Mattapoisett Selectmen Sign Warrant on a Sunday

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            With the clock ticking down for the signing of the Fall Special Town Meeting warrant, Mattapoisett Selectmen Jordan Collyer and Paul Silva met at Town Hall on Sunday, October 6, in the nick of time to sign and post the warrant two weeks before a special town meeting as mandated by state law.

            The warrant for the October 21 Fall Special Town Meeting contains 20 articles and begins with Article 1 that asks voters to accept the provisions of the Massachusetts Veterans’ Brave Act. The Brave Act that was signed into law last summer by Governor Baker allows cities and towns in the Commonwealth to waive property taxes for residents who have a family member whose life was lost in while serving in the military. Town Administrator Michael Gagne had stated at a previous meeting that possibly five families in town would be eligible to apply for the exemption.

            Other highlights of the warrant include Article 4, sponsored by the Board of Assessors and the Board Selectmen, asking voters to grant a Home Rule Petition that would help protect the town’s interests related to alternative energy developers who may balk at signing a payment in lieu of taxes agreement (PILOT).

            “So far we have been lucky,” said Kathleen Costello, administrator of assessing. She explained that a loophole in the law governing the development of commercial solar arrays and other alternative energy sources has the potential for those developers to take advantage of language intended to benefit homeowners and agricultural businesses.

            Costello said that, currently, the regulations governing such installations is so poorly written that large commercial developers are trying to use the no taxation clauses to their advantage when, in fact, that language had been intended to grant relief to homeowners and agricultural entities.

            “The solar developer we’ve been working with has been good to work with,” she said of Blue Wave, LLC. But she cautioned that with the closing of the Brayton Point and Plymouth power plants, “Solar companies have found us and our open lands.”

            Costello said that the Home Rule Petition (HRP) would not affect the PILOT agreements currently in place, if adopted at Town Meeting. Only new alternative energy producers would be required to pay personal property taxes. They would not be able to avoid taxation if this passes, Costello said.

            Speaking for assessors across the Commonwealth, Costello said they have been trying to get the legislature to move on this matter and, frankly, are fed up with inaction.

            “If this passes, Mattapoisett would be the first town in the state to have such a law,” she said. “It’s a bold move.”

            But, believing “nothing ventured nothing gained,” Costello hopes the voters will understand that, by forcing legislative action, Mattapoisett would gain further protections when commercial alternative energy producers come calling.

            Costello said if the HRP passes, it would further protect Mattapoisett against litigious actions that commercial alternative energy developers may take against PILOT agreements in the future.

            Article 3 is another HRP being put before the voters, asking that costs for police officers and school resource officer services be shared between the three towns for Old Rochester Regional Junior and Senior High School.

            Other highlights include Article 5 for the establishment of a seven-member committee appointed by the Board of Selectmen to study the future of maintaining two elementary schools and a cost feasibility study for the construction of a new town hall versus other alternatives.

            Article 12 will ask the voters to appropriate “a sum of money” from the Waterfront Enterprise Fund and certified free cash for the restoration, improvement, and repair to the town’s historic wharves.

            Article 20 seeks approval for the borrowing of $2,535,000 for Public Works Projects such as a bridge on Acushnet Road, improvements to Industrial Drive, an east entrance for the new fire station off Route 6, Pearl Street and Tobey Street drainage improvements, and design and engineering for stormwater drainage systems for Holly Lane, Wildwood Terrace, Knollwood Drive, North Street, and the subdivision streets off North Street.

            Other articles that will appear on the warrant:

            Article 2 that would allow board members absent from a meeting to cast a vote on any hearing missed by submitting a letter certifying they have reviewed all relevant documentation and are fully informed on the matter.

            Article 6 is to accept a gift of land from Robert Gingras located off Fairhaven Road adjacent to Randall Road.

