-627-7968.

The Board, who conducted an executive session for the purpose of collective bargaining prior to the meeting, voted to adjourn the public meeting at 7:20 pm.

By Anne O’Brien-Kakley

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08:52:03 am The Wanderer Wins National Award for Movie Review

Categories: News, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester

As we reported in our July 22, 2010 print issue, The Wanderer was awarded third place in the Non-Daily Division of the National Newspaper Association for Rob Gonsalves' review of Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans, starring Nicolas Cage and Eva Mendes, directed by Werner Herzog. Running time: 122 minutes. MPAA rating: R.

There are a host of scaly, slimy critters in Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans — snakes, gators, iguanas — and after a while we get the idea: The movie is about the lizard brain, the atavistic area of the mind that wants, hates, fears. The bad lieutenant in question is Terence McDonagh (Nicolas Cage), a reptile on two feet, ravenously snorting and smoking various iterations of cocaine. McDonagh does this to kill the pain in his back, which he injured while saving a prisoner from a flooded jail cell in the days after Hurricane Katrina. The New Orleans of the movie is a gray and blasted place, perfect stomping grounds for the beige-suited McDonagh, who takes advantage of the chaos to feed his demons.

None of this, though, prepares us for how funny Bad Lieutenant is. There was another movie by that title, from 1992, with Harvey Keitel as a soul-sick lapsed-Catholic cop confronting his own faith while trying to catch two guys who raped a nun. Keitel was a howling bulldog, drugging himself into quiet oblivion. This Bad Lieutenant is not a remake; it simply uses the title and the basic theme of a cop lost in addiction and corruption. The legendary director Werner Herzog, perhaps best known recently for Grizzly Man and Rescue Dawn, has always been preoccupied by obsession, exalted or ecstatic states of mind. McDonagh, getting high, has visions of iguanas, football players with antlers, and so on. If anything, his drug abuse makes him a better detective, since it frees him to make connections that sane people miss. He’s a bit like Sherlock Holmes, who also liked to indulge in a sniff of powder, except McDonagh is his own Moriarty.

The official plot has McDonagh trying to get to the bottom of the murders of local African drug dealers. He also has a prostitute girlfriend (Eva Mendes) and a gambling habit (Brad Dourif is his bookie, indulgent up to a point). But most of Bad Lieutenant is a study in extremis. Herzog has obviously given Nicolas Cage permission to try anything, and Cage responds with an overwrought jazz riff of a performance, abstract and near-geometrical. (In agony from his compressed spine, McDonagh always stands and walks askew, a parallelogram pumped full of poison and pain.) If Keitel was a seething, ticking time bomb, Cage goes all the way into rage and hysteria. The weird thing is that McDonagh’s partner (Val Kilmer) might be an even dirtier cop than he is, but since Kilmer doesn’t rhapsodize about touchdown-scoring elks, nobody’s watching him.

As usual, Herzog works the madness for any poetry he can find, as in the much-quoted scene in which McDonagh says of a just-killed criminal, “Shoot him again — his soul’s still dancing,” and sure enough, the soul is break-dancing to harmonica music from Herzog’s Stroszek. On one level, the movie shows what happens when you hire the director of Fitzcarraldo to make a police procedural: Herzog couldn’t make a mainstream movie if you held a gun to his head. And in Cage, Herzog has found his lizard king, beginning the movie by jumping into snake-infested water and ending it leaning against a shark tank. By that point, life has improved externally for McDonagh (there’s a late scene that plays like McDonagh’s wishful daydream but is, hilariously, real), but he’s stuck with the same sharp-fanged amygdala, forever wanting and hating and fearing.

By Rob Gonsalves

 

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12:29:35 am ConCom Seeks Associate Members

Categories: Rochester

A regular meeting of the Rochester Conservation Commission was called to order by Chairman John Teal on July 20, 2010. Also in attendance were members Kevin Cassidy, Laurene Gerrior, Judy Schaaf, Christopher York and Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon.

In the first public hearing, a representative from Thompson Farrell came before ConCom to represent applicant Norbert Leblanc, who wished to complete a septic system repair at 173 Braley Hill Road. The septic system repair would include the installation of a new 1,500-gallon tank, a leach field and some grading.

The continued hearing was for a determination of applicability, to determine if a notice of intent would be necessary. At a previous project presentation, ConCom had expressed concerns over the lack of wetlands delineation in the plan, and had some questions about flood plains in the area of the septic system.

The representative from Thompson Farland presented an updated plan to ConCom to add wetland delineations, but could not add more flood plain information since none was currently available from FEMA flood maps.

Ms. Farinon said that there had been some flooding issues in the area of Ashley Brook, thereby prompting their concerns about the septic system’s impact on the area, but that a septic system upgrade is “obviously very beneficial to the environment”. Upon Ms. Farinon’s recommendation, ConCom voted to declare negative determination of applicability, thereby waiving the need for a project notice of intent.

In a second hearing, ConCom heard from a representative for Michael Panagakos in regards to his plans to remove a crushed stone driveway. The plans included loaming and hydroseeding the area as part of a landscape improvement plan on Mr. Panagakos’ property, located at 36 Gerrish Road.

The gravel will be loaded onto a truck and taken away from the property, and the old driveway will become part of the lawn. Ms. Farinon asked the representative, Mr. Medeiros, to call her when installing the new silt barrier in the plan so she could oversee that part of the project. Otherwise, upon Ms. Farinon’s recommendation, ConCom voted to declare negative determination of applicability on the project, waiving the need for a public notice of intent.

The minutes of the July 6 meeting were approved.

The Board briefly discussed an upcoming site visit for a Rochester Land Trust (RLT) property on Route 28, across the street from a recycling center and next to an NStar sub-station. The plot was donated so RLT could profit from its resale. ConCom thought that the land, which is industrially-zoned, stands the potential to be a profitable business location, which would also mean a source of tax income for the town. ConCom decided to discuss this matter further at a meeting after a site visit.

ConCom took a moment to discuss their need for associate members. Rochester residents interested in joining ConCom as an associate member can contact the Conservation office for further information: 508-763-5421, ext. 3.

The threat of the Asian Longhorn beetle is getting closer to Rochester, with damage confirmed in the Worcester area. ConCom thought that they should start thinking about an approach toward the threat, including how to keep the public informed on the beetle. “That could wipe out all the hardwood,” said Mr. Cassidy, who estimated that over 100 hardwood trees on his property had been destroyed this year by a pest.

According to Ms. Farinon, ConCom member Rosemary Smith had plans to walk the Rochester town forest to evaluate the forest’s needs. Currently, ConCom is concerned with reports of felled trees in the area, and fear that the debris is a liability to the town. The Committee brainstormed about inexpensive ways that they could remove the fallen trees. Chairman Teal and Ms. Farinon thought that it was worth at least contacting loggers to see if they could do the clearing labor in exchange for the wood.

ConCom voted to adjourn at 7:45 pm.

By Anne O’Brien-Kakley

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12:29:06 am Planning Board Weighs In on Abolition Petition

Categories: Rochester

A meeting of the Historic District Commission (HDC) was called to order by Chairperson Debi Ladd on July 15, 2010 at 7:13 pm at the Rochester Town Hall. Also present were committee members Sarah Johnston, Carolyn Gilmore, Marjorie Skrutski, Bob Mogilnicki and Secretary Gloria Vincent.

As the first order of business, the commission approved June 2 and June 9 minutes.

In correspondence, Ms. Ladd reported on the receipt of a letter from Town Hall detailing the new open meeting policy, which requires a 48-hour notice of a scheduled meeting accompanied by an agenda. Ms. Johnston volunteered to provide the agenda personally to Town Clerk and Selectmen Chairman Naida Parker, who requested a hard copy of the document.

A brief discussion arose about an unidentified pole structure in the back of Sperry Tents that may require HDC approval. Ms. Johnston weighed in, stating that the structure fits the character of a utility building. “I don’t think a pile of poles looks a whole lot different than a tractor... Barns aren’t neat… Personally, I don’t find it distasteful,” she said. Ms. Skrutski concurred that as a district resident, she had no issues with the structure. However, the commission decided that it is important for residents to follow the process. As such, the members voted unanimously to send a letter to Sperry Tents informing the owner that they may need HDC approval for the structure.

The commission then held an informal discussion with Paul Gibbs about window alternations he is planning for his property. It was undetermined if the home improvement project would require a building permit, thus triggering the need for HDC approval; however, because the new windows are not storm windows – but screen windows – Ms. Ladd said his project would require HDC approval. The commission then offered to provide the paperwork if he indeed needs a building permit.

At this point, the commission met with planning board guests Chairman Arnold Johnson, Gary Florindo and John DeMaggio to hear their thoughts on a petition that would abolish the HDC. The petition – originally slated for the spring annual meeting – was tabled by petitioner Tom Skrutski because state law requires certain steps to be completed before abolishing an HDC. Specifically, the commission must provide a report of its benefits to the community and public hearings are required. After this occurs, it is voted on at a town meeting.

Ms. Ladd reported recent correspondence from Town Counsel Blair Bailey, who said the HDC is giving the appearance of stalling the process to avoid the fall meeting. She said she responded to him that the commission needed time to complete a thorough study and as volunteers who meet monthly, that would take time.

In his comments, Planning Board Chairman Johnson said the board currently is working on finalizing a town-wide land use plan and writing corresponding bylaws that would likely be presented by next year’s spring town meeting. “I can certainly envision that the historic district stay as is,” he said in terms of the district remaining a part of the Master Plan. Mr. Johnson added that in his experience, he could not recall any applications being held up by the commission.

Mr. Johnson also elaborated on the planning board’s overall goals, which include zoning the town center as mixed-use. Also, he discussed efforts in Rochester to improve the application process; for example, he said town boards now are meeting together with a developer in the beginning of the application procedure to ensure everyone “is on the same page.” He said the HDC could be a part of that process.

