During the October 4 meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board, candidates for the position of Building Commissioner were interviewed.
Ken Murphy of Sagamore Beach told the board he had been a building commissioner for six years. Presently Murphy is the building commissioner for the town of Bourne. Murphy also shared that he has held the position of building inspector for the towns of Harwich and Dennis.
Murphy said that he was proud of the work he had done in other communities, especially those communities that had expanded commercial activities. He emphasized that he was not only familiar with FEMA, but that the Town of Bourne is completely mapped by FEMA as a flood zone.
Murphy said he can help guide property owners through the process of securing permitting for commercial structures, which will help Mattapoisett as the town looks for new commercial expansion possibilities.
A well-known figure to those that follow the town’s School Committee, James Muse, also met with the board on this night to discuss what he would bring to the position of building commissioner.
Muse detailed his extensive experience in construction. His resume lists his current position as a Rehabilitation Specialist for the City of New Bedford, which includes structuring programs for the city’s Section 8 housing and attending various public meetings to explain designs. Muse also discussed his work as a construction manager for the Homes for Our Troops Organization.
While the board was impressed with both candidates, they said the need for a building commissioner outweighed other factors and thusly plan to offer the position to Murphy.
In other business, shell fishing was opened for the season. Check the town’s website for details.
Faust Fiore was appointed to the Bike Path Committee, a one-day liquor license was permitted to St. Anthony for their parish dinner, and the board approved a Santa 5K race for MS on December 6.
It was announced that Community Preservation grant applications are now available from the town’s website. The annual Halloween Costume Contest will be held in Shipyard Park on October 31 at 6:00 pm.
Town Administrator Mike Lorenco noted that there wasn’t any pressing business before the voters now, nothing that would warrant a Fall Town Meeting. He said that certified cash was pending and that there weren’t any budget issues that required voters’ participation.
As the meeting was drawing to a close, from the back of the conference room an unidentified speaker asked the board when they would make a decision on the Board of Health vacancy. Select Board Chair Tyler Macallister said to hold a meeting to make that decision required a joint meeting of the board and the BOH with quorums coming together from both boards. “Do you see anyone here from the Board of Health?” he replied.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board was not announced upon adjournment.
Mattapoisett Select Board
By Marilou Newell