            Article 7 is transfer $500,000 from surplus revenue/free cash to various stabilization funds: $100,000 to the Special Education Reserve Stabilization, $300,000 for Debt Service Stabilization, and $100,000 to the Capital Improvements Stabilization.

            Article 8 asks for $51,000 to review and update the town’s master plan.

            Article 9 is an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2020 budget for increases to Health Department salaries, $7,500; Fire Department Salaries, $10,000; and Town Building salaries, $10,000.

            Article 10 is for $167,000 to supplement the FY20 budget from certified free cash to the following funds: Reserve Fund, $40,000; Town Shade Trees and Beautification, $5,000; Vehicle Leases, $20,000; Town Insurance Deductible Reserve, $20,000; Parks Facility Improvement, $5,000; Workplace Safety Training and Compliance, $10,000; Land Appraisals Phase 2A Shared Use Path, $10,000; ADA Evaluation and Priority Planning, $12,000; Accrued Liability Funding, $40,000; and Elections Town Meetings, $5,000.

            Article 11 is for $62,000 in free cash to be appropriated as follows: town building repairs, $15,000; town and school infrastructure appraisals, $25,000; and replacement of lawn and snow removal equipment, $22,000.

            Article 13 is for $50,000 to fund the design, engineering and bidding work for a solar energy system on the closed town landfill, harbor improvements and dredging, repairs to Long Wharf, EPA regulatory compliance, and OSHA workplace safety compliance. (No specified amounts per item are listed).

            Article 14 would set part-time library and town personnel schedules.

            Article 15 would authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into negotiations with the American Legion regarding the meeting hall on Depot Street to be used by the town for municipal meetings and to appropriate funds to repair the roof.

            Article 16 grants the Selectmen authority to enter into agreements for easements necessary for stormwater street drainage improvements for drainage systems off Knollwood Drive, Wildwood Terrace, and Holly Lane as a taking/gift to the town for that purpose.

            Article 17 would also give the Selectmen authorization to enter into easement agreements for the purpose of providing service to photovoltaic arrays located on Lot 9 Map 28 contiguous to the town’s closed landfill.

            Article 18 would authorize the Board of Selectmen to approve and accept trails within the Tinkham Forest for public access.

            Article 19 would authorize the Selectmen to issue a Request for Proposals for lease and license agreements for the installation of solar panels and production of electricity on the closed town landfill located off Tinkham Hill Road. The town would have the option of using the energy for municipal needs.

            In other matters, the board touched on the possibility of holding a special election to fill the Board of Selectmen seat left vacant after Tyler Macallister resigned last week in order to pursue the town administrator position.

            Selectman Jordan Collyer said the board could call a special election, but it would take 64 days, according to Massachusetts General Law, before the special election could be held. He also noted that the public could call for a special election, saying, “If 200 registered voters sign a petition calling for a special election, we’d hold one, but the same 64-day period must take place.”

            In both instances, that would put a special election sometime in early 2020.

            Collyer said he and Selectman Paul Silva had not had the time to discuss the matter of special elections and were awaiting some legal clarifications from town counsel on several matters related to the vacancy. Collyer confirmed that such discussions had to take place in the public domain, but were not scheduled at this time.

            “There’s a lot we don’t know right now,” said Collyer.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen is scheduled for October 9 at 6 pm in the town hall conference room.

Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen

By Marilou Newell

Melvin E. Trott, Jr.

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Melvin E. Trott, Jr., 90 of West Wareham passed away at home on Saturday October 5, 2019. He was the loving husband of 38 years to Constance H. (Broman) Trott. He was born in Springfield, Massachusetts the son of the late Melvin E. and Lillian (Green) Trott Sr.

            He lived most of his life on Indian Ledge Farm in Mattapoisett, where he raised chickens, and had a small business providing fresh eggs to the community. Mel also worked for New England Telephone for 30 years as a mechanic, retiring in 1968. He and Constance married in 1981 and they moved to Warren, New Hampshire in 1987. Mel worked part time for a local newspaper company delivering periodicals throughout the state. He was also the Transfer Station Manager for the Town of Warren. Both he and Connie moved back to Massachusetts in 2010, eventually settling in Wareham.

