The Rochester School Committee approved the school district’s latest two-year school improvement plan on October 11, focusing on goals very much aligned with the newest, recently approved Tri-Town wide Old Rochester Strategic Plan.

The three areas focus on 21^stCentury learning, global awareness and citizenship, and social-emotional learning.

The plan came as a result of intense team effort, said Rochester Memorial School Principal Derek Medeiros, and the adoption of the three goal areas by all schools will bring about more consistency as students advance to the junior high and high school.

In 21^stCentury learning, the main objective is to integrate more project-based learning and technology into the classroom and providing teachers with the skills to prepare students for contemporary learning.

During the first year of the plan, teachers and staff will focus on assessing aspects of this area that have already been implemented and devise a plan to further incorporate other methods of teaching. The second year, teachers will implement at least one of those methods and, said Medeiros, “Engaging in learning purposely designed.”

Medeiros also spoke of the “four Cs”: creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.

Right away, teachers will observe the areas where the school is already working with the four Cs and in year two, again, implement an additional action.

Technology will also be assessed in year one, and in year two, bolster technology use with further training and support to strengthen research skills.

Focusing on the media center at RMS and in all the schools, Medeiros said, “How are they bringing those practices outside the media centers and into the classrooms?”

Teachers will make their assessments and decide how technology use could be improved in year two of the plan, while also integrating the goals into the core subjects.

In the area of global citizenship, during year one, teachers will focus on making those needed assessments in the areas in which the school is already practicing global awareness, whether it be in foreign language or international projects that foster communication with students of other countries and cultures. Year two will see the school implements at least one more action to further students’ development and awareness of a global community.

One additional area inserted into global awareness was civic literacy and citizenship, which resulted in School Committee Sharon Hartley’s suggestion that civic literacy and citizenship would be more suited in this goal rather than where it was originally included in the next goal, social-emotional learning.

In learning about civics, students will actively explore local and regional government, elections, and ways of understanding their rights and responsibilities as citizens.

Empathy and anti-defamation will also be assessed and implemented by year two, while another action area of safety and security will remain in focus, primarily through A.L.I.C.E. emergency training for staff and students.

“At the elementary level, it’s all about educating to really focus on the adults and really listen to those instructions,” said Medeiros.

Medeiros specified that, although these three areas are common across all three elementary schools, some individual initiatives amongst the three goal areas might vary from school to school.

The next meeting of the Rochester School Committee is scheduled for November 15 at 6:30 pm, which is usually held at the Rochester Memorial School, but the location has yet to be determined.

Rochester School Committee

By Jean Perry

On October 15, the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen met with Harbormaster Jill Simmons for an afternoon working session that lasted nearly two hours as topics for discussion ranged from the need for new boats, acceptance of updated Waterways Rules and Regulations, the use of private vehicles for town business, and much more.

Before reviewing Simmons’ capital needs list, the selectmen wanted to discuss the purchase of a new a pump-out boat. After receiving word from Mattapoisett Boat Yard that they would no longer be able to provide the service, the selectmen sought to figure out costs and the type of vessel necessary to run a municipal service. Simmons presented the data.

Simmons said that based on a 19-foot boat and after federal financial support from the Clean Vessel Act (CVA), the Town would need to come up with about $19,500. But Selectmen Paul Silva and Jordan Collyer questioned the size of the boat, saying they believed a larger boat of 23 feet was more in order, a boat that could be used for other harbormaster activities.

Simmons pushed back a bit on that thought saying that a boat partially funded by the CVA could not be used for other activities.

“What are they going to do,” replied Silva, “take it away from us?” He supported his belief that a larger boat was necessary, given the rough waters often encountered in outlying locations.

Collyer said that other towns use their pump-out boat for a variety of tasks. After further discussion, the board unanimously moved to ask Town Meeting for the funds for a 23-foot pump-out boat.

Simmons then presented a list of four capital needs items, which inspired a great deal of comment and at least one selectman expressing frustration. Number one on the list was a new harbormaster boat.

Simmons outlined in detail why a new boat is needed and why the current watercraft was not sufficient for the tasks and responsibilities her department faced on a daily basis. She said that because of the need to set new channel markers and buoys, water rescues, and shellfish propagation, a different type of boat was necessary. Silva was not moved.

