There were twists and turns during discussions, then stretches and yawns by the time the Rochester Planning Board meeting surpassed the two-hour mark on March 8 during the continued public hearing for Renewable Generation, LLC’s public hearing for its solar farm project slated for the town center. Engineer Stephen O’Connell stood alone against the board […] Read more »
The March 1 meeting of Mattapoisett’s Board of Selectmen began with a vote to accept a gift of land from Jeanne Downey. The parcel is situated near the Mattapoisett landing and park. Town Administrator Michael Gagne said, “This gift is a tremendous opportunity for the town,” citing the need for more parking at the bike […] Read more »
In just a couple of weeks, employees of the Town of Marion will be driving around the town in a brand new electric car. The Marion Board of Selectmen on February 26 authorized acting Town Administrator Judy Mooney to sign a lease for a new electric car on behalf of the town. The three-year, $7,500 […] Read more »
It was the Marion Finance Committee versus the Marion School District in round one of budget negotiations, which got off to a tough start on February 24 when the Finance Committee expressed impatience just after 6:30 pm at the tardiness of the school representatives. In the large recreation room at 13 Atlantic Drive, two long […] Read more »
The Rochester Board of Selectmen on February 29 officially decided to not hold a special town meeting, given that an annual town meeting isn’t too far off. Town Administrator Michael McCue advised the board that since a special town meeting wouldn’t be possible until some time in late April, it would be prudent and more […] Read more »
Mattapoisett’s Finance Committee met with several department heads on February 24 as they review, question, and prepare budgets for the spring town meeting warrant. Police Chief Mary Lyons brought a budget that she described as having “no real surprises.” She said wage step increases, longevity pay, and career incentives were all annual standard increases. Lyons […] Read more »
Reps from the Town of Rochester drew a bold bottom line on its assessment of the Old Rochester Regional School District’s operations and management budget of $17.5 million for fiscal year 2017, saying the Town cannot afford the school budget’s increase of almost 3 percent over last year. During a February 29 ORR budget meeting […] Read more »
The choice for a new Council on Aging director was unanimous on March 1 at the meeting of the Marion Board of Selectmen. Although all three candidates were right for the job, said Selectman Stephen Cushing, one candidate in particular rose above the rest – Heather Sylvia of New Bedford and former COA director in […] Read more »
Tri-Town voters came out for the presidential primary election on March 1 like they haven’t in a long time. Decades, even, according to Rochester Town Clerk Naida Parker. Fifty-percent of Marion voters – 1,874 of the 3,763 registered voters – made their way to the VFW to cast their vote for their preferred candidate. “It […] Read more »
“The DEP sided with the Conservation Commission’s negative determination of applicability…. It was appropriate,” said Chairman Bob Rogers during the February 22 meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission. The two Notices of Intent filed by the Town and planned for the evening’s agenda were now withdrawn due to the DEP’s finding. The filings were for […] Read more »