            In addition to his wife Connie, he is survived by three children, Melanie and her husband Duane Sylvia of Middleborough; Melvin E. Trott III. And his wife Stephanie of Falmouth and Michael Trott and his wife Donnis of Denton, Maryland. He was also the grandfather of Jenna, Jeremiah, and Justin Sylvia of Middleborough, Katelyn, wife of Brian Behunin of Wareham; Matthew J. Trott of North Falmouth; Elianna and Abigail Trott of Barre, MA; and a great-grandson, Matthew J. Trott Jr. of Mashpee. Mel also had two half-brothers, the late Gerrish Trott of Maine, and the late Alden Trott of California.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 13, 2019 at 1:00 pm at Lakeville Christian Fellowship, 1 Wind Rush Hollow Rd., Lakeville, Massachusetts.  To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.warehamvillagefuneralhome.com

Julio Marques

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Julio Marques of Marion passed on Saturday October 5th surrounded by family after a brief, yet courageous fight with cancer and complications from a stroke.

            Born in Sao Miguel to Joao and Maria (Tavares) Marques, Julio leaves his loving wife Diane; son and daughter-in-law Julien and Kim Marques; son and daughter-in-law Justin and Krissy Marques; and grandchildren Abigail, Graham, and Logan. Julio will be greatly missed by his mother-in-law Norma Cabral, brother and sister-in-law John and Ana Marques, and the countless others who his life touched over the years.

            Julio came to the United States in 1972. He earned his GED and real estate license while working multiple jobs to support his young family in his new country. His career took him into manufacturing and quality assurance, first at Borg Warner/New Bedford Gear, and then to Arch Gear in Wareham, and finally at Autopart International.

            Julio enjoyed cooking, the ocean, cars and much more. But his true love was his family. Though he and Diane were married for more than 40 years, they would still take frequent walks on the beach near their home, hand-in-hand. Any family gathering would find him chatting with his two sons about anything and everything from the newest Panera sandwich to new developments around town. It was with his grandkids, though, that you would see Julio at his happiest. Julio’s smile was never larger than it was when he was playing with Abigail, Graham and Logan.

            The family would like to extend their gratitude to the women and men of the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at St. Luke’s Hospital for the compassion and care they exhibited for Julio and his family.

            In lieu of flowers, and keeping with Julio’s wishes, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Research Hospital. Private arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Rt. 6, Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Friends of the Marion Council on Aging

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At the Annual Meeting of the Friends of the Marion Council on Aging (FMCOA) held on September 30, 2019, there was an abundance of gratitude expressed for the generosity of donors, who helped the Friends meet its fundraising goal to replace cubicles and with floor-to-ceiling walls, providing offices with much needed and required privacy. Additionally, appreciation was expressed to many who have contributed to the COA’s success over the past year: first to Karen Greggory, Director of the COA and the COA staff, the many volunteers, Sean Cormier, the Town Facility Manager, to members of the Recreational Department for their compatibility and support, the Selectmen and Town Manager and to Bob Raymond, an Architect who has volunteered his expertise. Specific accomplishments and acknowledgements include the success of the FMCOA summer fundraiser (An Evening on Sippican Harbor), extensive COA programs and volunteer dedication, and the formal dedication and plaque acknowledging Friends of the Marion Visiting Nurse Association (FMVNA) for fully funding the folding floor-to-ceiling wall divider. 

            An AARP representative presented a plaque certifying that the Town of Marion has committed to becoming more age friendly under criteria established by AARP and the World Health Organization and is a member of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities. A grant from AARP has been received to assist in preparation and send out of an Age-Friendly Needs Assessment Survey to Marion citizens ages 55 and older during October. The ultimate goal is to continue to make Marion an even more livable for all ages with a focus on the Town’s anticipated aging and increasing over 55-year-old population.