Dispelling the notion that a town without the HDC would create a “free-wheeling” environment for development, he said, “even if the [HDC] is abolished, your standards would be expected by the planning board. Buildings have to blend in,” he said, adding, “I don’t see [the HDC] as a detriment, so I don’t know the advantage of the town of eliminating it.” Responding to an inquiry from Ms. Ladd whether the work of the HDC interferes with the planning board, Mr. Johnson responded, “I don’t think so. I’ve been on the planning board for ten years going on eleven, and I’ve had no problem.” Overall, Mr. Johnson emphasized the importance of everyone following the rules, which the planning board values as a philosophy.

Talking about her vision of the HDC, Ms. Ladd said, “It’s not about me, or the people sitting at the table. It is about what the town people want, obviously.” Ms. Ladd said the commission exists to assist residents with preserving the historic value of their homes and stated that the view of the commission as strict is inaccurate.

Mr. Gibbs, who had spoken earlier with the commission on his windows proposal, offered his perspective on the matter. “In particular in this difficult market, I would have to say honestly the [HDC] is not an addition to the valuation of the property, precisely because it is seen as encumbrance upon people’s property rights and interests to do whatever they please with their investments,” he said. “These kinds of encumbrances tend to send people away from places. I’ve heard people in other towns say they are glad they don’t live in a district… One more layer of authority is not particularly welcomed,” he said. Ms. Ladd responded that there are no empty houses on the market in the district right now.

Overall, Mr. Johnson said he would give the new members of the commission a chance to settle into their roles. Additionally, he said upon the receipt of the final report, the planning board will hold a public hearing to formally assess the petition for HDC elimination.

Following the meeting with the planning board members, the commission voted to individually review and modify the report. Further, Ms. Johnston volunteered to work with town hall officials on identifying building permits under the HDC’s purview. Specifically, she would help ensure that changes to a plan after the HDC preapproval process do not require re-evaluation.

With nothing left on the agenda, the commission adjourned at 9:02 pm.

By Laura Pedulli

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01:25:37 pm Rochester Police Respond to Mattapoisett Accident

Categories: News, Mattapoisett, Rochester

While Mattapoisett crews worked on a boat accident in the area of Antassawamock, Rochester emergency workers responded to a car accident in the area of Wolf Island Road, at the Bolles Cemetery in Mattapoisett at approximately 1:20 pm. At this time, there are minor injuries reported.

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11:48:39 pm Rochester Selectmen Approve Rail Grant Application

Categories: Rochester

A regular meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectmen was called to order by Chairman Naida Parker on July 12, 2010 in the Rochester Town Hall at 6:50 pm. Also in attendance were Selectmen Richard Nunes and Bradford Morse, Town Administrator Richard LaCamera and Assistant to the Selectmen Veronica Lafreniere.

The minutes of the June 21 meeting were approved.

In his Town Administrator’s report, Mr. LaCamera informed the Board that the Rochester Environmental Park on Route 28, formerly owned by Casella, had been purchased by United Waste, an Avon, MA-based company. In a meeting with Mr. LaCamera and Highway Surveyor Jeffrey Eldridge, the new company agreed to honor previously held waste material recycling agreements with Rochester. Mr. LaCamera said that the new company was “going to make some significant improvements to the building”, which is currently in poor condition.

Mr. LaCamera said that Governor Deval Patrick had signed the FY11 budget at “about the same” monetary amount that the Senate had approved, meaning that Rochester would not have to suffer changes or further cuts. “We are in good shape for another year,” said Mr. LaCamera.

On the topic of finances, Mr. LaCamera said that the town had achieved about $18,000 in insurance savings through various credits and programs. Rochester subscribes to Myer Insurance to cover liability, auto insurance, workman’s compensation and building insurance, and the final annual ticket for all this coverage will end up costing the town $109,000.

The Rochester Memorial School project is on schedule, according to Mr. LaCamera, who said that the first floor of the precast addition was complete and in place. “It’s unbelievable. This is an amazing process,” he said. A building subcommittee is currently obtaining bids for furniture for the new addition, and the building is slated for mid-December occupation.

The Board reviewed a new Massachusetts alcohol pour license policy that will affect restaurants, clubs, hotels and golf courses. The new law, effective July 1, will allow establishments to serve alcohol as early as 10:00 am on Sunday mornings.

In their only appointment, the Board met with Laurell Farinon, Conservation Agent for the Town of Rochester. Ms Farinon came before the Board with information about a South Coast Rail Technical Assistance Grant that the Rochester planning board was interested in. The grant offers assistance to towns that are making planning changes that fit into the rail initiative.

Rochester initiatives that may qualify the town for the grant are:

• A proposed mixed-use district bylaw.

• A proposed agricultural enterprise zone.

• A proposed open space residential design bylaw.

In order to apply for the grant, Ms. Farinon said that the town needed Chairman Parker’s signature. The Board voted unanimously to authorize Chairman Parker to sign the grant application.

In Correspondence, the Board received a letter from Rochester Police Chief Paul Magee, regarding a proposed closure of the Wareham District Court.

Chief Magee urged the Board to oppose the court’s closing, saying, “Any such closure will seriously impact [the police] department not only financially, but will also create a dangerous safety issue for Rochester police officers and the public that they serve.” In his letter, Chief Magee said that Rochester police make daily trips to the Wareham District Court for routine business, including testifying in cases, assisting domestic violence victims with restraining orders and ticket appeal cases. By Chief Magee’s estimate, having to commute to Plymouth District Court instead will cost the town nearly $5,000 in travel costs to the budget, plus $2,000 annually in fuel costs. Most importantly, it will take an on-duty officer away from town, which could impact safety for residents.

The Board was receptive to the letter and voted to authorize Mr. LaCamera to forward the letter onto appropriate parties, and to write a letter opposing Wareham District Court’s closing to the Senator, Representative and the Chief Justice.

In a final Action item, Mr. LaCamera asked the Board to review and approve the town’s Affordable Housing Plan, which had undergone final revisions. The Board voted to approve the plan, thanking Mr. LaCamera for his work on the project.

Mr. Nunes asked Mr. LaCamera about the status of the joint job posting for Town Planner with Wareham. Mr. LaCamera said that there were 11 resumes for the Rochester/Wareham interview committee to narrow down to five or six interviewees. “We’ve got some very good candidates,” said Mr. LaCamera.

Chairman Parker informed the Board that she had claimed a free Eagle ballot reader from the town of Dennis, MA, who was disposing of the equipment. The ballot reader, which had been barely used over the years, will either be used as a back-up ballot reader, or may be used for parts if necessary. Mr. LaCamera estimated that the machine would go for $10,000 retail, making a considerable savings for the town.

The next meetings of the Rochester Board of Selectmen will be July 26, August 9 and August 23 in the Rochester Town Hall at 6:30 pm.

The Board voted to adjourn at 7:21 pm.

By Anne O’Brien-Kakley

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02:36:25 pm Flash Flood Warning in Effect

Categories: News, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester

The National Weather Service in Taunton, MA has issued a flash flood warning to Southern Plymouth county, including Mattapoisett, Marion and Rochester. Torrential thunderstorms are expected this evening and could last into Wednesday with rainfall amounts of 2-3 inches an hour.

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11:52:58 pm ConCom Considers Role of Open Space Committee

Categories: Rochester

A meeting of the Rochester Conservation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Rosemary Smith on July 6, 2010 at 7:15 pm at the Rochester Town Hall. Also present were committee members Laurene Gerrior, Christine Post, Christopher York, Kevin Cassidy, and Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon.

As the first item of business, the commission examined a request for an Extension Permit by Edgewood Development Company for the Connet Woods Subdivision off High Street and Ryder Road. After a discussion led by Ms. Farinon concerning recommended improvements to the site – including more watering of the grounds and the addition of jute netting – she said the company has been “very responsive to concerns.” As such, she suggested that the commission approve a three-year permit, which it then did unanimously.

The board then opened a public hearing for a request determination of applicability that would allow the applicant – Norbert Leblanc of 173 Braley Hill Road – to complete a septic system repair. The applicant is seeking the repair, which will include the installation of a new 1,500-gallon septic, leaching field and associated grading, in order to sell his house. A representative of Thompson Farland presented the plan for the new septic system that has an alternative design that he said would reduce the footprint of the system by 40 percent.

Although Ms. Farinon said that she believes repairs of septic systems are important and offer many environmental benefits, she recommended continuing the hearing because the site plan failed to include a floodplain line and wetland boundary line, and also that the application failed to include Mr. Leblanc’s signature. She stressed the importance of “not having a piece of paper out there causing problems down the road” because it failed to include these lines. The commission voted unanimously to continue the hearing to address these issues.

The commission then approved the June 15 minutes and three invoices for supplies, GIS consulting, and MACC Annual Dues.

The board then reviewed photos and plans of Leonard’s Pond Anadromous Fishway Improvement Project. According to Ms. Farinon, a grant from the Division of Marine Fisheries will lead to the replacement of an existing wooden structure with special aluminum panels for a fishway to remove undesirable turbulence that misdirects herrings. She anticipates that the project’s final design will be completed soon, and subsequently a contractor will get the work done by late summer or early fall.

Shortly thereafter, Ms. Farinon led a discussion about the need to explore a vision for the recently formed Open Space Action Committee. She said she does not want the committee and the commission to work at competing ends. She said when the commission first was formed in the 1960s, much of its focus concerned open space and general natural resource plans. However, the implementation of wetland regulations shifted the commission’s duties to a regulatory sphere. As such, she wanted to ensure the commission still gets the opportunity to work on land-related projects.

