Sale Of Bonds Saves Town Money

With a stunning triple A bond rating, bidding was brisk for Mattapoisett’s bonds from the opening bell until close. The winner was FTN Financial Capital Markets from Tennessee.

The Town’s financial advisors from Uni-Bank, along with Town Treasurer Brenda Herbeck, presented the copious documents to the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen on October 27 for signing.

The bond sale allows the Town to enjoy savings from interest rate decreases to the tune of approximately $300,000. Selectman Tyler Macallister read a long legal document into the record for the transaction prior to accepting the sale.

“I have no idea what I just said,” Macallister said. All agreed that the bottom line for the Town was long-term savings for the taxpayers.

The bonds represented loans of $4,589,850 that covered such projects as water and sewer improvements, roadways, and library needs.

Town Clerk Catherine Heuberger also met with the selectmen seeking their official vote to replace old voting equipment with new units approved by the state. The new machines will be used starting with the March 2016 election.

Also coming before the selectmen for a continuation of their hearing for a Class II license for vehicle sales and service were Kevin and David Ducharme of Dartmouth. During their previous hearing, the selectmen had asked the father and son business partners to meet with Police Department Safety Officer Justin King to review traffic flow entering and exiting the Route 6 location where they propose to set up their business. King offered several suggestions for the 79 Marion Road property.

However, that was not the only hurdle the Ducharmes needed to clear. They were told that the building and zoning code enforcement director, Andrew Bobola, would need to approve the number of cars they would be allowed to keep on the premises for sale.

After being told that they will need to work with Bobola and provide him with a scaled drawing of the property use, the selectmen approved their license with conditions that flags, balloons and banners, flickering lights, and other distracting materials not be used.

Ducharme will be allowed to keep a minimum of 15 vehicles and possibly as many as 25 if Bobola agrees that number is in keeping with bylaws.

Town Administrator Michael Gagne updated the selectmen on the progress being made on the Acushnet Road culvert and roadway project. He said the culvert has been completed and the project remains on track for a mid-November completion.

Gagne also reported that the Water and Sewer Department would be undertaking a water infiltration review to ensure that the public sewer system is not being breached by illegal hook-ups. He said the town has hired OSD Engineering Consultants of New Hampshire. He assured the board that the employees for the company, who will be conducting a house-by-house evaluation, will have clear credentials and other forms of identification.

Gagne was also delighted to share the “really good news” that Paula Butterfield, assistant veterans agent, has received state recognition as the number one agent of the year. He said, “Numerous times, people give her very high praise.”

Gagne said the Special Fall Town Meeting is scheduled for November 9 at the ORRHS auditorium at 6:30 pm.

The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen is scheduled for November 24 at 7:00 pm in the Mattapoisett Town Hall conference room.

By Marilou Newell

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