The Mattapoisett River Valley Water Supply Protection Advisory Committee and the Mattapoisett River Valley Water District Commission barely had to switch out personnel to hold back-to-back meetings in the same Zoom video-conferencing window on April 14.
The committee and commission, which are both related to a four-town partnership of Fairhaven, Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester, met for the first time via remote access and had plenty of catching up to do.
Jon Gregory reported to the committee on a potential water-quality-management grant opportunity, an annual 604B grant through the Department of Environmental Protection. The grant spreads $200,000 in amounts ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 to fund anywhere from four to six districts’ water-quality assessments.
“It seems to fall into what we’re looking to do with Snow’s Pond and other areas,” said Gregory, noting a competitive process and a stipulation of disadvantaged-minority (4.2 percent) women-owned business (4.5 percent) that has to be taken into account for any work the committee proposes with the grant money should it be awarded.
The committee agreed to evaluate what could be a pricey application process that will reveal itself on April 24, and decide from there what to pursue at the committee’s meeting to be held on May 10 or May 11.
“I know that would be very robust to do a Mattapoisett River management plan,” said Laurell Farinon. “It’s a good idea to keep the door open and explore every opportunity.”
In his treasurer’s report to the committee, David Pierce reported $75,188.01 in income for the current fiscal year (beginning July 1, 2019), including $443.21 in bank interest.
Gregory reported to the committee plans to finalize the purchase of a Hach-brand water testing meter by April 15, and the committee also approved $500 in funding to pay back the Town of Mattapoisett for committee member Henry Renauld to replace his sonic device for measuring the wells.
Citing the social value of the event, the committee postponed a regional meeting of water officials to the fall. This meeting had originally been scheduled for April 30 at Marion Town House.
In his treatment plant operations update to the commission, Renauld reported that power outages burned out a lower compressor that has since been repaired. The cause was wiring that heated up on a three-phase motor.
The plant was filled up on chemicals including oxygen in the latter part of March, allowing the plant to run 50 days before needing another delivery. Marion’s Wolf Island facility is down, and the commission is working with an electrician.
In his treasurer’s report to the commission, Paul Silva reported invoices totaling $106,828.40.
The commission’s auditors requested documents estimated to be 12 years old containing a report from engineering group Tata and Howard for services they provided. There is no deadline, but Silva said he would like to see the matter addressed before leaving his post. Member and Fairhaven Town Administrator Mark Rees said he will try to find the records in the plant.
There was discussion on how to best utilize the role of treasurer where it concerns both the committee and the commission. Rochester Town Counsel Blair Bailey suggested linking the committee and the commission for the services of a professional. Pierce had also indicated that he is leaving his treasurer’s role with the committee in June.
According to Silva, bills are reviewed and signed, which is a service that the commission pays Fairhaven to do. Silva said he has no problem staying on a month or two beyond his term while a solution is found.
The next meeting of the Water District Commission is scheduled for May 12. Members expect it will take place via remote access.
Mattapoisett River Valley Water Committees
By Mick Colageo