“As a board, you may not want to delegate that to someone else…We don’t want to get too far removed from the commission,” Ms. Farinon. Chairperson Smith noted that the new committee’s work is evolving and that the more people involved in environmental issues, the better. Ms. Farinon agreed, however urged that the commission articulate a vision for the Open Space Action Committee.

“We need to have direction and a vision for them to follow through on,” she said. After a lengthy discussion on what projects could possible need commission oversight – such as senior and youth trail-building projects – the commission voted to continue the discussion at a later meeting.

With nothing left on the agenda, the commission adjourned at 8:00 pm.

By Laura Pedulli

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07:05:53 pm Rochester Debates Fate of Historic District Commission

Categories: Rochester

Incorporated in 1686, Rochester is one of America’s oldest towns, with strong ties to its colonial past. With such rich history in its backyard, residents now are at odds with how to best preserve the character of the town center in the face of inevitable development.

Rochester residents voted to create the Historic District Commission (HDC) in 1999 to preserve the historic district, which encompasses the town center and its immediate surroundings. Under the bylaws, residents living in the district must gain HDC approval for any constructions or alternations of buildings, although signs, storm/screen windows and doors, temporary structures, roof colors, and paint are excluded.

After a dispute with the HDC regarding renovation work on his property, the George Bonney House, Tom Skrutski recently petitioned the town to abolish the commission. However, at the May 17 town meeting, Mr. Skrutski tabled the article after the Attorney General’s office told the town that under Massachusetts General Law, a report and public hearings are required prior to the commission’s dissolution. Residents voted down a similar article in 2006, but this time two selectmen – Chairperson Naida Parker and Bradford Morse – support the petition and notified the HDC on May 24 of their intention to include the article at the next town meeting.

In his own words, Mr. Skrutski said he is pursuing to abolish the HDC because “we have enough rules, regulations, bylaws that are hindering our growth in this town right now.”

HDC Chairperson Debi Ladd, however, feels the HDC is critical in preserving Rochester, which she describes as pristine and untouched by outside influences. “There is so much in today’s society that forgets what got us here. I have a really deep interest personally in preserving the past – that is part of our heritage. If you let that go, you remove what binds you to all of your ancestors,” she said, adding that she joined the commission with a desire to “bring a gentler touch to it.”

Nevertheless, some residents feel that the commission is overreaching and infringes on property owners’ rights. Ms. Parker said that as chairperson of the select board, she commonly hears complaints from district residents, adding that although she “is as resistant to change as anybody,” she supports the elimination of the HDC. Ms. Parker noted that applying such rules on houses built in the 1960s – the age of some homes in the district – does not make sense.

“I have to temper my own personal feelings with the balance of the rights of the people who own the property to do what they need or want to do with their own property,” she said, pointing out that towns such as Marion do not have HDCs and locals still ensure that architecture is respectful of the past.

Ms. Ladd said she sympathizes with property owners in the historic district. “I’m a property owner. I wouldn’t want someone coming in and saying I can or can’t do something. I would be a lot more receptive if they came in and said, ‘Okay, this is what you want to do, let me make some suggestions towards how you can do it and still make everybody happy,’” she said.

Marjorie Skrutski – wife of Mr. Skrutski – is one homeowner who feels the commission unduly limits her rights. However, she decided to join the commission “as a voice for the people who live in the district.” Under the HDC bylaws, at least three of the seven members must reside in the district. The commission currently has two district residents.

“I’m not on the board to get my way. I just thought that maybe I could do some good. The town means a lot to me and more, especially because I’ve lived here my whole life,” she said. However, Ms. Skrutski cited several instances where she felt the commission overstepped its boundaries. She said that after painting a door to her barn, she received a letter informing her that certain exterior changes needed approval from the commission. Further, she said when a tree unexpectedly fell revealing her outdoor pool from the road, she received a letter stating she could not use the pool without working with the commission to remove its visibility.

“If I had known what it was like, I wouldn’t have bought this house,” said Ms. Skrutski, who also felt it was unfair that residents outside of the district did not have to abide by an additional set of rules.

Ms. Ladd, who only has been chairperson for less than a year, said she could not speak to incidents before her tenure. She did note that some confusion surrounds what is under the commission’s purview, in particular in regard to paint, which isn’t under the HDC’s umbrella. She also expressed concern that a small group of vocal people are using past events – events that she feels are no longer relevant – to solidify opposition to the commission.

Overall, Ms. Ladd said of the four or five applications the commission has received during the past year, only Mr. Skrutski’s George Bonney House posed any problems.

Lee Carr, who received HDC approval on new windows for his home, said he had “no problem” with the process although he felt the first experience was “too formal.” He subsequently joined the HDC “to make things a little easier” for applicants. Overall, he said: “I think its work is important, as long as you go in and do it right. If the people do not think they are better than the rules, you don’t have a problem.”

William Saltonstall – an architect who received commission approval to build a historic barn structure on behalf of a district resident – said, “I have no criticisms of the process. They were reasonable to deal with.” Mr. Saltonstall said that despite his strong belief in the rights of property owners, “if we aren’t proactive, we’ll end up with poorly thought-out development due to inexperienced people. You don’t want [the Rochester town center] to look like Route 6.”

How the HDC will shape development in the town center is a major component of the debate. Currently two sizeable plots of land – one adjacent to Plumb Corner Mall and another near the cemetery on Dexter Lane – will inevitably be developed and both Ms. Parker and Ms. Ladd agree that a HDC will impact the future of these lots.

Bob Cummings, a planning board member involved in re-zoning the town’s master plan, argued that if desired by the people, the HDC could serve a useful function in the center’s development. For instance, the commission could provide architectural reviews to ensure buildings are at least complementary to the center, he said, adding that even fast food and coffee chains could be built to blend in with local buildings.

Mr. Cummings cautioned against eliminating the commission without examining whether it serves a useful purpose or needs to be reworked. “You don’t just throw it all away,” he said, equating it to the philosophy, “’I don’t like the way you’re playing, so I’m taking away your ball.’”

In Selectman Parker’s view, the Plumb Corner Mall would not have existed if the commission had been around at that time. “I don’t think they had strip malls in the 1800s,” she said. Mr. Cummings disagrees, however, arguing that it would have been built – but perhaps more in concert with a village-like atmosphere. Specifically, he said that instead of a strip mall set back on a parking lot, developers could have put the buildings near Rounseville Road with the parking lot in back. “It would have made it better,” he said, noting that efforts to rework the town center overlay district could help future development assume a village-like character.

In the meantime, everyone agrees that the fate of the HDC ultimately lies in the hands of Rochester residents. Indeed, the commission soon will commence the process that lets town locals decide its fate.

As required by state law, any commission considering a historic district reduction “should carefully examine the significance of the site, its need for protection, and its impact on the historic resources” in a report. This report must be distributed to both the planning board and Massachusetts Historic Commission. After a required 60-day period, the commission must hold a public hearing, and only at that point can an article abolishing the commission reach the town meeting for vote.

Currently, the HDC is working on the report and is meeting with the planning board on July 14 to receive their input. Although it is unclear if the process will be completed in time for the fall special town meeting, Ms. Ladd said she is committed to the process. “You honor the people you serve, not yourself,” she said.

By Laura Pedulli

 

 

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07:04:40 pm Rochester Land Trust Tour Celebrates the Barn

Categories: Rochester

Rochester was home to the second annual Rochester Land Trust (RLT) Barn Tour last Sunday, and the event was met with wild success. Shortly after the event started, tour maps were sold out, leaving volunteers to scramble for copies. According to one volunteer, over 60 carloads of people were out on the barn tour at any given time.

The tour, which consisted of nine stops in Rochester, celebrated the dying breed of architecture that sometimes New Englanders take for granted: the barn. “Barns are an important part of our landscape,” said RLT member Noreen Hartley. Although modern times have rendered many barn-uses obsolete, they still represent a major part of New England’s agricultural history. “We try to encourage people to see the importance of their barns,” added Ms. Hartley.

Since maintaining antique barns means labor and cost, many landowners let them fall into disrepair, making them increasingly rare as the years go by. But there are some historically minded people who see the value in keeping this part of America’s past alive, which makes the Rochester Barn Tour possible.

“Barns were historically much more important than they are now,” said Ms. Hartley, who noted that the barn was often built before the home in old days, since the need to care for livestock was immediate and the family members could hole up in a corner of the barn until their home was constructed.

The tour included landmark sites in Rochester, like the working farms, and it included private residences like Susan and Clayton Adams’ home on New Bedford Road.

The Adams’ barn is located behind their 1860 farmhouse, and was moved from the center of town (from where the Rochester Women’s Clubhouse is) to its current location in the 1870s. For a century, the building functioned as a dairy farm and is still equipped with many of the tools of the dairy trade, including antique cow stanchions, which were used to keep the cow still during a milking.

Shortly after the barn stopped functioning as a dairy farm in the 1970s, the property underwent a short stint as a nine-hole golf course.

According to Ms. Adams, the barn was “encumbered” with overgrowth when they purchased the property in 1995. She and her husband worked to break the barn free from decades of growth and continue to maintain the old structure to this day. Ms. Adams describes herself as a preservationist, who lovingly restored the barn for history’s sake. Ever since 9/11, an American flag has adorned the entrance of the barn, and an old cement slab that Ms. Adams uses as a summer breakfast nook was once the site of a silo.

The Adams’ house is on land originally owned by “Witchcraft Mark Haskell”, a legendary Rochester citizen who, according to Mary Hall Leonard in her book Mattapoisett and Old Rochester, Massachusetts, fled from Salem, MA during the witch trials to avoid being placed on a jury. The Haskell name is prolific in Rochester cemeteries and history books, as they were a major part of sculpting the town.

Further on the tour, rows of yellow buildings with green trim marked the Hiller farm. The Hiller family barn is a “vacation spot” for Clydesdale horses, and the Hiller property, including its buildings, have been used for everything from schoolhouses to general stores to a bowling alley. At this stop, participants got to enjoy bucolic views and nuzzle up to some impressive horses. Bob Hiller was also present to answer questions about his family’s longtime operation.

