Allan Gillis, Chairman of the Marine Advisory Board, and Harbormaster Jill Simmons spent a solid hour discussing the updated draft of Waterways Rules and Regulations presented to the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen on October 14. But of all the important areas noted in the document, none has been more contentious than the one dedicated to “grandfathered” moorings.
Starting with what should be used as a definition of “immediate family members” to when and how a mooring may be transferred, grandfathered moorings remain a sensitive subject matter.
“I just don’t think the Town should continue to do this … it is detrimental to the public,” stated Simmons. She went on to say, “…this creates a protected class of people … the whole thing bothers me … you are not taking care of other people.” Simmons explained that grandfathered moorings are being rented out, aren’t being used as regulated, and that even if the moorings are used as permitted, grandfathering keeps other people waiting for decades to get a mooring.
Gillis felt that the MAB had done its best after debating this issue for months.
Paul Silva, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, asked Gillis to go back to his board with a variety of text changes and stated that the selectmen would attend the MAB’s November meeting to clear up all sticking points. Once the document has been finally completed, Gillis was told to return to the BOS, and that it will also be vetted by the public before final approval. Go to www.mattapoisett.net to view a hyperlink of this portion of the meeting.
Other handled agenda items included votes to approve Charles Rider as a regular member of the Recreation Commission, Sean K. Parker as a full-time police officer, and Dorothy Nunes as a member of the Agricultural Commission.
How On Earth received approval to expand their food and beverage service to a deck area behind the store and Town Clerk Catherine Heuberger presented the November 4 Election Warrant for the board members’ signatures.
A presentation from Kevin Magowan, Master of Science/University of North Carolina, who has been working on the Pine Island Pond Oyster Project showed positive results from the year-long effort. The Town invested in equipment and Magowan established an oyster fishery that produced 12,000 legal-sized oysters. His detailed report also noted a 30% survival rate. The total cost of the project was approximately $4000 lower than the amount the Town had been spending to replenish diminishing stocks over the past several years. This project bodes well for a promising future for oysters, not only in Pine Island Pond, but in other areas to which the shellfish will be moved once they are mature. Harvesting at this location is now open to persons holding ‘family’ permits.
Speaking of oysters, oyster season is now open in the inner harbor for permitted residents.
Silva asked Gagne to outline who should be on a ‘town facility study group’ and how to proceed saying that, “now’s the time to start moving on this … what is the vision.”
Gagne gave his report, which included a call to the public to donate items for packages that will be sent to military service personnel. If you wish to donate, check the Town’s website for a list of needed items and drop them off at Town Hall.
Gagne also said that bidding is open for work on the town’s beach house and called on local contractors to pick up plans and specifications. A refundable $50 deposit is required.
He reminded the public that the senior tax-work-off program is now open. If you are a senior citizen with a skill that can benefit the town, you may be hired to work off as much as $750 from property taxes. Annual sign-up is required.
Flu shots will be available on October 24 between 1:00 and 4:00 pm for a $5 donation at the Council on Aging or if home-bound by calling the Public Health Nurse at 508-758-4118.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen is October 28 at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall conference room.
By Marilou Newell
