Deep into what became a rather long meeting, the Mattapoisett Select Board members met with two candidates vying for the newly created position of Project Manager, a staff member to assist Town Administrator Mike Lorenco. The position will not only require skill sets in leadership, use of technology, multi-tasking, municipal finance, grant applications, and bridging the needs of the public, the expectation is that the job will continue to evolve over time.
The first candidate interviewed was Katherine Desrosiers of Lakeville, currently an assistant to the town manager in Bridgewater. Desrosiers graduated from Suffolk University where she studied government and politics and has worked in both the House of Representatives and the Massachusetts Senate offices.
Fielding questions from the board and Lorenco, Desrosiers said she has experience with dealing with the rapid-fire needs of the public that she said she experienced every day in her current position. “I’m used to talking people down,” when situations become strained, she said. Desrosiers also was confident she could help keep Lorenco on task and not bogged down with matters she would handle. “I can bounce between my tasks and helping the administrator stay on point.”
Lorenco said that currently there are 14 big projects, many heavy construction projects, all demanding his attention. He asked the candidate if she could handle such duties. Desrosiers responded that currently she is working on a large municipal project in Bridgewater and that although she isn’t certified in procurement, she would be willing to become certified. She also said that she is familiar with insurance requirements for municipal fleets.
Of her management and leadership skills, Desrosiers said that she could help staff members who may not be as fluent in computer applications through patient guidance and assistance.
The second candidate, Jon Connell, is well known to the board, having worked as a civil engineer for Field Engineering for 12 years before moving on. He said he is well familiar with state procurement processes and contract administration of construction projects. Connell impressed upon the board his desire to provide service in the public sector. He noted his 10 years working for the City of Taunton as its engineer, finding public sector work professionally satisfying.
On the matter of dealing with the public, Connell said, if people had questions, he would strive to answer them. He was asked how many departments he had worked with in Mattapoisett; the list was all encompassing. He also feels that, with his engineering background, he could take on tasks currently being handled by Lorenco, freeing him up to do other things.
While the board members felt both candidates were strong contenders with diverse backgrounds, in the end Desrosiers got the nod. The Select Board members felt that, given her heavy background in municipal and state government, she would be effective on day one and that her management and leadership experience would be of value to a job that will change over time.
The board also met with members of the Friends of the Mattapoisett Bike Path regarding plans for benches and chairs along Phase 1b and the recently completed Marion connector at the end of Industrial Drive.
Discussions centered on the type of outdoor furnishing best suited for the area and the possibility of using them as memorials along with bike racks. There was also some discussion about the number of benches and chairs in public parks such as Ned’s Point and the possibility of placing a shade shed on the grounds versus more seating. The board agreed that no one wants a park full of benches. They did agree that seating along the bike path is necessary but needs careful planning. The green light was given for the FMBP to purchase four benches and racks for the Marion connector, given that was part of the Mass Trails Grant agreement, a grant that helped to fund the connector.
Earlier in the evening, Lorenco advised the board that the state is looking to add a second voting precinct given that the town’s population has grown. Chairman Jordan Collyer asked that the state be contacted to find out if adding another precinct is absolutely necessary. He noted the increased expenses associated with adding another voting location. The matter will be revisited at the next meeting.
The property tax relief program for senior citizens simply known as “senior work off” was discussed. Lorenco said the program needs to be reviewed and revised with such changes as ensuring the taxpayer is a full-time resident in the community, that the applicant’s income level is taken into consideration to ensure that those most needing the tax relief benefit from the program, and placing a limit on the number of seniors in any given timeframe. He reminded all that, in order to provide tax relief in this manner, money is funneled back to the town through an overlay account. This matter will also be revisited at the next meeting.
The issue of private roads versus public roads and public services used to maintain and plow private roads was brought to the board’s attention for review by Finance Committee member Pat Donoghue, who said after a friend sustained injury from a cycling accident on a private road, she was asked to help ascertain who is liable for the condition of the road. Donoghue said what she uncovered is a disparity in signed agreements and the enforcement of agreements between the town and private roadway owners.
Donoghue said that private roads can be serviced by the town with signed agreements per a local bylaw, but in accepting such services, the property owners also agree that the roadways would be open to all residents in the community. She said signs that indicate a neighbor’s roadway is private are wrong, as the roadways are supposed to be public. Collyer said it is time to audit the agreements, make sure all such agreements are in place and up to date, and where “No trespassing” signs are displayed they should be removed. Highway Surveyor Garrett Bauer said there are 89 agreements in his office and that 22 roads are being serviced with no agreements.
Lorenco said that a reconciliation between documents held by the Highway Department and those on file at the town clerk’s office is paramount. All agreed it is time to close the gaps.
At the beginning of the meeting, the board gave certificates of appreciation to Mary Crain, former administrator to the Planning Board, and to Elizabeth Leidhold, recently retired conservation agent. Crain served for four years and Leidhold for 13.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, October 12, at 6:30 pm.
Mattapoisett Select Board
By Marilou Newell