“The Hiller family has worked hard over the years to preserve their farm,” said RLT member Kirby Gilmore. The Hiller family could’ve split up their lots over the years for financial gain, but instead they have kept it undeveloped, maintaining Rochester’s rural appeal.

The 1756 Hiller horse barn was also moved at some point in the 19th century, from its original spot across the street. Moving barns, as evidenced in the barn tour, was a very common practice. The timber and hardware wasn’t cheap, and every bit of material in the 1800s was used and salvaged until it could no longer function. “If it took a week to move it, it didn’t matter,” said Mr. Gilmore.

The final stop on the tour was a 1790 English barn at Rochester resident Ben Gilmore’s property on Walnut Plain Road. The three-bay barn was originally located on New Bedford Road, and Mr. Gilmore purchased the barn in the 1990s to move and restore it to its current location behind his 1808 Federalist home. The three bays distinguish the barn as English-style – the center bay would have contained thresh and the two flanking bays would have contained hay and grain storage.

Mr. Gilmore salvaged about 60 percent of the original barn structure that once stood at the Nathaniel Haskell house, and moved the barn by labeling beams during the disassembling process, for reassembly at its new location. In the upper bays, Mr. Gilmore and his wife decorated the barn with antique spinning wheels and old Ocean Spray cranberry crates.

When asked why they spend the time and money involved in the barn’s restoration, Mr. Gilmore answered, “just for fun.” The barn is used recreationally now, a relic of the hard work that barns once represented.

Barn tour attendees enjoyed a catered meal, including chocolate chip cookies and macaroons, in the Gilmore barn, while hearing more from RLT members about the importance of maintaining this often-overlooked architectural breed.

Donations from the barn tour will go towards the RLT’s ongoing mission to acquire land for preservation, and to maintain their extensive list of conservation land. Based on the popularity of this year’s tour, it is likely that the RLT will conduct another barn tour next year as well. The RLT works closely with the Trustees of Reservations and the Sippican Lands Trust, but relies on the public for support. Ms. Hartley said, “Anybody interested in conservation is invited,” either to donate land or to become a member of the RLT. For more information, please visit www.RochesterLandTrust.org.

By Anne O’Brien-Kakley

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05:34:09 pm Rochester Police Find Missing Acushnet Woman in Woods

Categories: News, Rochester

Rochester Police responded on Tuesday, June 22 to a report of a lost woman in the woods on the Rochester/Acushnet line. The 19-year-old woman, who has not been named, reported that she was out for a walk when she decided to take a short-cut through the woods.

After nightfall, the woman became disoriented and could not find her way out of the woods, which prompted her to call the police.

While on the phone with the police, Rochester Officers Sean Crook and Kevin Flynn worked their way down Featherbed Lane in Rochester, while Acushnet Officers John Almeida and Jeremy Fontes traveled up Perkins Lane in Acushnet. The police officers used their cruiser sirens to narrow down the victim’s location.

After narrowing down the area, personnel from the Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (SEMLEC) Search and Rescue Team entered the densely wooded area and located the woman about a half-mile into the woods.

The victim suffered cuts to her feet, arms, legs and face and was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital by Acushnet EMS.

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11:50:09 pm Board Approves Bond For Connet Woods

Categories: Rochester

A meeting of the Rochester Planning Board was called to order by Gary Florindo on June 22, 2010 at 7:10 pm at the Rochester Town Hall. Also present were committee members Robert Cummings, Dan McGaffey, the new board member Bendrix Bailey, and Planning Board Secretary Shirley Darcy. Chairman Arnie Johnson and John DeMaggio did not attend. Kenny Motta from Field Engineering also was present.

As the first order of business, the board approved the May 25 minutes unanimously. Soon thereafter, the board approved vouchers for postage, office supplies, and planning work by consultant Phil Herr.

Then Tim Higgins, a developer of Connet Woods, approached the board to request a reduction of a $1 million bond. Entering the discussion, Mr. Higgins initially brought up a discrepancy between his estimates and Mr. Motta’s estimates that document how much money would be required in the bond to finish work required by the special permit. Motta’s estimate requires a $200,000 bond and Mr. Higgins estimated $51,000.

“I can’t imagine I’m missing your number by $150,000,” Mr. Higgins stated. Mr. Higgins and Mr. Motta then compared notes on required work, with Mr. Motta noting that the developer failed to account for required shoulder work, signage on access roads, and a well-graded road. Mr. Florindo weighed in, stating that, “as long as [Mr. Higgins] grades it, I think it is fine the way it is.” Mr. Higgins noted that a gate currently blocks out vehicles from entering the property, thus thorough road maintenance and signage are not yet important but will be at a later stage.

After a lengthy discussion on work required for the access road and whether signs are necessary, the board agreed that the road “has so be passable, but not perfect,” as Mr. Cummings described it, and that the required 17 signs in Mr. Motta’s report would be dropped to six signs. In the end, the board unanimously approved an $187,438 bond with 50 percent contingency for the developer.

Attendee Susan Peterson – the official Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) representative who advocates for open space – then discussed funds available through SRPEDD to assist with the development of a town-wide plan. Mr. Cummings stated that he would discuss with consultant Mr. Herr, who has worked extensively on a land-use plan for the town center, on what kind of assistance would be appropriate.

Ms. Peterson noted that the application for funding is due by July 16. “When there is free money out there, we don’t want it to go away,” she said, adding that she anticipates the funding will not be available after this year. Mr. Cummings then offered to submit the application by the deadline.

Ms. Peterson also initiated a conversation about drafting a transferable development bylaw and offered to bring in experts to the board to discuss the benefits of such a bylaw. Noting that Rochester currently is interviewing candidates for a new part-time town planner to share with Wareham, Mr. Cummings recommended waiting until that person assumes his or her position before continuing that discussion. On that topic, the board decided that Mr. Cummings, Mr. McGaffey, and Chairperson Johnson would serve on the interview team for the search for a new planner.

With nothing left on the agenda, the planning board voted to adjourn at 8:11 pm.

By Laura Pedulli

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11:50:05 pm RMS School Year Ends With Major Construction

Categories: Rochester

Like every year, children at Rochester Memorial School eagerly filed out the building for the last day of school, exuberant with the promise of summer.

Then, as tradition dictates, teachers, staff and even Principal Jay Ryan, serenaded the children with tunes including “Ode To Joy” as about a half dozen buses continually looped the front circle. Little hands peeked out from windows waving goodbye and screams of delight filled the air in concert with the sounds of horns, drums, and tambourines from staff bidding adieu to their students.

The feeling in the air was different, though, as the students were leaving a campus that will undergo major transformations during the summer months. In the fall, children will return to a campus with a new building and major renovations completed in the existing facility. Although the entire $26 million addition and renovation project will not be completed until September 2011, the bulk of the work will occur this summer.

As the final bus departed school grounds, diggers and other heavy machinery were hard at work in the back preparing the foundation for a new building.

Children left the school grounds with idle time on their hands, but teachers turned right back around into the building with much work at hand. It was Thursday, June 17, around 1:00 pm. Teachers had until 4:00 pm on Friday, June 18, to finish packing their belongings. Most classrooms already contained boxes stacked high with supplies and books, but the staff had to be sure everything was packed and ready for contractors to move. Once the area was sealed off, they could not return.

Before setting to work, RMS staff and teachers enjoyed lunch in the cafeteria while participating in a raffle that raised money for college scholarships.

“Because of the quality of the consultant, it has been really smooth. The scope of what we had to do was made easier by the planning of the construction,” Mr. Ryan said as he collected the goods on a winning ticket.

Librarian Lucille Morris also enjoyed a short break before returning to perhaps the most difficult room to clear out: the library media center. Without parents who volunteered their time to pack and move books, she said the task would have been nearly impossible. “We are blessed with a great community,” she said.

In a creative method to move books out the library, Ms. Morris encouraged students to check out 10 books for the summer. “It was that much less to pack,” she said. Ms. Morris joked that her 20-year tenure at RMS did not help matters as she had to sort through two decades of files. “I think we should move every year,” she joked.

The principal’s secretary – Diane Lagasse – spoke extensively about the long hours logged by staff and volunteers to ensure a successful move. “I can’t tell you the number of extra hours people worked… and the extent of packing everything in the room. A lot of people worked weekends and late hours trying to get everything done. This speaks to the dedication of the staff,” she said. As full-year employees, Ms. Lagasse and Mr. Ryan are relocating to the district office at Old Rochester Regional during the summer.

Special education teacher Anne Fernandez also commended the parent volunteers who came out in droves to assist with the effort. Overall, she said: “It was a lot more work than expected, but it is going better than anticipated,” she said. Ms. Fernandez added: “Everyone pitches in; it is a giving building. We take care of each other.”

Overall, Ms. Fernandez is thrilled by the project and how it will benefit the RMS students and staff. “Taxpayers are good to this whole community to support this school,” she said.

Despite the short-term pain of the move, the staff members agreed that the long term benefit of new and updated facilities to accommodate Rochester’s growing population makes the effort worth it.

By Laura Pedulli

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11:49:43 pm Rochester Considers Sharing Town Planner

Categories: Rochester

A regular meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectmen was called to order by Chairman Naida Parker on June 21, 2010 at 6:50 pm. Also in attendance were Selectmen Richard Nunes and Bradford Morse, Town Administrator Richard LaCamera and Assistant to the Selectmen Veronica Lafreniere.

The minutes of the June 7 meeting were approved.

In his Town Administrator’s report, Mr. LaCamera informed the Board and the public that there would be a hazardous waste pick-up day for Rochester and Mattapoisett residents at 200 Ryder Road in Rochester on Saturday, June 26 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. For more information, Rochester residents should call 508-763-1991.