“Why do we have to spend money on a harbormaster boat?” Silva stated. “I’m not going to spend money until we go to the spring Town Meeting.” He questioned why a boat was needed now when it hadn’t been needed for the last 20 years.

“Something like this, to me, would be a key advantage to our operation,” said Simmons. “I can’t ask people to pick up a 1,500-pound mooring.”

She said that the boat she suggested could handle heavy work, had a shallow draft, was sturdy, and “able to do what it’s supposed to do.”

Selectman Tyler Macallister agreed, saying, “Our harbor has the least amount of equipment to service it.” He said that moving buoys, grabbing boats, and other harbor side work needs the right boat for the job. “The current boat has never been the right boat,” he said. “Our focus has been to get the waterfront working. … We need the proper equipment … [and] this is something we definitely need.”

Discussion followed on how best to finance a new harbormaster boat. With retiring debt and other waterfront enterprise revenues and the use of motors currently in the Town’s possession, Town Administrator Michael Gagne said something could be worked out.

Collyer agreed with Macallister and Simmons, saying that they could sell the current vessel by adding, “No one wanted to use it. … It was not the right boat for the job.”

But Silva dug in, saying, “I just don’t see the plan. We’re jumping the gun without a plan.”

He then said that Simmons had not provided adequate staffing after 5:00 pm on weekends during the boating season. Simmons replied, “A lot of times I’m there alone after 11:00 pm.” She added that all staff hours are recorded.

Macallister supported Simmons, saying he had witnessed harbormaster staff members after 5:00 pm at night. He also said, “If the numbers work, put it on the Town Meeting floor. … This is one of the things the waterfront desperately needs. The current boat is not functional.”

Simmons estimated the cost of a new harbormaster boat at $85,000.

Collyer made a motion to place the capital need on the Fall Town Meeting Warrant if the finances could be worked out to the satisfaction of the board. Macallister seconded the motion. Silva was opposed.

Simmons also listed the need for a pick-up truck for the harbormaster’s staff, a stripped down vehicle that could handle messy jobs. She also said that currently, employees have to use their own vehicles to carry out town business and she was concerned that the staff members did not have adequate insurance in the event of an accident. Gagne said that other town department staffers use their own vehicles and that currently the Town’s insurance rider would pay deductibles incurred.

“I’m satisfied we are adequately protected,” Gagne stated.

Macallister supported Simmons, saying that the department needed a “beater” to handle the variety of unpleasant materials they are called upon the remove from shorelines. Gagne countered that Simmons could call upon the Highway Department for assistance and that Simmons did have a hand-me-down vehicle from the Police Department.

Silva, once again, wanted to know what the plan was.

“I don’t know why we need two vehicles,” said Silva, “[or] why we should spent money without a plan.”

The selectmen choose to revisit this request at a later date.

Simmons asked the selectmen to consider the need for repairs to Middle Wharf, given that boats are getting stuck under the fender piles and one boat recently sunk. No motion was made at this time.

The selectmen accepted an updated set of Waterfront Rules and Regulations and a new contract agreement for boats using slip spaces crafted by the Marine Advisory Board with Simmons’ assistance. They also agreed that fines should be imposed on boat owners who do not pump out their vessels in a timely manner after storm events, a situation that could lead to a boating sinking.

The selectmen announced that waterfront renewal invoices will be emailed on November 7, and that boat owners have 60 days to make payments before late fees and fines are imposed.

In other matters, Gagne announced that Mattapoisett has received an $88,000 grant to cover costs associated with the purchase and installation of an emergency generator at the housing authority residences. He said the application was submitted in August and was announced during a recent meeting of the House Choice Initiative Program.

The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen is scheduled for October 23 at 6:30 pm in the town hall conference room.

Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen

By Marilou Newell

A group of residents along with the Sippican Historical Society have selected a sculptor and design for a privately funded bronze statue of Elizabeth Taber, and on October 16 the Marion Board of Selectmen gave the statue committee permission to place it on town-owned land at Bicentennial Park, across from the Town House and the Elizabeth Taber Library on Spring Street.

Committee member Judith Rosbe said the statue will coincide with the 100^thanniversary of women’s right to vote, and also with the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s program “Lighting the Way,” a celebration of the historic women of the South Coast.

