Five Minute Public Hearing

Everything was in place at the Mattapoisett Town Hall for a lively discussion of electrical aggregation when the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen, along with Town Administrator Michael Gagne, went down the agenda at the August 11 meeting. But, when the board looked out into the audience, they found only one resident.

Regardless of the lack of attendees, Gagne told the one present and those viewing from home, “I think it’s fantastic!”

Gagne reported that 24 cities and towns were part of a buying group pursuing a lower electrical rate. Of those participating along with Mattapoisett are close neighbors Acushnet, Fairhaven, Marion, and New Bedford, along with 19 others representing 565,000 people comprising 275,000 households.

Gagne said the agreement had been posted to the Town’s website for a month leading up to the public hearing, and he had received a few questions primarily asking if the program would be mandatory or voluntary. He replied to those inquires that the program is voluntary.

In an effort to provide full disclosure of the aggregation process, Gagne said informative videos would be produced and posted. He also said of the rate structure itself that a portion may be purchased from renewable energy sources such as sun and wind.

Selectman Paul Silva had a more direct question asking, “How much, and when?”

Gagne said there are several more steps in the form of government oversight involving the Department of Public Utilities and the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office. Given that, Gagne speculated that it would take six months or longer to finalize a deal that is being handled by Good Energy, L.P.

The evening’s agenda also included the recognition of several police officers for their outstanding service during a medical emergency.

Mattapoisett Police Chief Mary Lyons lauded the life saving efforts of Sergeant Jason King, Officer William Ilmail, Officer Dennis Tavares, and Officer Turner Ryan.

Previously recognized by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security earlier in the year, they were officially awarded certificates of recognition on June 11 at Bentley University.

“They went above and beyond the call of duty,” said Lyons. She explained that the victim had to be revived four times before being taken to the hospital.

Regarding a request from resident Brad Hathaway that the selectmen petition the state to conduct public hearings that will be held by the DEP on a Chapter 91 application for a private pier into Aucoot Cove, Silva said, “If we are going to have a public hearing, it should be in town.”

Selectman Tyler McAllister echoed that sentiment. They voted to send a letter to the DEP requesting local hearings.

On the matter of filling two vacancies on the Conservation Commission, the board decided to invite all five candidates to their next meeting for more formal interviews. On August 10, the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission members had cast votes, selected their top three candidates, and presented those names to the board.

In other news, the Mattapoisett Fire Department Association will hold their first annual chowder competition to raise funds that will be used to purchase equipment and materials for the department. The event will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall on September 13 from 12:00 to 4:00 pm.

There is an open seat on the Council on Aging for an alternate member. Anyone interested should contact C.O.A. Director Jackie Coucci at 508-758-4110.

Maureen McCarthy was appointed to the Historical Commission.

The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen is scheduled for September 22 at 7:00 pm in the Mattapoisett Town Hall conference room.

By Marilou Newell

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