In regards to the Rochester Memorial School expansion project, Mr. LaCamera said that the “school project is going extremely well”, with septic, well, drainage and the foundation all in place. During the first two weeks of July, the pre-cast walls will be installed. “Everything is on schedule,” Mr. LaCamera added.

Mr. LaCamera and Highway Surveyor Jeffrey Eldridge applied to FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) for reimbursement related to the repair and overtime costs that the town of Rochester incurred as a result of serious spring rains and flooding. Mr. LaCamera said that he would keep the Board apprised of FEMA’s response.

The Board received a request via Mr. LaCamera from the Plumb Corner Business Association to waive the $50 building permit fee related to the circus that the Association is hosting on June 24. Since the fee had to be paid by someone, and waiving it would require the town to incur the costs, the Board voted to deny the waiver. “That’s the cost of doing business,” said Chairman Parker, who noted that the circus would profit from the visit.

“We’re absorbing some cost as it is,” added Mr. LaCamera. “It’s a tough call.”

Mr. LaCamera updated the Board on their current contract status for office supplies from W.B. Mason. By pooling their bidding with surrounding towns, Rochester managed to get an even better quote from the company, saving as much as 51 percent on some supplies.

The state of Massachusetts is currently standardizing GIS (geographic information system) mapping in all communities, along with its 9-1-1 system, which will be attached to the mapping. Mr. LaCamera said that the state was aiming for a finish date of October 1. The final product will also standardize all address information. “I think this is a really great thing,” said Mr. LaCamera.

There is currently no SRPEDD (Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District) representative for Rochester, and Mr. LaCamera informed the Board that a representative would have to be found within a month.

In Appointments, the Board met with Tina Rood, the new Chairperson of the Rochester School Committee. Ms. Rood simply wanted to introduce herself to the Board, and the Financial Committee, who was also present in the audience. “I’m open to all communication,” said Ms. Rood.

In another appointment, the Board appointed Bendrix Bailey to the Planning Board to replace the deceased Judge Byron. The Planning Board, which was also present, also voted to accept the appointment.

While the Planning Board was present with the Selectmen, they discussed pursuing a joint venture with Wareham to hire a town planner to service both towns. Wareham has currently advertised the position for its own needs, but will consider either sharing the pool of candidates with Rochester or relisting the job to describe it as a shared position.

According to Mr. LaCamera, Wareham is willing to consider a 50/50 or a 50/60 split. It is likely that the two towns would agree to having a town planner spend two days in Rochester and three days in Wareham, with the candidate attending all planning board meetings and annual/special town meetings in both municipalities.

Wareham received over 20 resumes for their town planner position, and has narrowed down the field of candidates to 8-10 resumes. The two towns may consider forming an interview committee together, but the Rochester Planning Board thought that the first step should probably be a joint meeting with the Wareham Planning Board to discuss the possible joint venture.

“The money is under your budget,” said Chairman Parker to the Planning Board. “It’s your decision.”

Currently, Rochester has about $26,000 budgeted for the position, but by pooling their resources with Wareham, they could receive service from a more qualified candidate than they could otherwise afford. The position that Wareham advertised gave a salary range of $60,000-80,000, which means that Rochester may have to budget a little more in the next fiscal year.

Rochester currently shares a town accountant with Mattapoisett, and the 50/50 split of costs and duties has worked out well for both towns. The Board was hoping that a similar arrangement with Wareham would also work out, but a few concerns from the Planning Board were raised, mainly related to the upcoming zoning issues at the R.F. Morse site, which would benefit Rochester and possibly burden Wareham. They were unsure of how a shared town planner might fairly proceed with this impending issue.

“They shouldn’t be looking at town lines. They should be looking at the area,” said Selectman Morse.

“This person will not work independently. They will be working for you,” Chairman Parker said to the Planning Board.

The position would be considered managerial and non-union, with a dispute clause written out in the inter-municipality agreement, said Mr. LaCamera.

The Planning Board voted to proceed with the joint effort, and will meet with the Wareham Planning Board at a later date. Mr. LaCamera reminded the Board that any resumes they received would have to be kept in strict confidence.

The Board then conducted an end-of-fiscal-year meeting with the Financial Committee, who voted to make a reserve fund transfer of $36,659.44 and an interdepartmental deficit transfer of $22,313. Both Mr. LaCamera and Chairman Parker praised FinCom for being able to keep an end-of-year transfer so low, especially with the extra snow and ice removal costs incurred in the past year.

There being no more business, the Board voted to adjourn at 7:37 pm.

 

By Anne O’Brien-Kakley

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12:04:17 am Rochester Student Appears on TLC Show

Categories: Rochester

Rochester sixth-grader Joshua Winsper has a new aspiration – to be the first little person astronaut. For this diverse student, this is just one of his many plans for the future.

Josh, a student at Rochester Memorial School, had the opportunity of a lifetime during November of 2008 when he visited the first Space Camp for Little People. There was one detail that his mom withheld as he got ready for the weekend-long event in Huntsville, Alabama – the entire trip was going to be filmed as a part of TLC’s “Little People, Big World”.

“When we got there someone was like ‘Josh, are you excited that they are going to be filming this weekend?’ and Josh was like ‘what’?” laughed Josh’s mother Karen Winsper.

“I didn’t know what they were talking about,” added Josh.

Two of the three little people featured on “Little People, Big World”, Amy and Zach Roloff, attended the Space Camp that weekend, and their camera crews came with them. Josh and his mother described the family as being “really nice” and “down-to-earth,” despite the fact that four years of reality television has launched the Roloff family into fame.

The Space Camp program has several special branches, including a camp for the blind and visually impaired, and a camp for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. In 2008, a family friend and schoolteacher in Washington D.C., Geoff Mitchell, started up the first-ever Space Camp for Little People. In a spontaneous, last-minute decision, the Winspers decided that this would be a great experience for Josh.

Ms. Winsper discovered that the Roloff family would be filming during the camp and didn’t tell Josh until he arrived in Alabama. Josh, a longtime fan of the TLC show, discovered the secret when he spotted Zach and Amy Roloff in an elevator at the facility.

The Roloffs participated with the camp students in all of their activities, and even lived at the dorm with them. According to Winspers, the show is completely spontaneous and unscripted, just like a reality show should be.

Josh, a fifth-grader at the time the show was filmed, was given the position of Flight Director for the simulated missions that he and his team tackled over the weekend. “I was in charge,” said Josh, who pointed to a picture of himself sitting behind a command console, “and I had to follow a script.” This “script” of commands would help Josh’s team on their space missions.

Weightlessness exercises and a manned maneuvering unit were included in the program for the Space Camp weekend. A clip from the TLC program showed the Space Camp students engaging in a “Space Bowl” trivia game with Zach Roloff. The students even made small, working rockets to launch.

“The [Space Camp] staff were so great,” said Ms. Winsper.

Before going to Space Camp, Josh had focused his interests on history and baseball. Now, he has been focusing on a possible future in space flight, either in space or as a controller.

“There are no limitations,” said Ms. Winsper, as far as people of short stature working in the astronautics field.

Josh hopes to attend Space Camp for little people again, if an advanced program for older students is developed in the future. He still has his identification tags and his blue space suit from the trip.

The Winsper family has been waiting over 18 months for the Space Camp episode of “Little People, Big World” to appear on TLC, and it finally happened on Monday, June 7. At first, Josh’s classmates thought he was joking when he said he was going to be on television. The Winspers planned a viewing party for their family and closest friends, and Josh’s class at RMS planned on a classroom showing of the episode as well.

By Anne O’Brien-Kakley

 

 

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12:03:59 am Rochester COA Considers Senior Daycare

Categories: Rochester

A regular meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectmen was called to order by Chairman Naida Parker on June 7, 2010 at 6:55 pm. Also in attendance were Selectmen Richard Nunes and Bradford Morse, and Assistant to the Selectmen Veronica Lafreniere.

The minutes of the May 24 meeting were approved as written.

Chairman Parker took a moment to recognize the work of Rochester Memorial School teacher Gary Cushman, who is retiring after 35 years. The Board sent Mr. Cushman a certificate of appreciation.

Under Appointments, the Board met with Rochester Council on Aging director Sharon Lally in regards to a proposed senior day care service that the COA would like to see annexed to their building. The project, which is still in its planning stages, would be grant-funded and financially self-sustaining.

Ms. Lally said that a committee of 23 people have been meeting regularly to make this project a reality, and they are putting together a proposed operating budget to submit along with their grant paperwork. The programs would be tailored for isolated, depressed and early-stage dementia patients, to get them less housebound and more involved. Ms. Lally described this daycare as a social model, requiring a 1 to 8 staff to patient ratio, versus the much more involved medical model, which requires a 1 to 6 ratio.

The committee members have been touring other area senior daycare sites to get a feel for what they want to see in a Rochester COA adult daycare center. They were particularly impressed with a facility they visited in Dighton, which had a home-like interior and took in 20 patients a day from seven different communities.

“It’s been a learning experience for everyone involved,” said Ms. Lally. “But we are still in the planning and learning stage.” Ms. Lally said that Coastline Elderly Services might be able to help qualifying seniors attend the proposed senior daycare center.

According to Ms. Lally, the annex, which may be in the form of a pre-fab addition, would be partially staffed with volunteers and interns. Currently, the Rochester COA has 173 volunteers, and works with schools like Bristol Community College to fulfill human services and social work internships. “Whenever we can, we’ll take the interns,” said Ms. Lally.

The Board then voted to apply for $174,000 from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs FY11 Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) Program to acquire 35 acres as part of the Carr Family Bogs Land Preservation Project.

