On April 28, the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen signed the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. With over 40 articles facing the voters on May 11, Selectman Tyler Macallister stated, “It will be a two night town meeting…”
Articles assured to garner time and attention will be bylaws authored by the Conservation Commission and the Agricultural Committee.
Resident Paul Osenkowski asked if he could speak to the board about the conservation bylaw. He said he wanted to see a bylaw, but would be unable to support the one authored by the commission. He asked if a subcommittee could be created to bring in all interested parties to craft a document that would be acceptable to a wide group of community members and business interests.
“I want more control by the town versus Boston,” said Osenkowski. “We need local government taking care of this.”
Macallister said, whether the bylaw passes or not, significant interest had been generated, thus making it a good possibility that a bylaw could be written for the next town meeting – in a year.
Town Administrator Michael Gagne reported that anyone wishing to write a letter to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection regarding the proposed private pier off Goodspeed Island should do so before Monday, May 6.
Gagne also said letters are being collected at Town Hall and will be sent as a packet to the DEP office in Lakeville. All residents wishing to sent a letter directly to the DEP or drop one off at town hall were instructed to include the DEP File number: WW14-4226. More information is available on the Town’s website, www.mattapoisett.net, he told the public.
Gagne also read into the record a letter from the Friends of Mattapoisett Harbor, a group of 255 residents who oppose the construction of the pier.
In other business, Margaret DeMello, on behalf of the American Cancer Society, came before the board seeking and receiving support to display purple bows and other decorative materials on Town Hall and other town properties to heighten public awareness of the 10th Annual Relay for Life Campaign.
“We want to paint the town purple,” said DeMello. Bows will be available at Town Hall for residents who want to participate, and should be displayed between May 23 and June 14.
The board awarded certificates of appreciation to members of FISH and SHINE programs for decades of service. Those recipients were Lois Murray, Ken Stickney, William Harrop and Bob Walter.
The last winter Farmer’s Market will be held at ORRJHS on May 9, and the first summer market begins on June 2.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen will be held on May 26 at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall conference room.
By Marilou Newell