St. Gabriel’s Church Rummage Sale

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St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Marion will hold its Annual Rummage Sale on Saturday, October 12from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Sponsored by the Adult Choir of St. Gabriel’s, the sale will benefit both the music program and St. Gabriel’s outreach and relief efforts. The sale takes place in the Parish Hall of St. Gabriel’s Church, located at 124 Front St. in Marion, and will feature furniture, rugs, gift items, sporting equipment, antiques, housewares, tools, a Christmas room, and much more. This is the ninth annual event, and it just keeps getting better each year – shop early for the best selection. The choirs will also host a food sale at the same location, so plan to come and spend some time browsing and picking up some delicious baked goods, soups and casseroles. For more information, contact Leslie Piper at lesliepiper@msn.com.

Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride

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            Over 300 cyclists raise record $213,000 for clean water at 13th annual Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride. Pedaling beneath sunny skies and moderate winds on a cool fall day, cyclists broke records for both participation and fundraising at the 13th annual Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride, held on Sunday, October 6. A record 307 cyclists, supported by over 130 volunteers, raised $213,000 and counting for clean water.

            This annual event supports the Coalition’s work to ensure clean water in all Bay communities, restore and protect Bay ecosystems, and get people of all ages outside and engaged with their Buzzards Bay. Supporters can still donate to the Watershed Ride by going to savebuzzardsbay.org/ride.

            The sun rose orange and pink over a cool, breezy autumn morning at Sakonnet Point in Little Compton, where 93 riders departed at 8:00 am on the Watershed Ride’s 100-mile “century ride.” The route wound through Little Compton and Westport’s rich coastal farmland to the wave-washed coast along Horseneck Beach State Reservation, where another 73 riders began their 75-mile route at 9:00 a.m.

            After enjoying views of South Dartmouth’s picturesque shoreline, the breezy coast and working waterfront around New Bedford Harbor, and the changing leaves along the bike trail through Fairhaven and Mattapoisett, riders stopped for lunch at East Over Farm on Leonards Pond in Rochester. Gathered beneath the festive yellow barn, riders took a few minutes to sprawl in the farm fields beneath the sunshine, enjoying lunch from the Oxcart Food Truck before hitting the road once more.

            At noon, 104 additional riders joined the Ride from East Over Farm for its final 35 miles. After winding past Rochester and Wareham cranberry bogs brimming with red berries for harvest, cyclists passed over the Bourne Bridge and onto Cape Cod. Beneath pearly patches of clouds, riders took in stunning stretches of salt marshes on Falmouth’s Shining Sea Bikeway and the beaches along Vineyard Sound before biking into the bustling village of Woods Hole.

            Energetic supporters cheered riders across the finish line at the Marine Biological Laboratory’s Swope Center in Woods Hole to celebrate their accomplishments at a lively party. Participants and their guests enjoyed food, drinks, complimentary massages, live music by the Morrissey Blvd Band, and an awards ceremony recognizing top fundraisers and multi-year participants.

            “The route, the towns and cities we rode through, were absolutely spectacular bicycling, and to showcase the gorgeous riding on the South Coast and the Buzzards Bay side of the Cape was a delight,” said Galen Mook of Allston, who was participating in his first Ride. As Executive Director of MassBike, an advocacy group for safe bicycling throughout the state, Mook added he was impressed with the collaboration at the event between many different groups and advocates. “It was nice to showcase some of the off-street infrastructure for safe biking, and to highlight how we need to work on connecting local pathway networks.”

            The Watershed Ride drew cyclists of all ages and abilities from over 100 communities in 14 states, coming from as far away as Michigan, Virginia, and Texas. The oldest riders were 80-year-old husband and wife Leonard and Patricia Johnson, of North Falmouth, who both completed the 100-mile ride. More than half of the riders participated as part of one of 29 teams, made up of groups of friends and family who train, fundraise, and ride the course together.