“We felt that she was such an important person in Marion,” said Rosbe.

Rosbe recounted a bit of Taber history, saying Taber returned to Marion at age 80 and built six historical structures in town.

“She was Marion’s fairy godmother,” said Rosbe.

The statue committee interviewed three sculptors and unanimously chose the New Bedford-based figurative sculptor Erik Durant.

Durant created two prominent public works in New Bedford – the New Bedford Fishermen’s Tribute Monument at the wharf, and the Giant Squid at the entrance of the Whaling Museum.

Rosbe said the committee viewed some of Durant’s renderings and selected a statue of a life-sized Taber sitting on a granite bench; in one hand she holds a book, and in the other she cups her pipe. The book, Rosbe explained, is because Taber was a teacher in Marion. The pipe, she continued “… is something she smoked every day.”

Frank McNamee, president of the Sippican Historical Society, said the society has pledged $50,000 towards the statue, a roughly $150,000 project that will include lighting, landscaping, and an endowment for ongoing maintenance well into the future.

Betsy Fallows, in charge of the fundraising for the statue, said in addition to the society’s pledged $50,000, Tabor Academy has pledged $10,000, as well as $40,000 in private donations, leaving just an additional $50,000 needed.

“I anticipate, with … additional outreach for some major donors across the two-year project … we will probably exceed that $150,000 target.”

Any excess funds, Fallows said, would go towards the endowment.

Committee member Al Winters said, at first, the group was eyeing a spot between the Town House and the library for the statue, but after consulting with the artist, chose the spot across the street.

“It’s relatively open so that the statue and the bench would be where … [there is a] clear view,” said Winters.

“She would be looking at two of her buildings that she built – the Town House and the library,” said Rosbe.

The project will not cost the Town of Marion anything, Rosbe emphasized, and once the statue is erected, it will belong to the Town.

“Sounds good to me,” said Selectman Randy Parker.

The final plans will come before the board once they are ready.

Also during the meeting, a dog hearing resulted in deeming a dog belonging to David and Jennifer MacDonald of 40 Spring Street “dangerous” after their dog, Stella, attacked a smaller dog at the Sippican School playground. That dog subsequently died from its injuries.

Animal Control Officer Susan Connor and Police Officer Adam Murphy presented the facts to the board, which took place mid-September.

According to victim statements and witness statements, Stella, a 130-pound South African Mastiff rescue dog, suddenly attacked Winnie, a small toy dog belonging to Susan Hagan and her 7-year-old son, Griffin.

According to Officer Murphy, Mrs. MacDonald entered the playground area with Stella as a young child was petting Winnie on a bench. Both dogs were on leashes.

“This larger animal, out of nowhere, just struck and grabbed a hold of the smaller dog and had it in his mouth,” Murphy said, reviewing the witness statement. “The dog handler couldn’t gain control of the animal.”

A passerby came over and assisted Mrs. MacDonald in gaining control over Stella and release Winnie from Stella’s jaws. The witness alleged that Mrs. MacDonald and Stella “just walked off.”

Once Stella was identified and the MacDonalds reached, Stella was quarantined for ten days.

It was then discovered that there was a second incident involving Stella, a prior incident that happened just days before the incident with Winnie. The man caring for that dog declined to file a police report, and that night was present to share his knowledge and spoke somewhat in defense of Stella. But because Hagan also declined to file a police report, Connor and Murphy had to rely on the statement of witness Alexandra Goodman as they searched for Stella’s owner.

“It was vey difficult because most of our information was third-hand,” said Connor. “We had to do a little bit of detective work.”

Once Mrs. MacDonald was informed that Winnie had died, Connor said Mrs. MacDonald was “very forthcoming.”

Mrs. MacDonald spoke to the board, saying she and her family only recently adopted Stella late this past July, and both Mr. and Mrs. MacDonald have been animal owners their whole lives.

“We feel absolutely horrible for what happened and offer our sincere condolences to the family,” said Mrs. MacDonald. She described Stella as beautiful, big, “and people are always asking about her,” just as Hagan was asking about her just before the attack, Mrs. MacDonald alleged.

“The dogs were doing what dogs do, getting to know each other,” said Mrs. MacDonald. As the two women talked, Stella and Winnie’s tails were wagging, and they were sniffing each other just before Stella attacked. “I was in complete shock.”

