With an AAA bond rating holding firm, Mattapoisett’s Board of Selectmen signed $11-million general obligation bonds on February 24, bonds facilitated by Unibank Fiscal Advisory Services.
Meeting with the selectmen was Brianne Susel of UFAS and the town’s Treasurer, Kristie Costa. Costa explained that 10 projects would be funded through the $11,718,500 in bonds. Those projects are $9 million for a new fire station, $275,000 for a new fire station entrance, $70,000 for roadway engineering and design for Pearl Street and Tobey Lane, $150,000 stormwater drainage design, $125,000 Pine Island watershed, $250,000 Pease Point water main, $770,000 water-tank repairs, $150,000 water-aquifer land protection, $278,500 village water-main replacement, and $375,000 Acushnet Road bridge repair.
Costa explained that the February 20 bond sale produced seven bids with the award going to Raymond James and Associates, Inc. She also shared that during a February 13 rating call with Standard and Poors, the town maintained its AAA status. Costa commented that the ratings was based in part on, “… a very strong economy, strong management with good financial policies and practices, along with strong budgetary flexibility.”
Outgoing Town Administrator Mike Gagne, who has been at the financial helm for a decade, added, “The team did an outstanding job. There’s a fantastic team in place for the new Town Administrator.” He further stated that the rating industry noted Mattapoisett’s mitigation planning of hard assets in the aftermath of weather-related disasters and rising water levels as another reason why the town enjoys a high rating. Gagne said that those plans had earned the town an award from the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection Agency. He also stated that the new Town Administrator, Michael Lorenco, will start on March 16. Gagne will be staying on for some weeks to ensure a smooth transition.
Selectman Jordan Collyer asked if the timing was right for “…reworking existing bonds.” Costa responded, “…the team will look at those for potential savings.”
In other business, the selectmen asked Harbormaster Jay Macintosh to present the Marine Advisory Board with his documents related to a down payment for a new harbormaster boat. The selectmen voted to approve a $75,000 appropriated spending contingent upon a positive vote from the MAB.
A license transfer was granted to Hatem M. Elrifai for a used-car business located at 79 Marion Road, previously held by 508 Sport and Luxury Vehicles. Elrifai will operate the business under the name First Hot Line Auto Sales.
A seasonal hawkers and peddlers license was granted to Bella Floral Design of Marion for the sale of fresh flowers located next to the Town Wharf General Store.
Silva also asked Gagne to move forward obtaining resident feedback on the impact of public events held in the village. Silva wants to study the negative impacts that any seasonal events may have on the residents living in the area.
The annual Dog and Cat rabies clinic will be held on March 15, 10:00 am to noon at the Fire Station parking area. The fee is $15 per animal. Residents only may attend with all dogs leashed and all cats crated.
At adjournment, no date was scheduled for the next selectmen’s meeting.
Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen
By Marilou Newell