Under the Town Administrator’s report, Chairman Parker read a memo from Richard LaCamera about a meeting between the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board to discuss sharing a Town Planner with Wareham. This meeting will take place at the next scheduled Board of Selectmen meeting on June 21.

The next scheduled meetings of the Rochester Board of Selectmen are June 21, July12, July 26, August 9 and August 23.

The Board adjourned at 7:15 pm.

By Anne O’Brien-Kakley

 

 

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12:03:53 am Board Rejects Lunch Price Increase

Categories: Rochester

A scheduled meeting of the Rochester School Committee was called to order on June 2, 2010 at 6:00 pm by Chairperson Tina Rood. Also in attendance were committee members Sharon Hartley, Donna LaLiberte, Timothy Scholz, and Robin Rounseville, Superintendent Douglas White, Rochester Memorial School (RMS) Principal Jay Ryan, School Business Administrator Kathleen Isernio and Director of Student Services Teresa Hamm.

The meeting began with a recognition ceremony led by Chairperson Rood to applaud the service of faculty, students and parents. Ms. Rood thanked retiring physical education teacher Gary Cushman and Assistant Principal Sue Norton, both who have worked at the school since 1976. “[Mr. Cushman and Ms. Norton] started on the same day, so it is fitting they are retiring on the same day,” said Ms. Rood. The chairperson lauded Mr. Cushman as “the driving force behind the annual field day at the end of the year” and the fact that Ms. Norton “made it a mission to know every student and family by their names.”

“My memories go way back,” commented Ms. Hartley. “[Ms. Norton] always has been a major part of the school culture and [Mr. Cushman] inspired us, adults and children, with his fitness lifestyle … We’ll all miss you very much.”

In response, Mr. Cushman said he “highly enjoyed being here” and Ms. Norton commented that, “it was a pleasure serving the children.” Ms. Rood announced that books are being donated in honor of their accomplishments.

Ms. Rood then honored the following parents and volunteers for their service to RMS: Judy Belliveau, Rosalind Braza, Jean Faunce, Cheryl Gaspar, board member Ms. Rounseville, Andrea Patisteas and Kate Tarleton. The chairperson noted that these individuals each have volunteered between 1,500 and 2,000 hours in a variety of capacities, including assisting with fundraisers, the holiday workshop, PTO events, cleaning up after dances, making costumes for theater performances, and working on the building committee. “There efforts do not go unnoticed; they are witnessed by everyone in the school,” she said.

Lastly, Ms. Rood recognized students who participated in Destination Imagination. Many of the students attended the meeting and showed off puppets they created for DI competitions.

The official meeting then began with the first item of business: a request from sixth grade teacher Danni Kleiman and Kindergarten teacher Debbie Clarke to build a Sixth Grade Friendship Wall next fall in the north courtyard. She said the sixth graders developed the specifications of the Friendship Wall, which serves as a meeting place for those students and Kindergarteners. She said donors have provided all of materials for the wall’s construction.

“When children participate, the school becomes theirs,” Ms. Kleiman said, saying that the Friendship Wall will lead to “ongoing tradition and ritual.” The board then formally approved the construction of the wall this fall to occur in concert with the renovation.

In the superintendent’s report, Mr. White mentioned an ORCTV task force that is investigating more deliverables to air on television. He then discussed the instructional council’s look at enhancing professional development in multiple areas, including methods of handling bullying.

In his summary of RMS news, Principal Ryan reported that school enrollment is estimated at 557 students next fall – a significant drop from the 607 students currently registered. A particularly large sixth grade class leaving RMS – as well as lower than usual Kindergarten enrollment figures – accounts for this change.

In news related to the RMS building expansion and renovation effort underway, Mr. Ryan said that pre-cast panels had arrived on site. He said that on June 18, RMS officially would close for renovations; as such, the building will be emptied in its entirety. “It is a huge undertaking,” he said, noting that the librarian is offering students the chance to take home 10 books this summer to help empty the shelves. Mr. Ryan said the school is seeking additional volunteers to help to clear the library shelves.

On a related subject, Mr. Ryan discussed at length an unanticipated need to reconstruct certain bathrooms to ensure that roof HVAC equipment properly functions. He said the contractor is planning to shut the restrooms during the first three months of the school and will re-direct children to other bathrooms.

Ms. Hartley expressed concern about this arrangement. “I’m worried; this has a big impact on children,” she said. “Can we put a little pressure on the builders to get those bathrooms put in ASAP?” Mr. Ryan said the delay mostly is due to the lengthy turnaround time for certain restroom equipment. Ms. Hartley conceded that point but spoke again: “I support as much pressure as possible. It affects safety, teaching and learning,” she said.

Later during the meeting, Mr. Scholz reported on a “very nice” groundbreaking event for the construction/expansion project and noted that overall, “things are on schedule and teachers are kept well informed.”

The board formally approved the May 5 minutes with minor modifications.

In the business report, Ms. Isernio requested six budget transfers to accommodate shortfalls in line items for art supplies, math supplies, science supplies, advertising, substitutes, and tuition for a Project Grow teacher. The board approved all six transfers, which totals $25,807.90.

In a discussion on the FY11 budget, Mr. White said administrators are looking for solutions to handle projected shortfalls. Ms. Rood said that due to an estimated $174,000 deficit, the school would not fill the Assistant Principal position. Also, the school is reducing the kindergarten buses from two to one. Ms. Rood added that changes in state aid still pending at the state level might lead to additional cuts.

“We are in the proverbial between a rock and a hard place,” commented Mr. Scholz.

In more optimistic news, Mr. Ryan noted that the State Senate just voted to restore funding for full day kindergarten program.

In a special report to the committee, Old Rochester Regional Director of Food Services Suzanna Souza provided the results of a March Department of Education (DOE) review of cafeteria nutritional content. Specifically, the DOE found that the RMS food:

• Meets the nutrient analysis except the sodium was too high.

• Total fat is below target of less than 30 percent of total calories.

• Total saturated fat is below the target of 10 percent of total calories.

Ms. Souza said that RMS will make several changes to the menu to lower the sodium content, which include using more fresh and frozen vegetables instead of the canned, changing whole-wheat crust to a whole-wheat wedge pizza, working with vendors to order lower sodium products, and serving grilled cheese with two slices of cheese instead of three while offering a supplemental four-ounce yogurt to meet protein requirements.

The food director then discussed general proposed changes in the food service at RMS. She discussed training cooks to user fresher products, using new serving trays and additional equipment to prepare healthier meals, using color and shapes to help students choosing meal components, and installing the NutriKids point-of-sale cafeteria system. Ms. Souza addressed the $8,537.19 shortfall in the food service program and recommended increasing lunch prices to $2.50 from $2.25 to raise $11,029.50 in new monies that would offset a potential shortfall next year.

In response, Mr. Scholz remarked on the downward trend in the RMS food service revenue. “If interest in meals had stayed high, we’d have no problem with a deficit… We should focus on getting interest up instead of raising prices,” he said.

Mr. White agreed that, “good food service programs are cost neutral,” adding that Ms. Souza will transfer some of her responsibilities to a new manager at ORR, significantly freeing up her time to focus on the food program. However, he said he supports the increase. “If this budget is tight, next year’s budget is tighter,” he said. Ms. Rood agreed with his assessment.

Ms. Laliberte also weighed in, stating that a price increase makes sense if RMS is seeking higher quality food.

However, after a lengthy give-and-take on the matter, the board ultimately decided not to increase the lunch price, with the option to defer the decision to see if new measures increase interest in the food program. Also, Ms. Hartley requested that Ms. Souza provide to the board monthly financial information on the program.

Mr. White then discussed Tri-Town school regionalization efforts and reported that during a recent five-chair meeting, a need was determined for an additional school representative from each committee. Mr. Scholz volunteered to serve on the regionalization committee.

In other agenda items, the board looked at August dates for the annual school committee summer retreat. Further, Mr. White announced that RMS committee meeting nights would be moved to Thursdays starting in the fall.

In future agenda items, Mr. White stated that the joint school committee meeting is scheduled for June 27.

The board voted to adjourn at 8:24 pm.

By Laura Pedulli

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02:42:13 pm Rochester Student Appearing on TLC Show

Categories: News, Rochester

Rochester Memorial student Josh Winsper will be an episode of TLC's "Little People, Big World" on Monday, June 8, at 8:00 pm. Make sure you tune in to TLC and see the first-ever Space Camp for Little People, which Josh got to attend. Pick up a copy of the June 10 Wanderer issue for the full story.

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12:14:34 am RMS Building Groundbreaking Makes History

Categories: Rochester

May 28, 2010 is a date worthy of notation in the annals of Rochester history.

After seven years of persistence, the Rochester Memorial School Building Committee celebrated the official groundbreaking for a $26 million school building expansion and renovation project that will benefit generations of Rochester children.

More than two dozen students sporting hardhats and shovels spread a symbolic mound of dirt like confetti to celebrate the groundbreaking. Jubilation spread on the faces of administrators – including Superintendent Douglas White and RMS Principal Jay Ryan – as well as RMS building committee members, architects and builders, and town officials.

“I think we should all say thank you to all of the adults that are here… let’s thank them and let them know that we appreciate what they are doing for us,” said Principal Ryan, leading the students to collectively offer a hearty “thank you.”

With a shovel in hand, the man of the hour – RMS School Building Committee Chairman Arnie Johnson – flanked by his two children who are current students at RMS – tossed some dirt from the pile. “Today is a great day… seven years in the making,” he said, adding, “It is great having the kids out here.”

Overall, the new two-story, 34,000 square foot school building will house a new art room and 14 classrooms, in addition to tutorial and special education facilities. The façade of the addition will mirror the existing building, with similar red bricks and windows. The upcoming building renovations are all-encompassing and will include a new septic system, a 100 percent electrical upgrade, plumbing and technology upgrades, new wells, oil tanks and fire code compliances.

