The Mattapoisett Select Board met on December 17 at Town Hall and approved aquaculture licenses but said there might be fewer licenses this year because weather the past year has made shell fishing more difficult.
The board decided to waive the $200 fee this year because stormwater management has been an issue. Board members also said they have reached out to the state legislature and the federal Environmental Protection Agency to make shell fishing more accessible.
The board set Mattapoisett’s Annual Town Meeting for Monday, May 11, and the Town Election for Tuesday, May 19. Board members have asked town departments to maintain a level budget and would like to meet sooner this year about planning for the Fiscal Year 2027.
Last year, budget deliberations began in March. This year, they would like to meet with Police, Fire and Highway departments, as well as Water and Sewer budgets in February, considering those are the biggest budgets. Members noted that with the rise of health insurance costs, town officials are dealing with leaner budgets.
Eric LaBrode of East Coast Inflatables LLC on Industrial Drive has been selling boats for a while; however, he now needs a license because he plans on selling boats and boat trailers 14 feet in length. LaBrode says he now needs approval from the Select Board, which unanimously approved his license and applauded his business venture.
The board also made a handful of new appointments: Luke Mello to animal inspector, as well as Noah Motta, Zachary Ribas, Heather Lopes and Joshua Burgo as probationary firefighters.
Officials also discussed changes to the water management plan, revising it in accordance with state guidelines. The revised plan designates recreation areas as well as official uses of docks and piers. The board asked for a public-comment period before accepting the new plan.
Board members directed Marine Advisory Board Chairman Carlos DeSousa to highlight what is new with the plan, as opposed to the previous plan. The new document also details responsibilities of the harbormaster, police and other officials.
The board also discussed that an engineering firm reviewed Town Hall but noted that significant improvements need to be made, especially raising the building’s elevation because it is in a velocity zone.
The town’s Capital Planning Committee will hire a professional to determine costs for renovating the existing building versus building a new facility.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, January 13.