            The top fundraisers were Drew Dimmick of Vineyard Haven, who raised $7,000; Chip Johns of Mattapoisett, who raised $6,061; and Leslie Knowles of Dartmouth, who raised $5,066. The top first-time fundraiser was Robert “John” Holden of Cataumet, who raised $3,108.

            The top fundraising team this year was also the largest one: the Bourne Rail Trail Blazers, whose 59 members raised an impressive $42,741, earning them this distinction for the second consecutive year. The Blazers rode to raise support for the construction of a proposed bike path through Bourne connecting the Cape Cod Canal Bikeway and the Shining Sea Bikeway. This year, a group of donors pledged to match the Blazers’ Ride donations, meaning that every dollar raised for the Coalition also meant a dollar towards the Rail Trail’s construction.

            “We were thrilled to be a part of the Ride again this year,” said Russ Salamone, Treasurer of the Bourne Rail Trail Blazers. “For me personally, having the opportunity to ride 100 miles alongside my wife, brother and sister-in-law, friends, fellow board members and the Coalition, all to benefit Buzzards Bay and create the Bourne Rail Trail, was amazing.”

Supporting Wellness with Essential Oils

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The Sippican Woman’s Club program on Friday, October 11, will be “Supporting Wellness with Essential Oils”. Two years ago, following her mother’s diagnosis of Stage 4 cancer, Juliet Xifaras, a nurse, a wife, and a mother of twin five-year-old boys, responded by examining ways to reduce toxic chemicals in her home and replace them with essential plant-based oils. Juliet will identify many household products containing carcinogens commonly found in our homes and offer alternative substitutes for non-toxic living.

            The program is preceded by a finger food luncheon at 12:30 pm in Handy’s Tavern, 152 Front Street, Marion. If you would like to attend as a guest or possible new member, call Jeanne Lake at 508-748-0619. Parking is at Island Wharf, across the street.

Marion Beautification News

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The Marion Beautification Initiative, made up of members from the Marion Garden Group, is excited to finally have the new reader board installed at the corner of Route 6 and 105. With their mission statement, “To identify and improve strategic public areas within Marion by enhancing them with gardens and landscaping”, the group has used donated funds to target specific town owned areas throughout the town to add additional beautiful landscaping.

            This year they used funds from their summer fundraiser to donate a new town reader board sign to the town and upgrade the landscaping on the corner. With the help of the town, the group is working to make sure the projects they initiate are being properly maintained and watered. 

            Since forming this group in 2018, the group has already landscaped four larger areas and added large planters to key areas around town. They are hoping to raise additional funds to continue landscaping sustainable areas around town.

            Anyone interested in financially supporting the Marion Beatification Initiative can send donations to the Marion Garden Group, PO Box 403, Marion, MA 02738. Please note Beautification in the memo section. The MGG is a 501 3c organization.

Citizen’s Petition Article Deemed ‘Illegal’

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            The Rochester Board of Selectmen held its Special Town Meeting Warrant review with the Finance Committee, Capital Planning Committee, and town moderator on October 7.

            There are eight articles slated for the November 4 Fall Special Town Meeting, and only one of them was voted down by the board, mainly because Town Administrator Suzanne Szyndlar explained how the article is technically “illegal”.

            Just as he did at the Annual Town Meeting last May, Justin Shay on behalf of the Old Rochester Regional Athletic Boosters has submitted a Citizen’s Petition requesting $20,000 – one-third of the cost for a handicap access ramp and press box at the ORR athletic field; and just as it went last time around, this time the article will again die on Town Meeting floor.

            According to Szyndlar, even if voters were to approve the article, Article 8, money still could not be appropriated for the project.

            “I reached out to the Department of Local Services’ legal department,” said Szyndlar, and three times discussed the article. They said, according to Szyndlar, “This would no doubt be a violation of the Anti-Aid Amendment,” meaning that municipal funds cannot be given out to non-town entities, she stated.

