It didn’t take long for Town Meeting voters in Mattapoisett to routinely move money around from one account to another, or to appropriate funds for infrastructure work such as new water mains and roadways repairs. However, residents voiced their concerns when it came to forking out more money for the bike path and changing the voting structure when dealing with general bylaws.
Article 6 would have authorized the Board of Selectmen to file a Home Rule Petition that would change the way Mattapoisett’s General Bylaws are amended or altered, from a simple majority vote to a two-thirds majority vote.
Donald Fleming, a resident and practicing attorney asked, “Why would people want to give up their right? The board is suggesting limitations on every citizen in this town. Zoning needs a two-thirds vote because it deals with property.…”
Fleming felt that, by passing this article, residents would be more restricted in petitioning through the town meeting process.
Brad Hathaway spoke up, “Majority rule has served this town well for 60 years!”
Kevin Geraghty, resident and Finance Committee member, also voiced his concern saying, “I agree with what I’m hearing from the crowd. Why get a super majority? I haven’t heard any reason why we need to restrict people’s ideas. Two-thirds makes it harder for the average citizen.”
When the vote was counted, the article carried 52 in favor and 41 against. That brought Ray Andrews to his feet, asking Town Moderator Jack Eklund for a motion to reconsider.
“Move this to the Annual Town Meeting,” said Andrews. “The vote is too close.”
Eklund was not disposed to do so, however. He explained in detail that he had researched his responsibilities and authority to decline such a recall. In spite of Andrews, again asserting the vote was too close, Eklund dismissed the request and the meeting continued.
Article 18 pertained to the bike path and asked voters to approve another $30,000 for test borings required by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. Presenting the article was Bike Path Committee member Robert Price.
Price explained that the test borings is a new requirement added since the birth of the bike path and its proposed traversing of sensitive wetlands. The DOT wants to ensure sufficient rock material for anchoring a bridge across Eel River and associated wetlands.
Residents stepped up to the microphone speaking both for and against spending these additional funds.
Bill Dumas said he had been sitting in the same location in the high school auditorium for town meetings since 1972 and since the l980s, he said, “We were told the bike path wouldn’t cost us anything. How much is the ‘it’s not going to cost us anything’ is it?”
Others expressing concern that costs might continue to ratchet upwards were Finance Committee member Elisabeth Pennington, Selectman Jordan Collyer, and resident Bill Sweeney.
Voters speaking on behalf of supporting approval of the article were Principal Assessor Kathleen Costello, and residents Randy Smith, Jim Dildine and Mike Botello.
Town Administrator Michael Gagne said that, to date, the town had ponied up $470,000 for engineering and design services.
In the end, the sentiment of the assembled was to approve the spending. The article carried 82 in favor, 7 against.
Highway Surveyor Barry Denham presented Article 13 pertaining to town bridge and culvert design. The article asked voters to support spending $25,000 of free cash to perform assessment of culverts throughout the town, with most along the beleaguered Acushnet Road. The article easily passed 93 to 0.
Regarding Article 15, Library Roof Repairs, Gagne explained that due to a product failure of the roof tiles installed less than ten years ago, the town was engaged in litigation against the manufacturer. In the meantime, the library roof needed a hefty $189,000 worth of repairs. The article carried 93 to 0.
Fifteen articles were easily put through with monies going towards much-needed water and sewer projects, roadway repairs, or the rescinding of borrowing authorizations previously granted.
Article 16, Replacement of Damaged Police Cruiser, was withdrawn by Chief Mary Lyons.
In a tender moment mid-way through the evening, Nick Nicholson was acknowledged by the selectmen for his many years of service to the town in his role as Water and Sewer Superintendent. He is scheduled to retire in December. Nicholson received a standing ovation from all in attendance.
By Marilou Newell
