Needing more clarity on the process for sponsoring bylaw changes, Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen Chairman Paul Silva has asked Town Administrator Michael Gagne to look into processes followed in other towns. Gagne has just begun that research, prompting Silva to say they were not yet prepared to have a discussion on this matter.
Planning Board member Bonne DeSousa asked the selectmen if a joint meeting between the BOS and Planning Board could be held so that residents could have all the prime movers together to facilitate better communication and understanding. She was told that the agenda item “Sponsorship General Bylaw Amendment discussion” was not related to specific bylaw changes.
Recently, three bylaw changes were placed on the Fall Special Town Meeting warrant, which fueled questions from residents as to how these were presented to the voters who and by whom.
During several months of public meetings and hearings between Brad Saunders of D + E Management LLC – a Bay Club Partner – and the Planning Board, Saunders sought and received permission from the board to submit bylaw changes. Planning Board Chairman Tom Tucker stated on more than one occasion that the Planning Board was not sponsoring the changes, but was merely the vehicle by which the proposed changes would be included on the warrant.
The changes Saunders brought to the voters were indefinitely postponed from the Town Meeting floor by motions from DeSousa, who was supported by the voters. Thus, the zoning bylaws were not changed.
Also during the meeting, Treasurer Brenda Herbeck and Town Clerk Catherine Heuberger met with the selectmen to present short-term bonds amounting to $600,000 for various projects that required their signatures. The money will be used to fund sewer work on Cove Street, Phase IV road repairs, and wastewater treatment increases.
Gagne gave an update on the repair work about to take place on Acushnet Road at Tinkham Pond. He referred to the collapsing bridge at this juncture as a “stone-resting pier” built in the 1800s of granite, most likely quarried in Mattapoisett. He said the work would take about three weeks. Presently the road is closed.
The selectmen voted to pass on the right of first refusal for a parcel of land off Crystal Spring Road. Gagne said Blue Wave LLC would lease the parcel for the next two decades as part of the solar farm project in that area.
Gagne also reported that a low bidder with good credentials has come forward for the completion of work on the Town’s beach house. The selectmen approved the bid, awarding it to AAA Royal Construction of Braintree in the amount of $63,000. Work is expected to begin immediately.
On hand watching the civic proceedings were two local Boy Scouts, Zech Mooney and Freemin Bauer. The Scouts are working towards their Eagle badges. The badges they are currently working on are community service. Selectman Jordan Collyer recognized their hard work and commitment, prompting those in attendance to applaud their efforts.
Announcements included: Annual Halloween Parade on October 31 at 6:00 pm stepping off from Center School; Town Hall closing on Tuesday, November 11 in observation of Veteran’s Day; November 4 elections with polls open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm at Old Hammondtown School; and the first Winter Farmers’ Market beginning November 8 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and continuing throughout the winter on the second Saturday of each month.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen is scheduled for November 25 at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall conference room.
By Marilou Newell