            The funding for such a project would fall under the ORR School District and could either be funded through assessments to the three towns under the annual budget, or the Boosters could fundraise and donate the proceeds to the school.

            “It would be illegal to for the town to use tax funds,” said Szyndlar.

             The Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee voted to recommend the remaining articles:

            Article 1 is a request from the Parks Department for $5,000 to install a concrete handicap accessible walkway and concrete pad. The Capital Planning Committee (CPC) made no recommendation because it did not receive enough information.

            Article 2 would appropriate a maximum of $50,000 to the Highway Department to buy a used dump sander truck.

            Town Moderator Kirby Gilmore said he was concerned there might be “a lot of discussion” on Town Meeting floor about this article.

            “They’re gonna want to buy a brand-new truck,” Gilmore said.

            “Well,” Szyndlar said, “a brand-new truck will cost four times this amount, at least.”

             Selectman Greenwood “Woody” Hartley commented that all Highway Surveyor Jeff Eldridge asked for was for $50,000 for a used truck, and Town Counsel Blair Bailey added that even if someone wanted to amend the article for more money for a new truck it couldn’t be allowed. An article can only be amended for a reduction in a requested appropriation, not a higher sum.

            Article 3 is a request for $3,000 for a tax map layout alignment and improvement resulting from a conversion to GIS.

            Article 4 would allocate $17,000 for site work on the town-owned Dexter Lane overflow parking area. The CPC made no recommendation because it did not have enough information.

            Both Articles 5 and 6 would authorize the Board of Selectmen to negotiate payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreements with two solar developers.

            Bailey commented that PILOT articles like this have already been approved thrice by Town Meeting voters.

            Article 7 would deed one piece of town-owned land on Dexter Lane as recreational/park land, and deed another piece of the land as reserved for whatever municipal purposes.

            In other business, the board approved a shooting range license for Steven Morrell that will be reissued on May 1, 2020 if no complaints or problems arise in the meantime. Morrell is allowed to operate his shooting range located in a remote area off County Road seven days a week with a maximum of four days allowed open until 8:00 pm and three days closing at 6:00 pm. Monday through Saturday, the range may open at 8:00 am, but Sundays it may open at noon.

            The Attorney General’s Office has approved the Town Meeting-adopted Smart Growth Overlay District Bylaw, which will be posted in five locations in town ahead of its application.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectmen is scheduled for October 21 at 6:00 pm at the Rochester Town Hall.

Rochester Board of Selectmen

By Jean Perry

Frank C. Linhares Jr.

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Frank C. Linhares Jr. “Ling”, 93, of Marion formerly of Mattapoisett passed away on Sunday October 6, 2019 at Tobey Hospital in Wareham. Frank was the husband of the late Evelyn (Borges) Linhares. He was the son of the late Frank C., Sr. and Helen (Church) Linhares.

            “ Ling” was born and lived most if not all of his 93 years here on the South Coast of Massachusetts. A World War II, Navy veteran.  Frank attained the rank of Ship’s Cook Third Class and was awarded the American Theatre Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal, WWII Victory Medal and the Japanese Occupation Ribbon. He lived and worked in the South Coast as a Milkman for Gulf Hill Dairy and as a Butcher. He most recently worked for Dartmouth Fruit and Deli.

            He is survived by his sons Robert J. Linhares and his wife Lisa of West Wareham and Daniel P. Linhares of Mattapoisett. He was the grandfather of Keith Linhares and his wife Emily, Andrew Linhares, Holly Linhares and he was the great grandfather of Landyn and Elizabeth.  He is survived by his sister Betty Barrows of Mattapoisett and he was the brother of the late James Linhares and Dorothy Grant.

            Service will be private. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.warehamvillagefuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements by Wareham Village Funeral Home 5 Center St. Wareham, MA .