Achieving the dream of an expanded school was no easy task. The RMS Committee originally spearheaded the effort in 2003, but faced a major setback when the town rejected a tax override to fund an expansion in 2004. “We only lost by 54 votes, and there were 51 blank ballots. We ended up with some voter apathy,” recalled Mr. Johnson. However, when the Massachusetts School Building Authority began accepting applications for state aid, the committee worked with the selectmen and school board committee to submit a statement of interest. The application sat in the agency’s queue for three years. In the end, the MSBA funded $16 million of the total $26 million project cost.

The expertise on the 16-member committee, which included six non-voting members, was crucial in obtaining state assistance. According to Mr. Johnson, aside from one previous member, the group remained intact during the entire seven years. “It’s a dream team … I’m pretty proud of that committee; the technical expertise just covers all of the disciplines,” Mr. Johnson said, noting that the committee make-up includes teachers, administrators and engineers. “It actually threw the MSBA off and threw the architects off. They are used to rah-rah guys coming in asking for a 5,000-seat field house and wall paneling in their offices,” he said.

Throughout the whole process the committee “stuck together” and remained “very active even though there wasn’t a lot going on publicly,” Mr. Johnson said.

In comments on the groundbreaking, Selectman Rick Nunes expressed thanks for the committee’s hard work. “I just want to thank all those individuals who were involved in the [project]. Let's hope this addition suffices for many years to come,” he said.

In the meantime, Gilbane – which was awarded the contract last fall – and its builders are hard at work in the back of the school installing a new septic system and gearing up for major construction over the summer. So far, the project already is four weeks ahead of schedule.

On June 22, the current building will be emptied in preparation for two months of intensive renovation work and construction. Once the fall school year kicks in, students will be isolated from construction areas and if everything goes as scheduled, they will occupy the addition following the winter break, Mr. Johnson said. The entire project is slated for completion by the fall of 2011.

“I’m real satisfied as I stand here and see everything happening. A lot of people put seven years into this; it is good to see something come out of years of hard work… it is going to outlast us, that’s for sure,” Mr. Johnson said.

By Laura Pedulli

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12:13:54 am Rochester Enjoys Another Memorial Boat Race

Categories: Rochester

Since its start in 1934, the Rochester Boat Race has become synonymous with Memorial Day, and the weather couldn’t have been more beautiful for a boat race this past Monday. The temperature was a balmy 70 degrees and the wind was hardly rustling the trees.

The low water level this year, on the other hand, was a little bit of an obstacle.

The Mattapoisett River route, which ran from Grandma Hartley’s Reservoir on Snipatuit Road in Rochester to Mattapoisett’s Herring Weir on Route 6, included low-water areas where rowers could get snagged in reeds and mud. Most of the participants wore water shoes to navigate through shallow waters and across land bridges.

Participants in the Boat Race were mainly from Rochester and Mattapoisett, but some came all the way from Hamden, CT, Concord, NH and Lincoln, RI. Other outlying towns, like Middleboro, East Freetown, Wareham and New Bedford were also represented.

The Rochester fire department organized this annual event, and said that there were 90 boats on the course this year. The route follows the river through ponds and bogs and under Routes 105 and 195. The race is open to all ages, with two people manning each boat. There were divisions for men, women, junior boys, junior girls, co-ed and a parent/child-under-14 division.

Boaters dressed in bright t-shirts came equipped with sandpaper and duct tape for last minute repairs. Onlookers could be seen all along the river, crowding overpasses and cheering on their favorite boats.

For those who participate in the anticipated annual event, the preparation work starts long before the actual boat race. Besides being physically fit enough to row for 12 miles, the boaters also prepare and build their own boats, sometimes embellishing their creations with teeth and monster accents. One boat looked like Loch Ness this year – not exactly aerodynamic, but definitely eye-catching.

For mother and daughter rowers, Julie and Gail Joseph, the boat-making process took about a month, and they used Luan plywood. This was the first year for the Josephs, who both said that they were excited to participate in their handcrafted boat number 86.

“The weather is on our side, but the water level isn’t!” said Julie Joseph, who noted that a lot of the race would have to be done on foot this year.

Perhaps because of the amount of terrain that the rowers had to tackle on foot, there were no record-breaking race times. The winners of the five categories follow:

Open Category – First place: Sean Shaw of Rochester and C.J. Hedges IV of Hamden, CT with a race time of 2:04:00; Second place: Paul Milde of Mattapoisett and Peter MacGregor or Rochester with a race time of 2:10:49; Third place: Jake and Joe Goyette of Rochester with a race time 2:12:18.

Co-ed Category – First place: Ian and Meg MacGregor of Rochester with a race time of 2:23:51; Second place: Jean and Mike Isabelle of Rochester with a race time of 2:31:20; Third place: Jodi Bauer and Marc Nadeau of Mattapoisett with a race time of 2:37:09.

Parent/Child Category – First place: Abby and Ed Bentz of Rochester with a race time of 2:29:29; Second place: Chris Smith and Jim Manning of Marion with a race time of 2:30:25; Third place: Zachary Howard and Conor MacGregor of Rochester with a race time of 2:31:57.

Women’s Category – First place: Andrea Shaw and Lynn Faustino of Rochester with a race time of 2:34:15; Second place: Erica and Alissa Allen of Mattapoisett with a race time of 2:40:53; Third place: Autumn Rae Collasius of Westport and Kelsey B. Collasius of Rochester with a race time of 2:41:07.

Junior Boys Category – First place: Nicole Gifford and Tom Gonet of Rochester with a race time of 2:51:33.

Junior Girls Category – First place: Mariah MacGregor and Gabrielle Reuter of Rochester with a race time of 2:56:12; Second place: Lucy Milde and Eliza Van Voorhis of Mattapoisett with a race time of 3:20:48.

And this year’s Old Man River (the Boat Race’s oldest participant), was Don Jepson of Wareham.

A complete listing of race finish times is available on page 52.

By Anne O’Brien-Kakley

 

 

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12:12:25 am Historic District Abolishment Considered

Categories: Rochester

A May 24 meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectmen was called to order by Chairman Naida Parker in the Rochester Town Hall. Also in attendance were Selectman Bradford Morse, Town Administrator Richard LaCamera and Assistant to the Selectmen Veronica Lafreniere.

The minutes of the April 20 and May 17 meetings were approved. The Board also voted and signed annual appointments to various town posts.

Chairman Parker read aloud a letter outlining the Board’s recommendation for an article at the next special town meeting for the elimination of the town’s historic district. A similar article was on the Annual Town Meeting warrant from petitioner Thomas Skrutski, who ended up tabling the article at the meeting. This time, the Board made it clear that it was endorsing the article for the fall special town meeting warrant.

In the Town Administrator’s report, Mr. LaCamera asked both the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board to submit comments for the Affordable Housing Plan that he is preparing to send to the state in the middle of June.

Mr. LaCamera also provided an update on the search for a new town planner. At an April meeting, the Board had expressed interest in sharing a planner with another town. One of the possibilities had been sharing the position with Acushnet, but that town planner has since decided that he didn’t want to take on Rochester as well. The other town that is interested in sharing a town planner is Wareham, who, like Rochester, is currently looking to fill the vacancy. Wareham is in the final stages of putting together the job description, and once received, Rochester will go through the hiring process jointly with Wareham.

Mr. LaCamera also took a moment to thank all the department heads and town committees for working with a difficult budget, thereby avoiding position cuts and reduction in service. “It was an extremely challenging year as the Board knows,” said Mr. LaCamera.

“It was a remarkably smooth town meeting,” said Chairman Parker, who was glad to see confidence in the town meeting voters.

The Board then discussed a recommendation from Mr. LaCamera to close the town hall on Friday afternoons in the summer, with the departments opening at 8:00 am on Friday morning to compensate for the early closing. Chairman Parker said that she would like to see some of the departments – like the building department – conduct some evening hours to compensate for the altered Friday schedule. Mr. LaCamera said that the building department already keeps Monday night hours with Jim Buckles on an appointment basis.

The Board then voted to conduct the Friday summer hours from June 28 through September 10, with the town hall opening at 8:00 am on Friday and closing in the afternoon – the full hours will be posted at the town hall.

“We’ve been doing it for years now and I’ve never heard a complaint,” said Selectman Morse.

The Board then discussed the addition of members to the Historic District Commission. One of the members up for consideration is Thomas Skrutski, who has been a vocal critic of the Commission.

“Mr. Skrutski has been anti-historic district from day one, and we feel that his serving on the committee would be very distruptive,” said Ms. Ladd, who described Mr. Skrutski’s previous appearances at the Historic District Commission meetings as “threatening and antagonistic.” Since Ms. Ladd does not think Mr. Skrutski would be a good choice, the Commission is working hard to find others to fill three vacancies.

Ms. Ladd also took the opportunity to express her concern that Chairman Parker was vocally against the Historic District Commission, and that this could affect the future of the Commission. Chairman Parker defended her views, saying that she sympathized with the homeowners who felt that the town was an obstruction in their home’s development, and that she was concerned for the houses that have stood vacant due to the Commission’s restrictions. Chairman Parker thought it was unfair that some homeowners must abide by rules that the rest of the town doesn’t have to follow.

The Board then approved the 2011 Senior Work-off program for qualifying senior citizens who want to exchange town work for tax relief. Applications for this program will be available in both the senior center on Dexter Lane and the Selectmen’s office.

The Board then recognized a letter of resignation from part-time Officer David Cody, and resolved to send Officer Cody a letter of appreciation for his service.

By Anne O’Brien-Kakley

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02:43:19 pm The Wanderer Announces the 2010 Keel Award Winners

Categories: News, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester

The Wanderer is once again pleased to announce the 2010 recipients of our seventeenth annual "Wanderer Keel Awards." This annual community service honor is presented to one resident from Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester each. It is given to those who have contributed in some way to the overall benefit of the community, either directly to town residents, or indirectly through efforts in promoting town activities, or working to keep the wheels of local government well-oiled.