A couple days later, Hagan’s mother, Judy Hagan, visited Mrs. MacDonald and told her Winnie had died. She gave Mrs. Hagan copies of all vaccination records, and offered to pay the $2,400 vet bill.

“I just want to say that I’m extremely saddened by everything that’s happened,” Mrs. MacDonald said. She added that the family found Stella, a “puppy mill mom” rescue, online. “She’s just a big ball of love. I’d never seen her like that, and the dog we know is like the polar opposite.”

Stella has other dog friends she plays with regularly, she said. As for that incident with her neighbor’s dog, she said she didn’t know how or why Stella snapped at the dog, and has since purchased a new harness and muzzle.

Judy Hagan read into the record a heart-wrenching letter written by her daughter, Susan, describing their heartache and their grief, and shared photos of Winnie with Susan Hagan’s young son.

“Winnie was a good dog, smart and attuned to the people she loved,” Judy Hagan read. “Finding out that the dog attacked another dog before Winnie has made me so angry I can’t even describe it.”

After, Judy Hagan alluded to the $1,500 it cost her daughter to buy Winnie, suggesting she would not be able to replace the dog at such a cost.

Mrs. MacDonald offered to read four letters attesting to Stella’s good temperament, but Selectmen Chairman Norm Hills asked her to hand them copies for the record instead.

“I too have owned dogs all my life,” said Hills, even rescue dogs. “A dog that does this unpredictably, I would really worry about just because it’s unpredictable. I don’t know if you can train the dog not to do something like this.”

The board discussed possible actions to take, and voted unanimously to deem Stella “dangerous,” and imposed three demands in order to ensure the public’s safety: Stella must be securely confined both when inside and outside the house on the property, must be kept on a leash no longer that 3 feet long and muzzled when off the property, and the MacDonalds must obtain insurance for no less than $100,000.

“I think those are reasonable options,” said Connor, who further advised Mrs. MacDonald to seek help from a dog trainer on how to read Stella’s behavior and control her better.

“And I don’t think dogs belong on playgrounds,” added Connor. “I think that is a dangerous situation for any child – and animals are unpredictable, even the good-natured animals.”

Mrs. MacDonald concurred and said she also found the demands reasonable.

The next meeting of the Marion Board of selectmen is scheduled for November 6 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Town House.

Marion Board of Selectmen

By Jean Perry

Construction for the Zero Waste Solutions solid waste and recycling processing plant slated for 50 Cranberry Highway is nearing completion, and now the Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals has approved a setback variance that will allow the final aspects of the plan to be finished.

Michael Camara, CEO of ABC Disposal, LLC and president of Shawmut Associates, LLC, told the board on October 11 that the original location of an above-ground fuel tank needed to be relocated, and a water pumping station had to be added to the plan, both for safety reasons. When Camara went before the Planning Board to request these changes, the Planning Board told him the changes would need a variance since both structures would infringe upon the 40-foot side setbacks to the property line.

A letter from the Planning Board to the ZBA explained why the changes should be allowed – the diesel fuel tank relocated farther away from the building in case another fire was to occur (the building experienced a major fire on May 13, 2016 destroying the building), and the water pump house installed due to low water pressure from Wareham – both safety issues.

None of the abutters, which includes Rochester Crossroads and A.D. Makepeace, took issue with the location of the tank or the pump house.

Camara said the pump house had to be located at the chosen spot because of traffic flow on the property, with vehicles of all sizes traversing the site and potentially coming into close contact with the pump house in any other location, another safety concern. The water line also enters the site in a location close to the chosen pump house location.

According to Camara, all the site work had been completed by the October 5 “drop-dead” due date set by the Planning Board – the structures are up, the surfaces paved, and the grounds hydroseeded.

“Once we determine what’s going to happen here, we’ll get it finished up,” said Camara.

The vote to approve the variance was unanimous.

In other matters, the board voted to adopt a new informational handout sheet that clarifies what applicants for variances must include on the certified plot plans submitted with the variance application. The board is considering tentatively establishing separate applications for variances and special permits that will provide further clarification on submission requirements for variances.

The next meeting of the Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for October 25 at 7:15 pm at the Rochester Town House.

Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals

By Jean Perry