In doing this each year, we hope to applaud those who are rarely recognized for their countless hours of service and focus on the many people "behind the scenes" who remain otherwise anonymous but provide crucial support to many town functions. Like the keel of a ship, which keeps the vessel from capsizing, the recipients of the Annual Wanderer Keel Award are recognized for their stalwart efforts in keeping their respective community on an "even keel." We hope you will join us in congratulating this year's recipients and celebrate their contributions to the tri-town communities.

• Mattapoisett Keel Award 2010 – Stephen L. Kelleher, Reservation Road

The Mattapoisett Bike Path has been an epic undertaking, and will continue to be one of the greatest recreational infrastructure projects this area has ever seen. The bike path’s completion to the Marion town line has a planned finish date of 2016. This project has required foresight, coordination and profound diligence on behalf of a select group of Mattapoisett residents.

One of these residents is our 2010 Keel Award winner Stephen Kelleher. Mr. Kelleher has been in integral part of “staying the course” with the bike path project from its inception in 1997. As chairman of the Bike Path Committee, Mr. Kelleher has always kept hope when funding seemed impossible, and kept the price tag on the Mattapoisett Bike Path as low as possible – at a 2009 meeting, Mr. Kelleher estimated that, with Community Preservation Grants and private donations, Mattapoisett taxpayers will end up footing less than 10 percent of total project costs. This was all the result of Mr. Kelleher’s tireless lobbying of state and federal representatives.

On a pleasant, sunny day, you can be sure that the Mattapoisett bike path will be bustling with activity. Walkers, bikers, roller-bladers and dog-walkers all reap the benefit of a trail dedicated to beauty, peace and fitness. In the years to come, this will be a legacy for all our children to enjoy, thanks to the vision of the Mr. Kelleher and Bike Path Committee.

Mr. Kelleher joins other past Mattapoisett Keel Award Winners: Maurice “Mudgie” Tavares (1994); Priscilla Alden Hathaway (1995); Norma Holt (1996); Gale Hudson (1997); Kenneth Stickney (1998); Clara Morgan (1999); Betty and Bert Theriault (2000); John N. “Jack” DeCosta (2001); Jo Pannell (2002); Stan Ellis (2003); Evelyn Pursley (2004); Luice Moncevitch (2005); Seth Mendell (2006); Bradford A. Hathaway (2007); Kim Field (2008), Dr. David Spencer Jenny (2009).

• Marion Keel Award 2010 ­– Dr. John Russell, Stoney Run Lane

After eight years of dedicated work on the Old Rochester Regional School Committee, one would think that Dr. John Russell would have liked to take a break. Instead, Dr. Russell filled a vacant term when Robert Nectow retired, which helped guide the Committee through a time of transition.

Over the years, Dr. Russell has been a leader in the efforts to improve student performance in MCAS testing, and has been described as an advocate for ongoing professional development for teachers, superior resources for students in the face of difficult budgets, and consistency in the skill-set of the three towns. In the past year, Dr. Russell’s expertise has been instrumental to the Tri-Town’s K-6 regionalization efforts.

As a three-time graduate of MIT (for his Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD), and as a former head of the Physics department at U Mass Dartmouth, Dr. Russell was always a uniquely-gifted and valued asset to Marion schools, and the district schools at large. His colleagues describe him as “gifted”, “passionate” and a “true gentleman”. Truly, his soft voice and eloquent contributions to school committee meetings will be greatly missed. For these reasons, Dr. Russell is the recipient of the 2010 Wanderer Keel Award.

Dr. Russell joins other past Marion Keel Award Winners: Claire Russell (1994); Ralph and Phyllis Washburn (1995); Annie Giberti (1996); Jay Crowley (1997); Tyler Blethen (1998); Olive E. Harris (1999, posthumously); Kathleen P. “Kay” Reis (2000); Loretta B. “Lori” Schaefer (2001); Ann and Warren Washburn (2002); Andrew Santos Sr. (2003); Eunice Manduca (2004); Annie Giberti (2005); A. Lee Hayes (2006); Horace “Hod” Kenney (2007); Margie Baldwin (2008), Jack Beck (2009).

• Rochester Keel Award – Kate Tarleton, Snipatuit Road

Beneath the sleepy, bucolic exterior of Rochester – beyond the rolling, rhythmic rows of corn, beyond the farm stands and sunflowers is a tight-knit community that thrives on many things – Rochester Memorial School being one of them. RMS – which will soon be upgraded to a much larger school to accommodate a burgeoning population – runs like a well-oiled machine thanks to faculty, staff, and exceptional parent volunteers. One of those volunteers is this year’s Wanderer Keel Award recipient.

Kate Tarleton, mother to three children, has been a dedicated volunteer to the school and the community over the years. She is always ready with a helping hand, has supported the Great Books program, and helped hang art for the recent Art Show. She is an active Parent-Teacher Organization member, and has assumed roles as co-president of the PTO and co-director of the Cultural Enrichment Committee. A tireless advocate of the arts and culture, Ms. Tarleton has been a conduit for making sure that children’s learning experiences are fully enriched.

Most recently, she used her restoration and sewing skills to create the amazing costumes that were used in the fifth and sixth grade presentation of Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice. These period pieces contributed to the overall drama of the production.

In addition to all these roles, Ms. Tarleton has also been a member of the RMS Building Committee, which has been integral to the ongoing construction of the bigger and better building coming next year.

Ms. Tarleton joins other past Rochester Keel Award Winners: Joseph McCarthy (1994); Jean Fennell (1995); Katherine Hartley Church (1996); Chris Byron (1997); Albert Alderson (1998); Arthur and Aline Lionberger (1999); Kenneth E. Daggett (2000); Georgia D. Chamberlain (2001); Mary P. Wynne (2002); Evelyn F. Benner (2003); Mike Meunier Sr. (2004); Arthur F. Benner (2005); Pamela J. Robinson (2006); Anna E. White (2007); John E. Lafreniere (2008), Cathy Mendoza (2009).

Edited by Anne O'Brien-Kakley

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12:59:16 pm Historic District Abolishment Considered

Categories: News, Rochester

A May 24 meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectmen was called to order by Chairman Naida Parker in the Rochester Town Hall. Also in attendance were Selectman Bradford Morse, Town Administrator Richard LaCamera and Assistant to the Selectmen Veronica Lafreniere.

The minutes of the April 20 and May 17 meetings were approved. The Board also voted and signed annual appointments to various town posts.

Chairman Parker read aloud a letter outlining the Board’s recommendation for an article at the next special town meeting for the elimination of the town’s historic district. A similar article was on the Annual Town Meeting warrant from petitioner Thomas Skrutski, who ended up tabling the article at the meeting. This time, the Board made it clear that it was endorsing the article for the fall special town meeting warrant.

In the Town Administrator’s report, Mr. LaCamera asked both the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board to submit comments for the Affordable Housing Plan that he is preparing to send to the state in the middle of June.

Mr. LaCamera also provided an update on the search for a new town planner. At an April meeting, the Board had expressed interest in sharing a planner with another town. One of the possibilities had been sharing the position with Acushnet, but that town planner has since decided that he didn’t want to take on Rochester as well. The other town that is interested in sharing a town planner is Wareham, who, like Rochester, is currently looking to fill the vacancy. Wareham is in the final stages of putting together the job description, and once received, Rochester will go through the hiring process jointly with Wareham.

Mr. LaCamera also took a moment to thank all the department heads and town committees for working with a difficult budget, thereby avoiding position cuts and reduction in service. “It was an extremely challenging year as the Board knows,” said Mr. LaCamera.

“It was a remarkably smooth town meeting,” said Chairman Parker, who was glad to see confidence in the town meeting voters.

The Board then discussed a recommendation from Mr. LaCamera to close the town hall on Friday afternoons in the summer, with the departments opening at 8:00 am on Friday morning to compensate for the early closing. Chairman Parker said that she would likely some of the departments – like the building department – conduct some evening hours to compensate for the altered Friday schedule. Mr. LaCamera said that the building department already keeps Monday night hours with Jim Buckles on an appointment basis.

The Board then voted to conduct the Friday summer hours from June 28 through September 10, with the town hall opening at 8:00 am on Friday and closing in the afternoon – the full hours will be posted at the town hall.

“We’ve been doing it for years now and I’ve never heard a complaint,” said Selectman Morse.

The Board then discussed the addition of members to the Historic District Commission. One of the members up for consideration is Thomas Skrutski, who has been a vocal critic of the Commission.

“Mr. Skrutski has been anti-historic district from day one, and we feel that his serving on the committee would be very distruptive,” said Ms. Ladd, who described Mr. Skrutski’s previous appearances at the Historic District Commission meetings as “threatening and antagonistic”. Since Ms. Ladd does not think Mr. Skrutski would be a good choice, the Commission is working hard to find others to fill three vacancies.

Ms. Ladd also took the opportunity to express her concern that Chairman Parker was vocally against the Historic District Commission, and that this could affect the future of the Commission. Chairman Parker defended her views, saying that she sympathized with the homeowners who felt like the town was an obstruction in their home’s development, and that she was concerned for the houses that have stood vacant due to the Commission’s restrictions. Chairman Parker thought it was unfair that some homeowners must abide by rules that the rest of the town doesn’t have to follow.

The Board then approved the 2011 Senior Work-off program for qualifying senior citizens who want to exchange town work for tax relief. Applications for this program will be available in both the senior center on Dexter Lane and the Selectmen office.

The Board then recognized a letter of resignation from part-time Officer David Cody, and resolved to send Officer Cody a letter of appreciation for his service.

By Anne O'Brien-Kakley

 

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